Articles tagged with Public Policy
A new study from UMass Amherst researcher Thaddeus Miller explores the use of Flock cameras and autonomous vehicles, highlighting the need for public value mapping to balance promised benefits with risks to values such as privacy and equity. The approach emphasizes the importance of community-led conversations before technology adoptio...
APIC and SHEA express concern over CDC's erosion of capacity, citing impact on infection prevention and patient safety. The loss of experienced scientists and guidance has left healthcare facilities vulnerable to emerging infectious diseases.
UVA Engineering AI researcher Chen Chen is developing trustworthy AI systems to forecast infectious disease epidemics, combining multiple data sources like reported cases, wastewater surveillance, and human travel data. Her approach aims to predict where diseases will spread and help public health officials respond effectively.
A new post office policy could result in the rejection of tens of thousands of mail-in ballots in November due to reduced pickup frequencies. This policy change, part of the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) effort, may disproportionately affect rural areas with less frequent post office service.
A study found that racial and ethnic differences in US disability insurance approval rates are largely attributed to socioeconomic, health, and demographic factors. After adjusting for these factors, the disparities in allowance rates become statistically insignificant.
Researchers analyzed data from 1.4 million adults in England and found that nearly two-thirds of those with high blood pressure were unaware of their condition. The study highlights the need for more proactive approaches to detecting and treating hypertension, particularly among younger adults.
A new study reveals that public health officials are facing intense backlash, with 76% experiencing threats or harassment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers identified successful strategies, such as promoting civil discourse and building relationships with local businesses, that may reduce backlash.
US Sen. Gary Peters will lead USC Dornsife's Center for the Political Future, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Congress and a record of bipartisan lawmaking to the center. He plans to expand the center's presence in Washington, D.C. and create opportunities for students to connect with policymakers.
A new book proposes that smallholder farmers, who already produce 30% of the world's food, could meet humanity's additional food needs by 2050 while restoring nature. Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices can offset CO2 emissions and improve soil health.
A study by the University of California, Davis, estimates that each ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2025 costs $41 in lost productivity, with heat stress affecting workers in highly populated areas. The study lends strong support for a social cost of carbon value of $200, highlighting the need for climate policy analysis.
According to the 2026 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, 35% of U.S. adults cannot name all three branches of government, while 65% can name the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The survey also found that 73% cite freedom of speech as the only First Amendment right they can name, with 24% naming none of the rights.
A new study reveals that workers with variable hours and incomes are more likely to rely on Medicaid or ACA Marketplace plans, which may be affected by 2027 changes. Millions of low- and middle-income workers with irregular schedules will be particularly susceptible to Medicaid disenrollment due to fluctuating work hours.
A survey of 17 G20 countries found that 65% of respondents believe the economic system is rigged to favor the rich and powerful, while 69% want major changes. However, only 31% trust their government to make decisions that benefit the majority in the long term.
A PSU study reveals how individuals navigate, survive, and attempt to exit homelessness in Multnomah County. The study highlights the importance of supportive relationships and opportunities in overcoming homelessness.
A Pusan National University study explores how household composition and consumption type influence equivalence scales, suggesting a more nuanced approach to adjusting household income for welfare support. The findings have direct implications for Korea's National Basic Livelihood Security system, with potential applications for policy...
A new study implemented in Berkeley, Calif. supermarkets, drug stores, and mass-market retailers in 2021 found a link between a healthy checkout ordinance and a notable decrease in soda sales overall and small-package candy in supermarkets. The study also found that greater enforcement of the policy is essential for sustained public he...
A new study estimates that 45%–55% of governments misreported COVID mortality, with underreporting common than overreporting. Countries with stronger institutional checks and balances show less underreporting, emphasizing the importance of verification in protecting the reliability of official information.
A Simon Fraser University study found that police drug seizures without arrest increased by 2.5-4.1% during BC's first year of decriminalization, with participants who experienced seizures being three times more likely to experience a non-fatal overdose. The study analyzed data from 490 participants and suggests that decriminalization ...
A UC3M study analyzes the regulations and complex logistics of animal spectacles in Roman amphitheaters, including the use of imperial constitutions and specialized units to track and transport wild beasts. The research reveals the logistical and economic challenges of these spectacles and the imperial power exercised over exotic animals.
A new study of 22 million property listings across 30 European countries reveals that nearly half of people on average income can only afford a one-bedroom apartment or studio flat. The study highlights the emerging crisis over affordable housing, particularly in densely populated areas such as towns and cities.
A new study found that laws requiring notification of dense breast tissue led to modest increases in follow-up imaging tests, while insurance mandates had a significant impact, increasing ultrasound use four times. This study examined the influence of notification laws and insurance coverage independently.
A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.
The Brexit referendum led to a sustained decline in EU-origin health care worker immigration to the UK, despite recruitment from non-EU countries. Policymakers should consider the impact of policy uncertainty, substitution dynamics, and global health equity when making decisions.
A new statewide study found nearly 1 in 5 beginning teachers previously worked as teaching assistants, performing equally well and being more likely to remain in the profession. Former TAs are more likely to be teachers of color and hold special education licenses, addressing persistent shortages.
Members of Parliament from the UK's three biggest parties overestimated public resistance to climate change policies by a significant margin. Researchers found that politicians consistently overestimated public opposition to climate policies, believing voters and other parliamentarians felt more strongly opposed than they actually did....
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.