New economics study finds ICE activity upended the US childcare workforce
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Oct-2026 17:17 ET (26-Oct-2026 21:17 GMT/UTC)
Despite widespread claims that social changes have intensified loneliness, no study has yet examined how loneliness has changed over time in Japan. To address this gap, graduate student Momo Homma from the Department of Psychology at Chuo University, Japan and Professor Kenkichi Takase from the same institution conducted a cross-temporal meta-analysis to investigate how loneliness has changed over time in Japan and identify the factors contributing to this change. The results indicated that loneliness increased in Japan from 1983 to 2023. Furthermore, the increase was particularly pronounced among adolescents and women, and social indicators such as marriage rates were found to covary with loneliness. These findings provide a foundation for future research on loneliness and help identify target populations for interventions aimed at reducing loneliness.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming higher education systems worldwide, and a new study highlights how AI adoption can significantly improve educational effectiveness in emerging economies. Researchers investigating higher education institutions in Pakistan found that AI-powered technologies enhance teaching quality, student engagement, learning efficiency, and institutional performance, particularly when supported by strong digital literacy skills.
The study examined how universities are integrating AI technologies into academic and administrative functions, including personalized learning systems, academic analytics, intelligent tutoring systems, and automated educational management tools. The findings revealed that institutions adopting AI technologies are better positioned to improve educational delivery, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes.
Importantly, the research found that digital literacy plays a critical moderating role in strengthening the positive relationship between AI adoption and educational effectiveness. Faculty members and students with higher levels of digital competence were more capable of effectively using AI tools, adapting to digital learning environments, and maximizing the benefits of intelligent educational technologies.
The researchers emphasize that successful AI integration in higher education requires more than technological investment alone. Institutional readiness, faculty training, digital skills development, and supportive policy frameworks are essential to ensure sustainable and inclusive educational transformation.
The findings provide important insights for policymakers, university administrators, and educators seeking to leverage AI technologies to improve higher education quality, student outcomes, and institutional competitiveness in emerging economies.