http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/urbanization/ Population studies and urbanization. Read scientific research on the effects of urbanization and related research. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/urbanization/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm Biodiversity is declining rapidly throughout the world. The challenges of conserving the world's species are perhaps even larger than mitigating the negative effects of global climate change, experts say. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132416.htm A new study of aid to Haiti finds that 36 percent of households in the directly affected area -- and 54 percent of those living in camps -- still have not recovered to their pre-earthquake levels almost two years after the disaster. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134809.htm It's official: Older adults are naturally inclined to drive in the middle of the road, leaving the younger generation to cut corners. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm Scientists have written an expanded review of six new air quality regulations by the EPA. These include the first national standards in the U.S. for reducing dangerous emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. Though the cost of implementing is about $195 billion over the next two decades, the economic, environmental and health benefits amount to well over $1 trillion, considerably outweighing the control costs. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm A new United Nation's report documents the current status of the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174444.htm While Road Rippers Lightning Rods, Let's Rock Elmo and the I Am T-Pain musical microphone might be sought-after gifts this holiday season, parents should ensure that their children don't risk permanent hearing damage by misusing them. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212092641.htm The World Trade Center disaster exposed nearly half a million people to hazardous chemicals, environmental toxins, and traumatic events. According to recent research, this has resulted in increased risk of developing physical and mental health conditions after 9/11. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212092641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm An innovative project is using solar generators to provide IT resources and 'hands-on' science for students in developing countries. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208145343.htm Satellite images of nighttime lights normally used to spot where people live can help keep tabs on the diseases festering among them, too. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208145343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm Cities are wasting the potential of smart technologies by failing to realize the value of their hidden infrastructure and digital assets. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165116.htm A new study of health insurance in nine Chinese provinces shows that individual coverage surged within a two-year time frame, from 2004-2006, coinciding with new government interventions designed to improve access to health care. The changes were most dramatic in rural areas. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115407.htm Researchers have created "shadow models" and a type of software that calculates the amount of solar radiation that reaches streets and buildings in high resolution. According to new results, they could help to optimize the energy consumption of cities. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm Global food demand could double by 2050, according to a new projection. Producing that amount of food could significantly increase levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the environment and cause the extinction of numerous species. But this can be avoided, the article shows, if the high-yielding technologies of rich nations are adapted to work in poor nations, and if all nations use nitrogen fertilizers more efficiently. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140627.htm People are willing to pay up to £29.91 per month, or around £360.00 per year, for greener urban spaces, new research shows. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140420.htm Greening of vacant urban land may affect the health and safety of nearby residents. In a decade-long comparison of vacant lots and improved vacant lots, greening was linked to significant reductions in gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and significant reductions in vandalism in one section of the city. Vacant lot greening was also associated with residents in certain sections of the city reporting significantly less stress and more exercise. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use and dependence, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use & Health. A new study found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm The number of species recognized as endangered is ever increasing and a new study reveals the unanimity among conservation scientists of expectations of a major loss of biological diversity. The survey also shows a growing acceptance of controversial strategies such as ‘triage’ -- a decision to prioritize resources and not to intervene to save some highly threatened species. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108115947.htm Carbon monoxide (CO) -- a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas -- is not only a danger to the environment but also highly toxic to human beings. Found in the exhaust of vehicles and generators, CO has been dubbed the "silent killer" because excessive inhalation is lethal, poisoning the nervous system and heart. Now, in a surprising twist, a researcher says that low levels of the poisonous gas carbon monoxide actually have a narcotic effect that helps city-dwellers cope with environmental stress in an urban setting. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108115947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151312.htm Over the past 50 years, 60 percent of all ecosystem services have declined as a direct result of the conversion of land to the production of foods, fuels and fibers. This should come as no surprise, say seven of the world's leading environmental scientists, who met to collectively study the pitfalls of utilizing markets to induce people to take account of the environmental costs of their behavior and solutions. We are getting what we pay for. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm Are easements the most efficient way to conserve land and biodiversity? What easement structures are the most effective? Scientists compared two large easement projects dominated by grazing land: the Malpai Borderlands Group, straddling the Arizona-New Mexico border, and the Nature Conservancy's Lassen Foothills, in northern California and found some interesting results. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084328.htm Plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50 percent more rainwater than flat roofs with gravel. This water is also of higher quality. These are the conclusions of a study conducted by researchers in Spain that suggests the incorporation of systems to collect rainwater in urban planning. The water collected can be used to water streets and gardens, wash floors or vehicles and fill cisterns. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125804.htm It costs 8 percent more on average than it did two years ago for Washington State residents to make ends meet, according to a new report. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102657.htm Persistent high poverty is most prevalent among children, with those living in rural America disproportionally impacted, according to new research. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013135157.htm A neighborhood's raw, edgy atmosphere is an essential feature in attracting designers, according to new research. The study focused on Mile End, a multicultural district just north of downtown Montreal, long envied for its staple bagel shops and often depicted as the epicenter of all things Jewish by the late Canadian novelist, Mordecai Richler. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013135157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154501.htm Location, location, location -- it is often touted as affecting the value of residential property. Now, new research suggests that location near nature trails could hold a financial benefit for homeowners and ultimately neighboring communities. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170723.htm Closures of hospital trauma centers are disproportionately affecting poor, uninsured and African-American populations, and nearly a fourth of Americans are now forced to travel farther than they once did. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144643.htm Antibiotic resistant E. coli was much more prevalent in villages situated along roads than in rural villages located away from roads, which suggests that roads play a major role in the spread or containment of antibiotic resistant bacteria, commonly called superbugs, a new study finds. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190114.htm Sustainable energy consumption, the use of renewable energies, energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions are the current challenges that cities and communities must overcome if they want to achieve the ambitious energy and climate targets if they want to achieve the set out by the EU in their EU 2020 strategy. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105913.htm An innovative program could help states deal with a dilemma in Washington, D.C. If deficit-reduction measures cut billions of dollars for training physicians who are already in short supply, who will care for the more than 30 million newly insured patients entering the health-care system? Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922152631.htm Between 2009 and 2010, one million more children in America joined the ranks of those living in poverty, bringing the total to an estimated 15.7 million poor children in 2010, an increase of 2.6 million since the recession began in 2007, according to researchers. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922152631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093604.htm When the World Trade Center's Twin Towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2011, one of the most critical challenges that first responders faced was cutting through concrete to get to victims trapped. A new tool has been developed to help rescue those trapped beneath concrete. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163955.htm In the next 20 years, more than 590,000 square miles of land globally -- more than twice the size of Texas -- will be gobbled up by cities, a trend that shows no signs of stopping and one that could pose threats on several levels, a new study suggests. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913092424.htm California beach towns could face hefty economic losses caused by sea level rise in the next century, according to a new state-commissioned study conducted by economists. The study forecasts the economic impact of sea level rise on five communities: Ocean Beach in San Francisco; Venice Beach and Malibu in Los Angeles; Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County; and Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego County. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913092424.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075700.htm Molecules in their breath, sweat and skin have been used to detect humans in a simulation of a collapsed building, raising the prospect of portable sensors for use in real-life situations, such as the devastating aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and more recent disasters in New Zealand and Japan. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm When the government of Tanzania established Saadani National Park in 2005, it enhanced protection of the coastal mangrove ecosystem from further degradation. A new study found that the new park caused a short-term negative effect on the livelihood of those who harvest mangrove trees for fuelwood but a long-term benefit to their local communities from increased fishing opportunities. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144032.htm Researchers have created a new Urban Network Analysis (UNA) toolbox that enables urban designers and planners to describe the spatial patterns of cities using mathematical network analysis methods. Such tools can support better informed and more resilient urban design and planning in a context of rapid urbanization. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154743.htm If so many poor people live around national parks in developing countries, does that mean that these parks are contributing to their poverty? Yes, according to the conventional wisdom, but no, according to a 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm According to new research, a radical transformation in the way farming and natural systems interact could simultaneously boost food production and protect the environment. The authors warn, however, that the world must act quickly if the goal is to save Earth's main breadbasket areas -- where resources are so depleted the situation threatens to decimate global supplies of fresh water and cripple agricultural systems worldwide. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092257.htm The density of businesses that sell alcohol in a community has been tied to local levels of violence, but new research has found that the influence depends on the nature of the community. More stable communities can see little to no influence but more disorganized communities are not so fortunate. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110820135256.htm Elementary, middle, and high schools with large minority populations -- but not necessarily higher crime rates -- are far more likely than others to require students and visitors to pass through metal detectors, according to new research. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110820135256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819155428.htm The explosive growth of cities worldwide over the next two decades poses significant risks to people and the global environment, according to a new meta-analysis. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819155428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190657.htm Worries that first responders will shirk duties in a disaster are overblown, but they do need assistance with family matters, a new study shows. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817135402.htm As suburban school districts have gained advantages over their urban counterparts, they have tenaciously clung to them, often at the expense of urban districts, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817135402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815143925.htm The south and southwest sides of Chicago suffer the most in terms of residents' health and access to basic health resources, according to a new study of 77 Chicago neighborhoods. The study was released on the eve of the city's new agenda to improve residents' health. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815143925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810093754.htm Is your hairdresser seething with hidden resentment? Do you subconsciously want to dominate the people who serve you? According to a new study, customers and hospitality workers engage in a game of status that plays out in their everyday encounters. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810093754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808083710.htm Including seeds of local crop varieties in relief-seed packages distributed to smallscale farmers after natural calamities could help indigenous crop diversity rebound faster. Additionally, existing social networks act as vital seed distribution channels that hasten diversity recovery in disaster-affected communities. These are among the findings of a recent study that looked into the loss and subsequent recovery of cowpea diversity in Mozambique when massive flooding, followed by severe drought, hit most of the country about 11 years ago. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808083710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804105907.htm Thinking small and local, not big and global, may help communities ignite long-term economic growth, according to economists. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804105907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801164718.htm A recent study shows that smoke-free laws have no impact on the economy in rural or urban communities. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801164718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727204412.htm The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money as well as lives, reveals a two-year financial analysis. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727204412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727083208.htm American families are increasingly relying on public health insurance plans to provide coverage for their children, a growing trend that researchers say is tied to job losses, coverage changes to private health insurance plans, and expanded access to public plans, according to new research. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727083208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162824.htm Among nursing home residents at high risk for pressure ulcers, black residents had higher prevalence rates than white residents from 2003 through 2008, with the disparity largely related to the higher rates among nursing homes that disproportionately serve black residents, according to a new study. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712152208.htm New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are still America's largest metropolitan areas, but none of the nation's 366 metropolitan areas added more people during the past decade than Houston. Based on a new extensive analysis of the 2000 and 2010 censuses, researchers say the Greater Houston metropolitan area grew by a whopping 1.2 million people and increased by more than 123,000 per year over the decade. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712152208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104930.htm Which U.S. metro region is most likely to come out of the next recession, natural disaster or other regional "shock" relatively unscathed? Rochester, Minn. A little more battered might be College Station-Bryan, Texas. These two regions are ranked first and last, respectively, by a new online tool measuring more than 360 U.S. metros for their "regional resilience," or capacity to weather acute and chronic stresses. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104801.htm Rural workers have less access to sick leave, forcing them to choose between caring for themselves or family members, and losing pay or perhaps even their jobs when faced with an illness, according to new research. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707111033.htm Nursing homes in the United States are shrinking and their residents are becoming proportionately more black, more Hispanic, more Asian, and less white, according to a new study. The nationwide trend, reflected in metropolitan areas from New York to Los Angeles, results from changing demographics and disparities in what people can afford. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707111033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112630.htm As homes and cities expand closer to forests and wildlands across the American West, increasing wildfire threats have created an unlikely new phenomena -- confidence in government. Recent studies show that people in neighborhoods adjacent to public forest lands can and do trust natural resource managers to a surprising degree, in part because the risks they face are so severe. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630073331.htm Researchers have developed a toolkit for measuring tranquillity that could enable neglected or overlooked urban parks to flourish and become a haven for stressed city workers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630073331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121314.htm Because strong evidence indicates that policies beyond the health sector have substantial effects on people's health, all levels of US government should adopt a structured approach to considering the health effects of any major legislation or regulation, says a new report. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614122204.htm Since 2004, the Spanish Government has implemented several measures to reduce traffic injuries in Spain. Now a new study led by researchers from Catalonia reveals that toughening up legislation by criminalizing risky behavior helps to reduce the number of collisions on Spanish roads. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614122204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609083222.htm In the aftermath of the London bombings mobile phones and radios stopped working making the already tricky rescue operation even more difficult. Now experts have developed a solution to ensure breakdowns in communication are a thing of the past for emergency workers responding to disasters. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609083222.htm