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City-dwelling mosquito and malaria risk in Africa

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

Gulls pay attention to human eyes

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 7, 2020

'Biggest holes in the system'

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateAug 24, 2020

How does ridesourcing substitute for public transit network?

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.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateJul 21, 2020

Bird droppings carry risk of antibiotic resistance

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.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2020

Study sheds light on bushfires' microclimate impact

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateJul 9, 2020

Worldwide urban expansion causing problems

A study by Texas A&M University researchers found that over 60% of urban expansion since 1970 came from agricultural land, posing serious concerns for fertility and food security. The trend, driven by small- and medium-sized cities in India, China, and Nigeria, threatens the livelihoods of millions of small farmers.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2020

Antibiotics: City dwellers and children take the most

Researchers analyzed 73 studies on antibiotic use in outpatient sectors worldwide, finding city dwellers, children, and seniors take more antibiotics. Higher education and richer countries reduce antibiotic use, while urban areas and doctor concentrations increase it.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMar 11, 2020

How quickly do flower strips in cities help the local bees?

A study found that urban flower strips attract a significant number of city bee species, with one-year-old strips supporting over a quarter of the total bee fauna. The findings suggest that these greenery interventions provide essential support for pollinators and can serve as effective conservation measures.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 2, 2020

Study reveals how green space can reduce violent crime

A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2020

Seagulls favor food humans have handled

New research shows that seagulls are more likely to peck at food that has been handled by humans. This suggests they use human actions when deciding what to eat. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, also found that gulls' preference for food is not just based on the sight of food.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study: Text messaging an effective tool to improve access to prenatal health information

A new study from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University found that pregnant urban African American and immigrant Afro-Caribbean women can improve access to prenatal health information through the use of mhealth apps like Text4baby. The study showed a 14% increase in intent to use the app and a 28% increase in intent to speak with pr...

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalJMIR mhealth and uhealth·DateFeb 13, 2020

Who receives advanced stroke care? It may depend on traffic

A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

New research shows more people knowingly use fentanyl

A study by BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia found that two-thirds of people who use drugs are aware they've taken fentanyl. The study emphasizes the importance of harm reduction services, substance treatment, and pharmaceutical alternatives to reduce devastating impacts of fentanyl on communities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 24, 2020

Study verifies a missing piece to urban air quality puzzle

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on an under-appreciated source of organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas, showing that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to SOA formation. The research reveals that non-traditional VOCs, such as those found in everyday household products, are a major contrib...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 21, 2020

Automobile law in Japan has improved air quality

A new study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that Japan's 1992 automobile law led to a 3-6% reduction in ambient nitrogen dioxide concentrations over two decades. The law resulted in estimated cost savings of $104 million due to reduced asthma-related mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJan 8, 2020