Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Increase access to nature in all daily environments and in education

A Kobe University research team analyzed conditions for access to nature across generations, finding that availability of green spaces, nature-relatedness, and childhood experiences drive visits. The study highlights the importance of effective environmental education and urban planning policies to address inequalities in nature access.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 8, 2024

Study examines urban forests across the United States

Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2024

New study: Outdoor recreation noise affects wildlife behavior and habitat use

A recent study published in Current Biology indicates that outdoor recreation noise can trigger a fear response in wildlife, altering their behavior and habitat use. The research, conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, found that different types of recreation noise, group size, and human presence affected animal responses.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Videoconferencing gets older adults moving as health lessons put to practical use

A 12-week health education program using videoconferencing software showed improved physical activity and adherence to health advice compared to a control group. The study suggests that videoconferencing can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable behavioral changes among older adults, regardless of location or distance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Bonobos aren’t as peace-loving as we thought

A new Harvard study reveals that male bonobos engage in more acts of aggression than chimpanzees, contrary to their peaceful reputation. The researchers found that bonobos exhibit less sexual coercion and violence towards females, but more frequent 'squabbling' among males.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024

Out of the park: New research tallies total carbon impact of tourism at Yellowstone

Researchers estimated that recreation visits to Yellowstone produce over one megaton of carbon emissions per year, with an average of 479 kilograms attributable to each visitor. Despite this, the park's ecosystems still pull in around 1.5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year.

Recreational activities such as golfing, gardening may be associated with increased ALS risk among men

A study by Michigan Medicine found that recreational activities such as golfing, gardening, and woodworking may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in men. The study surveyed over 700 individuals with and without ALS to assess their hobbies and non-work related activities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Cannabis use policies are on the rise yet treatment for cannabis use disorder treatment remains low

A new study found that specialty treatment for cannabis use disorder decreased in states with medical and recreational cannabis laws, despite a growing need for treatment. The study suggests that public education and access to evidence-based services are needed to address the unmet treatment needs of people with CUD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2024

Giving video games this Christmas? New research underlines need to be aware of loot box risks

A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

UC economist finds strong link between park funding, home values

A UC economist found a strong correlation between park funding and home values in Ohio communities. House prices were 13% higher three years after voting to renew tax levies for recreational areas, but not immediately after the vote. The study suggests that underfunded parks may be a contributing factor to lower housing values.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Regional Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Social participation promotes optimal aging in older adults, research shows

A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 7, 2023

"Resilience in dark times”: At-home yoga reduces anxiety, improves short-term memory

A virtual yoga program led by Sean Mullen reduced stress and anxiety in full-time working adults, improving short-term memory. The study used moderate-intensity yoga sequences to investigate its benefits for executive functioning and adherence to exercise programs.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 4, 2023

Pickleball helps older adults stay physically active

A pilot study by North Carolina State University researchers found that playing pickleball helped older adults aged 65 years and older reach their weekly recommended dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participants averaged over 68 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per session, meeting CDC guidelines.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRecreational Sports Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

A closer look at how environment influences physical activity

A systematic review of literature on physical activity found that the built environment and social factors have a significant influence on physical activity levels. The study identified gaps in research, particularly in understanding how social and built environments interact across communities and affect health disparities. Researcher...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateApr 5, 2023

Attending live sport improves wellbeing – study

New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 17, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorder

The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

Harnessing smartphones to track how people use green spaces

A new study demonstrates how anonymized smartphone data can monitor public use of parks and green spaces, shedding light on relationships between people and nature. The findings highlight potential for GPS data to inform management and optimize benefits for both recreation and biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Great Britain’s city centers ranked on “greenness”

A new study ranks Great Britain's city centers based on their green attributes, including tree cover, vegetation, and parks, revealing disparities in urban biodiversity and human health. The top five cities are located in southern England, while the bottom five relate to industrial areas in northern Britain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2022

Stanford researchers reveal add-on benefits of natural defenses against sea-level rise

A new study by Stanford researchers shows that nature-based solutions, such as conserving marshlands and restoring beaches, can be as effective as concrete seawalls in protecting against sea-level rise. The research found that these solutions provide extra benefits, including opportunities for recreation, climate change mitigation thro...

SourceStanford University·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateJun 9, 2022