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 new study examines the role of six brand factors, including price positioning, advertising spending, and distribution breadth, in moderating the impact of business cycles on brand equity. The research finds that premium pricing, market leadership, and extensive distribution contribute to brand equity during economic expansions.
A £1 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund will support a new initiative aimed at identifying and activating 'positive tipping points' to accelerate decarbonization and limit climate change. The project will focus on improving assessment, forecasting, and activation of positive tipping points across various sectors.
A new study suggests that transitioning to a decarbonized energy system by 2050 can save the world at least $12 trillion compared to continued fossil fuel use. The study shows that rapidly transitioning to clean energy results in lower energy system costs, provides more energy to the global economy, and expands energy access.
A new study from Indiana University warns that the US is unlikely to reach its national goal of 50% plug-in electric vehicle penetration by 2030 unless electric vehicles become more affordable. The study suggests that lower prices and better policy are needed to stimulate consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles.
Researchers found that vaccine companies, such as Moderna and Pfizer, experience significant price movements when one company performs well or poorly. Sinopharm is found to be the most affected by market volatility, while AstraZeneca has the greatest influence on Moderna's stock price.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati found that emphasizing cost savings over global warming increases support for renewable energy sources. The study tested four messaging approaches and found durable bipartisan effects in favor of cost savings.
A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the critical link between environmental degradation and pandemics, emphasizing the need for urgent ecosystem restoration efforts to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The study suggests that up to 95% of land on Earth will be degraded by 2050 if effective measures are not taken.
A new analysis reveals that mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) do not significantly impact retail opioid sales across eight commonly prescribed opioids. The findings suggest that PDMP implementation is best considered as part of a broader policy response to the opioid crisis.
Researchers found that men who received positive fortune telling outcomes were more likely to take financial risks, while the effect was weaker in women. This study suggests that superstition can influence behavior, even among those who claim not to be superstitious.
A new web app, Healthy-Day-App, links daily schedules with health outcomes for children, revealing associations between screen time, physical activity, and body fat percentage. The app allows users to customize the impact of time allocations on health measures.
A new study finds that climate data, particularly UV radiation levels, can help accurately model the spread of COVID-19. The research analyzed data from 196 countries and found that high UV radiation levels are strongly associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission rates.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 lockdown strategies in Germany, Israel, and the US to determine optimal policy changes based on vaccine development timelines. Lockdowns were stricter before vaccine approval and continued to intensify after approval until vaccination reached a sufficient percentage.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased slightly to 34.6% in August, while the labor force participation rate rose by 0.8%. Historically, impacts on the labor market lag behind economic growth movements, suggesting anti-inflationary measures may be early impact.
A new study links historic redlining and ongoing segregation by race and income to a higher rate of nonfatal shootings in Baltimore's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The researchers found that doubly disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced 24 more nonfatal shootings per 10,000 residents compared to sustainably advantaged neighborhoods.
A new study suggests that prediction markets could improve climate risk forecasts by incentivizing experts to share information. The markets would offer a level playing field for diverse expertise and provide a structured way to distribute research funding, promoting effective altruism.
A new study finds that the social cost of carbon is more than triple the current federal estimate, with each additional ton of carbon dioxide costing society $185. The study's updated methodology and key scientific advancements led to the higher estimate, which could inform stronger climate policies.
Researchers found that impressions formed during small talk influenced behavior in strategic games. Participants who believed their partner was an extrovert behaved more cooperatively, while shared personality traits made it harder to out-guess opponents. This study highlights the importance of regular small talk communication.
Researchers found a negative correlation between age-standardized death rates and levels of decommodification in 21 OECD countries. Decreased labor market polarization and risk were associated with improved population health, particularly in men.
A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.
A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.
The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.
A recent study examines the comprehensive effects of the GATT/WTO trading system on welfare and distribution across member states from 1950 to 2015. The analysis reveals a robust pattern of welfare gains for member states through trade liberalization, with non-member states experiencing losses after 1980.
Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.
A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.
Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Researchers from UTHealth School of Public Health found that gig workers' insecure income contributes to poor health outcomes, including a sicker workforce and higher unreimbursed healthcare costs. The study suggests COVID-era gig workers will experience greater increases in poor overall health and psychological distress.
A new biological sensor developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has successfully detected hidden rot in potato tubers, one of Israel's chief export industries. The sensor can detect disease before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early identification and prevention of rot and food loss.
July numbers showed a slight decrease in unemployment for people with disabilities and people without disabilities. The level of unemployed people with disabilities is returning to baseline pre-pandemic levels, says Dr. Andrew Houtenville, professor of economics at the University of Hampshire.
