Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A study by Geoffrey T. Wodtke finds that education does not increase support for affirmative action among whites and minorities, contradicting the common view that education is uniformly liberalizing. However, it does increase support for race-targeted job training. Education also has no effect on negative stereotyping among Asians.
Researchers discovered that urban birds' songs are altered by city structures, which reflect and distort noise, affecting their ability to communicate effectively. This study, published in PLOS ONE, challenges the previous assumption that birds sing louder to drown out noise.
A new study of middle schoolers found that teammates' smoking affects youths' decisions about smoking, with adolescents in more sports smoking less. Peer-led interactive programs can now be expanded to include sports teams to prevent teens from smoking.
A multi-year study published in PLoS One found that domestic cats and wild cats living in the same area share diseases such as Toxoplasmosis, Bartonellosis, and FIV. This can happen through contact with shared habitats, even if they don't come into direct contact.
A survey of US elementary school students found that about half have access to competitive food venues like vending machines and snack bars, where sugary foods are commonly sold. However, healthier options like salads and fruits were less accessible, with many schools prioritizing lower-fat products over whole grains and low-fat dairy.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that the number of guns sold by Badger Guns & Ammo and diverted to criminals tripled after the adoption of Tiahrt amendments. The study also found that reductions in gun sales linked to crime declined by 66% before the amendments took effect.
A recent study found that injecting methamphetamine is associated with an 80% greater risk of attempted suicide compared to other substances. The study's authors suggest that social and structural mechanisms, including isolation and poorer social support systems, may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers at EPFL develop mathematical tool to model flow of biocides from building façades into river basins, revealing high concentrations of pollutants. The model accurately predicts peak levels of three common biocides, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and reducing dependency on expensive testing.
A new study reveals that working mothers spend more time multitasking (48.3 hours/week) compared to working fathers (38.9 hours/week). However, the quality of their multitasking experience is significantly different, with working mothers reporting negative emotions and stress when multitasking at home or in public.
Researchers analyzed soils in Cedar Rapids for industrial pollutants like PCBs and chlordanes, finding levels similar to other urban/industrial sites globally. The study highlights the need for caution regarding contaminated soil as a source of exposure to persistent organic pollutants.
A study by Michigan State University researchers reveals that racial minorities face higher costs for basic water and sewer services. The study attributes the disparity to the aging infrastructure in urban areas, where whites have fled, leaving minority residents to bear the costs.
Monica Perales' book 'Smeltertown' is an extraordinary study of industrial might, labor exploitation, and human resilience on the US-Mexico border. The award recognizes her gift for oral history and its exploration of the intersection of work, city, and community building.
A decade-long study found that rehabilitating vacant lots reduces gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and vandalism in one section. Greening also associated with residents reporting less stress and more exercise in certain sections.
A Northwestern University study found that winter's shorter days and colder temperatures deter older Chicagoans with arthritis from engaging in daily physical activity. The lack of indoor recreational facilities for lower-income individuals exacerbates this issue, leading to serious health consequences.
A new study found that low-income women with children who move from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods experience notable improvements in their health, including reductions in diabetes and extreme obesity. The study suggests that environments in low-income neighborhoods can contribute to poor health.
Researchers quantify urban 'heat island' effect for the first time, showing its modest contribution to global warming. The study reveals that white roofs do not reduce the urban heat island effect and may even cause a net global warming due to increased cloudiness.
A Queen's University study reveals that high street connectivity and dense intersections in towns and cities reduce children's physical activity levels. The research found youth living in well-connected neighborhoods have lower activity levels compared to those in less connected areas.
Researchers found that racially integrated neighborhoods with similar socioeconomic and environmental conditions showed reduced health disparities among black and white Americans. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood resources and underlying health conditions can help close racial gaps in health outcomes.
A new study will examine the value of using elevators as tools for attacking fires in tall buildings, building on previous national studies conducted by WPI and its national partners. The study aims to provide guidance that could influence codes for elevator design and placement in new high-rise construction.
The PURE study found extreme under-use of proven secondary CVD prevention therapies worldwide, particularly in middle and low-income countries. Common medications like aspirin and statins were under-utilized seven-fold between high and low income countries, highlighting a massive treatment gap.
A new UBC study reveals that single parents and male gay couples are nearly 25% and 15% more likely to be rejected by landlords, respectively. The study found geographic variation in discrimination rates, with certain neighborhoods exhibiting increased levels of bias towards single parents.
A new study by University of Kansas researchers shows that suburban schools have gained advantages over urban schools, perpetuating educational inequality. The researchers argue that a change in federal education policy is necessary to combat this disparity.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed test methods to evaluate the reliability of wireless alarm beacons for firefighters and emergency responders. The tests found that even weak signals can cause delays or failures, making it essential to ensure these devices operate reliably in realistic conditions.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky found that smoke-free legislation does not negatively influence local economies in either rural or urban communities. The study, which examined economic data from 2001-2009, showed that smoke-free laws are good for business regardless of location.
A study of 40 fast-food and sit-down restaurants found that overall stated calories were accurate, but individual foods had significant inaccuracies. Foods with lower calorie contents were often understated, while those with higher calorie contents were overstated.
Research found that African-Americans are less likely to receive critical stroke treatment primarily because they do not get to a hospital soon enough for time-sensitive treatment and due to preexisting medical conditions. For patients who are eligible, no racial disparity was found in the treatment rate.
A recent study found high rates of injection drug use among urban Canadian Aboriginal youth, particularly women, with 70% of hepatitis C virus and 60% of HIV infections attributed to this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for prevention programs tailored to this population, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and its...
