Research on how people, markets, and policies shape the economy. Covers labor and gig work, consumer behavior, GDP and regional growth, gambling risk, and financial decision-making.
A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.
A recent study analyzed the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in EU-27 countries, revealing a significant decrease in CO2 emissions despite economic growth. The research attributes this change to EU environmental policies, technological progress, and increased sustainability awareness.
Female business leaders need better support to thrive in times of crisis, according to new research from the University of Surrey. The study found that female-led firms had harder times bouncing back from the pandemic due to limited access to external financial resources and weaker professional networks.
The study shows how interaction between plant hormone gibberellin and small RNA molecules enables the development of ovaries, followed by fruit and seeds in tomatoes. This knowledge serves as a basis for ways to increase tomato yield by manipulating the genetic and physiological basis of microRNA and hormone interactions.
A recent study reveals that rare earth elements play a critical role in manufacturing low-carbon products. The researchers found a significant mismatch between supply and demand for heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium, but also highlight the potential of circular economy strategies to balance global REE supply.
A team at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a new process for synthesizing amides with 100% atom efficiency, employing environmentally friendly cobalt. This approach offers an attractive alternative to traditional methods, which often generate waste and poor atom economy.
In December 2023, people with disabilities in the US maintained their employment-to-population ratio near historic highs. The labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities also remained steady around 40% throughout the last half of 2023. In contrast, those without disabilities experienced slight declines in both rates.
A study by Chung-Ang University found that electronic voting enhances shareholders' perception of corporate governance, increasing the market value of a firm's cash holdings. Firms with larger free cash flows and minority ownership saw stronger governance effects from adopting electronic voting.
Making antivenom more widely available across hospitals and community health centers in the Brazilian Amazon region would significantly reduce death and disability from venomous snakebites. The study found that expanding access to both hospitals and community health centers would produce the largest benefits, averting up to 3,922 death...
A team of researchers has developed a new process to transform coal into high-purity materials ideal for making ultra-thin electronics. These devices can operate faster and consume less energy than current state-of-the-art technologies.
A new study led by Oregon Health & Science University found that integrating physical and behavioral health services in Medicaid managed care did not lead to improved access or outcomes for patients. Despite the expectation that such integration would drive positive changes, the research revealed no statistically significant improvemen...
New analysis by NREL researchers estimates that 56% of paper and cardboard waste is landfilled, contributing to energy and resource losses. The study highlights opportunities for diversion and recovery of technical and economic value from these materials.
A survey study found that Ukrainian refugees in Vienna, Austria, had higher education levels, work experience, and willingness to stay compared to those in Kraków, Poland. In contrast, those in Kraków were more likely to plan a return to Ukraine.
Researchers found that less than two percent of patients in Medicaid and commercially insured plans received Z-codes to document Social Determinants of Health. The study highlights the need for improved tracking and documentation of SDOH in healthcare settings, with recommendations for policy changes and provider education.
Researchers will produce a comprehensive report on nonprofit employment in the US and collaborate with nonprofit leaders to improve federal database information. Funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will support the transfer of the Nonprofit Works interactive database application.
Researchers found that colon cancer screenings reduce cancer rates by about 0.5 percent, doubling previous estimates of a quarter of a percentage point. This effect is twice the impact of just being invited to screen, suggesting that actual screening rather than just the offer makes a difference.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that countries with more comprehensive welfare systems experience lower levels of technostress, which is caused by technological change. This suggests that state support can mitigate the negative effects of digitalization on health and social inequality.
A study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that economic solutions like cost-sharing and carbon payments can benefit landholders if the right tree species are planted on infertile soils. Annual carbon payments, in particular, made forests growing back after trees were removed financially viable.
A study published in Nature predicts that climate change will lead to a 9% loss of ecosystem services by 2100, with the poorest 50% of countries expected to bear 90% of the damages. The study's findings highlight the importance of accounting for natural systems and human well-being within economic frameworks.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University $6 million to develop a comprehensive, inclusive and accessible research translation ecosystem. The award supports the university's work in engineering, science, health, humanities, business, education and other areas to translate discoveries into practical solutions.
A new study published in PNAS found that a climate policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions would also lower nitrate levels in the Mississippi River Basin, benefiting the Gulf of Mexico. The policy could lead to a 3-4% reduction in the Gulf's dead zone.
A new paper examines the challenges of adopting AI in the food industry, citing liability risks and potential costs, and proposes a temporary on-ramp to allow companies to trial AI technology while exploring benefits and mitigation strategies.
The National DigiFoundry aims to establish global standards for digital asset use and exchange through blockchain technologies. The consortium will develop a resilient framework to address cybersecurity challenges in digital asset management.
A study found that persistent COVID-19 symptoms and previous severe cases were associated with increased odds of pandemic-related economic hardship. Families with lower incomes before the pandemic were disproportionately affected, experiencing more employment disruptions and earnings losses.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 37.2% in October 2023 to 38.3% in November 2023, reaching an all-time high. The labor force participation rate also rose, with people with disabilities engaging in the labor force at record rates.
Researchers propose three methods to meet EU climate goals: a carbon removal bank, extended land use regulation, and clear identification of difficult-to-tackle emissions. These measures aim to incentivize companies and countries to invest in new technologies and reduce emissions.
