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Roe v. Wade repeal impacts where young women choose to go to college, PSU researcher finds

Research from Portland State University finds that female students are more likely to choose universities in states with upheld abortion rights, potentially affecting future workforces and economies. The study suggests a significant impact on the labor market as young people often live and work in the state they attend college.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEconomics Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

New tool measures food security duration, severity

A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 26, 2023

Research shows how airline pricing really works

Researchers found that airlines use a pricing heuristic called Expected Marginal Seat Revenue-b to set prices, resulting in large gaps between ticket prices. Airlines also don't directly incorporate competitor prices into their automated price-setting, leading to dampened competitive benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023

The role of supply chain in knowledge transfer: a case study of South African automotive industry

A recent study analyzed the South African automotive industry to understand the link between multinational vehicle assemblers and local parts suppliers. The research team found that while production of first-tier suppliers increased with automobile expansion, lower-tier suppliers showed no similar growth. This suggests a diamond-shaped...

SourceSophia University·JournalWorld Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Cobalt-free battery for cleaner, greener power

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a cobalt-free battery alternative that outperforms state-of-the-art battery chemistry. The new lithium-ion batteries boast a 60% higher energy density and can withstand over 1,000 recharge cycles, reducing environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

World may have crossed solar power ‘tipping point’

A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2023

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Chinese government’s corporate subsidies have had little effect on firms’ productivity

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and ShanghaiTech University found that China's government subsidies have had limited effect on promoting firms' productivity. The study analyzed firm-level data from 2007 to 2018 and found that subsidies often flowed to less productive firms, leading to a decline in their relative productivity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Economics·DateOct 10, 2023

Researchers show consequences of inaction on devastating banana disease

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) could cause a 55% reduction in banana production in newly affected regions within 10 years. The disease is projected to result in significant economic losses, with consumers bearing 40% of the estimated $25 billion cost.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

Rural counties showing steeper decline in health measures compared to urban counties in 2015 versus 2019—though all areas showed declines in health measures over time

A recent study has found that rural US counties have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, with declines in health measures accelerating over time. The researchers developed a publicly available dashboard to visualize health disparities and identify areas for policy interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2023

Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining

A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Energy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

Food insecurity linked to muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescent and young adults

A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Ability to drive a car influences quality of life of older adults in Japan

A study by Waseda University researchers found that car ownership among older Japanese adults is associated with higher self-rated health status, greater independence, and a more positive attitude towards receiving help. The study suggests that autonomous driving may play a key role in improving mobility for older adults.

SourceWaseda University·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

How to keep people out of the emergency room

A new study co-authored by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber found that a New York City program helped arrange medical appointments for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes, leading to a substantial drop in emergency room use. The program resulted in a 21 percent decline in ER visits and a 42 percent decrease for individuals with h...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateSep 19, 2023

Unlocking urban diversity: The magnetism of complex amenities

A study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that rare shops and services in urban locations can bring people of different socio-economic backgrounds together. Researchers found that neighborhoods offering a range of unique amenities, like zoos or cinemas, tend to attract more diverse audiences. This understanding can inform policy ...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2023

Communicating stability, strong connections to stakeholders versus shareholders are priorities in Chinese financial reporting, Rotman research finds

Researchers found that Chinese executives prioritize communicating long-term stability and inspiring confidence among diverse stakeholders. In contrast to US firms, Chinese companies tend to work closely with stakeholders like debt holders and controlling shareholders to reduce fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality

A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 8, 2023

Difficult decisions led to unequal vaccination rates

A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a significant difference in vaccination rates among people with varying cognitive abilities. Among those with the highest cognitive ability, 80% were vaccinated within 50 days, while it took 180 days for those with the lowest cognitive ability to reach the same rate.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateSep 7, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop new method to recover high-purity silicon from expired solar panels for upcycling into lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Assessing the massive costs of biological invasions to the world

A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 4, 2023

Climate extremes hit stressed economies even harder

Climate extremes have a disproportionate impact on already stressed economies, leading to increased costs for households and reduced resilience to future shocks. The study's findings highlight the need for increased economic resilience to cope with climate-related disasters and mitigate non-climate related crises.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2023