Lego sets can be a good investment. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)Average annual returns for Lego sets are comparable to those of fine art, wine and stamps, according to a group of U.K. researchers, potentially making the multigenerational construction toys a relatively safe alternative asset class for investors.Average annual returns for Lego sets are comparable to those of fine art, wine and stamps, according to a group of U.K. researchers, potentially making the multigenerational construction toys a relatively safe alternative asset class for investors.The , published in November in the Journal...…Lego sets can be a good investment. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)Average annual returns for Lego sets are comparable to those of fine art, wine and stamps, according to a group of U.K. researchers, potentially making the multigenerational construction toys a relatively safe alternative asset class for investors.Average annual returns for Lego sets are comparable to those of fine art, wine and stamps, according to a group of U.K. researchers, potentially making the multigenerational construction toys a relatively safe alternative asset class for investors.The , published in November in the Journal...WW…

Multiculturalism can still be a touchy topic for white Americans. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)White Americans respond more positively to narratives about rising multiracialism in the U.S. than they do to the suggestion that the country is becoming a “majority-minority” society, new research shows, indicating that the way narratives around race and ethnicity are framed is “enormously influential” on broader attitudes toward diversity.White Americans respond more positively to narratives about rising multiracialism in the U.S. than they do to the suggestion that the country is becoming a...…Multiculturalism can still be a touchy topic for white Americans. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)White Americans respond more positively to narratives about rising multiracialism in the U.S. than they do to the suggestion that the country is becoming a “majority-minority” society, new research shows, indicating that the way narratives around race and ethnicity are framed is “enormously influential” on broader attitudes toward diversity.White Americans respond more positively to narratives about rising multiracialism in the U.S. than they do to the suggestion that the country is becoming a...WW…

Staying busy might add to pandemic stress. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)As coronavirus lockdowns last spring forced people to change their daily behavior and take part in social distancing, those who simply kept busy experienced heightened negative and positive emotions versus those who pursued meaningful activities, according to new research.As coronavirus lockdowns last spring forced people to change their daily behavior and take part in social distancing, those who simply kept busy experienced heightened negative and positive emotions versus those who pursued meaningful activities,...…Staying busy might add to pandemic stress. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)As coronavirus lockdowns last spring forced people to change their daily behavior and take part in social distancing, those who simply kept busy experienced heightened negative and positive emotions versus those who pursued meaningful activities, according to new research.As coronavirus lockdowns last spring forced people to change their daily behavior and take part in social distancing, those who simply kept busy experienced heightened negative and positive emotions versus those who pursued meaningful activities,...WW…

A universal basic income doesn't seem to hurt worker productivity. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)A universal basic income worth about one-fifth of workers' median wages did not reduce the amount of effort employees put into their work, according to an experiment conducted by Spanish economists, a sign that the policy initiative could help mitigate inequalities and the impact of automation. workers with a universal basic income did not reduce the amount of effort they put into their work, according to an experiment conducted by Spanish economists, a sign that the policy initiative could help...…A universal basic income doesn't seem to hurt worker productivity. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)A universal basic income worth about one-fifth of workers' median wages did not reduce the amount of effort employees put into their work, according to an experiment conducted by Spanish economists, a sign that the policy initiative could help mitigate inequalities and the impact of automation. workers with a universal basic income did not reduce the amount of effort they put into their work, according to an experiment conducted by Spanish economists, a sign that the policy initiative could help...WW…

Higher minimum wages lead to fewer teen moms. (Unsplash/Raghavendra V. Konkathi)Raising the minimum wage corresponds to a significant drop in the teenage birth rate, according to a new study of state-level U.S. data that sheds light on the unexpected benefits of putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers. Raising the minimum wage corresponds to a significant drop in the teenage birth rate, according to a new study of state-level U.S. data that sheds light on the unexpected benefits of putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers. For each $1 increase in the minimum wage,...…Higher minimum wages lead to fewer teen moms. (Unsplash/Raghavendra V. Konkathi)Raising the minimum wage corresponds to a significant drop in the teenage birth rate, according to a new study of state-level U.S. data that sheds light on the unexpected benefits of putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers. Raising the minimum wage corresponds to a significant drop in the teenage birth rate, according to a new study of state-level U.S. data that sheds light on the unexpected benefits of putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers. For each $1 increase in the minimum wage,...WW…

A shorter workweek leads to less smoking and thinner waistlines. (AP Photo/Cie Stroud)Shortening the length of the workweek has a positive impact on measures of workers’ health, including body-mass index and smoking, according to a new paper that utilizes a unique French data set.Shortening the length of the workweek has a positive impact on measures of workers’ health, including body-mass index and smoking, according to a new paper that utilizes a unique French data set.For blue-collar workers, shortening the workweek by four hours leads to a 19% to 24% decrease in smoking, according to...…A shorter workweek leads to less smoking and thinner waistlines. (AP Photo/Cie Stroud)Shortening the length of the workweek has a positive impact on measures of workers’ health, including body-mass index and smoking, according to a new paper that utilizes a unique French data set.Shortening the length of the workweek has a positive impact on measures of workers’ health, including body-mass index and smoking, according to a new paper that utilizes a unique French data set.For blue-collar workers, shortening the workweek by four hours leads to a 19% to 24% decrease in smoking, according to...WW…

