Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

'Eyes' for the autopilot

Researchers at TUM and TU Braunschweig have developed a camera-based optical reference system that enables completely automated landings of smaller aircraft without the need for ground-based systems. The system uses GPS signals and custom-tailored image processing software to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway.

Autism: Brain activity as a biomarker

Scientists discovered consistent brain activity patterns in people with autism that could be used to track treatment progress. The findings suggest that altering these patterns may help improve symptoms, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Optimizing airport flight patterns take a toll on human health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 15, 2018

Making healthier decisions, step by step

A study at San Diego International Airport found that signs encouraging stair use increased steps taken by 50% compared to sign-free days. The prompts appeared to nudge both regular and non-exercisers into taking the stairs, demonstrating a ripple effect in behavior.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateOct 12, 2017

TSA could save money by waiving PreCheck fees for frequent travelers, study finds

A new study suggests that waiving the $85 fee for frequent fliers to enroll in TSA PreCheck would result in significant cost savings for the Transportation Security Administration. The study found that costs saved by frequent travelers using expedited security exceeded the cost of waiving their enrollment fees.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Transportation Security·DateDec 5, 2016

Sonic net could save birds and aircraft, study suggests

A new study suggests that a sonic net around airfields can prevent collisions between birds and aircraft, reducing the number of birds in the area by 80%. The noise levels emitted are equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant, deterring bird species at high risk of strike such as starlings.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 6, 2016

Cutting down runway queues

Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateJan 13, 2016

Making the air fair

A new method for dealing with flight delays, proposed by MIT researchers, distributes delays among airlines more evenly while keeping system-wide delays virtually constant. The approach allows airlines to swap schedule slots with each other, resulting in a fairer distribution of delays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateAug 26, 2015