A simulated patient study sheds light on antibiotic misuse in Indian pharmacies, revealing that only a minority of urban Indian pharmacies correctly managed patients with presumed tuberculosis. The study found that pharmacies frequently dispensed antibiotics to patients presenting with TB symptoms without prescriptions.
A Yale-led study found that haze in China significantly drives the urban heat island effect, unlike in the US where vegetation plays a key role. The research highlights the paradoxical impact of smaller aerosol particles, which cool surfaces but larger ones radiate heat.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar Chezare Warren found that over-supporting urban black males in high school can have negative consequences for their academic success in college. The research suggests that balancing instructional and social supports is crucial to preparing students academically for college
Researchers at UTEP have developed a new brain preservation technique that allows for the study of brain tissue in remote locations without specialized laboratory equipment. The technique uses formaldehyde and can be performed with minimal resources, making it accessible to scientists in underdeveloped countries.
A multinational study of over 4,700 children aged 9-11 years found a significant link between maternal gestational diabetes and childhood obesity. The researchers discovered that children of mothers with gestational diabetes had a 53% higher risk of obesity, 73% for central obesity, and 42% for high body fat.
A relational aggression prevention program for urban girls improves overall classroom climate, with benefits extending to boys and teachers. The program, Friend to Friend (F2F), teaches problem-solving, anger management strategies, and leadership skills.
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that older people in Japan were less likely to experience a deterioration of existing chronic conditions after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown. In contrast, urban dwellers showed a higher decline in managing their blood sugar levels.
Researchers tag NYC rats with RFID microchips to study their daily activity and potential for transmitting disease. Initial results show distinct personalities and sex differences in rat behavior, offering a new insight into these elusive city dwellers.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that Mexico's nonessential food tax led to a significant decline in energy-dense food purchases, primarily among low and medium SES households. The study showed a 5.1% decline in taxed food sales beyond pre-tax trends, with lower SES households experiencing an even greater reduction of 10.2%.
Researchers found that using cartoon characters to promote vegetables in school lunchrooms can increase veggie selection by up to 35% among elementary school students. The Super Sprowtz team, including Miki Mushroom and friends, was effective in encouraging kids to choose healthier options.
A new study found that adolescents living in neighborhoods with more greenery have less aggressive behaviors. The researchers linked the adolescents' residential locations to satellite data, measuring the levels of greenery and associated it with reduced aggressive behaviors.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 28, 2016
African Americans perceive depression as a weakness inconsistent with notions of strength in the community, rather than as a health condition. The study highlights the need to consider cultural perspectives in clinical assessment and measurement of depression.
Research from Lund University reveals that urban great tits have shorter telomeres than their rural counterparts, increasing their risk of dying young. The induced stress in urban environments is believed to be the primary cause of this difference.
A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.
A study published in JAMA found that firearm injury severity and in-hospital fatality rates have increased over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2013, the number of severe firearm injuries per patient rose significantly, resulting in higher death rates.
A study analyzed treatment indications for antidepressants, finding that antidepressant use in the US has increased over the last two decades, with a significant portion prescribed off-label for conditions like insomnia and pain. The research highlights the need to evaluate evidence supporting off-label antidepressant use.
A new study by Dr Natacha Postel-Vinay shows that banks in 1920s Chicago, which experienced a severe real estate boom and bust, were more likely to fail due to their heavy investment in mortgages. The research suggests that today's banks should be cautious not to over-invest in real estate loans.
Research from North Carolina State University finds that bees in cities rely on flowers for nectar, not processed sugars. Domesticated and feral bee populations show varying levels of sugar consumption.
A Drexel University study found that upgrading local corner stores with healthier stock and training did not lead to significant changes in healthy eating behaviors. Despite increased perception of food accessibility, residents' purchasing and consumption habits remained unchanged.
Researchers study concentrated storms causing extreme flooding in urban areas and high methane emissions from the Bakken oil field. Scientists also investigate black carbon in oceans and its impact on marine life. Additionally, a new study reveals that half of streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin originates as groundwater.
