Articles tagged with Cities
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.
Research reveals more American cities are struggling with people living without running water due to unaffordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis. The study found that households of color were disproportionately affected, with 40% of Philadelphia's population but 66% of those without access to running water in 2021.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
A new study from Virginia Tech shows large language models can assess human-made environments using street-view images, similar to traditional methods. LLM-based performance offers a more accessible tool for users in small to medium-sized cities, making it easier to manage smart urban infrastructure.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.
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.
Cities with high-performing streetcar systems prioritize transporting people to desired locations, while those that focus on economic development often experience poor performance. The study highlights the importance of focusing on passenger attraction and coordinated fare policies for successful streetcar systems.
A new study found that most US cities are successfully limiting floodplain development by applying existing tools and strategies. In New Jersey, municipalities have consistently limited new housing in floodplains and impervious surface growth using conventional local ordinances and modest government capacity.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
A new study analyzing 199 cities worldwide reveals that adaptation efforts are mostly inadequate, with most measures focusing on sea level rise and flooding. The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive approaches considering socioeconomic factors and future trends in societal vulnerability.
A new study finds that exposure to particulate matter 2.5 microns or bigger rises by about 2.4 percent when daily travel patterns are taken into account. The research also reveals demographic disparities in exposure levels, with income and ethnicity playing a significant role.
Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a self-cooling artificial turf system that stores rainwater under the surface, reducing surface temperatures by up to 35°C. This innovation makes sports fields safer for players and helps mitigate urban flooding, while also offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
A study by ISGlobal analyzed 919 European cities, identifying four urban configurations: compact-high density, open lowrise-medium density, open lowrise-low density, and green-low density. Compact high-density cities have lower carbon footprints but higher mortality rates due to poorer air quality and less green space.
A new index reveals that election administration performance varies widely among counties, with lower-performing areas often having greater numbers of low-income people and racial minorities. The study found that urban areas tended to rank lowest on the index, while more affluent counties performed better.
Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub shows how diaspora size affects migration flows. The study reveals that people migrate to smaller destinations if their diaspora is present, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping migration patterns.
A new study found that communities with higher-than-average illegal market opportunities are more likely to be targeted by organised crime groups. Organised crime offenders tend to move into areas with similar socio-demographic profiles and target urban communities with higher levels of criminal activity.
A three-year research project at the University of Oldenburg examines the resettlement history of Hazor, a Bronze Age megacity in eastern Mediterranean, and its impact on early Israelite identities. The team aims to uncover how narratives about these events influenced the shaping of early Israelite cultures.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A new study finds that remote work has changed urban transportation patterns in the U.S., with significant variation across regions. The research reveals that remote work has reduced vehicle miles driven by about 1% per 1% decrease in onsite workers, but had a more substantial impact on mass-transit ridership.
A study predicts that climate change will lead to a major species turnover in North American cities by the end of the century. Cities with cooler and wetter climates are expected to gain new species, while warmer cities may lose many species.
A new study projects that as many as 500,000 people could be affected and 1 in 35 properties damaged by flooding in 32 US coastal cities by 2050. The research highlights racial and socioeconomic demographics of those potentially affected.
Biologist Elizabeth Carlen's investigation into iNaturalist data revealed biased species distribution in St. Louis, with northern parts of the city underrepresented. The framework developed by Carlen and her co-authors identifies four filters contributing to this bias: participation, detectability, sampling, and preference.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.
Research using cellphone data found that most people in big cities primarily interact with others within their own socioeconomic bracket. However, locating meeting places between neighborhoods could help change this, as cities with frequently-visited hubs in between neighborhoods were less segregated.
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 developed an AI-powered method to measure urban decay using street view images, identifying object classes like potholes and graffiti. The model showed promise in detecting urban decline in cities like San Francisco and Mexico City, with potential applications for informing urban policy and planning.
A new study using wastewater surveillance has predicted the start of the annual RSV season 12 days early, allowing hospitals to prepare and allocate resources effectively. The study used real-time wastewater measurements to forecast the surge in pediatric RSV cases, providing a population-level early warning signal for the community.
A study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that rare shops and services in urban locations can bring people of different socio-economic backgrounds together. Researchers found that neighborhoods offering a range of unique amenities, like zoos or cinemas, tend to attract more diverse audiences. This understanding can inform policy ...
A study found that urban great tits have paler plumage than their forest-living counterparts due to inadequate carotenoid intake from city diets. Researchers suggest planting native trees and plants can help provide a healthy diet for these birds.
A global analysis of pollinator decline in cities reveals that butterflies are most affected, with shrinking habitats and food availability causing populations to drop. Meanwhile, certain groups of wild bees, such as those nesting above ground, remain less impacted by urbanization.
