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Increases in extreme humid-heat disproportionately affect populated regions

A new study by Washington State University scientists finds that people living in areas with humid-heat extremes are bearing the brunt of the impact. The researchers identify a greater increase in population exposure to humid-heat as compared to dry-heat, emphasizing the importance of understanding humidity changes in a warming world.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Study links COVID-19 rates with nature equity, shows double burden for communities of color

A study by the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Illinois suggests that access to nature may contribute to lower COVID-19 rates, regardless of racial or socioeconomic identity. The research team found a strong correlation between green spaces and decreased COVID-19 incidence rates.

Ranking of European cities with highest mortality due to lack of green space

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

City butterflies keep flying for longer

A new study reveals that city butterflies and moths have genetically adapted to the warmer urban environment, starting their overwintering state later in the year. This allows them to take advantage of a longer growing season, reproducing successfully before winter sets in.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Exposure to deadly urban heat worldwide has tripled in recent decades, says study

A new study found that urban heat exposure has tripled worldwide since the 1980s, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. The study revealed that city dwellers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity for more person-days, with 1.7 billion people affected on multiple days.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Many mothers may have delayed or abandoned plans for additional children because of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that nearly half of New York City mothers who were trying to become pregnant again before the COVID-19 pandemic began stopped in the first few months of the outbreak. Additionally, one-third of women who had been thinking about becoming pregnant but hadn't yet started trying said they were no longer considering it.

Study reveals rates of the most common form of liver cancer are rising in rural areas while slowing in urban areas

The most common form of liver cancer is on the rise in rural areas, with men aged 60-69 and non-Hispanic Blacks disproportionately affected. Urban areas, however, have seen a decline in HCC rates since 2013, including among younger individuals and certain ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Patterns of income and urbanization impact mammal biodiversity in the concrete jungle

A study of 20 US cities reveals that urban intensity, characterized by paved landscapes and high population density, is a stronger correlate with mammal biodiversity than income. While the 'luxury effect' shows some correlation between income and biodiversity, it's not strong enough to explain the observed patterns.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021

Transformative transportation survey methods

Researchers at Portland State University developed new survey methods to address the limitations of current household activity surveys. The study found that existing methods lack social, cultural, and linguistic applicability for marginalized groups, leading to inaccurate data. By improving data collection efforts, transportation profe...

SourcePortland State University·JournalTransportation Research·DateAug 19, 2021

Land-based learning reconnects Indigenous youth to their cultures, says Elizabeth Fast

A series of land-based learning retreats is helping Indigenous youth reconnect with their cultures, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, survival skills, and ceremonies. The retreats provide a safe space for young people to learn about their heritage, including cultural workshops, arts-based activities, and storytelling sessions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Indigenous Health·DateMar 30, 2021

Women in cities less likely to have children

A Finnish study analyzed the reproductive histories of women who moved from rural to urban areas during WWII and found that urban women were 15% less likely to reproduce than their rural counterparts. The study suggests that women may be delaying childbearing due to increased competition for spouses in urban environments.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateMar 18, 2021

The city formula

Urban scaling laws, observed in cities worldwide, can be explained by the spatial geometry of a city. Researchers mapped building heights and assigned dots to people living in buildings to determine fractal dimensions, revealing a constant sublinear scaling exponent that determines city growth rates.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 16, 2021

Small towns are bigger than we think

A new study by FAO and University of Twente reveals that small cities and towns play a significant role in shaping food systems, social development, and economic growth. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between urban and rural administrative authorities to address unequal access to services and employment oppor...

SourceFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Projected extreme heat and cold exposure in US cities

A new study projects that major US cities will experience significantly increased exposure to extreme heat and cold by the end of this century. The study's authors used a novel approach to account for urban development and its interactions with climate change to predict changes in population-weighted exposure to extreme temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

How boundaries become bridges in evolution

A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Mathematical modeling draws more accurate picture of coronavirus cases

A mathematical model produced more realistic estimates of COVID-19 cases by incorporating population density, age distribution, and transmission probability. The model suggested significant underreporting in various countries, including Italy, South Korea, and Spain, highlighting the need for improved testing and data reporting.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 13, 2020

Unsustainable food systems: Can we reverse current trends?

A new study found that only international trade has a net positive effect on global food systems sustainability, while population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle change have negative impacts. The study suggests that policymakers need better tools to measure and monitor food system dynamics to make them more sustainable.