Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.
Researchers found that fruit bats use echolocation during the day despite having excellent vision, suggesting a combination of both senses for enhanced navigation. This study highlights the importance of integrating different senses, like humans using visual and auditory information when crossing streets.
A recent study led by Georgetown University researchers found that city wildlife may not be a significant threat for future pandemics. Urban-adapted animals host roughly ten times as many diseases, but after adjusting for sampling bias, the risk of human-infective viruses is no greater than in rural areas.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A new study reveals rapid degradation in air quality and increases in urban exposure to hazardous pollutants in tropical megacities. The research found significant annual increases in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, attributed to emerging industries and residential sources.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.
A new study measures the happiness benefits of US city parks in the 25 largest cities, finding a powerful effect from urban nature on users. Park size and accessibility emerged as key predictors of happiness.
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
A study of 749 European cities found nearly 60 million adults subjected to unhealthy vehicle-generated noise, with compliance to WHO guidelines potentially preventing 3,600 annual deaths from ischaemic heart disease. Over 11 million adults were highly annoyed by road traffic noise, leading to increased stress and health problems.
A new study found that clinics with higher FIT completion rates had added staff to support patients, provided educational materials, and offered on-call support. This approach reduced disparities among low-income and racially diverse populations, improving colorectal cancer screening outcomes.
A study reveals that red fox populations in Western Europe became larger than before the rabies vaccination campaign, only to decline since the 2000s. Higher numbers of foxes supported the outbreak of other diseases, while their impacts were limited.
A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.
Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that reducing leaks in urban water systems can be a highly effective and cost-competitive method for saving water. The research suggests that leak reduction is the most cost-effective tool in an urban water manager's toolkit, with estimated savings of $277 per acre-foot.
A new analysis reveals that socioeconomic status amplifies underlying differences in the spatial patterns of how men versus women travel within cities. Women tend to travel shorter distances than men, but socioeconomic factors play a bigger role in shaping their mobility patterns.
A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.
A study of over 1,600 Black women found that those who frequently experienced racism before age 20 were at higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms in adulthood. The research highlights the damaging effects of racism on mental health, particularly among young people transitioning into independence.
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.
GIST researchers propose a new strategy for crime prevention using artificial intelligence, trained on a large-scale dataset of deviant incident reports and corresponding images. The model, called DevianceNet, can accurately classify and detect deviant places, making it a useful tool in urban safety development.
The study reveals that seven indicators affect people's decisions, including ornament, material, and line, which influence heritage perception. A model can predict the heritage potential of a building by ordinary people.
A new study by University of Houston sociologist Kathryn Freeman Anderson reveals significant disparities in the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout in five urban Texas counties. The research found that Black and Latino neighborhoods were less likely to receive vaccines due to existing healthcare resource shortages.
A new study identifies COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities across four provinces, with concentrations of cases linked to social determinants of health such as income, housing and visible minority status. The study calls for city-specific public health supports tailored to communities at disproportionate risk of COVID-19.
A Surrey study found that babies and children in bike trailers breathe in more polluted air than their parents, but using trailer covers can reduce exposure by half. The researchers also discovered a significant reduction in air pollution during lockdown periods.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have published a comprehensive review of 50 fundamental traffic models using an extensive data set of 2.3 billion vehicle observations from 25 cities worldwide. The study found that a non-parametric model outperformed other traffic flow models, regardless of road type and congestion level.
A study by Portland State University found that only 16 transit-oriented developments across the US were fully affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The research highlights the need for policies and regulations to promote affordable housing in TODs, such as requiring a share of affordable units in public property projects.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.
Research finds that pregnant individuals living in walkable neighborhoods in NYC have lower odds of excessive gestational weight gain compared to those living elsewhere. High poverty rates in these areas are associated with increased risks of excessive GWG.
A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that rural residents are more likely to think fatally about cancer and feel information overload compared to urban adults. Lower education levels were associated with increased fatalism and information overload.
Researchers found that rural areas have similar levels of oxidative potential as urban areas, challenging the misconception that air pollution is more toxic in urban settings. The study also showed that summertime agricultural activity can produce PM2.5 particles that are just as toxic as those from urban settings.
