Articles tagged with Urban Studies
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.
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.
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.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that online horse race bettors tend to stay away from betting for a longer time after a losing day. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 individuals in Finland and found no significant differences in behavior between men and women.
A study found that urban daycare children developed more diverse microbiomes and signs of a better-regulated immune system after playing in renovated yards with natural forest floor. The intervention improved immune regulation and health-associated commensal microbiota among 3-5 year olds.
A survey study in Texas found that a significant portion of police officers experience mental illness and utilize mental health care services. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support within law enforcement agencies.
A new study published in BMC Biology found that nearly all of the mutations tested had a negative effect on fertility early in life and accelerated reproductive ageing. This suggests that mutations contributing to ageing may be more common than previously thought.
Researchers are creating a data platform called NORPP Manager to provide public access to large-N organizational data on the nonprofit sector. The platform will fill significant data voids and enable social scientists to conduct large-scale, representative studies.
A new study reveals that the reduction of humanmade noise from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown led to a change in the quality of birdsong in white-crowned sparrows in the San Francisco Bay area, with birds in urban areas exhibiting greater vocal performance.
A study suggests that urban mosquito species Anopheles stephensi could spread to dozens of cities across Africa, putting millions at higher risk of contracting malaria. The authors used location data and spatial models to predict the spread of this Asian mosquito species in Africa, identifying 44 highly suitable locations.
A new study maps changes in homicide rates across Brazil from 2000 to 2014, showing success in major urban areas but an explosion of homicides in northeastern regions. The research highlights the need for policies addressing spatial spillover and poverty rates as violence appears to move to neighboring areas.
Researchers found that herring gulls pay attention to human gaze direction, reacting faster and more aggressively when watched than when ignored. The study also confirms the bolder nature of urban gulls compared to rural ones.
A UC Davis Health study found that nonfatal firearm injuries in California decreased by 38% over an 11-year period, primarily due to a drop in firearm assaults. However, the lethality of those and other firearm injuries increased, with a higher proportion of self-inflicted injuries being deadlier.
A new study by Washington State University scientist Raven Weaver found that older adults living in very rural settings are less likely to receive available services compared to those in mostly rural areas. The study highlights the most vulnerable groups within the rural classification, emphasizing the need for proactive support.
A recent study by Washington State University criminologist Kathryn DuBois found that women from small towns are most at risk of intimate partner violence, with a 27% higher likelihood of being victims compared to urban areas and 42% more likely than suburban women.
This observational study examines COVID-19 infections and deaths in urban US counties, revealing associations with neighborhood race/ethnicity and poverty. The findings highlight community-level disparities that may inform targeted interventions to reduce health inequities.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 50% global reduction in human-caused seismic noise, with the most pronounced effects seen in densely populated areas. This 'anthropause' phenomenon has provided a unique opportunity for researchers to better distinguish between human and natural seismic noise.
A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.
A new study from Arizona State University and Stanford University uses data analytics to predict global warming trends and heat waves. The researchers tracked temperature variances over years and days, identifying early warning signs of catastrophic changes. Urban greening strategies may promote reverse tipping to restore climate syste...
A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.
A new method uses hafnium isotopes to determine the origin of Roman glass, confirming that high-quality glass was made in Egypt. The study sheds light on the production of transparent glass, a valuable commodity in ancient Rome.
A new device reduces perceived loudness of urban noises by up to half through sound wave cancellation. The device, consisting of 24 speakers and a sensor, is tested in a replica room with various noise sources, demonstrating up to a 10 decibel reduction.
Researchers monitored air temperature, humidity, and particulate matter pollution during the 2019-20 Australian bushfires. The study found specific combinations of air temperature and relative humidity led to higher pollutant accumulation, highlighting the importance of understanding microclimatic impacts on urban areas.
A Cranfield University team will monitor and analyze air quality levels within the region, utilizing sensor technology and data analytics to inform sustainable development plans. The study aims to mitigate the impact of growth on air quality, aligning with UK Government ambitions for a neutral or positive environmental gain.
A new NYU study found that exercising in nearby parks reduces anxiety and depression, but safety concerns prevent many from using them. The researchers suggest improving park lighting, programs, and community engagement to make parks feel safer.
New research suggests a link between lifetime discrimination and the development of hypertension in African Americans. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that greater lifetime discrimination was associated with an increased risk for hypertension.