The Rio+20 conference needs to rethink innovation to ensure a sustainable development goals achieve poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. Leading scientists propose radical changes, including recognizing grassroots initiatives and promoting transparent corporate reporting.
A recent study reveals wide variance in results from the Thai Million Baht Village Fund, a large-scale microfinance program. Households' responses to increased credit vary greatly, with some reducing consumption and saving for larger investments.
Researchers mapped east London to identify 'hotspots' of disease risk associated with poverty, showing striking similarities to Victorian-era maps. The study found that up to 17% of residents were at high risk of developing diabetes in these areas, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.
A global analysis finds that over half the world's poorest people benefit from ecosystem services in areas prioritized for conservation. Ensuring fair payments to conservation stewards could increase benefits by 50% and amount to $1 per person per day for 330 million people.
Researchers from the University of Southampton contributed to a major UN report on the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. The report notes that global food production is projected to increase by 70% globally and nearly 100% in developing countries, putting pressure on agricultural systems.
A pilot program in Wisconsin found that forgiveness of child support debt could lead to increased payments and reduced overall debt. Low-income noncustodial parents who participated in the program paid more than similar parents who did not participate, contributing an average of $100 more per month.
Researchers discovered that neurotic individuals tend to avoid listening to or considering anti-smoking messages due to fear and anxiety. Positive messages emphasizing personal recovery from smoking may be more effective in addressing this population.
A new report from the University of Washington shows that housing and healthcare costs are driving an 8% increase in Washington's cost of living. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2011 reveals that families need significantly higher incomes to meet basic needs, with some areas experiencing massive increases.
A new study found that consumers living in poverty have little hope of achieving life satisfaction due to extreme material conditions. The research, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, highlights the pervasive and hopeless nature of individuals living in absolute poverty.
A new study by sociologists at Rice University and Stanford University explores how neighborhood poverty influences maternal fear of children's outdoor play. Mothers' household economic status, education, employment, and physical/mental health all contribute to their fears.
A new study found that nearly half of US adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2010, with many struggling to pay medical bills and skipping necessary care. Affordable Care Act reforms could substantially reduce the number of underinsured individuals by up to 70%.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that the 9/11 anniversary should prioritize the victims and their families, beyond the global implications. The Editorial also highlights how poverty, injustice, and terrorist-related incidents have created conditions for instability and insecurity worldwide.
A 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households became better off, with improved access to clean drinking water, livestock, and shelter. However, 10% sold or lost their land, highlighting the importance of land as a productive asset for poor communities.
A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.
Despite progress in vaccine distribution for childhood killer diseases, global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are lagging, argue researchers. NTDs, which affect the world's poorest, require more R&D funding and investment to develop effective vaccines.
Researchers estimate that poverty, low levels of education and social factors contribute to approximately 245,000 deaths in the US annually. These findings argue for a broader public health conceptualization of mortality causes and an expansive policy approach.
A recent study by Yale University economists found that microloans can increase ability to cope with risk and strengthen community ties, but may not lead to increased investment in businesses. The researchers also discovered that awardees' subjective well-being slightly declined, contradicting previous claims.
A Yale University study found that microloans in the Philippines led to fewer businesses and lower self-reported well-being among recipients, contrary to initial expectations. However, the practice did provide a buffer against income fluctuations and increased access to informal credit.
A recent SAGE publication examines how poverty and lack of education affect young, disadvantaged dads, with 68-75% being fathers by age 30. The issue explores solutions to reconnect disconnected dads to their children, improving child and family economic and emotional well-being.
SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMay 23, 2011
A new international task force aims to promote fair pay and develop organisational capacity in lower-income countries. Research found significant disparities between local and expatriate aid workers' salaries, pushing local employees below the poverty line and contributing to 'brain drain'.
TDR, a UN program, has won the 2011 Gates Award for its impact in advancing research efforts worldwide to fight neglected diseases. It supports and advocates research, reducing leprosy to elimination and river blindness, and continues work on dengue, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
A study found that hospital emergency departments in nonrural areas of the US declined by 27% between 1990 and 2009. EDs at for-profit hospitals, smaller facilities, and those in highly competitive markets were more likely to close.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund finds that 90% of American families living above the federal poverty level will be able to afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. However, high out-of-pocket costs will still be a challenge for some families, particularly those with incomes between 100-300% of poverty.
UK researchers found that persistent poverty affects children's cognitive functioning at the age of five, while family instability does not have a significant impact. The study, based on data from 18,819 families in the UK, shows that children growing up in stable two-parent families have higher levels of cognitive ability than those i...
The Gulf Coast states and Washington D.C. are vulnerable to neglected infections of poverty due to extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Trichomoniasis and other vector-borne diseases are on the rise, highlighting the need for active surveillance programs and treatment/vaccination efforts.
A new study identifies 44 high-risk counties with high food insecurity and prices, requiring an estimated $56 monthly boost per person to meet food needs. The study highlights disproportionate impacts of hunger on Latino and American Indian populations.
A new study by Kate Mulligan examines the connection between cities, water, and health, finding that even in wealthy cities with excellent public services, dengue fever still spreads due to environmental factors. The research suggests that traditional links between poverty and water-related diseases may be overstated.
A study published in Psychological Science found that poor adolescents living in communities with high social capital are less likely to smoke and be obese. Strong social connections can help offset the disadvantage of poverty, according to Cornell researcher Gary W. Evans.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that poor adolescents living in communities with high social cohesiveness are less likely to smoke and have lower body mass indexes. This suggests that social capital may help mitigate the negative effects of childhood poverty on health outcomes.
