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New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

How we perceive crowds

A new study suggests that individuals perceive a space as congested when they can't walk at their desired speed. Age and gender also play a role, with older and female pedestrians reporting lower feelings of congestion. The researchers hope to apply this finding to design spaces that prioritize comfort and usability.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalTransportation Research·TypeObservational study·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

Study suggests policy, education and training make youngest novice drivers better prepared for license exam, less likely to crash

A study using Ohio license data found that mandatory driver education, including behind-the-wheel training, reduces crash rates among novice drivers under 18. The research suggests reevaluating comprehensive licensing policies to keep young drivers safe.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2022

L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles

A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

How e-scooters can safely operate in a city

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Safety Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Flame-retardants and plasticizers found in the oceans

A new study finds that flame-retardants and plasticizers are present in the oceans, harming marine organisms and potentially affecting human health. The substances, which are widely used in everyday products, can be transported from inland sources to coastal environments through air masses and ocean currents.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 28, 2022

Are urban railways in Tokyo on the right track? Researchers from Japan attempt to answer

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

CityU scientist invents novel droplet manipulation method “WRAP”

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Shifting conferences online cuts carbon footprint 94%

A new study by Cornell University found that moving professional conferences online reduces the global event industry's carbon footprint by 94%, and shifting to a hybrid model cuts it to 67%. The annual carbon footprint of the industry is comparable to the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of the entire US.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2021

As LA traffic slowed amid the pandemic, researchers gained new insight into air pollution

A team of scientists used satellite images to track ammonia concentrations in the air above Los Angeles before and during the pandemic lockdown. They discovered that cars may produce up to 95% of this harmful pollutant throughout the city, significantly higher than previous estimates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Carbon labelling can potentially encourage eco-friendly E-commerce

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design found that adding carbon emission labels can influence online shoppers to choose more sustainable shipping options. The study showed that slow shipping options result in lower emissions but longer delivery times, with an 81% reduction in emissions possible.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateNov 19, 2021

Seamless wayfinding by a deafblind adult on an urban college campus: A case study

A case study evaluated the experience of a deafblind adult using three wayfinding support tools on an urban college campus. The tactile map proved to be the most successful tool, while the mobile application yielded the lowest performance and confidence. Simplifying wayfinding tools and tailoring information to individual preferences a...

SourcePortland State University·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateOct 22, 2021

Record-breaking lithium-metal cell

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a record-breaking lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 560 Wh/kg, retaining 88% capacity after 1000 cycles. The battery features a nickel-rich cathode and a dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte, which significantly improves stability.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Transformative transportation survey methods

Researchers at Portland State University developed new survey methods to address the limitations of current household activity surveys. The study found that existing methods lack social, cultural, and linguistic applicability for marginalized groups, leading to inaccurate data. By improving data collection efforts, transportation profe...

SourcePortland State University·JournalTransportation Research·DateAug 19, 2021

Delivering packages at transit stations: Considering accessibility and equity in site placement

Researchers at Portland State University propose a multiple-criteria approach to ensure equitable distribution of common carrier parcel lockers at transit facilities. The study evaluates accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, and sociodemographic profiles, to identify high-potential locations for...

SourceSAGE·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 18, 2021

What does ride-hailing mean for parking?

Researchers investigate associations between ride-hail trips and on-street parking occupancy in Seattle, predicting decline if ride-hail demand exceeds 2.24 times the 2016 average. Flexible parking policies can manage changes driven by ride-hailing, but cities must plan ahead.

SourcePortland State University·JournalCase Studies on Transport Policy·DateAug 11, 2021

Latest tests on 6G return surprising results

A recent study published in Proceedings of the IEEE reveals that high-frequency signals can be managed more effectively than previously thought, addressing key challenges in 6G technology. The research has significant implications for applications such as haptic internet, mobile edge computing, and holographic communication.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 10, 2021