Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A study of US families found that lower caregiver education led to financial strain and reduced adaptability, while younger children faced limited school support. Experiences varied little between urban and rural families.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant surge in bird feeding interest worldwide during the pandemic, with countries having higher bird diversity exhibiting more Google search activity. The researchers analyzed data from 115 countries and found an average increase of 511 bird species in countries with higher search interest.
A new study found that rural areas experienced higher excess deaths during the second year of the pandemic, despite vaccines being widely available in urban areas. The study highlights the role of healthcare inequities, vaccine skepticism, and partisanship in exacerbating mortality rates in rural communities.
A new study using Marine Monitor highlights the need for systems that can track boater activity in small, coastal MPAs. The findings show that traditional vessel tracking systems can miss up to 93% of boater activity at highly urban MPAs.
A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.
A new study found that living in urban environments with material and social inequities is associated with premature biological aging. Depressive symptoms also accelerate epigenetic age acceleration, regardless of neighborhood deprivation. The researchers used DNA methylation-based estimators to examine aging at the cellular level and ...
A new study from the University of Kansas shows that neighborhood characteristics such as being predominantly Black and having families with children are strongly associated with higher eviction rates. In contrast, gentrified neighborhoods or those with high rents do not predict increased eviction levels.
A multicenter study found that deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis significantly improved radiologists' diagnostic performance for breast lesion classification on ultrasound. The use of CAD resulted in a 6.0% upgrade of BI-RADS category 3 assessments to category 4A, with 16.7% being malignant.
Researchers found that rural patients with diabetes met fewer of the D5 metric criteria, including no tobacco use and blood pressure control, compared to urban patients. Rural patients also had fewer outpatient visits and endocrinology visits, which may contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.
A new study found that hundreds of U.S. counties lack access to safe and accessible play areas for children. The researchers used machine learning technologies to determine the county-level disparities in physical activity environments.
A study of 700 participants found that time outdoors doesn't always reduce smartphone screentime. However, visits to nature reserves or forests saw significant declines in screentime compared to urban locations. Participants who visited wilder areas spent more time disconnected from their smartphones and regained attention.
Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya studied sidewalk networks in Barcelona and found that even pedestrian-friendly cities like Barcelona struggle with mobility constraints. The study proposes a framework for assessing multi-factor walkability using percolation theory and insights into pedestrian behavior to improve sidewal...
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
The National Institutes of Health recognizes World Asthma Day and highlights innovative research on asthma, its causes and treatments. Several NIH institutes conduct and support asthma-related research, including NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis found that coal trains and terminal operations significantly increase fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in urban areas, contributing to serious health problems. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that ridesharing platforms significantly outperformed traditional taxi systems during urban emergencies. The platforms' use of technology and elastic supply of vehicles and drivers enabled them to cope with uncertainties more effectively.
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.
Seismic arrays in California's Long Beach and Seal Beach detected over 1,200 shallow earthquakes, showing the Newport-Inglewood fault splays widely at shallow depths. This suggests that a rupture to propagate to the surface may have multiple paths, implications for earthquake hazard planning.
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.
A global study analyzing height and BMI data from 71 million children and adolescents found that urban areas are no longer healthier than rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Rural areas have been closing the gap in recent decades due to improvements in nutrition and healthcare.
Scientists developed a modeling technique to study urban traffic flows and verified it with real-world data from Shanghai. They discovered that Zhonghuan Road is a potential bottleneck that could lead to cascading failure of the entire urban traffic system.
A new open-source tool called TILE2NET uses aerial imagery and image-recognition to create complete maps of sidewalks and crosswalks. The tool has been trained on 20,000 aerial images from Boston, Cambridge, New York City, and Washington, recognizing 90% or more of all sidewalks and crosswalks in these cities.
A new study found that US metropolitan areas lack sufficient preserved open space, leading to increased land values and improved social well-being. The researchers suggest that this is due to limited public funds, competing demands, and the perception of open space as a luxury rather than a necessary service.
A University of Houston study found rural Americans are more anxious and depressed, with reduced openness and neuroticism compared to urban residents. Access to mental health services is believed to be a contributing factor.
A new LiDAR system pinpoints pedestrian behavior to improve safety and efficiency at intersections. The system tracks pedestrians' true intent to cross, reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
The study reveals a significant increase in the rural-urban telemedicine divide at VA health care sites following the COVID-19 pandemic. This disparity may be attributed to disparities in structural capacity, such as internet bandwidth, and technology adoption among rural users.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.
A new machine learning model can predict city traffic activity in different zones of cities, enabling targeted responses from policymakers. Understanding people's mobility patterns is crucial for improving urban traffic flow, and the model provides insights into urban interactions.
A new study by WVU economist Zachary Porreca found that gentrification can displace organized criminal activity, leading to a surge in gun violence in nearby neighborhoods. The study analyzed data on shootings and real estate across Philadelphia neighborhoods between 2011-2020.
Researchers analyzed 183 million buildings in 6,000 African cities and found that a city's shape affects its energy demand. Double the population means triple the energy costs due to increased commuting distances and pollution.
A study found peregrine falcons in larger cities like London rely on human activities supporting prey populations, particularly feral pigeons. The birds changed their diet during the pandemic, replacing pigeons with starlings and parakeets.
A preliminary study by Washington State University found that people living within half a mile of green spaces had a 17% lower risk of serious psychological distress. The study involved 42,980 participants aged 65 or older and used data from the U.S. Census and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A new study finds that while heart disease deaths are declining nationwide, rural and predominantly Black counties continue to experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Factors such as food insecurity, low income, and housing instability contribute to these disparities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disparities in childcare disruption and missed preventive checkups among low-socioeconomic status families. Research highlights the need to investigate the association between delayed appointments and child health outcomes.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...
A MIT experiment equipped second-hand bicycles with mobile trackers to track their whereabouts over time, revealing that most stolen bikes remain in the local area. The majority of bikes were resold and re-used within the city's bike fleet.
Researchers found no significant evidence of harm in lowering blood pressure targets after endovascular treatment, but trends suggested marginal benefit and potential worsening of long-term disability. Clinicians should consider auto-regulation of blood pressure unless above 180 mm Hg.
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.
A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.