Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A study predicts a 40% increase in blindness in Nigeria by 2020, with nearly all cases being either preventable or treatable. The research found that cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors are the most common causes of blindness, particularly among those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found no correlation between community garden presence and property crimes in Houston neighborhoods. However, residents reported a positive influence of gardens on neighborhood revitalization and perceived safety.
Adults living in areas with high fast food concentration who don't own a car are at increased risk of excess body mass index and weight gain. Not owning a car in these areas is associated with a 12-pound weight difference compared to those living without fast food outlets.
A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.
A new study found that road tunnels can concentrate ultrafine particles and pollutants by up to 1000 times, posing serious health risks to occupants. This concentration level is higher than previously reported measurements.
A CU-Boulder study shows that noise pollution negatively affects woodland bird populations, with declining species richness at noisy sites. However, some bird species, such as black-chinned hummingbirds and house finches, prefer noisy areas due to reduced predation by western scrub jays.
A recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban areas had lower full-scale and verbal IQ scores compared to less exposed children. The effects were similar to those seen with low-level lead exposure.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers estimates that after five years of staying clean, an individual with a criminal record is no greater risk of committing another crime. The study suggests it may be safe to hire ex-offenders with clean records, providing employers with data to inform their hiring decisions.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that primary care physicians who adopted a new capitation model for payment had fewer sick patients and less after-hours billing. However, they also had more patients visiting emergency departments and fewer new patients compared to those who opted for an enhanced fee-...
A new study published in the American Cancer Society found that people living in urban areas are more likely to develop late-stage cancer than those in suburban and rural areas. The research suggests a need for more effective urban-based cancer screening and awareness programs, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.
A Temple University study found that middle-class parental involvement in urban education can have a positive impact when parents focus on making the school better for everyone. However, the study also shows that this influence can sometimes be exclusive to their own children's needs at the expense of working-class students.
A new automated system for interpreting coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies detects major coronary artery stenosis with 95% accuracy, helping prioritize cases. The technology aims to improve radiologist efficiency and reduce response times in positive cases.
A University of Illinois study suggests that challenging middle-school math classes and increased access to advanced courses can close the racial academic achievement gap. The research found that students who take more advanced math courses in middle school have better academic outcomes and are less likely to fall behind.
A recent study found that middle school students as young as 12 are engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sex, with 1 in 3 sexually active students reporting unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education programs to promote healthy attitudes and skills among young people.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that while vision problems are rare among urban preschoolers, nearly 5% require treatment, yet only 1% receive it. Untreated refractive errors can lead to amblyopia and strabismus if left unchecked.
A Tanzanian study found that using larvicides to complement existing malaria interventions can dramatically reduce malaria risk, especially in urban areas. The approach is cost-effective and could help control the disease in cities where it poses a significant problem.
A new study found that over 20% of sexual assaults were drug-facilitated, with victims more likely to present in urban centers and have consumed substances before the assault. The study's authors highlight the need for education and public awareness campaigns to combat this issue.
A recent study found that urban children with asthma spend an average of 3.4 hours daily on screens, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended limit. This excessive screen time may lead to various difficulties, including behavior problems, attention issues, and obesity.
A recent Penn study found that patients who receive care at large, urban, and teaching hospitals have a higher chance of survival after cardiac arrest compared to those in small, rural non-academic hospitals. The study also suggests that patients cared for in high-volume intensive care units are more likely to survive.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that spending time in nature improves attention and memory processes. Volunteers who took a walk in a park performed better on a task than those who walked downtown or viewed urban scenes.
A new study reveals invasive garden ants (Lasius neglectus) originated from the Black Sea region and are able to thrive in temperate climates. They can spread rapidly through large potted plants and human movement, posing a significant threat to natural biodiversity.
A new global measure of coral reef health has been developed using light pollution index, revealing the impact of human activity on ocean health. The study found that coral reefs near urban areas, gas flares, and fishing boat activity have higher stress levels.
Researchers found that urban tree roots can penetrate compacted subsoils, increasing infiltration rates by up to 153% in reservoirs. Structural soil reservoirs also showed a 27-fold increase in infiltration rate compared to unplanted controls.
Developing antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins increases the risk of wheeze, hay fever, and eczema in young children. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to these allergens at a very early age for susceptible children.
A new study found that many African-American women perceive disrespect and inadequate explanations when visiting healthcare facilities, leading them to skip mammograms. The study suggests training physicians in cultural sensitivity and community-based health educators can help address these concerns.
A recent study found that exposure to green spaces significantly narrowed the health gap between rich and poor populations. In England, areas with more green space had half as large a difference in mortality rates between the richest and poorest individuals compared to those in less green areas.
A new study finds parents receptive to being screened for alcohol problems during pediatrician visits. Many would prefer being screened by a doctor over other options.
A four-year study of Baltimore inner-city teenage girls diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease reveals a high rate of subsequent sexually transmitted infections. Researchers emphasize the need for individually tailored counseling and strict follow-up care to prevent future infections.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are leading a $24 million national survey on older Americans' disability patterns. The study aims to understand how people's ability to function independently changes over time, influenced by social environment and medical care.
The National Children's Study will investigate factors influencing autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, birth defects, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will recruit participants from two study sites in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.
Research suggests that homeownership promotes political involvement, particularly among those living in distressed areas. Homeowners in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to vote than renters and those in privileged communities.
