Articles tagged with Cities
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
In southern Sydney, cockatoos have developed a unique behavior of opening garbage bins to eat food waste. Humans have responded by using various inventive methods to secure the bins, sparking an 'arms race' between the two species.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
The study, led by PhD candidate Jessica Quinton, analyzed data from 31 major Canadian cities and found that education and income are not always linked to access to green space. However, in some cities, household income was strongly associated with better vegetation access, while education played a key role in other cities.
A team of researchers has created an online dashboard to track equity requirements in 239 shared micromobility programs across the US. The dashboard provides city officials with valuable insights on best practices for expanding access to these programs, including technology access, reduced fare options, and adaptive vehicles.
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 study of 17 African coastal countries found that those farther from the coast have lower standards of living, with fewer owning radios, TVs, and vehicles. Access to education and infrastructure are key factors in increasing prosperity near ports.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.
A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.
Researchers studying Mexico City's 700-year history highlight the need for democratic adaptation decisions and prioritizing climate justice over technological innovation. The city's complex water management system, built on an island in a saline lake, demonstrates trade-offs between flood control and urban development.
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 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.
Research from Portland State University finds that cities are inconsistently placing green infrastructure in areas prone to flooding, disproportionately affecting non-white and low-income residents. However, some cities like Portland and Phoenix are making efforts to increase investments in these neighborhoods.
A new framework by Stanford University could help policymakers spend billions on federal infrastructure funding more wisely. The study optimizes hourly demand and supply of power and water with integrated neighborhood-based power and water plants, significantly reducing costs and pollution.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that neighborhoods historically redlined for mortgage lending have higher levels of air pollution 80 years later. This is due in part to complex patterns of discrimination and historical segregation.
Researchers analyzed user survey data and on-the-ground observations to understand e-scooter use and safety. The study found that older riders were less likely to experience crashes, while helmet use was lower in observed data compared to surveyed users.
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 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 new study identifies COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities across four provinces, with concentrations of cases linked to social determinants of health such as income, housing and visible minority status. The study calls for city-specific public health supports tailored to communities at disproportionate risk of COVID-19.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that nearly all soil samples in Chicago contain high levels of lead, with some areas reaching up to 3,000 ppm. The findings highlight the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts to address environmental justice concerns.
A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
Residents in eastern US cities experience up to 4.9 degrees Celsius increase in nighttime urban heat stress index, with extra 30 minutes of uncomfortable weather per degree C temperature increase. This effect is more pronounced in the southeastern US, where residents face up to five extra hours of uncomfortable weather during summer.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that rising housing prices can significantly increase 'openness' among US residents within a few years. This trait captures levels of curiosity and creativity.
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 global atlas reveals that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are affected by artificial light at night, with significant impacts on marine organisms. The study uses a novel metric to determine the depth of light penetration and highlights the need for further research into the effects of ALAN pollution.
A new study reveals that rural Americans face significant challenges in accessing COVID-19 treatment trials, with many living more than an hour away from the nearest trial site. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are particularly affected, with over 50% living more than 60 minutes from a trial site.
Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...
Researchers propose targeted interventions to contain outbreaks in cities like Hong Kong, minimizing economic and social costs. By controlling a small percentage of grids, the virus can be largely contained, offering a balance between risk reduction and human mobility.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that Airbnb units cause a mild decrease in long-term rental supply, including affordable housing, while expanding the rental market. The study suggests a new tax to alleviate resulting inequities and maintain social equality.
A recent discovery at Tikal reveals a previously unknown neighborhood designed to replicate Teotihuacan's citadel, sparking new insights into the interaction between the two civilizations. Excavations found evidence of occupation and surveillance, as well as artifacts linking Tikal to Teotihuacan's imperial power.
The UTSA-Glasgow model analyzed nearly 100 American cities to understand the relationship between city design and traffic congestion. It found that high-intensity urban land use and polycentric city shapes are associated with higher levels of congestion, supporting the long-held belief that traffic congestion is tied to urbanization.
A recent study published by George Washington University researchers found that inclusionary zoning policies associated with lower rates of heart disease. The study also found that communities with such policies had fewer residents with high blood pressure and higher cholesterol.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered tool, Roofpedia, to track sustainable roof adoption worldwide. The tool uses satellite images to gauge cities' green and solar roof penetration, with Singapore ranked third in solar roof coverage.
Researchers analyze impact of risk factors on heat-related mortality at different spatial scales, finding age, education, and socioeconomic status are key contributors. A localized approach is needed to address specific conditions at the city, region, and neighborhood levels.
A new study reveals a deepening geographical fracture in European societies, with rural areas showing lower trust in politics but higher voting rates. The research suggests that mainstream politicians must address feelings of disconnection from politics and provide economic opportunities to re-engage residents of small towns and villages.
The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
A recent study by Brigham Young University found that local governments formed in off-cycle years are less responsive to the majority's preferences and more responsive to organized interest groups. This can result in policies that benefit specific groups rather than the community as a whole.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, air pollution fell in residential and commercial areas, but rebounded faster in residential areas. The study found that residential heating and cooling are significant components of the air quality equation, with implications for low-carbon energy policies.
A study maps dengue fever hot spots to predict future outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya, revealing a 62% overlap between dengue and Zika hot spots. Targeted indoor residual spraying is shown to be effective in controlling Aedes-borne diseases.
Researchers analyzed election data to find that men and women are equally likely to run for office after electoral losses. Gender does not affect political ambition after electoral setbacks, according to the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.