The study found that positive pressure ventilation significantly reduced temperatures and smoke in corridors and stairwells, making them safer for occupants and responders. The experiment involved 11 NIST researchers and over 70 local staff, simulating real-world conditions to assess the effectiveness of PPV in multistory buildings.
Researchers found that one-third of older adults struggle with bathing, highlighting the need for bathroom safety features and education. The study recommends installing shower curtains instead of glass doors and providing proper instruction on built-in safety features.
Researchers found that environmental enrichment reduced amyloid angiopathy and Aβ plaque burden in TgCRND8 mice, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer's-like brain pathology. Enhanced mental and physical activity may slow disease progression via pathways that prevent Aβ accumulation and enhance its clearance.
A new study found that mobile home-dwellers in rural areas face numerous challenges, including high-interest loans, social instability, and stigmatization. The researchers recommend policy changes to address these issues, such as reclassifying mobile homes in the tax code to reduce interest rates.
A study by Oregon State University found that housing discrimination can occur based on name, with some landlords reacting more negatively to minority-sounding names. The research used a large sample of e-mail inquiries to landlords in Los Angeles and found significant differences in responses received by different names.
Research reveals substandard living conditions among North Carolina farmworker families, with many experiencing overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and exposure to toxic substances. The study highlights the need for policy changes and education to mitigate these detrimental effects on family health.
A six-week program combining a nicotine patch and group support significantly increased the chances of women in public housing quitting smoking. The study found nearly 50% of women in the treatment group quit smoking by the end of the program, compared to less than 8% in the comparison group.
Children with asthma living in multi-family housing are at risk due to high indoor nitrogen dioxide levels. The study found that homes with gas stoves had significantly higher concentrations than those with electric stoves, posing a greater threat to respiratory health.
A new national study found that 46% of working families have medical debt, which hinders access to housing and home ownership. The study also revealed that those with health insurance still face housing difficulties, with one-fifth reporting housing problems.
A new study published in WorkingUSA argues that vouchers are not a viable solution for evicted Section 8 tenants, as they often lead to gentrification and displacement of low-income communities. The study highlights the importance of community-led initiatives and union organizing to preserve affordable housing and promote social justice.
A study analyzing government census data finds that housing growth in and around US national forests is threatening biodiversity and ecosystem health. The number of housing units within national forest boundaries increased from 500,000 to 1.5 million between 1950 and 2000, largely due to private land ownership.
Residential injuries are a major cause of death in US children and teens, with the majority being preventable. A study found that fatal residential injuries decreased by 22% between 1985-1997, but disparities persist due to socioeconomic factors.
A recent study found that housing subsidies can protect low-income families' food budgets and improve their children's nutritional status. Children from food-insecure families receiving housing subsidies had better weight for age compared to those without subsidies.
After the terrorist attacks, Ohio homeowners shifted their priorities to prioritize housing density, parks, and safety over other factors. A third survey conducted in spring 2004 found that despite increased fear of terrorism, home preferences returned closer to pre-9/11 levels.
A recent NIST report found that automatic sprinkler systems significantly reduce the risk of fatal temperatures and toxic gases in dormitories. In experiments with and without sprinklers, researchers observed a major difference in temperature levels and gas spread, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in college housing.
A new study found that asylum seekers in the UK are often left homeless due to inadequate social security benefits and housing. The researchers are calling for increased support and better living conditions for these vulnerable individuals.
Researchers found that as rural forests are developed, native bird species face risks due to habitat loss and increased predation. The study suggests that housing density is a key driver of these changes, with some birds benefiting from human activities like feeding stations and nesting boxes.
A recent study by Ohio State University's Sharon Sassler found that most people who live together do so due to financial reasons, convenience, or housing needs. Couples rarely cite getting married as the primary reason for cohabiting, instead citing factors like attraction and practicality.
A national survey of 831 US homes found that dog and cat allergen levels were higher among households with more dog or cat owners. This exposure may be particularly challenging for pet-allergic individuals living in areas with high dog and cat ownership rates.
A 10-year study by Wake Forest researchers highlights the need for better safety measures to protect migrant farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure. Changes are needed in housing, hygiene procedures, and pesticide application to reduce health risks.
A recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that suburban residents felt a close sense of community with their neighbors. Despite criticisms that suburbs are cold and sterile, the study refuted these claims by showing that both traditional and suburban neighborhoods can foster strong community bonds.
The NEST software program provides cost estimates for homeowners to select the most cost-effective replacement materials for roofing, siding, windows, and garage doors. The program uses a virtual model of the user's home to estimate installation and maintenance costs, as well as monthly financing costs over the product's lifetime.
A Yale University study found that supported housing programs for homeless veterans were more effective than standard care in reducing homelessness. The study showed a 25% increase in nights housed and larger social support networks among participants receiving combined housing vouchers and intensive case management.
Families moving from high-poverty neighborhoods to lower-income areas saw significant improvements in mental health, with reduced symptoms of distress and depression. The study found no such benefits for those staying in public housing in very poor neighborhoods.
Recent gentrification in Atlanta is characterized by more extensive neighborhoods, greater volatility, and state-sponsored projects that displace low-income residents. This contrasts with previous waves of restoration, where historic preservation drove gentrification and racial transition involved blacks moving into white neighborhoods.
