https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/retail_and_services/ Latest news on the retail and services industries. en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:44:41 EDT Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:44:41 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/retail_and_services/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030521.htm When the Asian financial crisis sent rice prices soaring in Indonesia in the late 1990s, the shock didn’t just strain household budgets—it left lasting marks on children’s bodies. Researchers from the University of Bonn found that kids exposed to the food price surge were more likely to experience stunted growth and, years later, a higher risk of obesity. The findings suggest that during crises, families often maintain calorie intake but cut back on nutrient-rich foods, creating hidden nutritional deficiencies that disrupt healthy development. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:53:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030521.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/2025/11/251130205421.htm Researchers exploring Bolivia’s Great Tectonic Lakes discovered a landscape transformed over centuries by sophisticated engineering and diverse agricultural traditions. Excavations show how Indigenous societies adapted to dynamic wetlands through raised fields, canals, and mixed livelihoods. Today’s local communities preserve this biocultural continuity, guiding research and conservation. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:45:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205421.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/2025/08/250811104233.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/2025/05/250520183839.htm Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report. Tue, 20 May 2025 18:38:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520183839.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/2025/04/250402122443.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/2025/03/250325141713.htm Fossil-fuel plants are increasingly being forced to stop and start production in response to changes in output from renewables. In a new study, researchers developed a dynamic competitive benchmark that accounts for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. They apply their framework to Western Australia, a setting where rooftop solar capacity more than doubled between 2014 to 2018 to world-leading rooftop solar penetration rates. The study found that the large-scale expansion of rooftop solar capacity can lead to increases in the collective profitability of fossil fuel plants because competition softens at sunset--- plants displaced by solar during the day must incur start-up costs to compete in the evening. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:17:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141713.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211134106.htm Research on climate policy is growing exponentially. Of the approximately 85,000 individual studies ever published on policy instruments for mitigating global heating, a good quarter are from 2020 or later. A study using machine learning methods now shows how this vast knowledge is distributed -- by instrument, country, sector and policy level -- and identifies research gaps. A corresponding web tool, the 'living systematic map', will help to guide science and policy. It will be continuously updated to reflect the current state of research. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:41:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211134106.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142518.htm National targets for solar and wind power will see reliance on natural gas plummet, reducing electricity price volatility across Europe, with major beneficiaries including the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, and the Netherlands. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:25:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131194548.htm Despite humanity's scientific achievements and globalized economy, malnutrition remains a global issue. The United Nations estimated that 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:45:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131194548.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/2025/01/250113134435.htm A thorough analysis of market, technological, and supply chain outcomes for sodium-ion batteries finds that significant advances are needed before commercialization. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:44:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134435.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/2025/01/250103125034.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/2025/01/250102162632.htm Recognizing that news coverage may have influence in forming attitudes and in driving action, a team of psychology researchers examined whether reframing this gender gap in terms of 'men's overrepresentation' -- rather than as 'women's underrepresentation' -- would have an impact on perceptions of the issue and on motivations to address it. Its findings showed that framing the gap as 'men's overrepresentation' -- as opposed to 'women's underrepresentation' -- in political leadership elicited more anger at the disparity among women and increased perceptions that the gap is unjust. Moreover, the results showed that anger at the disparity leads women to take action to address it. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:26:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162632.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241226153850.htm A research group has analyzed the digital ecosystem of 11- to 12-year-old children across the Basque Autonomous Community, and concluded that two out of three own a smartphone. They use smartphones mainly to talk to family and friends. The researchers also point out that, at that age, access to social media mainly focuses on watching videos and not on generating content. Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:38:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241226153850.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125923.htm How can we ensure that as many households as possible adopt not only solar panels, but also their own battery to store solar energy, a heat pump, and an electric car? Researchers have looked into just this question. Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:59:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125923.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212120219.htm Diverse and inclusive teams are not merely a moral imperative but also a catalyst for scientific excellence in robotics, scientists point out in a study. The team has outlined how a scientific community can benefit if its leadership fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion, and propose a leadership guide for roboticists to help reap these benefits. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:02:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212120219.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/2024/11/241120122023.htm With most donated clothes exported or thrown away, experts are calling for a shakeup of how we deal with the growing fashion waste issue. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:20:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241120122023.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125520.htm A new study found that policies to curtail the use of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores and other retail outlets in Austin and Dallas, Texas, resulted in people buying more plastic bags, a behavior that continued after the rules were no longer in place. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:55:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125520.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241116195647.htm Employees struggle when supervisors swing between good and bad behavior Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:56:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241116195647.