Articles tagged with Automobiles
Scientists have created a novel biocontainment method by making genetically modified E. coli dependent on a synthetic amino acid, which can only be obtained from laboratory cultures. This approach aims to prevent the bacteria from surviving in open environments and potentially causing ecological harm or contamination.
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Transportation Research is using advanced models to understand and visualize alternative solutions for traffic issues. A collaboration with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) has enabled faster simulations, allowing researchers to better analyze spatial data and gain clarity into t...
A study of 7,191 fatal accidents involving young drivers in the US found that half were under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. The researchers found no significant substitution effect between alcohol and marijuana use, suggesting increased availability may lead to concurrent use.
A recent study found that almost three-quarters of parents transition their children to forward-facing car seats too early, with many doing so before the child is one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using rear-facing car seats until age two or until the child has outgrown the weight/height limits.
Scientists create a molecular 'GPS' to precisely locate metal ions in enzymes, which play key roles in metabolism and synthesis. This innovation uses spin-labeled amino acids to track metal ion positions, enabling better understanding of biochemical reactions.
A new study from San Francisco State University reveals that consumers' loyalty to automobile brands is primarily driven by aesthetics rather than functionality. The research found that social and emotional values, such as design sophistication and pride of ownership, have a more significant impact on brand affection. In contrast, func...
Aarhus University leads a new EUR 8 million European research project to develop a new form of interaction between physical objects and their computer control. The technology aims to make it easier to create credible cyber-physical systems, which are crucial for industry's ability to innovate.
Tropical cyclone 05B's western edge spread over land on Nov. 9, but its circulation center remained over open waters of the Bay of Bengal. The storm weakened due to elongation of its rotation, reducing its chances for regeneration.
Researchers have developed lightweight supercapacitors that can boost the power of an electric car. The technology could be embedded in a car's body panels to store enough energy to turbocharge the battery in just a few minutes, enabling faster acceleration and charging times.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have tapped into urban seismic networks to monitor traffic patterns, count aircraft, and track larger vehicles. The study reveals that urban vibrations can serve as a new data source for cities.
Researchers found that reduced mortgage payments of $150 a month led to decreased mortgage defaults, increased consumer spending on automobile purchases, and improved household credit ratings. Additionally, households applied most of the saved mortgage money towards reducing outstanding credit card debts.
The Visio.M consortium presents a small electric car with an efficient range of around 160 km and advanced safety features. The vehicle's lightweight design reduces costs and improves driving dynamics.
A study of 267 families found that nearly all parents made at least one critical error in using a car safety seat, putting their newborns at risk. The most common errors included loose harnesses and incorrect installations.
Two new studies found that using hands-free, voice-controlled automobile infotainment systems, such as Siri and MyLink, can divert attention from driving. The Toyota and Hyundai systems showed promise in being less distracting, while Apple's Siri was the most distracting, even when used as a hands-free device.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a method to print paper-thin, electro-luminescent displays on various materials, including paper, synthetic material, leather, and wood. These displays can be printed in any desired shape and can depict self-created symbols or react to touch.
The team's innovative approach allows for the separation between electric vehicle purchase and battery pack costs, potentially lowering prices by $10,000. Swappable modules also enable users to recharge batteries at home, expanding access to electric vehicles in cities without wall outlets.
A new system, RoadRunner, uses GPS-style turn-by-turn directions to route drivers around congested roadways, yielding an 8 percent increase in average car speed. The system assigns each region a maximum number of cars and uses wireless technology to efficiently manage traffic flow.
A QUT road safety expert has found that car security systems are virtually non-existent, leaving vehicles vulnerable to hacking. The risk of cyber attack increases as vehicles become more connected and autonomous.
Researchers at University of Missouri have created a water-based nuclear battery that generates electrical energy from radioactive isotopes. The battery uses strontium-90 to boost electrochemical energy in a water-based solution, making it suitable for applications such as spaceflight and emergency equipment.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a shape-changing soft robot that can navigate through snow, puddles of water, flames, and withstand crushing forces. The robot's resilience has implications for search and rescue missions.
