Corruption almost inevitable in Russian business
Researcher Julia V. Bondeli studied corruption in Russia for five years. She was surprised at the scope of the problem. There are even “fixers” who are contracted to facilitate corrupt exchanges.
Society
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Feel-good hormone dopamine affects passion and autism
Dopamine is often called the “happy” or “feel-good” hormone. It can help explain both autistic behaviours and men’s need for passion in order to succeed.
Children of well-educated people have higher survival rates
The higher parents’ education level, the more likely it is that their children will survive the first five years of life. Over three million births have been examined.
Robots with visual and tactile sensing can prevent tons of food waste
Intelligent food handling by robots can boost productivity and reduce waste in the production chain. Meet the robot with visual and tactile sensing, capable of handling compliant food objects.
Social media’s echo chambers not such a big problem
Most people obtain their information from multiple sources. Social media’s dreaded “echo chambers” have little significance for most of us, a new study shows.
Working from home is here to stay – and is transforming the roles of managers
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced companies to change the way they organise their day-to-day activities. Many people find working from home no problem at all. According to researchers, there is little to suggest that these changes will be reversed once the pandemic is over.
An automated box on wheels — with personality
Robots are becoming more and more omnipresent in our lives, even though we may not notice. New research shows that when a boxy motorized hospital robot can talk, people find it funny and engaging. And that may help people be more willing to accept new technologies, like robots, in their everyday lives.
From programming a calculator to activist professor for gender equality
Letizia Jaccheri has won a Norwegian award recognizing her efforts to bring more women into the tech industry. She’s been instrumental in helping increase the number of women in leadership positions at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she herself is a professor of computer science.
Are durable goods really that good?
Disposable products are bad. But durable goods account for two-thirds of the global household’s energy footprint.
When does the green-eyed monster of jealousy awake in people?
Women and men are often jealous for completely different reasons. This gender difference occurs so early that it surprised the researchers.
Green quay will provide a green fjord
Big things might be happening soon with cruise traffic in the Geiranger fjord. Smaller vessels and adapted green quay facilities could make for a green fjord and offer a solution for preserving the World Heritage site.
Mom is right — get up off the sofa
A lot of young people struggle with depression, a fact that is especially true for girls. But youth who are physically active are less vulnerable.
People do not learn from regretting one night stands
Do you regret what you did the last time you had the option of a one night stand? You probably have not learned anything to help you next time.
Pedestrians’ and cyclists’ behaviours are greatly affected by their feelings
New research is showing that a combination of perceived risk and worry determines the forms of transport chosen by pedestrians and cyclists.
Piece work increases drug use among Americans
Young workers in the United States who earn piece work wages drink more and have a 35 per cent higher risk for using hard drugs.
Hospital financial performance overemphasized, say doctors
Some patients are more profitable for Norwegian hospitals than others. Most hospital physicians believe that managers care too much about the financial operation of hospitals.
New technology could increase health inequities
Rich countries get vaccines first. People with high status or a lot of money are healthier and live longer. New technology could increase the disparities.
London introduced car charge in city centre – and saw most harmful pollution increase
In 2003, the average traffic speed in central London was less than 14 km/h. The congestion charge improved the flow of traffic but also had unwanted effects.
Effective anxiety therapy changes personality
Two effective treatment methods for generalized anxiety disorders also reduces the neuroticism personality trait.
Which conspiracy theory do you believe in?
Everyone believes in at least one conspiracy theory, according to conspiracy researchers. Conspiracy theories aren’t reserved for angry Republicans in the United States. Do you think Biden stole the election?
Abandoned cropland should produce biofuels
More biofuels are needed to counteract climate change. But producing them shouldn’t diminish food production or wilderness areas. The solution may be to grow more grass on recently abandoned cropland.
Trained medical staff can perform safe, effective hernia surgery
Many low and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, don’t have enough surgeons to perform vital surgeries, such as groin hernia repairs. Training non-doctor associate clinicians in this procedure provides a safe and effective solution, a new study shows.
Why we use our smartphone at cafés
Why do people fiddle with their smartphones when they’re with other people? Researchers have identified three main reasons.
Pandemic has revealed our dependence on migrant workers
Food production was quickly declared a socially critical function with the outbreak of the pandemic. The dependence of agricultural and food industry sectors on migrant workers has never been clearer, one researcher says.