Articles tagged with Geography
A study of 2,329 Mexican-inspired fast food restaurants in six US locations found that consumers purchase fewer calories at restaurants with calorie labels. Consumers are sensitive to calorie information on menu boards, leading to reduced calorie purchases.
New research reveals signs before a volcano erupts after tens of thousands of years of dormancy, including changes in magma composition and crystal formation. The study found that water-rich recharge magmas played a key role in triggering explosive eruptions, with amphibole being a critical indicator.
Substantial geographic disparities in US preterm birth rates were observed, with nearly 1 in 6 counties experiencing increases between 2007 and 2019. These disparities are linked to place-based social disadvantage, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers developed a geoknowledge-guided GPT model that extracted location data from Hurricane Harvey tweets with an accuracy rate 76% better than default models. The model recognized complete location descriptions, enabling first responders to reach victims more quickly and potentially saving lives.
A new framework for urban climate action planning has been developed to aid local governments in developing and assessing their climate action plans. The framework includes 43 globally recognized criteria across three stages of climate planning, with over half of existing urban plans having a medium level of suitability.
Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.
A study of US neighborhoods found a strong association between environmental burden and higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed the strongest associations, highlighting the need for initiatives to address poor environmental conditions and improve cardiovascular health.
Research confirms Greenland's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, with a 5-fold increase in melting over the past 20 years. The study reveals that 25 meters of ice are lost annually, contributing significantly to sea level rise and posing significant challenges for renewable energy and ecosystems.
The Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi is spreading drug and diagnostic resistant malaria in Africa, increasing the risk of malaria infections by 270%. Its unique ecology and resistance to insecticides make it challenging for conventional mosquito control tools.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
Researchers from China University of Geosciences have clarified the extent of Greater India, a single plate of 2,000 to 3,000 km, before it subducted under Asia. This finding resolves questions surrounding the age of the collision and the emergence of geological structures in the region.
Thyroid cancer incidence is significantly higher in more affluent areas of São Paulo State, Brazil, compared to less developed regions like Barretos. The study suggests overdiagnosis may be responsible for this trend, with mortality rates remaining similar across socioeconomic groups.
A recent study found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, and eastern Michigan were identified as regions with higher rates of the disease.
Researchers from Texas A&M University's Department of Geography and collaborating departments aim to improve understanding of how environmental hazards influence human health outcomes. The project, 'Climate-LEAD,' will create robust models using localized data to inform decision-making in vulnerable communities.
A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
A PSU study examines how atmospheric patterns influencing the weather won't necessarily become stronger or more frequent by the end of the century. Instead, warmer temperatures will lead to an increase in rainfall over the Pacific Northwest in most seasons except summer.
A Texas A&M University team, led by historian Dr. Daniel Schwartz, is working to preserve the 2,000-year-old Syriac language, deemed endangered due to conflict and persecution in the Middle East. The project, Syriaca.org, aims to safeguard cultural heritage and make it accessible to expat communities worldwide.
A study found sociodemographic-based disparities in COVID-19 therapeutic drug availability, revealing gaps in treatment access. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A study of 2,176 US counties reveals that breast cancer mortality is influenced by local factors such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare. The findings suggest that geographically targeted interventions could lead to healthier communities and reduced mortality rates.
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.
The US experienced its highest death rates in over a century, fueled by drug overdose mortality. From 1999 to 2020, drug overdose deaths more than quadrupled, with white and Native Americans experiencing the greatest increase.
A study by Brigham researchers reveals a 37% increase in out-of-state residents seeking abortion care in Massachusetts after Dobbs, with an estimated 45 additional abortions. Non-profit funding for out-of-state residents increased by nearly ten percent, while in-state residents' use of funding remained relatively stable.
A study found large increases in cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department visits in Ontario, Canada. The research suggests that commercialization of non-medical cannabis may have accelerated these incidents, highlighting the need for greater prevention efforts.
A weighted lottery system may favor allocation of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody to individuals in disadvantaged neighborhoods and those identifying as Black. However, this approach may also result in lower acceptance rates among Black individuals who receive the drug.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortion services (tele-MAB) can facilitate access to abortion care for individuals with limited mobility, reducing travel costs and logistics. Additionally, tele-MAB may better meet the needs of those with prior abortion experience due to increased familiarity with the process.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.
Sperm and northern bottlenose whales frequently feed on live halibut escaping from a deep-sea trawler net. The study found that these whales were only spotted when the catch was Greenland halibut, not redfish or thorny skate.