A new study found that primary seatbelt laws increase seatbelt usage, mitigating the drop in seatbelt use associated with increasing obesity rates. Seatbelt laws can help prevent automobile fatalities by reducing the risk of injury or death in car accidents.
A new study by Columbia Business School found that consumers using less popular search terms have higher click activity and are more targetable for paid advertising. The research also showed that day of the week has no impact on click likelihood, with consumers investing more effort in products they're searching for.
Tropical Storm Julio is located over 700 miles away from Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is expected to weaken and turn north by August 15.
A new study reveals that Denver's sports stadiums have excessive parking spaces, leading to heat islands and missed economic opportunities. The research suggests transforming inefficient parking into better investments to incentivize carpooling and other modes of transportation, improving the spectator experience and downtown businesses.
A team of international researchers discovered a new type of cool burning flame in space that could lead to cleaner and more efficient engines for cars. The discovery was made on the International Space Station using microgravity, which allowed the flames to burn at cooler temperatures without producing pollutants.
Researchers from RAND Corporation and Institute for Mobility Research found that government policies, road systems, and population dispersion are key influencers on automobile travel in developing countries. The study concludes that income is not the only factor determining a nation's demand for cars.
Researchers developed an external laser device to detect alcohol vapors inside moving cars, reducing accidents caused by drivers under the influence. The device can identify cars with intoxicated drivers or passengers and alert authorities, potentially decreasing traffic checks.
Computer scientists at UC San Diego have developed a tool to test security in hardware design, addressing the growing concern of device vulnerabilities. The tool can detect confidentiality and integrity breaches, such as timing channels and critical subsystem interference.
A new laser sensing technology developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, can remotely sense objects across distances up to 30 feet, 10 times farther than current systems. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, smartphones and interactive video games.
Researchers found that bicyclists tend to be in the best mood, followed by car passengers and drivers, while bus and train riders experience negative emotions. The study suggests improving transit riders' emotional experience may be as important as traditional service features.
A new review by the American Cancer Society concludes that inexpensive food is a key factor in rising obesity rates in the US. The study finds that Americans are spending less on food than ever before, yet consuming more calories, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that brand tourists, or fans of a luxury brand, can inspire feelings of membership pride and enhance the brand's prestige. This 'brand tourism effect' is distinct from brand immigrants, who claim group membership, and has positive implications for companies managing selective brands.
Researchers found that college students were more likely to drive and ride after marijuana use compared to alcohol use. The study suggests that social norms regarding marijuana use are changing, leading to increased acceptance of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Scientists developed a high-resolution sensor that can be painted onto surfaces or built into gloves to measure pressure. The sensor changes color from deep blue to ruby red under stress, providing higher contrast and resolution.
Researchers at WSU Spokane developed a new way to detect drivers about to nod off, using steering wheel movements. The technology offers an inexpensive alternative to video-based systems, providing a more reliable solution for detecting fatigue.
The Affordable Care Act's expansion could lead to modest cost reductions in automobile and workers' compensation insurance, while medical malpractice coverage might increase. The study's findings highlight the need for businesses and policymakers to understand how their risk profiles may change under the ACA.
A new study by Drexel University found that low parking costs are associated with increased public transit miles, despite efforts to promote non-automobile travel. Cities with higher parking costs saw a 2.3-fold increase in public transit passenger miles.
Researchers have developed an on-board emotion detector using embedded cameras to analyze drivers' facial expressions, identifying irritation and anger as risk factors for aggressive driving. The system successfully detected these emotions in most cases, paving the way for potential applications in driver safety and comfort.
Penn researchers develop model material exhibiting reversible plastic deformation with characteristics of plastic deformation on the macroscale. This novel behavior could lead to designing materials with unique properties, such as dampening vibrations or protecting against impacts.
A team of University of Vermont scientists has developed a novel solution to manage the growing fleet of plug-in electric cars, allowing them to charge in smaller chunks and distribute demand over time. The approach uses smart meters and computer algorithms to smooth out supply and demand, protecting grid overload.