Researchers found significant biodiversity loss in streams with less than 2% developed land, contrary to previous estimates. Chemical pollution is implied as a major contributor to the degradation of water quality.
A University of Illinois study found that high-quality youth arts and leadership programs help teens develop strategic thinking skills, including learning to anticipate unexpected twists and turns. Teens who participated in these programs reported improved time management, goal-setting, and critical thinking abilities.
A new study from George Mason University found that greater medical spending among Medicare participants leads to improved overall health and survival rates. The research team analyzed data from over 17,000 beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between increased medical care spending and better health outcomes.
A two-year study reveals the daily habits of feral and free-roaming house cats, with some having surprisingly large territories. The owned cats had significantly smaller territories and were less active than the un-owned cats, which had to search harder for food to survive.
A study conducted in New York found that 92% of urban minority children, aged 5-6, exhibited behavioral sleep problems. The children had significantly shorter sleep durations, averaging 7 hours and 45 minutes per night, compared to the recommended 10-11 hours.
Clemson University is conducting a design-feasibility study for a vertical farm in downtown Charleston, powered by solar and wind energy. The project aims to promote sustainable food systems and community connectivity.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral genetic heritage is not fixed at the individual level for African-American and Hispanic patients, but rather varies widely within each group. This research challenges traditional ethnic labels and highlights the importance of considering individual genotypes in personalized medi...
Studies show that people judge urban neighborhood safety based on physical structures, but can be misled by ambiguities. Disordered neighborhoods tend to discourage cooperative behavior and negatively impact residents' self-esteem, highlighting the importance of community perception.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that a nutritional supplement and physical activity program improved walking capacity in Chilean older adults. The program, known as CENEX, was evaluated for its cost-effectiveness in preventing pneumonia and functional decline in older people.
A new TB test has been shown to detect tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant TB with high sensitivity and specificity in resource-poor settings. The test can rapidly diagnose those infected, including those with MDR-TB, and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no significant impact of the Great Depression on mortality rates in urban US populations. The study suggests that government responses to economic crises can affect health outcomes, with protective effects observed during periods like the New Deal.
A new study found that primary care doctors are less likely to refer short girls for diagnostic testing compared to boys, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Girls with growth faltering may go undiagnosed or be diagnosed later than boys, particularly those with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that affects height.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who live in more densely populated urban areas tend to gain less weight over a six-year period. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, suggests that policies promoting denser and urban residential development may help ad...
Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.
Research by Iowa State University economist David Frankel found that school segregation between blacks and whites has improved only slightly from 1987 to 2007. Despite increased integration among other racial groups, black-white interaction remains limited in public schools.
Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.
Researchers found that inhaling red mud disaster dust is unlikely to cause serious health problems, but may lead to irritation and coughing. The study suggests that the large size of the particles makes them less likely to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
Research by the Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that young Spanish people are taking longer to transition into adult life. The study found that the average age at which young people gained full independence rose from 22-24 in 1981 to 28-30 in 2001, a six-year delay.
Researchers developed a virtual laboratory model to predict train vibrations, taking into account elasticity, density, and thickness of materials. The model was validated on the Madrid-Barcelona high speed line and will be applied to other rail facilities in future studies.
Researchers are developing a smartphone app to track air pollution exposure over time, providing a more accurate method for assessing health risks. The two-year study will use GPS-equipped smartphones to collect data on participants' locations and air pollution levels.
A recent study by Ronni Pavan of the University of Rochester and Nathaniel Baum-Snow found that larger US cities drive growing wage gaps between the rich and poor. The study used U.S. Census data and American Community Surveys from 1980 to 2007, finding that larger metropolitan areas have experienced rapid growth in wages within all sk...
Research from the University of Murcia found that petrol stations release airborne organic compounds, including benzene and n-hexane, which can be detected up to 100m away. The study recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 50m between petrol stations and housing.
Researchers at NYU Child Study Center developed ParentCorps, a 13-session family series to improve parenting practices and reduce child behavior problems. The program helped parents select evidence-based strategies, leading to better classroom behavior and social-emotional competencies in children.
A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.
A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Zachary Neal challenges conventional wisdom on economic development. According to Neal's research, attracting business air-travel passengers first can lead to a significant increase in jobs.
Researchers found that portable HEPA filters reduced fine particulate matter and woodsmoke concentrations, improving endothelial function and decreasing inflammation. These findings support the hypothesis that reducing particle concentration can favorably influence cardiovascular morbidity.
A survey of Midwest School Social Work Council members found that nearly all agree cyberbullying deserves more attention from schools, but just over half feel empowered to deal with it. The study highlights the need for evidence-based training and policies on cyberbullying.
A study investigated the in vitro development of decay caused by 12 major root-rot and trunk-rot fungi in nine ornamental tree species. Strains like Armillaria mellea and Ganoderma lucidum exhibited high decay potential, with gymnosperm wood generally more resistant than angiosperm wood.
ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center analyzed 42 northeastern US cities, finding that densely-developed cities with compact cores produce strong urban heat islands. The study also showed that forested regions and dark city infrastructure contribute to the development of heat islands.
Exposure to community violence is pervasive among urban youth, who adopt coping strategies such as associating with non-violent friends or avoiding situations where violence may erupt. Achievement in school is a common pathway for some youth to escape violent environments and improve their future prospects.
A Michigan State University study suggests that urban farms and community gardens in Detroit can supply local residents with a majority of their produce. The study found that a combination of these spaces could provide over 75% of the city's vegetables and 40% of its fruits.
A study presented at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting found that excessive texting among teens is linked to poor health behaviors. Hyper-texting, defined as texting over 120 messages per day, was associated with a 40% higher risk of trying cigarettes and a 90% higher risk of having multiple sexual partners.