A study by Ohio State University researchers found that Washington D.C. is the most internet-accessible city in the United States, with high-ranking cities in the West and Northeast performing well. Cities with more connections to commercial-Internet backbones were rated as more accessible.
A study by Stanley Changnon and colleagues found no evidence of an increase in catastrophic weather events, despite rising property losses. The growth of losses is attributed to the increasing population in coastal and urban areas, leading to a larger target-at-risk.
A new study by Penn State researchers improves the regional climate assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The research involved gathering input from over 95 stakeholders representing industry, environmental groups, government, and research organizations. Key findings highlight the importance of human health in addressing global change...
The UCSF Family Alcoholism Study aims to investigate the links between behavior, personality characteristics, and biological factors associated with alcoholism. The nationwide project enrolls heavy drinkers and recovering addicts with a family member participating, using telephone interviews, personality tests, and genetic analysis.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people moving to the suburbs are more concerned about school-related issues like safety and academics, whereas those staying in cities prioritize factors such as neighborhood racial diversity, affordability, and family connections. This shift in priorities has implications for urb...
A recent study found that many American students consider geography their least favorite subject, often due to inadequate teaching methods and low teacher training. Active learning approaches, such as field trips and hands-on activities, are shown to improve students' attitudes towards the subject.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a form of HIV from India, finding significant variation in genes for proteins on the outer envelope of the virus. This suggests that currently favored approaches to vaccine development may not work, and that a new approach may be needed.
Researchers have found a decade-to-decade variability in the depth of summer thawing in certain permafrost regions. By 2050, the active layer over large parts of the Northern Hemisphere could grow thicker due to climate trends.
Researchers have found that decreasing pan evaporation does not necessarily mean less evaporation in surrounding landscapes. By considering regional land-surface moisture, environmental engineers explain how evaporation figures can drop due to saturated terrain, resolving the paradox.
The Johns Hopkins University engineering graduate student created a website to address questions on the impact of climate change on public health and policy makers' responses. The site provides research tools, links to experts, and raw data for researchers.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.
Research at Johns Hopkins University suggests that fur traders' hunting habits may have changed the local ecosystem, altering stream flow and vegetation. The study aims to understand how human activities affect natural resources and inform future development plans.
The University at Buffalo has established a multidisciplinary doctoral concentration in geographic information science, supported by a $2.2 million NSF grant. Doctoral students will take core and elective GIS courses while earning degrees from seven participating departments.
African-American crack addicts often had traumatic childhoods marked by physical and sexual abuse, leading to unstable adult lives. The study's findings suggest that these individuals may gravitate towards drug dealing as a means of support due to unemployment and unstable employment.
The survey, a collaboration between National Geographic and distinguished sociologists, aims to map communities and change around the world. It will collect data from 18,000 participants and address how often people have moved, their role in communities, and the impact of geography on tastes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are investigating the effectiveness of river-bank filtration in removing harmful viruses, protozoa, and bacteria from drinking water. The study aims to determine if this natural filter can produce cleaner drinking water while minimizing the creation of toxic by-products.
Dr. Mather's research and teaching in climatology have made a lasting impact on the profession. He is recognized for his exemplary service to the Association of American Geographers (AAG) and his faculty colleagues.
A Penn State research team has found that small-scale fires play a crucial role in shaping forest structure. By analyzing aerial photographs from 1941 and 1993, the researchers determined that topography is key to understanding natural variability and restoring diverse fire regimes in Northern California.
Historically, colleges were established near trade centers, but today, more than half of four-year universities and two-year colleges are metropolitan institutions. This shift has significant implications for urban economies. The majority of institutions are now located near where people live, reflecting a change in the public's percep...
John R. Mather, a renowned University of Delaware geographer, has been awarded the Association of American Geographers' Lifetime Career Honor for his exemplary service to the profession and association over his entire career. Mather's contributions in research, climatology, and instruction are highly regarded throughout the profession.
A new study reveals that Hispanics are increasingly settling in the heartland and Sun Belt regions of the US, attracted by job growth and economic opportunities. The fastest growth occurred in states such as Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nevada.
