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 new study found that children who grow up in areas with income inequality are more likely to be bullied. The research, conducted by an international team, analyzed data from over 874,000 children across 40 countries and found a significant association between income inequality and bully victimization.
A new psychology study found that elementary school children lose confidence in being scientists but remain confident in doing science. The researchers used action-focused language to ask children about their abilities in science, which led to increased confidence and interest, particularly among Hispanic children.
Scientists have constructed the first complete map of the cultivated tomato's genetic makeup, revealing a wealth of new information on how to improve flavor. The discovery includes a rare gene variant that influences fruit flavor and a group of compounds contributing to its aroma.
A team of researchers discovered polar skyrmions in an electric material, opening up a plethora of materials systems and physical phenomena to explore. The combination of polar skyrmions and electrical properties may allow for the development of novel devices with significant interest to the Army.
A team at UTIA will determine key parameters for efficient logistics systems using innovative approaches, including evaluating alternative preprocessing technologies and modeling techno-economic analyses. The study aims to expedite commercialized cellulosic biofuel production by balancing cost and quality in feedstock logistics.
Researchers at Cornell University and the University of California Berkeley have made a groundbreaking discovery in polar skyrmions, opening up new possibilities for novel devices. The team found that skyrmions can exhibit chirality in an electric material, which could be used to develop new data storage technologies.
A new study published in The Social Science Journal found that negative economic reporting contributes to people's emotions and increases suicide rates. The study used data from the USA and explored consumer sentiment during times of economic uncertainty.
Researchers identified volatile compounds contributing to dark chocolate's distinctive aroma, including β-ionone and other essential components. By quantifying these substances using stable isotope dilution analysis, the team successfully reconstructed the scents of two dark chocolates with remarkable accuracy.
Advancements in zero-emission fuel cells could make them economically practical for vehicle power, with improved durability and cost-effectiveness. The new technology has the potential to replace traditional gasoline engines and pave the way for a cleaner transportation system.
Researchers found buprenorphine office visits increased from 0.04% to 0.36% of ambulatory visits between 2004-2015, with 13.4 million visits from 2012-2015. Buprenorphine prescriptions were more common among white patients than those of other races/ethnicities.
A randomized controlled trial involving 288 people with obesity found that a mobile phone-based intervention had no significant effect on participants' weight over a 12-month period. The study suggests that the intervention may not be cost-effective in its current form.
A new study finds that immediate, dramatic cuts in carbon emissions can be economically sound if human health benefits are factored in. The research estimates that the health benefits alone could reach trillions of dollars annually, depending on air quality policies adopted by nations.
A Michigan State University study reveals the significant economic impact of the craft beer value chain on the state's economy. The industry generates nearly $1 billion in aggregate economic contributions, making it a substantial driver in Michigan.
A new climate policy model debuts in Nature Communications, finding that reducing carbon emissions is economically sound due to immediate human health benefits. The study supports the Paris Climate Agreement targets and suggests a target of 2 degrees Celsius is defensible if health benefits are included.
A UK study reveals that state-funded preschools maintain high-quality childcare settings due to highly qualified staff, even with less favorable child-to-staff ratios. The study's findings suggest that policy changes and in-service training plans are crucial factors in predicting quality.
A new study from the RAND Corporation found that allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription can sharply reduce fatal opioid-related overdoses. States that adopted laws enabling direct dispensing of naloxone by pharmacists saw a significant decrease in overdose deaths, with an average reduction of 27% d...
A team of researchers at UW-Madison has developed a new process for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from plant sugars, which is a versatile chemical crucial for building a renewable economy. The process uses an inexpensive solvent system and can be integrated into existing industrial systems.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased slightly to 30.9%, but the labor force participation rate decreased, suggesting challenges in full employment. The Disability Equality Index helps companies improve disability inclusion and reap benefits such as higher revenue and profit margins.
A new study by American Cancer Society researchers finds that more than half of Americans experience medical financial hardship, with 56.0% of adults reporting at least one domain of hardship. The study estimates that 137.1 million adults in the US suffer from this issue, which can lead to delays in care, distress, and economic hardship.
Researchers at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute have made a breakthrough in understanding how neurons navigate to their targets, potentially leading to treatments for spinal cord injuries and motor disorders. The study discovered that Sonic hedgehog molecules act like breadcrumbs to guide axons towards specific locations.