Researchers at WVU develop a cotreatment process that reduces demand for chemicals to soften wastewater, allowing treated water to be reused up to 99% of its original volume. The study's findings offer a potential solution to the industry's water use challenge and could close the cycle of treating cooling tower blowdown and reusing it.
A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that during a UK recession, consumers tend to keep up more expensive ethical purchases like fair trade products. The study found that the amount spent on organic products declined, while fair trade product sales increased.
A study by the University of the Basque Country uses game theory to establish that tumours with less cellular heterogeneity are more aggressive. The work suggests a fresh theoretical approach for new therapeutic strategies, focusing on preserving high intratumour heterogeneity.
A new study finds that public incentives for negative emissions can exacerbate economic inequality, especially in countries with concentrated equity ownership and expensive mitigation options. Researchers propose alternative policy provisions to mitigate the increase in inequality while ensuring decarbonization at reasonable cost.
Employment rates for veterans with disabilities reached historic highs, with 43.8% of veterans with disabilities employed in October 2023, compared to 35.1% for people with disabilities. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) toolkit showed an impressive success rate of 43% for veterans with chronic spinal cord injury.
Research reviews 98 articles worldwide, finding suicide rates among men increase during and after economic crises. The study highlights the need for governments to fund health services and social support systems to mitigate mental health impact.
A new study finds that well-designed climate policies can reduce global inequality, with low-income households benefiting from avoided climate impacts and targeted redistributions. By mid-century, a majority of the global population is expected to benefit from such policies.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the effective tax rate paid by multinational corporations varies greatly across countries, with some paying as little as 1% of gross income and others up to 67%. This disparity highlights the need for better data on tax rates to inform policy decisions.
New research found a 16% increase in economic burden of US firearm injuries and deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. Non-fatal costs are largely attributed to hospitalization, while fatal costs are mainly due to value of lives lost.
A new study from the University of Exeter emphasizes the importance of shared community spaces in addressing gentrification and its effects on rural communities. Dr. Joanie Willett's research found that these spaces can foster relationships, knowledge-sharing, and community action to adapt to changing futures.
A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...
A new study found that accounting for long-term impacts of tropical cyclones raises the global Social Cost of Carbon by more than 20%. The increase is mainly driven by projected rise of tropical-cyclone damages to major economies, particularly India, USA, China, Taiwan, and Japan under global warming.
A new study finds that the US Clean Air Act led to a 3.5% increase in lifetime earnings of $21,400 for the average US worker due to reduced airborne lead exposure. Improved air quality also resulted in increased employment and lower rates of disability and public assistance.
A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...
A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.
Research analyzing over 1.4 million Americans finds significant disparities in automation job displacement risk across race and gender. The study highlights the importance of education in reducing automation risks and addressing existing racial and gender disparities.
A tiered tax system incentivizes companies to reduce sugar content, leading to a significant reduction in sugar intake and medical costs. The study predicts that such a tax could prevent over 244,000 cases of type 2 diabetes and save €16.0 billion.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
A study analyzing European Parliament politicians' views on degrowth and green growth reveals a surprising lack of consensus on both sides. Despite its popularity among centre-right MEPs, green growth is seen as a more divisive concept than previously thought, with no clear majority supporting it.
Sunny Jardine has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of Marine Resource Economics, bringing expertise in commercial fisheries management and conservation planning. She succeeds Joshua K. Abbott, who led the journal's expansion into case studies and improved citation rates.
A study in Brazil found that social pensions and conditional cash transfers significantly reduced child mortality rates between 13-16%. The impact was greater in poorer communities. Expanding these programs could avert nearly 150,000 child deaths by 2030.
A special issue of Medical Care journal highlights the need to study economic impacts on patient outcomes, including trade-offs in family decision-making about health care. The studies aim to improve data collection and infrastructure to measure nonmedical economic outcomes and track economic well-being over longer periods.
A new study suggests that land taxation can reduce wealth inequality by increasing investments in productive capital and reducing speculation in real estate. This approach can also benefit low-income households through lower housing costs and increased tax revenues.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.
A study finds that people with advanced breast cancer are more likely to stop working, leading to significant economic losses. The research estimates a loss of €28,676,754 in productivity over three years in Portugal.
A team of experts identified 15 over-looked issues that could impact UK forests, including catastrophic ecosystem collapse, competition for water resources, and tree viral diseases. The research calls for urgent action to increase forest resilience.
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A new study reveals that climate change widens the inequality gap in South Africa, particularly for poorer segments of the population. The research highlights the need for climate change policies to address poverty and inequality, as warming is expected to reduce average growth and exacerbate inequalities by the end of the century.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
Economic sociologist Oliver Nachtwey analyzes Silicon Valley speeches and articles to show the emergence of a new spirit of digital capitalism. Solutionism is prevalent among tech elites, but its impact on worker protections and democratic processes remains uncertain.
Research from Cornell University reveals that digitization can stimulate demand for physical copies, particularly for less popular books. The study found a strong 'discovery effect' driving increased sales, with book lovers often preferring physical books over digital versions.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a gaming strategy to strengthen vital infrastructure against malevolent attacks, aiming to ensure safety, health, and lives during emergencies. By identifying critical roads and intersections, they can reinforce them to minimize disruption.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.6 million to Emory University researchers to develop predictive models for farmers to adapt to climate change in Georgia, Iowa and Ohio. The project aims to create a public online tool to explore possible futures of agriculture at regional and state levels.