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Older people are more swayed by the impulsive actions of others when making financial decisions – new study reveals

A new study published in Communications Psychology found that older adults (60+ years) are more susceptible to social influence when making impulsive financial decisions. In contrast, younger adults tend to stick to their original preference even after seeing others opt for the impulsive option.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2024

WVU researchers say colleges barred from throwing money at student-athletes are offering them multimillion-dollar coaches instead

Researchers found that colleges offer multimillion-dollar coaches instead of throwing money at student-athletes, leading to an arms race in athletics. The study revealed a significant correlation between head coach salaries and team recruitment success, with higher salaries associated with better teams and more victories.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalApplied Economics·DateSep 23, 2024

Pusan National University researchers develop precise pricing formula for perpetual American strangle options

A team of researchers at Pusan National University developed a pricing formula for perpetual American strangle options (PASOs) using a stochastic volatility model. The formula is accurate and provides a better understanding of the risks and returns associated with PASOs, especially in low-volatility environments.

SourcePusan National University·JournalMathematics and Computers in Simulation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2024

Smart researchers unveil study linking EV charging stations to increased local business activity

A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Lack of competition between petrol stations hits households most in poorest areas

Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Husbands still dominate investment decisions

New research reveals a persistent gender gap in household decision-making, with husbands holding more control over investments and potentially exposing their wives to unwanted financial risks. The study found that this power imbalance can have significant consequences for women's financial well-being and overall security.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

New vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from deadly tick-borne disease

A new vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from bovine anaplasmosis, a devastating tick-borne disease causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. The vaccine has been proven to give immunized cattle protection for at least a month and is being discussed with industry partners for future distribution.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

How can wealthy nations respond to the baby bust?

A new study analyzes demographic trends, patterns, and consequences of low fertility in high-income countries. Fertility decline poses economic challenges, but a strategic policy response can mitigate most adverse effects. The authors emphasize the importance of designing economies that allow individuals to freely choose their fertilit...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAnnual Review of Economics·DateAug 27, 2024

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

More academic freedom leads to more innovation

A recent study by an international team has established a link between academic freedom and innovative output for the first time. The researchers found that countries with higher levels of academic freedom tend to have more patent applications and citations, indicating a positive correlation between academic freedom and innovation. Con...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

The real price of the “zero-price effect”

A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that homes sold through free classified services received fewer clicks, sold more slowly, and at a lower price than identical homes sold through paid services. This resulted in an average net loss of about 3.5% to 3.8% of the transaction price.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateAug 21, 2024

Illinois researchers develop index to quantify circular bioeconomy

The Illinois researchers developed a new index called the Circularity Index (CI), which measures circularity on a scale from 0 to 1. It includes eight categories: take, make, distribute, use, dispose, recover, remake, and reuse. The CI can be used to evaluate strategies and impacts in bioeconomic systems.

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing

A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·DateAug 11, 2024

Black employees more likely to experience depression after workplace mistreatment

A study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that Black employees are more likely to attribute workplace mistreatment to racial prejudice and make a pessimistic attribution. This leads to higher rates of depression compared to white employees. Organisations must create an inclusive workplace to reduce workplace mistrea...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2024

Study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters

A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

When is too much knowledge a bad thing?

A new study suggests that increased knowledge can backfire when individuals prioritize their own interests over the greater good. The 'knowledge curse' concept, coined by Cornell University economists, highlights the potential for enhanced understanding to hinder cooperation and lead to worse outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 7, 2024

Does transparency help or hurt businesses dominated by one-time transactions

A recent study published in the American Economic Review suggests that transparency about past transactions can improve market efficiency when sellers have high profits due to competition. However, it may worsen outcomes when buyers observe previous sales quantities, as sellers are more likely to heavily discount their services.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2024

Natural born consumers

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that prehistoric Europeans spent on small everyday expenses more often than large ones, consistent with modern Western economies. The researchers also discovered metal fragments circulated as money around 1,500 BC, supporting the idea of a market economy from an early stage.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

Public health measures that reduce dementia risk could save up to £4bn

A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024

Working from home is stifling innovation – study finds

A new study by University of Essex and University of Chicago economists found that staff working in a hybrid model were less likely to come up with innovative ideas than colleagues who always worked in the office. The quality of ideas also suffered, particularly in teams that didn't coordinate their work schedules.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

ISU studies explore win-win potential of grass-powered energy production

A research team at Iowa State University is studying how to efficiently turn harvested grass into lucrative renewable natural gas, creating wins for farmers, businesses, municipalities, and society. The analysis finds that renewable natural gas is the most economically practical focus, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditio...

SourceIowa State University·JournalGCB Bioenergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

Good lives can be provided to the whole world’s population while reducing environmental damage

A new study suggests that ending mass human deprivation and providing good lives for the whole world's population can be achieved while reducing environmental damage. The research proposes that only 30% of current global resources and energy use are required to provide universal access to basic goods and services.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalWorld Development Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

Study identifies best bioenergy crops for sustainable aviation fuels by U.S. region, policy goals

The study analyzed four biofuels crops and found that each feedstock performed best in a specific region of the rainfed United States. The researchers identified miscanthus and switchgrass as the most environmentally friendly options, while energy sorghum was the cheapest to produce.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 23, 2024