Articles tagged with Urban Studies
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.
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.
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.
A new study analyzing millions of 911 calls found that defunding the police is challenging due to the volume and types of incidents handled by police. The study suggests that if police retain their responsibilities, they need to reconsider how to address community concerns more effectively.
A new study published in Ecosphere suggests that fear plays a significant role in underdeveloped nestlings and increased vulnerability among urban songbirds. Urban landscapes can have a profound effect on birds' behavior, causing them to change their behavior to avoid perceived predators, leading to reduced weight and survival rates.
A new study found that young soccer players experience more frequent head impacts during practice, while game time may result in greater magnitude impacts. Technical training activities like heading the ball were associated with an average impact rate of 13.7 head impacts per player hour.
Researchers developed an approach to evaluate cognitive workload in cyclists, finding that stressful areas have a consistent response regardless of expertise level. The study suggests that infrastructure design is key to making spaces safe, shifting the focus from individual education to proactive urban planning.
Researchers found that economic remittances and social remittances play a significant role in influencing brand expenditure among rural households. Migration has a greater impact on households with mobile phones and those in more populous villages with better retail infrastructure.
A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that spending time outdoors positively affects brain structure and gray matter in the right dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex. This area is involved in planning, regulation of actions, and cognitive control. The results persist even when other factors are kept constant.
A new study in mSystems finds human waste contaminating urban lakes, rivers, and surface water in Bangladesh is driving the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research highlights the importance of improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sewerage infrastructure to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
A study of over 2,000 children in Barcelona found that living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, noise, and traffic was associated with higher body mass index and a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese. The researchers proposed several mechanisms, including air pollution's potential to disrupt molecular mechani...
A global study found that urban greenspaces, including parks and gardens, harbor important microbial communities critical for sustaining productive ecosystem services. These microbes also promote effective immunoregulation functions and reduce allergies in humans. However, green spaces can also host fungal parasites and plant pathogens.
A study by Kazan Federal University explores the views of two Indigenous groups on language development and educational strategies. The findings show a decline in motivation among younger populations, attributed to assimilation, urban-rural differences, and globalization.
A case control study found a positive association between sachet water consumption and increased risk of cholera. The study suggests that direct contact between the mouth and contaminated exterior of the sachet transmits pathogens.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that urban greenspace use is correlated with demographics, with women, older adults, and ethnic minority groups spending more time outdoors. The authors used GPS data from cell phone apps to track users' visits to local green spaces, revealing significant effects on trip duration and distance.
Researchers used computer modelling to simulate bears' journeys in Whistler, identifying anthropogenic food as a major attractant. The study found that reducing attractants is more effective than reactive management strategies, and can be applied to communities across Canada
A new study found that antidepressant pollution in streams can alter crayfish behavior, including increased foraging and reduced aggression. This change has the potential to disrupt stream ecosystem processes, leading to cascading effects on nutrient flows, oxygen levels, and algal growth.
A University of Missouri study found that rural Missouri counties experience nursing shortages at a greater rate than metropolitan counties. The study also identified three rural counties where more than half of the nurses are over 54, nearing retirement.
A study of organic residues on ceramic pottery from rural and urban Sicily during the 9th to 12th century AD reveals a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, beeswax, and animal food products. The findings are consistent with Arabic literature's colorful dishes and highlight regional differences in cuisine preferences and ceramics use.
Researchers analyzed fine-scale energy use data to reveal significant racial and income disparities in urban energy use. Block groups with higher poverty rates exhibit significantly higher annual energy consumption, particularly for temperature-sensitive applications.
A global analysis of crime rates found that stay-at-home policies led to a significant drop in police-recorded crime. Most types of crime fell, except for homicide, which saw a modest decline. The largest reductions were seen in cities with strict lockdowns and gang-related violence.
A global study has discovered over 10,000 previously unknown bacteria and viruses in public transit systems and hospitals worldwide. The researchers mapped urban antimicrobial resistance and identified potential city-specific signatures for some genes.
A Duke University study found that while lead levels have generally decreased since the 1970s, they remain above safety guidelines near residential foundations and in areas with high traffic density. Regular soil testing is essential to mitigate these risks and encourage cities to act on this issue.
A global metagenomic study of urban microbiomes found distinct microbial signatures in cities across six continents, with over 4,200 known species identified. The research also discovered a core set of 31 species present in 97% of samples and highlights the potential for new discoveries related to microbial diversity.
Researchers found genetic differences between city and rural great tits, with changes linked to cognition, aggression, and circadian rhythms. These adaptations enabled the birds to cope with urban stressors like noise pollution, lights at night, and air pollution.