A study of 100 working families in the UK and USA found that planners' assumptions about housing, transport, and work-life balance often clash with reality. Families often prioritize convenience over ideal living arrangements, leading to increased travel time and reliance on private transportation.
Researchers found that many patients with SARS developed recurrent fever and worsening lung conditions after initial improvement. The immune system's excessive response to the virus may be responsible for this clinical deterioration in the second week after hospitalization.
Studies found that residential injuries accounted for nearly 15% of emergency department visits and 39% of unintentional injury visits between 1993 and 1999. Fatalities due to fires, submersions, or falls were common among young children, with African-American children facing disproportionately higher risks.
Rental voucher programs may improve neighborhood safety by reducing crime rates and housing quality issues. However, more data is needed to confirm these links, according to a CDC analysis of 12 studies.
A Penn study reveals that 200,000 Philadelphia households struggle to afford housing due to decreasing incomes and increasing costs. The city's low-income households rely on wages, not welfare, for income, which has decreased by 30% in the last 35 years.
A recent study reveals that the global housing boom is driven by a trend of smaller households, leading to increased resource use and habitat loss. The researchers analyzed demographic data from the United Nations and found that the growth in new housing units worldwide exceeds population growth, particularly in biodiversity hotspots.
Research by Dr Michal Lyons examines the experiences of would-be home-owners in seven cities, revealing that delays in getting a foothold are worst in London and major metropolitan areas. Parental home ownership is crucial for young people's chances of becoming homeowners.
A study of 169 children found that girls who had a view of nature from their apartment window performed better in concentration, impulse inhibition, and delayed gratification. This suggests that incorporating nature into urban living spaces can enhance self-discipline and academic achievement.
Research by the Economic & Social Research Council shows that past socio-economic factors have a cumulative impact on quality of life in older adults. People living in rented housing tend to experience poorer quality of life compared to owner-occupiers.
A Cornell University study found that living in housing with more green spaces boosts a child's attention capabilities and improves their mental health. The research suggests that the natural environment plays a significant role in a child's well-being, and simple interventions like preserving trees or planting new ones could have a po...
Older people living in inadequately heated homes are three times as likely to suffer from chronic ill health. Those who reported being cold most of the time during winter were nearly five times as likely to experience reduced daily activities and poor health.
Researchers analyzed data from 1973-1995 to find a significant rise in very low birthweight following Prime Minister Olof Palme's murder and ferry Estonia disaster. The study suggests that communal bereavement can affect public health, even if the event is rare or less visible.
A new operations research model helps planners resolve conflicting demands by developing alternate relocation plans statistically, diagrammatically, and spatially. The most desirable policies generate incentives for stakeholders, including landlords, to participate in the housing mobility program.
The program aims to encourage public housing residents to adopt healthier lifestyles and use available health services. A successful pilot study revealed that 25% of participants had high blood pressure, 65% were smokers, and over 50% were overweight.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that a program combining observations by janitors and housing staff with psychiatric nurse skills can significantly increase seniors' mental health and stability. Residents in the test sites scored 17% higher in general mental health tests than those without the program.
Researchers found that individuals with severe mental illnesses can achieve long-term residential stability when given access to safe, affordable housing linked to outpatient services. Substance abuse was a major factor in disrupting residential stability, highlighting the need for new strategies to improve housing alternatives.
The New York City Housing Authority will implement an integrated software and diagnostic monitoring system to optimize boiler plant operations. The program, DSOM, aims to increase reliability while reducing costs through real-time monitoring and alerts.
A study by the Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research found that low-income families spend over half of their income on rent in Virginia. The rent burden index for these families increased from 42% to 51.2% between 1989 and 1996, with some localities having rent burdens exceeding 70%.
Researchers found that common spaces with trees and grass promote stronger neighborhood social ties, more social activities, and a sense of belonging among residents. The addition of simple landscaping may support informal forms of social security.
Residents evaluate U. of I.'s East St. Louis Action Research Project as successful due to its inclusive approach, which addressed concerns about outside interventions and institutional racism. The project has led to numerous concrete results, including home repair projects, playground construction, and economic development initiatives.
Expert Bruce P. Lanphear argues that federal standards ignore existing scientific evidence and fail to protect inner-city children from lead poisoning. He proposes a primary prevention approach, focusing on eliminating residential lead hazards before exposure, to mitigate the harmful effects of low-level lead exposure.
Researchers found that Hispanic and African-American seventh-graders in public housing were more likely to try alcohol than their white suburban counterparts. The study suggests that targeted prevention programs can address the unique challenges faced by minority youth in public housing.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that urban residents perceive trees as enhancing safety and desirability in public housing areas. Residents preferred lush green spaces with trees over barren areas, indicating a desire for natural environments that promote feelings of care and investment.
When marriages fail, homes can exacerbate pre-existing problems, causing severe grief among parents and children. A study found that physical housing environment can be problematic before, during, and after divorce, with concerns about upkeep, maintenance, and money troubles common among custodial parents.
A new study by Cornell University found that nonwhites, especially in NYC, are more likely to live in structurally inadequate and overcrowded housing. The study analyzed data from seven metropolitan areas, including NYC, and found significant racial disparities in housing quality.