A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal uncovers a significant and often-overlooked risk in microfinance: while social capital fosters financial stability in normal times, it can exacerbate default rates during crises. The research, conducted by Arzi Adbi, Matthew Lee, and Jasjit Singh, examines the loan repayment behavior of nearly two million low-income borrowers in the aftermath of India’s 2016 demonetization policy, revealing the unintended consequences of peer accountability in financial markets.

Over the past fifty years, microfinance has been hailed as a revolutionary tool for financial inclusion, particularly through group-lending models. These models rely on social connections and peer accountability to encourage loan repayment among low-income borrowers. However, as this study demonstrates, the very mechanisms that drive repayment in stable times can accelerate default rates when external crises arise.

Sarah Huskisson, doctoral candidate, Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, received funding for the study: “A Novel Characterization of Red Panda (Ailurus spp.) Gut Health using Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Stress Hormone Concentrations.” 

Researchers at the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory are examining the environmental effects of sunscreen chemicals, with a new study - published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin - highlighting there are significant gaps in our understanding of how they might affect marine ecosystems

Bioaerosol emissions during toilet flushing are an often-overlooked source of potential health risks in shared public facilities. A new study published in Risk Analysis found that bioaerosol concentrations of two bacteria -- Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) -- exceeded acceptable levels established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) after toilet flushing. Inhaling these biological particles can produce symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

A new industry report has found audiences and journalists are growing increasingly concerned by generative artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism.