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New study finds brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust

A new study by the University of Southampton has found that brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust, particularly due to high copper content. The research highlights the need for policy changes to mitigate the health effects of vehicle particulate matter, as electric vehicles are not emission-free.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

WVU researcher determines ADHD gives entrepreneurs an edge

A study by WVU researcher Nancy McIntyre reveals that individuals with ADHD tend to use routines and patterns to store stimuli from their environment, allowing them to make connections and file away resources for future use. This helps entrepreneurs with ADHD excel in qualities such as alertness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial intent.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research·DateFeb 6, 2024

New study explores single-particle mass spectral signatures and real-world emissions of brake wear particles

Researchers developed a method to quantify real-world emission of brake wear particles, finding that approximately 4.0% of PM in the tunnel was attributable to brake wear. The study identified three main types of brake particles, including barium-containing and carbon-containing particles, contributing to air pollution.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJul 1, 2023

The first frost is the deepest

Researchers discovered that the first frost triggers a molecular response in plants, called COOLAIR, which helps regulate flowering. This finding has implications for understanding how plants adapt to fluctuating temperatures and could lead to improved crop yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 13, 2021

Thwack! Insects feel chronic pain after injury

Researchers have discovered genetic evidence of chronic pain in Drosophila fruit flies, which may lead to new treatments targeting the underlying cause. The study found that an injury can lead to long-lasting hypersensitivity to normally non-painful stimuli, similar to human patients' experiences with neuropathic pain.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Fabric the reinforcer

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composite materials for aircraft brakes using carbon fabrics, demonstrating better resistance to crack propagation than existing materials. These advancements aim to improve the reliability and safety of aircraft operation while reducing maintenance costs.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalEngineering Fracture Mechanics·DateFeb 19, 2019

Bad brakes

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a faulty molecular brake that interferes with the heart muscle's ability to contract and relax. The study found that a mutation in the MyBPC3 gene leads to an overactive motor that propels abnormal muscle contractions, causing the heart to beat too much and relax poorly.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 28, 2019

Putting the brakes on tumor stealth

Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.

SourceMonash University·JournalStructure·DateDec 6, 2018

Theoretical climbing rope could brake falls

Researchers created a mathematical equation for an ideal dynamic climbing rope that would slow falling climbers like brakes on cars. The study suggests using shape memory materials, which can be deformed and return to their original shape, to achieve this effect.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology·DateJul 5, 2016

Plants keep one foot on the brakes

Researchers discovered the 'off' switch for starch production in plants, which rapidly shuts down production at night to prevent energy waste. The discovery suggests that the seemingly wasteful approach holds a clever adaptation strategy to adjust metabolism in response to fluctuating light intensity.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Warning, automatic braking systems on autos will help save lives, research predicts

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 3, 2012

Development of prosthetic hands stagnated for 20 years

A study by researchers from TU Delft and the University of Groningen found that contemporary body-powered prosthetic hands perform equally or less well than those from 1987, with insufficient grip strength required to operate them. The study suggests that user overload problems may be a result of excessive operating force, highlighting...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJun 12, 2012

How chemotherapy becomes more effective

Cancer cells use an 'emergency brake' to protect themselves from chemotherapy drugs, which can be rendered inoperative by targeting a specific enzyme pathway. The study identifies PARP inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach to improve chemotherapy effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 5, 2012