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 study of 323,200 participants from 99 countries found that friendships have health benefits regardless of location. In cultures with more individualism, those without resources benefit most from friendships for physical and psychological health.
Developing economies can spur foreign investment with bilateral agreements that provide clear rules for protecting property and contract rights. The study found a significant increase in cross-border mergers after the treaty was signed, making it more likely for companies to invest in these countries.
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to younger and older populations. The research, which analyzed over 1,000 studies, shows that the odds of infection becoming fatal increase with age.
Researchers found state shutdown orders and economic factors had a greater impact on initial unemployment claims during the first six weeks of the pandemic. State responses to COVID-19, such as closing non-essential businesses, were more influential than federal programs like CARES Act legislation.
The Advanced Laser Light Source Laboratory (ALLS) at INRS has received significant funding to upgrade its laser facilities, enabling researchers to access revolutionary applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science. This upgrade positions INRS as a leader in ultrafast science and quantum technologies.
Researchers say successive UK governments' approach to obesity policies has been destined to fail. Despite decades of efforts, obesity prevalence in England has not decreased, and inequalities persist.
A new study finds that low-carbon policies can be designed to benefit local firms and lower-income families, while also promoting innovation and competitiveness. The researchers analyzed over 7,000 studies to identify the most effective policy combinations that balance environmental goals with social and economic considerations.
Researchers from INRS develop electrolytic treatment of wastewater to degrade microplastics directly at the source. The technology breaks down microplastics into non-toxic CO2 and water molecules, offering a promising solution for mitigating their environmental impact.
A new study suggests that low-carbon policies can be balanced to benefit local firms and lower-income families. The researchers found that five policy types had a negative impact on distributional consequences, while others could boost innovation and pave the way for a fairer transition to zero carbon.
Specialized ETFs focus on popular industries like cannabis and cybersecurity, but tend to lose value quickly. Investors who buy into these funds are often less sophisticated, leading to significant losses over time.
New research from West Virginia University economists finds that presidential inaugurations have gained popularity as must-see tourist events in recent years. Hotel occupancy rates around the inaugurations were significantly higher than other events, with increases seen prior to and after the ceremony.
A Stanford study reveals that installing piped water closer to remote households in Zambia improves the lives of women and girls by reducing fetching time, increasing economic opportunities, and enhancing well-being. Households with piped water spend up to 80% less time fetching water, allowing for more time on productive activities li...
A new study by Yale University economists finds that the absence of professional management hinders India's business growth, constraining innovation and economic growth. The study suggests that if Indian businesses adopted management practices common in developed countries, they would expand and boost productivity.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that people tend to overestimate their financial responsibility, resulting in under-saving. The research developed an intervention to combat this 'positive illusion' by recognizing excessive spending and boosting self-perceptions of financial responsibility through increased savings.
The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation has awarded COMBINEDBrain a $68,000 grant to support the development of treatments for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. The consortium of patient advocacy groups, researchers, and clinicians will use the funding to prepare for clinical trials and bring in more researchers.
The Ocean 100, a group of 100 transnational corporations, dominated the ocean economy with $1.1 trillion in revenues in 2018. The top industries were offshore oil and gas, seafood production, and container shipping.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new electrochemical reaction using polymers to improve CO2-to-ethylene conversion efficiency. The study found that the new polymer-entrained electrodes produced more stable chemical intermediates, resulting in up to 87% ethylene production, surpassing previous reports.
A study reveals systemic gender and racial inequities in US chemistry graduate programs, leading to lower retention and completion rates for underrepresented groups. Inadequate financial support and poor peer interactions also hinder career aspirations.
Researchers have developed a new optical neural network that can process large-scale data and images at incredible speeds, surpassing electronic computing hardware. This innovation has the potential to transform artificial intelligence in applications such as image recognition, medical diagnosis, and real-time video analysis.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that climate change has substantially contributed to the growing cost of flooding in the US. The analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that changes in precipitation accounted for 36% of actual flood damages from 1988 to 2017.
