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 suggests that reducing sugar in packaged foods could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events, as well as 750,000 diabetes cases over the lifetime of the adult population in the US. The model also estimates significant cost savings and health gains for underserved populations.
New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.
Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.
A new study by Abhi Bhattacharya, Neil Morgan, and Lopo Rego finds that most of the variance in the market share-profit relationship is explained by market power and quality signaling mechanisms. The researchers also identify conditions under which market share can be negatively related to firm profits, such as niche strategy firms and...
A new dataset combines demographic and financial information to identify communities at risk of climate-related gentrification. The Socio-Economic Physical Housing Eviction Risk (SEPHER) dataset provides insights into the impact of climate hazards on vulnerable populations, including increased evictions and rising housing costs.
A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...
Researchers found regional lockdowns did not sufficiently address local COVID-19 risk differences in Italy. Instead, targeted interventions focused on high-risk areas could help strike a better balance between public health and economic damage. The study provides guidance for policy-makers to design effective interventions.
Researchers have created a new model that estimates the economic impacts of climate tipping points, such as disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The study finds that exceeding these tipping points could lead to increased economic costs of climate change impacts by up to 25%.
A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.
Researchers found that factors like cost and prescription characteristics are associated with increased use of manufacturer's coupons at pharmacies. The study suggests that these factors may influence patients' decisions about using coupons to reduce medication costs.
A new study identifies four key challenges faced by sharing economy consumers, including reconciling goals and values, managing risk, and personalizing experiences. Researchers also uncover mechanisms and actions that help consumers navigate these challenges, creating value in the process.
A survey study found significant disparities in insurance coverage and access to health care among low-income families and people of color across four Southern states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed increased challenges in accessing medical care due to limited insurance coverage and other factors.
A clean US hydrogen economy is achievable but requires a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure development. The US needs to consider the production, transport, storage, use, and economic viability of hydrogen to make it viable on a societal scale.
A new study finds that Scotland's tougher drink drive limit since 2014 has not led to a decrease in alcohol-related road accidents. The researchers argue that policymakers need to back up stricter limits with tougher enforcement and alternative transport options.
Countries lagging behind in renewable energy adoption risk lower industrial competitiveness and economic instability. Uneven transition patterns can exacerbate existing international tensions, making it difficult for late decarbonizers to catch up with early movers.
Research by Jason Huh found that Medicaid expansion can increase the number of dentists per capita in low-income counties, with a 13% increase. This growth is driven by private practice dentists responding to financial incentives offered by expanded coverage.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University quantifies the financial impact of sickle cell disease, revealing $15k in lost wages per year per person, totaling $650,000 over a lifetime. The research found that 97% of respondents experienced severe and debilitating pain attacks from sickle cell.
The July 2021 nTIDE report shows minor declines in employment-to-population ratios for people with disabilities, but strong labor force participation rates remain. Employment numbers for working-age individuals with and without disabilities also show slight changes, indicating a potential chilling effect from COVID-19 restrictions.
Research finds that M&As can negate gains in synergy and efficiency if customers are dissatisfied, leading to a 1.14% lower customer satisfaction rate. Firms with marketing leaders on the board experience a 45% reduction in loss of firm value from M&As.
A recent study modelled social, economic, and personal factors influencing voters and parties to identify four key levers that tip the balance towards political extremes. Social contagion and macro-economic factors such as employment and economic growth play a significant role in driving polarization.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the EU labour market, with some countries experiencing significant increases in unemployment and inactivity rates. Notably, the Baltic States saw substantial growth in inactive citizens, while Poland was a 'unique case' where both unemployment and inactivity fell slightly.
A Japanese research team found that residents who engage in activities like camping and hiking experience increased happiness, while ownership has no effect. The study suggests better policies for enhancing forest relationships and measuring happiness based on the types of forest happiness.
A computer simulation modelled by Associate Professor David Goldbaum suggests a leader emerges through a dynamic self-reinforcing social process, even with identical attributes among group members. The study finds that building up influence and gaining popularity is key to becoming a leader.
A new £1.1 million research project will develop personalized rehabilitation programs for people with long Covid, which is estimated to affect at least 10% of those who test positive for Covid-19 in the UK. The project aims to improve outcomes and experiences for this growing patient group while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that gay and bisexual men earn less than heterosexual men due to workplace discrimination. Gay men earned 6.8% less, while bisexual men earned 10.3% less on average across Europe, North America, and Australia.
A recent study conducted by MIT economists found that increasing nighttime sleep had no positive effects on work productivity, earnings, or overall sense of well-being among low-income workers in Chennai, India. However, short daytime naps did show significant improvements in these areas.
A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.
The number of unemployed people with and without disabilities has stabilized, but at levels higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating many people have not yet returned to the labor market. Public health concerns, such as the spread of the delta variant, warrant caution and may lead to increased furloughs.
Researchers found no significant statistical or economic difference in yield or revenue between discriminatory and uniform auctions. The study suggests that Treasuries worldwide can shift focus away from auction rules towards market stability and primary dealer systems.
Flinders University researchers have successfully manipulated Beta-lactoglobulin, a major whey protein in cow's, sheep's, and other mammal's milk, using an Australian-made thin film microfluidic device. The device combines with a new form of biosensor to control and monitor protein denaturation and renaturation.
Researchers identified four key themes contributing to diseases of despair in Pennsylvania: financial instability driving self-harming behavior, lack of infrastructure exacerbating distress, deteriorating sense of community leading to loneliness and isolation, and family fragmentation. These findings have significant implications for u...
Experts from European and US universities warn that new EU battery regulations could hinder the global transition to electric vehicles if not implemented globally. The researchers argue that a coordinated, global approach is needed to make the supply chain predictable and powerful.
