Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that urban Black youth living in segregated neighborhoods spent a substantial amount of time in areas with mostly white residents. They often traveled to predominantly white neighborhoods to access better-resourced schools, stores, and organizations.
A diabetes screening program in an urban emergency department found high rates of undiagnosed prediabetes and type 2 diabetes among racial and ethnic minority individuals and low-income patients. The study suggests that targeted outreach to those with higher hemoglobin A1c levels may be more cost-effective.
Research at Linköping University reveals that larger cities' benefits disproportionately favor the successful few, while typical residents receive little to nothing. The study highlights the growing inequality within and between cities, threatening the sustainability of urban life.
A comprehensive study found that up to 82 percent of Berlin's vegetable demand could be met locally if all available land was used for urban gardening. Investing in water and human resources would be crucial for this production, with a total investment cost of 753 million euros required.
Research in 11 European countries finds proximity to green spaces during pregnancy is associated with higher birth weight, while blue spaces show almost no association. Lower educational levels and more deprived areas experience stronger associations.
Researchers found that regional factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures, population mobility, and household incomes significantly impact COVID-19 mortality rates. The study revealed that high humidity, low average temperatures, intensive migration, and higher incomes are associated with increased mortality.
Researchers found that high nitrogen monoxide emissions in cities lead to overestimation of ground-level ozone concentrations by up to 50 percent. The Leighton ratio, used in computer models, is flawed when nitrogen monoxide levels are high.
A Florida Atlantic University study found that urban noise exposure during development affects the color of songbirds' beaks, which influence social interactions and mate choice. Males developed less bright beak coloration, while females developed brighter orange coloration than untreated birds.
A research team investigated NPF events in Beijing's atmosphere, discovering regional transport plays a vital role in creating 'polluted' NPF events. These events significantly impact air quality, climate, and human health, highlighting the importance of joint air pollution control measures.
A new study reveals that New York City's vegetation absorbs up to 40% of the city's daily carbon emissions, outperforming transportation sources. The research uses hyper-local vegetation maps and fine-grained modeling to show that urban greenery plays a crucial role in the city's carbon cycle.
Researchers at Temple University will use a participatory action research model to study urban gun violence in Philadelphia, targeting individuals in at-risk communities. The goal is to gain new insight into factors contributing to street violence and strengthen public health interventions.
A study by Brown University researchers found that young men in US zip codes with high firearm violence faced significantly higher risks of firearm-related deaths and injuries compared to military personnel serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. The risk was particularly borne by minority racial and ethnic groups.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
A new study demonstrates how anonymized smartphone data can monitor public use of parks and green spaces, shedding light on relationships between people and nature. The findings highlight potential for GPS data to inform management and optimize benefits for both recreation and biodiversity.
A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...
A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.
A 3-year study of a 20 mph speed limit in Belfast found no significant reduction in road traffic collisions or driver speed, despite a notable decrease in traffic volume. The reduction in traffic volume was 57 vehicles per week after implementation.
A new report explores how to leverage low-cost methods to enable people with visual impairment to move through public, urban indoor and outdoor spaces. Tactile maps were found to be a very useful resource, while an accessible mobile app also showed promise as an orientation and mobility aid.
The studies will provide evidence for a new global approach to valuing natural habitats and evaluate biodiversity in marine and urban areas. They aim to deliver on the recommendations from the Government's Dasgupta Review and support nature recovery and halt biodiversity loss.
A study found that longer drive times are associated with reduced receipt of guideline-recommended health screenings and treatments across various care components. This suggests the importance of addressing travel burdens in healthcare to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that mobile phones can collect useful structural integrity data while crossing bridges. The study found that information about bridge vibrations can be extracted from smartphone-collected accelerometer data, and that this method could add years to a road bridge's lifespan. By leveraging crowdsourced...
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
New TOD index assesses development potential around transit nodes, ranking stations for their commercial diversity, walkability and land-use vibrancy. The study identifies areas suitable for residential growth, advising developers on informed urban planning.
The study found that higher population density was associated with fewer steps taken by patients, more sedentary time, and worse exercise capacity. Longer pedestrian street lengths were associated with more steps and less sedentary time, while steeper terrain was linked to greater exercise capacity.
A University of Maryland-led study finds that street trees in Baltimore reflect the city's history of institutionalized racism but also modern reparation efforts. Researchers discovered that green neighborhoods have more diverse tree communities and larger, older trees, while redlined areas have less diverse tree species.
A study published in Journal of Urban Economics found that bad roads in border regions increase travel time and cost, reducing international trade volumes by 18%. Underinvestment in transport infrastructure also leads to a 'border effect', where trade between regions in different countries is lower than within the same country.
A new study from the University of Tokyo suggests that Tokyo's suburban gardens should collaborate with urban gardens to disperse visitors and avoid overtourism issues. The research highlights the need for these quiet locations to learn from each other's experiences and work together to create positive tourism experiences.
