Articles tagged with Urban Studies
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 study analyzing daily temperatures and mortality in Turin, Italy, found that women with low educational levels are most at risk of heat-related mortality. The research also reveals that individuals living alone, regardless of gender, are more susceptible to heat stress than those who share a home.
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.
A new study reveals that a ubiquitous additive in vehicle tires, 6PPD-quinone, turns streams toxic and kills coho salmon. The highly toxic compound is deadly to juvenile salmon at concentrations as low as 1 microgram per liter.
A study led by Washington State University found that nurse practitioners significantly increased access to buprenorphine prescriptions in rural Oregon after gaining prescribing authority. In frontier regions, they accounted for nearly a third of all buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed.
A Canadian study found that people with frequent alcohol-related emergency department visits have a high mortality rate, especially among young adults, urban dwellers, and those from low-income neighborhoods. The risk of death doubles for those with five or more visits.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that urban parks experience a significant increase in evaporative losses during the night due to the oasis effect, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. This can have important implications for water conservation and greenhouse gas emission management in desert cities like Phoenix.
A new study finds that student exposure to violent crime in urban elementary schools is linked to higher transfer rates, particularly for less advantaged students. The study suggests that creating a safe school environment could reduce violence-related transfers and increase stability in enrollment patterns.
A comprehensive study from UNC Charlotte shows that the Housing First program successfully housed over 1,000 people in Charlotte, reducing trauma, mental illness, and substance use. The program also had a significant impact on the community, decreasing emergency shelter visits and arrests.
Researchers found that calls about code violations, public health issues, and street lighting were the best indicators of opioid use in Columbus communities. The study suggests that data from 311 calls can be an effective opioid overdose surveillance indicator to direct outreach and resources to where they are needed.
A study by the University of Bristol found that urban gulls adjust their foraging patterns to coincide with human activity, such as school breaks and waste centre opening hours. This adaptability helps them thrive in cities by maximizing energy intake from fluctuating food sources.
A recent study found that very rural areas in the US have significantly fewer mental health services for young people, with only 3.9% of rural ZIP Codes having facilities that serve youth. This lack of access exacerbates the already high suicide rate among rural youth, highlighting the need for increased resources.
People living in areas with high proportions of greenspace are 20% less likely to be current smokers. Additionally, those living in greener neighbourhoods are up to 12% more likely to have successfully quit smoking, according to a study published in Social Science & Medicine.
A new analysis by Harvard Medical School and Hunter College found a 2.3 million increase in uninsured Americans between 2016-19, leading to 25,180 excess deaths; overturning the Affordable Care Act could lead to up to 68,000 extra deaths annually
A study presented at the 2020 GSA Annual Meeting reveals that floating gardens can have a positive impact on water quality. The research found modest but definitive improvement in nutrient levels, including a 1% decrease in nitrate levels downstream of the garden.
A large longitudinal study found that exposure to air pollution during early childhood may lead to an increase in body mass index (BMI), while living in areas with greater green space and a more favorable built environment mix may be associated with a decrease in BMI. The study analyzed data from nearly 80,000 children and suggested th...
Researchers found that rural individuals with Alzheimer's disease had lower healthcare use and shorter survival rates compared to urban counterparts. The study also highlighted disparities in care access, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.