Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Expanded child tax credit and food insecurity

A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2024

Finnish happiness expert seeks to shift governments’ focus from GDP to well-being

Aalto University Professor Frank Martela advocates for a more precise definition of well-being to improve policy decisions. His theory combines life satisfaction and positive feelings, arguing that economic growth can be counterproductive to humanity's future. By targeting cuts in areas with the least well-being, governments can promot...

SourceAalto University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJul 29, 2024

Case studies show how quasi-governmental organizations could strengthen climate adaptation governance

A new study examines the design characteristics of quasi-governmental organizations (QGOs) to provide insights on how to improve climate adaptation governance. The research finds that some QGOs are useful for overcoming politicization or fostering multi-level stakeholder coordination, but none prove optimal for both simultaneously.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalClimatic Change·TypeCase study·DateJun 10, 2024

CU researchers analyze prevalence, impact of ethical or religious barriers to providing medical aid in dying

A recent study published by CU researchers found that 26% of physician respondents reported large ethical or religious barriers to participating in medical aid in dying, but many were willing to discuss MAiD with patients. Despite these barriers, physicians were less likely to participate directly in MAiD.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2024

CU Department of Medicine doctor discusses unintended consequences of patients having immediate access to test results

Immediate electronic release of patient results can lead to misinterpretation and negative outcomes, as seen in CU doctor Benjamin Vipler's experience with his mom. The 21st Century Cures Act aims to empower patients with their health information but requires further study on its impact.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 7, 2024

Study pulls back the curtain on Supreme Court decision-making

A new study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A reveals that Supreme Court decisions are significantly shaped by interactions within the court. The researchers found that justices' decisions result from a complex process of negotiation and influence, rather than personal views or ideological leanings.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2024

Facing illegal wildlife trade in the European union: A call for comprehensive measures

A new study proposes three measures to improve the EU's response to illegal wildlife trade, including creating a database of all species trade and establishing regulations to prohibit the import of illegally captured specimens. The proposals aim to transform the EU into a model of environmental protection concerning wildlife trade.

Child tax credits provided significant relief to families experiencing economic shocks during COVID

A new study found that the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion significantly reduced food insufficiency among American families, particularly those with children who experienced economic shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly advance payments included in the expansion enabled all families to afford enough food and had a greater i...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2024

New tool helps gauge trust in government

A new tool from University of Waterloo researchers measures citizens' trust in government and can inform the design and communication of public health initiatives. The tool was validated by surveying participants from diverse communities, finding that low trust in government is linked to conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 13, 2023

Public bodies “overwhelmed” at having to implement human rights laws, study warns

A new study warns that public bodies in England and Wales are 'overwhelmed' by the task of implementing human rights laws, with staff placing greater weight on implementation than on understanding the laws themselves. The research suggests that those who view equality and human rights law as malleable are more likely to trust individua...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRecht der Werkelijkheid·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2023

Threatened sharks and rays caught off Cyprus

Researchers found 22 globally threatened elasmobranch species in Cyprus' coastal waters, with simple measures like limiting net lengths crucial for sustainability. Local authorities have banned trading of 15 species, and conservation efforts are underway to protect the marine ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Why endangered wildlife needs AML law coverage and banks need to share IWT intelligence

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Money Laundering Control·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

Pediatric endocrinologists concerned for safety amid divisive political climate

A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 19, 2023

Government regulation can effectively curb social media dangers

A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

National Science Foundation funds NYU Tandon School of Engineering project to safeguard U.S. laws and legal information against cyberattacks and malicious actors

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new technologies for securing the digital legal supply chain. The project aims to protect official laws and legal information from cyberattacks and malicious actors.

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023