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Systems that may appear similar at first glance can behave very differently near a tipping point. Their behavior depends on microscopic details, according to a new study by the Complexity Science Hub—findings that could impact risk assessments in economics and society.

Researchers from the BIRTE research group looked at how different fiscal policies contributed to reducing the carbon emissions, water use and food waste generated by food consumption. They concluded that a generalized increase in taxes on all products is not as effective as differential taxing or subsidising of each food category. They also stated the importance of designing different policies according to the objectives to be achieved.

Israel’s national earthquake warning system, “Truaa,” which became operational in 2022, has positioned the country alongside other advanced nations that utilize early warning systems for earthquakes. However, one of the main challenges in such systems is balancing speed and accuracy: a quick warning may save lives, but if it is based on limited data, it may be wrong and result in false alarms and unnecessary injuries. A new study conducted by Dr. Yonat Zwebner, a consumer behavior expert at the Arison School of Business at Reichman University, in collaboration with Dr. Ran Nof and Dr. Gony Biran from the Geological Survey of Israel, examined this trade-off between urgency and accuracy. The study analyzed statistical data, assessed the potential for injuries in the event of a warning, and conducted a large-scale survey to gauge public attitudes on the issue.

Russian scientists have discovered how the brain makes purchasing decisions. Using electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), researchers found that the brain responds almost instantly when a product's price deviates from expectations. This response engages brain regions involved in evaluating rewards and learning from past decisions. Thus, perceiving a product's value is not merely a conscious choice but also a function of automatic cognitive mechanisms. The results have been published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.