Espresso Knowledge #127 - Global electricity consumption dropped and then recovered during COVID

A new study found that electricity consumption plummeted globally during the first six weeks of the COVID 19 pandemic that started in April 2021.

But researchers were surprised when almost six months later, even with restrictions still in place, electricity consumption recovered. The study analyzed electricity consumption data from over fifty countries that accounted for 60 percent of the world’s population and 75 percent of global electricity use.

Lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, reduced commercial and industrial usage meant lowered electricity consumption. Six months later though, people were most probably getting tired of their habits formed during the initial part of the pandemic, and began returning to work and school, shopping, and socializing. Researchers think this is what may have caused consumption to go back up.

The study, for one, will help us prepare for future shocks to electricity systems. For example, with climate change causing increasingly unpredictable weather globally, we need to be able to understand and prepare for unexpected changes in how we deliver and use electricity.

Original article:

Speed and surprises: Decline and recovery of global electricity use in COVID’s first seven months

Original study:

Global changes in electricity consumption during COVID-19

Espresso Knowledge #126 - Higher minimum wages makes people more likely to vote in elections.

Higher minimum wages make people more likely to vote in elections.

A recent study examined changes in minimum wages and voter turnout across the US between 1980 and 2016.

Researchers found that people who got a raise because the minimum wage went up became slightly more likely to vote in the next election.

But the question remains - why does voting increase when minimum-wage workers earn a bit more money? Could better conditions like stable housing and regular transportation mean that you have slightly more time to think about who to vote for? If you are struggling with basic needs, it's tough to participate in elections. Or could it be that receiving a raise makes minimum-wage voters aware of what the government can do for them, and thus be more open to the value of voting?

Future research could answer these questions.

Original article:

Study: Higher minimum wages raise voter turnout

Original study:

More Money, More Turnout? Minimum Wage Increases and Voting

Espresso Knowledge #125 - Over 99 percent of the most widely produced chemicals aren’t environmentally sustainable

Over 99 percent of the most widely produced chemicals aren’t sustainable. We are using up fossil raw materials and natural resources faster than the Earth can provide in the long term.

A new study measured greenhouse gas emissions, and how much land and water we use to understand the global environmental impact of the chemical industry. In fact, only three out of the almost 500 chemicals studied are environmentally sustainable. 

The work is unique.

Earlier, we only measured and compared carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions in the production processes of various chemicals. But climate change isn't the only problem. If we focus only on it, we end up shifting the environmental burden to others.

Take biofuels. Yes, they do release significantly less CO2 into our atmosphere. But they require a lot of land, water and fertilisers to produce the required amounts.

But changing how we produce chemicals could be costly.The next step is to evaluate our current methods and change it so its economic but also environmentally friendly.

Original article:

Almost all chemicals burden the planet

Original study:

Planetary metrics for the absolute environmental sustainability assessment of chemicals

Espresso Knowledge #124 - Support for populism declined during COVID19

Support for populist politicians has fallen amidst the pandemic.Yet satisfaction with democracy remains very low.

Researchers studied the attitudes of over half a million people in over a hundred countries to find out how COVID19 affected political beliefs. During the pandemic's beginning, many politicians got a boost in support. But as COVID19 continued, approval ratings of populist leaders began dropping and have been sinking ever since. Many populist leaders mishandled the pandemic. People wanted stability. The pandemic also fostered a sense of shared purpose that may have reduced political polarization. Public opinion shifted with more trust in governments and scientists, and less trust in populist leaders.

Yet faith in democratic processes by which people elect their representatives continues to falter. Could the waning support for democracy be tainted by the record of populists in office?

The study also notes that some illiberal attitudes - like banning handshakes and supporting restricting online discussions of the virus - have been increasing.

Original article:

Support for populist politics ‘collapsed’ during the pandemic – global report

Original study:

The Great Reset: Public Opinion, Populism, and the Pandemic

Espresso Knowledge #123 - Could vaccines debates in the past have led to vaccine hesitancy during COVID?

Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze over eighty million tweets between 2007 and 2016.

They found that people generally agreed on climate change but not vaccines.

There was overwhelming support for the view that climate change is because of human activity and requires action. Also, users with opposing views on climate change regularly interacted with each other.

But it was a different story for vaccines. About 15 to 20 per cent of users were pro-vaccine and around 70 per cent expressed no strong sentiment. Online communities with differences in opinion barely interacted with each other.

The study wanted to find how our online lives and information sharing influences our decisions in real life.

When it comes to vaccines, could these differences in opinion and online echo chambers have led to the highly polarized debates around vaccines during COVID19? It could be that if we repeated the same study with data from the past two years, we would see an even more fragmented society when it comes to vaccines.

Original article:

Researchers use AI to analyze tweets debating vaccination and climate change

Original study:

Debates about vaccines and climate change on social media networks: a study in contrasts

Espresso Knowledge #122 - Reach out. Talk. It is key to reducing stigma around mental health.

Two people simply talking - one living with mental illness and another without it - will go a long way to reduce stigma around mental illness.

Researchers found this after looking at studies from Canada, the U.K. and New Zealand to understand ways to reduce that stigma.

Public education campaigns, they found, are not that effective and sometimes, do more harm than good.

Some suggest that nothing good comes from people with mental illnesses. Others show that mental health challenges aren't necessarily treatable.

Initiatives that encouraged people to come together and talk about mental illness greatly helped those living with it. Sharing their stories empowered them, improved their self-esteem, and helped them thrive.

People with mental illnesses and their families often hide their conditions to avoid prejudice and discrimination.

This isn't healthy. People get isolated and are unable to cope.

For these open conversations to succeed, we must be all in - families, governments, and community organizations.

Original article:

Social contact key to overcoming mental health stigma

Original study:

Social Contact: Next Steps in an Effective Strategy to Mitigate the Stigma of Mental Illness

Espresso Knowledge #119 - Could a comet's colour tell us about our origins?

Comets will often turn green as they approach the sun. But the green disappears as they get closer to it.

Researchers have recently solved this puzzle.

As comets approach the sun, the heat evaporates chemicals like carbon dioxide and methane that are frozen at the comet's core. Sunlight radiation splits these chemicals, and in the process, creates a new chemical called dicarbon that gives comets their green colour. But the radiation also breaks dicarbon as the comet gets even closer to the sun, and the comet loses its colour.

So why does this research matter?

Dicarbon comes from the breakup of all those frozen chemicals - the sort that are considered to be some of life's building blocks. One of the theories about life's origins is that billions of years ago, comets were either smashing into Earth or passing close to us. Could they have delivered these chemicals that helped start life?

Knowing why and how comets change colour helps us understand how these chemicals evaporate off comets.

And that gets us closer to figuring out where we came from.

Original article:

Comets' heads can be green, but never their tails. After 90 years, we finally know why

Original study:

Photodissociation of dicarbon: How nature breaks an unusual multiple bond

Espresso Knowledge #118 - Scars of religious persecution live on centuries after it ended

Starting in the 15th century, and running for over three hundred years, the Spanish Inquisition tried and punished non-believers of Catholicism.

Two centuries after the Inquisition ended, it continues to cast a dark shadow over Spain.

Researchers examined thousands of trial records, including trial locations, birth places, and residences of the accused. Places where the Inquisition was strong are currently poorer, more religious, less educated, and less trusting, compared to those in which it was weak. The trials were suspicious of the educated and literate. It impacted Spain’s cultural, scientific, and intellectual development. It sowed mistrust amongst people because any one could potentially report you to the Church. Researchers also found that the greater the persecution in a location, the greater the level of church attendance today.

Did the Inquisition deliberately target the poor? Unlikely. Inquisitors had to confiscate property and impose fines to pay for expenses. Rich communities were targeted.

The Inquisition is one of many examples throughout history where States have used religious persecution as a tool to control people. The scars live on, centuries after it ended.

Original article:

Extraordinarily, the effects of the Spanish Inquisition linger to this day

Original study:

The long-run effects of religious persecution: Evidence from the Spanish Inquisition

Espresso Knowledge #117 - Football matches are becoming more predictable

Football matches are becoming more predictable.

Researchers collected data from almost eighty eight thousand matches played over 26 years across 11 major European leagues. They fed this data into a computer program to try and predict if a team would win by looking at its past performance. It was right almost seventy five percent of the time.

The study shows that it has become easier to predict the results of football matches in Europe over time. It also found that stronger teams have become more successful while weaker teams have become less successful - it could be that stronger teams make more money, which helps them buy stronger players, and win more games. There also does not seem to be a home field advantage. In general, stronger teams win anyway, no matter where they play.

So what does this mean?

Stronger regulations around club incomes for one, and also around, expenditures and player salaries. The researchers also suggest introducing more effective caps.

Why?

Because a game that is easy to predict might not keeping bringing crowds to the stadium.

Original article:

The results of European football matches are becoming more predictable – new research

Original study:

Football is becoming more predictable; network analysis of 88 thousand matches in 11 major leagues

Espresso Knowledge #116 - Don't dismiss the grief of losing a pet

Respect the grief of people who have lost their pets.

Researchers spoke to women 55 and older who lived alone and had recently lost their pets. The women were devastated but were careful who they shared their grief with because they feared that others might dismiss their feelings.

We must do better.

Older women living alone have declining health, lesser income, and smaller social circles. The grief of losing a pet and dismissing that grief could be a tipping point towards more health issues for this already vulnerable group. For example, caring for a dog means walking it and meeting others - both healthy activities. Caring for pets gives meaning and purpose, and decreases the risk of depression and isolation.