Two studies published in Contraception found that telehealth abortion improves access to reproductive health services, particularly for low-income persons and those living in rural areas. The studies also showed that most patients prefer receiving abortion pills through the mail and interacting with healthcare providers via telehealth.
The study found that ancient civilizations in Greece were genetically homogenous, suggesting critical innovations like urban centres and metal use came from local Neolithic groups. Migration waves from the Pontic-Caspian steppe also shaped present-day Greece, supporting theories on Indo-European languages.
A Singapore-based study found that competition between autonomous mobility services and public transit can lead to increased profits, system efficiency, and benefits for the public. However, it may also result in uneven social costs, such as higher travel costs or longer travel times, especially for vulnerable groups.
A new study finds that low-income blocks in 92% of US urban communities have less tree cover and are hotter than high-income blocks. The analysis revealed a disparity of 15.2% in tree cover between low- and high-income blocks, with low-income blocks being 1.5°C hotter.
A new study models people's exposure to air pollution by race-ethnicity and income level, finding that exposure disparities among people of color and white people are driven by nearly all emission source types. The researchers found that air pollution disparities arise from a more systemic set of causes than previously understood.
A recent study from West Virginia University reveals that rural e-cigarette users are more likely to develop severe respiratory failure and require critical care. The study found a high correlation between lung injury and toxic volatile organic compounds in e-liquids, particularly in those produced by garage labs.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that racial and ethnic minority groups living in rural areas are at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than those in urban areas. The researchers suggest allocating additional resources to rural areas with high minority populations to address these disparities.
Incorporating HIV screening into COVID-19 testing at an urban emergency department improved patient outcomes, according to a recent study. The study found that this integrated approach led to higher rates of HIV diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the spread of both diseases.
A new study suggests that dengue outbreaks in Brazil are more likely after extreme droughts due to improvised water containers housing mosquitoes. The research recommends timing interventions accordingly and investing in local infrastructure for permanent water supply.
The study found that ridesharing companies increased road congestion in the US, reducing public transport ridership by nearly 9%. Easy access to ridesharing discouraged commuters from using greener alternatives.
A global study of 134,297 people from 21 countries found that consuming 150g or more of processed meat per week increased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 46% and mortality by 51%. Moderate consumption of non-processed meats had a neutral effect on health.
A multinational study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming moderate amounts of unprocessed meat is okay, but processed meats should be avoided. Higher processed meat intake was associated with higher risks of total mortality and major cardiovascular disease.
Research finds that urban squirrels' success rates increase with repeated solving of a novel food-extraction task, suggesting adaptability to urban stressors. The study also reveals that direct human disturbance is a major stressor, while green coverage and squirrel population size have less impact on problem-solving performance.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals significant disparities in heart failure mortality rates between rural and urban areas, with rural areas experiencing higher death rates. The research also highlights race disparities among Black adults under 65 years old.
A study found that disadvantaged rural students are less likely to enter top UK universities, despite similar academic abilities. Researchers suggest using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping methods to target underrepresented students more effectively.
A new study finds that restaurants in urban areas of Central Africa are key drivers in keeping protected wildlife on the menu. The study reveals that procurement of wild meat by restaurants is more targeted than opportunistic, with monkeys identified as hot products.
Researchers at EPFL's HERUS lab used anonymized data from La Mobilière to develop a spatial regression model predicting 12 socio-economic indicators in six categories. The study aimed to show the potential of insurers' datasets beyond marketing purposes, guiding policymakers and government statistical offices.
Nationwide analysis reveals adults in rural counties experience higher heart failure-related death rates compared to urban counterparts, with greater increases for younger adults. Socioeconomic factors and clinical risk factors contribute to the urban-rural divide, prompting a need for targeted health and economic policy efforts.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers reveals that urban coyotes consuming human food have more human-like gut bacteria, leading to poor health outcomes such as lower body fat and stressed immune systems. The study suggests limiting access to protein-poor human food could be an effective solution.
A first national study found that rural Americans were less likely to wear face coverings in public and work from home compared to their urban counterparts. However, some factors such as age, education level, and income influenced the likelihood of following COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
A global study of over 137,000 people found that a diet high in poor quality carbohydrates increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Those consuming diets with high glycemic index were 50% more likely to have cardiovascular events if they had a pre-existing heart condition.
The paper synthesizes five leading frameworks of urban ecology to advance global urban science and achieve sustainability goals. By integrating knowledge from different disciplines, the framework offers practical tools to assess sustainability planning and improve human-environmental wellbeing.