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 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:05:01 EST Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:05:01 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/2009/11/091122095409.htm If a nuclear weapon were detonated in a metropolitan area, how large would the affected area be? Where should first responders first go? Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122095409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065920.htm Human movement is a key factor of dengue virus inflow in Rio de Janeiro, according to results from researchers in Brazil. The results, based on data from a severe epidemic in 2007-2008, contribute to new understanding on the dynamics of dengue fever in the second largest city in Brazil. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083055.htm Because land use changes are responsible for 50 percent of warming in the US, policymakers need to address the influence of global deforestation and urbanization on climate change, in addition to greenhouse gas emissions, experts urge. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125058.htm Although declining streamflows and half-full reservoirs have gotten most of the attention in water conflicts around the United States, some of the worst battles of the next century may be over groundwater, experts say -- a critical resource often taken for granted until it begins to run out. But lessons learned as oil was running out may offer some solutions. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm A recent assessment finds some positive trends among indicators of biodiversity loss in China -- notably, growth in forest coverage and improvements in marine ecosystems. However, other indicators, such as the rate of discovery of invasive species, are worsening. Many animals are under growing threat. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204431.htm In a study assessing the impact of the first national campaign to scale up zinc treatment of diarrhea in Bangladesh, researchers found that awareness was high but usage lagged behind. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125144.htm Emergency response plans must include knowledge from the people who need to be protected if these plans are to help communities respond effectively to threats, argue researchers in a new editorial. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100502.htm Britain's children and young people are potential agents of change for the development of more sustainable communities in the UK, according to new research. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093338.htm A widely publicized set of restrictions on fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles are not addressing the main differences between neighborhood food environments and are unlikely to improve the diet of residents or reduce obesity, according to a new study. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm Injury is the leading cause of death for children over the age of one in industrialized countries and improving the safety of artificial environments will benefit children's health, according to a new paper. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930121514.htm Fear of dangerous strangers in inner-city neighborhoods is keeping kids and teens from using playgrounds and parks to be physically active. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930121514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924093553.htm More than any other populace on Earth, Americans are on the move. Because of factors such as employment, climate or retirement, 14 percent of the U.S. population bounces from place to place every year. Now, one researcher has made a vital study of how a population in perpetual motion impacts local tax bases and economies around the nation. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924093553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095701.htm Results from Australia's largest study of young drivers have shown that they are at significant risk of crash on rural roads. According to researchers from The George Institute, young drivers living in rural areas are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than those in urban areas. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm Every year European roads are built and repaired to the tune of several billion Euros. Intensive efforts are underway all over the world to get 'more road for your money' by developing better methods for both design and quality control of materials. One problem is that today there are no good methods for checking how robustly and safely the roads were built. Therefore they often don't last as long as they were supposed to and more money has to go to road construction. But now a young scientist has developed a method where sound waves can reveal what a road looks like underneath and thereby show whether it is being properly built. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm Worried that dust from a nearby construction zone will harm your family's health? A new sensor from researchers in Israel, called 'Dust Alert', can help families and authorities monitor the quality of the air they breathe and precisely determine the chemical composition of toxins. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181450.htm A new study has examined the relationship between suicide and number of alcohol outlets. Results show that suicides -- both completed and attempted -- occurred at greater rates in rural community areas with greater bar densities. Completed suicide rates were lower among blacks and Hispanics, and higher among low-income, older whites living in rural areas. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918181450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm Levels of chloride, a component of salt, are elevated in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern United States, according to a new government study. Chloride levels above the recommended federal criteria set to protect aquatic life were found in more than 40 percent of urban streams tested. The study was released today by the US Geological Survey. Elevated chloride can inhibit plant growth, impair reproduction, and reduce the diversity of organisms in streams. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909203148.htm Traffic noise raises blood pressure. Researchers have found that people exposed to high levels of noise from nearby roads are more likely to report suffering from hypertension. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909203148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142506.htm Transportation researchers in Germany analyzed traffic accident statistics and came to a surprising result: city dwellers have less severe traffic accidents than rural inhabitants. This invalidates one of the most important arguments in favor of a house in the countryside. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125120.htm By 2020, 1.4 million Nigerians over age 40 will lose their sight, and the vast majority of the causes are either preventable or treatable, according to a new assessment. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103632.htm Urban residents across the United States have dug in to create green spaces in their neighborhoods and the effects are positive -- increase in the number of owner-occupied dwellings, more personal income and rent increases in areas surrounding community gardens. But could the presence of green space contribute to lower crime levels in neighborhoods? Researchers investigated whether community gardens had an impact on reported property crimes in neighborhoods surrounding urban community gardens in Houston. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907162308.htm Rates of binge drinking were 37 percent lower among eighth-grade students in communities in seven states that used a prevention system designed to reduce drug use and delinquent behavior compared to teenagers in communities that did not use the system. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907162308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901111540.htm Zoning restrictions on fast-food restaurants near schools and playgrounds, community policing to improve safety around public recreational sites, requirements that publicly run after-school programs limit video game and TV time, and taxes on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks are some of the strategies local government officials can use to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in their communities, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901111540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104854.htm Increasing population and employment density in metropolitan areas could reduce vehicle travel, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions from less than 1 percent up to 11 percent by 2050. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133635.htm A lot of variables come into play when selecting a site for environmental conservation that yields benefits to people nearby such as wildlife needs, species and vegetation uniqueness, and costs to the government or community. When faced with a choice, researchers found that society and the environment can be better off if conservation agents choose sites that are closer to people because people are more willing to financially support something close to them. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828150735.htm New research shows that ecological restoration in areas of environmental degradation can help reverse global biodiversity losses, as well as promoting recovery of ecosystem services. However the research also showed that measures of biodiversity and ecosystem services are higher in pristine land, freshwater and marine systems than in restored systems. Examples of ecosystem services include improved water quality and increased carbon storage, services which benefit human well-being. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828150735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.htm A scientific trend to view the world's biggest cities as analogous to living, breathing organisms is fostering a deep new understanding of how poor air quality in megacities can harm residents, people living far downwind and also play a major role in global climate change. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191843.htm A study of 4,254 Canadian schoolchildren has shown a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape. The research shows a linear response for girls, who were happiest when thinnest, and a U-shaped response for boys, who were unhappy when they were too skinny or too fat. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826215020.htm Finding economical and practical solutions for conserving endangered carnivores is a continuous challenge for conservationists. In a new paper, a team of Brazilian researchers define global conservation priorities that encompass socioeconomic and life-history factors for endangered carnivores. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826215020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161131.htm Recent archaeological discoveries from far-flung corners of China are forcing scientists to reconsider the origins of ancient Chinese civilization -- and a new crop of young archaeologists are delving into the modern nation's roots. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161325.htm Live in an expensive city? Think you pay too much in federal taxes? If so, a study in the current issue of the Journal of Political Economy finds that you're exactly right. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142050.htm A new study shows the strongest evidence yet that noise pollution negatively influences bird populations, findings with implications for the fate of ecological communities situated amid growing urban clamor. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131451.htm An education professor has found that a market-based approach to increasing school choice actually leads to fewer educational opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged students in urban areas. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081849.htm The city of the future is currently being constructed on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. Masdar City shall be supplied exclusively with renewable energy and produce neither carbon dioxide nor waste. An underground transportation system, will leave its streets car-free. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073841.htm US cities are starting to plan ways of coping with climate change, says a new report. Flooding of subways and other infrastructure caused by extreme weather and sea level rise, shortages of food, water and energy, and health and economic risks are among concerns of city planners in 18 US cities surveyed, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, West Palm Beach, Portland and Las Vegas. Many are also implementing carbon reduction programs for municipal activities as a prelude to leading citizen CO2 reduction efforts. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112339.htm Recent public health studies on the US mass transit system have identified several sources of environmental hazards associated with mass transit, including excessive noise. Scientists have found that MTA subways had the highest average noise levels of all mass transit in New York City, with levels high enough to potentially increase the risk of noise induced hearing loss. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619121443.htm World hunger is projected to reach a historic high in 2009 with 1,020 million people going hungry every day, according to new estimates published by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619121443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608182433.htm Only 11 percent of wildfire mitigation efforts undertaken as a result of a long-term federal fuels-reduction program to cut down catastrophic wildfire risk to communities have been undertaken near people's homes or offices in the past five years, says a new study. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608182433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615093921.htm Programs that bring colleges and their surrounding neighborhoods together may help reduce off-campus drinking problems, a new study suggests. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615093921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528142817.htm Cutting down forests for agriculture vents carbon dioxide into the air just as industries and fossil fuel burning does. But policymakers debate whether to include terrestrial carbon in plans to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gases. A new study suggests that failing to include land use changes could lead to massive deforestation and higher costs for limiting carbon emissions. Also, improvements to agricultural technology could be as important as for energy in a carbon-limited future. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528142817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518111715.htm Opponents of bans on smoking in public places often cite impact of bans on employment in bars and restaurants. A new study finds no difference in impact on employment between total bans and partial bans that exempt bars and restaurants. Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518111715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508190414.htm Will poverty lead to major societal changes? A new theory of social change and human development offers insights into the future. Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508190414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094214.htm A new study has found that families in China face considerable economic hardship following stroke, and it is not uncommon for health care costs to push families below the poverty line. The large study shows over 70 percent of stroke survivors in China experience a catastrophic impact on their financial situation due to loss of income and cost of health care. Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430121940.htm A disease spread simulation has emphasized that flu interventions must be imposed quickly, if they are to be effective. Researchers have shown that staying at home, closing schools and isolating infected people within the home should reduce infection, but only if they are used in combination, activated without delay and maintained for a relatively long period. Fri, 01 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430121940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142450.htm Dwindling federal funding jeopardizes important animal and biomedical research, together with the institutional research programs that focus on them, a group of scientists warn. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075412.htm The future of Mediterranean forests seems unclear because of the major environmental and social changes now and in the future. However action can be taken to prevent further damage to the forests and to improve their image. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424073907.htm The EU promotes the production of biofuels and has set a target of 5.75% share of biofuels in the transport section for all EU Member States by 2010, and a target of 10% to be reached by 2020. Researchers have developed a new method of assessing biodiversity impacts resulting from changing land use due to the production of biofuel crops in Europe, distinguishing between arable (first generation) and woody (second-generation) crop types. The results indicate that more species might suffer from habitat losses rather than benefit from a doubled biofuel target, while abolishing the biofuel target would mainly have positive effects. Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424073907.htm