Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study to make public roads safer for farmers, drivers

A North Carolina State University study has identified five risk factors associated with farm vehicle crashes on public roads, including the use of non-English speaking drivers and young farm vehicle drivers. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach, including driver licensing, training, and monitoring, could reduce the risk of...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateNov 18, 2008

CU-Boulder study suggests air quality regulations miss key pollutants

A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 24, 2008

Teens underestimate risk, overestimate vehicle, highway safety in motor vehicle accidents

Research reveals teens' flawed attitudes towards trauma-related injuries, prioritizing fate over choice. Program participation improved risk perception, but knowledge decayed over time. Emotional connections with injured peers and reflection components played a crucial role in sustaining long-term changes.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2008

Shrinking carbon footprints

A study found that households implementing environmentally sustainable behavior reported a reduction of approximately two tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions per year. Key factors influencing adoption included financial cost, lack of time and knowledge, and lifestyle factors such as household size and vehicle ownership.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateJul 1, 2008

Ignition locks reduce DWIs

A new study found that vehicle interlocks significantly reduce DWIs among first-time offenders, with a 60% lower risk of repeat offenses. This economic benefit is substantial, saving $3 for every dollar spent on interlocks.

SourceBurness·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateFeb 11, 2008

Crash prevention could be a DREAM

A new study using the Driving Reliability and Error Analysis Method (DREAM) found that four scenarios contribute to single-vehicle crashes: driver fatigue, loss of traction on slippery roads, overestimation of driving skills, and panicked steering. Vehicle safety features can now be designed to compensate for these unpredictable factors.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Safety·DateOct 31, 2007

Computer solution to delivery problem

Researchers have developed a computer solution to cut journey times of courier services, reducing fuel consumption and improving timely drop-offs. The new approach uses a heuristic-based model that can process real-time requests and re-route vehicles to minimize distance traveled.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Logistics Systems and Management·DateOct 18, 2007

New mangosteen research establishes xanthone measurement standard

Researchers established a credible scientific method for testing and measuring xanthones in whole mangosteen fruit, which shows high xanthone absorption when using the entire fruit as a delivery vehicle. This study ensures consistent and reliable marketing of mangosteen products to consumers relative to claims of xanthone content.

SourceMWW Group·JournalJournal of Separation Science·DateJun 22, 2007

Biologically inspired sensors can augment sonar, vision system in submarines

Researchers have developed an artificial lateral line that mimics the functions of the biological system found in fish, enabling submarines to detect and track moving targets and avoid collisions. The device uses micro fabricated flow sensors integrated with metal-oxide-superconductor circuitry for on-chip signal processing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2007

Pediatric neurosurgeons recommend banning children from ATVs

A 10-year review of ATV-related injuries reveals serious neurological injuries, inpatient rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities among children under 16. Pediatric neurosurgeons recommend banning children from ATVs and implementing mandatory helmet laws, instruction programs, and restricting public use.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 7, 2006

Virtual reality, real ingenuity

The Marine Corps has created a dedicated virtual-reality training system for its assault amphibian vehicles, allowing for increased training capabilities due to range and ammunition supply constraints. The Virtual Environment Assault Amphibian Vehicle (VEAAV) training system was developed by a Navy-Marine Corps team in just six months.

Pairs of Seagliders set endurance records

Two UW ocean-diving gliders, Seagliders, have set a new record by traveling across the Pacific Ocean. They were deployed in September and traveled over 1,860 miles in 191 days. The gliders' autonomous technology allows them to collect oceanographic measurements without propellers, setting a precedent for the longest range of any autono...

Fewer arrests, auto accidents and ER visits among young adults counseled for high-risk drinking

A randomized clinical trial found that brief alcohol counseling resulted in long-term reductions in high-risk drinking behaviors and adverse events among young adults. Counseling led to a 40-50% decrease in alcohol use and a significant reduction in emergency department visits, auto accidents, and arrests.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateOct 5, 2004

Brain control

A new brain-based controller mimics the human olivo-cerebellar system to enable precise movement control. The system will be tested on a mobile autonomous research vehicle to replicate complex maneuvers and wing control of birds and insects.

Study suggests insect-derived antimicrobial peptides could be used as drug-delivery vehicles

Researchers have discovered that insect-derived antimicrobial peptides, such as pyrrhocoricin, can penetrate human dendritic cells and fibroblasts, potentially leading to new vaccine and immune therapies. The peptides are being explored as drug-delivery vehicles for peptide or peptide-based drugs that normally cannot cross cell membranes.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 8, 2004

Smart materials for a next-gen vehicle

The Office of Naval Research is developing new materials to increase the survivability of future Marine Corps vehicles. Six contractors have developed new material concepts, with three selected for Phase 2 contracts. Lightweight high-strength composite materials and embedded sensors will be integrated into a vehicle demonstrator.

Crawler reconnaissance

The Surf Zone Crawler, a fully autonomous amphibious vehicle, can follow search instruction plans, classify and map underwater mines in turbulent ocean surf zones. It has been used to search under the World Trade Center after 9/11, Afghan caves, and underwater wreckage off Normandy's beaches, with plans to deploy it in Iraq.