Articles tagged with Urban Studies
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
The study reveals opportunities for improved green space monitoring and increased access to nature for citizens. However, advances in robotics and automation could generate new sources of waste and pollution, threatening urban nature.
A new study found that urban areas in the US Southwest are experiencing extreme heat disparities, with lower socio-economic groups facing significantly higher temperatures. The study revealed that California's urban regions had the largest temperature differences between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods.
A study analyzing over 133 million tweets found that people of different races don't just live in separate neighborhoods, but also eat, shop, socialize, and travel in different areas. Cities with higher levels of segregated movement tend to have larger Black populations and troubled racial legacies.
A study found that communities with low monetization have remarkably high levels of happiness, comparable to Scandinavian countries. The researchers interviewed 678 people and found that social and economic factors play a bigger role in higher monetized sites.
Researchers found a significant shift towards virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 71.1% of all visits being virtual, compared to 1.2% before the pandemic. The study also revealed that older and sicker Ontarians maintained higher levels of care, despite overall decreases in primary care visits.
A study of 137,130 people across 21 countries found a strong association between high refined grain intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Higher intakes of refined grains were associated with 27% higher mortality rates and 33% higher cardiovascular event risks compared to lower intakes.
A study by NTU Singapore found that the Singapore public is more accepting of drones in industrial zones than residential areas. The research team identified fears and concerns, such as privacy loss and misuse of drones, as key factors influencing public acceptance. To improve acceptance levels, policymakers and regulators should adapt...
A new study highlights the impact of socioeconomic factors on eyewitness accounts of earthquake shaking reported through online systems like DYFI. The research found complex trends in California and India, with differences in self-reported reports based on neighborhood income levels and literacy rates.
A new study has found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to smaller-than-expected reductions in NO2 emissions and increased ozone levels in cities worldwide. Concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) decreased in most cities except London and Paris.
Researchers analyzed medical records for racial bias in clinician documentation, finding evidence of disparities based on race and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for improved training and education to address racial biases in healthcare.
A study published by the University of Helsinki found that living environments significantly impact the microbiota and health of both dogs and their owners. In rural areas, dogs and owners share skin microbes, while gut microbes differ between species.
A study by researchers at the University of Vermont found that 26% of people visiting parks during early COVID-19 months had rarely visited nature in the previous year. Park users reported increased importance for these areas and access to them, with 81% saying access was very important.
Researchers at the University of Maryland found higher rates of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in lower-income neighborhoods in urban Baltimore, Maryland. This preliminary data points to a need for more research to inform policy and programs that can protect the health of those most at risk.
A new study identifies three main groups of Indonesian songbird owners: hobbyists, contestants, and breeders. The research suggests that up to 7 million households represent the greatest threat to Indonesia's avian biodiversity, with a preference for convenience and availability driving demand.
A new USC study found that young adults who identify as Republicans are less likely to follow social distancing guidelines, with 24.3% of Republican respondents saying they don't frequently social distance from others compared to just 5.2% of Democrats.
A new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that West Nile virus infection risk varies with neighborhood income in Baltimore. The research revealed that lower-income urban neighborhoods are more prone to mosquito-borne diseases due to environmental factors.
A study found that urban tree canopy cover and reduced light pollution during migration seasons contribute to higher species richness. Conversely, higher levels of artificial light at night were associated with lower species counts, particularly during winter and summer.
A recent University of Copenhagen study finds that male seniors do cook and enjoy it, often making elaborate meals, while widowed women view cooking as a chore. This research adds nuance to the picture of older generations living alone, suggesting changing gender roles are not just applicable to younger generations.