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For 80% of Americans with resolved drug problem, significant personal achievements

A recent study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that 80% of Americans with resolved drug problems report significant personal achievements, including self-improvement, family engagement, and civic participation. These achievements accumulate over time and are associated with greater happiness and quality of life.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateApr 5, 2021

The broader impacts of COVID-19: Societal perspective in health economic evaluations

Researchers call for more inclusive analysis of public health interventions, considering broader impacts on education, criminal justice, housing, consumption, and the environment. Existing evidence shows poorer socio-economic individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·DateMar 8, 2021

Covid-19: How to do lockdown? Russian scientists may have an answer

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University modified the SIR model to include individuals in isolation or quarantine. Their results show that total isolation early on can significantly reduce the spread of disease and bring an earlier end to the pandemic. The modified SEIR model has been tested on data from St...

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology·DateMar 1, 2021

As New Yorkers prepare to vote, COVID-19 stays top-of-mind

A survey of New York City residents found that many are hopeful for the city's recovery from the pandemic, but concerned about a potential COVID-19 resurgence and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. The survey also revealed significant economic disparities, with food insecurity affecting nearly 40% of households.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateOct 14, 2020

Ecologists sound alarm on plastic pollution

Researchers estimate 24-34 million metric tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually, with efforts needed to reduce 8 million tonnes. A transformation of the plastics economy is crucial, requiring 25-40% reduction in production, improved waste collection and management, and cleanup of 40% of emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

COVID recovery choices shape future climate

A new study suggests that incorporating climate policies into economic recovery plans can significantly reduce global warming. By investing in green industries, countries can lower traffic pollution and improve air quality, leading to immediate health benefits and a cooling effect on the climate.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 7, 2020

Recovering phosphorus from corn ethanol production can help reduce groundwater pollution

Researchers developed a process to recover 80-90% of phosphorus from dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), reducing excess phosphorus in manure and minimizing algae production. The process is estimated to add $1 million annually in revenue for ethanol plants, while improving environmental sustainability.

Shocking economics

Researchers propose a novel method from physics that makes economic effects of major events computable for the first time. The new method calculates resilience and outputs, testable predictions can be made and visualizations help understand economies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

How private households can stall economic growth

A study by the University of Bonn shows that growing income uncertainty among private households can lead to an economic downturn. This is because households may hoard money, reducing demand and negatively impacting the economy. Government investments can stabilize the economy by making it more attractive for households to spend.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEconometrica·DateFeb 4, 2019

Salted fish in Maya economy

The study found that a majority of ancient Maya chert stone tools showed wear patterns consistent with fish preparation, indicating preserved fish was an important component of their trade economy. The researchers estimated that each salt kitchen could provide dietary salt for up to 3,444 people per day if used for fish preservation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Fear of losing status, not economic hardship, drove voters in 2016 presidential election

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that traditionally high-status Americans, particularly whites and Christians, voted for Donald Trump due to fears of losing their privileged status in America and the world. The researchers debunked the idea that voters were driven by economic grievances...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Batman's Gotham City provides test case for community resilience model

A new mathematical model, developed by Colorado State University researchers, integrates a community's infrastructural, social, and economic features to quantify resilience. The 'hazard-agnostic' model, tested in the fictional city of Gotham, provides a framework for predicting long-term effects of disasters and disruptions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateJan 5, 2018

Indian's 'revolution' inspired by Bolsheviks, according to new academic article spurred on by Britain plundering the Sub-Continent's wealth

A recent article by Dr Kalim Siddiqui argues that the Bolshevik Revolution inspired Indian independence movements, with Britain's exploitation causing economic decline. The author claims that Marx and Lenin's ideas influenced anti-colonial sentiment, leading to decolonisation and a shift in world history.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalInternational Critical Thought·DateDec 7, 2017

Taking circular economy to the next level

A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 15, 2017

How stock market's 'spare tire' keeps economy churning during banking crises

A new study found that firms in countries with strong shareholder protection laws raised more money through stock sales, performed better in terms of profits and investment efficiency, and terminated fewer employees than similar firms in countries with weaker shareholder protection laws. Stronger shareholder protection laws allow the s...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateAug 5, 2015

INFORMS study: Customer experience matters more when economy is doing better, not worse

A new INFORMS study finds that customer experience plays a crucial role in influencing purchase decisions during good economic times. The researchers discovered that customers focus on past experiences and satisfaction levels when the economy is strong, leading to increased revenue gains for firms that improve customer experience.

Household wealth still down 14 percent since recession

A recent study by Ohio State University economists found that household wealth in the US has not recovered from the recession, with middle-aged people taking the biggest hit. The study contradicts the Federal Reserve's optimistic report from last summer, which suggested that net worth had recovered since the recession.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics Letters·DateFeb 27, 2014