So what can we do?

Accept this grief as something real and significant. You don't have to share it, but atleast be supportive. Researchers also recommend developing support groups, and raising public awareness for health care professionals and social workers to console their patients.

Original article:

Grief over death of animal companions needs to be taken more seriously, says researcher

Original study:

Older women’s experiences of companion animal death: impacts on well-being and aging-in-place

Espresso Knowledge #115 - Genes and words tell stories of our people

Grammar and biology are two separate worlds.

Yet they might just reflect a community's common history.

In a recent study, researchers worked with people in Northeast Asia. The team compared the genomes of these populations with their grammar and music. They found that grammar reflects population history more closely than music.

The study is pioneering our knowledge of how cultures and genetics evolve - possibly, hand in hand.

Does our biology reflect the same history as our culture? Biologically, we are the product of our evolution. And as people, we have always been on the move. Some communities split up. Others joined. In all this, we have created a legacy of languages and cultural traditions the world over. Do we pass culture from one community to another, from one generation to another, in the same way as we pass our genes?

Studies like this are giving us our first answers.

Original article:

What If Our History Was Written In Our Grammar?

Original study:

Exploring correlations in genetic and cultural variation across language families in northeast Asia

Espresso Knowledge #114 - Extreme beliefs elect extreme leaders

A polarized society, heavily divided on moral grounds, will elect extreme leaders.

In a recent study, researchers talked to over fifteen hundred right-wing and left-wing voters in Australia, US, and the UK about their beliefs and values.

If people thought society was breaking down, they were more likely to elect an authoritarian figure to restore order.

If they thought there was poor leadership, they were drawn towards a progressive leader who would unify and lead the country in a new direction.

But reality seems different - in fact, the researchers say, that we agree on a lot more than we disagree on.

But somehow, we have been led to believe the opposite and THIS is what threatens our social and political stability.

So what's the study trying to tell us? Be careful and think twice before blindly following politicians, the media, or interest groups, who gain from dividing us.

Original article:

Morally divided societies more likely to elect extreme political leaders

Original study:

Moral Polarization Predicts Support for Authoritarian and Progressive Strong Leaders via the Perceived Breakdown of Society

Espresso Knowledge #113 - Accurate climate change information is critical

New Zealand needs to better communicate just how much and how quickly sea levels are rising.

A new study shows that many New Zealanders are overestimating sea levels now and in the future, how quickly sea levels are rising, and what's behind it.

For example, almost thirty percent of surveyed people thought melting sea ice is causing sea levels to rise, when it fact, it does not directly contribute to it. Slightly over thirty percent of people thought that the planet's ice could melt over a period of ‘decades’, which is highly unlikely even under extreme temperatures.

Accurate science information helps us to adapt to climate change and its effects. If it's inaccurate or focuses on extremes, you might get a public that's anxious and feels helpless rather than motivated to take action. Sea levels will rise in the coming decades, and the country needs to be prepared for it.

Original article:

Study highlights the need to bust public myths about sea-level rise

Original study:

Public understanding of climate change-related sea-level rise

Espresso Knowledge #112 - Birds are changing shape and migrating earlier

North American migratory birds have shrunk in size and grown longer wings in the past forty years. 

They are also migrating earlier in the spring.

Could global warming be behind these changes? Maybe smaller bodies, longer wings help them arrive faster to their breeding grounds?

Researchers recently found that birds are indeed changing size. They are also changing their migration timing. But one has nothing to do with the other.

So if a warming climate is not causing this, what is? 

Are the birds somehow adapting in a way that allows them to fly faster without causing them to overheat or lose too much water? Smaller bodies lose heat more quickly, and remain cooler for longer - this could be an advantage during global warming?

So far, researchers have not found any connection.  We don't know but are trying to find out. 

Original article:

Smaller bodies, longer wings, earlier migrations: Untangling the multiple impacts of climate warming on birds

Original study:

Widespread shifts in bird migration phenology are decoupled from parallel shifts in morphology

Espresso Knowledge #111 - Rivers that sometimes run dry are important

Slightly over half of Earth's sixty four million kilometers of rivers and streams run dry for part of the year.

Researchers studied years of water flow in over five thousand locations globally, and combined that information with the weather and geography of that area. 

The new research improves river management and wildlife conservation.

Many species have adapted their lives to the periodic presence and absence of water. These rivers also provide food and water for people and help control water quality. In fact, over half of the world's population lives close to such rivers.

Climate change and our own careless use of lands and rivers will cause more and more rivers to stop flowing or flowing way less in the coming years.

So far, we have tried to conserve rivers that flow all year long. But this study shows that there are other rivers and streams that need protection.

