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Bringing people together on climate change

A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Communication·DateOct 14, 2020

'Biggest holes in the system'

A new study by Washington State University scientist Raven Weaver found that older adults living in very rural settings are less likely to receive available services compared to those in mostly rural areas. The study highlights the most vulnerable groups within the rural classification, emphasizing the need for proactive support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateAug 24, 2020

Will automated vehicles cut parking revenue?

As autonomous vehicles challenge traditional auto-related funding streams, cities must prepare for potential revenue implications. Researchers analyzed transportation network companies' impact on parking demand and found a non-linear relationship between Uber trips and occupancy. Cities can adjust parking policies by time/day, lower pr...

Changes in driver shifts and pick-up choices for food delivery services can boost profits

New research published in INFORMS journal Transportation Science reveals that optimizing delivery driver shifts can reduce pick-up time by up to 50%, while choosing restaurants closer to the drop-off location can reduce delivery time by 17%. Additionally, order bundling has a limited cost improvement of less than half a percent.

UBC researchers design roadmap for hydrogen supply network

A new study by UBC researchers provides a comprehensive model for hydrogen adoption in British Columbia, recommending a refuelling infrastructure and production plants to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered cars. The study sees significant growth in hydrogen demand every year, provided policies like B.C.'s carbon tax are maintained.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateSep 12, 2019

Streamlining fee waiver requests helped low-income immigrants become citizens

A streamlined fee waiver process enabled about 73,000 low-income immigrants to become citizens each year, according to a new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab. The reform replaced a convoluted process with clear guidelines and a simple form, making it easier for those eligible to apply.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

TTI heat map shows relationship between traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma

Researchers created an interactive heat map and city-by-city table detailing the distribution of childhood asthma due to traffic-related air pollution across the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, asthma cases attributable to traffic-related air pollution decreased by 33%, with over 140,000 cases reported in 2010.

SourceTexas A&M University Transportation Institute·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 5, 2019

Childhood physical inactivity reaches crisis levels around the globe

A global report by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance shows that childhood physical inactivity is a pervasive public health problem affecting children worldwide. The report grades 49 countries on their physical activity levels, revealing that excessive screen time and urbanization are major contributors to this issue.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateNov 26, 2018

Mechanics of birds' nests subject of NSF research

Experts aim to understand how birds create resilient nests using twigs, leaves, and other materials, with potential applications in building, packaging, self-repairing, and shock-absorption. By studying the collective mechanical interactions of disordered filaments, they hope to develop new technologies inspired by nature.

New knowledge on the condition of cull sows prior to transportation to the abattoir

Researchers from Aarhus University conducted a study on the clinical condition of cull sows prior to transportation to slaughter. The results show that a significant portion of sows had various injuries and disabilities, including wounds, superficial skin lesions, and udder lesions, highlighting the need for improved animal welfare in ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalTranslational Animal Science·DateSep 13, 2018

Writing the future of rewritable memory

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new, atomic-scale rewritable memory that can store 45 million songs on the surface of a quarter. This breakthrough technology can withstand normal temperatures and is road-ready for commercial use, promising to revolutionize data storage and archival.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018

Using crowdsourced data, scientists build massive family tree that tells tales of humanity

Researchers created a massive crowd-sourced family tree analyzing 86 million public profiles from Geni.com, uncovering trends in migration patterns and genetic relatedness. The study found females migrate more than males, and couples born between 1800-1850 showed increased marital distances despite higher genetic relatedness.

Improving drone performance in headwinds

Researchers from Tohoku University found that angling quad-rotor rotors by 20 degrees can reduce pitching by a quarter, improving stability in heavy winds. The study also identified the effects of rotor tilting on pitching moment generation, with outward tilting reducing pitch by 26%.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Micro Air Vehicles·DateFeb 8, 2018

To drop CO2 emissions, look to local transportation and housing

According to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania, local efforts in residential housing and transportation can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The researchers found that adopting energy-conservation standards in housing could reduce emissions by 31-46% by 2030, while a fuel-economy standard of 40 mpg could reduce transpo...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateDec 1, 2017

Virus hijacks cell's transportation system

A deadly tick-borne virus uses the host neuron's transportation system to move its RNA, resulting in local reproduction of the virus and severe neurological symptoms. The unique virus-host interaction reveals a pivotal non-coding sequence that hijacks the neuronal granule system.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2017

Sales newbies, don't fret -- just go above and beyond

A Michigan State University study found that salespeople who control the emotional tone of their buyer-seller relationship by expressing gratitude can foster customer loyalty and gratitude. By going above and beyond, salespeople can potentially outperform even long-term relationships in terms of customer satisfaction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Personal Selling and Sales Management·DateAug 22, 2017