We know a lot about how much fossil-derived carbon is emitted to the atmosphere but less about how much is stored in human-made products. In a study publishing December 20 in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports Sustainability, ecological economists estimate that each year, humans add around 400 million tons of fossil carbon to long-lasting products such as plastics, buildings, and human infrastructure. Although these products could be considered a “carbon sink,” proper waste management is essential to prevent them from becoming environmental hazards.

About The Study: The findings of this cross-sectional study underscore significant disparities and gaps in biennial mammography screening for women ages 40 to 49. Two-fifths of women in this age group did not receive biennial screening. Lower biennial screening rates were observed among racial and ethnic minority populations, sexual minority populations, rural residents, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. To optimize early breast cancer detection, ensuring equitable adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations is crucial.

The economic impact of dental caries (tooth decay) is disproportionately higher in the most deprived groups, with estimated per-person costs of approximately £18,000 (equivalent to $22,500) in the UK that could be dramatically reduced with targeted preventative measures, found new research.

In 2022, U.S. grocers wasted 5 million tons of food, with 35% of it going to landfills, according to the food waste nonprofit ReFed. More than half of that waste — 2.7 million tons — was past the labels’ expiration dates.

But there’s a potential technological solution to the waste problem, according to new research from Texas McCombs. By moving from paper shelf labels to digital ones, supermarkets can easily lower prices and move older stock from their shelves to consumers’ homes.

Using technology to quickly change prices on labels, a process known as dynamic pricing, benefits more than just consumers, says Ioannis Stamatopoulos, associate professor of information, risk, and operations management.

In the first study of its kind, research led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) sheds light on the ethical complexities and systemic barriers facing scientists conducting cannabis research funded by the for-profit cannabis industry.