Original article:

Most rivers run dry - now and then

Original study:

Global prevalence of non-perennial rivers and streams

Espresso Knowledge #109 - If you're slamming the political opposition, chances are your post will go viral.

If you're slamming the political opposition, chances are your post will go viral. 

Researchers analyzed almost 3 million Tweets and Facebook posts published by American liberal and conservative media outlets and Members of Congress from across the political spectrum.

They found that social media posts criticizing or mocking the political opposition got shared twice as much compared to posts supporting one's own politics. As researchers note - out-party hate captures our online attention more effectively than in-party love.

The social media business model wants to keep us engaged as much as possible to sell advertising.

As the new study shows, media outlets and politicians understand this very well. Social media companies - rethink how you earn money. Penalise polarising content. Reward constructive posts. If not, online political hostility will spill over to real life.

Original article:

Slamming political rivals may be the most effective way to go viral – revealing social media’s ‘perverse incentives’

Original study:

Out-group animosity drives engagement on social media

Espresso Knowledge #110 - Intimate Partner Violence during COVID19

Almost a quarter of surveyed women who gave birth at the Ottawa Hospital during last spring's COVID lockdown - that is between March and June 2020 - experienced controlling or abusive behaviour from their partners one year before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and one year after birth.

The data comes from a recent study that also found that low household income increased the chances of intimate partner violence.

Financial stress affects family stability, having enough food, and a sense of accomplishment. No healthy outlet for this stress means people become more controlling of their partner.

Controlling behaviours are often warning signs that can escalate to other forms of IPV.

Researchers encourage pregnant or post-partum women to tell people they trust if they are experiencing IPV. They also encourage health-care providers to ask their patients of IPV. Connecting pregnant women with social workers or community services could support families and prevent further violence.

Original article:

1 in 4 survey respondents who gave birth at The Ottawa Hospital during the 2020 spring lockdown experienced abusive behaviour from their partners before, during or after pregnancy

Original study:

COVID-19 and perinatal intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional survey of pregnant and postpartum individuals in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Espresso Knowledge #108 - Libraries welcome those who lack digital skills or access

A new report asks the UK government to support libraries to reduce digital inequalities.

Government services are increasingly online and digital. But this digital transformation is leaving marginalised people behind.

The report is based on surveys of library computer users and interviews with staff and volunteers at the Oxfordshire County Council Libraries.

It found, for example, that almost thirty percent of library computer users don’t have smartphones or computers at home. Many did not have internet connection at home.

The report recommends increasing the staff's digital skills, library funding, and volunteer recruitment. Increase community awareness - let people know that libraries welcome those excluded from services such as free wifi and computers.

Digital skills are important but also mental health, especially those suffering from social and economic consequences of COVID19.

The report focus on Oxfordshire libraries, but the lesson are for libraries everywhere.

Governments! Support libraries because they welcome those who are digitally excluded.

Original article:

Public libraries can help bridge the digital divide: Oxford report

Original study:

The Oxfordshire Digital Inclusion Project Report

Espresso Knowledge #107 - Justice facility dogs comfort child victims and witnesses

In many communities today, child victims and witnesses are being supported by justice facility dogs.

These are highly trained and accredited service dogs who assist children who have been victims of violence and harassment.

Justice Facility Dogs Canada, for example, has over 50 accredited dogs around the country supporting victims, sitting and walking with children.

Initially scared to speak to social workers and investigators, many children gained confidence and found their voice once they spent time with these dogs.

This has helped law officers conduct more thorough investigations and prosecutions, and increase public safety.

When permitted, dogs can sit directly with children as they testify in trial to provide strength and comfort. But we also need to take animal well being seriously.

They need a relaxing and well-deserved retirement. Justice facility dogs take care of us in powerful ways — we need to take care of them.

Original article:

Justice facility dogs: The quiet, skilled heroes helping child victims

Espresso Knowledge #106 - Some visual artists cannot picture things inside their head. Then how can they work?

Almost 5 percent of our population lives with aphantasia. They cannot visualize things.

Researcher Mathew MacKisack spoke to artists, designers, and architects who have aphantasia - how do they work as visual artists without being able to visualize inside their head?

Aphantasics can remember visual details but cannot see them.

Take Glen Keane, who drew the Little Mermaid - he has aphantasia. How does he do it? It's because he knows what humans and fish look like, and combines that with drawing experience and skills to create Ariel.

Another thing - we visualize things inside the brain, but when we draw, it's right in front of us. Many aphantasic artists need to get something down on paper or canvas, or start with a pre-existing image which they can change.

Mathew's work challenges the stereotype of an artist who imagines inside and creates outside. For many aphantasics, creativity is found in the world around them.

Original article:

The art of Aphantasia: how ‘mind blind’ artists create without being able to visualise