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Pusan National University study rethinks how household income needs are assessed for welfare support

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...

SourcePusan National University·JournalAsia Pacific Viewpoint·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2026

Nearly 1 in 5 Medicaid-eligible adults in expansion states are at risk of losing health coverage due to insufficient or inconsistent work hours

A new study found that nearly 20% of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states are at risk of losing health coverage due to insufficient or inconsistent work hours. Women, unmarried people, and those with limited education are disproportionately affected.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2026

Race and ethnicity modify the association between US socioeconomic status and metabolic disease

A new study finds that higher education and income have varying health benefits across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For non-Hispanic Black participants, higher educational attainment was only associated with a 4% reduction in type 2 diabetes prevalence, while higher income was linked to increased obesity rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

New bipartisan report finds that Americans share the same struggles despite deep political divides

A new bipartisan report from Tulane University's State of the Nation Project analyzes 4,000 indicators to provide a long-term progress report for each state. The report finds significant regional divides, with Southern states ranking low on trust in institutions and Mountain states having high levels of trust but low personal well-being.

SourceTulane University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2026

Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2026

A meta-analysis published in Nature challenges the link between economic inequality and mental health

The study, which reviewed over 10,000 abstracts from ten international databases, found no statistically significant link between economic inequality and well-being or mental health. The researchers suggest that policies focusing solely on reducing economic inequality may not be effective in improving population mental health.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Infant brain development reflects families’ financial ability to meet everyday needs

A new study finds that infants' brain activity is influenced by their caregivers' reported income sufficiency, with delayed maturation seen in households where income was never adequate. The research suggests that policies strengthening families' basic needs during infancy may have lasting developmental benefits.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2026

Subnational income inequality: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally

A new study maps three decades of income inequality data globally, revealing worsening trends for half the world's population but 'bright spots' in regions with effective policies. Regional efforts such as investments in public health and education in India and cash transfer programs in Brazil show promise in reducing inequality.

Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock

A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateNov 6, 2025

Bronx Program offering incentives to grocery shop online shows promise in increasing healthy purchases and reducing food insecurity

A new NYU study found that an online grocery shopping program increased household purchases of healthy foods and reduced food insecurity among low-income caregivers. The program provided incentives such as free delivery, text messages, and financial assistance to encourage participation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

Could the timing of food assistance payments affect crime rates?

A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that delaying the disbursement of food assistance payments can reduce robbery incidents by 0.03 per 100,000 population. The researchers estimate a potential crime reduction benefit of $2.7 million annually in the United States.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateAug 6, 2025

New study highlights how perceived economic inequality undermines individual well-being across 71 countries

A comprehensive new study examining data from 71 countries suggests that perceiving high levels of economic inequality significantly undermines individual well-being. The research demonstrates that awareness of economic disparity negatively affects overall well-being and widens the gap between current and desired feelings.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Pandemic-era child tax credit lowered anxiety and increased food security, stable housing among young children, but excluded many low-income, immigrant families

A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2025

Study finds that foreign multinational firms engage in limited tax-motivated income shifting out of the United States

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University finds that foreign multinational firms shift a modest amount of income out of the US for tax reasons. This income shifting supports a modest amount of employment and investment in the US, with results informing the potential effects of upcoming tax bills.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateJun 18, 2025

Majority of riders and drivers in UK 'gig economy' suffer anxiety over ratings and pay, study suggests

A study by the University of Cambridge found that two-thirds of UK gig economy riders and drivers experience anxiety over ratings and pay, with over half risking health and safety while working. The study also revealed that local workers spend an average of ten hours a week waiting for jobs to come through on the app.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJun 2, 2025

New research in JNCCN finds stark disparities in treatment and survival time for people with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateApr 9, 2025

Despite high employment rates, Black immigrants in the United States more likely to be uninsured, USC study shows

A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

Air pollution exposure in infancy may limit economic mobility in adulthood

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy is associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood. The association was strongest in the Midwest and South, where an increase in PM2.5 exposure by one microgram per cubic meter was linked t...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Expanded child tax credit and food insecurity

A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2024