Scientists investigate how tropical species are adapting to the newly formed pass in St. Joe Bay, a critical ecosystem with seagrass meadows and diverse marine life. The research aims to understand potential changes in seagrass consumption and its impact on juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the peanut plant's genomic history and the molecular mechanisms underlying its growth and development. Researchers have identified potential leads for improving crop resilience to diseases and pests, including geographic origin information and DNA swapping patterns.
The study estimates that 538 million people worldwide suffer from myopia, resulting in a significant loss of productivity worth over US$244 billion. A one-off investment of US$20 billion could eliminate avoidable vision impairment globally.
The study proposes strategies for hotels to cope with competition from Airbnb, including abandoning seasonal pricing and adjusting rates. Hotels in cities with high demand for leisure travel and low-end options may need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.
A sharp rise in musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnoses has led to MSK conditions ranking as the second leading global cause of years lived with a disability. European countries top the international league table, and there is a significant link between MSK conditions and national economic output.
A 55-year study found that older citizens' civic participation improves their cognitive function, physical and mental health. The research highlights the need for more diverse data from non-English speaking countries to design effective policies promoting civic participation.
A team of international scientists, including those from Samara University, has discovered a new method for synthesizing helicenes, a class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This breakthrough may help explain the formation of biological molecules and better understand the mechanisms of combustion reactions.
Researchers analyzed donating behaviors and found that lower income levels do not lead to increased generosity in regions with high economic inequality. The study contradicts previous findings that individuals with lower incomes are more charitable than those with higher incomes.
Researchers found elevated levels of lead in sediment cores from Utica, Tunisia, linked to tailings from lead-silver mining, which began around the middle of the 4th century BC. This discovery suggests that Carthage's North African territory provided a source of economic resilience during the Punic wars.
Successful global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions would likely increase the average GDP of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia by 2-6 percentage points by 2050. Lower oil prices due to reduced demand would also contribute to economic growth in these countries.
GlycoNet researchers Drs. Alexey V. Pshezhetsky and Christopher Cairo have been awarded half a million dollars to advance research on human neuraminidase inhibitors for treating cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. The funding will support the development of novel treatments for these complex diseases.
This study reveals lower cigarette use among pregnant US women compared to nonpregnant women, but identical e-cigarette use rates. E-cigarette use is more common among pregnant smokers than nonpregnant dual users.
A field experiment by University of Kent and Kings College London found that writing to party supporters about postal voting was not effective in persuading them to switch from polling stations. The study tested this common recruitment tactic, which has seen a significant increase in usage over the past few decades.
A study found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status faced more severe financial hardships during the Great Recession, including loss of a home or bankruptcy. The researchers also discovered widening socioeconomic disparities in economic distress, even before the recession occurred.
Invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora has had devastating effects on the Afar Region of north eastern Ethiopia, causing losses in ecosystem service values estimated at US $602 million. The study found that the weed spread rapidly, leading to a decline in grassland and bush-shrub-woodland areas.
A UC Davis and Concordia University study of nearly 4,000 families found that growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods increases psychosis-spectrum disorder diagnoses by middle adulthood. The study suggests that early intervention through social policies and neighborhood improvements could prevent future mental health issues.
A Johns Hopkins study found that few American adults eligible for diabetes prevention programs are being referred to or participating in these programs. Despite the high health and economic burden of type 2 diabetes, only 4.2 percent of those at risk were referred to a program, with even lower participation rates overall.
The researchers developed a universal beam shaping technique that spatially separates residual and extracted components in the Fourier plane using a virtual diagonal phase grating. This allows for highly uniform flattop beams with improved resolution and accuracy, suppressing edge ripples to 20 μm.
A new Iowa State University study found that rurality, education, and race significantly predicted the change from Democrat to Republican in Iowa. White, rural voters without a college education were more likely to switch to Republican. The research counters the narrative that economic anxiety was the reason for this shift.
A new Stanford University study reveals that global warming has increased economic inequality globally. The study shows that most poor countries are poorer without climate change, while rich countries are richer. Economic growth in tropical countries is decreased by 17-30% due to warming.