A Virginia Tech research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, which is widely used in Styrofoam but rarely recycled. The process involves exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst, creating a valuable product called diphenylmethane (DPM) that can be used in various industries.
Researchers identified critical success factors for mitigating challenges in the food cold chain, including stakeholder pressure and sustainable investment. The study provides a detailed theoretical framework for developing sustainable business strategies in China.
Wheat yields are projected to alter unevenly due to climate change, leading to price spikes in Global South and exacerbating existing inequalities. Global warming could deepen trade positions, causing more frequent and steep wheat price spikes in low-latitude regions.
Researchers analyzed the impact of continental free trade and agricultural development on Africa's food security. They found that combining both approaches can improve trade balances, reduce hunger, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers will conduct a national survey to identify barriers to adopting price risk management tools and assess perceptions of tool effectiveness. A free mobile application will be developed to provide information needed for making informed decisions, aiming to improve US beef cattle producers' economic sustainability.
A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.
A study of over 26,000 eye care professionals found that those receiving small financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies are up to twice as likely to prescribe brand-name eyedrops for glaucoma. The researchers suggest that frequent exposure to positive messaging about a drug may influence this tendency.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals no-till farming boosts agricultural land values in the Midwest, with a 1% increase translating to a $7.86 per acre gain. This finding supports the economic and environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation practices like no-till farming.
A new USDA Forest Service study projects that residential structures will continue to increase carbon storage through 2070 and beyond. The research examines how population growth and income can be combined to project rates of new housing construction and its impact on carbon storage in wood products.
A new study by Columbia University and MIT researchers found that expanding Medicaid coverage to adults can also help enroll children, a phenomenon known as the 'woodwork effect'. The study examined Oregon's 2008 Medicaid lottery and found that for every nine adults who gained coverage, one additional child also enrolled.
Research reveals significant differences in earnings between white and ethnic minority workers within the same workplace. The study suggests that changes in pay-setting arrangements are needed to bring parity between workers.
A new study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that for every nine adults who gained access to Medicaid in Oregon, one previously eligible child was added to the Medicaid rolls. The effect is modest but economically meaningful, with children costing four times less to cover than adults.
A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.
A team at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna mapped an entire nation's supply chain network using mobile phone data, predicting systemic risk and resilience. The model can be easily implemented by other countries and provides a detailed view of national economic behavior on a daily timescale.
Employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from 34.9% in June 2022 to 34.4% in July 2022. Labor force participation rate also decreased, but remains above pre-COVID levels and historic high of 2008.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that fraud victimization is associated with increased blood pressure in older adults. Men were more likely to experience elevated post-fraud blood pressure, which may lead to poor health outcomes over time.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
New research from the University of Bath shows that aggressive interest rate hikes by global central banks may lead to a liquidity crisis, high market volatility, and decreased asset prices. The study highlights the importance of finding a balance between addressing inflation and triggering a liquidity crisis.
Researchers found that innovation imprinting, where firms establish product priorities and build market capabilities before going public, helps companies beat the post-IPO innovation slump. This strategy also attracts investors with risk preferences that support innovation.
Researchers say stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to poor workplace behavior. Employees with mental illnesses may face fear of discrimination, which drives inauthenticity and counterproductive work behaviors.
A recent study by Renmin University of China found that a good media reputation consistently reduces the risk of termination for administrative agencies. The research analyzed over 4.95 million articles published between 1949 and 2019 in the People's Daily, an official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.
A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.
A study of 17 African coastal countries found that those farther from the coast have lower standards of living, with fewer owning radios, TVs, and vehicles. Access to education and infrastructure are key factors in increasing prosperity near ports.
A team at Kyoto University has developed a formula to express the marginal cost of public funds, measuring the impact of taxation on social welfare. The framework focuses on imperfect competition and provides insights into the behavioral constraints imposed by taxation on producers and consumers.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
Researchers created a profile of electric vehicle buyers and drivers, highlighting the importance of environmental communities and concern for air quality. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to analyze the association between purchasing an electric car and caring for the environment.
The nTIDE COVID Update reveals a rise in unemployment rates for both people with and without disabilities, driven by increased labor force participation and inflation concerns. This shift may reflect people entering the workforce to increase family income amid rising living costs.
A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.
A new study finds that Harry Potter's economic model is distorted from professional models, influencing readers' views on economics. The paper highlights key aspects of the 'Potterian economy,' including its critique of market-based systems and government corruption.
A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.
A new report identifies the top 10 financial actors influencing the fossil fuel economy and outlines their decisive role in helping de-carbonize our future. The study suggests that these influential actors, including investment advisors and governments, can make transformative changes to reduce fossil fuel production.