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Policy & Ethics

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-May-2026 15:15 ET (8-May-2026 19:15 GMT/UTC)

New report shows what businesses need to scale sustainable chemicals

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Reports and Proceedings

A new report released today by Change Chemistry and the Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst at the UMass Lowell outlines why government incentives are critical to helping businesses scale more sustainable chemicals — and how those incentives can reduce risk, unlock investment, and enable real market adoption.

Voting is linked to living longer

University of Pennsylvania
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Studies have shown that some types of civic engagement, such as volunteering, are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and better mental health. A new study co-authored by social policy researcher Femida Handy of the University of Pennsylvania shows that voting is associated with a reduced mortality risk in older adults. “The potential long-lasting benefits of voting as individuals age make this information crucial for promoting voter turnout,” says Handy.

Journal: The Journals of Gerontology Series B

New study suggests climate finance from developed countries may help reduce resource-related conflict risk in developing countries

Taylor & Francis Group
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Just as major global powers are retreating from climate finance commitments, a new empirical study provides, for the first time, evidence of a direct link between climate finance and a lower risk of resource-related conflict in developing countries.

Journal: Climate Policy

Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study of Chinese youths, longer breastfeeding duration was not associated with cognitive performance in the unadjusted model but was associated with better cognitive performance after adjustment for socioeconomic status. Longer breastfeeding was more common among families with low socioeconomic status. Continued policy support, such as extended maternity leave and workplace lactation accommodations, may be warranted alongside further longitudinal research.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

Q&A: Does nature have a role in national security?

Penn State
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The security of every nation faces an increasingly severe and frequent threat: disruptions to nature. In this Q&A, Bradley J. Cardinale, Penn State professor of ecosystem science and management, discussed his recent study examining how disrupted ecosystems can lead to increased risk for food security, water availability, health and well-being, as well as crime.

Journal: Nature-Based Solutions

Why heat deaths occur during low-level alerts - new UK study

University of East London
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from the University of East London explores why many heat-related deaths in England occur during lower-level alerts, highlighting gaps in awareness, understanding and response to heat-health warnings.

Journal: Energy Research & Social Science

Efficient degradation of short-chain PFAS

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Short-chain perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) are increasingly entering the environment via various pathways and contaminating groundwater and drinking water. Because PFAS are highly mobile, removing them has so far required a great deal of effort. But a research team at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has developed a new technology to do so. According to an article recently published in Chemical Engineering Journal, the new process is more environmentally friendly and less energy-intensive.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

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