Articles tagged with Public Policy
A new UN University publication reveals that many people in England fail to take action to protect themselves during heatwaves despite receiving warnings. The most common reason is a lack of perception of personal risk, highlighting the need for improved communication and long-term adaptation strategies.
A study of 103 European cities' climate neutral plans reveals that many rely on carbon removal to compensate for a significant portion of their emissions. Key findings include the energy and transport sectors being major contributors to residual emissions, with only 32% of cities mentioning permanent carbon removal options.
North Americans breathed unhealthy air for nearly 106 million person-days as Ontario wildfires exposed people on both sides of the border. Canada's slow fire season intensified within weeks, with Toronto recording the poorest air quality in the world.
A multiprogram enrollment application can conserve valuable time and resources by enabling people to apply to several public benefit programs at once. States can simplify applications by shortening them, incorporating autopopulated responses, and updating systems to identify complex cases.
The SHEA and APIC statement strongly criticizes the new executive order on childhood vaccine recommendations, arguing that it fails to rely on sound scientific evidence. The measures may lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and put Americans' lives at risk, according to experts.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working to regulate synthetic food dyes, with recent federal and state actions taking place. The regulatory landscape is being contextualized, which has implications for policy, industry, and clinical practice.
Recent studies examine the effectiveness of drones for prescription delivery and AI models in healthcare, raising questions about their impact on access and misinformation. Regulations around expertise and online content are also being reevaluated to address the root causes of these issues.
Researchers have compiled ten fundamental mechanisms governing the development of pandemics, highlighting the importance of understanding biological, mathematical, and social factors. These mechanisms can help improve preparedness and response to future pandemics by identifying key drivers of outbreak dynamics.
A nationwide study in Japan suggests that fully remote work and stable long-term care costs can buffer life satisfaction in shrinking small and medium-sized cities. For adults, work-life balance became more strongly associated with life satisfaction, while for older adults, caregiving support became more important.
Lip cosmetics products are routinely ingested and absorbed through lip tissue, but existing frameworks were never designed to assess this dual-pathway exposure route. Researchers found significant gaps in testing and regulation, including inadequate absorption data and outdated ingestion assumptions.
A 10-year study in São Paulo, Brazil, found that social inequality widens the gap between people's opportunities and experiences. Women from racial minorities with low education have the lowest rates of physical activity during leisure time.
A national study of obstetrician-gynecologists reveals that state abortion laws are linked to higher levels of clinical constraints and moral distress among OB-GYNs. The findings suggest that institution-level support is needed to address moral distress, regardless of the state's abortion policy context.
The expert panel's report provides guidance for clinicians and policymakers on addressing intimate partner violence among veterans. The recommendations include broader screening for those at risk of experiencing or using intimate partner violence, as well as education and training for healthcare staff to help them recognize signs.
A new report by Brookings Institution suggests the US can improve its role in partners' conflicts by clearly communicating goals and persuading allies to adjust their strategies. Dafna Rand's research identified missteps and misunderstandings that undermined America's ability to manage and influence allies' strategies.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
A major new study on bigamy in England and Wales reveals that only a small number of individuals were carrying on 'double lives', while many were victims of abandonment or exploitation. The study overturns previous assumptions about the crime, showing it was rarer than thought and punished harshly.
A new study found that Utah's lower BAC limit significantly reduced alcohol-related crash fatalities, with declines larger than in its neighboring states. The findings support the idea that lowering the limit can save lives and have broad public safety benefits.
A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.
The European Law Institute has approved its first comprehensive framework for dealing with digital assets and personal digital content after death. The rules provide a dual legal framework recognizing the need for protection, privacy, and dignity in digital inheritance.
A new editorial highlights the need for public health leadership to build trustworthy AI in health. The authors argue that public health expertise is essential to ensure AI systems are equitable, transparent and effective across diverse populations.
Researchers argue that social media restrictions should be viewed as part of a complex system rather than isolated policies. They suggest using systems mapping to anticipate effects and design more balanced approaches, considering factors such as school engagement, social connections, and industry responses.
The Trump administration's 2025 repeal of the US Roadless Rule could put 25 million Americans at risk due to loss of access to pristine watersheds. The study assesses the value of this rule for both human health and nature.
The study reveals that local political connections and strong NGO support are crucial for securing formal recognition of customary land rights. Communities with influential leaders and advocacy organizations like AMAN tend to succeed, while those without face significant hurdles. The researchers propose simplifying bureaucratic procedu...
A recent study has found that vaping and smoking can lead to reduced blood vessel functionality, breathing efficiency, and exercise capacity in young adults. The research, conducted on 75 people aged 18-30, revealed a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped.
A study by Boston College researchers found that scientific consensus is more influential than government opposition in persuading people to take action on environmental, health, and technology challenges. Americans are more likely to support policies and donate money when scientists and ordinary citizens endorse solutions.
A new study found that over 50 million Americans live in counties without a radiation oncology clinic, highlighting vulnerabilities in the nation's cancer care infrastructure. Radiation oncology practices have closed disproportionately in rural areas and freestanding settings, raising concerns about patients' access to cancer care.
A study analyzing 60,000 records of flooding, waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, storms, and droughts in Brazil reveals regional impacts. The Northeast had the most affected cities, with landslides and droughts affecting this region the most.
A new PNAS special feature showcases the critical role of behavioral and decision sciences in U.S. governance, highlighting how psychological and economic research protect public health, consumer rights, and finances across federal agencies. The research demonstrates how 'invisible' scientific frameworks streamline medical drug reviews...
A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.
