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Health insurance expansion linked to fewer sudden cardiac arrests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that health insurance expansion through the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among middle-aged adults who were previously uninsured. The study analyzed emergency medical services data from an urban Oregon coun...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 28, 2017

Hot cities spell bad news for bees

A study from North Carolina State University found that common wild bee species decline as urban temperatures rise. The researchers used a lab test to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas, finding that the least heat-tolerant species are most affected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 26, 2017

Feeling stressed? Bike to work

A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateJun 21, 2017

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: India's diabetes epidemic shifts, now increasingly common among poorer people in more affluent cities

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes prevalence is increasing among low socio-economic backgrounds living in urban areas of affluent states in India. Diabete's rates are higher among people from low socio-economic status, especially in cities with poor access to healthcare.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 7, 2017

Where you live may impact how much you drink

A University of Washington study found that neighborhoods with high poverty and disorganization tend to have residents who drink twice as much and binge-drink four times as frequently. The researchers suggest that improving neighborhood quality of life can lead to benefits, including reduced problem drinking.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 15, 2017

Well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime

A new study by Michigan State University found that well-kept vacant lots can help reduce crime rates in urban areas. The research analyzed nine years of crime data in Flint, Michigan, and discovered a correlation between greening efforts and decreased crime rates, including violent and property crimes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied Geography·DateApr 18, 2017

Predicting a patient's future firearm violence risk in the emergency department

Researchers developed a clinical risk index tool to gauge future firearm violence risk among urban youth, considering peer and partner violence, community exposure, and family influences. The SaFETy score demonstrates superior predictive power, helping emergency physicians identify high-risk individuals and tailor preventative services.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 12, 2017

Why green spaces are good for grey matter

A study of older people found that walking between busy urban areas and green spaces triggers changes in brain activity, reducing frustration and increasing excitement. The research has important implications for architects, planners, and health professionals as the global population ages and becomes more urbanized.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 10, 2017

Follow-up study suggests group meditation reduced murder rates in large US cities

A recent study found that group meditation using the Transcendental Meditation program significantly reduced urban murder rates in large US cities, with an estimated 4,136 murders averted between 2007-2010. The reductions were consistent with the hypothesis that a sufficiently large group practice creates a positive effect on society.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Health and Environmental Research·DateMar 30, 2017

Malaria mosquitos sensitive to horseradish

Researchers at Lund University discovered that malaria mosquitos are sensitive to horseradish, similar to the effects of heat on vertebrates. This finding suggests a shared molecular mechanism underlying temperature sensing in insects and animals.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2017

Believe in the American dream?

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that materialistic consumers who believe they can improve their financial status through hard work are more likely to save money and regulate their spending. Conversely, those with pessimistic views on economic mobility are more prone to impulse purchases.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 8, 2017

Pittsburgh teen girls take barely half the steps recommended for health

A study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that teenage girls in urban settings took significantly fewer steps per day than their suburban counterparts, averaging only about 5% of the recommended daily activity level. This disparity puts them at risk for poor quality of life and chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateDec 20, 2016

'Middle England' faces lowest psychosis risk

A new study suggests that 'Middle England', a group of affluent, older white British people living in rural areas, face the lowest risk of developing psychosis. The research found that people from more urban and deprived communities are at a higher risk of experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2016

Black students feel less welcome at schools with excessive suspensions

Research shows that black students in high schools with a large discipline gap perceive less fair and inclusive treatment, feeling less like they belong. Schools can address this by providing diversity training for teachers and staff, using mindfulness and stress management techniques, and exploring alternative discipline methods.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateOct 24, 2016

Ecological consequences of amphetamine pollution in urban streams

A new study reveals that amphetamine pollution in urban streams stunts biofilm growth, changes bacterial and diatom communities, and speeds up aquatic insect emergence. The research highlights the need for innovations in wastewater management to mitigate the effects of pharmaceutical and illicit drug pollution on freshwater resources.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 25, 2016