The study provides a detailed map of Urban Heat Islands in Turin, Italy, identifying the population's risk and vulnerable areas. The researchers used an interdisciplinary approach to assess the heat-health nexus, considering factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, health conditions, and environmental context.
Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya studied sidewalk networks in Barcelona and found that even pedestrian-friendly cities like Barcelona struggle with mobility constraints. The study proposes a framework for assessing multi-factor walkability using percolation theory and insights into pedestrian behavior to improve sidewal...
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.
Researchers developed a model to track COVID-19 data, predicting transmission and informing health surveillance systems. The model successfully predicted the spread of COVID-19 in Cali, Colombia, highlighting the importance of high-resolution data in understanding virus dynamics.
A low-cost, open-source device called Flatburn can measure air pollution using 3D printing or inexpensive parts. Researchers have tested and calibrated it against existing state-of-the-art machines, making it suitable for community groups and individual citizens to track local air quality.
A new open-source tool called TILE2NET uses aerial imagery and image-recognition to create complete maps of sidewalks and crosswalks. The tool has been trained on 20,000 aerial images from Boston, Cambridge, New York City, and Washington, recognizing 90% or more of all sidewalks and crosswalks in these cities.
Researchers analyzed 183 million buildings in 6,000 African cities and found that a city's shape affects its energy demand. Double the population means triple the energy costs due to increased commuting distances and pollution.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...
A MIT experiment equipped second-hand bicycles with mobile trackers to track their whereabouts over time, revealing that most stolen bikes remain in the local area. The majority of bikes were resold and re-used within the city's bike fleet.
Research at Linköping University reveals that larger cities' benefits disproportionately favor the successful few, while typical residents receive little to nothing. The study highlights the growing inequality within and between cities, threatening the sustainability of urban life.
A study analyzing São Paulo City's built environment from 2015 to 2020 found that physical activity promoting structures increased, particularly in high-income areas. The growth varied by income level, with lower-income parts benefiting least from new bike paths and sports facilities.
A comprehensive study found that up to 82 percent of Berlin's vegetable demand could be met locally if all available land was used for urban gardening. Investing in water and human resources would be crucial for this production, with a total investment cost of 753 million euros required.
Archaeologist Dr. Melissa Baltus has received a five-year, $185,779 grant from the NSF to study neighborhoods surrounding ancient Cahokia and their impact on the city's creation. The study will focus on Indigenous people's lived experiences and social dynamics in two different neighborhoods.
A recent study by Concordia researchers Kregg Hetherington and Élie Jalbert examines the Montreal Big Flush event, a media circus surrounding municipal sewage repairs. The authors argue that effective affective maintenance was employed by city administrators to manage public outcry.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Washington School of Social Work found a consistent relationship between higher temperatures and higher risk of shootings in 100 of the country's most populated cities. Nearly seven percent of shootings can be attributed to above-average daily temperatures.
A study by Dr Ansgar Hudde found that the Dutch cycle around twice as often as Germans during winter months due to differences in mobility culture. This is attributed to a cycling culture in Germany that only encourages seasonal cycling, whereas the Netherlands promotes year-round cycling.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the London Underground is contaminated with ultrafine metallic particles, including maghemite, which can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream. The particles are so small that they evade traditional air pollution monitoring methods, posing a significant risk to public health.
A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.
A comprehensive analysis of 20 US cities reveals widespread failure to incorporate equity and justice principles in green infrastructure planning. The study highlights the need for fundamental transformation in planning processes to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and marginalized communities are involved.
A new study by UBC researchers emphasizes the need for public urban greenspaces to be designed with the needs of young adults between 15 and 24 in mind. The research found that such spaces can promote social interactions, physical exercise, and psychological restoration, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
A new study by Concordia researchers finds that greenbelts are effective at slowing urban sprawl, particularly in larger cities. 90% of cities with greenbelts experienced decreases in sprawl, while just over a third without them did.
The CityAccessMap tool assesses urban infrastructure distribution and identifies areas for improvement, helping policymakers address socio-economic disparities. Disadvantaged communities face lower access to urban services, which can hinder social mobility and exacerbate inequalities.
A new study by Jean Lacroix found that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 halved instances of actual political violence and reduced the likelihood of new waves of violence. In counties covered by the act, citizens voted to voice their views, leading to a change in political strategies rather than policy changes.
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 recent study analyzing COVID-19 vaccination rates in New York City schools reveals significant disparities based on race and ethnicity. The research also highlights geographical variations in vaccination rates across the city.
A study from UC San Diego finds increased depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in Latina mothers, particularly those in border cities, due to reduced coping resources. The researchers attribute these findings to the increasing hostility of the political climate towards Latinx Americans.