It turns out the weed munchies may have scientific backing. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Legalizing recreational marijuana leads to increased sales of ice cream, cookies and chips, according to a first-of-its-kind study establishing a causal relationship between legal cannabis and junk food consumption.Legalizing recreational marijuana leads to increased sales of ice cream, cookies and chips, according to a first-of-its-kind study establishing a causal relationship between legal cannabis and junk food consumption. “You think marijuana does no harm — that’s pretty much the consensus today,” said...…It turns out the weed munchies may have scientific backing. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Legalizing recreational marijuana leads to increased sales of ice cream, cookies and chips, according to a first-of-its-kind study establishing a causal relationship between legal cannabis and junk food consumption.Legalizing recreational marijuana leads to increased sales of ice cream, cookies and chips, according to a first-of-its-kind study establishing a causal relationship between legal cannabis and junk food consumption. “You think marijuana does no harm — that’s pretty much the consensus today,” said...WW…

Areas where more young adults live at home with family have higher COVID-19 death rates. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)Regions where more young adults live with their parents have experienced significantly higher rates of COVID-19 deaths, according to a new study based on European and U.S. data.Regions where more young adults live with their parents have experienced significantly higher rates of COVID-19 deaths, according to a new study based on European and U.S. data.The effect is far more pronounced in the U.S. than in Europe, researchers  in the study, which was published in the December 2020...…Areas where more young adults live at home with family have higher COVID-19 death rates. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)Regions where more young adults live with their parents have experienced significantly higher rates of COVID-19 deaths, according to a new study based on European and U.S. data.Regions where more young adults live with their parents have experienced significantly higher rates of COVID-19 deaths, according to a new study based on European and U.S. data.The effect is far more pronounced in the U.S. than in Europe, researchers  in the study, which was published in the December 2020...WW…

There may be a link between political corruption and dividend payouts. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)Companies headquartered in U.S. states with higher levels of political corruption pay out more to investors through dividends and stock buybacks, according to new research by three Canadian academics.Companies headquartered in U.S. states with higher levels of political corruption pay out more to investors through dividends and stock buybacks, according to new research by three Canadian academics.The , set to be published in the February 2021 issue of the Journal of Banking & Finance, appears to be...…There may be a link between political corruption and dividend payouts. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)Companies headquartered in U.S. states with higher levels of political corruption pay out more to investors through dividends and stock buybacks, according to new research by three Canadian academics.Companies headquartered in U.S. states with higher levels of political corruption pay out more to investors through dividends and stock buybacks, according to new research by three Canadian academics.The , set to be published in the February 2021 issue of the Journal of Banking & Finance, appears to be...WW…

Time-lapse gradient light interference microscopy, or GLIM, left, and phase imaging with computational specificity imaged over seven days. (Credit: Popescu group)An artificial intelligence-powered imaging method developed by a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign research group can capture live cells without using fluorescent dyes, which are toxic to some specimens. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign research group developed an imaging method that uses artificial intelligence to reveal important visual information of live cells without using fluorescent dyes, which are toxic...…Time-lapse gradient light interference microscopy, or GLIM, left, and phase imaging with computational specificity imaged over seven days. (Credit: Popescu group)An artificial intelligence-powered imaging method developed by a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign research group can capture live cells without using fluorescent dyes, which are toxic to some specimens. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign research group developed an imaging method that uses artificial intelligence to reveal important visual information of live cells without using fluorescent dyes, which are toxic...WW…

Supervisors who feel appreciated by their workers do better jobs. (Unsplash/Ryan Clark)Supervisors reported higher levels of energy, optimism and job satisfaction when their employees showed regular appreciation and gratitude, according to a recent study focused on managers at an American university.Supervisors reported higher levels of energy, optimism and job satisfaction when their employees showed regular appreciation and gratitude, according to a recent study focused on managers at an American university.In the study, in November in the Journal of Management, researchers Sharon...…Supervisors who feel appreciated by their workers do better jobs. (Unsplash/Ryan Clark)Supervisors reported higher levels of energy, optimism and job satisfaction when their employees showed regular appreciation and gratitude, according to a recent study focused on managers at an American university.Supervisors reported higher levels of energy, optimism and job satisfaction when their employees showed regular appreciation and gratitude, according to a recent study focused on managers at an American university.In the study, in November in the Journal of Management, researchers Sharon...WW…

Allegations of scandal hurt the parties and seem to help the politicians accused. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)Allegations from one of America’s two major political parties against the other may in fact backfire against both amid increased polarization, according to a recent paper, while benefiting politicians who stand accused.Allegations from one of America’s two major political parties against the other may in fact backfire against both amid increased polarization, according to a recent paper, while benefiting politicians who stand accused.Polarization, or the widening ideological distance...…Allegations of scandal hurt the parties and seem to help the politicians accused. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)Allegations from one of America’s two major political parties against the other may in fact backfire against both amid increased polarization, according to a recent paper, while benefiting politicians who stand accused.Allegations from one of America’s two major political parties against the other may in fact backfire against both amid increased polarization, according to a recent paper, while benefiting politicians who stand accused.Polarization, or the widening ideological distance...WW…