A new study by FAO and University of Twente reveals that small cities and towns play a significant role in shaping food systems, social development, and economic growth. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between urban and rural administrative authorities to address unequal access to services and employment oppor...
A UCF engineering and biology team tested how well staghorn coral skeletons withstand natural forces and human impacts, discovering a unique safety feature: pores that relieve stress and prevent catastrophic failure. The findings will inform efforts to transplant nursery-reared coral into the wild and support future restoration efforts.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased slightly to 29.4 percent in December 2020, while the labor force participation rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points. The COVID-19 surge is expected to impact employment trends in coming months.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's MATRIX AI Consortium has received over $1 million in research funding to develop novel brain-inspired lifelong learning algorithms. Inspired by the honeybee brain, these algorithms aim to close the performance gap between modern AI systems and biological systems.
A recent study found that policymakers reference new and highly cited COVID-19 research papers extensively in their policy documents. The researchers analyzed scientific citations in 37,725 papers and discovered that these documents use the newest science at an unusually high rate, citing papers with 40 times higher citation counts.
Scientists have created an automated process to analyze thiols at very low concentrations in beer, shedding light on the compounds responsible for hoppy flavors. The new method uses tandem mass spectrometry and meets requirements for detecting thiols while processing samples in a safer and quicker manner.
Ridesourcing companies Uber and Lyft's arrival in cities leads to a significant increase in vehicle ownership, with car registrations per capita rising by 0.7% on average. This effect is more pronounced in car-dependent cities and areas with higher income and fewer children, where transit use also decreases.
A third of US households with children are 'net worth poor,' lacking enough financial resources to sustain their families for three months at a poverty level. The study found that Black and Latino families were twice as likely to experience net worth poverty than have poverty-level incomes.
A large study tracked 1,000 people from birth to age 45 and found that those with higher self-control as children were aging more slowly. Their bodies and brains were also healthier and biologically younger. Higher childhood self-control correlated with slower aging in multiple measures, including physiological signs of aging.
Researchers have developed a new method for tracking individual molecules in real-time using four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy, enabling unprecedented control over molecular transport. Additionally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has released guidelines to improve fuel economy by reducing idling and selecting the most fuel-effici...
A new study found that subscriptions to satellite alerts from Global Forest Watch resulted in a 18% decrease in deforestation in African countries. The carbon emissions avoided were worth between $149 million and $696 million, highlighting the potential of automated alerts in reducing forest loss.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a potential new RX strategy for stroke, combining an LSU Health-patented drug with selected DHA derivatives to protect brain cells and increase recovery. The study found that this combination therapy significantly reduced lesion volumes and improved behavioral scores, offering hope ...
A new study led by US and Indian researchers found that air pollution in India resulted in 1.67 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 17.8 percent of all deaths in the country. The economic loss was $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36 percent of GDP.
A new study found that consumers prefer to make a 'status pivot' by showcasing their successes in other areas, rather than trying to keep up with high-achieving peers. This strategy helps alleviate stress and boosts confidence, particularly when compared to within-domain status restoration.
A new study by ARS and UofA scientists found that genetically engineered cotton and sterile pink bollworm moths synergistically suppressed the pest. This collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry resulted in a 90% reduction of pink bollworm population and saved US cotton farmers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School researchers simulates the potential future health and economic benefits from sustained air quality improvements. They estimate cumulative benefits of clean air during a five-year period would amount to thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, as well as associated economic benef...
Researchers from HSE University analyzed human behavior strategies during COVID-19 restrictions, showing that unequal access to medical care contributes to irresponsible behavior. Targeted information campaigns for healthy populations can encourage compliance with restrictions if expected losses are significant.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that New York can reach a carbon-free economy by 2050 with five years to spare. The key to achieving this goal lies in the widespread adoption of offshore wind energy, geothermal heating, and electric air heat pumps.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that social holidays increase overall life satisfaction, employment satisfaction, and feelings of equality among families with children. These holidays also have a positive impact on financial situations and leisure time experience.
Furloughs for people with disabilities increased to 23% in November, while continuing to decline for those without disabilities. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases is taking a toll on workers with disabilities, and the unemployment rate rose for both groups.
