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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

Lead levels in urban soil are declining but hotspots persist

A Duke University study found that while lead levels have generally decreased since the 1970s, they remain above safety guidelines near residential foundations and in areas with high traffic density. Regular soil testing is essential to mitigate these risks and encourage cities to act on this issue.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2021

3D holographic head-up display could improve road safety

Researchers developed a 3D holographic head-up display using LiDAR data to create ultra-high-definition holographic representations of road objects, alerting drivers to potential hazards without distraction. The technology has shown promising results in early tests, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to existing safety measures.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 25, 2021

ACS Spring 2021 press conference schedule

New methods to detect doping compounds in urine samples using ion mobility-mass spectrometry will help regulatory agencies track existing dopants and future 'designer' compounds. Baltic amber's therapeutic effects have been pinpointed, potentially leading to new medicines for antibiotic-resistant infections. Scientists also report a wa...

Counting pedestrians to make pedestrians count

A new model developed by MIT's Andres Sevtsuk can estimate pedestrian journeys and trip distribution, providing a solution for planners and developers to better understand foot traffic in cities. The model uses network analysis and real-world data to calculate pedestrian flows, which can be applied to various urban settings.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateApr 14, 2021

Rescuing street art from vandals' graffiti

Researchers developed a nanostructured fluid that slowly releases cleaning agents to remove over-paintings on street art without damaging the underlying layer. The technique, which uses low-toxicity solvents and biodegradable surfactants, has been tested successfully on laboratory mockups and real pieces of street art.

Insights into the Yellowstone hotspot

A new study published in GSA Today suggests that the Yellowstone hotspot is derived from a deep mantle plume, with magmatism extending to at least 56 million years ago. The study's findings indicate a long-lived and robust hotspot that has migrated across northeastern California, northern Nevada, and into Yellowstone National Park.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 7, 2021

One-way street for electrons

Researchers have observed a one-way street for electrons in a nanomaterial, where conical intersections channel energy in a certain direction with high probability. This phenomenon has implications for the development of more efficient organic solar cell devices and potentially artificial eyes from nanostructures.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 20, 2020

Street smarts required in heat mitigation

Researchers measured pedestrian heat exposure over regular asphalt roads, reflective coated roads and sidewalks next to the roads. The study found that the surface temperature of coated asphalt road was up to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the regular road in the afternoon, but the radiant heat over coated asphalt was higher.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 11, 2020

People may know the best decision -- and not make it

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that people often take the less optimal choice when faced with a decision, despite having knowledge of what works best. The researchers discovered that nearly everyone learned the pattern, but only about 20% followed it when the pattern didn't work consistently.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2020

Car congestion outweighs scooter scourge on city streets

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateMar 4, 2020

Why people reject city trees

A study by University of Vermont researcher Christine Carmichael found that nearly 25% of eligible Detroit residents rejected the city's tree planting program due to negative past experiences with street trees. The opposition was primarily driven by concerns over maintenance responsibilities and lack of decision-making power. The resea...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSociety & Natural Resources·DateJan 7, 2019

Rutgers study helps city ban large trucks

A Rutgers University study found significant improvements in air quality after restricting heavy truck traffic on a residential street in Elizabeth, N.J. The research team tracked 60 trucks per hour and found a spike in black carbon from diesel exhaust pollution, which was linked to asthma and other health issues.

So much depends on a tree guard

Researchers at Columbia University found that tree guards can improve street trees' ability to absorb stormwater runoff. The study shows that protected pits absorbed water six times faster than unprotected ones, reducing the load on city sewers.

SourceColumbia University·JournalEcological Engineering·DateJan 23, 2018

Trees can make or break city weather

A new study found that trees can increase wind speed by a factor of two when removed, making it more challenging for pedestrians to walk. Trees also reduced the impact of wind pressure on buildings, particularly through small gaps, and contributed to a more comfortable environment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvances in Water Resources·DateJul 26, 2017

Study: Street gangs, crime serve as deviant leisure activities for youths

A new study suggests that gang membership and criminal acts serve as deviant leisure activities for young people, filling their needs for excitement and a sense of belonging. The researchers found that many participants enjoyed the violence and experienced a rush during violent incidents, with some likening it to a drug addiction.

City model created from images alone

VarCity technology uses machine learning to analyze images and videos, creating precise 3D models of cities. The platform can recognize buildings, streets, and traffic patterns in real-time, making it useful for urban planning and management.

The fast and the crashed: Study shows collisions 5 times more likely for street racers

A Canadian survey reveals that street racers are five times more likely to have crashed their vehicle within a year. The study found that street racers are more likely to be single, young men who drive after using alcohol or marijuana. This correlation remains true even when adjusting for other variables such as age and driving distance.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 25, 2017

Google Street View cars are eyes on the ground for urban methane leaks

Researchers at Colorado State University are using Google Street View cars equipped with methane analyzers to create a comprehensive inventory of urban methane leak sources. The project aims to help utility companies prioritize leak repairs based on emissions, reducing pipeline methane emissions by 30% and accelerating crucial repairs.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 22, 2017