Food insecurity already affects 12 million US homes -- and reductions in SNAP benefits won't help

For many Americans, a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is beyond their reach.

Hilary Seligman, Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
June 15, 2023 ~7 min

Finding “hot spots” where compounding environmental and economic risks converge

A new computational tool empowers decision-makers to target interventions.

Mark Dwortzan | MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change • mit
May 12, 2023 ~5 min


US and UAE governments highlight early warning system for climate resilience

One of MIT’s five Climate Grand Challenges flagship projects, the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet project will pilot in Bangladesh and Sudan to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Office of the Vice President for Research • mit
May 8, 2023 ~6 min

Medicaid work requirements would leave more low-income people without health insurance – but this policy is unlikely to pass this time around

Adults insured by Medicaid who are 19 to 55 years old and don’t have children or other dependents would need to spend 80 hours a month doing paid work, job training or community service.

Simon F. Haeder, Associate Professor of Public Health, Texas A&M University • conversation
May 8, 2023 ~9 min

Poverty hurts young brains but social safety net may help

Study finds aid programs cut disparities in brain structure and mental health, especially in states where the cost of living is high.

Christy DeSmith • harvard
May 2, 2023 ~6 min

J-PAL North America announces six new evaluation incubator partners to catalyze research on pressing social issues

The research center will support two nonprofits and four government agencies in designing randomized evaluations on housing stability, procedural justice, transportation, income assistance, and more.

Laina Sonterblum | J-PAL North America • mit
April 28, 2023 ~6 min

Fuel poverty makes you sick – so why has nothing changed since I was a child living in a cold home?

After decades of research revealing the long-term damage of fuel poverty, the problem is worse than ever.

Jan Gilbertson, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University • conversation
March 14, 2023 ~7 min

How debit cards helped Indonesia’s poor get more food

Replacing rice-bag delivery with digital card vouchers helps recipients get their intended supplies, researchers report.

Peter Dizikes | MIT News Office • mit
March 2, 2023 ~8 min


Gas prices are falling but your energy bills still won't be affordable any time soon

Household gas and electricity bills aren’t the only way that expensive energy hits your budget.

Karen Turner, Professor and Director of the Centre for Energy Policy, University of Strathclyde • conversation
Feb. 23, 2023 ~7 min

Research collaboration to examine parent-child learning interactions’ impact on child skill and curiosity

J-PAL North America and the University of Chicago’s Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab will evaluate two approaches to text-based parental engagement programs that motivate two distinct kinds of learning interactions.

J-PAL North America • mit
Jan. 10, 2023 ~5 min

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