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.
Scientists have isolated a natural resistance gene, Stb6, that confers protection against Septoria tritici blotch (STB), a major threat to wheat production. The discovery holds promise for deciphering other resistance genes and developing a natural barrier to infection.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a cost-effective method to produce triacetic acid lactone, a biorenewable platform chemical, by engineering yeast Y. lipolytica to increase TAL production tenfold. This breakthrough enables mass production of polyketides for various industrial applications.
Researchers discovered molecular evidence of obligate symbiosis in lichens, where fungal organisms streamline their genomes to coexist with algae. This finding suggests a genetic division of labor that makes the resulting lichen more efficient, potentially conferring an ecological advantage.
Researchers at Nagoya University have created a simple and efficient way to form nanographenes in a controlled fashion. The team's approach uses a palladium catalyst to connect benzene units at two points, forming a triangle-like structure that can be repeated to generate the desired molecule.
A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.
New research finds that a Bitcoin crash would likely only affect other cryptocurrencies, while traditional assets remain unaffected. The study reveals significant price spillovers between cryptocurrencies and other financial assets.
The Sicilian mafia arose from high demand for citrus fruits following physician James Lind's discovery that they could prevent scurvy. Citrus cultivation dominated Sicily's economy, creating a lucrative market that attracted mafia affiliation and protection.
Researchers from Rothamsted Research introduce a rice gene that regulates sucrose accumulation in kernels, leading to increased productivity in maize even under drought conditions. The transgenic maize also improves rates of photosynthesis, resulting in more sucrose production for additional kernels.
A study by Dr. Patric Diriwaechter and Dr. Elena Shvartsman found that wage increases temporarily boost job satisfaction due to expectations and social comparisons, but this effect fades out within four years as individuals adapt to their new salary levels.
Researchers developed water-splitting catalyst made of nickel and iron, but uncertainty remained about its mechanism. New study reveals iron performs water-splitting reaction, not nickel, paving the way for improved catalysts.
A team of researchers discovered that mild heat stress damages the cell wall of Salmonella bacteria without rupturing them. This finding could lead to more efficient ways to deactivate bacteria using shorter heating times at lower temperatures, improving food safety and reducing energy consumption.
A study published in Global Change Biology warns that China's growing milk demand will strain global dairy resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land use if left unchecked. Improving domestic milk production efficiencies and adopting more sustainable practices could mitigate these impacts.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
A study by researchers at the Higher School of Economics found that only 2.4% of Russian companies have corporate universities, compared to 28% in Europe. Investing in a corporate university may not be sustainable in the long-run and can create risks for companies.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased by 10.3 percent, while the labor force participation rate rose by 7.1 percent in January 2018. Targeted funding initiatives are helping employers connect with jobseekers with disabilities, leading to a record trend of two years of job growth.
A new study from Hiroshima University finds that financially literate individuals are less anxious about life in old age, having accumulated more wealth. Having a child and regular exercise also reduce concern about aging.
A new special issue in PhytoKeys features 17 new species from Southeast Asia, showcasing the region's remarkable botanical diversity. The discoveries emphasize the urgent need for conservation and understanding biodiversity in the face of climate change and economic growth.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people view immoral individuals as less able to do their jobs or complete tasks effectively. Immoral behavior reduces judgments of people's competence.
Residents of Moscow and St Petersburg live significantly longer than those in other regions of Russia due to high quality medical care and higher education levels. The study found a significant difference in life expectancy between city dwellers and rural residents, with average increases of 4.3 years for women and 2.6 years for men.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that converting a 2.4-mile section of the Cross-Bronx Expressway into a deck park would benefit residents monetarily and in terms of life expectancy, adding nearly two months of quality-adjusted life years.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience found that modifying the properties of land surface in populated areas and agricultural lands could reduce extreme temperatures by 2-3°C. Changing crops, adopting no-till agriculture, and lightening infrastructure are proposed modifications.
