Articles tagged with Economics Research
Two studies cast doubt on whether sex offender registries work as intended, finding that registration requirements reduce reported sex crime by up to 13%, but public notification may actually increase recidivism. A third study finds no evidence that sex offender registries are effective in increasing public safety.
Despite having one of the best health systems in the world, Japan's development assistance for health budget is only 2% of its foreign aid budget. The country must take center stage in global health to help other countries. Japan has the potential to make substantial contributions to global health by sharing its expertise and increasin...
Wayne State start-up company NextCAT has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Science Foundation. The $498,830 grant will support the commercialization of a biofuel catalyst technology that enables cost-effective biodiesel production using low-cost feedstocks.
Researchers predict 65 million more obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030, leading to increased medical costs and preventable diseases. Annual spending on obesity-related diseases is estimated to increase by $48-66 billion/year.
Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.
During the 2007-2009 financial crisis, hedge funds sold their stocks rapidly in response to falling values, withdrawing nearly three times more money than mutual fund investors. This led to lower returns for mutual funds and exacerbated the losses suffered by ordinary investors.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found no statistical difference between CSR and non-CSR companies in terms of stock performance. Investors may be more likely to choose CSR-compliant companies despite similar financial returns.
A study by ILRI found that investments aimed at increasing the mobility of livestock herders can help avert future food crises in arid lands. Herding makes better economic sense than crop agriculture in many regions, and supporting mobile communities can help people cope with droughts.
A study of 1,625 people across 15 countries found economic inequality is a stronger predictor of self-enhancement than individualism or collectivism. This suggests that competition and unequal resource distribution can lead to increased self-inflation.
A new study identifies three psychological orientations that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood. Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals were more likely to be employed and have higher wages during difficult economic times. The study also found that young workers with...
The study found that social militarization significantly increases child mortality rates, regardless of major armed conflicts. Increasing praetorian militaries also consistently increased child mortality rates. In contrast, economic militarization had little impact on child mortality.
U of A researchers explore hypothetical economic models that suggest oil producers should pay attention to emerging alternatives. If an alternative resource becomes more economically attractive, oil producers may have to adjust to make sure they don't hasten their own obsolescence.
In Malawi, public radio has become an unlikely platform for ordinary people to air their grievances about abuse and corruption. The Nkhani Zam'maboma programme features contributions by villagers, highlighting local development success stories that often reveal complaints about leaders' behaviour. This approach highlights the complexit...
A two-year NIH-funded study analyzing 83,000 grant applications found a significant 10 percentage point gap in research funding between white and black applicants. Despite accounting for demographic factors, the researchers discovered that applications from black researchers were less likely to be scored and had worse scores.
A new UCLA study finds that implementing complete smoke-free rules can reduce smoking-related costs by nearly half, resulting in estimated property savings of $18 million. Nearly half of properties have no smoke-free policies, with smaller ones having a higher rate of compliance.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside are developing a comprehensive driver feedback technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions. The project aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 30%, leveraging existing technology and integrating features like trip planning, improved driving efficiency, and periodic reporting.
ASU is leading a $18.5 million national research center to accelerate commercialization of solar energy technologies and expand education in energy engineering. The center aims to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic devices for widespread energy distribution.
A new study found that parents of nut-allergy sufferers often encounter hostility and scepticism from friends, family, and even restaurant staff, making it difficult to find safe environments for their children. The research highlights the need for better public education about the dangers of nut allergy.
A University of Oklahoma-led research team has received a $1.28 million grant to improve the efficiency of biofuel production from switchgrass plants. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with superior conversion qualities and test their correlation in independent populations.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that there are significant differences in metabolites between men and women, which may lead to the development of gender-specific treatments for certain diseases. The researchers used metabolomics and genetic data to identify key biomarkers, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that urban Chinese households save significantly more than American households, driven by education-related motives. The study attributes this disparity to cultural values emphasizing education and the lack of social-welfare programs in China.
A pilot study at UCSF found the highest levels ever reported of banned flame retardants among pregnant women worldwide, with high levels associated with thyroid hormone disruption. The chemicals were linked to liver, thyroid, and neurodevelopmental toxicity, highlighting concerns over exposure in lower-income populations.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that employees with positive relationships with their co-workers are more likely to live a longer life. The study followed the health records of 820 adults who worked an average of 8.8 hours a day and found that those with low social support at work were 2.4 times more likely to die within 20 years.
A study by LSUHSC researchers sheds light on how humans process sounds, revealing a flexible strategy for source assignment similar to that of tungara frogs. The findings have implications for understanding communication disorders associated with hearing loss and attention deficits.
Researchers at ICN2 have developed a new technique to write magnetic data, eliminating the need for cumbersome magnetic fields and providing simple, reversible writing of memory elements. This breakthrough could lead to non-volatile MRAMs, allowing instant power-up and significant energy savings.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky found that smoke-free legislation does not negatively influence local economies in either rural or urban communities. The study, which examined economic data from 2001-2009, showed that smoke-free laws are good for business regardless of location.
The Liverpool pavilion received over 770,000 visitors during the 184-day expo period, with 99% of visitors recommending it to a friend. This exposure led to increased interest from Chinese firms, with 75% of sponsors including China in their business plans and 70% expecting future sales/orders.
A study found that hedge fund leverage decreases prior to the financial crisis in mid-2007, while investment bank leverage increases. Hedge funds' leverage is more predictable by economy-wide factors than fund-specific characteristics.
