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.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.1% to 28.8%, while the labor force participation rate also showed a modest increase. These gains are encouraging, but experts caution due to factors affecting economic recovery and COVID-19.
Researchers studied the interactions between humans and nature in panda reserves, discovering nine synergies among Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, they also found that habitat disturbance occurred when hiking trails were built for tourists.
A new study reveals that US adults experiencing common symptoms of anxiety and depression are at a higher risk of delaying medical care. The research found that nearly a third of Americans surveyed did not receive necessary non-coronavirus medical care during the pandemic.
The US fuel economy standards have been effective in reducing reliance on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions, saving consumers $5 trillion in fuel costs. The standards also prevented 14 billion metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to eliminating all US emissions for nearly three years.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have been awarded a $6.6 million grant to develop a novel neuromodulation device for treating mental health disorders by synchronizing brain waves and reducing energy consumption.
A study at the University of Houston found that concrete language styles and storytelling techniques can boost restaurant crowdfunding success rates. Using specific words, such as articles and prepositions, and delivering stories with fewer first-person pronouns can make pitches more compelling to investors.
A recent EU study found that VAT cuts are less likely to be passed on to consumer prices than hikes, with firms instead using the reduction to improve finances. The study analyzed over 2800 commodities and found that prices tend to rise 3-4 times more after a VAT hike.
Scientists estimate nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver $14.6-19.5 billion annually across 23 countries. Non-chemical crop protection (biological control) outperforms traditional Green Revolution methods, promoting rural growth and prosperity.
A two-year project is prototyping miniature fitness trackers and environmental sensors to monitor lobsters' health and shipping conditions. The devices aim to reduce mortality and improve survival in the lobster supply chain, valued at nearly half a billion dollars annually.
The Singapore Global Restructuring Initiative aims to promote cooperation and cutting-edge research on corporate insolvency. The project explores how insolvency laws can minimize the economic effects of crises like COVID-19, facilitating entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to finance.
A national study found that housing finance agencies' supportive services and loan structure significantly reduced mortgage defaults and foreclosures among low- and moderate-income households. The results suggest government programs can help low-income households afford and keep their homes, with potential impacts on local economies.
Researchers from Lobachevsky University analyze data on M2 monetary aggregate, monetary base, and money multiplier to study impact of financial innovations on money supply. They find evidence of endogenous origin of money supply in Russian economy for both periods of time, confirming structuralism and preference for liquidity.
The UC Davis-led AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems aims to optimize crop yields, minimize resource consumption, and improve food safety through AI technologies. The institute will foster collaborations across academia, industry, and government to develop open-source solutions and promote education, outreach, and diversity.
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency can save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. The research found that some regions and industries have the greatest potential for water savings, with improved water productivity in corn, cotton, and alfalfa contrib...
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel method using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse precious metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The process creates minimal waste and can be scaled up for industrial use, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
New research shows that US political parties have become increasingly polarized due to their quest for voters. The study challenges a 1950s model by economist Anthony Downs, finding that voters remain moderate but parties move towards extremes to minimize constituency overlap.
A team led by Huimin Zhao at the University of Illinois has received a five-year, $20 million NSF grant to develop new AI tools for molecule synthesis. The institute aims to accelerate automated chemical synthesis and advance the discovery and manufacture of novel materials and bioactive compounds.
A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...
A recent study suggests that student loan debt can have a negative impact on students' likelihood of securing full-time employment upon graduation. The researchers found that having student loan debt leads to additional stress during the job search, which can harm chances of securing a full-time job.
A new study finds that loose networks benefit men in uncertain work environments, while tight networks favor women. This difference in networking structure contributes to wage disparities between men and women in high-risk occupations.
A recent study proposes a collaborative system architecture that enables MNO-CSP collaboration to improve the performance of advanced 5G applications. By sharing information and resources, CSPs and MNOs can optimize their systems for better agility, flexibility, and efficiency.
NAU researchers will collaborate with ASU and regional partners on nanotechnology-based innovations, expanding educational opportunities for northern Arizona communities. The NAU site will provide capabilities in characterization and modeling of hard and soft materials.
A new US study reveals that improving water productivity in certain regions and industries can help conserve water. By setting realistic benchmarks, the research found that areas with high water stress have the most potential for water savings, with around half of those gains coming from agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
A study by Stony Brook University proposes strategies for China's transition away from coal, emphasizing employment and social justice impacts. The authors estimate a rapid transition could reduce premature deaths by 224,000 and water consumption by 4.3 billion m3 in 2050.
Heidelberg economists developed a rating system to measure skill levels in skat and poker. The study found that both games have over 50% luck, but skill takes over in the long term, with a skilled player winning 75% more games against an average opponent after 100 games.
Researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel key-value store design for solid-state drives, which improves performance and reduces latency. The new implementation, called PinK, uses log-structured merge-tree technology to enable efficient in-storage computing.
The study reveals how iron can be used to remove oxygen from plant materials without oxidizing, enabling more efficient and cost-effective fuel production. By anchoring iron with a carbon structure modified with nitrogen, the researchers created a catalyst that interacts less with oxygen, allowing for robust reaction performance.
A new study reveals that climate change can cause greater damages to economies than previously thought, with up to three times the estimated output losses of a 1°C hotter year. The research found significant economic losses of 10% globally and over 20% in tropical regions by 2100.
Researchers examine the impact of unconventional monetary policy on bank risk-taking in the syndicated loan market, finding no additional interest rate reduction for riskier firms. This suggests that loose lending is not a concern under unconventional monetary policy measures.
A study by Duke University researchers found that individuals who identify with groups tend to discriminate against those outside their groups, even in non-political settings. In contrast, those who do not identify with groups are less prone to bias and make decisions faster.
