Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Overtaking the odds: Do passing zones make rural roads safer?

Researchers found that roads with passing zones have 11% fewer total crashes and 12% fewer fatal/injury-causing crashes compared to sections without marked passing zones. The study suggests that wider, straighter, flatter roads with more visibility are associated with lower crash risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2025

Mortality among surgeons in the United States

A recent study reveals that surgeons in the United States have a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to other highly educated professionals, including nonsurgeon physicians. The study suggests that factors such as work environment and lifestyle may contribute to this disparity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 30, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Curbing roadway fatalities hinges on shared responsibility and rethinking safety

A Safe Systems Approach emphasizes that road users, designers, operators, policymakers, administrators, and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in reducing fatalities. By adopting this approach, countries can realize significant success in eliminating roadway deaths, but full commitment from stakeholders is necessary.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 30, 2025

Teens report spending 21% of each driving trip looking at their phone

A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2025

New test will help driverless cars make ‘moral’ decisions

Researchers developed a technique to study moral decision-making while driving, testing it on 274 philosopher participants. The results showed consistency across different philosophical schools of thought regarding what constitutes moral behavior in the context of driving.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2025
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.

Study shows making hydrogen with soda cans and seawater is scalable and sustainable

A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·DateJun 4, 2025

Study: Emotional responses crucial to attitudes about self-driving cars

A new study from Washington State University examines the role of emotional responses in shaping public attitudes toward self-driving cars. Researchers found that feelings of excitement and curiosity, as well as beliefs in technology's social benefits, play a significant role in determining whether people would adopt autonomous vehicles.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTransportation Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

New study: Teen drivers safer with more practice

A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 27, 2025

New fuel cell could enable electric aviation

Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMay 27, 2025

Motorcycle helmet laws save lives: Study shows universal laws increase helmet use and reduce injury severity

A study found that universal helmet laws in North Carolina resulted in higher helmet use rates (94%) compared to South Carolina (47%), leading to less severe injuries. The study also highlighted the human toll of not wearing helmets, including longer ICU stays and more ventilator support.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025
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.

No car, no problem: Unlikely car-free families

A new study from the Hebrew University explores middle-class parents in Israel who choose to live car-free due to personal values like promoting children's independence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These 'outlier' families offer valuable insights into reducing society's dependence on private vehicles, highlighting instrumental ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Cracking the code: deciphering how concrete can heal itself

A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMaterials Today·DateMay 7, 2025

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Explainable AI for ship navigation raises trust, decreases human error

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed an explainable AI model for ship navigation that explains the basis for its decisions and intentions using numerical values. This technology aims to increase trust among maritime workers and contribute to the realization of unmanned ships.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Footprints of deep-sea mining

A recent study published in Nature Communications provides detailed data on the far-field spatial footprint of mining-induced plume dispersion and redeposition beyond the mining area. The research found that sediment concentrations were up to 10,000 times higher near the mining site and returned to normal levels after 14 hours.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

How London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is changing the school run

A new study highlights the benefits of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in improving perceptions of clean air and encouraging active travel to school. Despite its benefits, adapting to the ULEZ has been challenging for many families outside central London.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025
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.

New technique to make food deliveries more efficient

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to improve the efficiency of food-delivery operations. The technique accounts for key factors such as food supply, location, and vehicle capacity to determine optimized routes that make food delivery faster and more fuel-efficient.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2025

College commuters: Link between students’ mental health, vehicle crashes

A study at Florida Atlantic University reveals a correlation between commuter students' mental health status and increased risk of being involved in a crash while driving. Researchers found that students with anxiety or depression may be more likely to be distracted or exhausted, impairing their ability to focus on the road.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2025

How simple prompts can make partially automated cars safer

A new study found that driving-related conversational prompts improve driver performance in taking control of the vehicle, but only when drivers are engaged. Conversely, non-driving related tasks like solving anagrams can significantly decrease performance and render prompts ineffective.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHuman Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025
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.

Empowering numerical weather predictions with drones as meteorological tools

Researchers evaluate drones' potential for long-term daily collection of meteorological data, showing promising results and cost-effectiveness. The study demonstrates that drones can provide accurate measurements comparable to traditional methods, improving the accuracy of numerical weather predictions and disaster prevention.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Sujan elected National Academy of Inventors Fellow

Vivek Sujan has been elected as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his significant contributions to the development of innovative powertrain and vehicle systems technologies. With over 250 patents, he is an expert in vehicle mobility systems and holds leadership roles at top organizations.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 10, 2025

Aydin elevated to IEEE senior membership

Emrullah Aydin's work in modeling and simulation supported ORNL's record-setting wireless power transfer of 270-kilowatts to a light-duty passenger vehicle. He joined ORNL in 2022 as a postdoctoral researcher and became a staff member in 2023.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 10, 2025
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.

