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I’m walking here! A new model maps foot traffic in New York City

A new model maps foot traffic in New York City, providing insights into pedestrian activity and hazard locations. The study reveals high densities of foot traffic outside Manhattan, with many streets having similar foot-traffic levels to Manhattan's busiest areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Cities·DateFeb 6, 2026

UMass Amherst researchers identify top risk factors for pedestrian-vehicle crashes at Massachusetts bus stops

Researchers used machine learning to evaluate 1,773 bus stops across Massachusetts, identifying 13 crash-relevant characteristics and proposing countermeasures. The study found that bus stop types in mixed-use arterial corridors and dense urban cores have the highest prevalence of crashes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalData Science for Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Metros cut car use in European cities, but trams fall short

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2025

Study: Electric scooters boost rideshare trips but reduce bikeshare demand, raise new safety concerns

A new study finds that electric scooters increase short rideshare trips by 15.7% but decrease bikeshare demand by 7.6%, contributing to higher crime rates in neighborhoods with scooter access. The study highlights the need for more nuanced e-scooter regulation to balance benefits and drawbacks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2025

PSU research shows Portland transit-oriented developments reduce car trips, especially at affordable housing sites

A new study by Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) reveals that transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Portland metro area generate significantly fewer car trips than previously estimated. At affordable housing sites, car trips were reduced to only a quarter to two-fifths of expected rates.

SourcePortland State University·DateSep 25, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Rented e-bicycles more dangerous than e-scooters in cities

A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that rented e-bikes have an eight times higher crash risk than rented e-scooters, calculated based on trip distance. The researchers used GPS data to compare micromobility in seven European cities and found a surprising result.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Safety Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2025

Turning shopping bags into streets: ECU research tackles plastic waste

Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a method to incorporate waste plastics into pavement material, offering a dual benefit of improving road strength and reducing plastic pollution. The study highlights the potential for repurposing household plastics to create more sustainable and resilient roads.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 2, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

Unsafe driving during school drop offs at ‘unacceptable’ levels

A study of over 500 schools in Canada found that 98% exhibit risky driving behaviors, including double parking and not obeying traffic controls. The authors suggest improvements to the built environment and parental education to address this serious issue.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateApr 10, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How changing L.A.’s tree rules could cool more neighborhoods

A new study suggests that easing L.A.'s outdated tree planting rules could significantly grow the city's urban tree canopy without compromising safety. By relaxing restrictions near intersections, utility poles, gas lines, and other infrastructure, tree coverage in lower-income neighborhoods like Boyle Heights could increase by up to 26%.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeCase study·DateMar 26, 2025

Using existing infrastructure to estimate pedestrian volumes

Researchers at PSU used ODOT's push-button data to estimate pedestrian counts, develop a workflow for integrating traffic counts into the enterprise system, and explore applications in pedestrian infrastructure planning. The new dashboard allows agencies to analyze usage patterns and prioritize upgrades at high-demand locations.

SourcePortland State University·DateMar 21, 2025

Urban highways cut opportunities for social relationships, says study

A recent study found that urban highways in US cities reduce social ties within cities, particularly over short distances. The research, led by the Complexity Science Hub, used online social network data to quantify the barrier effect of highways on social connections.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

New research shows a scientific approach can optimize bike lane planning

A new study by University of Toronto researchers has developed a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations for bike lanes, minimizing congestion and increasing cycling ridership. The model uses traffic and commuter mobility data to predict the impact of bike lane expansion on driving travel time and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Can Google street view data improve public health?

Researchers analyzed 2 million Google Street View images to explore the utility of digital data in informing public health decision-making. They found that neighborhoods with more crosswalks had lower rates of obesity and diabetes, but no significant link was found between sidewalks and health outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2024

Hot streets, historic bias: effects on neighborhood walking in older adults

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

A smarter city skyline for flood safety

Urban flooding is increasing due to climate change and urbanization, posing a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Researchers found that building configurations can significantly impact flood vulnerability; staggered layouts provide more danger zones, while rounded or circular footprints reduce high-floodwater areas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 9, 2024

New traffic signal would improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles

A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

Global-local path choice model: a new method to understand the walkability of cities

A novel path choice model elucidates the influence of different attributes on pedestrians' local and global path choices. The study reveals that pedestrians locally perceive and react to environmental attributes like green views, guiding urban planning decisions.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part A General·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Determining who gets blamed when cars hit pedestrians

