Articles tagged with Automobiles
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.
Research shows consumers can save up to $800 by finding out what a dealer pays for a car, visiting two dealerships and liking to bargain. Buyers who don't like to bargain or do research can save $230 by doing just two things.
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that cyclists are injured and killed at a higher rate than previously thought, with HGVs causing the most severe injuries. Cyclists involved in collisions with HGVs had a higher death rate and required longer hospital stays compared to those injured in car collisions.
A team of researchers at NC State University has discovered the mechanism behind high-speed energy storage in capacitors using a PVDF polymer. This finding could lead to more powerful and efficient electric cars that can accelerate quickly, rivaling gasoline-powered sports cars.
A recent study found that news coverage emphasizing the role of alcohol in violent crime and fatal injuries can increase public support for alcohol-control laws. The study revealed that most news reports on these topics fail to mention alcohol, leading to a lack of awareness about its contribution to accidents and violence.
Computer scientist Peter Stone is developing a system that enables autonomous cars to coordinate their movements at intersections, reducing stopped traffic. The virtual intersection manager uses AI driver agents to 'call ahead' and reserve space and time, improving safety and efficiency.
New research suggests that older drivers' problems at intersections are largely due to acquired bad habits, which can be unlearned through training. A training program significantly improved driving skills in older drivers, who were able to match younger drivers' performance on a driving simulator.
A new stent procedure has shown remarkably positive results in how patients recover from strokes, with 56% of participants experiencing an excellent neurological outcome compared to 33% with traditional methods. The study also found a significant reduction in mortality rates among those who underwent the new procedure.
Researchers found that the Big Three automakers built excess vehicles without properly accounting for costs, resulting in a culture of short-term gain over brand stability. The study suggests that this practice can lead to harm in other industries with similar characteristics.
US study finds that nearly three-quarters of headphone-wearing pedestrian injuries are fatal, mostly among young adult males and under 30 years old. Headphones can mask warning sounds, leading to distraction and sensory deprivation, increasing the risk of accidents.
A Yale University study found that factors like chronic conditions, low physical activity, and hospitalization increase the likelihood of elderly disability. Women are also more likely to become disabled in later years.
A third of car fuel consumption is due to friction loss, which can be reduced with new technologies like surface coatings, lubricant additives, and low-friction tyres. By reducing friction, drivers can save up to 18% fuel consumption within 5-10 years, and carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by 290 million tonnes per year.
The Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has received two new research projects from Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center. The projects aim to improve the understanding of traumatic brain injuries and abdominal injuries, with a focus on reducing risk in automobile impacts and foo...
Researchers developed an algorithm that accurately identifies potential 'red-light violators' within seconds, reducing false alarms. The algorithm's accuracy surpasses existing safety-prediction technologies, with a 85% success rate in identifying violators.
Researchers from Canada and Switzerland develop a quantum coin flipping method to ensure fair car ownership decisions. Despite being imperfect, the method prevents cheating by leveraging the properties of nature.
Researchers outline challenges and potential solutions for synthetic molecular machines to fulfill their promise. The team proposes using metal-organic frameworks to organize molecular switches spatially and temporally.
Researchers at Empa have successfully designed a molecule with four rotating motor units that can travel straight ahead in a controlled manner. The smallest electric car in the world, measuring approximately 4x2 nanometres, requires refueling with electricity after every half revolution of its wheels.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that commuting by car or public transport is associated with negative health effects compared to walking or cycling. The study of 21,000 people showed that longer journey times increased the risk of poor health outcomes.
A new analysis of Hubble surveys and simulations reveals that galaxies gained mass through collisions with other galaxies. Large galaxies merged on average once over the past 9 billion years, while small galaxies coalesced with large ones more frequently.
Researchers from Italy and Germany created a model to predict friction on rough surfaces in wet conditions, shedding light on the flow of liquid at contact interfaces. The study confirms experimental findings and offers potential applications for creating microstructured tyres with improved grip in rainy weather.
A new analysis by University of Michigan researchers found that Olympic timing procedures don't accurately detect false starts by female sprinters, with some being able to anticipate the gun by up to 20 milliseconds. The researchers recommend lowering the force threshold for females to ensure fair racing.
Research reveals racial/ethnic disparities in car seatbelt use among pediatric patients. The study found that black, Hispanic, and Native American children were less likely to be restrained, leading to higher injury severity scores.
A study suggests that punitive damages should be calculated based on a company's financial worth to effectively deter corporate wrongdoing. Research highlights cases where increased penalties led to behavioral changes, such as BMW's policy shift after being forced to pay $4 million in punitive damages.
A fleet of 120 vehicles is testing a system that alerts drivers to hazards, including traffic blocks and emergency situations. The simTD project aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and lower CO2 emissions through real-time information sharing between vehicles and infrastructure.
A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that individuals lacking personal wealth are significantly less likely to enter into a first marriage. The research suggests that wealth plays an important role in marriage decisions, with owning a car increasing the probability of getting married by 2.6 percentage points.
A new study found that people salivate in response to material rewards, including money and high-end sports cars. The researchers discovered that this phenomenon occurs when individuals have a strong desire for these items, often driven by a sense of power or goal achievement.
SAFEPED is a computer simulation that integrates robotics and statistics on driver and pedestrian behavior to determine the environmental features leading to dangerous intersections. The model allows traffic planners to analyze and fix black spots, test and redesign junctions for optimal safety.
The MUTE project presents a purely electric, energy-efficient vehicle with low weight and advanced technology. Researchers from TU Muenchen created an agile two-seater with a range of at least 100 kilometers, featuring a torque vectoring differential for improved safety and dynamics.