A University of Houston study suggests that attending religious services regularly can lead to lower mortality rates among Black men in their 50s and older. The study found that these men who attended services at least once weekly had better health profiles, including lower rates of smoking and drinking.
A new study reveals how Airbnb listings affect different areas, with increases in listings raising rents in apartment-heavy areas but reducing prices in low-density neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for designated zoning laws to manage short-term rental accommodation.
A recent study by Rice University, Notre Dame, and Environmental Defense Fund reveals that COVID-19 exacerbated the economic and mental health consequences of Hurricane Harvey. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 participants, found a distinct distinction between acute effects and secondary stressors.
The Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) will investigate toxic mechanisms, exposure pathways, biomarkers, and strategies to prevent exposures. It aims to reduce toxic exposures and improve health outcomes through innovative methods such as phytoscreening and Internet of Things technology.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that rural Americans have a higher smoking prevalence and a harder time quitting than urban residents. The odds of quitting were 75% lower in rural areas compared to urban areas between 2010 and 2020.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
A study found that better access to primary care physicians in disadvantaged neighborhoods improves high blood pressure awareness and control. The research used the Area Deprivation Index to assess socioeconomic status and analyzed data from over 5,000 predominantly African American adults.
A recent study published in One Earth explores the potential for utilizing urban tree waste to reduce global warming potential in the United States. The researchers found that adopting eco-friendly uses for urban tree waste could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities.
A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.
A new University of Washington study found that bird behavior was not significantly affected by the reduced human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, many birds were observed in highly developed urban areas, suggesting that green spaces may serve as important refuges for urban birds.
A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the in-class transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was extremely low at a large urban university with strict health measures in place. The analysis of 140,000 class meetings revealed negligible cases, indicating effective control of the virus.
A new study by Northwestern University predicts a worsening wave of opioid overdoses globally, with no geographic distinction between rural and urban areas. The lethal combination of synthetic opioids and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines will be particularly deadly.
Research found significant geographic disparities in opioid overdose death rates between US counties, with rural areas experiencing much higher rates. Between 1999 and 2020, rural overdose deaths increased by 4.5-fold, while urban rates rose by only 2.3 times.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.
A multidisciplinary study uses magnetometers to investigate the magnetic fields of metropolitan areas, finding that each city has a distinct magnetic signature. This unique characteristic can be exploited to analyze anomalies in city operation and long-term trends of urban development.
A recent study by Renmin University of China found that a good media reputation consistently reduces the risk of termination for administrative agencies. The research analyzed over 4.95 million articles published between 1949 and 2019 in the People's Daily, an official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.
Researchers examined law enforcement interactions with patients and clinicians in an urban emergency department, highlighting their impact on patient care. The study's findings suggest that effective communication between law enforcement officers and healthcare providers is crucial for safe and efficient patient treatment.
The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.
A study finds that redlined neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of heart disease, comorbidities, and reduced access to healthcare. Residents of these neighborhoods face lower cholesterol screening rates, higher diabetes and obesity rates, and limited health insurance options.
A new study from NYU Tandon School of Engineering uses a spatio-temporal model to predict firearm prevalence on a state-by-state level. The researchers found that combining data from background checks per capita and suicides committed with a firearm in a given state can provide precise information regarding firearm ownership.
A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.
A recent study found that rural counties in the US experienced higher mortality rates during the Omicron wave of COVID-19, particularly among unvaccinated patients. Vaccination coverage was a significant factor in reducing patient outcomes.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...
The NIH has launched a clinical trial testing dupilumab, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe asthma, in children with poorly controlled allergic asthma living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study aims to define the activity levels of gene networks associated with asthma attacks and improve lung function.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that traffic noise at schools is detrimental to working memory and attention in primary-school students. Children attending schools with higher levels of traffic noise showed slower cognitive development, with a 5 dB increase resulting in a 11.4% slower development rate.
The study reveals disparities in receiving smoking cessation assistance based on regional differences, with some areas having significantly lower access. The research highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare for smokers.
Researchers analyzed urban magnetic fields to understand city health and provide insights for preventative studies. They discovered differences between Berkeley and Brooklyn, with Berkeley reaching near-zero magnetic activity at night.
A recent study published in eLife found that wildlife living in urban environments have picked up some gut bugs from humans, leading to a 'humanization' of their microbiota. The researchers analyzed gut microbiomes in distantly related vertebrates from urban and rural areas and discovered significant differences between the two.
A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.
A recent SFU study found that 79% of Vancouver residents have access to a grocery store within a 15-minute walk, while 99% can reach one via cycling. However, there are inequities in access across populations and neighbourhoods, disproportionately affecting children, older adults, and racialized populations.
A Colorado State University-led study found greater natural gas leak densities in communities with low-income or majority non-white populations compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for improved equity in gas distribution systems to enhance health and safety outcomes.