A new study by City St George's University of London challenges the conventional perception of competition in financial markets as a war-like, ruthless environment. Instead, firms within syndicated markets adopt a relational approach to competition, incorporating collaboration and reciprocity.
The DRIVE-AB consortium recommends a market entry reward of $1 billion per antibiotic globally to increase innovative antibiotic development and sustainable use. The report estimates up to 16-20 new antibiotics could be developed in the next 30 years, addressing priority pathogens identified by the WHO.
The John Innes Centre announces the Janaki Ammal Scholarship Scheme to support postgraduate research applicants from eligible countries. The scholarships cover tuition fees for students studying plant and microbial sciences, aiming to reduce financial impact on international students.
A study by Penn State researchers found correlations between natural disasters, declining farm income, and opioid overdoses in rural America. Opioid-related deaths are increasing in rural counties, with a 10% rise for every $10,000 reduction in net farm income.
Researchers found that students who expect higher scores tend to achieve them, contradicting the idea that overconfidence hinders academic success. Girls are also more accurate in their predictions than boys, becoming faster to adapt as they progress through exams.
A recent study reveals substantial inequalities in cesarean births persisting across countries, with higher rates among the richest fifths indicating overuse. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted policies to ensure equitable access to caesarean sections and improve maternal and newborn health.
A low-budget experiment exposed top female college students to charismatic, successful women in economics, resulting in a 12-percentage point increase in female enrollment in an intermediate microeconomics course. The intervention had no impact on male students, but particularly inspired high-achieving female students.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation awarded VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland a $1 million prize for its innovative bio-based packaging solution made from cellulose. The material reduces the use of plastics, extends the shelf life of food, and minimizes food waste.
Researchers, led by Dr. Felicia Goodrum, aim to understand the virus-host interaction of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpesvirus family. HCMV poses life-threatening risks in individuals with compromised immune systems and is the leading cause of infectious disease-related birth defects.
The Blavatnik Family Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. The gift will support the Blavatnik Fund for Engineering Innovations in Health, which aims to attract graduate student talent and promote early-stage research across disciplines.
The study uses Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis to identify forest fire hotspots in Brunei-Muara District, highlighting the need for new fire stations. Site Suitability Analysis is conducted using local road networks to suggest suitable locations for new fire stations.
A study led by Temple University and the University of Houston aims to boost academic performance and persistence in college among low-income students through a food scholarship program. The program, which provides direct access to food, has shown promise in improving student outcomes and closing the gap on college completion rates.
A University of Córdoba research group has disproved a widespread assumption among geneticists regarding DNA structure. The study reveals that two types of gaps caused by spontaneous and deliberate breakage are not equivalent, contradicting previous understanding.
A new Stanford University study found that low-income immigrants in New York struggle to become US citizens due to high application fees. The research highlights the need for cost-effective solutions to address this barrier, such as introducing a multi-tiered fee structure and local public-private funding.
A new algorithm developed by Stanford researchers can help resettle refugees more effectively, improving their employment success and overall integration. The algorithm analyzes historical data on refugee resettlement and assigns placements that project a 40-70% increase in employment rates compared to actual outcomes.
Research reveals that past work commitments can still affect employees negatively, hindering their ability to fully commit to new projects and supervisors. The study identifies common reasons for the end of these commitments, including changes in work circumstances and over-commitment.
Archaeologists at Rice University have discovered glass production in sub-Saharan Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of glass technology. The findings suggest that glass was widely traded across West Africa and had a significant impact on regional dynamics.
Financial aid to fisheries in developing countries has declined significantly, impacting food security and livelihoods. Sustainable fishing practices are crucial for climate change resilience, nutritional value, and employment opportunities.
A new TB vaccine has shown promising results in a study of nonhuman primates, providing 41% protection and reducing overall disease by 68%. The vaccine uses a weakened form of a common Herpes virus to create high immunity against the pathogen.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin analyzed 40 years of stock prices, finding that high-beta stocks do not outperform those with low betas. Controlling for lottery-like characteristics, the seminal theory is empirically supported, revealing price pressure from investors as the main cause of the anomaly.
