ScienceDaily: Urbanization News

Small dam construction to reduce greenhouse emissions is causing ecosystem disruption

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:51:51 EDT

Researchers conclude in a new report that a global push for small hydropower projects, supported by various nations and also the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, may cause unanticipated and potentially significant losses of habitat and biodiversity.

Making electric vehicles smaller and more comfortable

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:24:24 EDT

The vehicle looks like an electric scooter and zooms by almost without a sound. Its driver masters tight corners first and then safely brakes to a halt. He doesn't need to put his feet on the ground because the two rear wheels provide plenty of stability. Called the Electromobile City Scooter, the new three-wheeled electric vehicle is designed to open up new possibilities for the urban transportation of tomorrow.

Saving energy in subway stations

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:24:24 EDT

As well as being the backbone of urban public transport systems, subways are also major consumers of energy. For example, the entire underground train network in Barcelona consumes around 63.1 million kWh a year. A third of the total energy is used to operate subsystems in the subway stations, such as air conditioning, escalators, elevators, and lighting. If it were possible to reduce energy consumption by just a few percent, this would save an impressive quantity of electricity.

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:03:03 EDT

Many elementary students' math performance improves when their teachers collaborate, work in professional learning communities or do both, yet most students don't spend all of their elementary school years in these settings, a new study shows. The researchers used a sub-sample of 4,490 students, who attended public elementary schools between 1998 and 2003, from the US Department of Education's nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study.

U.S. Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:37:37 EDT

The Clean Air Act of 1970 caused a rebound in rainfall for a US city. Scientists analyzed summer rainfall data from nine weather stations in the Atlanta metropolitan area from 1948 to 2009. They discovered that precipitation increased markedly in the late 1970s as pollution decreased following passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970.

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:02:02 EDT

Why innovation thrives in cities

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:39:39 EDT

Double a city's population and its economic productivity goes up 130 percent. Researchers think they know why.

Parent input ignored in school closings in U.S.

Thu, 30 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Officials who close neighborhood schools in poor, urban areas often ignore parents' input, which only reinforces the 'institutionalized racism that plagues U.S. schools,' a scholar argues.

Big feet preference in rural Indonesia defies one-size-fits-all theory of attractiveness

Thu, 30 May 2013 09:44:44 EDT

People in most cultures view women with small feet as attractive and a sign of a potential mate's youth and fertility. But a new research study shows that the Karo Batak living in rural villages in Indonesia deem women with big feet as more appealing, suggesting that culture – not just genetics – plays a role in deciding what makes a mate attractive.

Serengeti road divides biologists: Will a road across the northern tier of Serengeti National Park ruin it?

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:29 EDT

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania may be the most iconic national park in the world. Here, lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and giraffes wander free. Rivers of wildebeests, zebra and Thompson's gazelles -- more than 2 million all told -- cross the landscape in one of the largest animal migrations on the planet. While the park is ideally located for wandering wildebeests, its location is less than ideal for the region's residents. They see the undeveloped park as a formidable barrier to trade and travel. To address this, the Tanzania government now plans to build a gravel road across 50 km of the northern part of the park to link the country's coast to Lake Victoria and countries to the west, including Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Why the Super Bowl's location matters: Local ties still bind corporations

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

If you're a small charity looking for some corporate largesse, pegging your ask to a big morale-boosting event planned for your community may help seal the deal, suggests a new study on corporate giving.

Changing Arctic: What should be done?

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:57 EDT

In two critical reports released at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Kiruna, Sweden on May 15th, scientists helped inform an international body of senior government officials about changing conditions in the Arctic, and potential responses to those changes.

As Canada takes Arctic Council helm, experts stress north's vulnerability to spills, emergencies

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

It is crucial that northern nations strengthen response capabilities to shipping-related accidents foreseen in newly-opened northern waters, as well as to more-common local emergencies such as floods, forest fires and rescue situations, experts say.