Pre-seed funding to recolor the world greener

Kobe University has developed a new way to produce colors using nanospheres, which could reduce the environmental impact of paints and cosmetics. The technology uses silicon spheres to scatter light, creating bright and brilliant colors that do not fade or change with viewing angle.

SourceKobe University·DateDec 11, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Drivers of electric vehicles are more likely to be at fault in road traffic crashes than drivers of petrol and diesel cars

A comparative study by Lero reveals that electric vehicles have a higher chance of experiencing an at-fault insurance claim, with a 4% increase in crashes compared to internal combustion engines. The research also found that hybrids show no further increased risk, indicating EVs have a higher risk profile.

SourceLero·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2024

E-scooter injuries on the rise in Denver, says CU School of Medicine research

A new research study by CU School of Medicine found that e-scooter injuries in Denver have become more frequent and costly over the past five years. The study suggests limiting e-scooter use at night and on weekends to reduce hospital costs associated with injuries.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateSep 10, 2024

Study: EV charging stations boost spending at nearby businesses

A study by MIT researchers found that EV charging stations increase annual spending at nearby businesses by an average of $1,500 in 2019 and $400 from 2021 to 2023. The impact is particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations and in low-income areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Teens benefit from a new primary care virtual driving assessment model

A new virtual driving assessment model integrated into primary care has shown promising results, with 77% of teens agreeing to recommend it to friends and wanting to retake the test. The assessment provides personalized feedback to identify risks and areas for improvement, addressing a leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Innovative modeling aims to curb teen drunken driving fatalities

A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a simulation model to examine how public health interventions affect fatalities among teens and young adults. The study found that a single measure is not effective in reducing alcohol-related crashes; instead, a combined strategy with three key tenets is necessary.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024
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.

Traffic speeds decrease when bike lane is present

Researchers found a 28% reduction in average maximum speeds and 21% decrease in right-turn vehicle speeds with the presence of delineated bike lanes. The study suggests bike lanes can save lives by reducing speeding and improving traffic flow.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Urban Mobility·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2024
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.

Retention ponds can deliver a substantial reduction in tire particle pollution, study suggests

A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Fueling the future: boosting durability of eco-friendly cars' power source

Researchers investigate degradation mechanisms of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in automotive settings, highlighting chemical breakdown, corrosion, and mechanical wear. The study introduces pioneering approaches to enhance the lifespan and durability of PEMFCs, offering new perspectives for commercializing clean technology.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·DateMar 27, 2024

Reduced risk of PEMFC flooding by gas diffusion media hydrophobic gradient

A study outlines a gas diffusion media (GDM) design that accelerates water transport and improves reaction gas transport in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, reducing the risk of flooding. The design creates a hydrophobicity gradient to enhance mass transfer ability.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Over half of global commutes are by car, says study

According to a new study, around 51% of global commutes are made by car, varying greatly across regions. In contrast, cities like Copenhagen, Paris, and Utrecht rely heavily on cycling and public transportation. The US also shows minimal variation in modal share across cities, with nearly 92% of commutes made by car.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEnvironment International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2024
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.

Safety assessments for older drivers would benefit from introducing spatial orientation tests

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that older adults with worse spatial orientation ability experience greater difficulty when making turns across oncoming traffic, which is a significant risk factor for fatal road traffic accidents. Spatial orientation skills are essential for mentally determining position and vehicl...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2024

Study detects cognitive changes in older drivers using in-vehicle sensors

A study published in BMC Geriatrics uses in-vehicle sensors to detect anomalous driving behavior indicative of cognitive impairment in older adults. The system analyzes driving patterns, facial expressions, and eye movement to identify early signs of dementia.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Pedestrian injuries from falls versus motor vehicle collisions: are we lacking critical policy and interventions?

A recent study found that pedestrian injuries from falls exceed those from motor vehicle collisions in the US, with older adults particularly vulnerable. The study analyzed EMS data and found that pedestrians over 50 years old were 3.9 times more likely to experience severe injuries from falls compared to motor vehicle collisions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateJan 31, 2024

Vehicle networking environment information sharing based on distributed fountain code

A new study proposes a data-sharing solution based on distributed fountain coding to improve the reliability of transmission in complex vehicle-connected environments. The proposed method allows receivers to accept encoded packets from different vehicles, reducing decoding failure caused by network anomalies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Networks·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Car accidents, accidental overdoses account for majority of accidental deaths among U.S. soldiers deployed in Afghanistan/Iraq wars—but death rates differ by time since deployment, age, and gender

Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

In the driver’s seat: study explores how we interact with remote drivers

Researchers studied user perceptions and requirements for remote driving in L4 AVs, highlighting the importance of clear communication and reliable teleoperation systems. The study found that users support remote driving as a failsafe mechanism but raise concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, and performance.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2024