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Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds

A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries

A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.

SourceCochrane·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Research spotlight: how long-acting injectable treatment could transform care for postpartum women with HIV

A new study suggests that long-acting injectable treatment can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year in Zimbabwe. The treatment, LA cabotegravir with rilpivirine, could be cost-effective if priced at $156/year or lower for women whose HIV has not been fully suppressed at delivery.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2025

Strategies to keep drug discovery research alive in the US despite funding cuts from biomedical researchers

Biomedical researchers recommend diversifying funding sources, pursuing earlier licensing and commercialization, and fostering international collaborations. The US drug discovery landscape is at risk due to federal funding cuts, and alternative approaches are needed to ensure continued progress.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 26, 2025

Caution advised with corporate virtual care partnerships

Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2025

Are probiotics worth the cost to prevent infection after a colon removal surgery?

A UCLA Health study found that taking an 8-strain probiotic daily reduces the risk of pouchitis, a common inflammatory condition. However, the treatment's cost-effectiveness depends on the patient's likelihood of flare-ups, with benefits only seen in patients with frequent relapses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2025

Broad COVID-19 vaccination makes economic sense, especially for older adults, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine University of Michigan researchers concludes that broad COVID-19 vaccination in adults saves the US more money than it spends, with significant economic benefits for those over 65 and middle-aged adults. The model focuses on preventing deaths, hospitalizations, and lost productivity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2025

Cost-effectiveness of 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination in US adults

A modeling study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is more cost-effective for individuals aged 65 and above, with favorable results across different parameter input scenarios. The study's findings support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to recommend vaccination with the 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 7, 2025

Despite higher sensitivity, multitarget stool DNA tests not as cost-effective for early detection of CRC compared with FIT

Research finds that multitarget stool DNA tests have higher sensitivity than FIT, but are not as cost-effective for early detection of colorectal cancer. Costs per detected advanced neoplasia case or early-detected CRC case are 7- to 9-fold higher for MSDT-based and N-G MSDT-based screening.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMay 12, 2025

Too few ward nurses linked to longer hospital stay, readmission, and risk of death

A long-term study published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that employing too few permanent nurses on hospital wards is linked to longer inpatient stays, readmissions, patient deaths, and ultimately costs more. Redressing the balance saves around £5000 for each year of healthy life gained, but not if temporary agency staff are used.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025

A new smartphone-sized device can test for tuberculosis. Here’s why that matters for children

Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.

SourceTulane University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 9, 2025

New study suggests that simultaneously burying broadband and electricity could be worth millions to people in MA towns

A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that co-undergrounding wires, particularly in outage-prone areas, can pay off with a cost savings of nearly 40% compared to replacing them separately. The study suggests that proactively undergrounding lines that are currently above ground can bring significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

Surrey’s carbon capture technology could help the UK rival global competitors in race to produce clean fuel from air

Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 3, 2025

UH researchers making clean water more accessible

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new membrane that allows water to flow eight times faster while maintaining high salt rejection rates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination systems, lowering costs and increasing access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2025

New remotely-delivered support programme could deliver excellent care while saving the NHS and social care an average of £9000 a year for each person with dementia

A new remotely-delivered support programme, NIDUS-Family, has been shown to improve the lives of people with dementia while reducing healthcare costs. The programme uses goal setting and personalized care to help individuals live well at home for longer, resulting in cost savings of £8934 per person over one year.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 17, 2025

New, simple, and natural method for producing vitamin B2

A team of researchers from DTU has successfully produced vitamin B2 using a novel, cost-effective, and climate-friendly method involving food-approved lactic acid bacteria. The production process requires only basic fermentation tools and can be integrated into traditional foods, enhancing public health and reducing environmental impact.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 11, 2024

Using antibiotics alone to treat children with appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that using antibiotics alone to treat children with uncomplicated appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery. This approach resulted in lower costs and similar quality-of-life scores compared to upfront surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 26, 2024