Articles tagged with Urban Populations
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.
A new study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA, with significant disparities seen in male and younger patients. The study found that reductions in mortality rates in urban areas were mainly limited to female and older patients, while outcomes worsened for male and younger indiv...
A new study from the University of Waterloo highlights the need for Toronto's public transit system to improve its accessibility and affordability to retain vulnerable users. The researchers recommend a reassessment of travel networks, equitable pricing, and enhanced safety measures to connect core riders better with the rest of the city.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that rural Americans have a higher smoking prevalence and a harder time quitting than urban residents. The odds of quitting were 75% lower in rural areas compared to urban areas between 2010 and 2020.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that rural Americans are more prone to smoking and have lower chances of quitting. According to the study, in 2020, current smoking prevalence was higher in rural areas (19.2%) compared to urban areas (14.4%), while quit ratios were similar.
A study found that better access to primary care physicians in disadvantaged neighborhoods improves high blood pressure awareness and control. The research used the Area Deprivation Index to assess socioeconomic status and analyzed data from over 5,000 predominantly African American adults.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that only seven out of 50 largest US cities have strong evacuation plans in place, highlighting a need for improvement in preparing for natural disasters. The study suggests that cities with experience in major hurricanes tend to develop stronger plans.
New research from the University of Waterloo confirms speculation taxes have little impact on controlling Ontario house prices. Municipalities struggle to regulate markets due to factors like geography and governance, leading to ineffective tax measures.
A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.
A team of scientists developed a computational model that explains Italy's town distribution using only a small set of mathematical equations and a map of the landscape. The model simulates how population and road networks interact, demonstrating that landscape alone is insufficient to explain population distribution.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that vaccine uptake was low among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Toronto and London, Ontario. The rate for 2-dose vaccination among First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto was 58%, compared to 79% for the overall population.
A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals health care facilities serving diverse populations were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. The findings highlight inequities in vaccine distribution, contradicting national policy goals.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
A study of 1,581 children aged 6-11 from six European countries found that exposure to more green spaces is associated with healthier habits, including increased physical activity, reduced sedentary activities, and better sleep. Urban design plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors in children.
A Rutgers study suggests that using automated traffic safety cameras as a tool to limit racially divisive interactions with the police can increase public support. The research found that emphasizing the technology's role in reducing racial profiling and minimizing police-driver interactions can broaden support for the cameras, particu...
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
A new study from the University of Washington found that sweetened beverage taxes redistribute dollars from higher- to lower-income households, providing a net economic benefit of $5.3 to $16.4 million per year to lower-income communities. The taxes also fund health programs and reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks.
A University of Washington-led team found that people in China with higher socioeconomic status are more exposed to outdoor air pollution. The study discovered a unique correlation between socioeconomic status and ambient air pollution levels, which runs counter to existing studies conducted in the US.
A new study reveals that tidal flats in the southeastern US are under pressure from urbanization, leading to erosion and loss of these critical ecosystem guardians. The research highlights the need for sustainable management plans to mitigate the impacts of urban expansion on coastal environments.
Researchers uncovered intricate settlements in Bolivia's Llanos de Mojos savannah-forest, featuring elaborate structures and a vast network of reservoirs. The cities were built alongside nature, employing successful sustainable subsistence strategies that promoted conservationism and maintained rich biodiversity.
A recent SFU study found that 79% of Vancouver residents have access to a grocery store within a 15-minute walk, while 99% can reach one via cycling. However, there are inequities in access across populations and neighbourhoods, disproportionately affecting children, older adults, and racialized populations.
A Colorado State University-led study found greater natural gas leak densities in communities with low-income or majority non-white populations compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for improved equity in gas distribution systems to enhance health and safety outcomes.
A study by Swansea University found that people find structures with a wide variety of sea life to be more visually pleasing and interesting, as well as more likely to relieve stress. The research suggests that designing seawalls to support biodiversity can benefit both wildlife and human wellbeing.
