How ants investigate the housing market when searching for their ideal home
Rock ants adjust their search effort based on nest quality and potential new homes, demonstrating a measured approach to evaluating the housing market.
Economics Research
Articles tagged with Economics Research
Researchers demonstrate 'accelerator on a chip'
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have demonstrated a 'laser on a chip' technology that accelerates electrons at a rate 10 times higher than conventional methods in a nanostructured glass chip. This breakthrough could lead to compact accelerators for science, medicine, and research applications.
Debt linked to mental health problems
A study published in Clinical Psychology Review found that people in debt are three times more likely to experience mental health problems than those not in debt. The research, led by the University of Southampton, analyzed data from nearly 34,000 participants and showed a strong correlation between debt and poor mental health outcomes.
Michigan's Medicaid expansion: A model for pragmatic, bipartisan health reform?
Michigan's Medicaid expansion provides a unique blend of public and private sector approaches to health coverage, blending compassion with economic realities. The Healthy Michigan plan includes market-oriented reforms and provisions that limit the state budget impact if certain benchmarks aren't hit.
Tweets reveal news readership patterns around the world
Researchers analyzed tweets from eight national newspapers across the US, UK, Spain, Brazil, and Germany to study global news reading habits. They found that different countries have stronger preferences for specific types of articles, such as opinion and world news in the US and Britain, and local and national news in Spain.
Lighting up can bring you down in colorectal surgery
A new study found that smoking boosts the risk of infection, pneumonia, and death after elective colorectal procedures. Smokers are more likely to experience complications and have longer hospital stays compared to non-smokers.
University of Calgary launches Institute for Quantum Science and Technology
The University of Calgary has launched the Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), a unit dedicated to research, training, and outreach in quantum science. The IQST will focus on key research themes such as quantum optics, quantum information, and nanotechnology, with a goal of advancing transformative technology.
Second annual Golden Goose Award ceremony honors odd research with major societal benefits
Seven researchers, including two Nobel laureates, are recognized for their unconventional yet impactful studies. Their work has led to life-saving medicines, innovative social insights, and significant technological advancements.
Promising way to boost body's immune surveillance via p53 in fight against cancer
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a new mechanism involving p53, the famous tumor suppressor, to fight against aggressive cancers. The strategy works by sabotaging cancer cells' ability to hide from the immune system, opening a new avenue for targeted therapy.
Drivers of financial boom and bust may be all in the mind, study finds
A study has found that market bubbles leading to financial crashes may be self-made due to brain processes that help traders predict others' behavior. This research offers insight into the biology of financial decision-making, suggesting that unproductive behaviors can drive cycles of boom and bust.
2008 economic crisis could be to blame for thousands of excess suicides worldwide
The study found a marked rise in male suicide following the 2008 global economic crisis, with an estimated 5000 excess suicides in 2009. The impact varied by age, country, and employment change, with rises seen in males aged 15-24 and 45-64 in Europe and America.
Financial incentives motivate sedentary adults to exercise
A review study of 1,500 patients found that financial incentives can increase exercise amounts, helping to overcome time commitment and discomfort barriers. The study suggests providing short-term incentives can drive long-term behavior change, preventing repeat heart events and saving the health system millions.
Scientists discover cosmic factory for making building blocks of life
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered that icy comets collide with planets to produce amino acids, essential building blocks of life. The discovery provides another piece to the puzzle of how life was kick-started on Earth and suggests that these building blocks can be assembled anywhere in the Solar System.
The UK is not investing enough in research into multi-drug resistant infections, say researchers
A UK study finds that only 3.9% of total infectious disease research funding was allocated to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for increased investment in this area. The study calls for strong leadership and sustained targeted spending to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
Living the good life, longer
A new study by Harvard researchers found that Americans can look forward to over two extra years of healthy life compared to the past. The study analyzed data from multiple government-sponsored health surveys and found improvements in overall health, with reduced symptoms of disease and increased vitality.
