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 USC study finds that rising sea levels and urban development are accelerating coastal erosion in Southern California, with predicted costs tripling by 2050. Beach nourishment projects will become increasingly costly due to the global increase in sand prices.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exclusively breastfed infants used fewer healthcare services and incurred lower costs compared to formula-fed infants. This could have avoided £10 million in healthcare costs if all formula-fed infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6-8 weeks of life.
Researchers developed a new theory on how market dynamics can lead consumers to make risky purchases despite being cautious. The study found that social information and the desire for low prices can create collective ignorance of risks, leading to spiraling risk and poor decision-making.
The SEC experiences a surge in enforcement cases in September due to a reporting deadline, resulting in lower fines. Researchers suggest this may impact the agency's ability to deter bad behavior and maintain overall effectiveness.
Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed the carbon footprint of building a wooden house in Japan, estimating 38 tons of CO2 emissions. The team identified electric power sector and steel manufacturing process as major contributors to total emissions.
A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that blockchain technology could eliminate traditional package holiday providers, slashing costs and giving property owners direct income. Customers would also benefit from greater control over their personal data thanks to enhanced security and privacy.
A Europe-wide study found that individuals living with overweight or obesity have a higher probability of being absent from work due to health issues, as well as taking longer sick days. This has significant implications for economies and productivity across the continent.
Graduates with AI knowledge are more likely to receive job interviews and better pay, according to a new study published in Oxford Economic Papers. Researchers found that applicants with AI capital were 54% more likely to get an interview invitation than those without, while larger firms valued AI skills even more.
Research from Binghamton University reveals that worker rights, including forming trade unions and bargaining collectively, are the most vulnerable human rights. The study finds that economic globalization has led to increased competition between governments and corporations, resulting in reduced labor protections in many countries.
Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and DNA methylation in brain tissue, which may be linked to immune response. The study identified one CpG site (cg26514961, PLXNC1 gene) significantly associated with neighborhood deprivation after controlling for covariates.
The number of male Oxbridge students from elite schools declined significantly by the middle of the twentieth century, according to a new study. In contrast, female students remained steady, with those from professional families increasing dramatically.
Research warns that law fails victims of financial abuse, with no effective mechanisms to compel lenders to transfer debt. The study recommends greater responsibility for coerced debt and restoration of credit records following the end of an abusive relationship.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in March 2024 to 37.9% in April 2024, up 3.8%. The labor force participation rate also rose, from 40.3% to 40.6%, as individuals with disabilities remain engaged in the workforce at a similar rate to last month.
A groundbreaking study led by Rensselaer researcher Billur Aksoy found that over two-thirds of Americans would be comfortable with a transgender manager and support non-discrimination protection. However, respondents underestimated this support, especially for transgender individuals.
Research from the University of South Australia found that COVID-19-induced financial hardships led to significant effects on people's mental health, including anxiety and loneliness. Anticipated income losses had a more profound impact on mental wellbeing compared to actual losses.
A study published in Research Policy found that job displacement leads to significant heterogeneity in earning losses, ranging from 4% to 16.5%, and is exacerbated by skill mismatch. Workers who switch jobs with reduced skill requirements experience the largest losses, while those upskilling are able to catch up within seven years.
Research found that one more job per 100 Black workers in a county was associated with .29 fewer overdose deaths per 100,000 Black Americans. The study suggests that economic context is critical to understanding the demand side of the drug epidemic among Black Americans.
Experts argue that voluntary corporate emissions targets are not enough to create real climate action, as they may favor larger existing companies and hinder innovation. The authors suggest updating regulations to improve corporate climate ambition.
New research reveals that women entrepreneurs face significant biases in startup financing, with higher loan rejection rates and poorer credit terms. The study found that societies with greater women's empowerment actually exacerbate these gaps, suggesting a need for policy interventions to address the issue.
A new study suggests that renewable-scarce countries like parts of the EU, Japan, and South Korea could save between 18 to 38 percent in production costs by relocating their industrial production to countries with cheap renewable energy. The study's lead author argues that importing hydrogen via ship is not a cost-effective strategy fo...
A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
Researchers analyzed firm-level data from the global supply network, revealing that wealthy nations are only exposed to supply chain disruptions from other high-income countries. Poor and developing nations are disproportionately affected by economic shocks due to their structural embeddedness in their local or national supply chains.
This year's awards recognize two groundbreaking articles that significantly influenced marine resource management literature and remain relevant today. Kenneth Ruddle, Edvard Hviding, and Robert E. Johannes' 1992 article on customary marine sea tenure systems delivers sustainable use of marine resources.
A study by the University of Zurich found that CEOs who expressed empathy during COVID-19 pandemic conference calls had better stock prices. The researchers analyzed data from 510 CEO calls and discovered a 2.49 percentage point increase in cumulative returns for companies with human care statements.
Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
A new international study reveals that fluctuating coffee prices have a significant negative effect on the mental well-being of Vietnamese farmers. The study found that price volatility leads to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced social capital among farmers.
Researchers have developed an active learning strategy to accelerate the synthesis of high-performance engineered biochar with enhanced CO2 uptake. The approach nearly doubled CO2 capture performance, showcasing its transformative impact.
A new study suggests that ammonia could be a smart and energy-efficient fuel in the race to achieve net zero in shipping. The NTNU researchers' model shows that IMO's ambitions have a strong impact on shipowners' choice of propulsion systems.
