Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A joint study by King's College London and Airparif found that air pollution in both cities has improved since 2010, but not enough to meet legal limits. Newer diesel cars and buses have led to declines in particle pollution, while nitrogen dioxide levels from traffic in London have deteriorated.
Researchers observed coyote families at a Utah facility during breeding seasons and found that parental influence plays a major role in shaping their behavior. Coyotes become bolder when parents are more fearless, and this trait is passed on to their offspring, which can lead to negative interactions with humans.
Researchers analyzed honey from urban beehives to detect pollutants like lead and zinc. The study found higher element concentrations near downtown areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity, suggesting potential manmade sources of pollution.
A new study finds that urban African-Americans are significantly more likely to live in trauma deserts with limited access to advanced emergency medical care. The introduction of UChicago Medicine's Level 1 Trauma Center has reduced Chicago's disparity sevenfold, but racial disparities persist in New York City and Los Angeles.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that green spaces and colourful urban design elements increase happiness, trust of strangers, and environmental stewardship. Simple interventions like adding greenery or rainbow crosswalks can enrich public spaces.
Researchers have long debated the causes of Angkor's demise, but new evidence suggests that land use declined gradually over 100 years before the supposed collapse. The study shows that forest disturbance and soil erosion decreased, and the moat was eventually covered in floating vegetation, indicating a lack of maintenance.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can boost happiness and reduce mental fatigue. The study suggests that time spent in a park is more important than physical activity for emotional well-being.
A new study and web application reveal that climate change will impact urban areas, with 540 cities expected to shift hundreds of miles from their current climate by 2080. Scientists used a statistical technique called climate-analog mapping to match future climates with existing ones.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that grocery store-based nutrition counseling was effective in changing dietary habits of patients with hypertension. The program improved intake of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, while reducing sodium and saturated fat consumption.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that people living in drafty homes in low-income, urban communities are at a higher risk of respiratory health issues such as asthma. The study revealed that residents in homes with the highest air-exchange rates were more likely to report chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms.
A new study published in Science found that people with prior dengue infections have lower risks of contracting Zika. The research, conducted in a poor neighborhood in Brazil, suggests that cross-protective antibodies from dengue may provide protection against Zika.
A study conducted by Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found that alcohol use intersects with spatial dimensions, influencing young people's likelihood of using condoms. Young people prefer convenient spaces for sex after drinking, but may engage in 'rushed' sex due to cost constraints.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that people who suffered bullying or sexual abuse have a lower quality of life similar to those living with chronic conditions. Those who experienced these traumas are more likely to display harmful behaviors like smoking dependence and binge eating.
Solar panels can generate significant amounts of energy on snow-covered mountains with steep tilt angles. This study suggests shifting a large fraction of electricity production from summer to winter months without compromising total annual production.
Urban gardens in Australia achieve high yields comparable to commercial farms, yet face challenges due to higher material and labor costs. The study emphasizes the need for judicious management of inputs to ensure sustainability.
A study by Radboud University ecologist Luca Santini found that mammals living in urban environments produce more young, which is likely due to high mortality rates. Different groups of mammals use various strategies to adapt, such as producing larger litters, having brains and bodies better suited for their environment.
A recent study suggests that limiting contact in football practice can reduce head impacts, but the correct approach involves adjusting practice methods such as reducing speed and improving tackling technique. The researchers found that full-speed tackling and blocking drills resulted in the highest head impact severity and frequency.
A recent NUS study reveals that lower-income households in Singapore use more water to cool down during hot weather, whereas higher-income households rely heavily on air-conditioners, increasing their electricity demand.
Researchers linked health factors like access to public transit, grocery store variety, and food prices to major diseases. The study found significant differences in environmental factors across Canada's provinces, urban-rural communities, and regions.
Researchers used the NIST Dragon to simulate ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings, revealing ignition occurred within 90 seconds and flames penetrated completely through the roofing assembly. The study's findings will help Japanese fire services develop effective counter measures and mitigate damage from large outdoor fires.
A citizen science project in Vienna analyzed fox sightings and found that encounters were more likely in gardens with low building density, parks, or squares. The level of education also influenced reported fox sightings, with higher levels of education leading to more sightings.
A Marshall University study found significant differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels between urban and rural newborns. Copper and molybdenum were higher in urban samples, while no marked differences occurred for other elements. The study suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to toxins and neonatal outcomes.
A study led by the University of California, Davis tracked over 230 Anna's and Allen's hummingbirds around urban feeders, providing insights into their interactions and health. The research found that females stayed longer at feeders than males and males overlapped their visits with other males more frequently than with other females.
Researchers discovered hypoxic dead zones in urban streams, caused by erosion and nutrient runoff. The study highlights the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to pollution and climate change.
Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.
A new algorithm developed by Yale Ph.D. student TC Chakraborty creates a more comprehensive and consistent estimate of urban heat islands worldwide. The Global Surface UHI Explorer map uses urban agglomerations instead of administrative city boundaries, providing surface UHI intensity estimates for over 10,000 urban clusters.
A study by Washington State University found that rural children with mild traumatic brain injuries receive less care and have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to urban youth. This disparity is attributed to limited access to specialized services and a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, leading to longer tra...
A new Ohio State University study of 617 tobacco users found that vaping did not boost quit rates, and dual users were no more likely to stop smoking. Researchers say the results suggest that for heavy smokers, tried-and-true methods like medication and nicotine replacement are still the best approach.
