Articles tagged with Automobiles
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.
The Indy 500 has switched to a fuel containing 85% ethanol, which reduces air pollutants and releases mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Studies have shown that using fuels composed of more than 85% ethanol reduce sulfur emissions by 80%, carbon monoxide by 40%, particulate matter by 20%, VOCs by 15%, and nitrogen oxides by 10%.
A new authentication system using brain wave biometrics can prevent vehicle hijacking and halt intoxicated drivers. The system continuously scans the driver's brain waves to verify their identity, ensuring safe operation of vehicles carrying valuable commodities and money.
Researchers in China have developed a mathematical model to design flexible vehicle-arrest systems that increase stopping distance and dissipate kinetic energy without destruction. The new system could lead to the development of intelligent vehicle-arrest systems with improved control at roadblocks and checkpoints.
A team of engineers at the Technical University of Munich has successfully demonstrated remote control driving on public roads using Visio.M e-mobility project technology. The system uses video cameras, computer encoding, and LTE connectivity to transmit images, sound, and control data between the driver and the vehicle.
A new study by Stanford University researchers concludes that the demand for oil will reach its peak and decline due to economic growth limitations and increasing use of alternative fuels. Historically, there is a connection between economic growth and oil consumption breaking down, leading to more efficient alternatives.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new metallic bubble wrap that provides improved protection, lightness, and flexibility compared to traditional materials. The material has been shown to be strong enough to protect contents in areas as thin as a few millimeters, while also being heat- and chemical-resistant.
The simTD system uses radio technology to enable vehicles to share information about traffic situations, road conditions, and external factors. This allows drivers to react faster and make informed decisions, resulting in enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort on the roads.
A new study by the University of Utah found that hands-free devices can overload drivers' attention and impair their ability to drive safely. The study used advanced metrics to assess driver mental workload and reaction time, revealing a five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018
A new approach achieves independent listening zones within a car by using small, modified speakers to produce directional sound fields. The new design optimizes audio signals used to drive each of the speakers, reducing intergenerational audio conflict in cars.
A survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly 90% of drivers engage in distracting behaviors while driving their children, leading to a higher risk of crashes. The study also highlighted the importance of using age-appropriate child restraints and finding internal motivations for safety seat use.
The Yale Journal of Industrial Ecology examines the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on e-waste recycling. Researchers assess the use of RFID technology, EPR adoption in developing countries, and producer take-back organizations to improve recyclability.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that cliff swallows have decreased their mortality rates due to road collisions over the past three decades. The birds with longer-than-average wingspans are more likely to collide with vehicles, indicating that shorter-winged birds may be adapting to reduce fatalities.
A new study by University of Leeds and Euromed Management School Marseille ranks 17 leading car makers according to their sustainable value. Fiat topped the list with improved efficiencies in 2008, while Toyota and BMW suffered worst results in a decade.
A new study finds that more than one-third of ER physicians are unsure if their department provides child passenger safety information to parents. Fewer than half said they would provide discharge instructions with advice on car seats for a 2-year-old child.
Case Western Reserve University professor Colin McLarty has simplified the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem by using only finite-order arithmetic, reducing reliance on strong set theory. This breakthrough, inspired by Grothendieck's work, opens new avenues for number theorists to tackle similar problems.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed two new technologies, Pit-BUL and NightHawk, which use remote-controlled spike strips to stop vehicles. These devices can be deployed from a safe distance and provide added safety for law enforcement officers, allowing them to halt speeding vehicles without putting their lives at ris...
Residents of a town struck by a tornado reported being less vulnerable to injury from future tornadoes, but their numerical estimates were pessimistic. Living in neighborhoods affected by the storm initially increased optimism, which decreased over time.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed a new GPS system that improves position determination by up to 90% in urban settings. The system combines conventional GPS with accelerometers and gyroscopes to reduce margin of error, enabling applications such as cooperative driving and autonomous vehicles.
The Visio.M project aims to develop a safe and efficient electric vehicle with a lightweight carbon fiber body structure. The design incorporates innovative materials and technologies, such as a monocoque chassis and ultra-lightweight gears, while maintaining the highest level of safety protection.
A study by Marsha L. Richins reveals that wanting a product can boost happiness for materialistic individuals, but the emotions are short-lived. Materialists tend to believe that acquiring new items will transform their lives, leading them to overspend and accumulate debt.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that reducing daily automobile travel and caloric intake both correlate with body weight reduction. The study predicts a 0.21 kg/m2 decrease in national average BMI after six years if all adults drove 1 mile less per day.
A system using ultrasound to measure piston movement could improve engine efficiency by adjusting lubrication levels. The technique allows for accurate testing of the seal between piston rings and cylinder walls.
Researchers found cycling is safer than driving for young males aged 17-20, with almost five times greater risk for drivers compared to cyclists of the same age. Cycling offers significant health benefits, saving £17bn in healthcare costs alone through active travel.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a step-by-step procedure for managing driverless vehicles through intersections, considering factors like location, speed, and acceleration. The proposed system aims to reduce crashes and emissions by keeping vehicles moving and optimizing traffic flow.
A USC Marshall study found that smog check firms cluster with competitors, leading to lenient passing grades for cars that should fail. This practice could have passed 39,000 cars in New York State, contributing to public health problems.
A team of NASA engineers has created a low-cost, easy-to-apply sprayable paint that adsorbs gaseous molecules and prevents them from adhering to instrument components. The new technology overcomes limitations of existing techniques, providing a more effective solution for protecting sensitive satellite instruments and spacecraft.
