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Urban metabolism for the urban century

The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJan 24, 2013

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

A study by Michigan State University researcher Angie Kennedy found that severe abuse within families is strongly associated with dating violence among young female high school students. The research highlights the need for discussions about family abuse and its impact on individuals, particularly those exposed to violence in their homes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 18, 2013

Skin cells reveal DNA's genetic mosaic

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that genetic variations are common in the body's tissues, with 30% of skin cells harboring copy number variations. This finding has significant implications for genetic screening and our understanding of human development and disease.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2012

Study: Cellphone bans associated with fewer urban accidents

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that cellphone bans in urban areas are associated with a relative decrease in accident rates after seven years. However, in very rural areas, cellphone bans were linked to higher accident rates than expected. The findings suggest that blanket bans may not be beneficial for all areas.

Gestational exposure to urban air pollution linked to vitamin D deficiency in newborns

A recent study found that gestational exposure to urban air pollution is associated with lower vitamin D levels in offspring, potentially affecting their risk of developing diseases later in life. Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may have an influence on the development of asthma and allergic diseases in children.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 13, 2012

The effects of discrimination could last a lifetime

A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 27, 2012

Study to examine trends in urban agriculture

Researchers will survey producers and interview key stakeholders in 15 cities to examine trends in urban farming. Urban agriculture's diversity in production methods and its potential impact on community development and access to healthy food are also being studied.

Do urban 'heat islands' hint at trees of future?

A new study found that common native red oak seedlings grow eight times faster in New York's Central Park due to urban heat levels. This phenomenon could have implications for changing climate and forest composition over a wide region. The research suggests that warmer temperatures, especially at night, can promote tree growth.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalTree Physiology·DateApr 24, 2012

Fast-food menu calorie counts legally compliant but not as helpful to consumers as they should be

A study by Columbia University School of Nursing found that fast-food menu calorie counts are legally compliant, but the information is often unclear and difficult to interpret, particularly for low-income communities. The researchers developed a seven-item 'menu rating tool' to improve the usability of calorie postings.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateFeb 23, 2012

Education doesn't increase support for affirmative action among whites, minorities

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.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateFeb 22, 2012

Survey of elementary school student access to food in vending machines, snack bars, other venues

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

More than other drugs, injected meth is associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 22, 2011

Minorities pay more for water and sewer

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Practice·DateNov 29, 2011

Dead of winter is tough on arthritis sufferers

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateNov 4, 2011

More intersections mean less outdoor activity for children

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 11, 2011