A new high-efficiency cabin air filter (HECA) can reduce ultrafine particle (UFP) exposure by 93% and keep carbon dioxide levels low. Most modern car filters only block 40-60% of UFPs, but the HECA filter's smaller synthetic fibers can capture more particles.
A new study has modelled the relationship between variations in leasing and selling market prices using almost 10 years of data from the US. The researchers found that when selling prices go up, leasing rates tend to decrease, highlighting the need for a more accurate pricing approach for lease vehicles.
A study by New York University researchers shows that the capacity of working memory is better explained by the quality of memories stored rather than their number. The analysis of over 130,000 subject responses found that memory performance decreased with an increase in recalled information.
A new study of 49,000 high school seniors found that most spend their earnings on clothes, music, and entertainment, with males spending more on cars. Despite this, college savers tend to have better grades and lower substance use, but still face negative effects from long working hours.
Scientists from McGill University and Sandia National Laboratories have successfully tested the 'Luttinger liquid' model, a mathematical prediction for one-dimensional quantum physics. The experiment measures the effect of electrical current on nearby wires, showing increased friction at low temperatures.
Researchers at TUM developed a system that uses cell phones as transponders to measure distance accuracy of a few centimeters within microseconds, enhancing safety and movement prediction. The technology can also identify vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists even behind obstacles.
A US study found that drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.01% are more likely to be blamed for accidents than sober drivers. Drivers in this range were 46% more likely to be solely blamed by accident investigators.
A team of researchers used virtual reality to conduct experiments on moral dilemmas, finding that subjects were more likely to choose a utilitarian approach when faced with immediate consequences, rather than adhering to deontological principles.
A new University of Michigan study found that white parents are more likely to use age-appropriate car seats for their children than non-white parents. The study, which analyzed data from over 600 parents, also showed that non-white parents were more likely to prematurely transition their children to booster seats and seat belts.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that autonomous vehicles will outweigh the likely disadvantages, providing significant social benefits such as decreased crashes, increased mobility, and fuel economy. However, policymakers must address regulatory challenges, liability issues, and privacy concerns.
A recent NIH study using video technology and in-vehicle sensors found that drivers engage in distracting activities about 10% of the time, with risks being greatest for newly licensed teen drivers who are eight times more likely to crash or have a near miss while texting.
The project utilizes GPS-equipped cars with varying wiper systems to measure rainfall intensity, offering a promising alternative to traditional rain gauges. By analyzing sensor readings, researchers can create a more extensive network of measurement points, leading to improved flood prediction and prevention.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have redesigned battery component materials to create nanoparticles with controlled shape, resulting in smaller, more powerful and energy efficient batteries. This innovation could improve battery performance and reduce costs for electric cars and other applications.
Researchers found that quantum effects on MEMS operating conditions have been overestimated, affecting device stability. The study's results indicate changes in stability based on metal coatings and silicon doping levels.
Annual car crash deaths in England and Wales have plummeted 41% over the past five decades, but a stark disparity remains between those from affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds. The data also reveal women are more likely to die in car crashes at older ages, with significant social class differences observed.
A new algorithm proposed by MIT professor Berthold Horn aims to alleviate traffic flow instabilities, which can cause unexplained traffic jams. The algorithm uses sensor information from cars behind and in front of each other to stabilize traffic flow and reduce the risk of jams.
A study by Professor Ian Spence found that drivers are distracted even when using voice-operated devices, increasing the risk of accidents. The researcher's study suggests that safety should be a top concern for internet access in vehicles.
Researchers found elevated rates of preterm birth, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes among pregnant drivers involved in a single or multiple car crashes. Stillbirth rates were also significantly higher for unbelted pregnant drivers. The study highlights the importance of crash prevention strategies during preg...
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are proposing a new field of 4D printing, which enables materials to modify their structures over time in response to external stimuli. The team aims to develop adaptive composites that can reprogram their shape, properties, or functionality on demand.
A new study by Brigham Young University professor Arden Pope found a 35% reduction in deaths and disability attributable to air pollution in the US since 1990. This improvement is attributed to cleaner air quality, with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.