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Movin' on up? Views on social mobility shape Americans' faith in the status quo

A Princeton University study found that people's perceptions of social mobility affect their willingness to defend the current system. Those who believe Americans have ample opportunities to change their place in society are more likely to support the status quo, while those who think people are mostly stuck are less likely to defend i...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 17, 2017

Benefits of renting a home may be underrated

A new study by University of Stirling researcher Dr Isaac Tabner suggests that households should carefully consider the costs of renting versus buying a home. The research highlights that even during favorable economic conditions, households may need to own their home for several years before buying becomes financially more advantageous.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·DateJan 12, 2017

Giving investors a say on CEO pay limits excesses

A new study by Maria Guadalupe of INSEAD found that say-on-pay policies lead to improved firm performance, including higher return on assets and reduced overheads. Shareholder value increases by about 5 percent, as the policy aligns management closer to shareholders and gives them an equal voice.

SourceINSEAD·JournalReview of Finance·DateJan 10, 2017

Hydropower in China impacts the flow of the Mekong River

The study reveals that Chinese hydropower operations have significantly altered the Mekong River's dry and wet season flows, affecting its ecological productivity. The changes in river flow have been particularly pronounced since 2014, with the Nuozhadu dam project having the largest impact on downstream Cambodia.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJan 9, 2017

For chemicals, mega is out and bio is in

Researchers argue that waste methane can be turned into valuable chemicals through biomanufacturing, which could meet industry's needs and reduce environmental impact. By operating at smaller scales, biomanufacturing facilities can be closer to feedstocks and point of need, facilitating faster innovation.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2017

Study: Medicaid expansion boosts Michigan's economy and will more than pay for itself

A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion has boosted the state's economy and budget, generating over $2.3 billion in personal spending power each year. The program is expected to continue having a self-paying effect for at least five years, with the state ending up with more money than it spends.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 4, 2017

University of Minnesota research shows people can control a robotic arm with only their minds

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a groundbreaking breakthrough in developing a noninvasive brain-computer interface technology that allows people to control a robotic arm using only their minds. Eight healthy human subjects successfully controlled a robotic arm to pick up objects and move them from one location to a...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2016

Even with maximized yields, sub-Saharan Africa won't grow enough grain in 2050

A new study found that even with optimized yields, sub-Saharan Africa will not meet its grain demand by 2050. Closing the yield gap requires a large acceleration in farming practices and investments in agricultural development. The region must prioritize strategic investments to upgrade infrastructure and ensure food security.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

The economy of cold soil blues

A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Daniel Kaiser found that in-furrow starter fertilizer application has limited economic benefits for corn farmers in areas with cool spring temperatures. The practice, which aims to boost early-season growth, may not outweigh the costs of the fertilizer itself.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 30, 2016

Military environment

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed models to improve environmental conservation on military bases, resulting in a 21% increase in military readiness and environmental protection. The study found that by considering the cost-effectiveness of project selections, the DoD can achieve significant benefits with reduced costs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalLand Economics·DateNov 29, 2016

Why conservation fails

New research published in the Journal of Economic Theory highlights a fundamental contradiction in the policy of making land owners paid more than it costs them to conserve forests. This market inefficiency leads to stalemate and makes forest protection unfeasible through logging with some chance or gradual logging to secure funding.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Economic Theory·DateNov 28, 2016