Articles tagged with Highways
Researchers at Notre Dame designed a highly accurate traffic prediction model that considers both time-based and distance-based costs. The model outperformed previous models when predicting commuter flows, demonstrating its potential to predict the impact of network disruptions.
Researchers used landscape genetics to study Ae. albopictus dispersal in the US, finding it traveled by 'jump' dispersal via cars and trucks along highways, with wetlands supporting mosquito growth. The discovery highlights human-aided gene flow's role in accelerating species adaptation.
A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.
A study identifies dense natural gas field developments, highways, and fencing as threats to the pronghorn's migration in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research found that migrating pronghorn avoid high-quality forage on both sides of highways with bottlenecks, highlighting the need for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
A Kansas State University study analyzed data on young drivers in Kansas and found significant differences between male and female drivers. Young females were more likely to wear a seatbelt, drive on restricted licenses, and be involved in crashes at intersections and with pedestrians.
Fires in Western Australia have been burning for several days, consuming over 700,000 hectares of land. The complex of fires is out of control and unpredictable, with firefighters battling the blazes and protecting Cape Leveque Road.
Tropical Storm Julio is located over 700 miles away from Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is expected to weaken and turn north by August 15.
The Mills Canyon fire started on July 8, 2014, near Entiat, Washington, and quickly spread to over 1,000 acres despite local efforts. The fire has since grown to 18,065 acres, with challenges including steep rocky terrain and warm weather conditions.
Researchers used a new method to analyze 17,549 vehicle burglaries from 2004 to 2009, finding links between socioeconomic and physical environments. The study identified factors associated with increased and decreased burglary rates, providing insights for law enforcement and local communities.
Seven wildfires are still burning in San Diego County, California, with the Cocos Fire being the most active, spanning over 1,200 acres. The region is experiencing extreme drought conditions, and climate change is cited as a factor by the governor.
A new study from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center found that teen drivers are six times more likely to have a serious incident when there's loud conversation in the vehicle. Having multiple passengers in the car also leads to more serious incidents, three times more often than alone.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.
Palliative care consultant Claud Regnard argues that the Liverpool Care Pathway was unfairly maligned and that its demise will not improve end-of-life care. He rejects recommendations to replace it with an 'end of life care plan', citing lack of evidence for its effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a cost-effective solution for stabilizing clay soils supporting highways. By using recycled plastic pins, they reduce the need for expensive slope stabilization and repair techniques, extending the life of roads and reducing environmental impact.
Fire crews worked to contain the Rim Fire in California, spotting across the line near Duckwall Ridge and expanding evacuations along Highway 108. NASA's Terra satellite captured images of the fire's spread, highlighting the need for heavy aircraft support to slow its progress.
A study by Montana State University researchers found that the 25 wildlife crossings on the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff allow grizzly bears to access a prime patch of buffalo berries habitat safely. The crossings also enable bears to move between food, shelter and dispersal areas on both sides of the highway.
A NASA technologist has developed a fully automated tool, the Evolutionary Mission Trajectory Generator (EMTG), that gives mission planners detailed directions for efficiently steering spacecraft to distant interplanetary destinations. The tool can calculate multiple trajectories in minutes, reducing the time required to design missions.
A research team led by Wayne State University aims to update the Highway Capacity Manual with the Michigan left turn design, enabling its adoption by other countries. The project will develop equations, text, and software for four alternative designs, improving traffic flow and safety.
The Mountain Fire in California started on July 15 and has since spread to the San Jacinto Wilderness. As of July 18, the fire has burned over 22,800 acres with 15% containment.
The Mountain Fire in California is a raging wildfire that has destroyed residences and commercial buildings, with some homes saved by firefighters. The fire is being fought by 2241 personnel, including aircraft, engines, and hand-crews, in the San Jacinto Wilderness.