A new study reveals that urban residents have a simplistic understanding of coastal ecosystems and are less likely to take pro-environmental actions. The research highlights an issue known as urbanized knowledge syndrome, which can harm natural ecosystems and undermine community resilience.
A recent study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that Vancouver's commitment to livability does not address its long-standing inequalities. The gentrification of historically working-class and low-income neighborhoods, such as Northeast False Creek and Downtown Eastside, is a major concern.
A recent study published in Science found that urbanization drives the evolution of white clover in cities worldwide. The researchers collected over 100,000 plants from 160 cities and discovered that plants producing less cyanate were more common in urban areas compared to non-urban areas.
A new study measures the happiness benefits of US city parks in the 25 largest cities, finding a powerful effect from urban nature on users. Park size and accessibility emerged as key predictors of happiness.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
A study reveals that red fox populations in Western Europe became larger than before the rabies vaccination campaign, only to decline since the 2000s. Higher numbers of foxes supported the outbreak of other diseases, while their impacts were limited.
A new study finds that forest bird nestlings are smaller and less likely to survive extreme heat, while urban birds seem to adapt better. The research highlights the fragility of natural populations and the need for further understanding and protection.
A study finds that extreme heat is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, particularly among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,100 counties in the US and found that each additional day of extreme heat was linked to an average of 600-700 additional deaths per year.
A two-year study shows that even a 4m² space can provide a rich habitat for pollinators and support biodiversity. The mini-meadows attracted an average of 111% more bumblebees and 87% more solitary bees compared to control plots.
Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...
New research reveals how medieval East African farming societies altered their island habitat through intensive land use, impacting shoreline modification and community decline. The study examines the effects of urban growth, trade, and waste on coastal sediments, shedding light on early globalization and maritime trade networks.
A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that taking a 15-minute walk outside on a hot summer day can impair cognitive performance. This effect was more pronounced in men who slept less than 5 hours, suggesting that heat stress may negatively impact learning and productivity.
Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
A new analysis of focus groups reveals that historical trauma shapes many Black and Indigenous Americans' views about using public lands for leisure. Participants noted historical injustices and feeling unwelcome in nature-based spaces, yet continued to engage with nature despite these feelings.
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
A study of 2,800 US workers found that clusters of financial, mental health, and healthcare access vulnerabilities contribute to COVID-19-related disparities. Essential workers experienced more financial vulnerability, while women had worse mental health, and rural residents faced greater healthcare access barriers.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
A University of South Australia study suggests that nature-based citizen science projects can alleviate stress and isolation, while improving mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. By engaging with natural environments, individuals can experience lower stress levels, improve their wellbeing, and feel connected to a community.
Research suggests long term exposure to particulate matter in the air may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection by 5%, with effects most pronounced on respiratory health. The study found associations between air pollution and increased infection rates, particularly among older age groups.
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Research conducted in rural and urban Chinese villages found that residents of Jincheng gave more tokens to strangers than those from Liangang, suggesting increased trust in out-group members. Effective governance was also linked to higher levels of out-group trust, contradicting concerns about urbanization eroding community bonds.
A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
A health impact assessment shows that European cities can avoid 109,188 and 57,030 premature deaths per year by meeting the new PM2.5 and NO2 guidelines, respectively. Meeting these standards could prevent up to 125,000 and 79,000 annual premature deaths.
Research by Binghamton University economists found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant improvement in air quality for minority neighborhoods in rural New York, narrowing the existing gap with majority white neighborhoods. The study suggests stronger regulation can improve air quality in polluted areas.
Researchers found that tree-cover area, impervious surface area, and building density have a consistent impact on building energy use across cities. The study's results suggest that the relationship between urban form/density and energy use is city-specific and distance-specific.
The WVCTSI will deploy a mobile clinical trials unit in West Virginia, addressing health disparities and increasing participation in clinical research. The 39-foot Winnebago will provide on-site clinical trials and follow-up visits to rural residents.
A new study by CUNY SPH found that COVID-VAC scale can inform targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake among hesitant groups. Key motivators for vaccination included protecting oneself and loved ones from COVID-19, with continued testing crucial in combating misconceptions.
High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.