Articles tagged with Regulatory Policy
A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.
The European Union is urged to adopt a balanced, empirically sound approach to regulate substances of human origin. Properly devised rewards increase supply without compromising quality and safety. The EU's new regulation should prioritize self-sufficiency while ensuring safe and accessible supplies for all in need.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.
A database containing over 6,000 agri-environmental policies from 200 countries has been published by the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich researchers. The study found that richer countries tend to implement more eco-friendly measures, while national policies play a significant role in reducing soil erosion.
A nationally representative US survey found appreciable Δ8-THC use prevalence among adolescents. States without marijuana legalization or existing Δ8-THC regulations have higher prevalence rates, highlighting the need for surveillance and policy efforts.
Researchers from SWPS University studied 216 grocery shops in Poland and found that few customers increased the likelihood of shop assistants keeping change. Sellers were more likely to give correct change to shoppers of the same gender as themselves, while wearing a mask or visor had no impact on honesty.
West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.
A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.
A recent study found that only half of hookah packages included the required nicotine warnings, two years after federal regulation was implemented. The study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Jennifer Ross highlights the importance of warning labels in communicating health risks to consumers.
A study published in Marine Policy found that spatial restrictions after Brexit led to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from Norway's mackerel fishing fleet. The change resulted in a significant increase in fuel usage and carbon footprint, equivalent to half a million CO2 emissions per year.
A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...
A ban on disposable vapes could impact an estimated 2.6 million people, including 316,000 young adults who use disposables but never smoked tobacco. The researchers suggest alternative policies to reduce youth vaping with minimal unintended consequences.
Research by Utrecht University reveals that a significant portion of European plastic sent to Vietnam is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The study highlights the need for a systemic approach to tackle human and environmental harm throughout the value chain.
The study's findings highlight serious failures in animal welfare protection during transportation, with all countries falling short of guaranteeing adequate protection. The researchers propose updating the regulations to address major risk factors such as excessively long journeys and hot weather, drawing key future directions for new...
A Cochrane review found that e-cigarettes lead to better chances of quitting smoking than patches, gums, lozenges, or other traditional NRT. Eight to 10 out of 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes quit compared to six out of 100 using traditional NRT.
Researchers used network ethnography to map global education policy networks, exploring relationships between policy mobilities and moorings. The study sheds light on the varied relationships between policy actors and their effects on education reforms.
International collaboration is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. A global policy can help harmonize climate regulations among neighboring countries, promoting a decarbonized built environment.
A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.
Researchers have discovered that sex toys can release microplastic particles, with anal toys and beads emitting the highest amounts. The study highlights the need for informed consumer decisions to mitigate potential health risks associated with phthalates, endocrine disruptors present in all tested sex toys.
Research found online shopping for cigarettes and vape products increased 194% and 162% respectively after California's flavor restriction. This highlights the need for stronger regulations to include e-commerce retailers within retailer licensing programs.
A new study found that social media platforms restrict user-generated content and advertising related to illegal muscle-building drugs but offer few restrictions on legal dietary supplements. This has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of these products on young people's health and behavior.
A new study reveals that consumers place a higher value on products from circular economies due to the concept of psychological ownership. This finding suggests that businesses and policymakers can align strategies with consumer values to promote sustainable initiatives.
A study by Penn State researchers found that only one-third of online organizations publish their privacy policies, highlighting the need for improvement. The researchers used a large-scale investigation to analyze the availability of privacy policies on millions of websites, revealing significant challenges in compliance.
USC faculty members will lead a $20 million research initiative to inform government regulations on tobacco products and marketing, focusing on protecting young people from the harm of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products. The study aims to gather evidence to prevent harm and promote public health.
A study by Aalto University reveals that online games employ deceptive data collection practices, often hiding information behind complex legal jargon. Players are often unaware of the risks and may feel compelled to conceal their identities or personal data to maintain privacy.
A foundational public dialogue project in the UK found broad public support for extending the 14-day rule on human embryo research, which aims to inform future policy development and research governance. The project engaged diverse participants to consider early human embryo research and its applications.
Asian female immigrants working in the US beauty service industry face numerous workplace health challenges. Researchers suggest that outreach and education at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels can address these issues, including cultural competency, better wages, training, and paid time off.
A study using Google Street View cars found hyper-local air pollution hotspots in the Salt Lake Valley, revealing spatial variability and environmental justice issues. The research identified pollution emission sources off-road from traffic and industrial areas.
A Rutgers study found diverse firearm owning communities across five states, including varying levels of risk for injury and death. States like Mississippi and Texas showed more dangerous behavior, while New Jersey residents were less likely to grow up in homes with firearms or use them unsafely.
