Articles tagged with Vehicles
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that drivers can see trains from a distance, but struggle to estimate their speed. On average, drivers overestimated the train's speed by 36% at 750m away and 29% at 350m away.
Researchers found that dynamic dazzle patterns can distort perceived speed, causing a targeting error of up to 2m for a Land Rover. The effect remains even with only a small patch of the pattern visible, providing potential applications for camouflage on vehicles with central doors.
The University of Bath has been awarded two Innovate UK grants to lead separate projects investigating different aspects of a vehicle's exhaust system, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The research will focus on two new ways to utilize waste thermal energy to enhance fuel economy in future vehicles.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new algorithm to reduce massive amounts of connected traffic data, enabling real-time information to be provided to users. The HTGD approach identifies similar communities in the data and finds the shortest route at the highest level, reducing search space and increasing effici...
Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully programmed underwater robots to independently analyze data and trigger new missions based on real-time information. This technology has the potential to reveal new details about prey movement and behavior in the ocean.
Researchers found that drivers are more than double their crash risk when engaging in distracting activities such as using a handheld cell phone or reading. The study analyzed over 1,600 verified crash events and found that being in an emotional state, traveling above the speed limit, and performance errors increase driver risk. In con...
A team of scientists used a robotic vehicle to track and image white sharks in the ocean, providing critical data for conservation efforts. The research revealed that great whites hunt seals from below, using the clear waters off Guadalupe Island to ambush their prey.
New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that nearly 40% of shift workers who participated in a test drive after a night shift were involved in a near-crash event. The study demonstrated an increased risk of drowsy driving related motor vehicle crashes, especially during the daytime commute.
PolyU researchers develop integrated algorithm to estimate real-time journey time and traffic speed, taking into account uncertainty and on-time arrival probability. The system offers personalized driving routes with enhanced reliability, saving time and petrol for motorists.
Research suggests that diesel fumes, containing toxic nitrous oxide (NOx), can alter five common floral odours that bees rely on for finding food. This could have a worse impact on bee populations than previously thought, highlighting the need to address air pollution from vehicles.
Researchers at MIT have fabricated and tested a large-scale model of a harbor seal's whisker, identifying a mechanism that explains how seals sense their environment and track prey. The team found that the whisker's 'slaloming' motion helps seals detect turbulence left by moving objects.
African countries face a significant burden of traumatic brain injury, with the majority resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Developing accurate surveillance systems and public health measures is crucial to reducing the risk and impact of TBI.
A study by Chalmers University of Technology and partners analyzed EU and US vehicle safety standards. EU-regulated vehicles offered reduced risk of serious injury in frontal/side crashes, while US-regulated vehicles provided a lower risk of injury in rollovers.
Researchers found that intoxication and distractions further impair driving abilities, even at low blood alcohol levels. The study suggests reducing the legal limit may not be enough to ensure safe driving.
The National Oceanography Centre has launched a robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife in the Celtic Sea, working with WWF. The two vehicles will investigate why certain areas are attractive to marine predators like dolphins and seabirds., The mission aims to increase understanding of marine animals' habitats and behaviors.
Researchers at FAU will use unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to conduct on-water bridge inspections, reducing costs and improving efficiency. The USV-based system will enable automated inspection of bridge pilings and supports, overcoming challenges such as fast-flowing tidal currents and difficult underwater conditions.
Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.
A University of Toronto study found that augmented-reality displays on windshields can reduce driving accuracy and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers must divide their attention between road conditions and digital warnings, leading to slower reaction times and missed warnings.
A study found that over half of seniors injured in motor vehicle crashes were still taking pain medication six months later. The results highlighted the need for effective management of acute pain in older adults to prevent negative consequences on function and quality of life.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that stricter driver licensing laws in Massachusetts led to a 40% reduction in fatal crashes among 16-17 year old drivers. Police-reported crashes decreased by 19%, with nighttime crashes dropping by 29%.