The study found that female education is a key determinant of population growth, with more educated women having fewer children and better health outcomes. The authors suggest that concerted efforts to fast track education could help keep the global population below 9 billion by 2050.
Research from Brown University economists finds that voters are more likely to support recommended candidates after newspaper endorsements, but credibility matters. Moderate voters are most influenced by endorsements. Key findings suggest voters filter out media bias when making informed decisions.
A study by Michigan State University found that farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it. Farmers who interacted with each other were willing to reenroll more land, with over 15% more land being reenrolled after 10 interactions.
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new gene, CtAKR, that improves yeast's ability to consume xylose, a key sugar found in plant biomass. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels from biomass crops.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde devise a new system to compare whisky samples, distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit brands with high accuracy. The method uses mid-infrared spectrometry and has been successfully tested in blind tests.
A team of statisticians from Duke University received a $3 million grant to develop statistical methods for making US Census Bureau data available to researchers and the public. The Triangle Census Research Network will preserve anonymity while improving data quality and linking it to related sources.
Researchers found that reduced forest harvest levels led to increased carbon sequestration, making public lands a significant carbon sink. This discovery highlights the importance of forests in addressing global warming concerns.
The INFORMS journal has announced a special issue on using logistics and analytics to improve responses to disasters and health crises. The studies featured include pre-positioning of emergency items, optimizing schedules for maritime humanitian cooperative engagements.
A new study by Dr Anne McMunn and researchers from the International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health found that working mothers have no significant negative impact on their children's social and emotional development. In fact, children with both parents in paid employment showed better socio-emotional outcomes than ...
Research by Craig Gundersen, a University of Illinois economist, finds that strengthening the social safety net can lead to a decrease in childhood obesity. The study suggests that programs like SNAP play a vital role in reducing psychosocial stressors for low-income families.
A University of Minnesota study found that chance consistently pushes wealth into the hands of a few individuals, leading to dramatic concentration of wealth over time. The researchers' model, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that high variation among individual return rates accelerates wealth concentration.
A new study finds that subsidizing caregivers' wages can reduce worker turnover rates by one-third, improving the quality of experience for clients. The research uses data from group homes for persons with developmental disabilities to perform a cost-benefit analysis of wage subsidy policies.
A recent analysis by Wayne State University's Seniors Count! project reveals that 37% of Michigan's seniors live at or below basic economic security. This 'invisible poverty' affects many middle-class residents, who struggle to afford basic expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.
Researchers found that sighted players in rock-paper-scissors games often subconsciously imitate their blindfolded opponents' hand shapes. This automatic imitation increases the chances of a game ending in a draw.
Research found that taller individuals are at higher risk of various cancers, including breast, ovary, and bowel cancers. The study suggests that increases in population height may explain changes in cancer incidence over time.
A new theory by Adrian Bejan, known as the constructal law, predicts the prevalence of S-curves in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and economics. The S-curve pattern is a natural design for flow systems to facilitate access, reducing friction or resistance.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) released four reports detailing information used to craft an updated EHS research strategy. The reports outline areas of focus, including human health, instrumentation, and risk management methods.
Research reveals most children with SCD do not feel supported by schools in catching up on absences from class. Schools are often divided on whether others should know a pupil has the condition, fearing it may intensify bullying.
Researchers have discovered conserved enzymes for cell wall synthesis across various plant species, including barley, rice, and wheat. This finding has significant implications for improving crop yields and unlocking the full potential of industrial applications.
Two Baylor professors developed 12 lessons using a Coke bottle to teach small business owners about demand, product placement, and marketing. The lessons were successful in attracting an audience and led to positive changes in one of the entrepreneurs' businesses.
A Concordia University study found that higher cigarette taxes prompt low-and middle-income earners to quit smoking, but not wealthier smokers or those in their 20s to 40s. The research team analyzed data from Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey and found that the middle-aged group is largely unresponsive to taxes.
Fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico from the US during the 2008 and 2009 recessions than in previous years. The study found declines in return migration among certain groups, such as labor migrants and those with less education, but no rush to return home.
The new field guide highlights 91 nonnative invasive plant species affecting forest lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. The guide provides detailed information for identification and has significant economic implications for landowners and local governments.
Na Zhu, a PhD student at Wayne State University, has received the American Tinnitus Association Student Research Grant Program award. Her innovative 3D diagnostic system aims to pinpoint neural network activities in the brain's auditory structure.
A study by Understanding Society reveals that individuals with long-term debilitating physical illnesses exhibit similar mental well-being as those without such conditions. The research, based on data from 40,000 UK households, also shows that over half of those experiencing high levels of distress report positive overall mental health.
The Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) measures a region's ability to adapt to stress, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Northeastern and Midwestern regions tend to be more resilient due to high scores for affordability, health-insured population, and metropolitan stability.
Indonesia is paying a high price for failing to give local communities enforceable rights to contested forests, causing significant economic losses and deforestation. The country continues as an outlier in the region, with less than 1% of its forestland legally recognized under local control.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
A study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults increases healthcare use and improves self-reported health and well-being. The study used a randomized controlled trial and compared outcomes between those randomly selected into the program and those not selected, avoiding common limitations of previous studies.
China's strengthening global presence is closely tied to its economic expansion, potentially securing a sustainable dominant position in the world. The country has witnessed an average annual growth rate of over 10% for nearly two decades, with its merchandise trade growing at about 14% annually.
University of Toronto chemists have developed a novel chemical reaction method to recycle carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel. The approach utilizes frustrated Lewis pairs and has the potential to be highly efficient and cost-effective, offering a promising solution to greenhouse gas emissions.