A new study found that urban environment, road types, and crosswalk access play a major role in determining who gets blamed for crashes. Pedestrians were more likely to be blamed on roads with high traffic speeds and few crosswalks, while drivers were more likely to be faulted in areas with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport and Land Use·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

How certain media talk about AI may have everything to do with political ideology

Virginia Tech researchers analyzed partisan media sentiment toward AI and found that liberal-leaning media tend to have a more negative tone than conservative media. The study suggests that this opposition can be attributed to concerns over AI amplifying existing social biases, such as racial and income disparities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 22, 2023

Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data

Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2023

New method helps AI navigate 3D space using 2D images

Researchers developed MonoXiver, a new method to help AI extract 3D information from 2D images, making cameras more useful tools for emerging technologies. The method significantly improves accuracy when used in conjunction with existing techniques, such as MonoCon.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Self-driving cars can make traffic slower

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

New York City’s open streets program during COVID pandemic has unintended consequences on noise complaints

A new study found that New York City's Open Streets program, which allocated more public spaces for physical activity and recreation, was associated with higher daily street and sidewalk noise complaints. The researchers also found that census tracts with more affluent populations had more Open Streets segments.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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

Across the US, white neighborhoods have more greenery, fewer dilapidated buildings, fewer multi-family homes

A nationwide study using Google Street View images found that predominantly White neighborhoods had better neighborhood conditions associated with good health, such as fewer neglected buildings and more greenery. In contrast, neighborhoods with residents who were primarily Black or of other minority races had fewer green spaces and mor...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Digital healthcare, location optimization and road improvements are recommended to improve healthcare in Ho Chi Minh City

A study by the University of Eastern Finland and Vietnam National University found that people in urban areas have better access to healthcare than suburban residents. The researchers recommend digital healthcare solutions to improve healthcare quality and accessibility in a cost-effective manner.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateDec 8, 2022

How to improve landscape visual aesthetic effects of street pedestrian spaces in China’s mountainous cities

A study assesses and optimizes the landscape visual aesthetic quality of street pedestrian spaces in Jinan, China's historic downtown, using panoramic images and deep learning methods. The research finds that urban streets with high aesthetic quality serve as corridors among mountains and natural landscapes, improving city image.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateOct 3, 2022

Older homeless people are at great risk of dying

A long-term study found that older homeless people are at a high risk of dying, with a median age of death of 64.6 years old. The study also found that people who first became homeless at age 50 or later were about 60 percent more likely to die than those who had become homeless earlier in life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 29, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

In first year of COVID-19 pandemic and after George Floyd’s death, rates of some crimes rose while others fell

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateJun 3, 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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Growing up in rural or suburban areas improves spatial navigation

A study published in Nature found that people raised in rural areas outperform those from cities, particularly grid-pattern streets, in navigating spatial environments. This suggests that the simplicity of rural street networks influences navigational abilities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Public transport: AI assesses resilience of timetables

A new AI method accurately estimates timetable robustness within milliseconds, enabling efficient optimization. This improves balance between passenger needs and economic conditions.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalTransportation Research Part C Emerging Technologies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2022

Researchers from the GIST use artificial intelligence to identify potential unsafe locations in cities

GIST researchers propose a new strategy for crime prevention using artificial intelligence, trained on a large-scale dataset of deviant incident reports and corresponding images. The model, called DevianceNet, can accurately classify and detect deviant places, making it a useful tool in urban safety development.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

Ranking of European cities with highest mortality due to lack of green space

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A new metric for designing safer streets

Researchers developed an approach to evaluate cognitive workload in cyclists, finding that stressful areas have a consistent response regardless of expertise level. The study suggests that infrastructure design is key to making spaces safe, shifting the focus from individual education to proactive urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJul 19, 2021

Open-source software to help cities plant in pursuit of clean air

A new open-source software, GI4RAQ Platform, enables practitioners to estimate pollutant concentration changes resulting from different planting schemes in streets. It focuses on key pollutants from road transport and provides a detailed analysis of the urban form and planting specified by users.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalForests·DateJul 7, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Vertical greenery can act as a stress buffer, NTU Singapore study finds

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that viewing buildings with green plants reduced stress levels and improved positive emotions in participants. The research suggests that incorporating vertical greenery into urban design can have a significant impact on mental health, guiding greening efforts in cities.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 6, 2021

Streetonomics: using street names to quantify a city's cultural values

A study using street names to quantify cultural indicators found that Vienna honors the most women (54%), followed by London (40%). Paris and New York have lower proportions, with many streets named after people from the 1860s. Street names also reflect professions and professions held by street honorees, such as artists, writers, and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2021