Articles tagged with Urbanization
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
The ancient town of al-Natah in northern Arabia provides insights into early urbanization, characterized by a central district, residential districts, and protective ramparts. The site represents a transitional stage between mobile pastoralism and complex urban settlements, with estimated 500 residents.
Researchers are combining large datasets to understand the impact of environmental factors on mental health and develop new ways to reduce the burden. A 4-step approach is being used to integrate complex data across many studies, resulting in a detailed perspective of individuals within their environment.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
Climate change could be disrupting symbiotic relationships between insects and plants, with urban areas showing less herbivory despite lacking protective ants. The study found that urban plants were not decimated without their normal protector ants, suggesting alternative defense mechanisms.
Research in San Diego reveals a decrease in bat species richness attributed to increasing artificial lights, urbanization, and unmanaged land use. Specifically, Townsend's big-eared bat is found to be particularly vulnerable to these threats.
A new vehicle allocation strategy for dockless bike-sharing systems at night can improve the balance of urban transportation and reduce traffic congestion. The approach uses a three-way classification method and behavioral decision theory to forecast demand and optimize resource allocation, reducing waste and enhancing system efficiency.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
Research found that 68% of wells in southwestern Europe have stable groundwater levels, while 20% show rising levels and 12% decline. Effective management approaches in semi-arid regions led to recovery of groundwater levels in areas such as La Mancha Oriental in Spain.
A recent study maps landscape connections to optimize elephant movement corridors and reduce genetic isolation, addressing a major conservation priority in southern Africa. The research provides insights into how elephants navigate their vast home ranges and identifies key routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.
Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.
A study of 156,000 UK residents found that urban living is linked to lower levels of well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. Urban residents exhibit greater psychological inequality, particularly in terms of income and financial satisfaction.
A recent study analyzes the impact of post-siege reconstruction and peacebuilding in urban environments, focusing on Marawi City, Philippines. The findings suggest that urban characteristics, such as people, places, and practices, play a crucial role in shaping the rebuilding process.
Researchers from Pusan National University conducted a participatory planning process with children to improve walking safety in a school zone. Children successfully identified and ranked solutions, which were later presented to the local government and implemented as a policy.
Using caffeine as an indicator, researchers found that domestic wastewater is the primary source of contamination in storm drains, making it easier to identify and address leaks. The study aims to develop diagnostic technology to track down pollution caused by these leaks and protect public water bodies.
Research found that weeds in cities have significantly more mildew than those in suburbs or countryside. Urban heat islands and human activity may contribute to the phenomenon. Potted plants placed in shaded areas had more mildew than full sun, but extreme summer heat is lethal to powdery mildew.
The report highlights the benefits of developing transit station areas with a focus on housing, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased walkability. Researchers recommend policy approaches to mitigate gentrification outcomes and bridge the gap between demand for walkable communities and supply.
Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps soil-bearing layer distribution, enabling city planners to assess site suitability and optimize building design. The model improves prediction accuracy by combining geotechnical data and geographic coordinates.
A new study reveals that urbanization in Africa affects food security through dietary shifts, particularly rice consumption, leading to increased methane emissions and biodiversity loss. The research highlights the need for policymakers to adopt holistic approaches to address future sustainability challenges.
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A new study finds that remote work has changed urban transportation patterns in the U.S., with significant variation across regions. The research reveals that remote work has reduced vehicle miles driven by about 1% per 1% decrease in onsite workers, but had a more substantial impact on mass-transit ridership.
A new study reveals a strong pattern of decline among moths of all sizes and life stages from rural to urban areas in Florida. Larger macromoths fared worse than smaller ones, likely due to increased metabolic stress in high temperatures.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that childhood vitamin D deficiency was widespread in industrialized England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Analysis of teeth from 25 individuals reveals a high incidence of VDD, with males affected more frequently than females, possibly related to social dynamics.
A European study links agricultural activities with West Nile virus emergence and spread, as well as urbanization and migratory bird patterns. The study highlights the need for enhanced surveillance in Central Europe.
A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.
A new study proposes a framework for scaling up urban agriculture to leverage transformative food systems change, advance social-ecological resilience, and improve sustainability. The research highlights the potential benefits of urban agriculture, including decentralizing food supplies and mitigating environmental footprints.
Researchers found that 195 of 328 bee species collected in Wake County between 1900-2018 were not seen since 1969, likely due to underground nesting habits. Urbanization, climate change, and limited detection methods may be contributing factors.
The study reveals that oil-built villas in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that while these structures are often energy-intensive, Oman stands out as an exception due to its adherence to Islamic building regulations.
