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Wildlife crossings potentially save millions annually in Washington state

A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 30, 2022

Helping autonomous vehicles navigate tricky highway merges

Researchers at NC State University have developed a cooperative distributed algorithm that allows autonomous vehicle software to make calculations more quickly, enabling real-time navigation of complex merging scenarios. The approach improves both traffic flow and safety, with zero incidents in simulations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2022
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.

Examining for possible injuries from seat belt

Researchers analyzed data from trauma centers to determine if patients with seat belt injuries and negative CT scans can be safely discharged. The study found that some patients with abdominal bruising from a seat belt following a car crash may not need hospital admission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 13, 2022

Extra “eye” movements are the key to better self-driving cars

A new AI system uses artificial neural networks to recognize objects more accurately and stably, despite changing visual inputs. The system mimics human eye movements to improve machine vision capabilities, reducing errors in self-driving cars and other applications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Racial disparities in traffic fatalities much wider than previously known

A new analysis suggests that Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by traffic-related deaths, and that these disparities are larger than previous estimates show. The study found that travel distances vary among racial/ethnic groups when walking, cycling, or driving, and when these differences in activity levels a...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2022

In first year of COVID-19 pandemic and after George Floyd’s death, rates of some crimes rose while others fell

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateJun 3, 2022

Shared autonomous micro-mobility

Researchers at MIT City Science explore the impact of autonomy on shared micro-mobility systems, proposing it as a solution to mitigate challenges such as rebalancing and vehicle oversupply. An agent-based simulation tool assesses fleet performance and user experience, providing insights for informed decisions.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateMay 27, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Polymersomes efficiently deliver siRNA to treat breast cancers in preclinical model

Researchers have developed biodegradable nanovesicles that efficiently encapsulate and deliver PARP1 siRNA to breast cancer tumors in mice, inhibiting oncogene expression and extending survival. The polymersomes, assembled from three biodegradable block copolymers, have strong potential for precision-targeted therapeutic carriers.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Tiny infrared spectral filters for remote thermal sensing and imaging

New research develops a low-index BaF2 thin film-based microspectrometer technology for LWIR spectral sensing. The study demonstrates the use of flat and stress-free free-standing distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for high-performance wavelength discrimination in the long-wave infrared region.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMay 23, 2022

Upscale hotels benefit from EV charging stations, study shows

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University finds that upscale hotels in Texas benefit most from hosting Tesla charging stations between 2015-2018. The study suggests that the benefits are due to brand alignment and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, which attract customers seeking charging services.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022
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.

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

UK public want self-driving cars to be labelled

Nearly nine out of 10 people in the UK want self-driving vehicles to be labelled for clear distinction from human-driven vehicles. The survey found that experts tend to downplay concerns, but public scepticism persists, with many uncomfortable with the idea of using or sharing the road with self-driving cars.

SourceUniversity College London·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022
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.

Study: Support high for laws named for victims who are female and of color

A new study found that naming legislation after a victim increases support for the law and its associated punishment, with notable benefits for laws named after African American women. The study used distracted driving as an example and surveyed a national sample of 1,000 U.S. adults.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMay 5, 2022

Story tips: Fueling up on savings, COVID’s behavior effect, cosmic collisions, seismic and sound, and space-to-ground comms

Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Divide and conquer: Mars rovers to be superseded by swarms of two-wheeled robots

Researchers propose a modular Mars exploration rover system consisting of four two-wheeled robots that can operate independently or combine in various constellations. The approach enables longer missions and gathers more information about the planet's history and potential habitability.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 12, 2022

Understanding the use of bicycle sharing systems with statistics

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science analyzed usage patterns of bicycles in four major US cities to improve bicycle sharing system efficiency. They found temporal patterns and similarities between weekdays and weekends, contradicting previous studies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Combined cannabis and alcohol use make driving particularly dangerous

A recent study found that combining cannabis and alcohol significantly worsens driving performance compared to using either substance alone. This is because the effects of cannabis on driving are additive to those of alcohol, leading to impaired lane control and increased crash risks.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Impaired-driver sensor could pave the way for safer vehicles

Researchers have developed heat-resistant piezoelectric sheet sensors that can detect driver impairment, including drowsiness and sudden illnesses. These sensors, attached to seats, can signal a future smart car to take action, potentially preventing accidents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateDec 8, 2021

Adding sound to electric vehicles improves pedestrian safety #ASA181

A study by Penn State University and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that electric vehicle sounds can improve pedestrian safety, but with some cases of false negatives at close ranges. Adding sound to electric vehicles increases detection distances beyond minimum safe detection ranges.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 30, 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

World-first product will be a lifesaving traffic stopper

Researchers at University of South Australia are developing a world-first product to design traffic lights that absorb kinetic energy, stopping them from crumpling when hit by a vehicle. The technology has the potential to reduce road safety-related costs and injuries worldwide.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateNov 29, 2021
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.