Kestrels, other urban birds are stressed by human activity

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:20:20 EDT

American kestrels, small colorful falcons often seen perched along roadways, are abundant in urban and agricultural areas. Shorter grass makes insects, snakes, mice and other prey more visible, and signposts, fences and telephone poles provide excellent perches. However a new study shows that even species considered “tolerant” of human activity may be adversely impacted by human disturbance; Kestrels nesting in close proximity to roads and developed areas had elevated stress hormones and high rates of nest abandonment. The apparently favorable location, then, becomes an ecological trap.

PCBs are everywhere: Problem exists in industrial city and rural community

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:22:22 EDT

Despite the expectation of a large environmental exposure difference, researchers report that mothers and children in East Chicago, Ind., and residents in a rural area in Iowa have the same PCB levels in their blood as residents in urbanized East Chicago.

U.S. urban trees store carbon, provide billions in economic value, finds state-by-state analysis

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:58 EDT

America's urban forests store an estimated 708 million tons of carbon, an environmental service with an estimated value of $50 billion, according to a recent study.

Local laws key to reducing dangers of lead poisoning

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

A new study catalogs community-based efforts to develop strategies and policies that -- by targeting high risk housing -- may hold the key to reducing lead hazards in children's homes.

Facebook interests could help predict, track and map obesity

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

The higher the percentage of people in a city, town or neighborhood with Facebook interests suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle, the lower that area's obesity rate. At the same time, areas with a large percentage of Facebook users with television-related interests tend to have higher rates of obesity. Such are the conclusions of a study comparing geotagged Facebook user data with data from national and New York City-focused health surveys.

Green spaces may boost wellbeing for city dwellers

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:13:13 EDT

New research has found that people living in urban areas with more green space tend to report greater wellbeing than city dwellers that don't have parks, gardens, or other green space nearby.

Escalating cost of forest conservation

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:51:51 EDT

In the face of unprecedented deforestation and biodiversity loss, policy makers are increasingly using financial incentives to encourage conservation.

Strong urban cores promote socializing in the city

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:44:44 EDT

Opportunities for social interaction -- which are important for individual, economic and social well-being -- are hampered in decentralized cities, even more than by fragmented urban layouts and long commute times, say researchers.

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions from land use in Europe

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:27:27 EDT

New research estimates future land use emissions for the European Union, showing that Europe could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use by more than 60 percent by 2050.

Urban vegetation deters crime in Philadelphia

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:05:05 EDT

A new study of Philadelphia found that abundant vegetation, when well-maintained, can deter certain types of crime -- particularly assault and robbery. The study is the first to look at the issue across an entire urban area and offers strong evidence for urban greening as part of city planning and crime prevention strategies.

Homeowner groups can support native species in suburbia

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:02:02 EDT

Although it's known that home construction in suburban areas can have negative impacts on native plant and animals, a recent study suggests that well-managed development such as provided by homeowners associations can support native wildlife and promote species diversity.

Properly planned roads could help rather than harm the environment, say experts

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:27:27 EDT

Two leading ecologists say a rapid proliferation of roads across the planet is causing irreparable damage to nature, but properly planned roads could actually help the environment.

Tourist-fed stingrays change their ways

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:29:29 EDT

Study of world-famous Stingray City finds human interaction drastically alters stingray behavior.

Walk it out: Urban design plays key role in creating healthy cities

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:44:44 EST

Residents of new housing developments increased their exercise and their wellbeing when they had more access to shops and parks, a new study from Australia reveals.

Heart attack rates rise with plunging GDP in Greece's financial crisis

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:44:44 EST

Heart attack rates have spiked in Greece since the start of the country's financial crisis, especially among women and residents older than 45, according to a new study.

Living through a tornado does not shake optimism

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:30:30 EST

Even in the face of a disaster, we remain optimistic about our chances of injury compared to others, according to a new study. Residents of a town struck by a tornado thought their risk of injury from a future tornado was lower than that of peers, both a month and a year after the destructive twister. Such optimism could undermine efforts toward emergency preparedness.

