Articles tagged with Urban Populations
A study found that lower birth volume, unprofitability, and for-profit status are risk factors for loss of hospital-based obstetric care in rural and urban hospitals. Many hospitals may be at high risk for future closure, highlighting the need for improved obstetric care infrastructure in rural areas.
A PSU study finds that historically underinvested neighborhoods with lower median incomes and higher racial diversity are most vulnerable to multiple climate hazards. These areas, including East Portland, face the highest risk from landslides, wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat.
Researchers develop two virtual culturally grounded interventions to address substance use among urban American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. The studies show reduced substance use, including cannabis and alcohol consumption, as well as social connections with tribal communities.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia examine how heat and daylight patterns transform urban life, highlighting unequal impacts on social groups. They emphasize the need for urban planning to consider bodily and temporal perspectives, integrating social justice considerations into climate adaptation efforts.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Oxford Saïd Business School found that the entry of ride-hailing platforms drove measurable increases in economic output and intermittent employment. Regional GDP per capita increased, and the number of seasonal, temporary, or intermittent jobs rose after Uber and Lyft entered the region.
A new study develops the first high-resolution urban air temperature dataset, providing detailed maps of air temperature across cities. This dataset helps explain why satellite-based data often overestimates heat stress and exaggerates disparities between neighborhoods.
A cohort study found that mid-urbanicity neighborhoods had the highest dementia mortality rates, while dense urban cores and rural areas showed lower risks. The study suggests targeted improvements in neighborhood conditions could reduce dementia mortality and promote equity.
A recent analysis found that rural US Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) are more likely to have co-occurring conditions but less likely to receive SMI care. Rural Veterans also face challenges in accessing telehealth and multidisciplinary care.
Researchers found that most people prefer counterclockwise motion when turning, with age being the only factor that affects this bias. The study could impact our understanding of brain function and fields like design, engineering, and architecture.
A study of 66 million GPS records reveals that racial minorities face longer travel distances to job sites, healthcare facilities, parks, and schools. The findings highlight the need for transit networks to prioritize social inclusiveness in future planning.
Hospital-based shootings in the US have increased over 25 years, with large hospitals and urban areas being high-risk settings. The study emphasizes the need for hospital-specific prevention strategies, including weapons screening technology, to address rising firearm violence.
A study by Brown University and Columbia University found that road infrastructure isolates communities, leading to increased schizophrenia-related hospital visits. The Community Severance Index measures physical and social disconnection using roads, traffic, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure.
A study of 19,711 Chinese students aged 6–16 found that rural children are more likely to experience emotional and psychological problems, while urban children exhibit behavioral symptoms. The findings highlight the need for region-specific interventions to address unique challenges.
A Concordia University study found that demographic factors such as income and household size drive energy consumption in Quebec's major urban centres. The research used meter readings and census data to reveal strong links between social characteristics and energy use, with higher-income areas and larger households consuming more energy.
A team from Ohio State University has digitally reconstructed three historically Black communities that were fragmented or demolished for freeway construction. The project, known as Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus, aims to show how urban renewal decisions of the past have a positive impact on future development.
A new perspective in Nature Water highlights how urban flooding measures often exacerbate environmental injustices for society's most vulnerable groups. The study identifies two main reasons for this unequal distribution of risk: higher exposure to climate hazards and limited resources, leading to a lower capacity to bounce back.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records to determine heat exposure thresholds associated with emergency department use in vulnerable older patients. They found that heat-associated ED use among these patients spikes at around 90 F, not 95 F, and that targeted interventions can enhance their heat adaptive capacity.
A cross-sectional analysis found significant delays in treatment initiation for early-onset colorectal cancer in all-urban populations, with young male, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, or Hispanic patients disproportionately affected. These delays, exceeding 90 days, challenge assumptions of uniformly timely access in urban settings.
A new study found that Texas' migrant busing program, which transported immigrants to Democratic-led cities, contributed to President Trump's increased vote share in affected counties during the 2024 election. The study also highlights the enduring power of perceived threats from racial minorities in shaping voting decisions.
A new study finds that Pune's reservoirs will likely dry up and groundwater levels will plummet by the middle of this century if the city maintains current policies. However, the research shows these outcomes can be avoided with certain policy interventions.
Access to higher-level neonatal care is limited at rural birth hospitals, where less than 20% offer this care compared to 74% of urban hospitals. Urban birth hospitals are expanding higher-level neonatal care, exacerbating geographic disparities in access to care for high-risk infants.
A new Concordia study finds that Montrealers face difficulties accessing fresh and healthy food due to inadequate public transportation and limited grocery store locations. The researchers recommend combining active transportation with public transit to increase accessibility to healthy food establishments.
A Concordia University study reveals that nearly half of Montreal's elderly care facilities lack public EV charging stations within a 15-minute walk. This limits access not only for residents but also for caregivers and staff. Strategically placing new chargers in underserved areas can improve accessibility without expanding the network.