Researchers used AI and mobility data to enhance air pollution models, improving accuracy by an average of 17.5% and identifying hotspots with high PM2.5 levels. This integrated approach can inform targeted health alerts and safety measures for areas with poor air quality.
Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.
A recent study reveals that past climate changes and vegetation shifts played a key role in determining when and where early human species interbred. The research suggests that the overlap of habitats led to increased encounters and interactions among groups, increasing the chance of interbreeding.
Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.
A study using wastewater metrics found accurate assessments of county SARS-CoV-2 incidence and may be the best metric for monitoring virus circulation. Home testing increases and vaccination treatment decrease disease acuity, making wastewater surveillance a reliable option.
The article explores how export diversification and ICT shape employment patterns, with research highlighting the importance of diversified trade baskets to minimize economic uncertainties. Tailored trade policies can unlock employment opportunities for both high-skilled and low-skilled workers, fostering sustainable growth.
A new study found that state restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth significantly increase drive times for seeking necessary treatment. With over 25% of gender clinics located in restricted states, existing clinics may struggle to meet the demand from out-of-state patients.
A simulated study found that patients face challenges registering with primary care physicians, even when they have a nearby doctor. The research revealed that doctors are less likely to accept new patients requiring time-consuming procedures or working in areas with low PCP density.
A cohort study found that U.S. veterans with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease residing in historically redlined neighborhoods still experience higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and adverse cardiovascular events. Redlining's adverse association persists even decades after its discontinuation.
A Portland State professor is studying the environmental consequences of the renewable energy transition, including lithium mining and battery manufacturing. The research aims to balance benefits with burdens on underserved communities, through interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
The study found a decreasing trend in the global TBL cancer burden from 1990 to 2019, but regional variations persisted. The burden was highest in upper-middle-income countries and lowest in high-income countries.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher incomes tend to be more generous when living in areas with high levels of economic inequality. In contrast, the lowest-income groups show less generosity in more unequal areas. The researchers used local data from the US and UK to examine this relationship.
A study by University of Vienna researchers clarifies cycads' origin and geographic distribution, revealing a dynamic evolutionary history with key lineages becoming extinct or spreading. The findings provide valuable insights into biodiversity research and have implications for conservation efforts.
A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.
A new Dartmouth study projects a 52% increase in extreme precipitation events in the Northeast by the end of the century. The region is expected to experience more frequent heavy rainfall events, with winter and spring contributing most to this projected increase.
Researchers investigate whether pregnant mothers' exposure to toxic metals affects kidney development in their babies, which may set the stage for chronic kidney disease. The team aims to identify key combinations of metal mixtures that could have detrimental effects on developing kidneys.
Scientists have discovered weak, fossilised sediments beneath the seafloor of Antarctica's eastern Ross Sea, which led to massive underwater landslides. These layers made the area susceptible to failure due to past climate change.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Satellite imagery revealed a rupture zone of approximately 75 km in length, with surface features showing a gradual widening and decrease in horizontal dislocations. The study found secondary hazards such as liquefaction mainly occurring in low-lying terrain.
A recent study published in Nature challenges traditional views on human origins in Africa, proposing that modern humans emerged from the interaction of multiple populations across the continent. By analyzing genomic data from diverse African groups, researchers found evidence of gene flow and mixing over hundreds of thousands of years.
Dengue infection prevalence in US territories highlights need for improved control measures. Novel vector control methods and vaccine development hold promise for combating the disease.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.
A recent study found that COVID-19 mortality disparities widened between the initial and Omicron waves, particularly among non-Hispanic white adults. The authors suggest continued prioritization of racial health equity in pandemic response efforts to address these persistent disparities.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
The Ortiz site in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, has yielded five adult human remains with ages dating back to 1800BC, challenging simplistic assumptions about ancient culture. The mortuary practices and Strontium isotope analysis suggest standard burial practices over many centuries.
A recent study published in Demography found that analyzing birthplace instead of residence reveals significant geographic disparities in mortality. The research suggests that interstate migration reduces regional inequalities, making them less visible in previous studies.
A study of 5,000 patients with breast cancer found that women from disadvantaged neighborhoods had shorter breast cancer-specific survival rates compared to those from advantaged areas. The findings suggest potential unaccounted mechanisms, including social determinants of health and access to care.
The study highlights the importance of language documentation and revitalization to preserve human communication, culture, and cognition. Grambank reveals that language loss is occurring unevenly across major linguistic regions, with indigenous languages in northeast South America, Alaska, and northern Australia at highest risk.
The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.