Researchers found that using low-cost portable air purifiers at home significantly lowered urban seniors' fine particulate matter exposure and blood pressure. The study showed a 40% reduction in air pollutant exposure and an average of 3.4 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure.
This study examined the impact of neighborhood characteristics on the growth of alcohol outlets from 2000 to 2013 in 53 California cities. It found that lower-income areas with larger populations and higher incomes experienced greater growth in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.
Researchers analyzed charcoal and pollen remains to infer a long history of human occupation at Koh Ker, contradicting traditional abandonment theory. The study suggests the region was occupied from the late 7th century CE, continuing for seven centuries or more after the royal seat's departure.
A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.
A study found that city-dwelling blue tits lay larger eggs than forest-dwelling birds, likely due to the urban environment's higher calcium availability. The researchers also observed a trade-off between egg size and clutch number, with urban birds producing fewer but larger eggs.
Increasing job accessibility can reduce carbon emissions and social inequities, but tradeoffs between these outcomes exist. Low-income residents often lack benefits from increased job accessibility, exacerbating existing social and environmental disparities.
A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.
Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.
Researchers found that private healthcare providers in urban India deliver inadequate TB care, with only 35% adhering to national and international standards. The study highlights the need for improved training and protocols to enhance TB management in the country's private sector.
A survey of 6,082 racially/ethnically diverse high school students in California and Florida found associations between nonconforming gender expression and mental distress. The study highlights the need for more research on the topic, particularly among adolescents independent of sexual orientation.
Researchers found that giant jararacas are more abundant in an urban park with fewer predators than a nearby nature reserve. The study suggests that the lesser presence of predators is the key factor explaining this phenomenon.
USC research reveals that air pollution alters thyroid development in fetuses, increasing the risk of health impacts later in life. Thyroid hormone levels were found to increase with exposure to particulate matter, highlighting a potential link between air pollution and fetal growth and metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a system that combines drones with existing ride-sharing vehicles to provide synergetic delivery service. The goal is to reduce delivery costs by solving the complex problem of the 'last mile' of delivery, which accounts for 50% of all delivery costs.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital examines health-care interventions to support patients seeking work and identifies key features of successful interventions. These include multidisciplinary teams, packages of services, one-on-one tailored services, comprehensive views of social needs, and communication with employers.
A study published in The Lancet found that telemedical interventional management reduced unplanned hospitalizations by 44% and increased life expectancy for patients with heart failure. Patients who received remote patient management interventions also showed significant reductions in all-cause mortality, regardless of their location.
A new study suggests that a heart-healthy diet may consist of foods previously thought to be detrimental, such as dairy products and meat. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 people across five continents, found that consuming these foods was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death.
A study of 6,626 French adults aged 65+ found that those with optimal levels in six cardiovascular metrics (nonsmoking, weight, diet, physical activity, cholesterol, and blood pressure) had a lower risk for dementia. Each additional metric at the recommended level was associated with a lower risk for cognitive decline.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.
A new study from the University of Miami Business School and the University of Western Australia found that discriminating against workers with tattoos puts hiring managers at a disadvantage. The study surveyed over 2,000 subjects and found that visible tattoos are not linked to individual employment, wages, or earnings discrimination.
A randomized controlled study found that greening vacant lots significantly reduces feelings of depression and improves mental health for surrounding residents. Residents living near greened lots experienced a 41.5% decrease in depression compared to those living near untreated abandoned lots.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that individuals with disabilities are significantly more likely to be employed in states with expanded Medicaid coverage. In these states, the percentage of individuals with disabilities reporting employment or self-employment increased from 41.3% in 2013 to 47% in 2017, while those not ...
Researchers found that using stress balls or having hands held did not reduce anxiety, pain, or satisfaction in patients undergoing skin cancer surgery. The study of 135 patients showed no significant difference in outcomes between those who used stress balls or had their hands held.
A new study led by Professor Sung-Deuk Choi found that Ulsan, South Korea, is affected by toxic substances in fine dust particles throughout the year. The study analyzed PAHs concentrations in air samples and showed that even in summer, when fine dust concentration is lowest, PAHs remain present.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation identifies communities at risk of dying from snakebites. The analysis reveals regions and nations with limited access to treatment and healthcare, highlighting the need for greater measures to support countries in implementing snakebite prevention and treatment programs.
A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.
A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.
A new study by Duke University found that urban stormwater ponds do not release significant amounts of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The research, which analyzed sediment samples from 64 ponds in eight cities, concluded that these ponds are unlikely to be important sources of climate change emissions.
A new study by UBC researchers reveals that urban greenways can significantly reduce daily car travel distances and resulting carbon emissions. Participants living within 300 meters of Vancouver's Comox-Helmcken Greenway showed an 18% decrease in car travel, while those farther away experienced increased motorized travel.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that pelvic exams lack reliability and provide little new information for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescent females. The study's authors argue that rapid urine STD testing provides a more accurate and less invasive way to diagnose these diseases.
A study found that women living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods for longer periods had an increased risk of non-optimal weight gain during pregnancy. Non-optimal weight gain is linked to low birth weights and preterm birth.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that food insecurity has a greater impact on behavior problems and poor cognitive outcomes in vulnerable children, particularly those born to single mothers living in urban neighborhoods.
Two studies found significant differences in obesity rates among children, teens, and adults based on demographic factors and geographic location. Rural areas showed higher rates of severe and moderate obesity compared to urban areas.