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Predicting the weather: New meteorology estimation method aids building efficiency

A new meteorology estimation method developed at Osaka Metropolitan University improves the accuracy of building energy simulations by considering interdependent factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and humidity. The generated data was found to be almost identical to the original dataset, proving its accuracy.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

Extreme heat may substantially raise mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness

A new study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness, particularly in hot-climate US counties like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Heat exposure is estimated to be 10-100 times greater among unhoused individuals than in the general population.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2024

Energy inefficiency and inability to downsize pose even bigger threat to low-income pensioners than loss of Winter Fuel Payments, Cambridge study suggests

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the disproportionate impact of energy inefficiency on low-income pensioners in England. The study found that even small improvements in home energy efficiency can significantly reduce annual heating costs for households in energy poverty.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateSep 23, 2024

Public housing service outages are frequent and prolonged, endangering residents’ health

A study found NYCHA residents experience frequent electrical, elevator, heat, hot water, and water outages, averaging 94 daily elevator outages. The duration of these outages has not improved over time, posing health risks to vulnerable populations such as seniors and those reliant on electricity-powered medical devices.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2024

Over two-million acres of floodplain development occurred in U.S. in last two decades, study finds

A nationwide study found that over 840,000 new residential properties were built in floodplains across the US, with about 398,000 in Florida. Despite this, many communities have taken proactive measures to limit floodplain development through smart regulations and practices.

Social media interviews uncover New Yorkers’ frustrations with high energy costs and reliability

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used a novel interview method to assess New Yorkers' perceptions on energy insecurity, a public health issue. The study found that energy insecurity is associated with health vulnerabilities and impacts nearly 30% of NYC residents.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2024

Air pollution harms mental health worse in New York’s historically redlined neighborhoods

Researchers found a significant association between air pollutant exposure and emergency room visits for mental disorders in communities that were once denied mortgages due to race. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in these neighborhoods increased ER visits by 1.04% and 0.44%, respectively.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

How policing impacts the homeless

A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalCritical Criminology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024

An overlooked side-effect of the housing crisis may be putting Californians at increased risk from climate disasters

A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2024

Tackling the climate and housing crises: How the EU can promote compact living

A new study by RIFS suggests that voluntary reductions in living space can contribute to achieving EU's climate and housing goals. European citizens are willing to embrace smaller living under the right circumstances, with a preference for centrally-located apartments in green neighborhoods.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalBuildings and Cities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 8, 2024

How researchers are using digital city-building games to shape the future

Lancaster University researchers develop new mapping technology to encourage public participation in urban planning. They modify 'Cities: Skylines' to create realistic cities and inform planning, allowing players to manage services and infrastructure. The study aims to increase citizen engagement through enjoyable gaming experiences.

SourceLancaster University·JournalActa Ludologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

How community stress affects Black Americans’ mental health and wellbeing

A new study found that community stress significantly impacts the mental health and emotional well-being of Black Americans, particularly women. Objective neighborhood quality was related to lower levels of negative emotions in women, while perceived community stress had a similar effect on men's emotionality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Addressing homelessness in older people

Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 21, 2024

What is the carbon footprint of a house in Japan?

Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed the carbon footprint of building a wooden house in Japan, estimating 38 tons of CO2 emissions. The team identified electric power sector and steel manufacturing process as major contributors to total emissions.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024

Marginalized communities developed 'disaster subculture' when living through extreme climate events, study finds

Residents in a Seoul, South Korea neighborhood have developed a 'disaster subculture' due to frequent extreme heat and cold, showing social welfare has a role to play in addressing climate issues. The study highlights the importance of understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities to address their specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Social Welfare·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2024

US building footprints could help identify neighborhood sociodemographic traits

A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

Boomerang children, bamboccioni, nestlings. Should the law regulate relations between parents and their co-residing children?

A growing number of young adults live with their parents beyond the age of majority, raising questions about economic dependence, self-confidence, and social relations. Dr. Daniela Wybrańczyk argues that legal regulations could provide a practical solution to these issues, potentially changing the trend of delayed adulthood.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFamily & Law·DateApr 3, 2024

New study shows association of historical housing discrimination and shortfalls in colon cancer treatment

A nationwide study finds that individuals diagnosed with colon cancer who resided in previously redlined neighborhoods are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and have worse survival rates. The research highlights the long-lasting impact of institutional racism on access to quality cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

Federal housing programs protect residents from lead exposure

Research shows that Americans living in federally-supported housing have lower blood lead levels than those who would join these programs later. This likely due to stricter compliance with federal residential lead paint laws in HUD housing compared to non-assisted private market housing.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Failure to pass fire levies can lower house values

UC economists found that fire protection funding has a significant impact on housing values, with cuts resulting in an average decrease of $15,000. However, prices return to normal within a few years. In contrast, parks and recreation funding is associated with higher home values three years after renewal.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Primary care housing intervention linked to improved patient health outcomes

Participation in a primary care-based housing program was associated with reduced outpatient visits, improved physical and mental health, and increased feelings of connection to healthcare clinics. The study found that integrated support from the program's care team led to better health outcomes and more stable housing solutions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

COVID-19: How effective was contact tracing?

A study published in EuroSurveillance found that 40% of COVID-19 infected individuals were identified through contact tracing, with socio-economic factors influencing reporting rates. The effectiveness of contact tracing alone was relative, but its psychological impact on the population should not be overlooked.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeNews article·DateJan 30, 2024