Americans living longer, more healthy lives
Researchers found that the average American can expect to live 2.4 more years with a healthy life, while a 65-year-old person gains 1.7 quality years. The study also identified troubling trends, including an increase in anxiety and problems with walking among younger Americans.
Hottest days in some parts of Europe have warmed 4 times more than the global average
A new study found that some parts of Europe have experienced a significant warming trend in extreme temperatures, with the hottest days getting 4 times hotter than the global average. This research has important implications for decision-making and planning, highlighting the need for local climate knowledge to address climate change.
American families taking 'divergent paths,' study finds
A study by Ohio State University researcher Zhenchao Qian found American families have taken divergent paths due to increasing inequality. Polarized family outcomes exist among different racial, ethnic, educational, and economic groups. Meanwhile, immigrants are more likely to marry, stay married or remain divorced compared to U.S.-bor...
Male orangutans plan, communicate travel routes a day in advance
Wild male orangutans demonstrate remarkable planning skills by facing their intended travel direction and emitting specific vocalizations before embarking on journeys. Females within earshot often follow these planned paths, while subordinate males tend to avoid similar routes.
Why does a fancy purse say 'stay away from my man'?
Researchers found that women's desire for luxury goods is linked to their motivation to guard relationships. Women perceive luxury products as signals of a partner's devotion and are less likely to pursue men who wear similar items. This phenomenon, known as 'mate guarding,' highlights the role of luxury consumption in relationships.
Researchers map carbon footprints of UK towns and cities
Researchers mapped carbon footprints of 434 UK municipalities, finding that lifestyle, education, and household cars significantly impact CO2 emissions. The study reveals the UK's municipalities have high territorial emissions, despite lower overall carbon footprint compared to global production.
Report calls on policy makers to make happiness a key measure and target of development
The World Happiness Report 2013 reveals six key factors explaining national happiness, including real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, and freedom from corruption. The report also shows significant changes in happiness levels over time, with some countries rising and others falling.
Keep stricter audit committee standards flexible, argues new study from the University of Toronto
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that independent and financially-literate audit committees lead to higher firm values and less diversion of resources. The study suggests that regulators should maintain flexibility around rules requiring high-quality audit committees, particularly for smaller firms.
Lengthy military deployments increase divorce risk for US enlisted service members
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that lengthy military deployments increase the risk of divorce among US enlisted service members. Women are more likely to divorce than men, especially those deployed to combat zones. The risk is higher for couples married before the 9/11 attacks.
Stressful life events significantly raise the risk of falls in older men
A recent study published in the journal Age and Ageing found that stressful life events significantly raise the risk of falls in older men. The research, conducted on 5,994 community-dwelling men over 65, showed that men who experienced serious financial problems or the death of a loved one were more likely to fall.
Study finds language and tool-making skills evolved at the same time
Researchers found that brain patterns for both tasks correlated, suggesting they use the same area of the brain. This study provides evidence for the co-evolution of language and tool-making skills, a theory proposed by Darwin.
Exploitation of Indian workers on 457 visas
A recent study published in The Economic and Labour Relations Review reveals the exploitation of Indian immigrant workers in Australia on 457 visas. The researchers found that workers are often forced to work long hours for low pay under substandard conditions, with little choice but to sign revised contracts or face deportation.
The true raw material footprint of nations
A new Australian study uses a novel modelling tool to calculate the 'material footprint' of 186 countries over two decades, revealing that pressures on raw materials do not decline with economic growth. The results confirm that decoupling of natural resources from economic growth has been exaggerated.
New data reveals that the average height of European males has grown by 11cm in just over a century
A new study reveals that the average height of European males has grown by 11cm between the mid-nineteenth century and 1980. This increase is attributed to factors such as decreased infant mortality rates, smaller family sizes, increased income per capita, and better living conditions.
Oral nutritional supplements demonstrate significant health and cost benefits
A study of over 1 million adult hospital cases found that oral nutritional supplements reduced hospital stay length by 21% and costs by $4,734. Additionally, patients with oral nutritional supplements had a 6.7% lower risk of 30-day readmission.
