https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/consumerism/ Research news on consumerism and the effect of consumerism on society and the environment. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:34:57 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:34:57 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/consumerism/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224505.htm Modern food systems may look stable on the surface, but they are increasingly dependent on digital systems that can quietly become a major point of failure. Today, food must be “recognized” by databases and automated platforms to be transported, sold, or even released, meaning that if systems go down, food can effectively become unusable—even when it’s physically available. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:23:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005528.htm People often get the environmental impact of food wrong, according to new research. While many assume processed foods are the worst, they tend to overlook the surprisingly high impact of items like nuts and underestimate how damaging beef really is. These misunderstandings come from relying on simple categories like “animal vs. plant” rather than the full picture. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:53:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224235.htm A sweeping new study from Northwestern University reveals that scientific fraud is no longer just the work of a few rogue researchers—it has evolved into a global, organized enterprise. By analyzing massive datasets of publications, retractions, and editorial records, researchers uncovered networks involving “paper mills,” brokers, and compromised journals that systematically produce and sell fake research, authorship slots, and citations. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:23:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm Why do we tip—even when we know we’ll never see the server again? New research suggests it’s not just about rewarding good service, but about social pressure. Some people tip out of genuine appreciation, while others simply follow the norm. But here’s the twist: those who truly value great service tend to tip more than average, and everyone else adjusts upward to match them. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:06:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005806.htm A new University at Buffalo study suggests cannabis-infused beverages could help some people cut back on alcohol. In a survey of cannabis users, those who drank cannabis beverages reported cutting their weekly alcohol intake roughly in half and binge drinking less often. Nearly two-thirds said they reduced or stopped drinking alcohol after starting cannabis drinks. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:51:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005806.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092902.htm For decades, Americans were surrounded by lead from car exhaust, factories, paint, and even drinking water, often without realizing the damage it caused. By analyzing hair samples preserved across generations, scientists uncovered a striking record of how exposure soared before environmental rules and then collapsed after leaded gasoline and other sources were phased out. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:45:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201062457.htm Middle age is becoming a tougher chapter for many Americans, especially those born in the 1960s and early 1970s. Compared with earlier generations, they report more loneliness and depression, along with weaker physical strength and declining memory. These troubling trends stand out internationally, as similar declines are largely absent in other wealthy nations, particularly in Nordic Europe, where midlife well-being has improved. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:25:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201062457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231330.htm A new study finds that TikTok videos about gout frequently spread confusing or inaccurate advice. Most clips focus on diet changes and supplements, while barely mentioning the long-term treatments doctors say are essential for controlling the disease. Many videos also frame gout as a lifestyle problem, rather than a condition driven largely by genetics and underlying health factors. Researchers say the platform has huge potential—but only if accurate medical voices step in. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:21:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm Ultra-processed foods are rapidly becoming a global dietary staple, and new research links them to worsening health outcomes around the world. Scientists say only bold, coordinated policy action can counter corporate influence and shift food systems toward healthier options. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:07:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021749.htm Researchers found that life expectancy growth in wealthy nations has dramatically slowed since 1939. Once driven by major reductions in child mortality, longevity gains are now limited by slower progress in older-age survival. The study suggests no generation since 1939 will live to 100 on average, reshaping how societies must plan for aging and pensions. Sun, 26 Oct 2025 23:58:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021749.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104233.htm A study finds that people are more open to plant-based eggs when they’re part of familiar foods, like pancakes, rather than served plain. While taste and appearance still favor regular eggs, vegan eggs score higher on environmental and ethical benefits. Familiarity is the key to getting people to try them. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:31:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104233.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250801020102.htm Scientists have discovered the oldest direct evidence of betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia by analyzing 4,000-year-old dental plaque from a burial in Thailand. This breakthrough method reveals invisible traces of ancient plant use, suggesting psychoactive rituals were part of daily life long before written records. Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:12:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250801020102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714014133.htm A massive spike in young children accidentally ingesting nicotine pouches has alarmed poison control researchers, with a 763% rise reported between 2020 and 2023. Unlike other nicotine products, these pouches have quickly become the most dangerous form ingested, often leading to hospital visits. Experts say appealing packaging and flavors are part of the problem and they're pushing for tougher safety measures, including childproof storage and flavor bans. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:41:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714014133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250709091653.htm Long-tailed macaques given short videos were glued to scenes of fighting—especially when the combatants were monkeys they knew—mirroring the human draw to drama and familiar faces. Low-ranking individuals watched most intently, perhaps for self-protection, while high-strung ones averted their gaze. Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:38:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250709091653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123818.htm To achieve the European Green Deal's goal of 25% organic agriculture by 2030, researchers argue that new genomic techniques (NGTs) should be allowed without pre-market authorization in organic as well as conventional food production. NGTs -- also known as gene editing --- are classified under the umbrella of GMOs, but they involve more subtle genetic tweaks. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121658.htm Encouraging people in North America and Sub-Saharan Africa to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle could help to cut global household emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide by up to two-fifths, a new study reveals. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:16:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121254.htm Photovoltaic systems are increasingly being installed not only on roofs but also on open land. This does not always meet with citizens' approval. What is known as agrivoltaics (Agri-PV), however, is viewed more favorably, as researchers have now been able to show. In this case, the solar cells are installed in spaces used for agriculture -- such as on pastures or as a canopy over grapevines. According to a survey of almost 2,000 people, this form enjoys much higher acceptance than normal solar parks. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:12:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131024.htm Researchers found that consumers tend to overestimate fractional star ratings and underestimate fractional numerals. In either case, the ratings can be misleading, potentially causing a company to unknowingly overpromise and underdeliver -- or sell its own product short. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:10:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514164318.htm A new game-based experiment sheds light on the tradeoffs people are willing to make about data privacy. Wed, 14 May 2025 16:43:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514164318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113110.htm Global emissions of carbon dioxide from industry can be reduced by five per cent. But that requires companies and policy makers to take a holistic approach to energy efficiency and energy management and not solely focus on technological development. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:31:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113110.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112725.htm From seatbelt laws to new speed limits -- many people soon stop resisting policy changes that restrict their personal freedom once the new rules come into force. Researchers also identified the underlying psychological mechanism to gain important insights for possible communication strategies when introducing such measures. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:27:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507200752.htm Redesigning social media to suit different needs of users could make their time online more focused, according to new research. Wed, 07 May 2025 20:07:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507200752.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130519.htm Wealthy individuals have a higher carbon footprint. A new study quantifies the climate outcomes of these inequalities. It finds that the world's wealthiest 10% are responsible for two thirds of observed global warming since 1990 and the resulting increases in climate extremes such as heatwaves and droughts. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:05:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130506.htm As fast fashion continues to fill wardrobes and landfills at a staggering pace, new research suggests that the future of fashion might lie not in fabric, but in pixels. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:05:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130506.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130007.htm Researchers are investigating how the legal supply of cannabis affects consumption and mental health among participants. In a first academic publication, the study team has now reported on the direct comparison of the substance's legal versus illegal procurement. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:00:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130007.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430211650.htm Researchers have been putting ChatGPT essays to the test against real students. A new study reveals that the AI generated essays don't yet live up to the efforts of real students. While the AI essays were found to be impressively coherent and grammatically sound, they fell short in one crucial area -- they lacked a personal touch. It is hoped that the findings could help educators spot cheating in schools, colleges and universities worldwide by recognizing machine-generated essays. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:16:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430211650.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424165646.htm In examining how different countries have rolled out climate change mitigation strategies, research has found reasons to be optimistic about preserving our environment while promoting prosperity and well-being. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:56:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424165646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111913.htm A new study lays out a scientific framework for holding individual fossil fuel companies liable for the costs of climate change by tracing specific damages back to their emissions. The researchers use the tool to provide the first causal estimate of economic losses due to extreme heat driven by emissions. They report that carbon dioxide and methane output from just 111 companies cost the world economy $28 trillion from 1991 to 2020, with the five top-emitting firms linked to $9 trillion of those losses. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:19:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110048.htm The UK government needs to go beyond offering subsidies for low-carbon technologies (LCTs) like electric cars and solar panels for energy and heating, if it is to meet its net-zero targets by 2050, a report suggests. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122443.htm Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States where more than 40% of adults are obese and more than 70% are overweight. One common policy intervention to tackle this urgent issue is to try to improve diet quality by increasing local grocery stores that offer healthy options. However, this is not a silver bullet, but researchers are not sure why. A team of researchers developed a novel tool to help understand consumer behavior at the county level, and to study the relationship between where people shop for their food and the risk of obesity-related cancers. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:24:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141732.htm Renting clothes can reduce the fashion industry's enormous environmental impact, but so far, the business models have not worked very well. The best chance of success is for a rental company to provide clothing within a niche market, such as specific sportswear, and to work closely with the suppliers and clothing manufacturers. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:17:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122938.htm New research has found that employers and policymakers might want to start paying attention to how workers are feeling, because employee happiness contains critical economic information. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:29:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310134300.htm To investigate the prevalence and consumption of endangered eels, a research team examined 327 individual eel products purchased across 86 retailers throughout Singapore. The team discovered prevalence of the Anguilla rostrata, commonly known as the American eel, in the sample. While not critically endangered like the European eel, the American eel is also considered an endangered species. The findings suggested a possible shift in trade and consumption of eel to the American eel. Given these findings, the research team called for specific attention to the American eel, with increased enforcement and monitoring needed as proactive steps necessary to avoid the same dramatic population declines that have been documented in other eel species like the European eel. Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:43:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310134300.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224111801.htm A research team has found that telemedicine may help to reduce the use of low-value tests. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:18:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224111801.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220164402.htm After a cyber attack or natural disaster, a backup network of decentralized devices -- like residential solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and water heaters -- could restore electricity or relieve stress on the grid, engineers find. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:44:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220164402.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111302.htm A new study of more than 1400 adults who gamble and play online video games has found loot box buying is associated with real-world gambling, video gaming addiction, and other mental health issues. The international research brings new insights into the loot box phenomenon -- the virtual items offered in video games to give players random rewards including weapons, cosmetics or 'skins.' Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:13:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111302.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143405.htm Researchers call on the international community to recognize and start tackling the 'biodiversity leak'. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:34:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143405.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211235646.htm Certain groups of consumers appear to be open to drinking smoke-impacted wines, a finding in a new study that could provide market opportunities for winemakers increasingly dealing with the effects of wildfire smoke on grapes. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 23:56:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211235646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250207122452.htm To evaluate the effectiveness of public video campaigns against risky alcohol consumption, psychologists used EEG measurements to examine the synchronization of brain activity in groups of viewers. In a recent study, they present new ways to bring the method out of the laboratory and into real-life application in the public health sector. Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:24:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250207122452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250206134602.htm As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration weighs whether to require front-of-package food labels, a new study shows some food labels designed to nudge Americans toward healthier food choices can have the opposite effect. Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:46:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250206134602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205131428.htm Wealthy people are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior such as donating money or volunteering, according to a new global study. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:14:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205131428.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250204173800.htm Many U.S. forests are privately owned, particularly in the Eastern and North Central part of the country. This makes control of invasive plants and pests challenging because efforts must be coordinated across landowners. A new study explores how differences in ownership motivation affects willingness to control, and how economic incentives can be implemented most efficiently. Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:38:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250204173800.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203182228.htm A new study has estimated it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species. The research highlights the urgent need for increased funding to combat threats such as habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:22:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203182228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142156.htm A recent study by management scholars underscores the importance of organizations' dynamic capabilities for greener business practices. Analyzing data from 139 manufacturing companies, the research reveals that financial and technological expertise combined with adaptability to regulations and evolving consumer demands, are key to advancing the green transition. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:21:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142156.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135844.htm A green alga that grows in lakes and rivers could be the next 'superfood' -- helping scientists to tackle global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:58:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135844.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250128123636.htm Strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that are directly related to a hospitality company's core business operations and competencies can help companies create both social and business value, according to researchers. Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:36:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250128123636.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123002157.htm After two years of data collection, quantitative and qualitative analyses, meetings and stakeholder interviews, a team of researchers developed new socioeconomic indicators to holistically monitor the lobster industry's resilience. The eight socioeconomic indicators identified by the team include coastal accessibility, operational condition, business investments, community composition, financial health, risk taking, personal spending and physical and mental health. Each indicator is backed by secondary data from state and federal agencies, as well as publicly available information from certain businesses and organizations. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:21:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123002157.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134318.htm Giving people better data about their energy use, plus some coaching, can help them substantially reduce their consumption and costs, according to a new study. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:43:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250110121753.htm Greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture could be significantly reduced in a socially equitable way through a climate fee on food, combined with climate dividends. A new study suggests that pricing greenhouse gas-intensive foods could help meet climate targets for agriculture while generating over 8.2 billion Euros annually. If these funds were redistributed to households through a lump-sum compensation scheme, it would ease the financial burden on households, especially those with lower incomes and at the same time encourage sustainable consumption. Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:17:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250110121753.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250110121742.htm Researchers have found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) -- organizations that negotiate access to medicines for most patients in the United States -- steer patients to use their own pharmacies. However, these pharmacies appear less used in Medicare than in other market segments. These PBMs are part of integrated health care conglomerates that own insurance companies and pharmacies, which may create conflicts of interest. Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:17:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250110121742.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250106195651.htm Traditional methods of communicating how likely an area is to flood focus on designating which zones are 'high risk.' This study suggests that this framing may give developers and homeowners a false sense of security when settling directly outside of 'high risk' zones, believing them to be safe. This phenomenon is known as the 'safe development paradox,' and results in an over-concentration of development right next to areas most likely to flood. Mon, 06 Jan 2025 19:56:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250106195651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250103125034.htm Farmers are receiving less of what consumers spend on food, as modern food systems increasingly direct costs toward value-added components like processing, transport, and marketing. A study shows that this effect shapes how food prices respond to agricultural climate policies: While value-added components buffer consumer price changes in wealthier countries, low-income countries -- where farming costs dominate -- face greater challenges in managing food price increases due to climate policies. Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:50:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250103125034.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162647.htm Researchers design a new way to more reliably evaluate AI models' ability to make clinical decisions in realistic scenarios that closely mimic real-life interactions. The analysis finds that large-language models excel at making diagnoses from exam-style questions but struggle to do so from conversational notes. The researchers propose set of guidelines to optimize AI tools' performance and align them with real-world practice before integrating them into the clinic. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:26:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162647.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162642.htm A balanced diet is important for reducing hunger and malnutrition. Researchers thus advocate that small farmers in low- and middle-income countries should try to produce as many different foods as possible for their own consumption. However, a study is now questioning this recommendation to some extent. It suggests that good access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a large diversity of crops on their own smallholding. Better-functioning markets increase the variety of foods available locally, which benefits the population as a whole. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:26:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162642.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241220132657.htm We know a lot about how much fossil-derived carbon is emitted to the atmosphere but less about how much is stored in human-made products. Ecological economists estimate that each year, humans add around 400 million tons of fossil carbon to long-lasting products such as plastics, buildings, and human infrastructure. Although these products could be considered a 'carbon sink,' proper waste management is essential to prevent them from becoming environmental hazards. Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:26:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241220132657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212145835.htm Leafy greens can become contaminated with pathogenic E. coli or other bacteria through splashes of soil or contaminated irrigation water in the field, or through processing and handling. Growers and processors work hard to implement multiple safety procedures, but contaminated products still slip through the cracks and reach consumers. A new study looks at control measures and product testing in the produce supply chain, aiming to determine the most effective risk management strategies under a range of scenarios. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:58:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212145835.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212115833.htm An international education expert, argues in a new study for an ecological shift to a 'school within a school' approach that would give students, teachers and parents the ability to guide their own education with autonomy and self-determination. The approach could replicate how businesses and natural ecosystems and species adapt and succeed. The approach is an alternative to the system-wide attempts at school reform that have repeatedly failed to produce effective change for nearly 200 years, he argues. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:58:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212115833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210183516.htm The city of Berkeley's first-in-the-nation soda tax a decade ago, along with more recent Bay Area tax increases on sugar-sweetened drinks, have not only led to reduced sales. They are also associated with significant changes in social norms and attitudes about the healthfulness of sweet drinks. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:35:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210183516.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210163404.htm Using a new calculation method, researchers found in an international comparative study that investors value corporate environmental performance more than mere information disclosure. In some developed countries, beyond sustainability efforts, companies can improve environmental efficiency to enhance economic performance. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:34:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210163404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125124823.htm Spending too much time social networking appears to be a key driver in loneliness, but a new article suggests motivated uses of social networking sites for connecting with people and feeling companionship can also play a role in alleviating it. Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:48:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125124823.htm