Researchers at MIT's Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory developed a computer model that accurately predicted the location and propagation of cracks in the Deepwater Horizon's drill riser. The model could help oil and gas companies identify stronger or more flexible pipe materials to minimize future accidents.
Researchers find that our brains process groups of similar characteristics in a sequential manner, with limitations on perceiving multiple groups at once. This illusion has implications for the design of complex graphic systems and our understanding of ordinary vision.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that motion sickness on tilting trains can be eliminated by adjusting the timing of when cars tilt as they enter and leave curves. In a predictive mode based on GPS signals, passengers experienced no discomfort despite faster tilts.
MUTE's low curb weight of 400 kg enables efficient energy consumption, while its active torque vectoring differential enhances cornering ability and safety. The vehicle's design optimizes suspension, damping, and axle kinematics for improved handling.
Research reveals that an individual's consumption habits and contraceptive choices are influenced by their cultural background, which in turn affects their responses to climate change. People's perceptions of environmental impact influence their behavior, with some behaviors offsetting environmental gains.
Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model of a distributed car control system and used mathematical methods to formally verify its safety. They proved that the system design would keep cars from crashing into each other, even for complex scenarios like merging across multi-lane highways.
A study published in Addiction journal finds that even low levels of blood-alcohol content are associated with severe injuries and death. The research suggests that buzzed drivers are more likely to speed, be improperly seat-belted, and drive at greater speeds, leading to increased accident severity.
The ELIAS project has developed common agreed test methods and quantitative ageing models for semiconductor devices, improving product reliability and reducing failures. The project's simulation-based methodologies have also enabled the rapid introduction of new smart-power technologies with proven reliability.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that aging brains have difficulty processing new information due to reduced input from the rest of the brain. This leads to confusion and a greater reliance on old memories, making it harder to recall recent events.
A recent study by University of Illinois researcher Sheldon H. Jacobson found a strong correlation between the rise in automobile usage and obesity rates in the US. By analyzing data from 1985 to 2007, Jacobson discovered that vehicle use is directly linked to sedentary behavior, which ultimately contributes to obesity.
A Yale study found that young children often acquire motor skills to unbuckle before developing cognitive understanding of restraints, posing a safety hazard. The study also revealed that 43% of self-unbuckling children use a five-point restraint, and parents often respond with immediate action when their child unbuckles while in motion.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that children under 6 years old often unbuckle themselves from car seats while in motion, tripling their injury risk. Parents frequently pull over and re-buckle their children, but this behavior highlights a need for safer restraint devices.
A study found that traffic fatalities rise near winning teams' hometowns on game days. The closer the game, the more fatalities, particularly those involving alcohol. Losing teams' hometowns showed no increase.
Vanderbilt University's ISIS has built a web-based platform for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) researchers to collaborate and share knowledge. The CPS-VO aims to foster progress, develop priorities, and distribute information in the rapidly emerging field of cyber-physical systems.
A new study reveals that exposure to vehicle pollution can cause significant brain damage in mice, including signs of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The tiny particles from burning fossil fuels and weathered car parts are too small for filters to trap, raising concerns about human health.
Scientists have developed stronger, lighter, and more sustainable automotive plastics by harnessing the power of plant-based nano-cellulose fibers. These innovative materials are set to revolutionize car production, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency.
A 40th anniversary Corvette was sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction to benefit the TGen Cancer Research Fund, named after Jackson family members who died from colon cancer. The sale raised over $250,000 for the fund, with all proceeds going towards life-changing research.
Scientists and regulators are working together to approve new biosensors that monitor disease markers and alert patients to potential health problems. The development of these biosensors has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by detecting diseases at an early stage.
A University of Minnesota researcher discovered that negative stereotyping can cause consumers to avoid purchases, fearing being duped. Introducing calming scents like vanilla into the transaction environment can mitigate this effect and improve purchasing intentions.
Researchers found that people consistently overestimated the slant of stairs and escalators by 18-19 degrees, regardless of viewing position. This challenges common ideas about how we perceive inclines in general.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the allowed amount of lead, while high-intensity bulbs had more contaminants. White bulbs had the least lead but high amounts of nickel, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and stricter testing regulations.
A mathematical model for moving bottlenecks in road traffic is proposed, taking into account the influence of a slow-moving vehicle on entire traffic flow. The model improves transportation designs and reduces congestion, accidents, and risk management.
A new study explores how emotions hinder safety product decisions, finding that people reject imperfectly safe options due to feelings of betrayal. Providing positive images and presenting information in a graphic format can help consumers make safer choices. Influencing others' choices can also encourage safer decisions.
A new study by NC State University reveals that 'superstreet' traffic designs significantly reduce travel times and improve safety. The research found a 20% overall reduction in travel time and a 46% decrease in reported automobile collisions.
The new nanoscoop material can withstand extremely high rates of charge and discharge, making it ideal for high-power rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for electric automobiles. The technology could potentially be ramped up to suit the demanding needs of batteries for electric vehicles.
A new study by John L. Lastovicka and Nancy J. Sirianni reveals that consumers can form strong emotional bonds with their possessions, such as cars and firearms. The researchers found that love-smitten consumers are more likely to invest time and money into improving their prized possessions.
The CARING CARS project aims to make driving safer by developing an innovative sensor network that monitors a driver's vital signs and responds accordingly. The system detects fatigue, emotional state, and other factors to provide alerts and assistance in emergency situations.
A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology developed an Eyetracker system to track drivers' eye movements and issue warnings before nodding off. The system can be installed in any car model and is roughly half the size of a matchbox, making it undetectable when mounted behind the sun visor.