A new Concordia University-led study reveals that business leaders who experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods or hurricanes during childhood tend to lead companies with significantly safer workplace outcomes in adulthood. By analyzing U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration injury data alongside biographical records of more than 500 S&P 1500 CEOs, researchers found that firms led by executives exposed to natural disasters early in life reported nearly 24 % fewer work-related injuries and illnesses compared with those run by CEOs without such experiences. The effect was strongest in companies with powerful CEOs and in sectors with weaker unions or high performance pressures, suggesting that early hardship may influence long-term safety priorities and decision-making.

As high-speed internet, cloud computing, and digital platforms become the backbone of modern life, a vital question emerges: Is this digital explosion good for the environment? A sophisticated new economic simulation reveals that the answer is a resounding "yes"—provided we choose the green path.

New research from the University of South Florida published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology reveals that while smart AI concierges are great for quick, 24/7 help and for easing hospitality staff workload, most guests still prefer face-to-face customer service, especially with requests that involve an emotional attachment.

Approved by representatives of 150+ member Governments, the IPBES Business and Biodiversity Report, finds that businesses are central to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, but many often lack information to address their impacts and dependencies, as well as biodiversity-related risks and opportunities.

Prepared over three years by 79 leading experts from 35 countries, the Report finds the loss of biodiversity is among the most serious threats to business, and that business as usual is not inevitable: "with the right policies, as well as financial and cultural shifts, what is good for nature is also what is best for profitability. To get there, the Report offers tools for choosing more effective measurements and analysis.”

Guidance based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be uniquely placed to foster biases in humans, leading to less effective decision making say researchers, who found that people with a positive view of AI may be at higher risk of being misled by AI tools.

The study entitled “Examining Human Reliance on Artificial Intelligence in Decision Making” is published in Scientific Reports.  

Lead author Dr Sophie Nightingale of Lancaster University said: “Understanding human reliance on AI is critical given controversial reports of AI inaccuracy and bias. Furthermore, the erroneous belief that using technology removes biases may lead to overreliance on AI.”