Articles tagged with Urban Studies
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 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.
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.
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...
Scientists at Institute of Atmospheric Physics use a new method to track pollution from cooking by applying a black carbon tracer. COA contributes 15-27% to total organic aerosol in summer and even more than 10% during heating periods, with significant enhancements of coal combustion emissions.
A Boston University study finds that laws restricting who can have a gun are most effective in reducing firearm homicides, with different laws more effective in urban and suburban/rural areas. Universal background checks and stringent concealed carry laws show promise in reducing urban and suburban/rural rates.
A new Rutgers University study found a significant link between the concentration of federally licensed firearms dealers in urban counties and intimate partner homicide in the home, regardless of victim age or gender. The researchers suggest that easy access to legal guns in urban areas can increase the risk of intimate partner violence.
Researchers at Indiana University created the first global map of labor flow in collaboration with LinkedIn, revealing skills and industries in high demand across the U.S. and globally. The study also identified growing industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, while others like retail and telecommunications are declining.
A Rutgers-led study shows that permeable concrete pavement can reduce pavement temperature by up to 30% and reflect more heat than asphalt pavement. The design improves with high thermal conductivity, further reducing heat output.
A review of 33 years' worth of medical studies reveals key areas for new research to explore. The study found that only a few hundred studies have been published on the topic, many with methodological flaws. Experts recommend more research on larger samples, school- and family-level risk factors, and protective factors.
A new Yale University study reveals that banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 significantly reduces smoking rates among 18- to 20-year-olds. The study found a 10% drop in smoking among these age group when local tobacco-21 laws are implemented, with effects expected to be even greater at the state level.
A first-of-its-kind study found that neighborhood economics, education, and perceptions of social disorder are linked to poor mental health in urban black men. Neighborhood deprivation and disconnectedness are also associated with poor physical health outcomes.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that homeless individuals in the UK often experience casual neglect, discrimination, and inadequate resources when accessing NHS services. Specialist healthcare centers for homeless people show high satisfaction rates but are underfunded.
A new study by the Crowther Lab suggests that global forest restoration could capture two-thirds of human-made carbon emissions. The study found that there is potential to increase the world's forest land by a third without affecting cities or agriculture, with forests capable of storing 205 billion tonnes of carbon once mature.
Researchers found that at least one bystander intervenes in every public fight to help the victim, with increasing numbers leading to more interventions. The study, which analyzed CCTV footage from three cities, suggests that intervention is a human universal and can be encouraged through crime prevention efforts.
The Urban Studies Institute has been awarded a two-year grant to study the impact of mobility support options on the health behaviors and outcomes of low-income individuals with Type 2 diabetes in metro Atlanta. The research aims to address social barriers to health, reduce healthcare costs and advance health equity.
A new study by Purdue University researchers found that racial biases in physician-patient communication can impact pain treatment for cancer patients. The study, conducted over five years, used standardized patients to observe primary care physicians and oncologists in urban and rural settings.
LGBT-identifying females are at increased risk of substance use starting at age 13, with rates 400% higher than heterosexual peers. Early intervention efforts may help prevent substance use and reduce disparities.
A survey conducted by Drexel University found that 90% of residents and 63% of business owners/staff in Kensington support opening an overdose prevention site. The study also revealed statistically significant differences in opinions among different demographic groups, with those who use opioids and Asian, African American, and Hispani...
A study of over 600 urban black men hospitalized for serious injuries found that those with violent injuries had more severe mental health symptoms. Prior life experiences, including adverse childhood experiences and neighborhood disadvantage, were identified as key risk factors for post-injury depression and PTSD.