Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A study of nearly 3 million California births found that living near active oil and gas wells may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, with rural residents being more affected. The study also found a slightly increased risk of small for gestational age babies in urban areas.
A study of over 160,000 participants in 27 countries found that women have a more favorable risk pattern for cardiovascular disease. Women had lower blood pressure and healthier blood fat levels, and were less likely to smoke, which contributed to their lower risk of heart disease.
A global study published in The Lancet found that women are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and experience heart attacks and strokes compared to men. Despite this, women tend to receive more preventative treatments but invasive procedures like bypass surgery are more common among men with similar disease severity.
Researchers analyzed CDC data from 1999 to 2017 to compare changes in cardiovascular death rates in urban vs rural US areas. The study found significant disparities in mortality rates by age, sex, and race/ethnicity between the two regions.
The study highlights how urbanization is creating new areas where infectious diseases can spread, particularly in suburban and peri-urban settlements. These areas are often densely populated, poorly planned, and lack health infrastructure, making them vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
A new study led by CU Boulder suggests that continued CO2 emissions will significantly reduce our basic decision-making ability and complex strategic thinking. Indoor CO2 levels could reach up to 1400 parts per million, leading to a 25% reduction in basic decision-making ability and a 50% reduction in complex strategic thinking.
Research published in Ecopsychology found that urban gardeners showed significant improvements in body appreciation and pride compared to non-gardeners. The study also discovered that longer gardening sessions led to greater positive body image changes.
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.
Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.
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.
Researchers at UT Austin found a correlation between higher median incomes, urbanization, and lower vaccination rates among white, educated Texans. The study identified pockets of high-risk communities in Texas where outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are more likely to occur.
Researchers found that urban lizards can maintain function at temperatures 0.82 degrees C higher than forest counterparts. This heat tolerance allows them to thrive in urban environments, where temperatures often exceed 40 C.
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.
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.
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that experiencing wildness in urban areas is essential for physical and mental health. Researchers surveyed hundreds of park-goers and found that encounters with wildlife, water views, and solitude were key to visitors' meaningful experiences.
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.
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...
A large study found daily exposure to ground level ozone in cities worldwide is associated with an increased risk of death. The study suggests that more than 6,000 deaths each year could be avoided if countries implemented stricter air quality standards.
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that socioeconomic status, uninsured rates, and primary care physician supply are key factors contributing to higher US rural mortality rates. The study suggests that rural residency itself is not a negative factor in mortality rates.
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.
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.
A Northwestern University analysis finds that racial disparities in the mortgage market have persisted over the last four decades, while housing discrimination has decreased. Black and Hispanic borrowers are more likely to be rejected when applying for a loan and receive high-cost mortgages.
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...
A new study by the University of Exeter found that people who live in areas with more natural exposure are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. Urban greening initiatives could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
A recent UCSF study reveals a significant spike in e-scooter-related injuries and hospital admissions, mainly among young adults. The number of scooter-related injuries increased by 222 percent between 2014 and 2018, with nearly 40,000 injuries reported.
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.
Patients and caregivers consistently identified insufficient publicly funded home care services as the biggest challenge to overcome after hospital release. The research highlights the need for improved home care supports, including timely intervention and discharge planning.
A study led by ISGlobal found that living near green spaces reduced the risk of excess weight and obesity in women. Genetic predisposition and gene-environment interactions also played a role in the association.
A new study developed a model to control traffic and intersections for autonomous vehicles, increasing road capacity by up to 138%. The researchers' approach utilizes smart infrastructure and real-time communication between cars to optimize traffic flow.
The US is experiencing several simultaneous opioid epidemics, including prescription drug, heroin, synthetic opioids, and a syndemic in counties where the crisis first erupted. These distinct challenges require varied policy responses.
The study highlights the severe impacts of urban growth on natural habitats, particularly in tropical coastal regions. Researchers suggest that scientists are not studying the issue adequately and propose future research focusing on lower-income countries, indirect impacts, and quantifying urban effects on biodiversity.
A new study has found that rural women in the US experience higher rates of life-threatening childbirth complications than their urban counterparts. The research, published in Health Affairs, analyzed 6.8 million births between 2007 and 2015 and found a 9% greater chance of dangerous childbirth situations in rural areas.
A new study found that mobile stroke units in Manhattan reduced treatment time by approximately 30 minutes compared to traditional ambulances. This faster treatment led to improved patient outcomes and potentially life-saving results.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that residents near irregularly shaped community parks have a lower mortality risk compared to those living near traditional square-shaped parks. The researchers, led by Huaquing Wang and Lou Tassinary, analyzed land cover data from Philadelphia and discovered that the compl...
The CHIRPY DRAGON program, developed to prevent obesity in urban primary school-aged children in China, showed significant beneficial effects on healthy eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Children who received the program had a lower body-mass index compared to those in control schools.