Britain's urban areas have sufficient green space to support a large-scale 'grow your own' movement, meeting dietary needs and reducing reliance on imports. The study estimates that converted urban spaces could produce up to eight times the current UK fruit and vegetable output.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
A study by CNRS and partners found that policies like replacing wood heaters with modern stoves and reducing motor vehicle traffic can meet health objectives while generating significant economic benefits. The analysis shows that such measures could lead to an annual benefit of €629 per capita, outweighing the cost.
A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that rising housing prices can significantly increase 'openness' among US residents within a few years. This trait captures levels of curiosity and creativity.
A study found that rural women are less likely to get screened for colorectal cancer compared to urban counterparts, despite similar breast cancer screening rates. The disparity may be attributed to limited access to testing and financial constraints, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.
A new study estimates that urban cycling could prevent up to 200,000 premature deaths annually if countries support high levels of cycling by 2050. In the US alone, over 15,000 deaths could be prevented each year through urban cycling.
Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a cross-adoption experiment with fruit bat pups to determine whether boldness is genetic or learned. The findings indicate that the pups behave like their adoptive mothers, not biological mothers, suggesting that boldness is an acquired trait passed on through mother's milk.
A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...
A health impact assessment shows that European cities can avoid 109,188 and 57,030 premature deaths per year by meeting the new PM2.5 and NO2 guidelines, respectively. Meeting these standards could prevent up to 125,000 and 79,000 annual premature deaths.
Duke University scientists developed isotope-based tests to identify lead contamination origins and assess risk in urban soils. The new test can distinguish between legacy and modern sources of lead, helping public health officials track and remediate contaminated areas. Elevated lead levels pose long-term health risks for children.
The WVCTSI will deploy a mobile clinical trials unit in West Virginia, addressing health disparities and increasing participation in clinical research. The 39-foot Winnebago will provide on-site clinical trials and follow-up visits to rural residents.
Researchers found that urban waste products applied to agricultural fields in France contained higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than livestock manures. The study also detected a shift towards more persistent PFAS compounds over time, raising toxicity concerns.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that Airbnb units cause a mild decrease in long-term rental supply, including affordable housing, while expanding the rental market. The study suggests a new tax to alleviate resulting inequities and maintain social equality.
Researchers from UvA's Centre for Urban Mental Health propose a new conceptual framework to understand the dynamic interplay between urban factors and mental health. The framework identifies key factors influencing urban environments and their impact on mental well-being, including air pollution, noise, and social cohesion.
A survey study of adults in a large U.S. city found that public health messaging improved COVID-19 preventive behaviors over time, but lagged among Hispanic participants who were at higher risk for infection and less likely to receive stimulus checks. Black adults also showed disparities in preventive behaviors.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center have identified six stages of engagement in ADHD treatment, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers for racial and ethnic minority families. The study provides a comprehensive framework that can help healthcare systems better match the needs of children with ADHD and their families.
The most common form of liver cancer is on the rise in rural areas, with men aged 60-69 and non-Hispanic Blacks disproportionately affected. Urban areas, however, have seen a decline in HCC rates since 2013, including among younger individuals and certain ethnic groups.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that people's comfort in their surroundings affects their walking patterns, with those feeling relaxed having regular stepping patterns regardless of environment. The study suggests well-designed urban environments can benefit wellbeing, concentration, and attention similar to natu...
A new study from the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center shows that physical disorder in Detroit doesn't lead to a steep increase in violent crime. The study's findings suggest that community-driven efforts to rebuild and remake rundown neighborhoods can be effective in reducing disorder and fear.
A study of over 13,000 people found that exposure to air pollution is associated with increased use of mental health services among those with psychotic and mood disorders. Initiatives to lessen air pollution could improve outcomes for these individuals and reduce healthcare costs.
A new study found that Baltimore County's leaky sewage infrastructure delivers tens of thousands of human doses of pharmaceuticals to the Chesapeake Bay annually, affecting aquatic life and behavior. The study estimates that nearly 1% of raw sewage flows into the environment via leaking pipes.
A multi-year study found that cashless fare systems can exclude lower-income riders due to lack of access to smartphones, internet, and banking services. Maintaining cash options can mitigate this issue, offering a more equitable solution for all riders.
This observational study evaluates the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of lactating women who received mRNA vaccines. The findings suggest a correlation between serum antibody levels and breast milk antibody concentrations.
A recent study warns that abandoning earthen homes could lead to increased carbon emissions and further climate change. Researchers argue that a balanced approach is needed, considering the environmental benefits of earth materials while also promoting safe and affordable housing options.