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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found an association between rideshare use and increased risk of alcohol-associated motor vehicle crash traumas. The research compared traumas and convictions before and after Uber's introduction in Houston, Texas, revealing a significant correlation.
A study published in Spine Journal reveals that most pediatric spinal fractures occur in motor vehicle accidents where seatbelts are not used. The majority of these injuries (63%) occur in teenagers aged 15-17, who are at highest risk for MVA-related spinal fractures. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of death and spina...
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that drivers with shift work sleep disorder are three times more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident than those without the condition. The study analyzed real-world driving data and found that shift work sleep disorder increased the risk of traffic crashes by nearly 300%.
Researchers are studying the integration of smart vehicles with smart cities, exploring computing paradigms such as vehicular cloud computing and vehicular fog computing. The goal is to create efficient, safe, and economical transportation systems that can adapt to real-time applications.
A new process has led to the development of high-performance energy absorbing systems that can be used in various applications, including vehicle crash safety, military armoured vehicles, and human body protection. The material's unique nanoscale mechanism enables it to absorb more mechanical energy per gram with good reusability.
Researchers investigate shockwave boundary layer interactions, with a focus on transitional regime experiments and simulations. Better understanding of these interactions could prevent catastrophes in high-speed vehicles.
Scientists at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated a biocrude conversion process that can operate continuously for over 2,000 hours without losing effectiveness. The process converts various types of biocrude from wastewater and food waste into high-quality renewable diesel fuel.
Cu-based small-pore zeolites have been demonstrated to be promising candidates for NH3-SCR catalysts due to their unique structural features and physicochemical properties. The latest advances in Cu-SSZ-13 applied to the NH3-SCR reaction highlight the significant opportunity presented by zeolite-based catalysts.
The study analyzed 39 variants of lunar human landers, considering key architectural decisions such as number of stages and propellant type. The analysis showed that expendable systems with 2-stage architecture are advantageous, but reusable vehicles with 1-stage or 3-stage systems offer comparable advantages.
Researchers analyzed traffic volume and motor vehicle crash injuries before, during, and after COVID-19-related state-of-emergency orders. The study found a significant decrease in accidents and injuries following the implementation of social distancing policies.
A study led by Nationwide Children's Hospital found substantial declines in motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest drop was seen after the state stay-at-home order, with 55% fewer crash involvements and 47% fewer injuries.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that juvenile white-tailed deer dispersal does not result in added mortality. Contrary to expectations, survival rates of dispersers were comparable to those of non-dispersers, with only two female deer killed by vehicular collision during their movement.
A Swiss research group has developed a novel cancer vaccine strategy utilizing two different viruses to stimulate the immune system against tumor cells. In animal experiments, this approach led to the elimination or slowing down of tumors in 20-40% of cases.
Purdue University scientists create ROUGHIE, a maneuverable underwater glider that can operate silently and efficiently in shallow seas. The glider's unique design allows it to follow complex paths and explore areas inaccessible to other underwater gliders.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that inhalation of depleted uranium from exploding munitions did not lead to Gulf War illness. Researchers used high-precision mass spectrometry to analyze veterans' urine samples and found no differences in uranium isotopic ratios between those with GWI and control veterans.
Army researchers studied moral dilemmas involving autonomous machines, revealing that risk and social influence shape decision-making. The study contributes to the development of AI systems that reflect society's ethical standards, facilitating adoption by the Army and acceptance by the general public.
Research from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that dispatch of mobile stroke units is linked to improved survival and reduced risk of disability. STEMOs enable timely thrombolysis and treatment, leading to better functional outcomes for patients.
Researchers at CytoDel developed a precision biotherapeutic that can enter neurons and protect SNARE proteins by inhibiting botulinum neurotoxin's catalytic activity. This non-viral delivery method has potential for treating multiple neurological diseases, including synaptopathies.
Researchers have created a new method to reduce noise emissions from small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) without compromising their flight range or endurance. The method uses high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics codes to obtain information about airfoil boundary layers, enabling the development of quieter air vehicles.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new way to model hypersonic flow, allowing for a better understanding of thermal protection systems and heat shields. The research uses quantum physics and machine learning to simulate the interactions between molecules and atoms in extreme environments.
Researchers discovered that squid jet propulsion can be more efficient when considering turbulent flow conditions, revealing clues about how squids maneuver within these environments. The study found symmetry-breaking instability of vortices around the jetter, which affects thrust production and efficiency.
A new study suggests that smartphone acceleration sensors can provide a low-cost measure of road roughness, allowing engineers to prioritize maintenance and reduce costs. This approach could also be used to assess the condition of rural roads in developing countries.
Feitian Zhang and Pei Dong received a $15,000 grant to purchase a remotely operated vehicle with GPS for monitoring microelectronic sensors in aquatic environments. The funding will support their research in aquatic environmental monitoring until August 2021.
A Purdue University team has created a mobile docking system for AUVs, enabling them to perform longer tasks without human intervention. The system uses algorithms to optimize trajectories, allowing robots to autonomously dock mid-mission to recharge and transfer data.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia demonstrate the effectiveness of virtual driving assessments in identifying safety-critical skill deficits and providing personalized feedback. The tool has been shown to be valid, feasible, and efficient, with a potential to reduce crashes and improve driver safety.
Scientists create controlled dynamics of colloidal rods on a magnetised chip using mathematical coding, increasing efficiency in research and potential applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. The study paves the way for mini-laboratories to study materials and biochemical agents.
