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At your service: How older adults embrace demand-responsive transportation

A study found that social influence and trust play key roles in older adults' adoption of demand-responsive transportation. The research, conducted in Senboku New Town, Osaka, revealed significant relationships between behavioral intention and performance expectancy among older people.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

Retention ponds can deliver a substantial reduction in tire particle pollution, study suggests

A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Why buses can’t get wheelchair users to most areas of cities

A recent study in Columbus reveals striking disparities in accessibility for wheelchair users traveling by public bus. Manual wheelchair users have access to only 1% of the city, while powered wheelchair users can reach about 25%. The main obstacle is infrastructure, particularly sidewalks, which are damaged or missing in many areas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

How readily does COVID-19 spread on school buses?

A study in the Journal of School Health monitored 1,154 students for asymptomatic COVID-19 cases during high community transmission. The researchers found no transmission linked to bus transportation, despite near-capacity operations with universal masking and ventilation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJul 21, 2021

How's the transit weather?

A new study by University of Utah researchers found a correlation between media coverage of weather and air quality, and transit ridership. The study suggests that favorable weather conditions and comfort are associated with increased ridership, while poor air quality may discourage usage.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalVehicles·DateAug 31, 2020

How online neighborhood reviews could aid urban planning

A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Yingjie Hu analyzed neighborhood reviews from over 7,600 users on Niche.com to identify features of neighborhoods that people talked about online. The analysis revealed discrepancies between reviewers' perceptions and other data, such as crime statistics and employment rates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateMar 11, 2019

Impairment rating of injured workers depends on the when and where of assessment

A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 13, 2018

Amputation injury is communicated to opposing limbs

Scientists at Tufts University have found that amputation of one limb immediately reflects in the bioelectric properties of the opposing, un-damaged limb in developing frogs. The phenomenon, dubbed 'bioelectric injury mirroring,' indicates that information about damage to tissues is available within 30 seconds.

SourceTufts University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 4, 2018

Stay safe, take the bus

A Montreal study reveals that bus travel is significantly safer than car travel, with four times fewer injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The study's findings suggest that permanent speed-reducing structures and public transit are key to reducing road injuries.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 8, 2018

Histology in 3-D: New staining method enables Nano-CT imaging of tissue samples

A new staining method allows specialists to investigate three-dimensional tissue samples using the Nano-CT system, delivering resolutions of up to 100 nanometers. The technique is time-efficient and compatible with conventional methods, enabling enhanced insights into tissue distribution and microscopic origins of diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2018

NUS study: Safer to ride in yellow taxis

A recent study by National University of Singapore researchers found that yellow taxis have significantly fewer accidents than blue taxis due to their higher visibility. This could lead to substantial cost savings for taxi operators, with an estimated annual savings of S$2 million.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

One night stand regrets

A Norwegian study finds that women regret casual sex encounters more frequently than men, contradicting earlier American research. Women are also less likely to be happy with the experience and more concerned about potential consequences such as pregnancy or STD infections. The researchers suggest that evolutionary differences in repro...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateJan 19, 2017

UA uses big data to solve bus woes in Brazil

The University of Arizona's INSITE Center helps Fortaleza city planners use big data to understand bus delays and overcrowding. The team developed an online dashboard with real-time data on bus movements, passenger numbers, and weather conditions to inform decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateOct 13, 2016

Reducing school bus pollution improves children's health

A study by the University of Michigan found that cleaner school bus fuels can improve children's health, particularly those with asthma, by reducing inflammation and airborne particles. The research suggests a potential 14 million fewer absences from school annually if all vehicles were altered to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

Software that knows the risks

Researchers at MIT have developed software that assesses risk in planning algorithms, suggesting low-risk alternatives when a solution is not possible. The system uses probabilistic models to determine the feasibility of a plan and can offer modifications to relax constraints or add resources to mitigate risks.

Diesel bus alternative

Researchers analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that discharge their batteries into the electrical grid when not in use. Over 14 years, a V2G-capable electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million compared to diesel buses.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Energy·DateMay 28, 2014

Chips as mini Internets

MIT researchers develop techniques to address limitations of current bus-based communication systems in multicore chips. Virtual bypassing and low-swing signaling allow for faster data transmission and reduced energy consumption, promising significant improvements in chip efficiency.

Slotted buses keep passengers cool

Researchers propose a simple redesign of public buses to enhance cooling airflow through wide vents and adjustable roof designs. This design improvement increases the comfort zone of the bus from 11% to over 50%, benefiting all passengers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems·DateJul 20, 2009

Defectors take the car, cooperators go by bus

A computer simulation suggests that large buses running on separate traffic lanes can achieve a comfortable level of crowding without gridlock. The study's findings support mass transportation as the preferred option for most commuters, even with a few individuals choosing to drive by car.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management·DateFeb 3, 2009