Frontiers launches a new open-access journal in Energy Research
Frontiers' new journal in Energy Research will publish rigorously peer-reviewed articles on various topics related to energy systems, including nanotechnology solutions, policies, and storage. The journal aims to provide a free-to-access platform for researchers to share their findings with the scientific community.
Sustaining the Plains: Interdisciplinary project seeks to improve Great Plains water sustainability
A team of 8 researchers from Kansas State University is studying the Smoky Hill Watershed to improve Great Plains water sustainability, focusing on human activity and climate change impacts. The project aims to build resiliency in both human and natural systems for economic, cultural, and ecological benefits.
Poor concentration: Poverty reduces brainpower needed for navigating other areas of life
A study by researchers at Princeton University found that poverty can impair cognitive function, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks unrelated to financial concerns. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making and increased mistakes in other areas of life.
Dating violence impedes victims' earnings
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that dating violence in adolescence leads to lower education levels and reduced earnings. The study, which analyzed survey data from over 500 single mothers, suggests that victims of dating violence are more likely to drop out of school or have limited career opportunities.
UC research examines NATO and its 'smart defense' focus in era of economic uncertainty
A study by University of Cincinnati researcher Ivan Dinev found that nations with closer ties to NATO are more likely to adopt smart defense strategies, including reducing military personnel and equipment. This approach is economically rational, especially for countries with limited budgets.
Cognition in aging: Prestigeous European research grant for Magdeburg neuroscientist
A Magdeburg neuroscientist has received a €1.3 million European Research Council grant to study spatial orientation changes in elderly humans. The five-year project aims to detect dementia at an early stage and develop measures to prevent or counteract it.
Well-being not a priority for workaholics, researcher says
A study by Kansas State University researcher Sarah Asebedo found that workaholics are more likely to experience reduced physical and mental well-being. Workaholism was associated with skipped meals and lower self-reported depression scores.
Study: Personality effects on fertility
Researchers found that neurotic men born after 1957 have fewer children, while extraverted men and conscientious women tend to have more. The study suggests personality effects may be contributing to the decline of fertility rates in Europe.
Wayne State receives National Science Foundation grant for training future nanoengineers
Wayne State University has received a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop an undergraduate certificate program in nanoengineering. The program aims to prepare students for flexible employment opportunities and provide them with hands-on knowledge of cutting-edge technologies.
US depression treatment proved effective for UK
A US model of collaborative care for depression has been shown to improve symptoms immediately after treatment. After 12 months, 15% more patients remained improved compared to those who saw their GP alone.
New possibilities for efficient biofuel production
Researchers identified a new enzyme in the lignin biosynthetic pathway that reduces lignin content and increases cellulose conversion to glucose. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of biofuel production from biomass by up to four-fold.
New study puts a price on drug-resistant TB cases in EU
A new study estimates the average cost per case of drug-resistant TB in the EU, revealing significant economic burden and support for investing in more effective vaccines. The study found that the costs of treating MDR-TB and XDR-TB cases exceed €170,000 and €170,000 respectively.
Do academic rankings create inequality?
A study by Michigan State University scholars questions whether global rankings fuel competition at the expense of financial stability and accessibility in higher education. The researchers found that universities receiving more federal research money tend to score higher in Shanghai rankings.
UT Arlington researcher finds that money motivates employees to lose weight
A study by UT Arlington researcher Joshua Price found that financial incentives can encourage employees to lose weight. The most effective payment structure was a refundable participation fee, which led to the greatest weight loss outcomes. Regular payments seemed to work as a reinforcement for people to continue losing weight.
New strategy to disarm the dengue virus brings new hope for a universal dengue vaccine
Scientists have discovered a new strategy that cripples the dengue virus's ability to escape the host immune system. By introducing a genetic mutation to deactivate the MTase enzyme, researchers created a weakened virus that generates a strong protective immune response while preventing the virus from spreading in mosquitoes.