Research indicates that without Social Security, half of women aged 65+ would live in poverty. With the program, the poverty rate drops to 12%. The new publication highlights the importance of Social Security for women's financial security and provides recommendations for restoring solvency.
A study by Concordia University found that disadvantaged youth are more likely to drop out of high school, become premature parents, and raise their own children in poverty. Childhood aggression, social withdrawal, and low socio-economic status have long-term detrimental effects on adult wellbeing.
The Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) launches a research initiative to improve rice yields and reduce environmental impact. The project aims to lift 150 million people out of poverty by 2035 and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide.
The GRiSP initiative is expected to lift 150 million people out of poverty by 2035 and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The partnership will deploy rice's genetic diversity, break the yield barrier in rice production, and breed climate-ready rice.
Researchers identify skills, attitudes, and behaviors associated with successful households, including high education levels, younger household heads, and a preference for formal financial markets. Successful households also exhibit persistence in their financial management, leading to significant net worth growth over time.
A study found that Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations for suspected child maltreatment are associated with increased household risk factors, including poverty and maternal depressive symptoms. However, CPS investigations were not linked to improvements in social support, family functioning, or common modifiable risk factors.
Research in 30 countries found substantial inequalities in maternal and newborn health, as well as access to healthcare. The study identifies two main patterns of urban inequality in developing countries, highlighting the need for improved access to care.
The MDGs have shown mixed results: poverty reduction has improved, but MDG1's lack of indicators for policy interventions has hindered progress. Meanwhile, primary education has increased globally, but unequal access remains a challenge. Gender equality and women's empowerment face significant obstacles, while child survival rates show...
Researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have nearly 20 times more penetrating injuries and six times higher blunt injury rates compared to high-income areas. The study suggests that interventions are needed to reduce injury rates in low-income neighborhoods.
A study found that up to 86% of people in low- and middle-income countries would be pushed into poverty if they purchased life-saving medicines. Generic versions of these medicines are generally more affordable than originator brand products.
A recent study published in Psychological Science discovered that individuals who face restrictions on emigration tend to rationalize their country's system and justify its flaws. This reaction is linked to feelings of system inescapability, particularly among those experiencing poverty.
Research shows that community poverty is linked to lower rates of arteriovenous fistula use among newly diagnosed dialysis patients in poorer communities. This suggests that targeted interventions are needed to improve pre-dialysis care for these patients.
A sociological study found that state tax credit programs can reduce the incidence of low-birth-weight babies and help break cycles of childhood poor health. The study also suggests that these programs can improve prenatal health, higher birth weights, and reduced maternal smoking.
A new study by UAB researchers confirms that states with high levels of defense spending have lower poverty rates, less income inequality, and higher median family income. The study also demonstrates the U.S. economy's increasing dependence on military spending.
According to a new report, only about one in three young women has received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccination rate is increasing, but there is still a significant disparity in HPV vaccination rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Paul J. Ferraro found that saving rainforests and protecting national parks reduced poverty in Costa Rica and Thailand in the long term. The research suggests conservation efforts may provide economic opportunities through tourism and infrastructure development.
A new U of Minnesota study finds that New Orleans public school system fails to provide equal educational opportunity due to a 'separate but unequal' tiered system. The study reveals racial and economic segregation, steering low-income students of color to high-poverty schools.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that local ordinances in Appalachian states with weak statewide smoking regulations do not provide adequate protection against second-hand smoke. Stronger statewide clean indoor air laws are recommended to effectively regulate smoking in public places.
Researchers found 7.3% of children aged 0-18 years in the UK are reported as being disabled, leading to higher levels of poverty and personal disadvantage. Families with disabled children experience reduced career progression and increased financial burdens due to caregiving responsibilities.
A new study explores how casino gambling went from a stigmatized practice to a thriving industry, with regulation changes and media language playing key roles. Regulatory actions in 1976, 1988, and 1999 led to shifts in public discourse, with discussions focusing on wealth and poverty.
The Lancet Editorial praises DFID's global health successes, including education and undernutrition strategies, but criticizes intragovernmental tensions and fragmentation of responsibilities. The publication calls for a post-election independent review to address these issues and ensure the department's continued success.
A new Stanford University study finds that global warming could lead to crop shortages, rising food prices, and increased poverty in some regions. However, others may benefit from higher crop yields and prices, particularly farmers who own their own land.
A CU-Boulder expert emphasizes that disasters are preventable and that societies can take proactive measures to minimize devastation. The expert argues that the international community should prioritize preventive measures in disaster assistance, such as rebuilding infrastructure to withstand future disasters.
A UBC study found that children who live in poor neighborhoods at kindergarten have reduced scores on standardized tests seven years later. The study suggests that early life neighborhood poverty can predict literacy skills in adolescence.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that poverty and high school dropout rates have a significant impact on health, with poor individuals losing 8.2 years of perfect health. The study suggests that addressing poverty and education is crucial to improving population health.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the introduction of Latinos contributes to declining crime rates and lower poverty levels in small- and medium-sized towns. The research also reveals that an increased Latino population puts pressure on local schools, but not on economic costs or tax increases.
A lack of quantity and quality of health data from poor settings threatens global research, warns Peter Byass. Alternative strategies to improve health data representativeness are discussed.
Income transfers have limited impact in eradicating poverty; human capital development key to progress, experts argue. Strengthening education and work incentives for low-wage workers can assist families living in poverty.
According to a study, nearly half of all American children will reside in households receiving food stamps between ages 1 and 20. The analysis found that poverty and food insecurity are detrimental to a child's health, with the receipt of food stamps serving as a marker of both conditions.
According to poverty expert Mark R. Rank, nearly half of all US children will use food stamps during their childhood due to poverty and food insecurity, affecting their health and well-being.