Astronomers discover stars in early galaxies had a need for speed
Researchers measured the motion of stars in a distant galaxy and found they are moving at incredible speeds, contradicting expectations of small galaxy size.
Speed
Articles tagged with Speed
Higher speed limits cost lives
A long-term study found that repealing the National Maximum Speed Law in 1995 resulted in approximately 12,500 deaths due to increased speed limits across the US. The study suggests that reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could save lives.
Study shows texting while driving can be deadly
A new study confirms that texting while driving can be deadly, as teens using a driving simulator displayed significant slowing, weaving, and lane changes. The study highlights the risks of distracted driving for both drivers and pedestrians.
On gravel roads, people drive at speed they are comfortable with, regardless of posted limit
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that people drive at speeds based on their perceptions and existing conditions, rather than adhering to posted speed limits on gravel roads. The study also revealed no safety benefits from posting speed limit signs or reducing the speed limit.
'Gray's Paradox' solved: Researchers discover secret of speedy dolphins
Dolphins produce more force than previously thought to overcome drag, contradicting Sir James Gray's hypothesis. Researchers use cutting-edge technology to measure dolphin tail forces, finding an average of 200 pounds of force.
Pre-earthquake changes detected in the crust
Researchers measured seismic wave speed changes before two small earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault, finding anomalies that occurred hours before the events. The findings suggest a 'stress meter' could provide an indication of imminent earthquakes.
Study: Higher interstate speed limit proves safe for Indiana
Researchers at Purdue University found that raising the speed limit from 65 to 70 on Interstate 65 in Indiana does not increase the probability of fatalities or severe injuries. The study used mathematical equations to calculate accident probabilities based on motor vehicle accident data, showing no significant effect.
SourcePurdue University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 23, 2008
The fastest continent
A team of researchers has found that the Indian plate is only about 100 km thick, whereas the other parts of Gondwanaland are about 200 km thick. This discovery explains why India moved faster and further than the other parts of the supercontinent during its break-up.
High PSA velocity linked with low survival rates
A study found that men with high PSA velocity had a lower survival rate (54%) compared to those with low velocity (92%). The study suggests that PSA velocity may be used to predict outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 31, 2006
First RAVE data release offers clues to Milky Way evolution
The RAVE survey has released its first dataset, containing information from 25,000 stars born when the Milky Way was in its infancy. The data will allow astronomers to test ideas of the galaxy's origins laid out by various cosmological theories.
From mirror to mist: Cracking the secret of fracture instabilities
Scientists from Max Planck Institute and MIT perform atom-by-atom investigations, gaining insight into dynamic fracture instabilities. They propose a new model that explains how material properties affect crack propagation, with implications for understanding fracture in various materials and scales.
Scientists 'RAVE-ing' about most ambitious star survey ever
Scientists confirm that dark matter dominates the total mass of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, through the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) survey. The team aims to measure the speed, temperature, surface gravity and composition of up to a million stars passing near the sun.
Prostate cancer test affected by demographic and lifestyle factors
Researchers found significant associations between PSA velocity and demographic characteristics like age, race, and diet. Men who gained or lost weight had distinct changes in PSA velocity, while African Americans had higher velocities on average.
Rate of increase in PSA value predicts risk of death following radiation therapy
A study found that a rapid increase in PSA levels (PSA velocity) is associated with a higher risk of death from prostate cancer following radiation therapy. Men with low-risk disease and high PSA velocity had a 19% 7-year mortality rate, compared to 0% for those with low PSA velocity.
Speed limits may not be saving lives
A study published in Review of Policy Research questions the role of speed limits in improving highway safety. Research by Dr. Robert O. Yowell suggests that technical progress, seat belt use, and increased road maintenance contribute more to declining fatality rates.
Researchers use semiconductors to set speed limit on light
Scientists have successfully slowed down the group velocity of light in semiconductors, achieving speeds of about 6 miles per second. This breakthrough could lead to faster optical networks and higher performance communications, enabling applications like 3-D graphics transmission and high-resolution video conferencing.
Brittle fracture mechanism breaks the sound barrier
Scientists discover conditions for cracks to propagate supersonically in brittle solids, challenging classical theories on fracture speed. Hyperelasticity governs dynamic fracture under extreme deformation, with a characteristic length scale near the crack tip.
Duke experiments validate relativity theory's light speed limit
Researchers validated Einstein's theory by applying information theory to laser experiments, showing that information cannot exceed the speed of light. The study found that fast light pulses did not travel faster than light speed, but rather were delayed slightly compared to vacuum speeds.
