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World may have crossed solar power ‘tipping point’

A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2023

Researchers measure global consensus over the ethical use of AI

A systematic review of global guidelines for AI use found that most valued principles such as transparency, security, and justice. However, fewer guidelines prioritized truthfulness, intellectual property, and children's rights. Most guidelines were normative but lacked practical methods for implementation.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Chinese government’s corporate subsidies have had little effect on firms’ productivity

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and ShanghaiTech University found that China's government subsidies have had limited effect on promoting firms' productivity. The study analyzed firm-level data from 2007 to 2018 and found that subsidies often flowed to less productive firms, leading to a decline in their relative productivity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Economics·DateOct 10, 2023

Socializing boosts mood more than screentime

A new study from the University of Georgia found that people generally enjoy conversation over smartphone use, with a significant emotional boost from talking to strangers. In contrast, sitting alone was found to be the least preferred task, even when participants were given a choice.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 12, 2023

Tennis anyone? Researchers serve up advances in developing motion simulation technology’s next generation

A machine learning system capable of learning diverse tennis skills from broadcast video footage has been created by a research team led by Simon Fraser University's Jason Peng. The system can generate long-lasting matches with realistic racket and ball dynamics between two physically simulated characters.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2023

Activating volunteer system increases bystander CPR, AED use and improves survival

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that alerting volunteers can increase bystander CPR and AED use, leading to improved survival rates. The volunteer system increased rates of CPR and defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, giving victims a higher chance of receiving early care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine article decodes patterns of pneumoconiosis among miners

The study analyzed historical data on coal miners in China, revealing a strong correlation between raw coal production, mining technology, and CWP incidence. The researchers identified key turning points in disease incidence, linked to changes in diagnostic criteria and labor management, as well as coal industry policy reforms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

Professors call for further study of potential uses of AI in special education, avoiding bans

A group of educators is urging caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) in special education, highlighting its potential to benefit students with disabilities. The authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of AI's uses and limitations, including information literacy, consent, and critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2023

New Jersey’s temporary health care license program expanded mental health services during pandemic

The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Medical Regulation·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2023

6% of nations provide for citizens in just, sustainable manner

Researchers at Ohio State University found that only 6% of countries provide for all citizens in an ecologically sustainable way. The study measured the ecological and social impact of water and carbon use, finding that while 67% operate safely and sustainably in water use, only 9% do in carbon sequestration. The US is among the majori...

SourceOhio State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 28, 2023

Legislators struggle to distinguish between AI and constituents

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that lawmakers are only slightly more likely to respond to AI-generated messages than human-generated ones, highlighting the potential risks of emerging technologies on democratic representation. The research used a field experiment to investigate the impact of natural language mod...

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateMar 22, 2023

Study highlights complicated relationship between AI and law enforcement

A recent NC State University study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and law enforcement. The study reveals that law enforcement agencies must be involved in developing public policies regarding AI technologies, such as autonomous vehicles. Key findings also suggest that many officers lack understanding of ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2023

Should we tax robots?

A study by MIT economists suggests that a modest tax on robots and foreign trade could help address income inequality in the US. The optimal policy includes taxes ranging from 1% to 3.7% of robot value, with smaller trade taxes, aiming to reduce wage gaps without stifling economic growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateDec 20, 2022

World’s first open access dashboard revealed Tempe, Ariz. neighborhood-level trends of COVID-19 from wastewater-based epidemiology

The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Cryptocurrencies can be more sustainable by following Ethereum’s lead, says researcher

Ethereum's shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake has significantly reduced its energy requirements. This change offers a model for other cryptocurrencies to follow and reduce their environmental impact. Policymakers and consumers can support this move by implementing policies such as carbon-disclosure requirements and environmenta...

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 6, 2022

New MIT Sloan research on identity cues in social media shows it’s not just what is said but who says it that matters

The study found that identity cues accounted for up to 61% of the variation in voting, causing viewers to evaluate content faster. Positive feedback enhanced reputations, while negative cues led to down-votes. Reputations influenced how viewers perceived and engaged with online content.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 1, 2022

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

NTU Singapore study finds that increased use of videoconferencing apps during COVID-19 pandemic led to more fatigue among workers

A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that frequent use of videoconferencing platforms contributed to higher levels of fatigue among workers. The researchers found a significant link between increased videoconferencing usage and feelings of fatigue, with reliable internet connections unable to mitigate this effect.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateJul 14, 2022

Six leading models agree: Rapid decarbonization of power, transportation sectors key to a successful energy transition

A new study provides a roadmap for the US to reach its 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030, with rapid decarbonization in power and transportation sectors crucial. The study, based on six leading energy models, suggests that tripling historic carbon reductions is achievable through collaboration across all sectors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

Study of privately insured patients finds short-term telehealth follow-up comparable to most in-person care during first year of COVID-19 pandemic

For 18 out of 21 analyzed conditions, patients with telehealth consults did not require more unplanned hospitalizations or emergency department visits within 14 days compared to those making an initial in-person visit. However, patients with upper respiratory infections and bronchitis were more likely to need follow-up visits.

New research finds digital music streaming consumption dropped as a result of COVID-19 and lockdowns

A new study found that audio music consumption decreased by over 12% during the pandemic, while people turned to video platforms for entertainment. The researchers attributed this shift to human mobility playing a larger role in music consumption than previously thought.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022