The 'genetics of sand' may shed new light on evolutionary process over millions of years
A new paper by Dr Thomas Ezard uses the fossils of microscopic aquatic creatures called planktonic foraminifera to study speciation. The research highlights the importance of using fossil and molecular evidence in understanding evolution.
UTSA, Southwest Research Institute to develop low-cost method to treat fracking water
Researchers at UTSA and SwRI are developing a low-cost method to treat flow-back water from hydraulic fracturing using biochar. The project aims to create an economical and environmentally friendly solution for treating the large volumes of fracking fluid, which contains salts, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
Scientific breakthrough reveals how vitamin B12 is made
Researchers at the University of Kent have successfully identified the anaerobic pathway for producing vitamin B12 in bacteria. This discovery paves the way for increased production of the essential nutrient, which is used to treat pernicious anemia and other conditions.
Angry opponents seem bigger to tied up men
Research published in PLOS ONE found that physical handicaps like being tied down make men overestimate an opponent's size and underestimate their own. This effect persists even when anxiety is ruled out, suggesting an automatic processing of physical capacities towards potential conflicts with others.
Soil carbon 'blowing in the wind'
A new study reveals that Australian soils are losing significant amounts of carbon to wind erosion, with an estimated 1.6 million tonnes lost annually. This loss affects not only agricultural productivity but also the country's carbon accounts and climate change projections.
Medfly and other fruit flies entrenched in California, study concludes
A new study reveals that at least five species of tropical fruit flies, including the infamous Medfly, are permanently established in California and spreading despite decades-long eradication efforts. The study's findings have significant implications for California agriculture and international trading partners.
Great Recession onset spurs harsh parenting, researchers find
Researchers found that economic conditions worsen only for mothers carrying the T allele, leading to increased harsh parenting. The study suggests that anticipation of adversity, rather than actual economic hardship, drives this response.
Both employees and companies benefit from flexible wage systems
Research from the University of Copenhagen reveals that flexible wage systems have led to a 5% increase in average wages for private sector employees in Denmark. Companies can now better retain key personnel under these systems, leading to increased productivity.
Why shopaholics overspend? Poor credit management, buying to boost mood, study says
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers identifies specific behaviors that lead to compulsive buying, including poor credit management and emotional purchases. The study found that shopaholics are more likely to buy things to boost their mood or improve their life.
Climate strongly affects human conflict and violence worldwide, says study
A new study by UC Berkeley and Princeton researchers found that climate strongly affects human conflict and violence globally. Climate-related factors such as temperature and drought are consistently linked to increased personal and intergroup violence.
Cool heads likely won't prevail in a hotter, wetter world
Researchers found a significant correlation between climate conditions and human conflict, with even moderate changes in temperature and rainfall increasing the risk of personal violence and social unrest. A 1 standard-deviation shift in heat or rainfall boosts the risk of riot, civil war, or ethnic conflict by an average of 14%.
Feeling left out can lead to risky financial decisions, research finds
A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that people who feel isolated are more likely to make risker financial decisions. The research, led by Rod Duclos, discovered that socially excluded individuals prefer longer odds for bigger lottery payoffs and take greater risks with their finances.
OU-led research team awarded NASA EPSCoR grant
A University of Oklahoma-led research team has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The project aims to create nanobatteries that can be charged by photovoltaic systems, increasing capacity and reducing size for increased scientific payloads in satellites and rovers.
LSUHSC Dental School awarded $1.8 million for HIV care and education
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Dentistry has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to educate dental students about caring for HIV/AIDS patients and provide dental services to this population. Over 2,000 patients received dental care last year alone, with thousands more provided since the program's inception.
Dr. John Eng to receive Golden Goose Award
Dr. John Eng's research on gila monster venom led to the discovery of Exendin-4, a compound that stimulates insulin-producing cells and regulates blood sugar levels, improving the lives of millions of diabetics worldwide.