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 develop a cost-effective laboratory device called ElectroPen, which applies short bursts of electricity to temporarily open cell walls. The device is built using inexpensive components, including a piezoelectric crystal taken from a butane lighter, and can be assembled in just 15 minutes.
Researchers Heski Bar-Isaac and John Asker found that MAP can be beneficial for consumers who seek lower prices, but also allows manufacturers to get more money from less price-discriminating shoppers. The study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to regulating MAP is misguided.
Research reveals people's understanding of sound judgment, distinguishing rationality and reasonableness. Laypeople grasp economists' view of rationality but favor socially pragmatic reasonableness as a separate standard. This study explores how the general public views rationality and reasonableness.
A new study by MIT economists found that a hotspotting program has virtually no impact on patient health care use, contradicting previous claims of a significant reduction in rehospitalizations. The study evaluated 800 patients and found similar outcomes between those enrolled in the program and those not.
Researchers suggest four strategies to change the minds of climate deniers: reframing solutions as social system stabilizers, reducing ideological divide by emphasizing Earth's purity, having conversations with trusted individuals, and discussing values before engaging climate info. Self-affirmation is challenged when facing climate ch...
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that young adults who use both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes have a nearly three times higher risk of stroke compared to non-smokers. The study also found that switching from combustible to e-cigarettes does not reduce stroke risk, highlighting the need for fu...
A study by Penn State researchers found that the growth of craft breweries in the US is linked to an unprecedented expansion of hop production across 29 states. The number of breweries more than quadrupled from 992 to over 4,000 between 2007 and 2017, resulting in a five-fold increase in hop farms and acreage.
The study analyzed the correlation between happiness levels and Arab Spring protests, finding that countries with lower happiness levels were more likely to experience unrest. The researchers also discovered that GDP per capita had a weaker correlation with protest activity than initially thought.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that closing of local automotive assembly plants is associated with an increase in opioid overdose deaths. The study highlights fading economic opportunity as a driving factor in the national opioid epidemic.
Arup K. SenGupta, a renowned expert in water technology, has received the second Fulbright research fellowship to collaborate with Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati. His work focuses on implementing Hybrid Ion Exchange Nanotechnology (HIX-Nano) to transform wastewater into usable water.
Economic growth and population expansion were major contributors to China's energy-related CO2 emissions increase between 1978 and 2023. Carbon and energy intensity have slowed the growth rate of CO2 emissions, suggesting a low growth rate for future increases.
The MIT-developed model uses anonymized credit card transactions and quarterly reports to predict company earnings, outperforming human analysts on 57% of predictions. The researchers' method tackles the 'small data' problem by combining noisy signals with traditional financial data.
A meta-analysis of North American and European studies found that less intense lawn mowing leads to increased pollinators, plant diversity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, intense mowing favors pest species, weeds, and drought events. Long grass also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
By 2030, nearly half of US adults are expected to have obesity, and more than a quarter will have severe obesity. The study predicts that several states will have obesity rates close to 60%, with severe obesity becoming the most common BMI category among low-income adults.
A study of over 6,000 UK adults aged 50+ found that regular engagement with the arts was associated with a lower risk of death. The more frequently people participated in arts activities, the greater the protective effect, with those attending arts events once or twice a year having a 14% lower risk of dying.
A large US study found that women born in the spring and summer had a slight but significant increase in cardiovascular death compared to those born in autumn. The researchers suggest that seasonal fluctuations in diet, air pollution levels, and sunlight may contribute to these differences.
The 5G-DIVE project validates 5G technology for remote control of industrial robots and autonomous coordinated drone flight, requiring high bandwidth and low latency. The project aims to improve performance and corporate value through Fog Computing and intelligent design.
A study by Université de Genève researchers shows that Donald Trump's protectionist policies increase unemployment in the US and Mexico, reducing welfare by 0.31% in the US and 6.6% in Mexico.
