Articles tagged with Automobiles
A new study by UC Riverside found that California's commuters inhale unacceptably high levels of carcinogenic chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. Prolonged commutes over 20 minutes increase the risk of disease, including cancer and birth defects.
A new study finds that swapping car travel for walking, cycling, and e-biking just one day a week can save up to a quarter of personal CO2 emissions from transport. Active transport reduces carbon footprints in cities, even in those with high walking and cycling rates.
A new study from Australian National University suggests that spicy foods are more commonly used in hot climates, but finds no clear reason for this trend. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 recipes and found a significant relationship between spice use and life expectancy, as well as other health outcomes.
Researchers from RUDN University proposed a new method to assess the productivity of 5G base stations, reducing network capacity fluctuations. The new approach aggregates licensed and non-licensed band spectrum using WiGig technology, enabling continuous communication without losing transmission speed.
A new study from MIT researchers reveals that installing charging stations on residential streets and adding high-speed charging stations along highways can greatly increase the adoption of electric cars. The findings suggest that making convenient charging options available to people, especially those with limited access to garages or...
Researchers used 'Neuropixels' probes to capture electrical signals from hundreds of neurons, revealing how visual information flows across the brain. The study found a hierarchy of neural activity, with lower areas representing simpler concepts and higher levels capturing complex ideas.
Researchers identify human societal tipping points to rapidly cut carbon emissions, citing examples of road transport and power generation transitions. Small coalitions of countries could trigger upward-scaling cascades to achieve more, say experts.
Researchers have developed a new method for tracking individual molecules in real-time using four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy, enabling unprecedented control over molecular transport. Additionally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has released guidelines to improve fuel economy by reducing idling and selecting the most fuel-effici...
The development of programmable metasurfaces at Princeton University has the potential to significantly increase data transmission rates in wireless systems. The technology uses terahertz waves to focus transmissions in specific directions, overcoming challenges such as obstacles and distance limitations. This breakthrough could enable...
A new study found that films demonstrating responsible behavior significantly decreased risky driving behaviors among young drivers, while fear-based content had the opposite effect. The research suggests that positive messages can be a more effective way to promote road safety.
A Stanford University study reveals that users' moods play a significant role in shaping their trust in smart technologies. The research found that participants trusted devices more when they were in a positive mood, regardless of the experiment's intent. However, user trust also differed by age group, gender, and education level, with...
The team successfully scaled down MTJs to 2.3 nm diameter, exhibiting high data retention properties and low-voltage write operation. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of ultrahigh-density, low-power memory for IoT, AI, and automobiles.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst physicist found that opening the front window on the right side and the rear window on the left side can create an air current barrier, reducing airborne pathogen transmission in cars. This measure can help lower the pathogen load in confined car spaces.
Research suggests that opening windows can reduce airborne particle exchange between a driver and passenger, lowering the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The best scenario is having all four windows open, but even one or two open windows are better than having them all closed.
A University of Toronto study found that drivers can become over-reliant on automated vehicle displays, leading to decreased monitoring of the road. In contrast, an in-vehicle display system providing information on surrounding traffic showed promise in ensuring driving safety by keeping drivers engaged and attentive.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a cost-effective way to detect security threats in vehicle networks using graph-based anomaly detection techniques. This simple method requires less energy than machine learning or AI methods and can be easily adapted by car manufacturers.
Researchers created tiny building blocks called voxels that exhibit special properties and can be assembled into large, complex objects. Examples include cars, robots, and wind turbine blades that respond to environmental stimuli in predictable ways.
Researchers at Arizona State University developed curved origami structures that can adjust stiffness based on function, providing a new range of flexibility in robots. This technology enables robots to perform various movements by adjusting the creases used, and has implications for designing mechanical metamaterials.
A new radar system developed by UC San Diego engineers can accurately predict object shapes and sizes in various weather conditions. The two-sensor setup improves imaging quality compared to traditional single-radar systems.
A computer model developed by a RUDN University professor shows that low speeds on bumpy roads can cause significant vehicle body damage. The study found that spot welded joints are particularly prone to failure at lower speeds, affecting the vehicle's crashworthiness and service life.
The study explores how technological innovations like digitization and platform markets are eroding psychological ownership, leading to negative consequences for consumers and firms. However, it also highlights opportunities for firms to preserve and recapture psychological ownership through strategic marketing efforts.
A new article explains how chemistry can help develop materials necessary for fully autonomous vehicles, including efficient batteries and structural materials. Safety features such as sensors and nonstick coatings are also crucial to reducing maintenance and enhancing safety.
Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.
A POSTECH research team has developed a faster charging and longer lasting battery material for electric cars. They proved that forming an intermediate phase during charging and discharging can generate high power without losing energy density or reducing particle size, enabling the development of long-lasting Li-ion batteries.
A newly discovered quality control system in protein production prevents the translation of faulty messenger RNA fragments, thereby preventing the formation of toxic incomplete protein products. The discovery has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and may shed light on the underlying causes of such conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that subsidized car ownership has a transformative impact on low-income families, allowing them to access better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The research also highlighted the importance of considering the broader social benefits of car ow...
Researchers developed a new model that describes driving behavior based on a 'human' principle: managing risk below a threshold level. The model can accurately predict human behavior in various driving tasks and may be used in intelligent cars to reduce their 'robotic' feel.
Researchers at TUM have developed a software module that analyzes and predicts events while driving, ensuring the vehicle will not cause accidents. The system determines movement options and emergency maneuvers to prevent collisions, using simplified dynamic models for swift calculations.