State hospital regulations encouraging breastfeeding increased breastfeeding rates by 4% and up to 7%, but also reduced mothers' labor force participation by 3%. The policies have been shown to benefit women with higher education and incomes, but may not necessarily provide a health benefit due to confounding factors.
A global team outlines potential ethical concerns and proposes guiding principles for safe and inclusive commercial space research. The paper emphasizes the need for adapting existing practices to minimize health risks and ensure social responsibility.
A recent policy analysis highlights gaps in Canadian regulation of muscle-building dietary supplements, including whey protein and creatine monohydrate. The lack of consistent manufacturing site and product safety testing poses significant health risks to young people.
A comprehensive global analysis found that these stop-smoking aids are nearly twice as effective as single forms of NRT. Dual forms of NRT, such as combining a patch with gum or a lozenge, were found to be nearly as effective as nicotine e-cigarettes and prescription medications.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and others have developed new analytical frameworks to measure climate change impacts and adaptation. Their studies suggest that correcting market failures can incidentally induce climate adaptation, with significant welfare benefits.
A study by Texas A&M University found that pregaming is linked to unsafe alcohol use and other risky behaviors among college students. Pregaming was associated with a two-day increase in alcohol use frequency and was found to be around 2.5 times more likely to lead to cannabis or other drug use.
A Stanford study reveals how the meat and dairy industry lobbies governments to resist competition from alternative animal products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. The research found that governments consistently devote more funding to traditional livestock systems than sustainable alternatives.
Environmental regulators should use scientific experimentation to inform natural resource policy, according to an international group of economists. By conducting experiments and analyzing results, policymakers can create more effective programs and reduce uncertainty about what works and what doesn't.
A new study has questioned the effectiveness of China's legal restrictions on young people's video game time, analyzing over 7 billion hours of playtime data from tens of thousands of games. The research found no evidence of a decrease in heavy gaming after the restrictions were implemented.
A new review recommends raising the age of body contact in hockey leagues from 13 to 15 to reduce concussion rates. Studies show injury rates are four times higher for kids and teens with body checking, while eliminating it reduces concussion rates by over 50%.
A new study reveals that nearly half of traded hazardous chemicals are imported without consent, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment. The report highlights the need for strengthened national and international action to address global trade of highly hazardous chemicals.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
A new study examines the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries and ecosystems, providing insights for managing these disruptions. The research highlights both winners and losers in the face of warming waters, emphasizing the need for adaptable management strategies to mitigate losses and capitalize on unexpected gains.
A new analysis of secret industry documents reveals that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to disclose this information to the public and regulators. The study examines how the industry used tactics to delay public awareness and regulations, with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
A joint investigation reveals that NHS trusts are failing to protect staff and patients from sexual assault, with over 35,000 cases recorded between 2017-2022. The findings show that most incidents involve patients abusing staff or other patients, highlighting a disturbing trend in the healthcare system.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Current global methane emissions policies are inadequate, covering only 13% of emissions, and are often based on inaccurate data. Stronger social support and political consensus are needed for effective methane mitigation to slow down climate change and improve air quality.
Researchers investigated California's oil extraction impact on health and jobs, finding setbacks reduce emissions but lead to job losses. Policies like carbon taxes and excise taxes aim to curb production while minimizing economic harm.
A Curtin University research found that 98% of TikTok videos promoting vaping pose a risk to teens. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement on social media platforms.
The article highlights the risks of AI misuse, including its impact on democracy, job loss, and social division. Experts warn that self-improving AGI poses an existential threat to humanity, and call for regulation to minimize harm and maximize benefits.
A new study finds that restricting flavored e-cigarettes to tobacco flavor only can significantly decrease their use among teens and young adults. The majority of current users would discontinue use if the product became available in tobacco version only.
A Mass General Brigham expert calls for additional measures to expand access to lifesaving buprenorphine treatment and harm-reduction services. The federal government's elimination of the X waiver is necessary but not sufficient to achieve overdose-prevention goals, according to the authors.
Researchers propose regulations around psychedelic medicine use, including risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, practitioner certifications, and decriminalization of psychedelics. They also emphasize the need for funding clinical trials on naturally occurring psychedelics to ensure a pathway for approval.
A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.
A two-day workshop hosted by PPPL discussed the risks and benefits of fusion energy, including concerns about nuclear proliferation and energy justice. Experts emphasized the need for open discussion and regulation to ensure safe and equitable deployment of fusion power.
Experts warn that the UK's free trade deal with CPTPP will make it harder to regulate tobacco and alcohol, ban products containing harmful pesticides, and enact policies to cut consumption of unhealthy food and drinks. A health impact assessment is needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of this deal.
A team of researchers emphasizes the need for science-backed policies that consider children's developmental vulnerabilities in the digital world. They propose a multidisciplinary approach to develop regulations that address timely questions about digital platforms and their impact on children.