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.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, enabling its use in high-frequency electronics. The indium triazenide molecule allows for epitaxial growth of indium nitride on silicon carbide substrates, producing extremely pure material.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that many economies are experiencing prolonged periods of instability and slow growth due to 'secular stagnation'. The team's analysis suggests that the COVID-19 crisis may result in one of the weakest and most unstable recoveries in recorded history.
Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.
The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.
A 16-year analysis reveals that periods of regulatory uncertainty increase electricity price volatility, regardless of renewable energy's intermittent nature. The study highlights the impact of policy changes and economic crises on market prices.
Researchers from OIST have decoded the genomes of four Okinawa mozuku strains, revealing unique genetic differences and potential heat tolerance. The findings could help improve cultivation methods and develop new strains tolerant to climate change effects.
The number of employed working-age people with disabilities increased by 5.5% in May, while employment-to-population ratios improved slightly from April. Despite this, historic levels of unemployment remained high, and the percentage of temporary layoffs declined only moderately for both groups.
The CNRS 2020 Innovation Medallists have made significant contributions to various fields, including graft rejection treatment and high-precision sensors. Their work has led to the development of innovative technologies with applications in industry, healthcare, and research.
A global study found that cultivated economic plants are 18 times more likely to naturalize than non-cultivated species, with multiple uses being the most successful. Economic plants of Asian origin show the greatest naturalization success.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a new method to measure squeezing in systems, allowing for more sensitive detection of signals. The technique, led by Professor Eva Weig, uses a simpler approach than existing methods and enables measurements in previously inaccessible systems.
The Reutivar App aims to optimize fertilizer and water application in olive orchards, reducing waste and environmental impact. By using reclaimed water with macronutrient content, farmers can control fertilizing calendars and reduce nitrogen use, promoting a more sustainable approach to irrigation.
A recent study analyzed anonymized Facebook data from over 3m Italians to examine the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on human mobility. The research found that while national mobility declined by an average of 70%, regional variations were significant, with some areas experiencing reduced mobility despite low COVID-19 cases.
A team of scientists and historians found evidence connecting an ancient period of extreme cold in Rome with a massive eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano in 43 BCE. The study used ice core samples to link the eruption to the caldera-forming event, which had significant impacts on climate and history.
A study found that Universal Credit's single payment between partners can lead to financial difficulties, particularly for women. The research calls for policy changes to provide financial independence for both partners in modern relationships.
A new Yale-led study finds that a decline in green energy spending during the global crisis could outweigh the short-term environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions and local air pollution. The economic downturn may lead to a significant setback in clean energy innovation, with potential impacts on human health.
Research highlights human activity and climate change as major stressors to river systems, compromising their resilience and vulnerability to extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for urgent governance at local and international levels to address these issues.
A review by researchers identifies the link between wealth, economy, and environmental impacts, highlighting the need for structural change to address affluence. Lifestyle changes are crucial, but also, broader economic paradigm shifts are necessary to manage economies in a way that protects climate and natural resources.
A new IIASA-led study suggests that matching-commitment agreements can incentivize countries to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potentially leading to a more effective international climate agreement. The research results indicate that such an agreement can successfully divert countries from a rational outcome to a new ...
A new study found that homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days due to chronic diseases and limited access to medical care. The study, conducted across three states, revealed a 17% combined 30-day readmission rate among homeless patients compared to 14% among housed individuals.
A new study published in INFORMS Journal Information Systems Research suggests that displaying fake reviews alongside truthful ones can increase consumer trust in review platforms by 80%. Consumers want to view both types of reviews together, and this transparency can help build trust. The study also highlights the importance of provid...
A Duke researcher found that publicizing OSHA violations through press releases leads to a significant improvement in compliance among nearby facilities, with effects persisting up to 31 miles away. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective tool for regulatory agencies to promote safety and health in the workplace.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system that can virtually remove buildings, trees, or moving objects from real-time landscape simulations using deep learning and video game graphics engines. This technology may become standard for urban planning in busy areas with many distractions present, allowing for the visualizati...