Researchers at NREL have discovered a novel oxygenate molecule that can be produced from biomass, showing promise as a blend for diesel fuel. Initial results suggest improved ignition quality, reduced sooting, and fuel economy gains.
A recent study found that less appetizing moths are more relaxed when attacked by bats, while more palatable ones employ evasive maneuvers. The research demonstrates complex risks and rewards of anti-predator strategies, potentially allowing scientists to predict the behaviors of rare or extinct species.
Researchers developed a biomass-derived ether with favorable fuel properties by combining computational screening and high-yield catalytic production. The resulting blend showed improved ignition quality, reduced sooting tendency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional petrodiesel.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that time-of-use electricity rates increase costs for households headed by people with disabilities and the elderly, compromising their health. The research highlights the need to test and design time-of-use rates to avoid increasing hardship for vulnerable energy users.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool that uses deep-learning algorithms to determine if claims are supported by other posts and stories on the same subject. The system achieved 90% accuracy in stance detection, a key area of research in detecting fake news.
Scientists and innovators present the concept of the Circular Carbon Economy, a system where carbon emissions are reduced, reused, recycled, and removed. This approach is inspired by nature and aims to restore the balance of the carbon cycle.
A team of researchers at Wayne State University is developing a novel oral insulin delivery system to address the issues of low absorption and bioavailability. The goal is to create a safe and efficient treatment that can enhance the quality of life for diabetes patients.
New research reveals that knowing more about a partner's actions accelerates joint physical task collaboration. Game theory insights inform the development of robots that can interact with humans in a natural, human-like fashion.
A new study found that gradualism, increasing project stakes step-by-step, significantly improves group coordination. The research showed that teams with gradually increasing stakes outperformed those with consistently high or low stakes.
Financial infidelity is defined as hiding financial behaviors expected to be disapproved of from one's partner. Consumers more prone to this often prefer secretive options like personal credit cards and cash. The study found that concealment of financial information in mobile banking apps also increases the risk of financial infidelity.
The virus causes red veins and blotches on grape leaves, reducing fruit size, ripening time, and sugar colors. Researchers aim to understand the disease's spread, potential vectors, and economic impact on grape production and wine quality.
Research led by Dr. Nicolas Bazan has discovered the critical role of MFRP and Adipor1 proteins in preserving retinal function. The study found that mutations in these proteins lead to retinal degeneration, highlighting their importance in preventing age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
Associate Professor Selin Kara aims to develop a fully green and sustainable production process for chemicals using natural enzymatic reactions. She plans to use bio-catalysis and photobiocatalysis in miniaturized bioreactors to create high-value products with minimal environmental impact.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that federal disability benefits encourage more family caregiving, with recipients increasing in-kind assistance from adult children and enabling them to reallocate time to care for their parents. The study also shows a significant increase in the likelihood of children receiving payment for their help.
The Air Force has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Imaginestics LLC, a company developing an artificial intelligence-powered system for managing additive manufacturing data. The system, called AMAS, will provide the Air Force with a method to store, manipulate and present AM data effectively.
Researchers propose transforming low-productivity agricultural land into conservation reserves, which could help nations meet their United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The approach recognizes the value of uncontested lands, allowing for quicker and cheaper conservation efforts than traditional methods.
A $299,641 grant will advance the development of a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker test for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening illness affecting neonates. The test aims to alleviate this devastating gut disease among premature babies.
A new emissions inventory for Nepal reveals that air pollution is growing at a much faster rate than the economy. The study found that private households account for a larger share of fuel consumption and emissions in Nepal compared to industrial nations.
A study by IIASA researchers found that the risk of simultaneous breadbasket failures due to climatic extremes has increased over time, with potential consequences for food price spikes and famine. The analysis suggests a need for more efficient allocation of resources to contingency plans and strategic crop reserves.
A study by Princeton University found that people perceive a person's competence partly based on subtle economic cues from their clothing. In nine studies, participants rated faces wearing different upper-body clothing as more or less competent depending on the perceived wealth of the clothes.