Researchers from HSE University and London Business School analyzed Russian companies' stock prices and found profitable arbitrage deals with minimal risk. The 'buy-and-hold' strategy tends to generate higher returns than conversion strategies, despite being riskier.
A team of scientists has identified a novel lignin gene, Zm4CL1, that controls the maize bm5 mutant with reduced lignin content. The study reveals increased forage digestibility and cell wall saccharification efficiency in the bm5 mutant.
A US Department of Agriculture study found that cold exposure can cause weak honey bee colonies to fail during long-distance hauling. Colonies with fewer than 10 frames are more likely to lose bees and struggle to maintain stable temperatures, increasing the risk of failure and chilling.
According to a Concordia study, high-performing corporations are more likely to disclose hard information about their environmental practices, building trust with stakeholders. This transparency pays dividends in the long run, leading to increased public goodwill and market value.
Researchers found that IPOs lead to an increase in home prices and consumer spending in surrounding areas, with each $10 million in proceeds generating 0.7 new businesses and 41 new local jobs. However, IPO activity can also lead to gentrification and price out middle-to-lower-income residents.
Researchers at Osaka University have measured cellulose's intrinsic birefringence with unprecedented precision, paving the way for sharper TV, computer, and smartphone screens. The team envisions using cellulose nanofiber films as light compensation materials for liquid crystal displays.
A team of researchers has observed chirality in polar skyrmions for the first time in a material with reversible electrical properties. The discovery could lead to applications like more powerful data storage devices that continue to hold information even after being powered off.
A new system of measurement called CSAS aims to comprehensively assess community sustainability by addressing three pillars: economic vitality, environmental quality and social equity. The researchers propose a multi-level approach to measure sustainability, starting from neighborhoods and moving up to regions and greater levels.
Researchers developed a drug resistance index to track global trends in antibiotic therapy effectiveness. The study found that high-income countries generally have lower rates of resistance, while low- and middle-income countries face greater challenges due to limited access to newer drugs.
Research by Lancaster University reveals that school bullying increases the risk of mental health problems and unemployment by 40% and 35%, respectively, at age 25. Bullying also reduces income and academic achievement, particularly among those who experience persistent or violent forms of bullying.
The study found that participants are more confident when trying to win money, but this confidence rapidly evolves into over-confidence. In contrast, learning in a loss context mitigates these errors of judgment. The fear of losing money makes individuals more flexible and accurate in their decision-making.
A new Harvard study found that workplace wellness programs can increase healthy behaviors such as exercise and weight management, but have no significant effects on clinical measures of health or other outcomes. The study suggests that these programs may not yield large returns on investment in the short term.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that over half of residents on housing estates want to move away due to economic constraints. Involuntary staying is linked with perceived poor health, stress, and cramped residential arrangements.
Continuing PCV in Kenya is estimated to prevent over 100,000 cases and save 14,000 lives annually. The vaccine's full price is less than Kenya's GDP per person, making it a cost-effective option.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are undertaking an economic and environmental impact assessment for BOHEMIA, a four-year project using ivermectin MDA campaigns in Tanzania and Mozambique. The study aims to evaluate the potential indirect economic benefits of improved human and livestock productivity.
A study proposes a new target for protected areas based on biodiversity outcomes, addressing issues with current targets that focus on quantity rather than quality. The new approach involves systematic monitoring of global sites of biodiversity significance to determine the effectiveness of management practices.
A global review of water reallocation from rural to urban regions found that 69 cities receive significant amounts of reallocated water, mainly driven by North America and Asia's growing populations. The practice is expected to rise further, with 2.5 billion more urban dwellers projected by 2050.
A new research project aims to investigate how opioid use is treated in adolescence, a significant public health problem. The study will analyze insurance claims data to identify patterns of opioid use leading up to addiction and long-term treatment outcomes.
A study found that higher lead levels in topsoil significantly increase the probability of cognitive difficulties in 5-year-old boys, while 5-year-old girls are less affected. The researchers used instrumental variable methods to estimate the causal effect of exposure to lead in topsoil on cognition.
Climate researchers are searching for ice in the Antarctic that's at least 1.5 million years old to gather data on carbon dioxide and methane, and their connections to the climate's development. The BE-OI project has selected Little Dome C as the ideal site, which will be drilled into starting in mid November 2021.