Study surveys impact of Leap Day Harrisburg, Illinois tornado

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:57:57 EST

On Leap Day last year, the largest natural disaster in Illinois in 2012 devastated a small town in Southern Illinois. Since the Feb. 29 EF-4 level tornado that tore through Harrisburg one year ago—hitting the ground with a force of 175-180 miles per hour and leaving eight people dead, injuring many others and destroying more than 250 homes.

River regulation influences land-living animals

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:02:02 EST

Forest-living insects and spiders become less abundant and birds are adversely affected along regulated rivers. Three different studies by ecologists show that river regulation has a negative effect also on land-living animals.

A new look at urbanization's environmental impact

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:56:56 EST

A research team from Sweden has developed a technique for quick, simple and cost-effective mapping of worldwide urban growth and its environmental impact.

Separated bike lanes, slower vehicle speeds greatly reduce bicycle injuries

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:17:17 EST

Using your bicycle to commute to work has numerous health and environmental benefits. Yet, the largest Canadian study on cycling injuries suggests cyclists are at risk of injury due to the lack of cycling infrastructure in large urban centers.

It's off to work we go

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:15:15 EST

Researchers have discovered that decisions about where to live and how to get from home to work happen simultaneously. What's more, your commuting choices depend not only on cost and travel time, but also on who you are and where you live.

Extreme weather and Resilience of coastal communities in United States

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

Hurricane Sandy was a fearsome reminder that coastal communities are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and environmental variability, and that vulnerability is only expected to increase with climate change.

Quake test: Can NYC's row houses handle an earthquake?

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:45:45 EST

Researchers will conduct a rare -- if not unprecedented -- large-scale earthquake simulation to determine how vulnerable New York's unreinforced masonry buildings (row houses) are to temblors.

Skateboarders can be good for the environment

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:59:59 EST

A recent study suggests that skateboarders in Chicago perform in and transform urban spaces by exploring different terrains and developing unforeseen uses. Waxing ledges is a widespread practice among skateboarders that smoothens ledges allowing for speed and exhilaration, communicating to other skateboarders that ‘here is a cool space'.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

Prescription overdose rate reaches epidemic levels in NYC

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 08:51:51 EST

The rate of drug overdose from prescription opioids increased seven-fold in New York City over a 16-year period and was concentrated especially among white residents of the city, according to latest research. The study is one of the earliest and most comprehensive analyses of how the opioid epidemic has affected an urban area.

U.S. water supply not as threatened as believed, study finds

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:40:40 EST

A research study adds a new twist to previous studies of the nation's water supplies. The study finds that when infrastructure is included in the mix (reservoirs, dams, etc.), water vulnerability is less of a threat than previously believed.

Children's play spaces becoming increasingly artificial

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:14:14 EST

What makes a good children's play space? Researchers discovers a world of difference between the 'play memories' of older residents of the East End of London -- who recall wandering freely, playing in the spaces between homes, shops and parks -- and the experiences of today's children, forced into rigid, over-designed and artificial play spaces.

First Global Assessment of Land and Water ‘Grabbing’

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:28:28 EST

A new study provides the first global quantitative assessment of land and water “grabbing” for food production by wealthier nations in generally poorer countries.

Global approach to monitoring biodiversity loss?

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:25:25 EST

In contrast to climate change, there is no coordinated global system in place for measuring and reporting on biodiversity change or loss. An international team of biologists is now addressing this gap.

U. S. Federal Safe Routes to School program reduces child injuries by more than 40 percent in New York City

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:27:27 EST

The national Safe Routes to School program was funded by Congress in 2005 to create safe environments for American children to walk or bike to school. A new study evaluated the program in New York City and found that the annual rate of injury to school-age pedestrians ages 5-19 fell 44 percent during the peak times for walking to school, in neighborhoods where the program was implemented.

Protective communities may reduce risk of drinking in teens

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:59:59 EST

Living in a caring community may help curb teenage alcohol use, while hanging out with antisocial peers can have the opposite effect, according to researchers studying substance abuse patterns.