A study of 180 gunshot wound survivors found that they experienced negative outcomes in terms of employment, alcohol and substance use, and mental health compared to the general population. Nearly half of the survivors screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A new study found that certain urban areas have significantly higher rates of heroin use among high school students, with Latina and white girls in Duval County, Florida, showing the highest figures for non-medical prescription opioid misuse. The findings underscore the need for tailored services to address adolescent opioid abuse.
Researchers used ground-penetrating radar to resolve 96% of human tracks at White Sands National Monument, gaining insights into biomechanics and extinct fauna. The technique may unlock behavioral and biomechanical archives of Pleistocene animals.
Studies found that urban emergency department patients who face unemployment and food insufficiency are more likely to smoke. Socioeconomic stressors also affect the likelihood of smoking among men and women, with certain groups showing different patterns.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that living in less walkable neighborhoods is associated with a higher predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk, up to 33% higher than in the most walkable areas. Individuals in these neighborhoods also experience higher blood pressure and increased odds of prior diabetes diagnosis.
A new study by NYU researchers found that children living within a half-block of fast-food outlets were 20% obese and 38% overweight. The farther away from unhealthy food sources, the lower obesity rates, with significant reductions at just one or two blocks distance.
A new study from the University of Illinois introduces a tool that helps quantify the connection between traffic accidents and city road networks. Researchers found that commuters willing to take longer trips can reduce accidents by up to 18%.
Researchers found that poor urban consumers in Uganda and Kenya are willing to pay a premium for more nutritious flour, with up to 94% of respondents agreeing to pay more. The study highlights the potential for improving nutrition among the urban poor through targeted policy interventions.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies found that mosquitoes in lower-income neighborhoods have larger bodies, which can transmit diseases more efficiently. The researchers measured wing length and habitat features to understand how socioeconomic conditions influence mosquito-borne disease risk.
A Rutgers researcher found that people riding off-road vehicles on city streets suffer similar crash injuries as motorcyclists, with a lower mortality rate due to less frequent helmet use. The study compared 1,556 injured riders from 2005 to 2016 and found similar rates of traumatic brain injuries and levels of consciousness.
A new study suggests that urban and home gardens, combined with nutrition education, can improve a range of health behaviors in low-income households. Participants reported increased healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced stress after participating in the gardening program.
In a study of 489 US counties, rural areas had significantly longer drive times to opioid treatment programs, averaging 41-49 minutes. Reducing these times could increase access to methadone treatment in rural areas.
A new study published in Health and Place found that living close to the coast supports better mental health in England's poorest urban areas. The research analyzed data from nearly 26,000 respondents and revealed a link between coastal proximity and reduced symptoms of mental health disorders among low-income households.
A two-year study in Sydney's urban coastal environments reveals that some beaches have elevated levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria following rainfall. The research highlights the exchange between human wastewater streams and natural ecosystems, posing a risk to human exposure to antibiotic-resistance bacteria.
A new study from Northwestern University explains why big cities generate more crime: it's easier for criminals to find collaborators. The study found that certain types of crime, such as robbery and car theft, exponentially outpace the population.
The study found that high levels of social support were associated with reduced risk behaviors, and that mentoring was linked to a lower likelihood of gang involvement. These findings suggest understanding the associations between different types of violence and their related risk factors may help in prevention efforts.
Researchers found that high blood pressure accelerates cognitive decline, but treating high blood pressure slows it down. Participants ages 55 and older with high blood pressure showed a more rapid rate of cognitive decline compared to those being treated for high blood pressure.
A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.
A preliminary research study suggests that treating high blood pressure may slow down cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults. The study found that participants with high blood pressure showed a more rapid rate of cognitive decline compared to those being treated for high blood pressure.
According to the PURE study, cancer is now the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 26% of all deaths. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant cause of mortality, particularly in high-income countries where its burden has decreased.
A large international study found that more than 70% of cardiovascular disease and deaths globally may be attributed to a small number of modifiable risk factors. The 14 identified risk factors include hypertension, low education, poor diet, air pollution, and indoor air pollution, which have varying impacts on health across countries ...
Scientists have found that rising carbon dioxide concentration in the air enhances land carbon sink, a process known as carbon dioxide fertilization. For every 100-ppm increase in CO2, terrestrial carbon sink increases by 0.64 billion tons of carbon per year globally.
A five-year study aims to examine the impact of ecological restoration on health and wellness in low-income Detroit neighborhoods. Researchers will assess the health of 700 residents while restoring parks, measuring physical wellbeing and stress levels.
A $2 million NSF grant will support the study of nature-based strategies to prevent urban flooding and manage stormwater in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago. The project aims to develop engineering tools that integrate green infrastructure with existing built systems to improve water quality and ecological health.
A University of Kansas study found that dominant groups in the education system manipulate disability categories to exclude racial minorities and keep them out of most desirable special education programs. The researchers documented how upper-class white students were moved into what was once considered the least desirable category, an...