Can We Trust Computers to Drive Our Cars?
Researchers have identified 32 major impacts automated cars could have on public health, and 17 of them are negative. Experts discuss what a possible future of self-driving cars will look like.
Transportation and Traffic Safety Sub-categories:
- Autonomous Vehicles (5)
- Public Transportation (2)
- Vehicle Safety (16)
Medical Notes: January 30, 2022
A study finds that increased demand for plastic is doing more damage to both humans and our environment than we thought. Then, car crashes involving pot consumption have doubled over the last 20 years. A study finds that sitting around more is a big reason for the increase in depression. And finally, e-scooters often have a bigger carbon footprint than what …
Medical Notes: October 17, 2021
Research shows Covid vaccines have no effect on fertility and vaccinated mothers can pass along immunity to babies in the womb. A study shows the rules restricting how many passengers teen drivers can carry are working. Then, a new study says it's not just about how many steps you take per day, it matters how fast you walk. And finally, if the pandemic’s got …
How To Speed Up Your Drive: Don’t Turn Left
Traffic engineers are learning that they can increase road efficiency and safety by eliminating left turns at many busy intersections, even those that have left turn arrows. This increases distance traveled for some people--some may have to make three right turns instead--but virtually everyone benefits in travel time, as package carrier UPS has learned. A …
Medical Notes: Week of June 20, 2021
A new study finds that organic meats are much less likely to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens. Then, fracking has been linked to higher heart attack rates in nearby communities. Then, more people are working the graveyard shift… and that means more people suffering from what’s called “shift work sleep disorder.” Then, here’s another way to cut your …
Medical Notes: Week of March 21, 2021
Rich countries are buying all the available Covid-19 vaccine for themselves… leaving poor countries in the cold. Then, have you been double masking? If you haven’t been able to get the vaccine, it could be one of the best things you can do to stay safe from Covid. And finally, you may think that loud music is distracting while you’re driving… but a new study …
Covid and Crashes
The number of cars on the road has been dramatically lower during the pandemic, yet the number of crash deaths has actually increased. That means the number of crashes and traffic deaths per mile driven have skyrocketed. Experts discuss this unprecedented scenario and what we can do about it.
Vaccine Passports
Proof of having received Covid-19 vaccine may soon be required for boarding a plane, going to a ball game, going to school, having a job or eating in some restaurants. An expert involved in the design of a passport app discusses how it would all work.
Smart Cars and Smart Roads (2021)
Cars will soon be able to provide data as well as receive it. Experts explain how cars can talk with roads, traffic signals and central computers, and how roads themselves may collect data on the cars they carry. In the future, autonomous cars may use these links to greatly speed travel and make it much safer.
Medical Notes: Week of September 6, 2020
A study that vaping among teenagers is a huge risk for Covid-19. Then, a study that evaluates injuries from ATV crashes. Plus, a study that shows that knowing the facts about the pandemic reduces the stress that people feel about it. And finally, you may have seen headlines recently that wearing a neck gaiter for a face mask is worse than no mask at all - a …
Medical Notes: Week of June 28, 2020
Researchers have been looking for an already existing drug to quickly take on Covid-19, and apparently, now they’ve found one. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has closed the door on using the malaria treatment Hydroxychloroquine (hy-drox-ee-klor-oh-quin) to treat Covid-19. Then, social isolation has been a lifesaver the last few months, but if it …
Medical Notes: Week of December 15, 2019
Scientists may someday be able to treat alcoholic liver disease with something short of a liver transplant. Then, if you want to keep the mind alive as you age, play games. And finally, a new study shows giving buses an inexpensive engine retrofit helps not only the health of students who ride them, but also their academic performance.
