New York City greenlights congestion pricing – here’s how this toll plan is expected to improve traffic, air quality and public transit

One more reason not to drive into midtown Manhattan: Soon it will cost an extra $15 as New York City launches its long-debated congestion pricing system.

John Rennie Short, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
April 10, 2024 ~9 min

Just in time for back-to-school shopping: How retailers can alter customer behavior to encourage more sustainable returns

Returns cost companies billions of dollars in lost sales. They also generate emissions and packaging waste. Two logistics experts offer some tips from psychology for more sustainable returns.

Robert Overstreet, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Iowa State University • conversation
July 19, 2023 ~9 min


Medicaid coverage is expiring for millions of Americans – but there's a proven way to keep many of them insured

Evidence from Massachusetts suggests that a multistep process discourages enrollment. The findings could help policymakers stave off a sharp decline in coverage when COVID-19 policies change.

Mark Shepard, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School • conversation
Jan. 31, 2023 ~5 min

Selfish or selfless? Human nature means you're both

Cognitive neuroscientists use brain imaging and behavioral economic games to investigate people's sense of fairness. They find it's common to take care of yourself before looking out for others.

Jean Decety, Professor of Psychology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago • conversation
March 17, 2021 ~10 min

The urge to punish is not only about revenge – unfairness can unleash it, too

Unfairness alone is upsetting enough to drive people to punish lucky recipients of unfair outcomes.

Paul Deutchman, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Boston College • conversation
Sept. 30, 2020 ~6 min

Mandatory face masks might lull people into taking more coronavirus risks

Policies meant to improve public health – like mandatory face masks during the coronavirus pandemic – need to take into account how people might adjust other behaviors in response.

Konrad Grabiszewski, Associate Professor of Economics, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship • conversation
July 20, 2020 ~6 min

When safety measures lead to riskier behavior by more people

Behavioral economists explain how widespread use of face masks, hand sanitizer and other preventive measures could counterintuitively encourage riskier behaviors around coronavirus.

Konrad Grabiszewski, Associate Professor of Economics, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship • conversation
March 11, 2020 ~6 min

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