A 1g reduction in daily salt intake could prevent nearly 9 million cases of heart disease and stroke in China by 2030, saving 4 million lives. This is based on a modelling study that estimates the impact of reducing salt intake across the nation.
A study led by McGill University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that Ukrainians who engage in more analytic thinking are less likely to believe pro-Kremlin disinformation. Analytical thinking helps curtail belief in disinformation, according to the researchers.
A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.
A new study finds that Harry Potter's economic model is distorted from professional models, influencing readers' views on economics. The paper highlights key aspects of the 'Potterian economy,' including its critique of market-based systems and government corruption.
The NHS is facing a critical crisis due to the failure to recognize the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Weekly admissions for COVID-19 have averaged over 9,000, with elective activity 10% below pre-pandemic levels.
A study suggests that an automated unemployment insurance policy could provide more clarity to workers during economic stress. The policy would not cost more or less than existing packages, but would resolve uncertainty and potentially prevent household financial crises.
Provincial health ministries hold COVID-19 vaccination data but have been reluctant to share it with researchers. Establishing partnerships between provinces and the Health Data Research Network would enable timely data transfer and support research into vaccine effectiveness.
A new study found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of death among elderly individuals in long-term care facilities by 72%. The study, which included approximately 40,000 residents, also showed a significant reduction in hospitalizations and infections.
A new study by Penn State researchers found no significant difference in fear of crime between people living in areas with high and low incarceration rates. Despite the US having the world's highest incarceration rate, the study suggests that mass incarceration policies may not have the desired effect on reducing crime fear.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
Researchers found that partisans tend to justify their own party's falsehoods and view those of opposing parties as unacceptable. The study suggests that this partisan charitability can be driven by a desire for trustworthiness within one's own group, but not necessarily outside it.
In the 2020 US House of Representatives elections, Democrats supporting the Green New Deal saw a significant increase in their vote share. This study examined the electoral appeal of climate policies, specifically the Green New Deal, and found that it resonated with voters.
A study published in Implementation Science found that including local economic data in emails to legislators increases engagement, but only for Democrats. The research suggests tailoring communication by political party can also be effective.
The Gloucester, a warship that sank in 1682 while carrying James Stuart, has been discovered off the Norfolk coast. The wreck is significant due to its age and political context, offering insights into 17th-century social, maritime, and political history.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that countries with strong rule of law have less economic volatility and higher productivity. Weak rule of law leads to poor contract enforcement, causing employee morale to suffer, ultimately sparking churn and economic instability.
A University of Utah-led study found a surge in anti-Asian hate language on Twitter between January and March 2020, with clusters of hateful tweets spreading across the US. The researchers identified 15 geographic regions where anti-Asian hate was statistically higher than expected.
An expert analysis of Russia's foreign policy statements since the USSR collapse finds Putin masking invasion policies with 1990s humanitarian propaganda. The study highlights how the Kremlin has used narratives from the 1990s to claim Russian minorities need protecting with military support.
Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.
Despite significant operating margin reductions in 2020, hospitals' overall profit margins remained similar to prior years, thanks to the COVID-19 relief fund. Government and rural hospitals saw higher profit margins during this time.
This case series examined changes in buprenorphine prescribing waivers during COVID-19. The number of clinicians receiving waivers increased significantly before and during the pandemic, indicating a growing need for expanded access to opioid treatment.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
A new study warns that reforms to give domestic workers access to the minimum wage will be hard to enforce due to Britain's immigration rules. The lack of secure immigration status creates uncertainty and difficulty in bringing wage claims, further devaluing domestic labor.
A team of economists proposes flexible import tariffs to reduce Russia's financial gains from its oil and gas exports, allowing EU to flexibly react to Moscow's actions in Ukraine. The measure could prove valuable in mid- and long-term efforts to become more independent of Russian oil and gas.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
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.
A new study finds that California wildfires increase both revenues and expenditures in municipalities, resulting in a budget shortfall over many years. The unique state constitution limits property assessments, but still leads to higher taxes and a boom in housing reassessments after fires.
New research by Bocconi University professors Francesco Decarolis and Paolo Pinotti finds women bureaucrats are significantly less corrupt and face lower risks of investigation and arrest. They attribute this to a defensive, risk-averse attitude among female officials.
The REGARD project, a collaborative effort between international universities, aims to develop competencies in rebuilding communities following disasters and conflicts. The final report presents a detailed summary of the findings, highlighting the built environment's role in supporting community resilience.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that men and women in the Army's special operations view mentorship positively, but with differing goals. Men see mentoring as a means to advance their careers, while women view it as a way to survive and navigate a male-dominated organization. The study highlights the need for more robus...
Researchers found that Monte Albán's defenseable hilltop location and collective form of government attracted people to the settlement. The study challenges the idea that fertile land was a primary factor in its foundation.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.
A £5.6m joint investment will drive cutting-edge research into smart homes, connected devices, remote monitoring, and health models for older adults to live independently. The deal aims to create new jobs, skills, and tech start-ups in the region.
