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Springing people from the poverty trap

A field experiment in Bangladesh shows that the poor lack opportunities to gain wealth, but a one-time boost can make a major difference. The study suggests that poverty is not principally due to people's capabilities or attitudes, but rather an initial lack of resources prevents them from improving their circumstances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMay 11, 2022

Cost, financial burden of thyroid cancer on patients in US

A recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery reveals that thyroid cancer patients in the US experience substantial financial burdens. The researchers propose a novel framework to help guide future research and inform cancer care providers on cost considerations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateMay 5, 2022

Does the Earned Income Tax Credit encourage college enrollment?

A recent analysis found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) does not appear to increase college enrollment rates. The study suggests that complex subsidies like EITC may be ineffective at altering college going. Researchers recommend providing tax credits as grants instead of tax credits to increase college enrollment rates.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateMay 4, 2022

Green roofs are worth the cost for urban residents

A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.

Story tips: Fueling up on savings, COVID’s behavior effect, cosmic collisions, seismic and sound, and space-to-ground comms

Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

People who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been less likely to seek help and have found it harder to access in-patient treatment, according to study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens

A study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens found that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to seek help and faced difficulties accessing in-patient treatment. The research used linked electronic health records to investigate healthcare contacts with self-harm during this period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2022

Meat consumption must fall by at least 75 percent

A new study by the University of Bonn recommends significantly reducing meat consumption to mitigate climate change and environmental damage. While mass vegetarianism is not a viable solution due to limited food availability in some regions, moderate meat consumption can be sustainable if implemented carefully.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateApr 25, 2022

Why is there no Uber for live music?

A study by Cornell University researchers found that live music platforms face difficulties in valuing intangible qualities, managing complex tasks, and achieving economies of scale. This is due to the industry's fragmented nature, with different types of gigs requiring unique expectations from clients.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Technology Work and Employment·DateApr 22, 2022

Women’s earnings drop after childbirth

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that women's earnings drop substantially after childbirth, with the gap widening across all education levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, making it more challenging for mothers to restart their careers and leading to worse hiring prospects and wage penalties.

SourceCornell University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateApr 20, 2022

SMEs are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through circular economy adoption – new research

A new study by Aston University reveals that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can improve their sustainability performance by adopting circular economy practices. The research found that SMEs in all participating countries are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through CE adoption, with products, processes, and...

SourceAston University·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

Reversible fuel cells can support grid economically, Stanford researcher finds

Researchers at Stanford University and University of Mannheim find that integrated reversible power-to-gas systems can provide backup electricity during surging prices, reducing costs and increasing capacity utilization. The technology has the potential to link the electricity and hydrogen markets, making renewable energy more viable.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

The opportunity cost of conservation

Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateApr 14, 2022

The one word charities use that turns off donors

A new study suggests charities use the word 'spend' instead of 'give' to donors to increase donations, as it implies a sense of control over financial gifts. Researchers found people are more willing to donate their time rather than money due to feelings of personal control.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

Study finds US insiders to China news sold stock in early stages of pandemic

Researchers found that US corporate insiders with production or supply-chain activities in China sold stock ahead of the pandemic's impact, leading to significantly higher profits. These insiders were better attuned to publicly available information about COVID-19 and avoided aggregate losses of approximately $300 million.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2022

What are the motives behind cronyism?

A novel experimental design study reveals cronyism is profitable for those who engage in it, driven by beliefs in reciprocity and favoritism. Shared identity motivates even low-quality workers to reciprocate trust with greater effort.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateApr 6, 2022

First large-scale study of COVID-era birth data finds significant drop in cesarian, induced deliveries

A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

U.S. trees may provide over $100 billion dollars in savings via environmental benefits – but face growing threats

A recent study found that US trees generate a total of $114 billion annually in ecosystem services, with carbon storage and air quality regulation contributing 51% and 37% respectively. The most valuable tree species are pine and oak, but face growing threats from climate change and pests.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022

Soda tax reduces consumption among boys but not girls

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that taxes on soda reduce consumption among adolescent boys, but not girls. The study analyzed data from Mauritius and Maldives and found that the tax decreased the likelihood of boys consuming soda, but had no impact on their frequency or body mass index.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 4, 2022

Study finds reducing carbon emissions won’t hurt economic growth

The study explores how countries can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with continued economic growth through 2100. The results suggest that stringent public policies and rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies are necessary to achieve this goal, with the global economy projected to be five times its size in 2100.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Getting an edge in today’s financial markets is possible, but it won’t last

Financial markets are highly efficient, making it challenging for investors to predict performance and achieve lasting profits. Research reveals that pockets of predictability are interspersed with periods of little to no evident predictability, self-extinguishing due to competitors emulating edges.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Finance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Longitudinal data from India reveals that low-birth-weight infants experience lower test scores compared with normal birth weight infants

A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEconomic Papers A journal of applied economics and policy·DateMar 28, 2022

Avoiding commoditisation trap: Lithuanian researchers' insights into companies’ success

Modern manufacturing companies can avoid commoditisation by complementing products with services that offer additional value. Digitalisation enables companies to develop intelligence, connection, and analytic capabilities, making it time for customer support service innovation. By doing so, companies like ADAX have successfully differe...

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Business and Industrial Marketing·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Excess sugar consumption costs Canada’s health-care system $5 billion each year

A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022