Researchers found that ONIKURU's opening increased stay density near the facility and adjacent commercial areas, but decreased it around JR Ibaraki Station. The study used GPS trajectory data to measure the impact of walkable urban design initiatives on residents' behavior.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has released a statement expressing concerns about the proposed OMB rule on federal grantmaking changes. The rule could reduce public access to weather information, slow commercialization of advances in weather science, and limit scientific collaboration.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that Japan's Location Optimization Plan can lead to higher care burdens in small municipalities. Small cities with populations under 50,000 saw increased Long-Term Care Insurance certification counts after adopting the policy, indicating rising service demands.
A recent study found that US women's healthcare providers became more politically engaged following the Dobbs decision, with a significant increase in voter turnout compared to other physicians. The research suggests that the shift was driven by the direct impact of the policy change on their work and patients' lives.
The Indonesian Academy of Sciences has launched an open access journal, Journal of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, with Taylor & Francis to bridge research and policy. The multidisciplinary journal features original research, opinion pieces, and a policy forum, making it an authoritative source for policymakers and practitioners.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open projects that reductions in federal funding for syringe service programs could lead to substantial increases in mortality among people who inject drugs in the US. The study estimates up to 39,600 additional deaths over five years if federal support is reduced.
A recent study found that medication use increased after implementation of Medicare annual out-of-pocket cost caps, particularly among the highest-cost medications. This policy change substantially improved patient access to these high-cost medications for Medicare-insured patients.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Utah's lower 0.05 BAC limit led to significant declines in alcohol-related crash fatalities, while non-alcohol related fatalities remained unchanged. The findings suggest a broader deterrent effect on drinking and driving behavior.
Research shows online grocery shopping and incentive programs can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income SNAP families. The study found that families with young children or transportation challenges were more likely to purchase produce online.
A study published in The Lancet found that Chile's comprehensive food policies, including labelling and advertising bans, have a real-world impact on reducing child obesity. After implementing the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, children who had been at school for 18 months showed a lower risk of overweight or obesity compa...
A major new analysis of over 3000 scientific papers on climate change mitigation found that policy recommendations are often non-existent, disconnected from the study's findings, or 'wish lists'. The researchers created a tool to assess the quality of policy recommendations and identified key challenges, including unclear uncertainty a...
Research led by University of Queensland found a 17% drop in egg allergy rates among Australian children after implementing guidelines recommending egg introduction at 6 months of age. The study also showed a significant reduction in egg allergy rates among babies with eczema, from 35% to 22%.
A new study found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against HPV, but no more than standard written public health materials. Additionally, the effects of the chatbots did not last longer than those of government health materials.
A cohort study found that smartphone acquisition at age 13 was linked to increased risk of insufficient sleep at age 14. Excessive smartphone use was also tied to higher odds of depression and obesity. Limiting screen time may protect adolescents from these outcomes.
A new bipartisan report from Tulane University's State of the Nation Project analyzes 4,000 indicators to provide a long-term progress report for each state. The report finds significant regional divides, with Southern states ranking low on trust in institutions and Mountain states having high levels of trust but low personal well-being.
A study by researchers at Science Tokyo found that non-structural disaster measures in Macau significantly improved coastal resilience and reduced storm-surge impacts. The city's emphasis on evacuation guidance, communication, monitoring systems, and public awareness helped build trust and reduce disaster impacts.
A Dartmouth study maps the interplay of personal choice and social networks contributing to the US being one of the world's most heavily armed countries. The researchers describe how individual incentives can lead to overarming, a phenomenon where collective costs outweigh individual benefits of firearm ownership.
The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its tenth university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU), to drive digital transformation in Africa. The network, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, aims to create long-term sustained change across the continent through research, educa...
A new study suggests that commercial marketing logics can hinder the effectiveness of promoting degrowth, a concept proposing an equitable reduction in production and consumption. Instead, non-commercial messaging led by institutions empowering communities is proposed as a more effective approach to shaping values and worldviews.
A proposed 'polluter pays' tobacco levy scheme could raise billions in tax revenue and prevent thousands of hospital admissions. The UK could generate £1-£4.9 billion over five years, depending on the level of price cap and implementation speed.
Research by Göttingen University found that colourful Nutri-Score labels on the shelf and price tag are more noticeable and influencing consumer choices. The study suggests that companies should display multi-coloured labels to support consumers in making health-conscious choices.
The study shows that Finnish support for NATO is linked to current perceived threats, increasing rapidly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Material factors like assets and emotional attachment to Europe also influence people's willingness to defend the nation.
A new study warns that the UK's failure to protect the most vulnerable people from extreme heat is becoming a public health threat. The research highlights gaps in building regulations, weak enforcement, and low public awareness as key factors contributing to the problem.
Researchers found substantial declines in outpatient clinic visits (7%) and hospitalizations (13%) compared to expected levels. Long-term disruptions persist, with 65% of regions experiencing non-rebound outpatient visits and 74% with reduced hospitalizations.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
A study found that universal free school meals can decrease out-of-school suspensions by 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools. This impact was more pronounced in schools with fewer eligible students before implementing the policies.
After Dobbs v Jackson, US abortion management shifted towards expectant approaches in ban states, with persistent reliance on suboptimal misoprostol-only regimens. State-level abortion bans were associated with a decrease in management options for individuals with spontaneous abortion in ban states.
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that Latin America and southern Europe favor 'mutualism' while the US and Canada prioritize 'domination'. This divergence in views is linked to European colonization centuries ago. The research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences in wildlife management policies.
Korea University's College of Medicine has signed an MOU with Armed Forces Capital Hospital to develop public medical care and enhance medical training. The institutions plan to promote cooperation in joint research, personnel training, and customized educational curricula.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
The US experienced substantially higher death rates than other high-income countries between 1999 and 2022, despite having comparable access to medical technology. These excess deaths could be avoided by adopting successful health and social policies from other high-income countries.