Researchers found that El Niño years averaged only 49.3% of maximum intensity compared to 48.6% in non-El Niño years. However, this current El Niño may be different and could help solve the mystery behind increasing North Pacific hurricane intensities.
A University at Buffalo study found that women typically travel six miles to shop, while men travel an average of 6.5 miles, highlighting the impact of time constraints on shopping decisions. The research suggests that retailers should consider the limitations faced by female customers when developing retail establishments.
Penn State researchers investigate climate change's effects on the Susquehanna River Basin, examining vulnerabilities to flooding, waterborne diseases, and policy decisions. They find that effective measures like increased filtration, boiling water, and balanced expenses can mitigate these risks.
Scientists say Western corn rootworms are changing behavior, laying eggs in soybean fields instead of corn, due to crop rotation failure. The beetles' adaptation poses a significant threat to corn crops in the Midwest, potentially costing $100 million per year to control.
The Virginia Tech Center for Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing (CEARS) will provide detailed maps and spatial data to support informed development project decisions. CEARS will leverage NASA's resources and expertise to advance remote sensing research, education, and outreach.
Researchers found that restrictive policies, such as Medicaid funding limits and 24-hour waiting periods, significantly reduced access to abortion services, leading to a decline in abortion rates. Meanwhile, increased birthrates were observed in regions with limited access to reproductive health services.
A new book by Bonham Richardson examines the economies, environments, and societies of Caribbean islands St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Barbados. The study reveals how working people influenced British decision makers to develop unique adaptations to economic and geophysical stresses.
A thousand-foot-long ice core from the Tibetan Plateau provides a detailed climate record for the last 130,000 years, with some sections dating back potentially over 500,000 years. The analysis reveals significant changes in temperature and greenhouse gas levels during this time period.
A recent study published in Science found that genetic inheritance patterns continue to play a significant role in how people learn and process knowledge in old age. The research, conducted on Swedish twins aged 80+, showed that heritability accounted for 55% of individual differences in cognitive ability.
Game shows on TV can reinforce information and change attitudes in kids, according to a study by Ohio University researcher Anne Cooper-Chen. The format is easily replicable in classroom settings, making it a valuable educational tool.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that most buildings in the Northeast region exceeded minimum building code requirements for snow loads during the Blizzard of '96. The accumulation of snow from two storms led to increased snow weight on roofs, causing collapses in some areas.
A University of Washington researcher found that the US Forest Service and Wilderness Society's conflicting old-growth forest estimates in the Pacific Northwest stem from differing mapping methods, technologies, and definitions. The study highlights how cultural and financial pressures influenced the final numbers.
A new study by UNC-CH found that most Hispanics are of Mexican descent and have already become U.S. citizens, with about 60% residing in the urban crescent along Interstate 85. This trend, known as moving down the urban hierarchy, indicates a shift away from rural regions and coastal areas.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers presents compelling evidence of global warming in the tropics and subtropics, with melting ice caps and rising temperatures in alpine regions. The findings suggest that these areas will face significant challenges due to water stress and population growth.
The US South's economic transformation from rural farm to industrialized society was driven by government policies, including infrastructure investments and trade protection. Despite initial success, social inequalities persisted, with poverty rates for Black Americans remaining three times those for Whites.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients living in the eastern United States are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis, particularly if they have low levels of CD4 cells. The study also revealed that nearly 25% of those diagnosed with TB died from the disease.
Valery Terwilliger's research on plant growth in Central America aims to inform reforestation efforts and capitalize on native species. The study reveals how well plants use carbon dioxide and water in tropical forests, which can aid in restoring lost ecosystems.
Researchers studying ancient oceans using supercomputer-based models found that changing surface waterways can affect ocean circulation patterns. The study suggests that alterations in freshwater runoff may lead to changes in deep water formation sites, which could impact carbon dioxide concentrations and the environment.
Researchers are investigating the history of forests, fire incidence, and signs of early settlers in the Lake Tahoe Basin due to a bark beetle infestation. The study aims to reconstruct the forest structure before logging, the history of fire in the area, and the age of trees.