Scientists develop novel technology to recover multiple metals from various types of industrial waste using carbothermal reduction, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability. The approach also allows mixing different waste streams, enabling processing of large amounts of waste.
Rachel Volberg, a UMass Amherst professor, has received the National Council on Problem Gambling's Lifetime Research Award for her 35-year contributions to problem gambling research. Her studies on Massachusetts casinos' social and economic impacts are considered groundbreaking.
Research from Bocconi University reveals that mafia connections harm a company's financial performance, leading to lower return on assets, higher debt, and lower cash holdings. Connected firms are also more likely to go bust, with a 25.5% increase in default risk.
A new form of collective worker resistance is unfolding in China's app-based food delivery economy, with small groups of couriers conducting 'mini-strikes' via WeChat. These strikes reflect a new form of leverage and reveal labor unrest evolving alongside shifting political, economic, and technological conditions.
Scientists investigate e-cigarette formation of formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, under various use patterns and devices. The study aims to identify key parameters underlying harmful substance production, informing public health and policy.
Researchers created a model and algorithm to redistribute transit resources based on commuter choices, resulting in cost reductions of 0.4%-3% system-wide. This leads to millions in rush hour savings while reducing costs for passengers and transportation providers.
Researchers develop a one-pot process to synthesize polyacrylates and polymethacrylates from biobased materials, minimizing environmental impact. The new method reduces the E-factor by three quarters, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic production.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that parents may talk less to their kids when experiencing financial scarcity, contributing to the 'word gap' in vocabulary. Researchers found that parents who described recent experiences of resource insecurity spoke fewer words to their children during laboratory observ...
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel method to predict the optimal cation substitutions in lithium-ion batteries using first-principles calculations. The study reveals that nickel can be partially substituted with platinum and palladium to increase battery discharge capacity, while other e...
Researchers found that the Mission Indradhanush program increased full immunization rates by 27% and the rate of receiving all vaccines at recommended ages by 8%. The program also improved vaccination rates for children who received treatment in multiple phases.
Jumping spiders can recognize biological motion, a visual cue that refers to the movements of living organisms. The ability is critical for survival and has been found in vertebrates, but this study demonstrates its presence in an invertebrate, challenging our understanding of evolutionary history.
The University of Minnesota has developed a new tool to help farmers make informed crop input decisions, balancing economic and environmental costs. The tool uses machine-learning-based metamodels to predict nitrogen reduction scenarios and identify hotspots for mitigation, while also considering regenerative practices like cover cropp...
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin aims to find a balance between protecting society from flooding and preserving environmental and cultural viability in urban river deltas. The tool uses a cost-benefit model to examine how to balance natural function with societal desire for landscape stability.
Research found that patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) had twice as long hospital stays and double the total health care costs compared to those receiving standard care. Delivering ECT in outpatient settings may make treatment more cost-effective.
Researchers found that frugal consumers categorize purchases as necessities versus luxuries to rationalize impulsive responses to deep discounts. Frugal individuals tend to increase their perception of need for a product after a discount offer, leading to increased purchase intentions.
Agricultural economist Thomas Daum argues that farm robots could lead to a utopian future with rich fields, diverse crops, and conservation of biodiversity. In contrast, large, tractor-like robots could result in a dystopian scenario with environmental degradation.
A global study found that certain countries perform significantly better than their neighbors in the effectiveness of their protected areas. The research estimated that overall, protected areas established between 2000-2012 prevented 86,062 square kilometers of forest loss.
Coastal ecosystems worldwide are estimated to have a significant impact on the global economy, with countries like Australia and Indonesia storing large amounts of carbon. The study found that these countries generate annual welfare gains of around $26.4 billion from reduced climate change costs, while other nations like India and Chin...
A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that France's Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system led to a significant increase in market value for French wines. The AOC system created production standards and mandatory tasting requirements, allowing wine growers to improve quality and be rewarded for it.
A Cornell University-led team projects that vehicle electrification, driverless cars, and ride sharing could prevent 5,500 premature deaths and save $58 billion annually in the US by 2050. The study also finds that vehicle electrification is the most important piece for carbon mitigations and health benefits.
Researchers will analyze and map environmental, social, and economic factors that impact cancer diagnosis in a regional patient data set. The study aims to identify correlations between potential causes and common types of cancer in the region.
A new study developed a conceptual model to understand the relationship between policing and population health, highlighting factors like community characteristics and policy that affect health outcomes. The research suggests that policing practices can have far-reaching impacts on mental, physical, social, and structural wellbeing.
Researchers found that combining personalized goals with a game and financial incentives increased veterans' daily step counts by an average of 1,224. However, progress was short-lived, as neither group sustained their gains after the intervention period ended.
The Center for Research toward Advancing Financial Technologies, CRAFT, brings together industry and academic partners to conduct high-impact research in fintech. Initial research areas focus on cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, and machine learning, aiming to drive innovation and address challenges facing the financial services industry.
A new study finds that electoral districts with a larger gender pay gap tend to have fewer female candidates, as voters' biases against women candidates can lead to lower vote shares. The Parity Law has had limited impact in reducing this disparity, with parties strategically allocating female candidates to less competitive districts.
The monograph Migration Culture: A Comparative Perspective offers a new approach to understanding migration by analyzing the cultural and value differences between migrants and locals. Key findings include that migrants prioritize self-direction over security, and that values tend not to change rapidly in emigration.
A new study finds that the decline of US landfills and state bans on organic waste disposal have created a need for alternative pathways for food waste. Researchers evaluated five options, including anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration, and hydrothermal liquefaction.