Articles tagged with Public Policy
A new UN report reveals that poor water quality is closely linked to poverty and gender inequality in the Global South. The study finds that 84 countries face a combination of unsafe drinking water, limited financial resources, and gender inequality, affecting nearly 2 billion people.
Recent shifts in federal policy and funding have impacted hundreds of clinical trials designed to study disease burdens in underrepresented populations. The report highlights a systemic crisis in medical research, citing a disruption at scale that has affected over 74,000 participants across 383 trials.
A recent study found that risk perceptions of e-cigarettes rose sharply during and after the EVALI outbreak, lingering even after scientists identified the cause. This shift in perception was more pronounced among non-white participants, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researcher Madhav Joshi found that international partners significantly improve the success of peace agreements. The study tracked 578 individual commitments from December 2016 through April 2023 and found that deeper engagement increases implementation outcomes.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion helped enrollees significantly reduce their medical debt in collections by up to 75% within seven years of enrollment. Additionally, the study shows substantial drops in sub-prime credit scores, improving financial stability and long-term health outcomes.
A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.
Private firms with potential family successors in Sweden grew faster and invested more after the abolition of inheritance tax, which led to higher corporate taxes. The study suggests that rents from the tax abolition were shared with society through taxes and employee salaries.
The ISSCR emphasizes that continued investment in hESC research is essential to sustaining scientific progress and advancing life-saving therapies. Human embryonic stem cells remain a cornerstone of modern biomedical research due to their status as a gold standard for human pluripotency.
A new UK study found that many heat-related deaths occur during lower-level alerts, highlighting widespread gaps in awareness and response. Older people are particularly vulnerable to these risks, with lower engagement with warnings leaving them exposed.
A recent study found that 98% of environmental claims made by the world's largest meat and dairy companies can be classified as greenwashing. The analysis of over 1,200 claims from 33 major companies revealed a lack of evidence supporting many promises.
A new study found that FDA 'healthy' labels increase consumer selections of healthier snacks and command a price premium. The study, led by researchers at Oregon State University, examined consumer purchasing preferences for snack products with and without healthy labels.
A cohort study found that bullying and restrictive legislation were associated with higher rates of psychotic-like experiences in gender-diverse youths. The study suggests that supportive environments and policies can help alleviate mental health concerns among this population.
According to a recent study, about half of the US population expresses democratic neutrality, which can enable antidemocratic outcomes. This neutrality is concerning as it can be associated with authoritarianism, tolerance of norm violations, extremism, distrust, and obscuring antidemocratic views.
The University of Hong Kong launches School of Governance and Policy, convening global thought leaders to address regional and transnational challenges. The inaugural week will feature a dynamic platform for ideas to meet action, bridging academic insight, policymaking, and real-world innovation.
A new book co-edited by University of Kansas researcher Lisa Dieker presents a system-wide approach to address the special education workforce crisis. The volume shares strategies to attract, support, retain and lead educators of the most vulnerable student population.
A new USC study found that in-store pharmacies filled less than 2% of mifepristone prescriptions since the FDA eased dispensing requirements, with mail-order pharmacies accounting for most fills. The study suggests significant access gaps in states with stronger legal protections for abortion.
Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.
A majority of Americans value U.S. membership in NATO and consider it a meaningful security asset, but views are sharply divided along partisan lines. Democrats are more supportive of NATO than Republicans, who hold less favorable views on the alliance's benefits to U.S. security.
Researchers warn that a securitized response to global biodiversity loss could lead to poorly targeted actions and policy. They highlight concerns over migration claims and call for evidence-based, non-securitised policy.
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
Complimentary press passes are available for NUTRITION 2026, a flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, featuring new nutrition research and policy-relevant findings. Journalists can access a virtual newsroom with embargoed press materials before the meeting.
A new study from Sultan Qaboos University demonstrates how AI can analyze Oman's Labour Law of 2023, revealing complex interdependencies between its articles. The research identifies influential 'hubs' within the law that may be triggered by changes, enabling policymakers to anticipate broader impact.
The University of Cincinnati has established a new Center for Public Health, led by Dr. Suzanne Judd, a renowned epidemiologist and expert in health disparities. The center aims to transform community health through innovative research, education, and strategic advocacy.
A recent study by Bas Heerma van Voss found that governments are prone to cognitive biases when it comes to major risks like pandemics and climate change. Debiasing training for risk analysts can help recognize and avoid these biases, but such training is rarely implemented systematically.
The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.
Shisha tobacco has almost 1,000 cafes in the UK, popular among young people and ethnic minority groups. Shisha is considered 'every bit as bad for you as smoking cigarettes', with unique design features increasing toxin delivery.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
Since Scotland's landmark smoke-free legislation in 2006, second-hand smoke exposure has decreased significantly, with a 95.7% reduction in salivary cotinine levels among non-smokers between 1998 and 2024. Despite this progress, many workers still face risk of exposure, particularly in outdoor hospitality settings.