A game theoretical study by Claudius Gros shows that envy can lead to the emergence of social classes in a society. The study simulates individual behaviour in a competitive environment, where agents with different skills and opportunities interact.
A recent study from the University of Southampton found that caring responsibilities disproportionately affect older adults' mental and physical health. Nearly a fifth of men and over a quarter of women reported providing care, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases and decreased productivity.
A new study revisits the concept of inequity across individuals, time, and states of the world, proposing a general measure of welfare as
A new study by University of Warwick researchers shows that UK patients are keen to receive discharge letters when they leave hospital, which could improve patient outcomes and reduce prescribing errors. The study found that most patients want clear, labelled sections and less technical jargon in their discharge letters.
A study led by the University of Hawai?i Cancer Center reveals that genetic mutations can make individuals more susceptible to cancer upon exposure to environmental carcinogens. The research highlights the importance of identifying gene-environment interactions in cancer prevention and early detection strategies.
Researchers are investigating the effects of pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions on local Colorado farmers and ranchers. They are also examining shifts in emergency food service provisions for low-income students.
The University of Arkansas will lead a statewide computing-cloud called the Arkansas Research Platform to integrate existing high-performance computer resources. Researchers from nine institutions will focus on three major areas of data science: managing complex data sets, securing data privacy, and developing machine learning models.
A new study found that UK ethnic minorities continue to face significant challenges in employment, with many groups more likely to be in manual work or unemployed than their white counterparts. The research highlights the impact of persistent racism on access to positive socioeconomic outcomes and social mobility.
A recent study found a strong relationship between social media use and prejudice against Chinese Americans, with women experiencing higher levels of realistic and symbolic threats. The study also revealed surprising political affiliations, with Democrats scoring higher than Republicans in perceiving Chinese Americans as a threat.
A new study finds that sea otter recovery brings significant ecological and economic benefits, including healthier kelp forests, higher fish catches, and carbon storage. The long-term benefits are estimated to be worth over $53 million per year, potentially offsetting commercial losses of $7 million.
A new MIT study examines 26 types of businesses, measuring their economic importance and risk. Banks perform the best in terms of economic impact and relatively low crowding, while liquor and tobacco stores rank poorly due to high crowds and limited economic importance.
Researchers from DGIST introduce a new post-synthetic modification (PSM) method for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), generating highly porous mesostructures. This technique enables the introduction of desired functional groups and mesoscopic holes, improving adsorption kinetics.
A new study found that equity analysts place greater emphasis on early impressions and experience a strong first impression bias that influences their forecasts for up to six years. Negative first impressions had roughly double the economic effect on forecasts compared to positive ones, leading to more pessimistic forecasts.
Researchers found a strong association between flu vaccine coverage and reduced antibiotic use in the US. The study suggests that expanding flu vaccine coverage could reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and mitigate the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers developed a new metric called Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) to measure the value of nature's contributions to economic activity. GEP accounts for benefits like clean water and climate security, informing investments in securing them and evaluating policy performance.
A new study estimates that a national calorie menu labeling law will prevent tens of thousands of new heart disease and type 2 diabetes cases over five years. The law is expected to produce $10-14 billion in healthcare cost savings and another $3-5 billion in societal cost savings.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that higher heat and humidity levels can slow the spread of COVID-19, but longer hours of sunlight are associated with a higher incidence of the disease. This suggests that sunny days may tempt people out more, increasing infection risk.
A new study found that women living within six miles of oil and gas wells in California were 8-14% more likely to experience spontaneous preterm births. The study analyzed 225,000 births from 1998 to 2011 and focused on how exposure to wells may affect health outcomes.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new experimental technique using the European XFEL's powerful laser pulse to 'X-ray' individual oxygen molecules. The resulting images show the atomic structure and fragmentation process of the molecule, providing valuable insights into its behavior.
A team of Penn State professors has received a $3 million grant to investigate food resilience in the face of catastrophic global events. The researchers aim to develop strategies for emergency food production, including the use of alternative crops, soilless growing systems, and long-term storage methods.
Researchers have calculated Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), a monetary value of ecosystem services. GEP calculations for China's Qinghai Province showed over half of its value came from water supply, with GEP exceeding GDP in the year 2000 and being ¾ as large as GDP by 2015.
A new study from the University of Bath found that regulation can trigger significant benefits for micro firms, including new business opportunities and strategies. The research suggests that regulation can protect existing markets and ensure a level playing field across the industry.
The Mole-bot, a biomimetic drilling robot, has been optimized for underground and space exploration. It boasts powerful forelimbs, a stout scapula, and an expandable drilling bit that can excavate three times faster than conventional models with six times higher directional accuracy.
Companies like Apple and pharmaceutical firms are struggling with disrupted supply chains due to pandemics. Researchers propose a strategy called branching to build multiple branches into value chains, increasing resilience.
A national survey of recent college graduates with and without disabilities reveals that 90% of each group are employed after graduation. Engaging in internships, paid employment, and career counseling services correlates positively with working after graduation for all graduates.
A new modelling study suggests that a cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions can be better for the global economy in the long run. The study found that shorter, stricter lockdowns minimize supply chain impacts, while gradually easing measures over 12 months may also be less disruptive.
A straightforward fabrication method has been introduced by researchers from Osaka University to improve the gas sensing performance of common ceramic coatings. The new method involves depositing a thin, porous titanium dioxide film onto a surface using spin coating, resulting in a significant increase in detection speed and accuracy.
Researchers have created a two-component bioelectrode using biological components from nature, improving the efficiency of sunlight conversion into electrical energy. The new design enables the use of twice as many photons within the green gap, compared to previous systems.
A new project aims to drive evidence-based propositions for creating an environment where Third Agers (older individuals easing off full-time employment) can contribute to society. The study explores building social capital beyond economics and reimagining traditional family structures to provide support.
A global survey of 902 spine surgeons revealed that 75% of surgical cases were canceled weekly due to COVID-19. The majority reported elevated anxiety and uncertainty about managing patients with the virus.
A recent special issue of Economic Development Quarterly examines the impact of local and state financial incentives on business location decisions. Research suggests that simply expanding incentives may not be effective in creating jobs, while some types of incentives work better for specific industries in certain local economies.
A new study by Aston University reveals UK small and micro-exporters are switching €10 billion annually in exports from EU to Commonwealth and other developed economies. This defies conventional trade gravity models, suggesting the firms' 'jumping before they're pushed', driven by uncertainty over Brexit trade talks.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a blockchain prototype system for digital rights management and royalty distribution, creating new revenue streams for small publishers. The project enabled micro-payments via smart contracts to creative professionals involved in the writing and publishing process.
A new laboratory experiment reveals that climate geoengineering can lead to increased inequalities and economic losses, particularly when countries employ 'free driving' strategies. The study also found high strategic uncertainty and miscoordination among countries through counter-geoengineering solutions.
Research shows a significant increase in annual maximum one-day precipitation in North America, with anthropogenic forcing detected across the continent and smaller regions. The study suggests that human-induced warming has contributed to intensifying extreme precipitation events.
A Northwestern University-led team has developed a smart sponge that selectively soaks up oil in water, leaving clean water and unaffected marine life behind. The sponge can absorb more than 30 times its weight in oil and can be reused many dozens of times without losing effectiveness.
A recent study published in SSM - Population Health examined the impact of 18 major life events on wellbeing, including marriage, death of a loved one, and bankruptcy. The study found that some events had profound impacts on wellbeing, while others had little to no effect.
A new research-based framework helps companies balance economic and sustainability factors when producing biochemicals. The framework assesses the true sustainability of biochemicals by combining economic and environmental impacts into a monetary single score.