This article is about a term used in economics. For other uses, see service (disambiguation).

In economics and marketing, a service is the non-material equivalent of a good. Service provision has been defined as an economic activity that does not result in ownership, and this is what differentiates it from providing physical goods. It is claimed to be a process that creates benefits by facilitating either a change in customers, a change in their physical possessions, or a change in their intangible assets.

By supplying some level of skill, ingenuity, and experience, providers of a service participate in an economy without the restrictions of carrying stock (inventory) or the need to concern themselves with bulky raw materials. On the other hand, their investment in expertise does require marketing and upgrading in the face of competition which has equally few physical restrictions.

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NPR Topics: Research News

Study Shows Europe's Population Falling
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:21:00 -0400
Birthrates across Europe are falling, says a new study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development. Reiner Klingholz, the institute's director, says the region's population will be constant over the next 50 years thanks only to immigration.
If Bigfoot Isn't In Georgia, Where Is He?
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400
One more Bigfoot hoax went down in history this week. But Jeffrey Meldrum, a professor of anatomy and biological sciences at Idaho State University, says strange tracks are part of a growing body of evidence that something may be out there.
Mice Can Sniff Out Fear, Study Finds
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:12:00 -0400
Scientists have isolated an organ in a mouse's nose that can detect alarm pheromones emitted by other mice. This kind of chemical signaling of danger or fear is known in fish, insects and even plants, but it has not been extensively studied much in mammals.
Magpies Can Recognize Reflection
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:37:00 -0400
Recognizing one's self in a mirror used to be considered the hallmark of humans some other animals such as elephants, dolphins and chimps. Now scientists have shown that even a magpie can do the trick.
Study: Breast Exams Don't Prevent Death
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Doctors encourage women to examine their own breasts for lumps. New research shows that this practice doesn't help prevent deaths from breast cancer.
Antibodies To 1918 Flu Found In Elderly Survivors
Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:28:00 -0400
In the journal Nature, scientists report the antibodies were found in 32 people who were alive in 1918 and were able to protect mice infected with a variant of the 1918 virus. The discovery is helping scientists understand what it might take to battle a modern flu pandemic.

All MayoClinic.com Topics

Alcohol use: Why moderation is key
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Alcohol use — Here's why drinking alcohol in moderation is important. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com
Byetta: Can diabetes drug also help me lose weight?
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Byetta improves blood sugar control and appears to have an important side benefit — weight loss. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com
Diarrhea
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Diarrhea: Symptom — Overview covers definition, causes of acute and chronic diarrhea. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com
Dysthymia (dysthymic disorder)
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Dysthymia — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes and treatment of this type of depression. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com
Insulin: Can it boost athletic performance?
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Insulin may boost muscle mass for otherwise healthy athletes, but the risks are real. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com
Video: Mediterranean-style grilled salmon
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0000
Mediterranean style grilled salmon — See how to prepare this healthy recipe. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com

Harvard Medicine

Protein Produces "Good" Fat
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:04:40 -0400
A protein known for its role in inducing bone growth can also help produce brown fat, a “good” fat that assists in the expenditure of energy and plays a role in fighting obesity, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Additional topics at Obesity and Diabetes More disease-related research news at Consumer information
New Podcast Episode: Striving for Global Health
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:49:08 -0400
Nobel Laureate and assistant professor Eric Chivian discusses the connection between biodiversity and human disease. This podcast also looks at successful treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Additional topics at Infectious disease More disease-related research news at Consumer information
Trigger for Brain Plasticity Identified
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:48:00 -0400
Researchers have identified a protein called Otx 2 that helps a key type of cell in the brain to mature, initiating a critical period when the brain can readily make new connections.

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