A nationwide study found a sharp increase in skin infections, with abscesses and cellulitis rates nearly quadrupling in safety-net emergency departments and tripling among children. The study suggests community-acquired MRSA is the main cause of this rise, affecting all populations but those over 45 less severely.
Children's physical activity significantly decreases between the ages of 9 and 15, with only 31% meeting guidelines by 15 years old. The decline in physical activity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases among youth.
Rice University will establish its first Ph.D. program in sociology, focusing on Houston's social environment and its implications for modern cities. The graduate studies will integrate academic and public sociology through explorations of human society in major urban environments.
Firms in rural areas are less likely to issue equity than urban firms, with rural firms using lower-quality underwriters. This is due to the marginal investor being located far away, creating an information disadvantage for insiders.
Unsafe abortions are common in Latin America and Africa, with 3.7 million and 4.2 million reported annually, respectively. The lack of access to safe abortion services exacerbates maternal mortality and social injustice. Feminist groups and civil organizations advocate for decriminalization, but conservative positions hinder progress.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of persistently elevated serum ALT levels among Iranians, associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and urban lifestyle. NAFLD also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by up to 2 folds.
A 20-year study by NOAA reveals a positive trend in reducing contaminant levels in U.S. coastal waters, despite ongoing concerns about metals and industrial chemicals. The report highlights decreasing trends for pesticides like DDT and industrial chemicals PCBs, but notes continued issues with oil-related compounds and flame retardants.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of naltrexone alone and in combination with sertraline among Alaskans living in rural settings. The study found that naltrexone significantly improved abstinence rates compared to placebo, with 35% of participants remaining abstinent for the entire 16-week treatment.
A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.
A UMCES-led research team has developed a new technology to quantify the environmental benefits of urban stream restoration, showing that stream restoration techniques can double nitrogen removal rates by microbes and reduce nitrogen levels in ground water. This breakthrough will help improve water quality in urban environments.
A Brazilian study found that urban slums are a source of leptospirosis transmission due to poor sanitation and rodent-borne disease. The study identified households with Leptospira antibodies clustering in squatter areas, highlighting the need for social factors-based prevention strategies alongside improved sanitation.
Researchers found that people admitted on weekends after cardiac arrest are more likely to die due to lack of resources and improved resuscitation efforts outside hospitals. The study also revealed men tend to survive better than women and cardiac arrest patients are getting younger.
Studies found that people living in deprived areas had significantly worse cognitive function and higher mobility problems compared to those in less deprived areas. The research highlights the importance of adequate healthcare and social care in poorer communities.
A study of 36 freshmen at Auburn University found that students gained an average of 1.9 pounds during the first semester and 4.8 pounds for the entire freshman year, with some losing weight altogether.
A meta-analysis of over 50 studies found that bird feeding can lead to immediate positive outcomes, such as increased chick survival, but also creates ecological traps and disrupts natural selection. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the impact of bird feeding on ecosystems.
A new study found that references to illegal drug use in rap music increased dramatically between 1979 and 1997, depicting marijuana as a positive activity. Rap music's shift towards glorifying drugs was linked to commercialization and social factors, distorting the reality of African American communities.
A recent study from Temple University's School of Medicine found that regular communication with doctors can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. By using an internet-based health reporting system and regular clinic visits, participants were able to improve their blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and cardiovascular...
Researchers found PTSD associated with increased mental healthcare utilization and hospitalizations in urban primary care patients. Trauma exposure was also linked to substance dependence and depression, but not necessarily to increased healthcare use apart from mental health visits.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty, lower education, and more female-headed families tend to have lower exercise levels. Social and economic factors outside of individual control can impact physical activity.
A research team led by Walter Dodds found that microorganisms in small streams filter out nitrogen, reducing its entry into larger rivers and oceans. The study, published in Nature, suggests that preserving small streams' natural filtration process is crucial for maintaining water quality.
A recent study published in Nature has found that small streams and rivers are crucial in removing excess nitrogen pollution from watersheds before it reaches the oceans. The research, led by Arizona State University scientists, used a rare nitrogen isotope to examine the effects of nitrogen loading in streams.
A national study found that healthy streams can filter out 40-60% of added nitrogen within 500 meters, while denitrification accounts for about 19%. Maintaining healthy riparian areas and complex stream channels is essential to prevent eutrophication.
A University of Minnesota study suggests that adolescents who use alcohol are less receptive to prevention programs, highlighting the need for earlier intervention. The researchers recommend a prevention program prior to sixth grade with parent involvement to delay alcohol use and provide tweens with skills to refuse alcohol.
A 18-month study explores the relationship between environment perception and physical activity in Hispanic fifth graders, examining how moms' views influence child behavior. The UH-PEAK study uses innovative technology to track daily activity and gather data on safe spaces for play.
A study published in JAMA found that rural patients are less likely to be wait-listed for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, with disparities of up to 15% in transplantation rates. The researchers suggest that differences in disease burden or access to specialty care services may contribute to these disparities.
A new study published by Temple University found that adding a brisk walking routine can reduce psychological symptoms like anxiety, stress and depression in postmenopausal women. The research suggests moderate-paced exercise can help maintain mental health throughout the menopausal transition.
A study by Nicholas M. Perry found that urban women have denser breasts and are nearly four times more likely to develop breast cancer than rural women. Regular breast screening with digital mammography is advised for all women, especially those with dense breast tissue.