A new study from Duke University and King's College London found that urban children are at a higher risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms due to low social cohesion and high crime rates. The study, which followed 2,232 British twins, found that 7.4% of urban children had experienced at least one psychotic symptom by age 12 compared ...
A Tel Aviv University study found that smartphone technology has led to diminished overall privacy, as individuals voluntarily share personal data and location information. The researchers developed an Android application to collect data and discovered a correlation between the type of space and willingness to share information.
A 7-year study of half a million Chinese adults found that eating fresh fruit daily was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, with strong associations seen in both men and women. The findings suggest that widespread consumption of fresh fruit could prevent hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths annually.
A new study has found that moss can be a useful bioindicator of cadmium air pollution in urban areas. Researchers used moss to track down previously unknown pollution sources in Portland and created a fine-scale map of cadmium deposition across the city.
A longitudinal study found that first-generation immigrant children who participated in a community-based intervention showed higher scores on math and reading tests than their peers. The intervention also narrowed the achievement gap between English language learners and students proficient in English.
Researchers propose a system where high-tech vehicles communicate with each other to maintain safe distances and speed up traffic flow. By removing traffic lights, they create a more efficient system that allows for consistent flow at an optimal middle speed.
A new study reveals that older women have lost their advantage in living active lives, with a four-year decrease in active life expectancy at age 65 compared to men. Despite longer lives, women can now expect only two-and-a-half years free from disability after age 85.
A new study published in Pediatric Obesity found that eating a second breakfast at school is associated with healthier weights and reduced risk of obesity among middle school students. The study, which tracked 584 students over two years, found that students who ate double breakfasts were less likely to be overweight or obese compared ...
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds a significant link between rodent infestations and depressive symptoms in low-income residents. Residents in neighborhoods with rats are more likely to experience acute depressive symptoms, despite having similar perceptions of rats as those in other neighborhoods.
Researchers find that companies with women on their boards are valued more highly by stock markets, but only because the best women have worked harder to get there. The study suggests that firms should apply equal standards for both men and women to select board members.
A study by The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice found that large, urban hospitals are more likely to participate in ACOs, which involve managing hospital care to improve quality and lower costs. Teaching hospitals and those with more services also tend to join ACOs.
A study found that nearly 80% of rural fracture patients avoided traveling to an urban medical center through remote care, which also provided significant savings in transportation and healthcare costs.
A new NYU study reveals that three out of four top reasons urban farmers grow crops are driven by social motivations, including food security, education, and community building. The research also finds that many urban farms operate as nonprofits, shifting financial focus from sales to donations and grants.
A Kansas State University study found that food stores are largely unavailable in inner-city, low-income neighborhoods of smaller urban cities. The study used U.S. Census tract data to map neighborhoods according to racial composition and income, revealing a correlation between lower incomes and fewer food stores.
Drs. D'Onofrio and Fiellin's study found that ED-initiated buprenorphine treatment significantly increased successful addiction treatment initiation and reduced opioid use outcomes among opioid-dependent patients. The study's results suggest a promising intervention for addressing opioid dependence in general medical settings.
A University of Washington-led study finds that the benefits of locally produced vegetables in cities outweigh any risks from gardening in contaminated soils. Compost can dilute lead levels and make it less hazardous to eat, especially for root vegetables like carrots.
A pilot training program implemented in an urban clinic significantly improved attitudes and clinical skills towards transgender individuals. The evaluation showed a notable change in awareness of transphobic practices and readiness to serve transgender patients, indicating potential for broader healthcare equity.
A Baltimore-based study found that teens experiencing fear of violence, observing violent events, or being victims of violence are more likely to engage in sex and use condoms. The study suggests that reducing high levels of violence in neighborhoods may help young people process experiences and learn coping skills.
A University of Washington study found that Seattle's urban crops can only feed between 1 and 4 percent of the city's population, even with extensive backyard and public green spaces converted to farming. To meet the nutritional needs of an adult vegetarian diet, it would require a 58-mile expansion around the city.