The study found that low-income immigrants are deterred from applying for US citizenship due to the high cost of the application process, with costs rising by 800% since 1985. A new public-private program, NaturalizeNY, offers vouchers covering the fee, doubling the application rate among recipients.
A European study found that increasing cycling networks in cities can lead to significant health and economic benefits. The study estimates that if all assessed cities achieved a 24.7% bicycle mode share, over 10,000 premature deaths could be avoided annually.
Researchers found that most women struggle to understand how to handle the processes of ageing, often relying on dieting as a tool to lose weight. Women also feel pressured to conform to capitalist beauty standards, leading to contradictions in their pursuit of self-care and social acceptance.
Research estimates that asthma costs the US economy $81.9 billion per year, with 15.4 million people affected annually. The study also found significant disparities in healthcare costs between insured and uninsured individuals.
Researchers argue that current emissions pathways are insufficient, requiring broader scenarios with rapid decarbonization and careful consideration of negative emissions technologies. The new scenarios aim to address potential environmental and social consequences of large-scale carbon removal.
Researchers found that almost 500 roads were listed as completed but never built, linked to local politicians steering contracts to favored businesses in their social networks. The study suggests giving local politicians no formal role in road-building may exacerbate corruption.
Childhood mortality in the US has been higher than other peer nations since the 1980s, with leading causes including prematurity and injuries. The study calls for continued funding of programs that save children's lives.
A team of researchers has identified a gene involved in the stiffening of cell walls whose suppression increases the release of sugars by up to 60%. This breakthrough could lead to improved feed for ruminants and better biomass for biofuels, with potential global implications.
The Goethe University Frankfurt's Nok research project has been awarded €1.5 million in funding to continue its 12-year study of the 2,500-year-old Nigerian Nok Culture. The project has uncovered significant insights into chronology, settlement, land use, and environment.
The university is tackling socially relevant topics such as earth's water resources and the effects of regulatory measures on market development with funding from the German Research Foundation. Researchers will examine how institutional and regulatory parameters influence financial market decisions and outcomes.
Researchers at Rothamsted Research have developed a simple mathematical model to predict the behavior of midge swarms, which can help protect crops from airborne pests. The model uses basic physics principles to simulate the complex flight dynamics of midges and predicts their dispersal patterns.
A multinational team of experts is working together to address dietary deficiencies in essential nutrients. The GeoNutrition programme aims to map cropland, test the efficacy of micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, and assess public health policies.
Researchers found that transcranial alternating current stimulation at 20 Hz increased voluntary risky decision-making, suggesting a link between reward processing and beta oscillatory activity. This discovery provides insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of risky decision-making.
A recent study found that opioid prescribing for disabled adults is higher outside of large central metro counties, even after accounting for local economic factors. County-level factors such as household income, unemployment rate, and income inequality also play a significant role in determining opioid prescribing rates.
RecensMedical Inc., a UNIST startup, has received 1 billion KRW investment and 2 billion KRW financial guarantees from KIBO to develop rapid cooling anesthesia for various medical applications. The funding supports the company's growth as the first venture startup in Ulsan.
Researchers from HSE and University of Valladolid created a neural network prediction model to detect corruption cases in Spanish regions. The model uses macroeconomic and political determinants to estimate the probability of corrupt cases emerging over three years, providing valuable insights for anti-corruption measures.
The study found that intoxicated participants spent significantly less time looking at women's faces compared to sober participants. Intoxicated men were more likely to 'check out' the body parts of women they perceived as unfriendly or unintelligent.
Researchers will study how social media affects news dissemination and develop algorithms to accurately predict the spread of information online. The project aims to improve official evacuation orders by filtering out inaccurate posts during disasters.
A new study predicts that migrants applying for asylum in the European Union will nearly triple over the average of the last 15 years by 2100. The researchers found that countries with higher temperature deviations from 20 degrees Celsius during their growing season are more likely to see increased asylum applications.