Articles tagged with Natural Experiments
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study published in Nature reveals a causal connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. The analysis of data from a regression discontinuity design found a 20% reduction in dementia diagnosis risk among vaccinated individuals born on or after September 2, 1933.
A University of Bristol-led study suggests electric scooter schemes reduce bicycle collisions by around 20% in the UK. The research found that even after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, e-scooter scheme areas saw a significant decrease in serious and fatal bicycle collisions.
New UCLA-led research finds that Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults. The study suggests that Paxlovid's potential effect on COVID-19 hospitalization in vaccinated older adults is four times weaker than originally reported.
European countries that recognized same-sex marriages saw a 21% decrease in new HB1 visas from the US over 20 years. This suggests that inclusive policies make countries more attractive for skilled labor, particularly in STEM fields.
A natural experiment-based study in Chile found a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality from non-respiratory causes. The study revealed an increase in indirect obstetric causes, possibly linked to comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.
A new transit station in Japan significantly reduced average healthcare expenditures per capita over four years, with savings of approximately $929.99. The study used a causal impact algorithm and time series data to analyze the medical expenditure data gathered from a suburban city on the West Japan Railway line.
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
A study published in Marine Policy found that spatial restrictions after Brexit led to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from Norway's mackerel fishing fleet. The change resulted in a significant increase in fuel usage and carbon footprint, equivalent to half a million CO2 emissions per year.
A study by Hebrew University researchers found that directly involved war veterans exhibited almost double the level of PTSD symptoms compared to indirectly active veterans. Parents of active veterans experienced heightened secondary traumatic stress, with mothers bearing a greater burden than fathers.
A study led by ISGlobal found that moving to areas with higher levels of air pollution was associated with a small increase in body mass index in young children. The effect was stronger in preschool- and primary school children, and independent of socioeconomic status.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that breastfeeding duration increased by an average of 18% among U.S. women during the pandemic, with white and high-income women experiencing the largest gains. The study suggests that a national paid family leave policy could improve breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequities.
During Hawaii's COVID lockdown, researchers found that species displaced by human presence moved back into shallow habitats, increasing fish biomass and predator populations. However, when tourism resumed, predators returned to deeper waters, reducing biomass and habitat use to pre-pandemic levels.
A recent study found that adolescents living in areas with healthier built environments are less likely to be obese and have healthier eating habits. The study suggests that strategies for addressing childhood obesity should focus on improving built environments.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
A study found that human presence in Glacier National Park causes 16 out of 22 mammal species to change their movement patterns, using different areas or being more nocturnal. The researchers suggest that this effect is significant enough to impact population survival.
A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.
Researchers found a significant increase in disgust sensitivity among participants concerned about contracting COVID-19, affecting not only disease-related scenarios but also unrelated situations. The 'calibration hypothesis' suggests that disgust sensitivity is a fluid measure changing with time and circumstance.
Researchers studied evacuees from Finland during WWII and found that cultural similarities, such as language and social networks, were crucial for successful migrations. Being younger, male, educated, and linguistically similar to the host population also increased the likelihood of staying in a new home.
Researchers found that slightly earlier social distancing in communities may have saved up to $132 per resident due to avoided COVID-19 deaths, resulting in significant economic benefits.
A CHOP-led study found that healthy full-term infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic had substantially shorter hospital stays, with a significant increase in early discharge rates. Despite shorter hospital stays, infant rehospitalizations within a week of discharge remained unchanged.
A new study reveals that extremist migrants can significantly impact political developments in their destination regions, leading to persistent increases in far-right attitudes. The research found that migrated Nazi elites leveraged local party branches and intergenerational transmission of beliefs, spreading extreme views for decades.
A review of nearly 300 studies on obesity policies found that natural experiments have strengths, but need better standards. Researchers recommend stronger study designs and standardized reporting methods to identify effective policies.
Research reveals that changes to environment, such as building walking paths and playgrounds, improve nutritional quality of foods and increase physical activity levels. However, more research is needed to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of policy and built environment changes.
A US study found that drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.01% are more likely to be blamed for accidents than sober drivers. Drivers in this range were 46% more likely to be solely blamed by accident investigators.