Vehicles are an under-recognized source of urban ammonia pollution

Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 23, 2021

Optimizing FDNY ambulance response

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science teamed up with the Fire Department of New York to upgrade FDNY's EMS response operations. They developed an optimization system that minimizes response time, reduces overcrowding, and balances demand and supply of patient intakes at a city-wide level.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateNov 23, 2021

Ridesharing may help reduce alcohol-impaired crashes: Study

A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that rideshare density near crash sites is associated with decreased odds of alcohol-involved crashes. An increase in one ride per square mile was linked to a 0.2% decrease in such crashes.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

New study shows impact of roadkill on world’s vulnerable animal populations

Researchers found that roads can be deadly for species survival, with certain traits like early age of sexual maturity helping some species bounce back from roadkill deaths. However, others like brown and black bears are particularly vulnerable due to late maturity age and small litters.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

New solution for low cost, light-weight and compact wireless transfer devices

Researchers at Kobe University have developed a novel power control system for wireless power transfer, enabling precise and efficient energy transfer while reducing circuit components and costs. The system uses resonant frequency tracking and load impedance regulation to minimize power losses.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Fewer frogs died by vehicles in the outset of the pandemic, study finds

A new study led by a University of Maine graduate student found that 50% fewer frogs died from vehicle collisions in spring 2020 compared to previous years. This decline was part of a broader reduction in animal road fatalities during the pandemic, similar to findings in other studies worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateOct 13, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Helmet use reduces moderate or severe head injuries in youths riding ATVs and dirt bikes

The study analyzed data from 680 patients aged 1-17 who were involved in ATV or dirt bike crashes. Helmeted riders had lower rates of neurosurgical consultation, intracranial injury, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, and required fewer neurosurgical procedures compared to unhelmeted riders.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

More than 6,500 children injured by golf carts each year

A nationwide study found over 63,000 golf cart injuries in children and adolescents from 2010-2019, with a steady increase each year. The majority of injuries were superficial, but fractures and dislocations also occurred, often in the head and neck region.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

The road more traveled: Predicting trail choices based on OHV drivers' motivations

Researchers found that OHV drivers' motivations influence the routes they choose, with distinct patterns emerging for different groups. The study's findings can help managers predict which trails are likely to be used and craft targeted messages to promote responsible behavior and conservation-minded practices.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeSurvey·DateOct 1, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Microscopic metavehicles powered by nothing but light

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created microscopic metavehicles that can be controlled and maneuvered using light. By layering an optical metasurface onto a particle and using a light source to control it, the vehicles can move in complex patterns and even transport other objects.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Expanding teleworking would reduce pollution by up to 10%

A study by ICTA-UAB finds that implementing teleworking two, three or four days a week would reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by 4%, 8% and 10%. This is achieved through a decrease in traffic-related emissions, with the greatest reduction expected when all employees in the service sector work from home.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Agricultural decarbonization gets new emphasis at ORNL

ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021

Study: Benefits outweigh risks for autonomous vehicles - if they are regulated

A North Carolina State University panel of experts assesses AV deployment risks and benefits, predicting substantial benefits if well-regulated. The study's findings suggest regulations could limit urban use of AVs and commercial fleet ownership, reducing risk and increasing benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 23, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds

Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateAug 10, 2021

Urgent global need for low-cost ventilators

A UK team developed a portable ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients in developing countries. The Field Ventilator can be used beyond COVID-19 to treat various respiratory diseases and patients needing respiratory support.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalHealth Science Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021
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.

Hybrid cars are twice as vulnerable to supply chain issues as gas-powered models

Researchers found hybrid electric vehicles have twice the vulnerability to supply chain disruptions as gas-powered models, due to volatile battery prices and scarce materials. Long-term supplier contracts and material substitution can mitigate these risks as manufacturers ramp up EV production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 28, 2021

Ontario students more likely to drive after consuming cannabis than alcohol

A new study from the University of Ottawa found that Ontario high school students are more likely to drive after consuming cannabis than alcohol, with 10% reporting driving within an hour of cannabis use. The study suggests that educating adolescents about cannabis risks may be effective in reducing dangerous driving behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2021