Researchers created a new approach to understanding peri-urban regions, where urban and rural characteristics blend, to improve urban planning and people's lives across the Global South. The 'peri-urban turn' uses Causal Loop Diagrams to map connections between health, place, demographics, governance, and economy.
A study claiming a decline in disruptive patents was based on a measurement error, researchers found. The correct analysis suggests that both disruptive and consolidating research are still needed to build upon existing knowledge and drive innovation.
A new study by the Complexity Science Hub demonstrates how climate policies can be implemented with minimal economic damage. The researchers used a data set from Hungary to examine what would happen if certain companies were forced to cease production in various scenarios aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.
A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.
A new study from China found that higher GDP per capita and lower income inequality are associated with increased subjective well-being. However, when income inequality becomes too high, the link between economy and mental health disappears. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach to economic planning.
A new study projects the impacts of increased migration on Austria's labor market and economy. The research reveals a positive effect on economic growth but significant variations in unemployment across different cohorts.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to increased loan defaults in Brazil's largest public sector bank by up to 7% over three decades. The research uses climate and agricultural data to identify regions with distinct physical and financial resilience needs.
A recent study examines European electricity prices' vulnerability to changes in natural gas prices and proposes new indicators to measure it. The research highlights the need for vigilant market surveillance during energy crises and suggests decoupling electricity markets from natural gas prices.
A new Illinois study reveals that countries with high production levels emit more air pollutants due to domestic and foreign demand. The researchers found a significant increase in carbon monoxide emissions from China to South Korea, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address pollution.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
The prevalence of problem and at-risk gambling in Massachusetts has remained steady since casinos were introduced in 2015, according to a statewide survey. The research team attributes this to the state's robust problem gambling prevention programs, including GameSense and voluntary self-exclusion.
A recent study by MIT scholars reveals that widely disseminated school quality ratings are heavily dependent on the preparation and family background of their students. The study finds that many schools with low ratings perform better than expected, and conventional ratings are highly correlated with race.
A new profitability model reveals that market share's influence on profits is decreasing significantly among digitally savvy firms. Digital transformation and e-commerce platforms level the playing field, making it harder for large players to operate profitably.
A study published in PNAS Nexus found that granular supply chain data using VAT information can provide a more accurate estimate of economic impact in times of crises. This is particularly important for countries seeking to prepare better for armed conflicts, epidemics, or floods.
Researchers have developed new recommendations for optimizing TB screening programs in low-incidence countries. Screening high-risk groups, such as migrants and vulnerable populations, is a cost-effective approach that detects the disease early and prevents transmission.
The study found that people prefer investments with frequent returns, rather than low-probability high returns, due to the 'frequent winner effect'. This phenomenon affects decision-making in the face of uncertainty and is influenced by how people find information about stocks.
The Integrating Finance & Biodiversity for a Nature Positive programme aims to build knowledge, tools, and collaboration to support sustainable investments. By incorporating biodiversity impact into financial decision-making, the programme seeks to reduce the global economy's damage and improve sustainability.
A University of Florida study found that national elections significantly impact consumer sentiment and spending intentions. Floridian consumers exhibit greater confidence about economic conditions when their favored political party is in charge. The research analyzed monthly sentiments data collected by the UF Survey Research Center, ...
A study of 1,156 individuals aged 50+ found that those with more musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier than pain-free participants. Chronic pain was also linked to a higher risk of ceasing work sooner, even after controlling for other factors.
A study published in Economic Inquiry found that U.S. party affiliation significantly impacts consumer sentiment, which in turn affects spending intentions. The analysis shows that consumers' attitudes towards personal and national economic conditions change after elections based on their party affiliation.
Researchers developed a new training tool to help AI programs account for human dishonesty, especially in mortgage and insurance applications. The modified AI was better able to detect inaccurate information from users.
A new technique for producing polymer solid electrolytes has been developed, eliminating the need for vacuum heat treatment and increasing production speed by 13-fold. This method ensures consistent thickness and surface quality of polymer solid electrolytes, ideal for battery production.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.
A study found that companies with top management from Shiga Prefecture exhibited better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performances. The Sanpo-yoshi values promoted inclusivity and elevated ESG metrics, suggesting a global standard for responsible business practices.
A study by MIT scholars finds that workers in lower-paying firms are highly susceptible to underestimating wages at other companies. Providing correct information about salaries can increase the likelihood of workers leaving their current jobs and improve wages.
A new study finds that climate change will further exacerbate projected economic losses from global warming when its impact on global supply chains is factored in. By 2060, total GDP losses could amount to between $3.75 trillion and $24.7 trillion, with supply chain disruptions accounting for a significant proportion of these losses.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant reduction in natural snow cover days globally, with popular ski hubs moving to remote areas. The European Alps, Australian Alps, and Japanese Alps are expected to experience the most decline, threatening local livelihoods and ecosystems.
A study of 69 people across 12 teams found that prioritizing individual needs over team wellbeing can lead to burnout, while prioritizing team needs at the expense of individual wellbeing increases risk of burnout. Effective communication and reflection are key to striking a balance between individual and team wellbeing.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from 37.8% in January 2024 to 36.7% in February 2024, but remained positive overall. The labor force participation rate also declined, but the percentage of people with disabilities largely remaining in the labor force is a good sign.