Cities – envirobites

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing increased stress and anxiety. Although social distancing is in practice, most recommendations say it’s still okay to take a walk outside (just keep your distance from others!). In fact, spending time in nature can help reduce stress. Researchers examined how sights, smells, and sounds affect stress recovery in urban natural areas.

Cities Ecosystems Science through time

Witness trees tell how ecosystems of Silicon Valley have changed

March 24, 2020March 27, 2020 Andrew Trlica 0 Comments biomass, historical science, mediterranean climate, savanna

A new study scientifically tackles an important aspect of the story of our urban landscape: how do ecosystems change from the time prior to first permanent settlement to today, after growing into a densely developed modern city?

Cities Human Exposure and Public Health

The Role of the Built Environment in COVID-19 Transmission

March 18, 2020 Munim Deen 0 Comments built environment, disease, public health

We are in the midst of a true pandemic, with COVID-19 cases and deaths around the globe. Recent research, still in progress, sheds light in the various ways the built environment can contribute to COVID-19 transmission.

Cities Environmental Science

Masters of web design – city spiders build smaller, fuller webs

March 6, 2020 Brandi Pessman 0 Comments behavioral ecology, cities, spiders, urban ecology, urbanization

European garden spiders build smaller, fuller webs in cities where there are fewer, smaller insects to eat.

Cities Environmental Science

Urban Areas May be Unlikely Sanctuaries for Bee Populations

February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 Munim Deen 0 Comments agriculture, bees, insect, urban landscapes

Facing declining populations worldwide, bees may have found an unlikey refuge in urban gardens.

Cities

For greater urban tree cover, it’s time to respect our elders

January 31, 2020February 3, 2020 Andrew Trlica 0 Comments climate adaptation, policy, urban trees

Article: Hilbert, D.R., A.K. Koeser, L.A. Roman, K. Hamilton, S.M. Landry, R.J. Hauer, H. Campanella, D. McLean, M. Adreu and

Case Studies Cities Environmental Science

Begging birds: behavioral responses to human feeding in China

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Kevin Aviles Rodriguez 0 Comments behaviour ecology, cities, Conservation, Ecology

Bird feeding is a popular activity enjoyed around the globe. However, we don’t really understand how bird feeding can impact the behavior of birds. A new study from China took on this question by studying black-headed gulls. Read on to find out how food provisionings affected the behaviors of these birds

Cities Ecosystems Environmental Science Science through time

A lifetime of noise: what are the costs?

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019 Anita Masse 0 Comments animals, crickets, lifespan, noise pollution, population effects, reproduction, survival

The visible cringe. The reflex to cover your ears. A constant piercing noise can be a horrific experience for a person. Research has shown that noise pollution can negatively impact the health of humans, animals and possibly entire ecosystems. What are the consequences of a lifetime surrounded by noise? Two scientists aim to characterize the costs of chronic noise pollution on the survival, growth and reproductive success of animals over their entire lifetime.

Cities Ecosystems Environmental Science

Microhabitat temperature makes a mega impact on urban coastal biodiversity

November 14, 2019November 14, 2019 Sarah Shainker 0 Comments biodiversity, coastal development, thermal stress

Anywhere people live, we build things! Along the coast, our construction projects are especially important for protecting us from strong wind and waves, and for providing opportunities for recreation in and along the water. This development is important, but how is it impacting the animals and algae that make their homes on the coast?

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