How much does your environment influence your health? More than you might think. In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I sit down with Dr. Rumi Chunara, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Health Data Science at NYU, to explore the fascinating intersection of AI, urban design, and public health.
Dr. Chunara’s research leverages Google Street View data, machine learning, and public health insights to reveal how the places we live, walk, and interact with shape our well-being. From uncovering hidden biases in AI-driven urban mapping to rethinking how we define physical activity, this conversation challenges the individual blame game and highlights the structural factors influencing health outcomes.
Tune in as we discuss:
✅ How AI and big data are reshaping public health
✅ Why sidewalks (or the lack of them) matter more than you think
✅ The surprising relationship between environment and diseases like diabetes and obesity
✅ How cities can be redesigned to promote healthier living
Could your city be making you healthier—or sicker? Find out in this deep dive into the power of data-driven urban health insights.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
📖 Want to dive deeper? Read my article on this research in Harvard Public Health Magazine: Cities, Health, and the Big Data Revolution