A new algorithm developed by Stanford University scientists can accurately predict the remaining storage capacity and charge level of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. This innovation has the potential to enable smaller battery packs and greater driving ranges in electric vehicles, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new metric for evaluating how well self-driving cars respond to changing road conditions and traffic. The new metric, called streaming perception accuracy, balances reaction time and accuracy, allowing systems to optimize performance and reduce latency.
The US fuel economy standards have been effective in reducing reliance on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions, saving consumers $5 trillion in fuel costs. The standards also prevented 14 billion metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to eliminating all US emissions for nearly three years.
Fire experiments in a test tunnel revealed that burning electric cars pose less risk than gasoline/diesel cars due to state-of-the-art ventilation systems. However, extinguishing water poses a challenge, as it's poisonous and requires special handling.
Researchers aim to curb idling, a main source of pollution, by using displays similar to speed limit signs. The system will collect and integrate air-quality measurements, local weather conditions, and thermal images to provide feedback to drivers.
A new study found that teen drivers and older adults are more likely to drive vehicles with fewer critical safety characteristics, putting them at higher risk of injury. Drivers from lower-income neighborhoods were also less likely to drive newer, safer cars.
A new study found significant differences in how hospitals assess premature newborns' breathing safety in car seats, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines to ensure consistent safety practices. The research recommends improved education for parents and caregivers on proper car seat placement and post-discharge follow-up.
A study found that commuters in poor cities experience higher levels of in-car air pollution, with windows-open setting exposing passengers to hotspots of pollution for up to a third of the total travel length. Car cabin filters were more effective in removing pollutants than fine particles.
A study by Portland State University researchers reveals that the presence of cyclists does not significantly slow down cars on low speed, low volume urban roads without bicycle lanes. The 1 mph differential in speed caused by cyclists was found to be negligible from a practical perspective.
A Yale University study found that teens delaying driver licensure are missing critical safety training, including nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits. This can lead to a higher risk of crashes and fatalities among vulnerable populations.
A new study from Michigan State University found that consumer arrogance drives both positive and negative word-of-mouth communication, with consumers bragging about their purchases to show off their superiority. The research suggests that tapping into this phenomenon can be a key strategy for marketers on social media.
Researchers at Princeton University developed an automated system using Doppler radar to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians around corners. The system allows cars to see objects out of line of sight, improving automotive safety.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system that can virtually remove buildings, trees, or moving objects from real-time landscape simulations using deep learning and video game graphics engines. This technology may become standard for urban planning in busy areas with many distractions present, allowing for the visualizati...
A new method developed at Carnegie Mellon University has improved the accuracy of tracking systems for autonomous vehicles. By training on larger datasets and detecting its own errors, the system can learn to do the right thing without being told what it is.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new family of nanocars that can move in the nanoworld with high speed and control. The nanocars are made up of dipole molecules, which will enable applications such as transporting reactants or drugs.
A new smart parking software developed at Cornell University reduces congestion and emissions by matching drivers with parking spots based on travel time. The system has been shown to decrease the amount of time spent looking for parking by an estimated 64% compared to other strategies.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that newspapers provide less coverage of car safety recalls issued by manufacturers that advertise more regularly, especially those with severe defects. This supply-side bias due to advertising revenue may be dangerous for consumers.
A study of 300,000 commuters in England and Wales found that walking or cycling to work significantly reduced the risk of early death and illness. Cycling was associated with a 20% lower mortality rate compared to driving, while walking was linked to a 7% reduced cancer diagnosis rate.
Researchers developed a method to create affordable and stronger car materials using graphene-reinforced carbon fibers. The process reduces production cost by up to 67% while increasing strength by 225%. This technology has the potential to improve safety and reduce costs in vehicle production.
A study by University of Washington professor Dafeng Xu found that bike-share systems can drive a population to commute by bike, increasing rates by 20% in US cities. Larger bike-share systems experience sharper increases in bicycle commuting, making cycling a more accessible and appealing option for commuters.
Engineers have demonstrated a technology that can transmit electricity wirelessly to recharge electric cars, robots or even drones while they move. The system boosts efficiency to 92% and can transmit 10 watts of electricity over short distances.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt found that mistakes in short-term memory, such as misperceiving the motion direction of dots, contribute to our ability to recognize and integrate visual information over time. This 'blurring' of perception helps us perceive a stable environment despite constant changes.
A study found children are exposed to three times higher levels of PM2.5 during morning drop-offs due to idling cars. Researchers recommend safe parking and green hedges to reduce air pollution.
A team of Stanford engineers has created a new lidar technology using a single silicon chip, reducing costs from $8,000 to $30,000. The breakthrough enables the mass production of affordable lidars, a crucial component for autonomous cars.
A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.
A MIT-developed simulation system, VISTA, trains driverless cars to navigate worse-case scenarios, such as near-crash situations, in a photorealistic environment. This allows controllers to learn and recover from these situations before being deployed on real-world vehicles.
A new study finds that electric cars produce lower carbon emissions than petrol cars in 95% of the world, even when production and electricity generation are considered. The research suggests that even in regions with high fossil fuel usage, such as Poland, driving an electric car is better for the climate.
Researchers found that commercial fast-charging stations cause high temperatures and resistance damage to electric car batteries, leading to capacity loss and potential fires. The University of California, Riverside developed an adaptive fast-charging algorithm to mitigate this issue.
A team from Deakin University in Australia developed an improved sight-correcting system for self-driving vehicles. By watching human operators complete tasks, the vehicles can learn to make decisions based on visual information, reducing the need for extensive training data.
Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have developed a new optimization method for tracking self-driving car trajectories that reduces errors while keeping computation demands low. The method prioritizes passenger comfort, aiming to replicate human drivers' ability to balance speed, safety, and route choice.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...