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Redrawing our borders

A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2010

Researchers in Bonn find an 'altruism gene'

A study published in Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience found that a specific genetic variant, COMT-Val, is associated with an increased willingness to donate. Participants with this variant donated twice as much money to charity compared to those with the other variant, COMT-Met.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 8, 2010

Lead poisoning maps in R.I. reveal huge disparities, guide cleanup

A Brown University-led study reveals significant geographic disparities in lead poisoning rates across Rhode Island, with some areas experiencing rates as high as 48.6% among young children. The analysis highlights the need for targeted cleanup efforts to address these disparities and mitigate the long-term effects of lead poisoning.

SourceBrown University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateNov 1, 2010

Exploring Africa's success stories

The African Successes project identifies and analyzes African successes, focusing on economic and political improvements, transparency, and freedom of press. Researchers are studying successful initiatives such as an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia and a cellphone-based money transfer system in Kenya.

Study: Small firms need more access to credit during financial troubles

Research by University of Illinois finance professors Murillo Campello and Heitor Almeida finds that small firms face higher costs of financing when economic conditions worsen. They often re-invest profits before paying off creditors, leading to increased debt and potential financial distress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateOct 5, 2010

Caltech scientists find first physiological evidence of brain's response to inequality

Researchers found that the brain responds more strongly to a poor person receiving a financial reward than a rich person, even if the brain being studied belongs to the rich individual. This study suggests that the human brain is wired to respond to inequality, contradicting the prevailing view of human nature as solely self-interested.

Rich people don't need friends

A study published in Psychological Science found that reminders of money can reduce feelings of pain and social exclusion. The researchers suggest that acquired symbolic value of money can influence responses to both emotional and physical pain.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 16, 2009

Fake video dramatically alters eyewitness accounts

Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateSep 14, 2009

Poor money saving linked to general impulsiveness

A study of over 40,000 participants found that those who prefer immediate gratification are more likely to show other impulsive behaviors such as smoking and infidelity. The research suggests that individuals with an impulsive money-today attitude may ignore long-term consequences, leading to financial imprudence.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateSep 3, 2009

Inflation 'felt' to be not so bad as a wage cut

A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the brain's ventro-medial prefrontal cortex is less active when faced with a low-wage scenario, despite being aware of the true purchasing power remaining the same. This confirms the existence of the money illusion and offers insights into its cerebro-physiological processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

Grand prizes might help induce sports 'hot streaks'

A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMar 17, 2009