A new policy brief outlines key policy actions to reduce energy insecurity, a growing threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The report recommends strengthening energy assistance, redesigning utility rates, and creating a more resilient energy system.
A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.
A research team led by Göttingen University found that urban blue spaces play a critical role in food security and social inclusion in four major Indian cities. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold food products.
A new study reveals that social determinants of health have a significant impact on rural–urban differences in colorectal cancer mortality rates. The research found that low socioeconomic status, household characteristics, and racial/ethnic minority status were key drivers of these disparities.
A new study suggests that coyotes are more likely to overlap with humans in areas with high levels of open space, such as parks and golf courses. The analysis found that coyotes were attracted to areas with moderate levels of open space, like parks or golf courses, where they could find food and shelter. In contrast, coyotes may be les...
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.
A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
A study found that women receiving mental health services had faster reductions in depression over time, emphasizing the potential impact of scalable interventions during this critical period. The research underscores the importance of routine and consistent screening, monitoring, and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety.
Only 4 in 10 US retail pharmacies carry buprenorphine, a highly effective opioid addiction treatment, with disparities persisting in minority neighborhoods. Tight pharmacy regulations discourage pharmacies from carrying the treatment, limiting access to vulnerable communities.
A new report from RMIT University and the University of Canberra proposes that local news organisations must adapt to their audiences' shifting news habits. The report recommends embracing community-driven content, including hyperlocal news, human-interest stories, and practical information.
A Canadian national study found that older adults living in greener neighborhoods were less likely to experience depression during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to nearby green spaces acted as a mental health buffer, especially for those without a prior history of depression, lower-income Canadians, and individuals ...
A study published in PLOS found that urban exposure significantly increases the risk of obesity among middle and old-age migrants in India. The longer they stay in cities, the greater the risk of obesity.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
Researchers mapped species' landscape connectivity needs at night to assess light pollution reduction urgency. A survey of 1,148 residents helped identify mutually beneficial zones and compromised areas for public lighting adjustments.
A recent study found that parental firearm storage methods, such as locking and unloading guns, may not be effective in preventing teens from accessing household firearms. Storing additional firearms securely does not necessarily negate the perceived risk of access if at least one gun remains unlocked.
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals six neighborhood-units in Kyoto's southeastern area have a disrupted balance between residences and accommodations, with hotspot locations near transportation hubs. Effective zoning policies are recommended to address overtourism's adverse social effects.
Researchers found that urban areas and male middle-aged patients are more likely to receive high-dose opioid prescriptions. The study analyzed over 3 million Medicaid claims in Missouri from 2017 to 2021, identifying risk factors for opioid use disorder.
Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...
A new study reveals that 25 of the 28 most populous US cities are sinking, with some areas subsiding at rates of over 5 millimeters per year. The primary cause is massive ongoing groundwater extraction, which can lead to stresses on infrastructure and buildings.
Researchers discovered how urban rat migration spreads leptospirosis, a deadly disease, and developed a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. The study used advanced molecular techniques to analyze DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, finding that 59 rats were positive for Leptospira bacteria.
A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.
Despite slight increase in prescriptions between 2021 and 2024, only 3% of eligible patients received a prescription. Disparities were found based on race, ethnicity, social vulnerability, and urbanicity, with small but significant differences compared to overall underutilization.
Research reveals subpar healthcare services in Global South cities, with frequent medicine shortages and inadequate long-term condition management. Innovative policy approaches are needed to balance public service expansion and private subsidies to improve access and equity for marginalized populations.
The Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report found that despite a decline in the antisemitic wave after the war, levels remained significantly higher than before. Countries such as Australia, Italy, and Canada reported record-high numbers of incidents, with notable increases in physical assaults in France.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides. The researchers, led by Warren Booth, discovered the mutation in 134 unique populations of bed bugs collected from North America between 2008-22.
A new study estimates that 2.7% of NYC electronic dance music-nightclub attending adults used Tusi in the past year, with risks of adverse or unexpected effects due to its often adulterated nature. The use of Tusi has been reported in Latin America and Europe since the past decade.
A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.
A study by HKU professor Bo Huang's team reveals fundamental principles governing population dynamics across cities. The research demonstrates that population movements scale predictably with urban density and distance from central hubs.
A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...
Researchers developed an AI system, Plant Doctor, to monitor urban plant health at the individual leaf level using machine vision techniques. The system can automatically diagnose diseased areas on leaves and provide accurate diagnoses across various urban flora.
A new study found that compound heatwaves significantly increase cardiac mortality and are more impactful than traditional binary definitions of heatwaves.
A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.
Researchers found that women have significantly more sensitive hearing than men, with an average difference of two decibels across all populations studied. Environmental factors such as living in forests or high altitudes also affect hearing sensitivity, with forest-dwellers having the highest and altitude residents having the lowest.