The German Research Foundation is extending the SFB 1288, 'Practices of comparing', with €11.9 million in funding for an additional four years. The interdisciplinary research network will continue to study the historically variable practices of comparing and their ordering and changing power.
A recent study led by LSU Health researchers discovered a reciprocal interaction between GABA and endocannabinoids in the brain, which accelerates the breakdown of molecules regulating brain cell communication. This imbalance is linked to neurological disorders and may be targeted for therapy.
Researchers at KIT have developed new production technology to manufacture fuel cells for heavy goods vehicles, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% by 2030. The technology aims to accelerate production and reduce costs, making fuel cell energy a viable option for commercial vehicles.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an escalation of civil wars in several war-torn countries, including India, Iraq, and Libya. Conflict parties have exploited state weakness and lack of international attention due to the pandemic.
While a no-meat diet is recommended for industrialized regions, scientists argue that it's not a universal solution for low- and middle-income countries. Livestock are crucial to incomes and diets in these regions.
A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology found that large European manufacturing companies prioritize environmental impact reports over circular economy principles. The researchers analyzed 226 companies' GRI reports and discovered a lack of disclosure on product lifecycle extension, material reuse, and recycling technologies.
Three INRS researchers, Kulbir Ghuman, Dongling Ma, and Sophie Van Neste, are leading $2.6 million Canada Research Chairs in computational materials, nanocomposites, and urban climate action. Their research projects aim to address pressing energy and environmental challenges.
The Russian Journal of Economics' new issue explores the complexities of energy transition amid global crises, including health, economic, environmental, political, and humanitarian crises. Researchers examine emerging trends in global energy markets, renewable energy sources, and geopolitical implications of energy policy changes.
A study found that days with high-profile European football matches are associated with more traffic accidents in Asia. Drivers stay awake late to watch the game, leading to poor attention management and impaired decision-making.
A study of over 150 countries links Internet penetration with migration intentions and behaviours, suggesting that digital connectivity plays a key role in shaping migration decisions. The association between Internet use and intention to migrate is stronger among women and those with less education, particularly for economic migrants.
A recent study found that almost 25% of US respondents experienced economic hardships early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with Hispanic respondents being disproportionately affected. The survey also revealed significant financial struggles among young adults and those without a college education.
The Harvard Data Science Review special issue addresses the replication crisis in science, discussing reliability and robustness of research findings. The review emphasizes the need for data science skills to design sound replication studies, aiming for substantive understanding.
A team of researchers, led by INRS professor Federico Rosei, has developed a novel process to modify graphene's structure and properties using ultraviolet light. This breakthrough enables the creation of a band gap in graphene, making it suitable for use in electronics.
A doctoral thesis found that flexible working arrangements can improve efficiency targets if employees' preferences for work arrangement are taken into account. Employees often appreciate flexible schedules, but may struggle with maintaining focus outside of traditional hours.
Researchers at HSE University found that signals predicting financial losses evoke plastic changes in the cortex, allowing for more accurate identification of impending financial troubles. These changes occur rapidly and automatically, without requiring voluntary attention.
A new model refines an existing computer model to understand water movement and storage in dry desert soils. The study improves knowledge of solar farm impacts on desert hydrology, useful for soil restoration and flood risk mitigation.
A new study from ETH Zurich found that informing the public of potential bias does little to improve perception, even for those aware of exponential growth. Participants underestimated infections after 30 days of exponential spread, but improved when asked about doubling times or time gained with mitigation measures.
Researchers found that messages focusing on reducing poverty and lower-class disadvantages lead to increased engagement and support. Framing economic inequality as an issue of unjust disadvantage for the lower class can heighten perceptions of injustice and enhance action to reduce inequality.
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that irrelevant information and unavailable options often lead to poor choices. The researchers discovered that consumers carry cognitive costs when making decisions in environments with excess information.
A special issue of Information Polity explores the transparency challenges of using algorithms in government decision-making, highlighting potential benefits and drawbacks. Experts emphasize the need for regulations, organizational policies, and individual training to ensure transparent and responsible algorithm use.