The Tres Lagunas Fire has burned over 7,476 acres in New Mexico and forced evacuations for hundreds of homes and primary residences. The fire started on May 30 due to a downed power line and is currently uncontained.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers has identified a novel function of the protein presenilin in controlling the speed of molecular motors along neuronal highways. This regulation may prevent deadly blockages in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, offering hope for new treatments.
Researchers tracked 20 mountain lions over six years, finding that habitat fragmentation affects pumas' physiology, behavior, and ecology. The study helps identify corridors where pumas travel between high-quality habitats, aiding conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
Scientists have discovered a new species of armored fish in north central Pennsylvania, providing insights into evolutionary changes during the Devonian period. The discovery was made possible by a technique used to analyze fossil impressions, which allowed researchers to create a detailed description of the new species.
Scientists aim to unravel the mystery of microtubule directional signs, crucial for understanding diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The study's focus is on identifying modifications that could serve as road signs along molecular highways.
Researchers from the University of Montreal studied how hypergravity and microgravity affect plant reproduction, brain diseases, and cancer. They found that changes in gravity impact cellular traffic flow and construction of the cellular envelope, leading to compromised cell functioning and potential implications for human health.
A Wayne State University researcher is leading a federally funded project to better understand the connection between roadway safety and available sight distance at intersections controlled by stop signs. The study aims to determine if there's a relationship between crash occurrence and amount of available sight distance.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Amherst studied the transport of bio-molecular complexes along microtubules. They found that motor proteins cooperate to minimize traffic jams, allowing cargos to travel farther before becoming detached.
A University of Florida study examines the social, environmental, and economic impacts of a South American highway project. The research found that highway paving facilitates migration, population growth, and forest clearing, while also providing access to markets and improving economic security.
A series of experiments is assessing the potential vulnerability of critical structural components in aging steel bridges. Researchers are discovering how materials, connection details, and designs react to IEDs, kinetic impact, intense fires, and other accidents.
Researchers from Wayne State University will analyze the condition of several bridges in Michigan with a focus on diagonal cracks and potential design flaws. The study aims to identify the causes of these cracks and provide recommendations for repairs and design procedure revisions.
Researchers have found that slime mold can compute a complex network similar to the Canadian highway system. This discovery provides evidence that nature is capable of computation, challenging our understanding of its capabilities.
A Stanford University research team has designed a high-efficiency charging system that uses magnetic fields to wirelessly transmit large electric currents between metal coils. The technology could increase the driving range of electric vehicles and transform highway travel, overcoming limitations such as limited battery life.
A new fracture control plan for steel bridges aims to reduce the risk of failure through improved material selection, design, and inspection. The plan has the potential to save costs on maintenance budgets by identifying critical members that need protection from brittle fracture.
Researchers at UTD have successfully produced thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheets, creating a 'mirage effect' similar to an 'invisibility cloak'. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as photo-deflectors and switchable transparency materials.
The GigaBlitz event aims to document global biodiversity by having citizen scientists create panoramic images of their backyards and surrounding areas. The project, organized by Carnegie Mellon University, uses gigapixel imagery to record and share data for sites that may be widely separated.
A portable device will be built to map real-time particulate matter concentrations on Southern California highways. This study aims to quantify the highest potential exposure to particulate matter during daily commutes, enabling a better assessment of public exposure to particulate emissions on highways.
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 new study by University of Guelph professor John Fryxell predicts that building a road through the park would cause a 35% reduction in wildebeest herds, as well as direct and indirect effects on other species and ecosystems. Fragmenting the landscape disrupts movement patterns and forage resources, threatening key ecological processes.
Alternative grass species such as little bluestem, purple lovegrass, and tall fescue have been identified for anchoring roadside slopes. These deep-rooted species can stabilize the soil, while warmer-season grasses like little bluestem and purple lovegrass prevent surface erosion and provide green roadsides.
A team of scientists led by Melissa Rolls has discovered a key protein controlling the layout of microtubules in dendrites, allowing neurons to regenerate after severe injury. The research provides new insights into the process of nerve cell regeneration and potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
The penalty points system driver's license resulted in a significant reduction of 12.6% in highway deaths and injuries within the first two years after its implementation in Spain. However, this effect is temporary, lasting only nine months for deaths in urban accidents.