A team of University of Tennessee researchers is collaborating to develop an international research coordination network (iRCN) focused on food, energy, and water resources. The goal is to support sustainable urban systems worldwide by merging global resources and coordinating FEW-focused research.
Researchers utilized 3D printing technology to produce personal protective equipment, medical devices, and isolation wards on-demand, addressing supply chain disruptions. The digital versatility of 3D printing enabled swift mobilization of the technology in response to COVID-19 emergencies.
Eduardo Lopez Atencio and his collaborators are analyzing agent search methods in a constrained network environment to help the US Army workforce stay focused on strategic goals. This analysis will be applied to forecast workforce behaviors across an extended planning horizon.
Researchers at Mississippi State University recommend using an integrated approach that combines seed-applied nematicides with in-furrow nematicides to manage reniform nematodes in cotton. This approach can improve cotton yields while reducing production costs, making it a economically viable option for farmers.
A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.
Two natural sugar polymers, exopolysaccharide and biosurfactant, contribute to multicellularity in M. xanthus. The compounds are produced in distinct areas of the swarm, promoting the formation of complex structures and ensuring community survival.
Neurodon, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has received a $2 million NIH grant to develop targeted neuroprotective molecules for Alzheimer's disease. The molecules have shown promise in preserving calcium ion balance and offering a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration.
A study published in PLOS ONE has uncovered the oldest known cremation site in the Near East, dating back to 7013-6700 BC. The remains of a young adult found in Beisamoun, Israel, show evidence of intentional cremation, suggesting a cultural shift in funeral practices during this period.
A new study finds that Front-of-Pack labelling on food products leads to a reduction in the quantity of labelled store-branded food purchased and an overall improvement in nutritional composition of consumers' shopping baskets. The study, published in the Journal of Health Economics, shows significant improvements in poorer households.
New research from Binghamton University found that citizens prioritize teacher and administrative staff over other spending cuts during economic crises. The study discovered that gender, age, income, party identification, and political ideology significantly influence public attitudes towards different forms of school budget cuts.
New Harvard research reveals a direct link between incoming business travel and economic growth, ranking countries by knowhow flow. The study raises concerns about the consequences of international travel restrictions on global GDP, suggesting a potential double-digit loss if business travel were to halt completely.
A new study by Cornell researchers uses machine learning to assess the effectiveness of mathematical tools in predicting financial markets. The model can also predict future market movements, a task considered extraordinarily difficult due to markets' massive amounts of information and high volatility.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 28.4% in June 2020 to 28.1% in July 2020, while the labor force participation rate for these individuals also declined. These findings suggest prolonged unemployment may discourage workers and lead to long-term employment stress.
A new study from Oregon State University found that 77% of low- to moderate-income American households fall below the asset poverty threshold. This means they would not have enough financial assets to maintain at least poverty-level status for three months if their income were cut off.
Researchers at LSU Health have discovered a crucial mechanism in brain cell communication that can help protect against stroke. They found that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, promotes the survival and integrity of neuronal cells by regulating key proteins involved in this communication.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.
A recent study suggests that an increase in immigration to the US has little impact on the wages of native citizens. However, it does benefit low-skill workers, with average wage gains of around 4%. The study also found a small positive effect on high-skill natives' wages and reduced local real wage inequality.
Researchers, including Masoud Manjili, suggest that COVID-19 should be treated as an acute inflammatory disease due to dysregulated immune responses. Effective treatment strategies involve modulating inflammation without compromising the adaptive immune response.
Researchers create micropores in mouse skin, allowing drugs to diffuse through more easily, reducing pain from injections. The method has potential for transdermal delivery of insulin and other medications, alleviating daily injection needs.
A national biofuel policy encouraging sugarcane juice production may make India's water and energy resources more sustainable. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded due to policies that incentivize production, reducing resources for micronutrient-rich foods.
A new IIASA-led study examines how COVID-19 spreads regionally and between countries, revealing that government measures such as border closures and flight suspensions were crucial in preventing further transmission. The research also shows that international air travel played a significant role in the early stages of the pandemic.
A new study by the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that immunization programs will save $681.9 billion for 2011-20 and $828.5 billion for 2021-30, with a return on investment ratio of up to 51:1.
A pilot study found that Snapchat improves diagnostic performance among radiology residents, who performed better on the platform than with traditional classroom screens. The results suggest a promising novel training method to enhance recognition of life-threatening imaging diagnoses.
Researchers found a sharp increase in Google searches for financial distress and disaster relief during the early months of the pandemic, while searches for related to suicide decreased. The study suggests that financial stress may predict a future increase in deaths from suicide.
Researchers analyzed ancient marine ecosystems in Tierra del Fuego and found that the Argentinian hake had a broader isotopic niche and fed on coastal habitats during the Middle Holocene period. This study predicts potential changes in the fishing industry in the region if environmental conditions align with those of the past.
Researchers from LSU Health New Orleans have identified microscopic evidence of inflammation in small cardiac vessels during autopsy of patient who initially recovered from COVID. The team notes the potential for increased clotting affecting pulmonary blood vessels beyond initial course of COVID-19.
A PLOS Special Collection explores current norms and practice in childbirth, focusing on positive transformation and balancing interventions. Key findings include the importance of oxytocin and one-on-one support during labor and birth.
Researchers find that a combination of subsidies, weather experience, and financial literacy leads to long-term insurance uptake. Subsidies alone have limited effect without financial education and actual payout experience.
A new material combines recycled concrete aggregate and rubber in a mix precisely optimised to meet road engineering safety standards. The blend is more flexible than standard materials, making roads less prone to cracking and delivering both environmental and engineering benefits.