Abrupt wing stall
Researchers at the Office of Naval Research created a national study to understand and predict abrupt wing stall (AWS) in aircraft. They developed new tools and procedures to assess an aircraft's susceptibility to AWS, which can be used to screen new wing designs earlier in their development phase.
Speedy elephants use a biomechanical trick to 'run' like Groucho
Researchers found that Asian elephants can move at speeds of up to 15 mph, with some individuals reaching 50% faster than previously recorded speeds. This gait, dubbed "Groucho running", meets the biomechanical definition of running, where the center of mass appears to bounce and the footfall pattern is different from walking.
Study examines driver behavior and role of speed in crashes
Researchers will analyze driver behavior and travel patterns to understand the impact of speed on crashes. The study aims to identify factors contributing to speeding and extreme braking, which can help inform safety enhancements for vehicles and roadways.
The illusion of drivers
A driver going at 65 miles per hour may think the average speed is over 70, while a slow driver perceives a high proportion of fast cars. Heavy traffic skews perception, making brake and accelerator sensitivity twice as sensitive.
Pleasure boat speed limits can stir up trouble in shallow lakes
A Penn State study found that uniform speed limits can lead to different impacts on boats of different sizes. At speeds near 6-8 mph, prop wash can stir up lake sediments, aggravating turbulence problems. The study suggests a computer program to predict water velocity and guide lake managers in setting safe speeds.
Interpreting images of Earth's interior
Researchers developed a model that relates seismic velocity differences to properties of the mantle, shedding light on mantle evolution and its impact on plate movement, volcanism, and earthquakes. The study suggests temperatures high enough to cause melting in some regions, potentially explaining volcanic activity.
Moving up from the far, far outside: Sandia's homemade computer hook-up grows, prospers
Cplant Cluster, a self-made supercomputer at Sandia National Laboratories, solves benchmark problems at 232.6 billion operations per second with its 580-node assembly. The system's scalability and ability to work together make it useful for complex applications.
New spacecraft propulsion method could be out of this solar system
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new propulsion system called M2P2 that could potentially increase spacecraft speeds by up to 10 times, surpassing Voyager I's distance from Earth. The system uses a plasma chamber and electromagnetic field to harness the solar wind for propulsion.
Alaska's Columbia glacier traveling at record pace
The Columbia Glacier in Alaska has increased its speed to 35 meters per day, raising concerns among scientists about a rapid decline. The glacier, already the fastest moving glacier in the world, is now expected to retreat at an alarming rate, potentially posing risks to shipping lanes and marine ecosystems.
Superconductor "Sees" Longer Wavelengths
A new superconducting device detects single light quanta at wavelengths longer than previously possible, detecting 25 billion photons per second. The device is capable of detecting changes in light level and has small size, making it a candidate for a superconducting computer input component.
Supersonic Deformation Of Materials Detected
Scientists have found that deformation can bypass the sound barrier in materials, leading to supersonic dislocations. These findings challenge conventional wisdom and open up new avenues for understanding high-speed deformation in engineering materials.
NEAR Spacecraft Closing In On Eros
The NEAR mission will orbit and study asteroid Eros for a year, taking millions of measurements and images to determine its physical and geological properties. The spacecraft will face significant engineering challenges in maneuvering within 9 miles of the asteroid's surface.
Centrifugally Launched Ball Bearings Could Propel Spacecraft
Centrifugal relays use reusable ball bearings to accelerate payloads at high velocity, avoiding exponential growth in reaction mass. The system requires precise aiming and tracking, but can be controlled by monitoring velocity and direction.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalActa Astronautica·DateAug 4, 1998
Tracking Pulsars By Their Twinkle
Cornell University astronomers James Cordes and Barney Rickett have developed a method to calculate the speed and distance of extremely fast-moving neutron stars, called pulsars, by analyzing their twinkling rate. By combining data from two large radio telescopes, they can identify new pulsars and better understand their physics.
Tiger Beetles Go Blind At High Speeds
Researchers discovered that tiger beetles' ability to see shuts down when accelerating towards prey due to insufficient photon gathering. This unique behavior results in the insect's stop-and-go chase pattern, allowing it to temporarily regain its vision and catch its prey.
Astronomer Finds Evidence Of Binary Black Holes
Astronomer Martin Gaskell suggests that many galaxies harbor pairs of giant black holes revolving around each other. His research on quasars indicates a clear trend in gas velocity changes over time, pointing to the presence of binary black holes with masses similar to 4 billion solar units.