Researchers used UAVs to collect NDVI data at the seed increase stage of a CIMMYT wheat breeding program, showing heritable correlations with grain yield. Selection based on NDVI outperformed visual selection, suggesting improved resource-use efficiency and genetic gain.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
A team of international researchers, led by the University of Bern, has created an electrocatalyst that improves the electrochemical reaction in fuel cells without a carbon carrier. This breakthrough technology promises stable fuel cell operation even at higher temperatures and high current density.
The U.S. Army has developed a reinforcement learning approach that enables swarms of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles to accomplish various missions while minimizing performance uncertainty. This allows for efficient execution of time-consuming or dangerous tasks, enhancing warfighters' tactical situational awareness.
Researchers at the University of Missouri studied drivers' responses to collision avoidance systems using open road testing. They identified four behavioral categories: active gaze, self-conscious gaze, attentive gaze, and ignored gaze, which can affect system effectiveness.
A new deep learning network with backward connections achieves more accurate crowd counting, enabling better public safety and traffic efficiency. The researchers developed the network to estimate human density in public places and vehicle density on roads.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a new model for positioning tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) to improve cellular phone and internet networks. The study shows that TUAVs can outperform free-flying UAVs in most scenarios with longer tethers.
Researchers have developed bioactive factors-imprinted scaffold vehicles to promote bone healing by improving the stability and half-life of exogenous biofactors. The vehicles were used in various forms, including rigid bone graft substitutes, soft sponge-like scaffolds, and injectable vehicles, to enhance bone repair.
New research enables structural optimization of Future Vertical Lift vehicles, allowing for morphing capabilities during flight. This reduces computational cost by up to 80% while maintaining accuracy.
Researchers at UTEP have created a nanohybrid vehicle that can selectively deliver polyphenol ellagic acid into the brain to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders. The vehicle reduces cytotoxicity while enhancing anti-oxidant properties, allowing for extended drug release.
A Texas A&M University study found that older adults are more likely to use driver-assistance technologies if taught through interactive videos. The research suggests that video-based training is the most effective method for introducing these technologies to seniors, reducing mental workload and increasing safety on the road.
Researchers have developed a metal-air scavenger that provides power by breaking chemical bonds in metal surfaces, outperforming batteries and harvesters. The technology has 10 times more power density than the best energy harvesters and 13 times more energy density than lithium-ion batteries.
The study assesses Iowa's data-driven patrol strategy, which aims to significantly reduce serious injury and fatal vehicle crashes. The researchers will follow the implementation of the program and evaluate its effects using quasi-experimental designs.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that ride-hailing trips increase the number of crashes for motorists and pedestrians at pick-up and drop-off locations. The research used data for individual ride-hailing trips and found no link between ride-hailing and cyclist or taxi crashes.
Researchers found that fish and zooplankton behavior are disrupted by artificial light during the polar night, affecting stock assessments of commercial and non-commercial fish species. They also discovered that this disruption occurs as far down as the Mesopelagic Zone, where it can impact fisheries surveys.
According to a new study, accidents involving drivers with low blood alcohol concentrations are more likely to cause harm to others than drivers with levels at or above the limit. The study found that stringent alcohol policies can reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration.
The UVA Engineering-Virginia Tech team, Team VICTOR, will compete in the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2020 with autonomous robots that can work independently. The team aims to develop sophisticated robots for various applications, including construction and space exploration.
Researchers developed an algorithm that uses first-order echoes from microphones to reconstruct a room's shape. The method is a theoretical problem but has potential applications in various fields, such as vehicle navigation and sound localization.
A Japanese study found increased traffic injuries among older drivers who lost their licenses after undergoing cognitive tests, as they became unprotected road users. The research suggests that the policy may not adequately consider the dangers facing those who lose a main mode of transport.
E-scooters pose significant safety concerns, but new research highlights additional security and privacy risks including data breaches and spoofed GPS systems. The study identifies vulnerable points in the ride-sharing ecosystem that can be exploited by malicious actors.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on an under-appreciated source of organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas, showing that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to SOA formation. The research reveals that non-traditional VOCs, such as those found in everyday household products, are a major contrib...
A new study found that firearm injury survivors experience higher rates of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor physical health compared to motor vehicle crash survivors. The study highlights the need for continued care and follow-up services after discharge.
University of Texas and MIT researchers develop predictive digital twins for UAVs, using physics-based models to capture the details of their behavior. The system can make real-time predictions of a UAV's health, enabling autonomous decision-making and reducing the risk of crashes.
New UBC research reveals that robotic vehicles like Amazon delivery drones or Mars rovers can be hacked using stealth attacks, causing them to crash or complete their missions late. The study identifies weaknesses in robotic vehicle software that could allow attackers to disrupt behavior and evade detection.
Researchers studied the interaction of ice crystals and dust particles with vehicle surfaces, revealing rules for material degradation and erosion. The work provides a 'first principles' rule for predicting surface damage in hypersonic flight.
A new study from Harvard University and the University of Leicester estimates that nearly 50,000 people could die prematurely each year from fossil fuel emissions in Africa by 2030. The researchers found that a shift to clean energy sources could have a substantial health benefit for Africans.
A team of researchers developed a way for multiple UAVs to form intelligent teams while maintaining individual control, enabling more efficient and adaptable flight operations. The technique uses software-in-the-loop testing and simulation environments to optimize UAV performance in varying environmental conditions.
A new study suggests that bilingual individuals are less prone to emotional biases when making financial decisions, which could lead to better outcomes in negotiations and investments. The study found that thinking in a foreign language decreases sellers' attachment to their products, resulting in lower prices and improved interactions.
A study found that e-cigarette smoke induces lung adenocarcinoma and bladder urothelial hyperplasia in mice. Exposure to e-cigarette juice led to a high incidence of tumors, while filtered air exposure had minimal effects.