Researchers investigated how urbanization affects interactions between plants and pollinators in a tropical city. They found that seasonal changes play a crucial role in shaping these interactions, leading to significant changes in plant-pollinator networks.
A new study reveals that the protective effect of income has largely eroded in affluent neighborhoods over the past 40 years. This means that even if residents have more wealth, they won't be able to enjoy cooler temperatures as climate change worsens.
A new framework for urban climate action planning has been developed to aid local governments in developing and assessing their climate action plans. The framework includes 43 globally recognized criteria across three stages of climate planning, with over half of existing urban plans having a medium level of suitability.
Researchers found that bisphenol A (BPA) inactivates microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a key trigger for allergic asthma. This disruption increases susceptibility to asthma in mice, highlighting a potential link between BPA exposure and immune disorders.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
Researchers developed an AI-powered method to measure urban decay using street view images, identifying object classes like potholes and graffiti. The model showed promise in detecting urban decline in cities like San Francisco and Mexico City, with potential applications for informing urban policy and planning.
A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.
The US experienced its highest death rates in over a century, fueled by drug overdose mortality. From 1999 to 2020, drug overdose deaths more than quadrupled, with white and Native Americans experiencing the greatest increase.
A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.
City-living male song sparrows exhibit increased parental care and reduced nest predation rates, contradicting the notion that urbanization leads to decreased parental investment. Urban males also begin feeding nestlings earlier in the day, indicating a more attentive parenting style.
Researchers found that increasing plant diversity in urban areas leads to a large increase in insect biodiversity and interactions. The study confirmed the ecological benefits of urban greening projects by transforming a small greenspace into a habitat for indigenous insect species.
A new study reveals massive urban expansions throughout the contiguous US, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, have led to significant tidal flat erosion. The research highlights the critical impact of human activities on tidal flat environments, providing important implications for coastal land use and planning.
Researchers argue that 'The Line' should not be a showcase for future cities due to its unfeasible urban design, including extremely high population density and limited mobility. The city's planned 60-minute average commute times highlight the importance of efficient transportation systems in urban planning.
A global analysis of pollinator decline in cities reveals that butterflies are most affected, with shrinking habitats and food availability causing populations to drop. Meanwhile, certain groups of wild bees, such as those nesting above ground, remain less impacted by urbanization.
A study published in Health & Place found that walkable neighborhoods foster social interactions with neighbors, promoting a sense of community. Researchers analyzed data from 1,745 adults living in Seattle, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., revealing that these environments encourage active behaviors like walking and socializing.
A study of 278 urban climate action plans (CAPs) since 2015 found that most focus on transportation, energy, and buildings, with a growing emphasis on mitigation and adaptation. The plans often lack co-benefits analysis and transparency, hindering effective implementation.
A new study deployed unmanned ground vehicle systems to monitor and eradicate Aedes mosquitos in Taiwanese sewers. The system detected 20.7% of inspected sewers with mosquito traces, leading to a significant reduction in adult mosquito density after intervention.
The study provides a detailed map of Urban Heat Islands in Turin, Italy, identifying the population's risk and vulnerable areas. The researchers used an interdisciplinary approach to assess the heat-health nexus, considering factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, health conditions, and environmental context.
Researchers at York University found more pathogens and parasites in urban bee populations, leading to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity. Conservation efforts focused on green spaces and habitat connectors can help mitigate these effects.
Researchers found that corals within the Port of Miami's highly urbanized environment exhibit remarkable persistence despite poor water quality, excess nutrients, high temperatures, and low pH levels. The study demonstrates surprising resilience that can teach us about the future of coral reef ecosystems.
Since 1700, habitats suitable for Asian elephants have decreased by over 64%, resulting in a loss of 3.3 million square kilometers of land. The study suggests that historical land-use patterns and agricultural intensification in South Asia have contributed to this decline.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that social and educational indicators have a stronger impact on population decline rates than economic indicators. Increasing investment in education for children can help lower population decline rates, suggesting a potential solution to Japan's shrinking city problem.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Researchers found fish and bottlenose dolphins react differently to life in noisy shipping corridor of Charleston Harbor Estuary. Fish calls and choruses decreased with increasing anthropogenic noise, while dolphins ramped up their vocalizations. This study highlights the impact of human activities on marine wildlife.
Researchers found that black and turkey vultures ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover and higher densities of commercial food providers. They may eat plastic thinking it's nutritious bone fragments or intentionally to collect bulk for vomiting up indigestible parts of carrion.
A study found that urbanization favors winged insects over web-builders, with flies and spiders increasing in urban areas while web-building spiders decrease. This suggests an advantage of winged arthropods in cities due to their ability to move between isolated green spaces.