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Researchers create first-ever 'map' of global labor flow

Researchers at Indiana University created the first global map of labor flow in collaboration with LinkedIn, revealing skills and industries in high demand across the U.S. and globally. The study also identified growing industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, while others like retail and telecommunications are declining.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2019

Researchers estimate societal costs of the opioid epidemic

Researchers estimate that opioid misuse reduced state tax revenue by over $11 billion and increased Medicaid costs associated with opioid use disorder to more than $3 billion. The study also found significant costs to the child welfare system, criminal justice system, and education sector.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 30, 2019

Ethnic networks help refugees integrate into the host country's economy

A recent study by Stanford University and ETH Zurich found that refugees living in areas with larger numbers of people who share their background are more likely to be employed. The study revealed a 2% boost in employment for every 10% increase in the size of ethnic networks. Refugees, especially women, benefit most from proximity to m...

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

Attitudes toward race, immigration underscored vote switching in 2016 election

A new study from UC Riverside suggests that concerns about race and immigration were the primary determinants of vote switching in the 2016 presidential election. The researchers found that both working-class and non-working-class whites who held punitive immigration or racially conservative views were more likely to switch to Donald T...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJul 25, 2019

College spending habits may predict when 'adulting' starts

A study found that fourth-year college students with good financial habits were more likely to see themselves as adults five years after graduating. Financial behaviors during this period continued to have a positive impact on emerging adults' adult identity formation, including lower symptoms of depression and higher relationship sati...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJul 22, 2019

Study: Even in competitive markets, shareholders bear burden of corruption

A new study finds that US shareholders suffer substantial costs due to domestic political corruption, with low-profit firms in competitive environments particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that state-level monitoring mechanisms and transparency can mitigate the negative effects of corruption on firm value.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJul 18, 2019

Pre-results review: Taking transparency in economics research to the next level

The Journal of Development Economics introduces Pre-results Review, a peer review process that evaluates empirical research before results are known. This approach helps improve methodological quality and provides earlier recognition for authors. The practice is gaining traction among journals in various disciplines.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateJul 18, 2019

The loss of biodiversity comes at a price

Researchers estimated financial losses of €209,619 to €322,733 due to Doñana National Park fire impacting Iberian lynx habitat, and €634 to €3,258 for Segura fire. A tool will be created to assess forest fires' impact on biodiversity, leisure, and tourism.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2019

Study: Minimum wage 'an effective tool' for increasing incomes of older workers

A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that the minimum wage has no discernible 'disemployment' effects on older workers and may even delay retirements. The study suggests that higher minimum wages increase earnings and financial resources for older households, offsetting any potential negative unemployment effects.

Lead pollution in Arctic ice shows economic impact of wars and plagues for past 1,500 years

A study using Arctic ice cores shows that lead pollution levels correlate with economic growth and decline, indicating the impact of European events on the environment. The research found exponential increases in lead pollution during the past 1,500 years, with a significant decrease since the passage of pollution abatement policies.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Credit counseling may help reduce consumer debt

A new study found that nonprofit credit counseling significantly reduces household debt and improves credit scores for counseled individuals. The research also showed a substantial decline in debt relative to non-counseled individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJul 3, 2019

Analyzing the tweets of Republicans and Democrats

Researchers found that Republicans tend to focus on breaking news reports and event-specific facts, while Democrats discuss potential policy changes. The study also reveals a stark contrast in emotions expressed by each group, with Republicans showing more fear and disgust, while Democrats express sadness and calls for action.

Americans overestimate income for children from wealthy and middle-income families -- and underestimate it for children from poor ones

A new study by New York University sociologists found that Americans tend to overestimate the future income of children from wealthy and middle-income families while underestimating it for those from poor families. The research challenges the prior belief that Americans hold an optimistic view about economic mobility.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019