Los Angeles has some of the strictest tree planting rules in the nation. These policies limit tree growth, worsen shade disparities and don’t improve safety, researchers found. When USC Dornsife researchers modeled looser planting restrictions in a lower-income neighborhood, potential tree space increased by nearly 26%. But narrow sidewalks and dense infrastructure still limited where larger, shade trees could thrive. Many of L.A.’s strict tree-spacing rules are internal guidelines — not laws — meaning they could be updated more easily to allow for more trees. Closing L.A.’s shade gap, however, will require more than policy tweaks; infrastructure investments are also needed.

Two recent studies by researchers from Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine explore the effect of the pandemic on colorectal cancer screening tests and diagnostic colonoscopies in Central Indiana. The findings of temporary disruption to the former and minimal impact on the latter are similar to findings across the U.S., contributing to the compendium of knowledge on preventive health uptake and subsequent treatment in various populations during the pandemic.

From resilience in aging to the impact of caregiver distress, & geriatric syndromes in hospitals, #geriatrics research is shaping the future of aging care. Don’t miss this year’s Plenary Paper session at #AGS25. https://ow.ly/N8t050VoRLo