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142725.htm New research reveals that the music and soundscapes used in toy commercials are reinforcing rigid gender norms, shaping the way children perceive masculinity and femininity. The study uncovers how gender stereotypes are not only conveyed through visuals and language but are also deeply embedded in the sound and music used in advertisements targeted at children. Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:27:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031151841.htm In 2020, fast food and sugary drinks topped Canadian social media mentions, reaching billions worldwide. Experts warn this digital exposure is helping normalize unhealthy eating, especially among youth, and call for protective policies. Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:18:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031151841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241025122506.htm A new commentary found that power plants' use of these devices saved up to 9,100 lives and up to $100 billion in health costs in 2023. These estimates reveal the substantial health benefits that could be at stake if the next presidential administration implements policies that aim to weaken the Clean Air Act and limit the regulatory authority of the EPA. Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:25:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241025122506.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131354.htm Planning policies to restrict the number of new fast-food outlets leads to fewer overweight and obese children according to research. Researchers examined the impact of policy in the North East of England where Gateshead Council prevented any existing non-fast-food commercial property from being converted into a hot fast-food takeaway. In sub-group analysis by area level deprivation, they found that those quintiles of deprivation within Gateshead with the highest proportion of fast-food outlets had a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in comparison to comparable neighborhoods in the North East. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:13:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131354.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015183523.htm An analysis of a child health project reveals surprising factors in early-stage team success. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:35:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015183523.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008163931.htm A circular bioeconomy that reduces and recycles waste, transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable bio-based alternatives, and regenerates natural systems is critical for feeding and fueling the world's growing population in environmentally sustainable ways. But it's a complicated concept, and significant questions remain about how it should be implemented and how to get buy-in from farmers, industry, and consumers in a market economy. A new paper by noted agricultural economists and scientists argues that the concept of a circular bioeconomy needs to expand beyond its technical focus on reducing waste and incorporate a values-based economic lens. The authors emphasize the need for the right policies, incentives, and market signals to persuade consumers and producers to make environmentally sound decisions -- and to help ensure that the system is equitable. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:39:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008163931.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926131942.htm Since 1990, childhood obesity has nearly doubled globally, with the U.S. at the forefront. Addressing pediatric obesity requires a multifaceted approach from tackling the influence of social media and advertising on children's food choices to increasing physical activity. Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:19:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926131942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240923110742.htm Top ocean experts have published a report that redefines the concept of 'sustainable fishing' and proposes 11 'golden rules' that radically challenge the flawed approach that currently prevails in fisheries management. Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:07:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240923110742.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240920112707.htm Researchers used a detailed mathematical model to demonstrate that the construction sector in the UK and Europe could almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. This could be achieved through using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies to renovate existing properties and construct new ones. Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:27:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240920112707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221840.htm A sweeping study of U.S. youth sports participation over the past 60 years found that there has been a significant increase over time in kids playing organized sports -- but particularly among more privileged, educated families. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:18:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221840.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813192337.htm Scientists have trialled a new way to protect freshwater crocodiles from deadly invasive cane toads spreading across northern Australia. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:23:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813192337.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225627.htm New York City subway commuters who are economically disadvantaged or belong to racial minority groups have the highest exposure to fine particulate matter during their commutes, according to a new study. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:56:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225627.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131352.htm In 2023, roughly 60,000 firework shells exploded above Manhattan's East River as part of Macy's Fourth of July show. The resulting air pollutant levels were many times higher in the hours after the display than those seen when smoke from a Canadian wildfire had blanketed the area a month before, according to the results of a new study. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:13:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131300.htm To protect the Amazon and support the wellbeing of its people, its economy needs to shift from environmentally harmful production to a model built around the diversity of indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:13:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131300.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240801121845.htm Companies and institutes are currently working on biotechnological processes for the production of 'dairy products' without the use of cows: In so-called precision fermentation, egg and milk proteins are produced with the help of bacteria, yeasts or other fungi. This results in foods such as milk or cheese with a familiar flavor and texture. Supporters hope that this will lead to more sustainable food production, as nutrient-rich proteins can be produced using fewer resources. But will consumers accept such products? Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:18:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240801121845.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730134907.htm A randomized trial conducted by health economists found that a bit of peer influence can nudge us to select healthier groceries. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:49:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730134907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730133953.htm Which packaging type for a 12-ounce, single-serve container of orange juice would you choose as the most sustainable option: Aluminum/canned, made with recycled material; Carton, described as biodegradable/compostable; Glass, 100% recyclable; or Plastic, described as biodegradable/compostable? If you were like the U.S. consumers surveyed by food scientists you'd prefer glass and believe it was the most sustainable choice. And you all would be mistaken. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:39:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730133953.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724123059.htm A new study shows an average 20-percent spike of nitrogen dioxide polluting the air for communities located near huge warehouses. And people of color are harder hit. Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:30:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724123059.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240723132035.htm Consumers' attitudes and health behaviors respond negatively to the switch to daylight saving time. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:20:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240723132035.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240718124903.htm A new study suggests that the U.S. government's push to increase heavy-duty trucks' energy efficiency could encourage more shipping by truck instead of rail, reducing the policies' anticipated effectiveness by 20%. Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:49:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240718124903.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162432.htm In a study of several thousand companies in England, mental health training for line managers was associated with organizational-level benefits, including lower levels of long-term mental health-related sickness absence and better business performance, customer service, and staff recruitment and retention. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:24:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162432.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240716122735.htm A new study finds that the proportional allocation of water, and not additional taxes on the resource, is more effective from the point of view of those engaged in agriculture. Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:27:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240716122735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240715170838.htm American diets may have gotten healthier and more diverse in the months following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study. Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:08:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240715170838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240702135559.htm A team of researchers had already been working with electricity price data for years before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, exploring statistics and developing forecasting methods. Now they zero in on how prices in different countries relate and how countries were affected by the energy crisis and address the interdependencies of different markets. Their approach combines statistical physics and network science, identifying communities and the fundamental spatiotemporal patterns within the electricity price/time data from all countries. The researchers hope their work will strengthen the European perspective in the political debate about electricity markets and prices, because problems like this are best tackled via international cooperation. Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:55:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240702135559.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240701232820.htm Taxing certain antibiotics could help efforts to tackle the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in humans, according to a new study. Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:28:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240701232820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125705.htm Rising health care prices in the U.S. are leading employers outside the health care sector to reduce their payroll and decrease their number of employees, according to a new study. The study found that when health care prices increased, non-health care employers responded by reducing their payroll and cutting the jobs of middle-class workers. For the average county, a 1% increase in health care prices would reduce aggregate income in the area by approximately $8 million annually. Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:57:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125705.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121531.htm Giving a regular cash payment to the entire world population has the potential to increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 130%, according to a new analysis. Researchers suggest that charging carbon emitters with an emission tax could help fund such basic income program while reducing environmental degradation. Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:15:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121531.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240529144225.htm The average age at menarche -- the first menstrual period -- has been decreasing among younger generations in the U.S., especially those belonging to racial minorities and lower socioeconomic statuses, according to a new study. It also found that the average time it takes for the menstrual cycle to become regular is increasing. Wed, 29 May 2024 14:42:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240529144225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240528134230.htm A new study concludes that nearly half of the food waste, about 620 million metric tons, could be eliminated by fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide. At the same time, fully refrigerated supply chains, or 'cold chains,' could cut food waste-related emissions of climate-warming greenhouse gases by 41% globally, according to a new study. Tue, 28 May 2024 13:42:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240528134230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240523153643.htm Concierge services built on artificial intelligence have the potential to improve how hotels and other service businesses interact with customers, a new paper suggests. Thu, 23 May 2024 15:36:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240523153643.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516122613.htm The treatment of animals rates higher than green issues when consumers choose meat and dairy products. That's according to a new study, which suggests that while consumers consider sustainability important, other factors such as taste, quality, and animal welfare take precedence in their purchasing decisions. Thu, 16 May 2024 12:26:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516122613.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515225104.htm By kindergarten age, most children have been taught that 'please' is a magic word. 'Please' is an expression of politeness that shows courtesy and respect, turning a potential demand into a request that will -- poof! -- magically be granted. But a new study on the ways people make requests of one another suggests that 'please' might not be an all-purpose marker of politeness, but rather a more focused, strategic tool to manage frictions or obstacles among family members, friends and even coworkers. The study shows that people say 'please' much less often than expected, and mostly when they expect a 'no' response is forthcoming. Wed, 15 May 2024 22:51:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515225104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122645.htm PES programs are currently structured in ways that could limit their participation or create incentives to drop out before the full environmental benefits are realized. Wed, 15 May 2024 12:26:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122645.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240513105220.htm Actually, sometimes consumers don't want to talk to a real person when they're shopping online, a new study suggests. In fact, what they really want is a chatbot that makes it clear that it is not human at all. In a new study, researchers found that people preferred interacting with chatbots when they felt embarrassed about what they were buying online -- items like antidiarrheal medicine or, for some people, skin care products. Mon, 13 May 2024 10:52:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240513105220.htm