A new study found that Hispanic, Black, and low-socioeconomic status smokers are less likely to use e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking tool and more likely to believe e-cigarettes pose greater harm than cigarettes. This perception may prevent e-cigarette uptake among these populations, exacerbating racial and health disparities in smoking.
Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.
A Rutgers University analysis of Medicaid records found that the regulation did not reduce progression from short-term to long-term opioid use, but did decrease new prescriptions written for more than five days. This change may have reduced leftover opioids available for misuse, but also forced patients who needed longer treatments to ...
Researchers analyzed two US Army Corps of Engineers flood megaprojects in Rhode Island that emerged simultaneously after hurricane activity around the 1950s. The study found that strong public support and political backing were crucial factors in advancing one project, while the other failed to gain momentum due to environmental concer...
Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.
A new study analyzed state nutrient reduction strategies and found that initial energy and inclusive planning processes were key to success. Emphasizing local water body impacts was more motivating than distant goals, and addressing scale challenges is crucial for significant results.
A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.
Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.
A new study by Bruegel experts recommends a European 'green pact' to increase climate investments and meet EU's ambitious Paris Agreement targets. The proposal involves better regulatory policies, higher emissions pricing, and public green investments.
Researchers investigate how voice technology affects consumers' willingness to disclose personal info, with potential benefits for marketers and policymakers. The study reveals that voice technology can both increase and decrease disclosure, depending on the context.
A new Concordia study reveals that container ship accidents are a growing concern, with significant shortcomings in maritime cargo safeguards. The researchers found that existing regulations are inadequate, and the lack of data makes it difficult to adopt new regulations.
A survey study of 151,000 students found that e-cigarette users were more likely to initiate tobacco use within minutes of waking. This increase in intensity and addiction is a concern, emphasizing the need for clinicians to address youth nicotine addiction during clinical encounters.
Researchers found that cosmetics and personal care products labeled as having fluorinated components also contain PFAS, including emerging classes with unknown health impacts. The levels of PFAS in personal care products were generally lower than in cosmetics, but some products exceeded proposed Canadian regulations.
Health advocacy groups are concerned that period product ingredient lists are not detailed enough and haven't been tested for safety. Despite increased disclosure, many chemicals listed have not been evaluated for use on vulva and vagina skin, limiting consumer informed purchasing decisions.
A survey of over 1,000 physicians found that 67% of respondents favored making telehealth a permanent option for treating opioid-use disorder. The study suggests that continued flexibility in telehealth regulations could help increase access to life-saving treatment, particularly during the ongoing opioid crisis.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
Tax-exempt hospitals in the US have largely improved their charity care policies since the onset of COVID-19, with clearer eligibility criteria being implemented. However, regulatory attention is needed to address ongoing restrictions and issues with charity care.
The AFFI Food Safety Forum brought together global experts to explore detection methods for foodborne non-cultivable pathogens, their limitations, and policy implications. The event provided an overview of current PCR-based detection methodologies and guidance for prevention and control strategies among growers and food processors.
A new study found that disclosure of advertising spending significantly lowers investor and analyst uncertainty, enhancing firms' valuation. The study analyzed 2,285 publicly listed firms over 25 years and found a moderate negative effect on idiosyncratic risk.
A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.
A new study suggests that prediction markets could improve climate risk forecasts by incentivizing experts to share information. The markets would offer a level playing field for diverse expertise and provide a structured way to distribute research funding, promoting effective altruism.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
New research from the University of Waterloo confirms speculation taxes have little impact on controlling Ontario house prices. Municipalities struggle to regulate markets due to factors like geography and governance, leading to ineffective tax measures.
A study by Washington State University found a 37% drop in poisoning reports for illicit synthetic cannabinoids in states with legal recreational or
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
The Safeguard project recommends improving pollinator knowledge, tackling causes of decline, and raising awareness to reverse the 2030 pollinator loss objective. European Commission's public consultation gathered views on strengthening the current framework on wild pollinators.
Healthcare accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with inhaled anaesthetics contributing significantly. Doctors advocate for a regulatory framework for mandatory reporting and accountability to reduce healthcare's substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published by The BMJ found a significant widening gap in death rates between US counties that voted for Democratic and Republican candidates. Between 2001 and 2019, mortality rates decreased by 22% in Democratic counties but only 11% in Republican counties, with the gap increasing sixfold.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
A statistical analysis by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that public comments on changes to environment-related laws and policies declined during the pandemic. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) by the provincial government, which bypass public participation.
A new study suggests that while breast density knowledge may be increasing due to existing state laws, there is still room for improvement. The study found that most women with non-dense breasts did not correctly know their own density, and that lower education was associated with a lower chance of accurately knowing one's own density.
Research suggests California's environmental regulations preferentially protect white populations from exposure to air pollution. Asian and Hispanic communities experience significantly more air pollution compared to predominantly white neighborhoods across the state. The study finds that even after accounting for income, disparities i...
Researchers found that metal concentrations were particularly elevated in CWSs serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities, highlighting environmental justice concerns. Arsenic, barium, chromium, selenium, and uranium concentrations were also disproportionately elevated.