Finding Chicago's food gardens with Google Earth

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:15:15 EST

Urban agriculture is promoted as a strategy for dealing with food insecurity, stimulating economic development, and combating diet-related health problems in cities. However, up to now, no one has known how much gardening is taking place in urban areas. Researchers have developed a methodology that they used to quantify the urban agriculture in Chicago.

Traffic congestion can be alleviated throughout a metropolitan area by altering trips in specific neighborhoods, model shows

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:37:37 EST

A new study shows that traffic congestion can be alleviated throughout a metropolitan area by altering the trips of drivers in specific neighborhoods.

Community togetherness plays vital role in coping with tragedies

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:34:34 EST

Community support has remarkable benefits for people coping with traumatic mass shootings, according to an American-Finnish research study.

World Trade Center rescue, recovery workers have had increased incidence of certain types of cancer

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:17:17 EST

Among rescue and recovery workers exposed to the dust, debris, and fumes following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, there was an increased incidence of prostate and thyroid cancers and multiple myeloma, although it is not clear how big a factor medical screening and non-WTC risk factors contributed to these increases

Crisis in Syria has Mesopotamian precedent, experts say

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:19:19 EST

New research has revealed intriguing parallels between modern day and Bronze-Age Syria as the Mesopotamian region underwent urban decline, government collapse, and drought.

Schizophrenia linked to social inequality

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:27:27 EST

Higher rates of schizophrenia in urban areas can be attributed to increased deprivation, increased population density and an increase in inequality within a neighborhood, new research reveals.

Higher levels of college-degree attainment boosts employment for all, even the least educated

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:50:50 EST

When it comes to four-year college degree attainment, a rising tide lifts all boats. Higher levels of college-degree attainment in an area boost the employment rate for all in that area. In fact, the least educated receive the biggest boost in terms of spillover effect.

As Amazon urbanizes, rural fires burn unchecked

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:08:08 EST

Many Amazonians are moving out of the countryside, in search of economic opportunities in newly booming Amazonian cities. The resulting depopulation of rural areas, along with spreading road networks and increased drought, are causing more and bigger fires to ravage vast stretches, say researchers in a new study.

Emigration of children to urban areas can protect parents against depression

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:35:35 EST

Parents whose children move far away from home are less likely to become depressed than parents with children living nearby, according to a new study of rural districts in Thailand. The study suggests that children who migrate to urban areas are more likely to financially support their parents, which may be a factor for lower levels of depression.

'Come out of the forest' to save the trees

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:38:38 EST

Global forestry experts call for broadened approach to tackle climate change and deforestation on sidelines of UN climate talks.

Residents believe vacant land threatens community, physical and mental health

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:15:15 EST

As public health researchers continue efforts to understand the effects of neighborhood conditions on health, residents themselves can provide valuable insights regarding public health issues and potential solutions. A new study uses in-depth interviews with local residents to examine perspectives on how vacant land affects community, physical, and mental health. The study highlights the importance of community engagement in promoting urban revitalization.

Homicide spreads like infectious disease

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:35:35 EST

Homicide moves through a city in a process similar to infectious disease, according to a new study that may give police a new tool in tracking and ultimately preventing murders.

Human disturbances keep elk on high alert

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:30:30 EST

Researchers have discovered that elk are more frequently and more easily disturbed by human behavior such as ATV drivers than by their natural predators like bears and wolves.

Does human transformation of land threaten future sustainability?

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:42:42 EST

Social and physical scientists have long been concerned about the effects of humans on Earth's surface -- in part through deforestation, encroachment of urban areas onto traditionally agricultural lands, and erosion of soils -- and the implications these changes have on Earth's ability to provide for an ever-growing population. A new article presents examples of land transformation by humans and documents some of the effects of these changes.

Blame, responsibility and demand for change following floods

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:13 EST

New research shows that concerns about governmental failure to act effectively and fairly in the aftermath of extreme weather events can affect the degree to which residents are willing to protect themselves.