Scientists are studying whether the stresses of living in urban environments increases the risks of developing mental health disorders. Global urbanization is making the question an urgent one, writes Alison Abbott.
While anecdotal evidence of the mental health impacts of noisy neighbors, crowded streets, and higher crime rates associated with urban living may be evident, the impact of such stresses on the brain have not been rigorously tested. "Now," reports Abbott, "a few scientists are tackling the question head on, using
functional brain imaging and digital monitoring to see how people living
in cities and rural areas differ in the way that their brains process
stressful situations."
"'Yes, city-stress is a big, messy concept, but I
believed it should be possible to at least see if brains of
city-dwellers looked somehow different,' says Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg,
director of the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim,
Germany. "And if scientists can work out what aspects of the city are the
most stressful," says Abbott, "the findings might even help to improve the design of
urban areas."
"'Everyone wants the city to be beautiful but no-one knows
what that means,' says Meyer-Lindenberg. Wider streets? Taller
buildings? More trees? 'Architects theorize a lot, but this type of
project could deliver a scientific basis for a city code.'"
FULL STORY: Stress and the city: Urban decay

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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