Researcher Taylor Johnson aims to predict and control emergent behavior in cyber-physical systems, which can lead to unexpected performance or safety issues. He will develop formal specifications and verification methods to identify and mitigate potential problems.
Researchers have demonstrated autonomous locomotion in large self-powered soft liquid metal vehicles. The vehicles can divide into smaller ones while maintaining their motion and reunite seamlessly when close to each other.
A new nationwide data inventory, DARTE, provides a baseline for local efforts to limit carbon dioxide levels by tracking vehicle emissions across the US. The study highlights the need for accurate information to improve greenhouse gas control efforts in cities and suburbs.
Research found that child pedestrian injuries involving motor vehicles most frequently occur when children are unsupervised near schools and bus stops during the spring months. The study identified injury clusters near these locations, which can help guide prevention strategies in urban settings.
Researchers at VIMS have developed an underwater robot that uses acoustic signals to gauge the thickness of oil slicks, a crucial step in determining spill volume. The ROV will aid in testing oil-spill-response tools and provide a platform for developing other sensors.
Obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, with patients being nearly 2.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Effective treatment with CPAP therapy can reduce this risk by up to 70%, according to a new study published in Sleep.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher has been awarded a $220,000 Caltrans project to analyze and evaluate California's bridge foundations for safety and compliance with federal AASHTO standards. The research will also consider external factors such as vehicle load, weight, speed, and earthquakes.
A new study finds that driving electric vehicles powered by renewable energy can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to 70%. The research also shows that switching to natural gas-powered electricity or vehicles yields significant health benefits. In contrast, vehicles running on corn ethanol or coal-based electricity would increa...
A study by University of Northern British Columbia researchers found that drivers just older than the legal drinking age had a significant increase in motor vehicle crashes compared to those immediately under the restriction. Raising the drinking age to 19 years could prevent up to 583 police-reported collisions per year.
A new study found that teen drivers who start class earlier in the morning are involved in significantly more motor vehicle accidents. The results suggest that early high school start times contribute to teens' reduced sleep and increased risk of drowsy driving accidents, including run-off-road crashes.
A national sample of firefighters found that sleep disorders are highly prevalent among the group. Firefighters with a sleep disorder were more likely to report a motor vehicle crash, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and poorer health status compared to those without the condition.
A new study suggests that insomnia is a major contributor to deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional fatal injuries. People with three insomnia symptoms were 2.8 times more likely to die from a fatal injury, highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for personal health and public safety.
Experts use drones to collect detailed information on environmental changes and their impact on the movement of people, animals, and insects that carry diseases. This helps researchers understand how land use changes affect human infection rates.
A QUT study found that drivers underestimate speed limits at inactive roadwork sites, leading to high crash rates. The researchers suggest combining measures such as variable speed limit signs and police enforcement to improve safety.
According to a study by the University of the Basque Country, the mobility model is closely linked to the city's characteristics. The study found that compact towns and cities have lower private vehicle use, better public transport offers lead to less car usage, and higher per capita income is associated with greater private car use. T...
Two new projects, ELEVATE and Ultra Efficient Engines and Fuels, will develop better materials for energy storage devices and improve internal combustion engine efficiency. The £6 million funding will support academics from eight UK universities in their research to produce low-carbon vehicles on a mass scale.
Two University of Illinois scientists are working with the World Health Organization to fortify condiments and seasonings in countries with widespread micronutrient deficiencies. The researchers aim to address deficiencies affecting over one-third of the world's population, particularly pregnant women.
Researchers at NIST developed a prototype field test standard for hydrogen fuel dispensers, which will serve as a model for state inspectors. The test ensures accuracy within 2% (20g) per kilogram, a stringent tolerance due to hydrogen's unique properties.
A new study found a significant decline in speeding-related injuries and fatalities among young men in Ontario since the province's tough laws were introduced in 2007. The study credits the deterrence of swift and severe sanctions for reducing risky driving behavior.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a natural sugar polymer that can carry drugs through the nasal wall and release them in the brain, addressing two major challenges in nasal delivery of brain drugs. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient treatment for chronic patients
Researchers found a significant increase in marijuana-positive drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado after medical marijuana commercialization in 2009. The proportion of such drivers increased from 4.5% to 10% between 1994 and 2011, outpacing the 34 non-medical marijuana states.
