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Pumas make roads safer for drivers

A study found that pumas change deer behavior, reducing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions by 67%. Deer alter their use of space and time where pumas are present, overlapping less with roads.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

UCF’s ‘bridge doctor’ combines imaging, neural network to efficiently evaluate concrete bridges’ safety

Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMay 16, 2025

Supporting the roads that support us

Texas A&M researchers conducted a forensic investigation of a collapsed embankment slope in Houston, revealing that clayey soils are highly problematic after 10-15 years of use. They recommend using stabilizing agents and perforated pipes to drain water quickly to prevent similar failures.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTransportation Geotechnics·TypeCase study·DateApr 2, 2025

Rethinking equity in electric vehicle infrastructure

A recent study led by Qian found that income, rather than proximity, is the dominant factor in determining who benefits most from public EV infrastructure. Wealthier individuals have more flexibility to spend time at charging stations while charging their vehicles, whereas lower-income communities struggle to integrate public charging ...

Researchers are driving the charge of zero emissions

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in city conditions. The research also highlights the environmental benefits of regenerative braking, which reduces brake abrasion emissions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalTransportation Research·DateFeb 10, 2025

Reinforcement learning paves the way for safer and smarter highway autonomous vehicles

A recent study reviews advancements in reinforcement learning for autonomous vehicle control, highlighting similarities and differences in DRL formulations and training algorithms. The research aims to enhance RL applications, making autonomous vehicles more capable of handling complex traffic situations under uncertain conditions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Impact of 2020 Labor Day wildfires on highway infrastructure: a historical perspective on megafires and roadway damage in Washington, Oregon, and California

This study assesses roadway damage from the 2020 wildfires in comparison to historical megafire data, highlighting the need for proactive measures to reduce future repair costs. The 2020 Labor Day wildfires caused unprecedented damage, with an estimated average repair cost of $127,783 per kilometer of impacted route.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2024

Impact of 2020 Labor Day wildfires on highway infrastructure: a historical perspective on megafires and roadway damage in Washington, Oregon, and California

The study assesses roadway damage from the 2020 wildfires in comparison to historical megafires in the region, finding significant increases in damage since the 2000s. The research emphasizes the critical need for targeted preventive measures and improved fire management strategies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

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

Road features that predict crash sites identified in new machine-learning model

Researchers used data from 9,300 miles of Greek roads to develop a machine-learning model predicting crash sites. The model identified key features such as abrupt speed limit changes and incomplete lane markings as predictors of crashes. The study's findings have implications for improving road safety globally.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2024

Peru’s Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalConservation Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Cracking the concrete code

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new type of metamaterial concrete that can be designed to have specific attributes like brittleness, flexibility, and shapeability. This material can generate electricity and can also be used to monitor damage inside concrete structures or earthquakes, reducing their impact o...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2023

Researchers propose a fourth light on traffic signals – for self-driving cars

A new approach, called the white phase concept, uses autonomous vehicles to control traffic flow at intersections, reducing fuel consumption and travel time. The system informs human drivers through a clearly identifiable signal, improving safety and efficiency.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Climate change creates complications for concrete

New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalResults in Engineering·DateNov 14, 2022

Wildlife crossings potentially save millions annually in Washington state

A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 30, 2022

The deadly impact of urban streets that look like highways

Researchers analyzed over 240,000 Google Street View images to find that streets with more visible sky, roadway, and signs have 48% more crashes than residential areas. The study highlights the dangers of 'open road' segments in urban areas, which drivers often perceive as highways, despite being near pedestrians and human activity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Researchers find way to make traffic models more efficient

A new method reduces computational complexity of traffic models, making them operate more efficiently. The modified algorithm breaks down complex forecasting questions into smaller problems that can be solved in parallel, significantly reducing run time. This approach also allows for a good enough solution within an error bar, rather t...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2022

Using overpasses as shelter from tornado?

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the interaction between tornado-strength winds and highway overpasses, finding no evidence of wind acceleration under an overpass. The study, published in Physics of Fluids, suggests that using an overpass as a shelter during a tornado may not be safer than other options.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Elucidating the brain's white matter

Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

'Transportation is a form of freedom': How to make it more equitable

A new study by University of Michigan researchers highlights common barriers to improving equitable access to transportation, including data collection and information on needs. Practitioners cited need for better communication between disciplines and structures in place to advocate for equity-minded funding allocations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 9, 2021

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020