Early-stage drug development has nearly doubled globally over the past decade, driven by a shift from a US-dominated system to a two-hub structure. This change may have implications for scientific workforce development, investment, and patient access to new therapies.
Experts warn that US policy changes pose a grave threat to global health, risking multiple international infectious disease outbreaks. The authors argue that the recent US decisions meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations (IHRs).
A study found a positive relation between political power and the number of contracts awarded, size of contracts, and favorableness of terms. Companies strategically shift donations to more electable politicians when their influence declines.
A systematic scoping review found that social media influencer promotion of prescription drugs carries risks of inaccurate or misleading advice. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and digital literacy initiatives to safeguard public health.
A QUT study found wide variation in GP involvement in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Queensland, highlighting the need for improved remuneration, streamlined processes, and broader education. GPs reported confusion about who was eligible and how to discuss VAD with patients.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Professor Iwa Salami argues that stablecoins require strong regulation to support safe growth and innovation in UK finance. The expert calls for clear legal protections, robust operational standards, and close international cooperation to mitigate risks and ensure consumer protection.
A new study by Columbia University researchers introduces four novel metrics to assess progress on gun violence prevention, highlighting the decline of shooting-free days in major US cities. The study suggests that these metrics can identify protective conditions and inform policy to sustain longer periods without firearm violence.
The implementation of Japan's indoor smoke-free laws resulted in a modest increase in smoke-free establishments, with a 5.7% nationwide increase and 13.5% in areas with stricter ordinances. Despite this, a substantial number of establishments still permit indoor smoking due to exemptions under the current legislation.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.
The American Meteorological Society and partners urge reinstatement of climate science chapter in judicial reference manual, citing concerns over public access to scientific knowledge. The statement emphasizes the overwhelming agreement among experts on climate change, its impacts, and human activities as primary drivers.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.
A recent survey highlights the importance of Clinical Practice Guidelines in managing rare cancers, with strong overall uptake but inconsistent use for diagnosis and research purposes. High guideline adherence is linked to tangible survival benefits, such as reduced mortality and improved outcomes in various rare tumour types.
States with full abortion bans experienced a 1.6% increased birth rate in 2023, as well as a 4.3% increase in WIC participation among postpartum women and a 2.1% increase in formula-fed infants. This led to a $6.9 million increase in WIC food-assistance costs in 2023.
The global cosmetic procedure market is projected to exceed $180bn by 2033, with invasive procedures becoming increasingly invasive and harms on the rise. Experts call for consistent regulation, public education, and advertising controls to protect patients and reduce cosmetic tourism.
A new study found that Texas' migrant busing program, which transported immigrants to Democratic-led cities, contributed to President Trump's increased vote share in affected counties during the 2024 election. The study also highlights the enduring power of perceived threats from racial minorities in shaping voting decisions.
People in states with abortion bans face limitations to obtaining care out of state, emphasizing the need for policy change, visible information, and resources. The study suggests supporting individuals through social support systems to address these limitations.
The federal disability benefits system has become more difficult to navigate due to staffing reductions and administrative changes. Researchers found that 16 million people, including those in severe medical crises or on the edge of homelessness, are facing increased barriers to accessing desperately needed cash assistance. The report ...
The policy brief outlines four courses of action to tackle AI implementation: bottom-up, problem-driven planning, transparency, accountability, and oversight. Without these measures, AI in the public sector will amplify current dysfunctions and feed distrust.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a strong correlation between state tax revenue and public health policies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. States with higher sales tax revenue were associated with shorter stay-at-home orders, while those without sales tax had longer durations.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
A $3 million NIH grant funds a national study on Medicare Advantage's new non-medical benefits, including groceries, meal deliveries, utilities, transportation, and other services. The study will examine the impact of these benefits on health care use and patient outcomes.
Governance scholar Christopher Koliba argues that the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 US elections led to a transgression of democratic accountability standards. The two crises undermined reason and truthfulness, forbearance toward democratic institutions, and professional discretion.
This cross-sectional study highlights critical gaps in accessible mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms to address systemic inequities and provide disability-informed care.
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
Researchers developed a methodology that uses remote sensing to map the impact of frost on corn crops, reducing exposure to climate risks. The model allows users to customize variables, making it useful for other crops in different agricultural contexts.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that a strong majority of Americans view the MMR vaccine as safe relative to other vaccines. However, the number of people holding this view is below the threshold required for community immunity, which is worrisome.
A 11-year study of Alaska's state-wide cash distribution program found no connection between direct cash payments and serious injury or death. The study considered all traumatic injuries and deaths over a longer period than previous research, examining the effects of providing cash transfers to an entire state.
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...