Rising temperatures from climate change will slow economic productivity, and if left unchecked will lower the average global wage by 25 per cent by 2100, according to a new study. Economic productivity peaks at 13 ºC, and declines at lower or higher temperatures, according to a review of global economic data from the World Bank. […]
Tag: economics
Austery measures in Greece linked to increase in suicide rates
The introduction of austerity measures in Greece in June 2011 was linked to an increase in suicides which continued into 2012, a new study shows. The increase was the equivalent of 11.2 additional suicides every month. No other prosperity or austerity events in Greece over the 30 year period were associated with such a strong […]
The Trans-Pacific Partnership and Public Health
A group of doctors has published an editorial raising concerns about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – a trade agreement between Canada and eleven other Pacific Rim countries – and the effect it could have on the public health system. In particular the authors cite possible changes to intellectual property rules that could impact medications or […]
Suicides in Canada rose 4.5% after the recession
A new study suggests that the recent economic recession is linked to a 4.5% increase in Canada’s suicide rate. The study states that Canada experienced 240 suicides more than expected between 2007 and 2009, and that worldwide at least 10,000 additional suicides could be connected to the economic hardship experienced in EU countries, Canada and […]
How smell can relieve shopping anxiety
Researchers have found that smelling something reminiscent of an open space can relieve anxiety among people shopping in a crowded store, and vice versa. 197 students were invited to a mock shopping space that was either crowded or arranged in a mostly empty, minimalist design. The subjects shopping in a crowded space reported that smells […]
Does spite pay off?
New research suggests our desire for fairness come not from altruism, but from a need to prevent local competitors from gaining an advantage. Researchers used a variation of the classic ultimatum game, in which one player decides how to split a pot of money, and the other decides whether to accept it; a rejection means […]
When not to treat prostate cancer
A new study suggests that in some cases, not treating prostate cancer can increase quality of life for patients and save millions of dollars. The Quebec-based study found that active surveillance – watching and waiting – for five years could save up to $96 million for the health care system while improving quality of life […]
