A new study examined whether providing financial vouchers to offset medication costs, conditional on improved blood sugar levels, could enhance glycemic control. The results demonstrated that participants receiving these performance-based incentives achieved a significantly larger reduction in HbA1c levels compared to a control group, an improvement clinically comparable to adding a new pharmacological treatment. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that incorporating financial incentives into health insurance plans could serve as an effective, optional tool to improve health outcomes and equity for low-income populations.

A new study from professor Brasington shows that renewing local taxes for city services actually benefits local businesses, despite preconceived notions that taxes are inherently bad for business. Published in Regional Science and Urban Economics.

A new analysis led by UC Berkeley, published today in JAMA Health Forum, shows that the passage of "red flag" laws — also called extreme risk protection orders — does reduce suicides by gun. The researchers looked at data from four states that passed ERPO laws and eight that did not, and concluded that the laws reduced firearm suicides by a mean of 3.79 incidences per 100,000 population, with an estimated 675 suicides prevented across these four states between the year the law was passed and following year.  Non-firearm suicide rates did not change.

While most of us value honesty, we consider those who skew reality to avoid hurting others to be more moral. Despite that, we prefer to hear the harsh truth when the feedback concerns us, according to a study conducted by psychologists from SWPS University and the University of Wrocław.

Long-term research and new policy frameworks needed / Practical barriers must be overcome / Six concrete areas for action identified

The #IPBES12 Plenary Session runs from 3 to 8 February 2026 and the IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment Report Launch will follow on 9 February. Representatives from the more than 150 member Governments of IPBES, world-leading scientists and biodiversity leaders are gathering in Manchester, UK. Journalists can apply for accreditation now to receive early access to embargoed materials, following approval of Business and Biodiversity Assessment Report on 8 February: https://www.ipbes.net/bba-accreditation