Female survivors of domestic abuse are nearly twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to non-abused women. The study examined GP records of 18,547 abused women and found a significant association between abuse and these long-term illnesses.
A new IZA World of Labor report highlights the critical role of teacher effectiveness in pupil attainment. Improving teacher selection, reforming contracts, and personalizing professional development are key areas to increase teacher efficiency.
Research on warm-sector heavy rainfall (WSHR) in China has revealed its association with specific synoptic patterns and topography factors in South China. However, WSHR events in other regions are less understood, leading to inaccurate forecasts.
A new study calculates replacement level fertility based on actual rates, revealing countries with fertility levels above 2.1, often due to high mortality and gender inequality. The findings show that many countries have a higher replacement rate than commonly assumed, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.
New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that climate and economic factors are driving farmers out of their properties in the Murray-Darling Basin. The study found no significant association between reduced water extraction and farmer numbers.
A new study suggests that taxpayers are more willing to pay their taxes when they recognize how their dollars contribute to the greater good. The research, conducted across multiple countries and demographics, found a positive correlation between tax payment and perceived social benefits.
A recent study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that incumbent CEOs working with newly hired CFOs (co-opted CFOs) take home an average of 10% more compensation. This is attributed to the CEO's power over the CFO, who may be pressured to manage earnings to meet or exceed financial analyst targets, ultimately driving...
Successful tech entrepreneurs prefer cities with a strong social support network and modest funding opportunities. The study reveals that social connections play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent, with young entrepreneurs aged early 30s being the most successful.
New research investigated the effect of sleep on eyewitness memory and found no benefit for eyewitness identification accuracy. Despite this, reliability remained high, with participants accurately identifying guilty suspects even after a 12-hour delay or sleep period.
Researchers found high levels of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in the Nairobi river basin, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study calls for better regulation and enforcement to ensure the environmental sustainability of growing patient access to medicines.
The Wellcome Trust has established a translational partnership with Charité and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) to maximize translational medicine's benefits for patients and society. The partnership aims to raise biomedical research quality, improve regulatory understanding, and establish incentives for translational research.
A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.
A new study finds that face masks (CPAP machines) can improve symptoms of mild sleep apnoea, leading to increased energy levels and vitality. The research involved over 200 patients and revealed a significant improvement in those who used the CPAP machine compared to those receiving standard care.
Researchers at University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management devised a new method to manage perishable inventory, cutting costs by up to 27%. The single most effective strategy is shortening lead time between receiving an order and delivering it, reducing costs for suppliers in the food retail industry.
Fine particulate air pollution has been linked to several common diseases that cause hospitalizations, including septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and skin and tissue infections. The study found substantial health care and economic costs associated with even small increases in PM2.5 exposure.
A new UBC study found that restoring seismic lines to protect caribou from predators and competitors has limited effectiveness in keeping them safe. Caribou populations have declined rapidly across western Canada, and the researchers' camera trap study showed that restored lines were used about as much as unrestored lines.
The study found that the current system of immediate psychological help after a terrorist attack is inadequate, with most people seeking external help and expressing dissatisfaction with their GP's response. The researchers recommend improving the system to provide better support sooner.
Economists propose a novel approach to measuring inequality, accounting for individual relationships and social interactions. The new method correctly calculates the Gini coefficient by considering differences between individuals' wealth, not just individual values.
A new integrated conversion process reduces emissions by 40-96% using ethanol, making biofuels more sustainable. Researchers developed a one-step conversion method to lower costs and environmental footprint.
Researchers have developed a process to transform waste sugar cane and wheat straw into valuable chemicals, increasing value by 5000-fold. The new method produces high-value building blocks for food industry and pharmaceuticals directly from waste biomass in a single 'one-pot' process.
A new global map assesses the sustainability of food systems, considering factors beyond productivity and nutrition. The study identifies knowledge gaps and provides a standardized framework for measuring food system sustainability.