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Toyota recalls made no dent on their brand

A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Economics & Management Strategy·DateFeb 15, 2012

Ready-to-bake cookie dough not ready-to-eat, study of E. coli outbreak finds

A recent investigation into a 2009 multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli identified commercial prepackaged cookie dough as the culprit. The study recommends that manufacturers reformulate their product to make it safer and provides guidance for consumers on how to prevent illness by baking the dough before consuming.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 9, 2011

Health check on the road

A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.

A labor saving way to monitor vast rangelands

USDA researchers explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor changing land-use patterns in western rangelands. The results show that aerial data can be comparable to information gathered through ground-based surveys, with potential applications for erosion control and invasive species monitoring.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhotogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing·DateSep 27, 2011

UT professor's pathogen research inspires robotics design for medicine and military

A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

Of moose and men

Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMay 17, 2011

Wayne State University chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2

Wayne State University students will explore advanced vehicle solutions to minimize petroleum usage and reduce emissions through research collaboration with industry. The university was chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2, a three-year competition that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of automotive engineers.

Good vibrations?

Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.

US does not have infrastructure to consume more ethanol

A Purdue University study finds the US is at a 'blending wall' for ethanol use, with insufficient infrastructure to increase production beyond current levels. Advances in next-generation biofuels, such as thermo-chemical biofuels, may provide a solution to meet federal renewable fuel standards.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 4, 2011

A biological solution to animal pandemics

A new type of matting developed by ECOPROMAT project uses natural materials to create an environmentally-friendly solution for protecting against contagious animal diseases. The matting is highly absorbent, biodegradable, and affordable, making it a significant cost-saving alternative to synthetic mats.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 24, 2010

New UGA temperature table may help reduce heat-related deaths of children in closed cars

Researchers developed a new easy-to-use table to quantify vehicle temperature changes, helping public officials and parents understand the deadly consequences of leaving children unattended in hot weather. The table provides clear warnings of the risks involved, shedding light on the dangers of hyperthermia in closed cars.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 29, 2010

Reinventing the wheel -- naturally

A Duke University engineer, Adrian Bejan, argues that animal movement is like a natural wheel, distributing stresses uniformly. As animals evolve to move better, they develop fewer legs, allowing them to rise higher with each stride and increase their speed.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateJun 14, 2010

Elderly drivers' ability to detect hazards doesn't degrade with age according to Ben-Gurion U.

A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards and focus on risky situations. The research showed that experienced and older-experienced drivers were equally proficient at hazard detection, whereas young-inexperienced drivers struggled with detecting hazardous events.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMay 26, 2010

RFID tags to boost transit worker safety

A $1.4 million research collaboration aims to develop RFID technology to notify subway vehicles of track inspectors' exact location, enhancing worker safety. The project, involving McMaster University and industry partners, is expected to create up to 100 jobs upon successful completion.

Now or later? Consumer product evaluation depends on purchase timing

A new study finds that consumers evaluate products differently based on the timing of their purchase. When considering future use, desirability is a primary factor, while feasibility takes precedence for immediate use. Reevaluating a product later can also influence judgments, with future-considered products being viewed more favorably.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 12, 2009

P2P traffic control

Researchers propose a wireless peer-to-peer network to exchange timely information about traffic conditions, incidents, and accidents. The Autonet system uses local-area wireless technology to form an ad hoc network that can handle measurements for approximately 3,500 traffic incidents.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Information and Communication Systems·DateJan 7, 2009

Elsevier announces launch of PM&R in partnership with the AAPM&R

The new journal, PM&R, emphasizes principles of injury, function, and rehabilitation, covering topics such as musculoskeletal disorders, neurologic conditions, and rehabilitation of impairments. The journal aims to advance education and impact the specialty through timely delivery of clinically relevant research and review information.

SourceElsevier·JournalPM&R·DateNov 19, 2008