A study by MIT scholars found that voting by incarcerated people in Maine and Vermont has significantly lower turnout rates compared to the general population. The researchers suggest that reinstating voting rights for this population may not yield a significant number of new voters, highlighting the challenges of disenfranchisement.
A recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis found that increased voting by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic did not jeopardize election safety. The research analyzed potential risks identified in a mail voting attack tree and concluded that expanding mail voting increases voter access and reduces adversarial interference.
A study shows that UK government trust, social norms, and privacy concerns play a significant role in the adoption of the NHS Covid-19 app. Initial enthusiasm to adopt the app was higher in urban locations, while people's concern about third-party data access fuelled reluctance to use it.
A £750k project will help businesses recover from the pandemic through workshops and local grants. The University of Huddersfield is partnering with Spectrum People and Wakefield Council to support economic recovery and mental health.
The University of Ottawa's CoVaRR-Net has received a $9 million grant extension to continue its rapid research on COVID variants, including the Omicron variant. This renewed funding will allow researchers to accelerate their work and keep policymakers informed of their latest findings.
A new study reveals the high human costs of COVID travel restrictions, affecting migrants, families, and international students with prolonged separation across geographical distances. The research highlights intensified experiences of foreignness, non-belonging, and precariousness, as well as threats to livelihoods and wellbeing.
A new study suggests that strictly limiting exposure to dissimilar views could be an effective mechanism for avoiding rapid polarization. Another interesting finding is that a small amount of self-interest can dramatically reduce polarization.
Analysis of COVID-19 pandemic policy changes found that federal and state governments have ensured opioid treatment availability, with few states adopting comprehensive approaches. The study highlights the importance of standardized policies to improve treatment access and outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.
Sam Lebovic will study the evolution of the Espionage Act from 1917 to its present day impact on democracy. The funding will explore how secrecy regimes affect public discourse and press freedom.
The UK government is being called on to recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, rather than an illness, and award statutory bereavement leave. This would provide parents with up to 1 week of paid leave after a miscarriage, regardless of gestation, and address the current arbitrary cliff edge at 24 weeks.
A Cornell University study finds that rural Bangladeshi villagers rely on local experts, spiritual views and social justice to evaluate new coronavirus information. They use a five-part system called 'situated fact-checking' to assess claims, considering factors like the source's reputation and the community's sense of morality.
A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that governments downplay pandemic severity if they prioritize economy over public health, while exaggerating it when prioritizing public health. The researchers suggest transparent information policies are key for balanced objectives.
Experts call for a national compensatory body and guarantee fund to compensate victims of mass-hacking, citing potential catastrophic consequences and financial losses. The UK has an opportunity to establish itself as a leading role in connected and autonomous vehicle development by creating an insurance fund.
Research by University of Colorado Boulder found that women's representation in national legislatures drives spending on education and healthcare. Spending increases sharply when women occupy 15-35% of seats, but levels off beyond 40%. The study suggests critical mass theory is not dead.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that agencies can extract more rent from a winning bidder when negotiating contract terms, reducing the benefits of drawing additional bidders. The study suggests allowing agencies some discretion to use their knowledge of the supply side can reduce procurement costs.
A study by Binghamton University researchers found that Democrat-led states had stricter public health measures, corresponding to a 7-8% lower virus spread rate. This reinforces previous studies on the politicization of COVID-19 policy and its impact on health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed a nine-county birth certificate database in New York state from 2005 to 2018, finding associations between redlined areas and increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. The study's findings highlight the ongoing impact of historical racism on current health disparities.
A team of researchers, led by University of Houston associate professor Ryan Kennedy, has received a $750,000 NSF grant to create an algorithm-accountability benchmark. The project aims to establish general ways of analyzing algorithms and studying their impact on public policy decisions.
Research reveals that US government agencies award contracts to companies with ties to the President's party, especially in battleground states. This politicization of procurement can lead to non-competitive bidding and favoritism towards certain companies.
Researchers found that state-driven emissions controls are only slightly more expensive than federally mandated ones, with nationwide costs being one-tenth higher. This approach relies on technologies like low-carbon electricity and advanced biofuels, which can be traded between states to even out costs.
The conference, INGSA2021, aims to strengthen global coordination in science advice and promote open science. Key findings include the importance of digital technologies and AI in reshaping the profession and the need for partnerships to drive economic and social development.
A new study suggests that China's policies in Xinjiang, including enforced birth control and internment camps, could result in a significant loss of life among the Uyghur population. The research estimates that up to 4.5 million lives could be lost by 2040 if current policies continue.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Researchers found that even a one-vote margin of control changed the policy agenda and outcomes, contrary to conventional wisdom. A 50/50 party balance in today's Senate could have significant implications for policy due to high polarization.
A team of computer scientists has developed an assembly selection process that balances representation and fairness in citizens' assemblies. By using a machine learning-based algorithm, the researchers ensure that all volunteers have an equal chance of being chosen, regardless of demographic quotas or education level.
Researchers estimate that US government subsidies will encourage more oil and gas extraction in the coming decade, particularly at low oil prices. The study's findings suggest that subsidies can flow to excess profits, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air and water pollution.
The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.