A recent research trip across the western Amazon revealed surprising results, with protected areas and indigenous reserves showing promising signs of effectiveness. The study also highlights the need for sustainable growth that balances economic development with environmental protection.
MSU environmental scholar Bob Walker leads research expedition along western Transamazon Highway to study the impact of tree loss on the Amazon. The team will document logging activity and interview workers in the logging industry and longtime residents about the effects of development.
Greenroads aims to recognize companies using sustainable methods, provide ideas for greener practices, and offer incentives for environmentally friendly roads. The system allows up to 118 points for voluntary actions, including noise mitigation, storm-water management, and waste reduction.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers shows striking similarities between the evolution of brains and cities. The study found that both require advanced infrastructure to maintain sufficient interconnectedness, with scaling laws governing the growth of connectors, highways, and synapses.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing new test methods to address alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete, a common durability problem affecting infrastructure like roads and bridges. This research has the potential to save millions of dollars by minimizing or preventing ASR distress.
A new book by Louise Nelson Dyble uncovers corruption and lack of transparency in the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, a special district responsible for infrastructure spending. The district's history is seen as a case study of how bureaucratic power can lead to accountability issues.
Researchers found that only four rest areas and six weigh stations showed promise for wind power generation in Illinois. The study determined grid parity was not achievable due to high electricity costs, but rebates and subsidies made some sites viable.
Researchers propose a wireless peer-to-peer network to exchange timely information about traffic conditions, incidents, and accidents. The Autonet system uses local-area wireless technology to form an ad hoc network that can handle measurements for approximately 3,500 traffic incidents.
Researchers at Caltech have created images of the heart's muscular layer showing a connection between muscle configuration and contraction. The findings provide evidence that the helical shape is crucial to the heart's effective beating, settling a 50-year debate.
A recent study found that over 30% of American public schools are within 400 meters of major highways, putting children at risk for respiratory diseases. The research suggests that proximity to highways and environmental pollutants can leave school-age children more susceptible to asthma and other chronic respiratory problems.
A study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that affluent mothers living within 200 meters of highways are at a higher risk of delivering low-weight infants (81% increase) and preterm babies (58% increase). The research team evaluated data from Quebec's birth registry over five years.
Researchers in the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety mapped out every fatality in the nation, providing a detailed view of road fatalities and life-saving public policies. The interactive tool allows users to visualize the impact of strong seat belt laws and other safety measures on their local roads.
A new linear garden concept has been studied for its potential to enhance roadsides while providing teaching gardens for students and community members. The project, led by Dr. Sandra Wilson, demonstrates the effectiveness of this space-saving approach in showcasing landscape plants commonly used in south-central Florida.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island is working on developing a new variety of salt-tolerant grass that can thrive in roadside environments. The project focuses on identifying a salt tolerance limit for native and ornamental turf grasses, with the ultimate goal of improving highway maintenance.
Researchers at Purdue University found that raising the speed limit from 65 to 70 on Interstate 65 in Indiana does not increase the probability of fatalities or severe injuries. The study used mathematical equations to calculate accident probabilities based on motor vehicle accident data, showing no significant effect.
A $2.5 million NIH grant will fund a study of four communities, including Boston's Chinatown and Somerville, to examine the health effects of pollution exposure in neighborhoods adjacent to major highways. The study aims to better define the most serious impacts of highway pollution on local residents.
The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation has been awarded a five-year, $25.5 million contract by the Federal Highway Administration to conduct a 20-year research study on bridge performance. The study aims to collect uniform data on bridge performance nationwide to inform bridge management decisions.
A new study suggests that toll road privatization could result in more crashes and increased costs associated with the use of other roads. The study found that higher tolls on privatized roads would divert trucks to local roads, potentially increasing safety risks and maintenance costs.