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Electric vehicles outperform gasoline cars in lifetime environmental impact

A new study finds that electric vehicles outperform gasoline cars in lifetime environmental impact, with a reduction in cumulative CO2 emissions after two years of use. The transportation sector accounts for 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions and adopting electric vehicles can improve climate and air quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2025

Researchers are driving the charge of zero emissions

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in city conditions. The research also highlights the environmental benefits of regenerative braking, which reduces brake abrasion emissions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalTransportation Research·DateFeb 10, 2025

Has childhood exposure to lead in gasoline contributed to mental illness?

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2024

Lack of competition between petrol stations hits households most in poorest areas

Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Full electrification of Uber and Lyft vehicles would provide only modest benefits to society, study shows

A new study estimates that the overall benefits of switching ride-hailing vehicles from gasoline to electric would be very modest, with a 3% gain per trip. The study found that traffic-related factors, such as congestion and crash risk, dominate societal costs, outweighing emissions reductions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Common workplace fumes and dusts may heighten rheumatoid arthritis risk

Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022

Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

Lead exposure in last century shrunk IQ scores of half of Americans

A new study calculates that more than 170 million Americans lost an average of nearly three IQ points due to childhood lead exposure from car exhaust between the 1940s and 1996. This translates to a potential shift of millions from below-average cognitive ability to intellectual disability.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Stanford engineers create catalyst that can turn carbon dioxide into gasoline 1,000 times more efficiently

Researchers at Stanford University have created a new catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into gasoline up to 1,000 times more efficiently than existing standards. The breakthrough allows for the production of long-chain hydrocarbons, making it easier to handle and store, with potential applications in a carbon-neutral cycle.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Lack of power grids sealed fate for early electric cars

A recent study from Lund University reveals that inadequate infrastructure hindered the adoption of electric cars in the early 20th century. Electric cars were cheaper to drive and emitted less CO2 than gasoline cars, but access to local electrical infrastructure was a major factor in their popularity.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 13, 2021

Location and competition

A UC Santa Barbara study reveals that proximity to highly trafficked areas, shopping centers, and freeways leads to higher gas prices. The researchers also found that market competition can override the effect of location, with nearby gas stations influencing pricing behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science·DateMar 5, 2019

Ready-to-use recipe for turning plant waste into gasoline

Bioscience engineers at KU Leuven have created a roadmap for producing cellulose gasoline, a second-generation biofuel, by converting plant waste into hydrocarbon chains. The process involves adding cellulose to the petroleum refining process, resulting in a strongly bio-sourced gasoline.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 24, 2018

Diesel is now better than gas

A six-nation study published in Scientific Reports reveals that modern diesel cars generally emit less pollution than gasoline-powered cars. Diesel's cleaner reputation is due to its lower invisible pollution, which outweighs the more visible emissions from gasoline vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2017

How voters would accept higher gas tax

A new study by Michigan State University sociologists found that Americans are more likely to accept a higher gas tax if the revenue is used for energy-efficient transportation, road and bridge repairs, or refunded to taxpayers. The survey of over 3,000 participants showed that an average increase of 51-53 cents per gallon could be acc...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateNov 10, 2015

Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Small spills at gas stations could cause significant public health risks over time

Researchers found that small gasoline spills at gas stations can cumulatively harm soil and groundwater in residential areas, potentially impacting the health of those who use wells as a water source. The study suggests that these spills may be a larger issue than previously thought due to their frequency and cumulative effect.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Contaminant Hydrology·DateOct 7, 2014