A study by Simon Fraser University reveals that the number of homeless individuals with psychiatric comorbidities migrating to Vancouver's DTES has increased significantly over the past decade. Despite increasing involvement with public services, these individuals remain exposed to serious health and social risks associated with poverty.
The study found an increase in the nutritional quality of foods chosen by students and a decrease in energy density after implementing the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. Meal participation rates remained unchanged at 46 percent before and after implementation.
A new Berkeley Lab study found that cool roofs in Guangzhou, China, can lower average urban midday temperatures by 1.2 degrees Celsius during heat waves, a 50% increase over typical summer conditions. This reduction in temperature also decreases the intensity of the urban heat island effect.
A York University study found that vaccination strategies should be adjusted based on region-specific characteristics, such as age demographics and virus transmission rates. Early vaccination leads to better public health outcomes, including reduced infection rates, hospitalizations, and stress on healthcare systems.
A study by University of Missouri researchers shows that telehealth services are well-received by patients, with 83% satisfied with skilled care received during their visit. Providers also report high satisfaction levels, with 86% finding the service easy to provide care via.
An analysis of over 1.3 million emergency department visits found that the presence of medical students was associated with a statistically significant increase in patient length of stay. However, this effect may be too small to have clinical relevance.
A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.
A Drexel University study found that introducing healthier options to restaurants and supermarkets can increase consumer demand for nutritious foods, particularly in rural communities. The 10-month intervention program resulted in high levels of satisfaction among participating businesses, indicating the feasibility of such campaigns.
A new CHOP study finds that teaching problem-solving skills and leadership opportunities to elementary school-aged African-American girls can lower relational aggression. The Friend to Friend program improved social problem-solving knowledge and decreased relational aggression in urban minority girls, with positive effects lasting at l...
Researchers from University of Alberta engaged citizen scientists to investigate the effects of bird feeders on bird-window collisions. The study found that the presence of a bird feeder does indicate collision risk, but other factors like vegetation and house characteristics also play a role.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that gunshot wound patients in urban areas with high crime rates were more likely to die within five years, mainly due to homicide. The research tracked patients after discharge from hospital and showed a significant risk of early death among these survivors.
A new study from the University of Minnesota used a network of 180 sensors to capture detailed temperature patterns across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, highlighting the strength and variability of the urban heat island effect. The research provides valuable insights into efforts to reduce heat-related harm in metro areas globally.
A study found that lowering China's air pollution to 2008 Olympics levels could prevent 304,000 stroke deaths and 619,000 coronary heart disease deaths by 2030. Achieving the World Health Organization's pollution goal would yield greater life year gains.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal policy changes led to an increase in healthy food availability at smaller urban corner stores in Baltimore. The researchers found that stores in neighborhoods with a majority of black residents showed the greatest improvement, suggesting that boosting hea...
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that participating in extracurricular activities can be protective for low-income youth academically. Community engagement and sports were the most highly associated with better academic performance, while school-based activities had little effect.
A radical shift is needed in how heart medicines are provided and preventive care is organized in healthcare systems to improve rates of use. Generic versions of medicines should be made available for free in developing countries, while non-physician health workers can improve uptake and adherence.
Estimated electricity production from African urban waste could reach 122.2 TWh in 2025, alleviating energy poverty for millions. However, poor waste management limits actual potential to 83.8 TWh, affecting 27 million families.
A new study documents the fatal connection between urban stormwater and coho salmon survival, but also finds that inexpensive filtration through columns of sand and soil can completely prevent toxic effects. The research demonstrates that coho salmon are an ecological sentinel for urban runoff's harmful effects.
Research from the South Asian Birth Cohort study suggests that South Asians may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes immediately after birth due to higher levels of adipose tissue and waist circumference.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that extreme temperatures affect urban heat islands more intensely than their nonurban surroundings. This can lead to uncomfortable summers, increased health risks, and higher energy bills for city-dwellers. Climate change projections indicate that cities will be especially vulnerable to th...