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Making our highways safer and more efficient

A new study suggests using a Long Distance Commuter lane (LDC) on the M1 Motorway in Australia could accommodate up to 3000 vehicles per hour while minimizing bottlenecks. The LDC concept has potential for commuter travel between other cities in Australia and worldwide.

SourceGriffith University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateMar 5, 2015

The Greenland Ice Sheet: Now in HD

Researchers at Ohio State University have created publicly available elevation maps of the Greenland Ice Sheet using high-resolution satellite images. The software, SETSM, allows for detailed tracking of the ice sheet's changes, including cracks that indicate accelerated melting.

Limiting internet congestion a key factor in net neutrality debate

A study published in the RAND Journal of Economics found that price discrimination by ISPs can lead to increased web congestion, as consumers adjust their behavior to take advantage of faster services. The researchers argue that relaxing net neutrality rules would ultimately benefit ISPs at the expense of consumers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateDec 10, 2014

Hypertension risk rises closer to major roadways

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%.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Study identifies gauntlet of obstacles facing migrating pronghorn in greater Yellowstone

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.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 25, 2014

Preventing 'traffic jams' in brain cells

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 28, 2013

Dusting for prints from a fossil fish to understand evolutionary change

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia·DateMar 27, 2013

Sex at zero gravity

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2013

Slime mold mimics Canadian highway network

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalInternational Journal of Natural Computing Research·DateMar 26, 2012

Road may disrupt migration, ruin Serengeti, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2011

P2P traffic control

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Information and Communication Systems·DateJan 7, 2009

Many US public schools in 'air pollution danger zone'

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateAug 18, 2008

Mothers from affluent neighborhoods near highways increase odds of low weight babies by 81 percent

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 30, 2008