A recent viewpoint article highlights the need for open access to digital sequence information (DSI) to facilitate real-time responses to global crises. The authors propose community self-governance as a solution to enable international collaboration, improve benefit-sharing mechanisms, and promote equitable sharing of DSI benefits.
The Texas cold snap highlighted the critical role of electricity in society and the need for improved power system planning to withstand extreme weather events. The event showed that traditional planning based on historical weather patterns is not sufficient, and new information from climate projection models is needed.
Economists Ed Timmons and Conor Norris suggest reforms such as shorter medical school pathways, expanded physician assistant and nurse practitioner independence, and federal regulation of telemedicine to alleviate the healthcare industry's stress in light of COVID-19. These proposals aim to address staffing shortages, improve access to...
A new study suggests introducing a maximum price-cap on cigarettes in the UK could help reduce smoking rates by limiting tobacco companies' pricing strategies. The proposed measure would standardise cigarette prices, making future tax rises more effective.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developed an open-source development kit (PDK) to create solutions for businesses using personal data. The tool allows companies to exploit user data in a respectful way, promoting individual control over their data.
A new study from the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management found that the 2016 Massachusetts Assault Weapons Ban Enforcement Notice resulted in a 560% increase in assault rifle sales within five days, but compliance remained low. The research suggests that stricter enforcement is needed to gain full compliance ...
A study by Portland State University found that only 16 transit-oriented developments across the US were fully affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The research highlights the need for policies and regulations to promote affordable housing in TODs, such as requiring a share of affordable units in public property projects.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have proposed a framework to clarify the distinction between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genome-edited organisms (GEOs). The framework considers scientific, ethical, and social factors to determine whether an organism is a GMO or GEO. The proposal aims to enhance regulatory reliability...
A new study reveals that GMO labeling significantly affects consumer behavior, reducing demand for GM foods and influencing willingness to pay. The research finds that mandatory presence-focused labeling has a stronger impact than voluntary absence labeling, making consumers more sensitive to the GMO attribute and price information.
A new study shows that California's legalized marijuana industry has boosted financial institutions' assets and loan activity, but restricted access to banking perpetuates inequities for licensed growers. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to create new opportunities for both industries.
A global study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that people are more likely to support COVID-19 policies when presented as backed by nonpartisan scientific experts rather than politicians. This suggests that trusted experts may have the power to unify public opinion and depolarize it.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University estimates that current regulatory analyses of air pollution significantly understate mortality costs among racial minorities. The study found that using race- and ethnicity-specific data increases premature mortality estimates related to PM2.5 from pollution exposure, with a $100 billion annual...
Researchers are part of a five-year global study examining the behavioral and long-term health impacts of different regulatory approaches to e-cigarettes and other new nicotine products among youth and adults in seven countries. The study aims to inform US public policy based on evidence, maximizing population health.
A recent study by the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project found that most adult vapers oppose flavor restrictions, with 82% saying they would continue vaping if flavored products were banned. Some vapers may switch to smoking cigarettes instead, highlighting potential unintended consequences of a flavor ban.
Researchers conclude that nitrous oxide's effect on the ozone layer raises the social cost of this gas by 20 percent, impacting human health and plant life. Improving accuracy could spur nations to more aggressively address climate change and influence policy decisions.
Researchers from York University found that COVID-19 lockdowns in India had less impact on air pollution than initially thought. The study revealed that local sources of emissions, such as vehicles and fuels, had less influence on air pollutant levels than regional emissions sources.
Experts urge policymakers to address disparities in access to postpartum sterilization, which disproportionately affects Black, Latinx, and Native American communities. The 30-day waiting period can lead to unnecessary pregnancies, causing emotional, physical, and financial burdens.
A new study finds that investors may continue to hold onto companies despite FCPA violations, as the severity of the violation does not always match the penalty imposed. This ambiguity can lead to market underreaction and undermine trust in regulatory bodies.
Expanding the EU's Emissions Trading System to cover road transport and heating fuels could be a cost-effective way to reduce emissions, but may affect consumers. Thoughtful policy design is crucial to relieve burdens and ensure equitable distribution of costs.
A new study examines why people object to bodily markets, revealing that both liberals and conservatives consider these markets morally wrong due to different reasons. Liberals believe commercialization can be exploitative, while conservatives view it as violating the sanctity of the human body.
A recent study found that sugary drink taxes only reduce purchasing when price tags mention the tax, but not the amount. Consumers tend to overestimate how much the tax is, making them more willing to pay it if they know the true size of the tax.
A new Health Affairs study found that the Medicare Two-Midnight Rule hastened a shift from inpatient to observation stays, but ultimately led to stabilization of both types of stays. The authors suggest weighing the rule's continued benefit against its substantial administrative burden on hospitals.
A Rutgers study found that young adults who do not use tobacco products report higher intentions of using Puff Bar e-cigarettes with a 'tobacco-free nicotine' claim. The study suggests that this type of claim may reduce perception of health risks and prompt the use of Puff Bar over other brands.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that Airbnb units cause a mild decrease in long-term rental supply, including affordable housing, while expanding the rental market. The study suggests a new tax to alleviate resulting inequities and maintain social equality.
New research from UvA's Law Centre for Health and Life found EU policies influencing access to medicines in developing countries without always intending it. This has significant implications for the EU's own health systems, security, and stability.