Working from home appears to most benefit already high-earning workers, according to a new study. (Marta Filipczyk, Unsplash)Giving employees greater ability to work from home increases average income, but the benefit goes mostly to already high-earning workers, new research shows, indicating how policies implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic could widen economic inequality.Giving employees greater ability to work from home increases average income, but the benefit goes mostly to already high-earning workers, new research shows, indicating how policies implemented in response...…Working from home appears to most benefit already high-earning workers, according to a new study. (Marta Filipczyk, Unsplash)Giving employees greater ability to work from home increases average income, but the benefit goes mostly to already high-earning workers, new research shows, indicating how policies implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic could widen economic inequality.Giving employees greater ability to work from home increases average income, but the benefit goes mostly to already high-earning workers, new research shows, indicating how policies implemented in response...WW…

A sign for the car sharing service Lyft stands near a pickup zone outside the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. (AP)Gig economy companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash rely on a model that resembles anti-labor practices employed decades before by the U.S. construction industry, and could lead to similar erosion in earnings for workers, a researcher found.Gig economy companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash rely on a model that resembles anti-labor practices employed decades before by the U.S. construction industry, and could lead to similar erosion in earnings for workers, a researcher...…A sign for the car sharing service Lyft stands near a pickup zone outside the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. (AP)Gig economy companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash rely on a model that resembles anti-labor practices employed decades before by the U.S. construction industry, and could lead to similar erosion in earnings for workers, a researcher found.Gig economy companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash rely on a model that resembles anti-labor practices employed decades before by the U.S. construction industry, and could lead to similar erosion in earnings for workers, a researcher...WW…

Cuts in police forces lead to dramatic spikes in crime, as data from Newark, N.J. shows. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Cities that make sudden cuts to their police forces could be inviting a lasting crime surge, new research suggests, with municipalities that lay off police officers in times of fiscal strain potentially trading public safety for a balanced budget.Cities that make sudden cuts to their police forces could be inviting a lasting crime surge, new research suggests, with municipalities that lay off police officers in times of fiscal strain potentially trading public safety for a balanced...…Cuts in police forces lead to dramatic spikes in crime, as data from Newark, N.J. shows. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Cities that make sudden cuts to their police forces could be inviting a lasting crime surge, new research suggests, with municipalities that lay off police officers in times of fiscal strain potentially trading public safety for a balanced budget.Cities that make sudden cuts to their police forces could be inviting a lasting crime surge, new research suggests, with municipalities that lay off police officers in times of fiscal strain potentially trading public safety for a balanced...WW…

“I was surprised to see the parties appeared this powerful in shaping opinions,” one researcher said. (Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash)Supporters of a political party change their policy views “immediately and substantially” after that party switches its position on an issue, new research suggests, a sign that political elites could be shaping the opinions of the voters whose views they’re supposed to represent.Supporters of a political party change their policy views “immediately and substantially” after that party switches its position on an issue, new research suggests, a sign that...…“I was surprised to see the parties appeared this powerful in shaping opinions,” one researcher said. (Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash)Supporters of a political party change their policy views “immediately and substantially” after that party switches its position on an issue, new research suggests, a sign that political elites could be shaping the opinions of the voters whose views they’re supposed to represent.Supporters of a political party change their policy views “immediately and substantially” after that party switches its position on an issue, new research suggests, a sign that...WW…

The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash)Contrary to the widespread belief that many or most citizens reward elected officials for their shows of opposition to political foes, new evidence suggests that Americans still prefer representation by leaders they believe share their policy views and are responsive to their constituents.Contrary to the widespread belief that most citizens reward elected officials for their shows of opposition to political foes, new evidence suggests that Americans instead prefer representation by leaders they believe share...…The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash)Contrary to the widespread belief that many or most citizens reward elected officials for their shows of opposition to political foes, new evidence suggests that Americans still prefer representation by leaders they believe share their policy views and are responsive to their constituents.Contrary to the widespread belief that most citizens reward elected officials for their shows of opposition to political foes, new evidence suggests that Americans instead prefer representation by leaders they believe share...WW…

States relying on private prisons tend to hold prisoners longer. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)U.S. states that rely on private prisons incarcerate more people for longer periods of time, according to a first-of-its-kind study that establishes a causal connection between private prisons and incarceration.U.S. states that rely on private prisons incarcerate more people for longer periods of time, according to a first-of-its-kind study that establishes a causal connection between private prisons and incarceration. The , published in the December issue of Labour Economics, adds to researchers’...…States relying on private prisons tend to hold prisoners longer. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)U.S. states that rely on private prisons incarcerate more people for longer periods of time, according to a first-of-its-kind study that establishes a causal connection between private prisons and incarceration.U.S. states that rely on private prisons incarcerate more people for longer periods of time, according to a first-of-its-kind study that establishes a causal connection between private prisons and incarceration. The , published in the December issue of Labour Economics, adds to researchers’...WW…