The University of Granada Research Group on Decision and Optimization Models won the Simulated Car Racing Competition with their Soft Computing-based modular architecture. This technology enables efficient control of cars in the presence of other competitors, allowing for a stable performance despite not being the fastest car.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of Toronto bike accidents involve streetcar tracks, with cyclists at risk from slipping tires or getting caught in the tracks. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in transportation system design.
A UBC study found that certain bike routes and infrastructure can significantly reduce cycling injury risk, with cycle tracks carrying the lowest risk. The study analyzed 690 injuries in Vancouver and Toronto from 2008-2009, revealing that major streets without bike lanes pose a higher risk of injury.
A study found that smoking in cars produces hazardous particulate matter levels, exceeding WHO guidelines, even with windows open or AC on. This exposure can harm child passengers' health due to faster breathing rates and less developed immune systems.
Research published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems suggests that automatic braking systems can significantly reduce injuries in rear-end collisions. The study found that the use of three systems - warning, assisted braking, and autonomous braking - may prevent up to 50% of serious injuries.
Research suggests that metropolitan areas with state-mandated comprehensive planning and higher per-capita income tend to have more sustainable transportation practices. These areas experienced a smaller decline in transportation ecoefficiency between 1980 and 2008 compared to others.
Researchers mapped auto enthusiasts' brain activity and found that their fusiform face area responds to both faces and cars. The study suggests that expertise in one domain can improve performance in another, potentially aiding treatments for individuals with difficulty recognizing faces.
A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with clinical depression struggle to differentiate between various negative emotions, including anger and frustration. In contrast, healthy individuals tend to identify specific emotions more accurately.
Concordia University researchers created a computer model to help car-sharing services grow while reducing congestion and carbon emissions. The model assesses areas with greatest growth potential and simulates various scenarios to predict the best strategy for growth.
The article explores how terrorist attacks can lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly in regions with well-developed infrastructure that encourages driving. The study found that the New York area saw a significant increase in car traffic after the 9/11 attacks, while other states did not experience the same surge.
Researchers at UEA applied strategic thinking from insurance companies to understand how animals and plants recruit beneficial bacteria, revealing the importance of 'screening out' bad bacteria and ' screening in' good ones. The breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the human body's relationship with bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are working to reduce noise in sophisticated military aircraft and quieter car rides. They have developed mathematical models for quick-response noise cancellation and clusters of harmonic responses to minimize sudden road noises.
University of Cincinnati researchers have created an adaptive, active algorithm to counter sudden road noises, such as those from potholes or bumps. The algorithm aims to reduce road-impact noise perceived by drivers by three to five decibels, significantly minimizing the resulting sound.
New research found that many US children are not using age-appropriate safety restraints in cars, with minority groups facing higher risks. The study highlights the need for culturally specific programs to promote restraint use among minority children.
A new communication system will connect 120 cars in real-life testing to optimize traffic routes, detect obstacles, and reduce energy consumption. The simTD consortium's system will also provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best route and alert them to imminent hazards.
A new analysis by Arpad Horvath and Mikhail Chester finds that California's proposed high-speed rail system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to cars and air travel. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, assesses the sustainability of different transportation modes using life-cycle assessments.
A new study found that consumers focus on unique features when evaluating services based on faith due to greater uncertainty. This increased uncertainty undermines consumer confidence and leads to a greater emphasis on standard attributes.
A new semiautonomous safety system, developed by MIT engineers, uses onboard cameras and laser rangefinders to identify hazards and detect safe zones. The system allows drivers to control the vehicle while avoiding obstacles, with few collisions reported in over 1,200 trials.
Researchers from MIT and NUS have developed an algorithm that enables Wi-Fi-connected cars to aggregate data from hundreds of vehicles, uploading it to the Internet. The system can reduce bandwidth requirements by identifying key nodes in the network, which can then share their connections with others.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people consistently prefer options that come first, even when making quick choices. The study tested this effect in various settings, including consumer marketing and parole decisions, suggesting that the 'primacy effect' may be an evolutionary adaptation favoring firsts.
A Michigan State University study found that online shoppers tend to be happier when they receive an offer rather than making one. This can have significant impacts on the fast-growing e-commerce industry. By putting customers in the receiver role, businesses may be able to fill more hotel rooms and airplane seats.
A new driver's side mirror with a wider field of view has been patented, eliminating the blind spot for drivers. The curved mirror, invented by Drexel University math professor Dr. R. Andrew Hicks, gives drivers a wider view without significant visual distortion.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that tilting cars on the assembly line can reduce autoworker strain, improving safety and efficiency. The study compares two methods: a cantilevered chair and a car carriage system, with the latter proving more effective in reducing stress for nine different tasks.
A study by the University of Edinburgh finds that 360,000 tonnes of milk wasted in the UK each year results in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to 20,000 cars annually. Researchers suggest reducing food consumption and waste, as well as improving fertiliser efficiency, can help curb emissions.
Researchers at University at Buffalo found that obese drivers are less likely to wear seatbelts than normal weight drivers, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study suggests that cars should be designed to accommodate obese individuals, increasing the likelihood of seatbelt use.
Underage female drinkers face a growing risk of fatal car crashes, with risks now comparable to their male peers. The study found that young women are taking greater risks on the road, and that efforts to curb distracted driving may be necessary.
Researchers found that faces are recognized more by their features than the entire face, contradicting the long-held belief in holistic processing. This study may help understand rare facial recognition disorders.
A new study found that consumers' search for individual products is influenced by the order of choices, with larger choice sets being more daunting when presented first. By presenting smaller choice sets before larger ones, retailers may make large selections less intimidating.