Articles tagged with Geography
A new study found that most US cities are successfully limiting floodplain development by applying existing tools and strategies. In New Jersey, municipalities have consistently limited new housing in floodplains and impervious surface growth using conventional local ordinances and modest government capacity.
The NEXUS exposomics coordinating center aims to deepen understanding of how environmental and social determinants impact health. Led by USC's Rima Habre, the center brings together diverse scientists to study place-based exposures using geospatial methods.
Exposure to negative news media about LGBTQ+ topics increases suicidal ideation intensity in the hours following, according to a longitudinal study. The findings have implications for research and intervention in sociopolitical and geographic contexts.
A study found that island-dwelling animals have slower metabolisms and produce offspring later, making them more susceptible to extinction. This adaptation helps them thrive in pristine environments but also makes them vulnerable to human activities.
A new study found that rural regions in Ontario have significantly higher rates of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. The researchers suggest that stigma and socio-cultural dynamics may contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as telehealth services.
A new study by Richard Boylan found that geographic disparities in US homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s, contradicting expectations. Economic and social inequalities between regions have grown, but violent crime rates have fallen, with possible explanations including improved policing and incarceration rates.
Closing Colorado's 'free river conditions' loophole could save millions of cubic meters of water and reduce stress in the region. The loophole allows anyone to take as much water as they want from the river, threatening the success of any payment program for farmers not irrigating their land.
Researchers found that five out of six existing heat-wave indices were unable to capture the severity and spatial distribution of recent lethal heat waves in India, Spain, and the USA. The lethal heat-stress index was better able to identify dangerous heat-stress conditions, particularly in low-humidity regions.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
A new study by New York University researchers found that Medicare Advantage plans with high star ratings are less available in counties with higher poverty and unemployment rates. This limited access may further exacerbate existing health disparities and limit federal funds from reaching regions most in need.
A three-year research study led by the University of Kansas is establishing best 'managed retreat' practices for communities at risk from repeated flooding and wildfires due to climate change. The study aims to understand how different cities and governments have considered managed retreat, including strategies like buyouts and partner...
Research reveals that residents of America's wealthiest communities face higher economic losses from natural disasters and exposure to air pollution, despite having more assets. In contrast, low-income municipalities have higher suicide rates, homicide rates, and firearm fatalities, but lower access to health services.
New research from an international team of scientists found that Mozambican miombo woodlands store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated, with potential storage of 13.6 billion tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide. This suggests a critical role for these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.
A recent analysis found that nearly half of US counties lack a cardiologist, exacerbating rural-urban health disparities. Counties without cardiologists tend to be more rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and experience higher cardiovascular mortality rates.
Researchers have found that climate change is driving tree species towards colder and wetter regions across Europe and North America. The study analyzed data from over two million trees and found that no single trait of the tree species could explain these changes.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
A new study reveals the Jøtul hydrothermal field in the Arctic Ocean, which is rich in minerals and metals. The discovery of high concentrations of methane indicates a significant interaction with magma, contributing to ocean acidification and climate change.
Rural residents with head and neck cancer experience higher mortality rates due to factors like alcohol use, tobacco consumption, and lower HPV vaccination rates. This disparity widens the rural-urban mortality gap.
Research found a significant association between HLA-G polymorphism G*0104N exon 3 and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in women from Kashmir. The study suggests this variant may confer a risk for RPL within the population, indicating a substantial risk factor.
A new study reveals six drinking patterns in Europe, with countries like Estonia and Cyprus showing the highest average alcohol-attributable deaths. The research suggests that changing these patterns requires a cultural shift and may involve implementing effective alcohol policies.
A prospective study found that medication abortion via no-test telehealth and mailing of medications was comparable in effectiveness to in-person care with ultrasonography. The research also revealed low adverse event rates across all groups.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Researchers detected clear electromagnetic anomalies in satellite data 12-19 days before the 2023 Turkey earthquakes, indicating potential precursors. These findings suggest the possibility of developing early warning systems for earthquakes.
A significant shift in the Nile River's evolution around 4,000 years ago may have contributed to ancient Egypt's agricultural economy prosperity and cultural achievements. The research found that changes in the landscape enlarged arable land near Luxor and improved soil fertility.
A quality improvement analysis found that many US residents live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site, highlighting disparities in access. The study highlights concerns about equity and fairness in healthcare resource distribution, particularly for marginalized communities.
Global greenhouse cultivation has increased rapidly, with Asia accounting for 60.4% of global coverage. The practice provides opportunities for local food security and poverty alleviation, but raises environmental concerns such as water pollution and energy consumption.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
After the Dobbs ruling, more people traveled from out of state for abortion care. In-state patients waited a week longer to receive care. These findings can inform access-improving interventions and policies.
A cohort study found that heat waves were associated with increased rates of preterm and early-term deliveries, especially among vulnerable populations. The results suggest that extreme heat events pose a significant threat to perinatal health.
Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.
Researchers from six teams in five labs worldwide used self-driving labs to discover 21 top-performing OSL gain candidates, accelerating the discovery process by months. The decentralized workflow enabled rapid replication of experimental findings and democratized the discovery process.
A new study suggests that some dinosaurs, such as theropods and ornithischians, may have developed endothermy around 180 million years ago. This adaptation allowed them to be highly active and sustain activity over longer periods, leading to faster growth and increased offspring production.
A new study found that communities with higher-than-average illegal market opportunities are more likely to be targeted by organised crime groups. Organised crime offenders tend to move into areas with similar socio-demographic profiles and target urban communities with higher levels of criminal activity.
A new model combines wildfire smoke forecasts and ground-based sensor data to help public health officials plan targeted interventions. The researchers found that urban and rural communities already burdened by pollution face higher air pollution levels during unexpected smoke events.
A study found that heavy snowfall and rain contribute to earthquake swarms in northern Japan by altering underground pressure. Climate conditions are linked to seismic activity, with the timing of intense precipitation events correlating with the start of quakes.
Substantial geographic disparities in cancer clinical trials availability exist in the US, with socially vulnerable counties facing significant limitations. The disparity has worsened over time, with these counties often having fewer trial options available.
Researchers used a dynamic model to chart the changing landscape and estimate human migration routes across Sahul, with results consistent with previous findings. The study suggests a radiating wave of migration following rivers and coastlines, correlating with known migration corridors.
A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.
A new study by the University of Exeter finds that China's growing use of emerging technologies in civilian and military domains has escalated its stakes as a threat and near-peer competitor to the US. Western states have responded with diplomatic efforts, bans, and restrictions to undermine China's power.
Researchers at PolyU are using GeoAI to monitor and analyze environmental changes, detect disaster-damaged buildings, and optimize traffic flow. The technology has the potential to support sustainable urban development and improve public health.
The study finds that cybercriminal threats are primarily concentrated in a small number of countries, with China, Russia, Ukraine, the US, Romania, and Nigeria ranking high in various categories. The World Cybercrime Index provides a useful tool for targeting investigative and preventive efforts more efficiently.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
A new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.
A new study by Clark University and partners provides global analysis of tree cover restoration's climate benefits, considering albedo changes. The research identifies locations with greatest climate-cooling potential and tools for practitioners to assess albedo impacts.
Research using historical satellite images shows that methane emissions in Turkmenistan increased following the Soviet Union's collapse, contradicting previous theories. This finding suggests that economic decline led to reduced oversight and more deliberate off-gassing of methane from oil and gas wells.
A new study found that giant sequoias introduced to the UK are well-adapted to the climate, growing at rates close to their native ranges and capturing large amounts of carbon during their long lives. The trees can potentially pull an average of 85 kilograms of carbon out of the atmosphere per year.
A new study identifies conservation priority areas for vascular plants in Madagascar, highlighting uneven distribution of taxon richness and phylogenetic diversity. The researchers found that arid and semi-arid regions lack protected areas, presenting additional conservation challenges.
A PSU study analyzed the meteorology behind the September 2020 Western United States extreme weather event, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. The research found that a highly amplified wave pattern persisted for several days, fueled by dry air from western Canada.
Researchers provided first detailed estimates of sediment supply to coral reef islands, crucial for understanding climate change impacts. They found that around 0.1m³ (100kg) of sediment is delivered to islands per year, helping islands withstand rising seas.
A new study analyzed 98,000 UAP sighting reports over a 20-year period, finding that the majority occurred in western parts of the US. The researchers identified 'hot spots' with high numbers of reports and 'cold spots' with low numbers.
A new study challenges the idea that Eurasia's dominant East-West axis led to faster development due to its unique orientation. The researchers found that environmental barriers hindered the spread of cultural traits across societies, but did not consistently favor Eurasia.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.
Researchers found a correlation between body temperature and depression symptom severity in a large international study. Participants with higher depression scores had higher body temperatures, suggesting that cooling the body may be a novel treatment approach for depression.
The researchers conclude that intensive agricultural cultivation has reduced the landscape's water storage capacity, leading to severe droughts. Restoring natural habitats can restore soil structure, allowing for evapotranspiration and guaranteeing rainfall in drought years.
The study highlights the potential of crowdsourced geospatial data to improve decision-making processes in various industries. Researchers identified seven challenges associated with crowdsourced data, including ensuring quality and accuracy, protecting privacy, and navigating legal issues.
A study reveals that consecutive atmospheric river events lead to significantly higher economic losses in California, tripling expected damages compared to standalone events. This is crucial for emergency and water managers balancing flood risks with water shortage needs.
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A new study in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the correlation between social vulnerability and physical inactivity in the US, revealing geographic variance and disparities. Researchers stress the need for tailored health promotion campaigns and individual counseling approaches to address these disparities.