A novel plasma actuator improves plasma authority at high wind speeds, suppressing boundary layer separation and reducing model vibration on a UAV. The study demonstrates an important role of plasma actuators in real applications.
The new journal will publish research on communications between vehicles and roadside infrastructure, exploring topics such as routing, safety, and standardization. Advances in wireless communications are making real-time information sharing easier between vehicles and infrastructure.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario found that rural youth are more prone to concussions caused by motorized vehicle accidents, while urban youth tend to suffer from sports-related injuries. The study highlights the need for targeted injury prevention programs and education on concussion protocols in various settings.
A study by Dr. Russell Callaghan found that raising the minimum legal drinking age to 19 in Alberta and Québec would prevent significant deaths among 18-year-old men. The research suggests increasing the drinking age to 21 nationwide could save up to 32 male youth lives annually.
A sensor has been developed to detect residual salt on road surfaces, allowing for preventive action to avoid excess salt application. This can reduce financial waste and minimize environmental impact by protecting vegetation and aquifers.
Novice teen drivers are more likely to engage in high-risk secondary tasks as they gain driving experience, increasing their risk of crashes. The study found that cell phone use, eating, and talking to passengers were the most distracting behaviors for new drivers.
Researchers presented a new, simplified method of robotic flight at the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting in Pittsburgh. The device, weighing just two grams and spanning eight centimeters in width, flies by flapping four wings arranged like petals on a flower.
Researchers study stingray movement to develop more efficient unmanned underwater vehicles, allowing for deeper ocean exploration and rescue efforts. The unique swimming style of stingrays may lead to breakthroughs in submarine design, inspired by nature's optimal swimming gait.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research are working on the UK's first Tram-Train scheme to address interface issues. The team has developed a new wheel profile design that minimizes wear rates and maintains safety against derailment.
Fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira have destroyed up to eleven houses and forced evacuations, with another fire rekindling concerns in the area.
The DynoTRAIN project aims to establish virtual testing as a valid route to certification for rail vehicles. Researchers used real-world track data and simulated the dynamic behavior of railway vehicles to build mathematical tools that can synthesize data into representative virtual test environments.
A new study by Columbia Business School and University of Pittsburgh professors predicts Twitter's user engagement will slow down, shifting from a social network to a content-delivery platform. Everyday users are expected to stop posting as much, while celebrities and commercial users will continue to post for financial gain.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a firefighting robot that creates a 3D thermal imaging picture of a burning building, providing critical data for first responders. The robot uses stereo vision and sensor data to map the interior of the building, allowing rescuers to better assess the structure and plan their activities.
Researchers found that visual cues like texting improve performance in noisy environments, making it easier to understand messages. Adding text messaging as a supplement to audio presentation significantly reduces difficulties in communication during auditory overload situations.
A study of 19,327 newly licensed drivers aged 17-24 found that those sleeping 6 hours or less per night had a higher crash risk. Young drivers who got less sleep on weekends were more likely to be involved in run-off-road crashes between 8pm and 6am.
Researchers found that breathing motor vehicle emissions alters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, making it contribute to clogged arteries. The inhalation of emissions activates components of oxidation, leading to inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
A new study has identified a genetic risk factor for persistent pain after traumatic events, such as motor vehicle collisions and sexual assaults. The research found that variation in the gene encoding for the protein FKBP5 is associated with a higher risk of moderate to severe neck pain six weeks after a motor vehicle collision.
A study from the University of Iowa found that playing a video game for ten hours can delay declines in cognitive skills by as many as seven years in older people. The game improved mental agility and sped up processing speed, preventing age-related cognitive decline.
A UC Berkeley study shows how the brain dynamically reallocates resources based on behavioral demands, optimizing performance. When searching for a person or object, various brain regions are activated, including those normally dedicated to abstract thought.