Heat from traffic is contributing to rise in city temperatures, new study finds
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-Apr-2026 13:16 ET (8-Apr-2026 17:16 GMT/UTC)
Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a new way to measure how traffic contributes to rising urban temperatures, revealing that everyday vehicle use can play a measurable role in making cities warmer.
Psychological stress during pregnancy is known to affect birth outcomes, but isolating its effects has been difficult. Researchers found that babies born in Japan immediately after the Fukushima nuclear accident were more likely to be born preterm or with low birth weights. Radiation exposure-related maternal anxieties significantly contributed to the differences in birth outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of clear communication and psychological support for pregnant women during crises to help prevent intergenerational harm.