http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/economics/ Science and economics. Read the latest scientific research pertaining to economic theory, including practical applications. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/economics/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135331.htm Economists have developed a financial market "seismograph" that can measure the interconnections between stock markets across the globe. Their research has the potential to serve as an early warning system and provide measures to manage and mitigate the spread of financial crisis. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208180237.htm The financial challenge Americans face paying out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs has declined, but the costs remain a burden to many families, according to a new study. Despite the improvement, more than 8 million non-elderly Americans live in families with a high drug-cost burden. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208180237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174211.htm A new analysis has found that a state ballot initiative to increase the cigarette tax would create about 12,000 jobs and nearly $2 billion in new economic activity in California. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144133.htm A comprehensive new report on health insurance shows the so-called Great Recession caused hundreds of thousands of Californians to lose coverage and acquire medical debt. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama praised the potential of the country's tremendous supply of natural gas buried in shale. But the "Halliburton exclusion" passed by Congress says gas companies don't have to disclose the chemicals used in fracturing fluids. That was a real mistake because it makes the public needlessly paranoid, says a geophysicist. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202201511.htm U.S. counties and parishes with a greater concentration of small, locally-owned businesses have healthier populations — with lower rates of mortality, obesity and diabetes — than do those that rely on large companies with “absentee” owners, according to a national study. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202201511.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151711.htm Interventions to promote women have continuously been criticized as ineffective and inhibiting performance. Economists have now rejected this criticism; they conducted a series of experiments which examined the efficiency and effects of various interventions to increase women's willingness to enter competition. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092420.htm For those with few social advantages, college is a prime pathway to financial stability, but it also unexpectedly lowers their odds of ever marrying, according to a new study. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm The economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump the environment as a reason to curb the use of fossil fuels, say scientists. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126100641.htm People living in countries with low carbon emissions can attain a reasonably high life expectancy, but cannot generally achieve high levels of income. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126100641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125113149.htm Despite extensive investment in nanotechnology and increasing commercialization over the last decade, insufficient understanding remains about the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanomaterials. Without a coordinated research plan to help guide efforts to manage and avoid potential risks, the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnology is uncertain, says a new report. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125113149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm In cultures that permit men to take multiple wives, the intra-sexual competition that occurs causes greater levels of crime, violence, poverty and gender inequality than in societies that institutionalize and practice monogamous marriage. That is a key finding of a new study that explores the global rise of monogamous marriage as a dominant cultural institution. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamous marriage is rapidly replacing polygamy because it has lower levels of inherent social problems. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123174830.htm Researchers found more efficient diagnostic tools are not always used. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123174830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118122823.htm A new study by finance researchers shows that U.S. banks are losing anywhere from $3.8 billion to $5.3 billion in annual revenue due to the Federal Reserve’s 2010 changes to overdraft policy. The lower fee revenue may further impair the ability of banks to lend money. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118122823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust. But a new study suggests rumor-mongering can have positive outcomes such as helping us police bad behavior, prevent exploitation and lower stress. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102056.htm New research has found that individuals and the private sector have an important role to play in the provision of public policies to help society adapt to the impacts of climate change. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm The perception that women are scarce leads men to become impulsive, save less, and increase borrowing, according to new research. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140429.htm Will borrowing money to buy a new car make you feel richer? It depends on your net worth, says a new study. "People's perceptions of wealth vary not only as a function of their net worth, but also of the amount of assets and debt they have," says a psychology graduate student. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151423.htm New research indicates that including comprehensive tobacco cessation benefits in Medicaid insurance coverage can result in substantial savings for Medicaid programs. The study found that every dollar spent in program costs resulted in an average program savings of $3.12, which represents a $2.12 return on investment. Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145833.htm Children could learn valuable lessons in responsible citizenship, such as making moral judgments and informed choices, through taking part in philosophical dialogue, according to new research. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm A smuggler using a public bus to transport a veritable aviary of rare birds for the illegal pet trade was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131649.htm The draft ten-year strategic plan for the US Global Change Research Program -- which shapes and coordinates climate and related global environmental change research efforts of numerous agencies and departments across the federal government -- is "evolving in the right direction," but several key issues could strengthen these planning efforts, says a new report. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm The sustainable development goals of community conservation in Zanzibar raise more complex issues than just protecting monkeys and mangroves. Contingent socio-economic and cultural factors must be taken into account when planning and implementing conservation initiatives if they are to endure, let alone succeed. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm Scientists have written an expanded review of six new air quality regulations by the EPA. These include the first national standards in the U.S. for reducing dangerous emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. Though the cost of implementing is about $195 billion over the next two decades, the economic, environmental and health benefits amount to well over $1 trillion, considerably outweighing the control costs. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152512.htm Cognitive function may be a better indicator of the impact of aging on an economy than age-distribution, with chronological age imposing less of a social and economic burden if the population is "functionally" younger, according to a new study. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112804.htm Are wage differences between men and women decreasing as more women attain managerial positions? A new Swedish report concludes that they are not. Manager gender is tied to neither wages nor, accordingly, wage differences on the labor market. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm Tackling rising CO2 emissions from the residential sector could make a vital contribution towards mitigating climate change, according to a new report. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102926.htm The rising cost of a college education and limited access to financial aid may create a less productive workforce and steeper wealth inequity, according to a study by North American economists. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144242.htm A new analysis shows that solar photovoltaic systems are very close to achieving the tipping point in many regions: they can make electricity that's as cheap -- sometimes cheaper -- than what consumers pay their utilities. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research article suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm The current Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards create a financial incentive for auto companies to make bigger vehicles that are allowed to meet lower targets, according to a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101251.htm A recent study shows that, over the last two decades, areas with the greatest decrease in African great ape populations are those with no active protection from poaching by forest guards. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm Researchers studied how parents' financial problems and resulting mental distress affect their relationships with their children. They found that parents who experience financial problems and depression are less likely to feel connected to their children, and their children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm Cities are wasting the potential of smart technologies by failing to realize the value of their hidden infrastructure and digital assets. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions increased by a record 5.9 per cent in 2010 following the dampening effect of the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis, according to scientists working with the Global Carbon Project. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165116.htm A new study of health insurance in nine Chinese provinces shows that individual coverage surged within a two-year time frame, from 2004-2006, coinciding with new government interventions designed to improve access to health care. The changes were most dramatic in rural areas. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm The sharp decrease in global carbon dioxide emissions attributed to the worldwide financial crisis in 2009 quickly rebounded in 2010, according to researchers. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49 percent in the last two decades, according to the latest figures by an international team of scientists. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155803.htm Is there a psychological reason why people default on their mortgages? A new study finds that people with bad credit scores are more impatient -- more likely to choose immediate rewards rather than wait for a larger reward later. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155757.htm A "sin tax" applied to sweetened goods on store shelves is not the most efficient, effective method of lowering caloric intake from sweet food and would be more disruptive to consumers than necessary, according to new research. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132521.htm Despite aggressive demand-management policies announced in recent years, China's oil use could easily reach levels comparable to today's US levels by 2040, according to a new energy study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095253.htm Physicians who have a financial interest in imaging equipment are more likely to refer their patients for potentially unnecessary imaging exams, according to a new study. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142446.htm The less people know about important complex issues such as the economy, energy consumption and the environment, the more they want to avoid becoming well-informed, according to new research. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121132439.htm Researchers looked at why financial incentives for patients could be a good thing to change risky health behaviors. They suggest that incentives are likely to be particularly effective at altering "simple" behaviors, e.g., take-up of immunizations, primarily among socially disadvantaged groups. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121132439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104157.htm While the price of oil has risen in recent years, it has not affected the price of goods as much as in the past, according to new research. More than that, the prices of many goods -- such as clothing or vacations -- are actually deflating instead of inflating because of improved technology and reduced energy costs. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140631.htm After last year's rollercoaster ride, the job market for college graduates has settled down and appears braced for slow but steady growth, according to a new study. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140627.htm People are willing to pay up to £29.91 per month, or around £360.00 per year, for greener urban spaces, new research shows. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142043.htm There are plenty of examples of corporate managers lying about their companies' earnings and ultimately hurting themselves and the businesses they work for. Why do they do it? A limited capacity to see the whole picture -- known as "bounded rationality" -- combined with a faulty ethical compass are two big reasons. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113142747.htm Policies to protect the global climate and limit global temperature rise offer the most effective entry point for achieving energy sustainability, reducing air pollution, and improving energy security, according to a new article. By adopting an integrated perspective on energy and climate policy, one that simultaneously addresses three of the key objectives for energy sustainability, major synergies and cost co-benefits can be realized. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113142747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use and dependence, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use & Health. A new study found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033948.htm The incidence of tuberculosis in the US is reported as being on the decrease, however untreated infected people act as a reservoir for disease. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151312.htm Over the past 50 years, 60 percent of all ecosystem services have declined as a direct result of the conversion of land to the production of foods, fuels and fibers. This should come as no surprise, say seven of the world's leading environmental scientists, who met to collectively study the pitfalls of utilizing markets to induce people to take account of the environmental costs of their behavior and solutions. We are getting what we pay for. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161250.htm Maryland's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020 meets a series of benchmark tests set by state lawmakers, concludes a new pair of new studies. The findings should help clear the way for adoption of a full Climate Action Plan next year, the researchers say. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm People who participate in online communities are more likely to make risky financial decisions, according to a new study. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm Are easements the most efficient way to conserve land and biodiversity? What easement structures are the most effective? Scientists compared two large easement projects dominated by grazing land: the Malpai Borderlands Group, straddling the Arizona-New Mexico border, and the Nature Conservancy's Lassen Foothills, in northern California and found some interesting results. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220609.htm From the dotcom bust in the late nineties to the housing crash in the run-up to the 2008 crisis, financial bubbles have been a topic of major concern. Identifying bubbles is important in order to prevent collapses that can severely impact nations and economies. A mathematical model has now been proposed for the detection of financial bubbles in order to prevent their collapse. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm As the global media speculate on the number of people likely to inhabit the planet on October 31 an international team of population and development experts argue that it is not simply the number of people that matters but more so their distribution by age, education, health status and location that is most relevant to local and global sustainability. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027163109.htm Poorer countries and those that spend less on health care have greater incidences of stroke and stroke death than wealthier nations, according to new research. Stroke patients in poorer countries were more likely to be younger and to have hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in or near the brain bursts. The findings emphasize the importance of preventing stroke risk factors, especially in developing countries. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027163109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143807.htm Half of Americans are confronting a civil legal problem at any one time, according to one estimate. Without access to legal assistance, they may lose a home, a job, maybe custody of a child. For those with limited means, however, getting those services depends not on their need but where they live, says the lead author of a first-of-its-kind report. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026092452.htm Two interactive dashboards, created for the United Nations Population Fund with business analytics technology from SAP AG and data from the United Nations Population Division and other international sources, have been launched as part of the 7 Billion Actions campaign. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026092452.htm