Close X
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Study shows VR tech can prevent pedestrians, cyclists from harmful pollutants

Darpan News Desk IANS, 25 Sep, 2024 03:48 PM
  • Study shows VR tech can prevent pedestrians, cyclists from harmful pollutants

New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) Virtual reality models can be crucial in reducing the exposure of pedestrians and cyclists to harmful, non-exhaust vehicle emissions -- linked to diseases, including respiratory and cardiometabolic, according to a study on Wednesday.

The research led by the University of Birmingham in the UK targets the issue of major health risks and chronic diseases caused by exposure to unregulated particle pollutants from roads, tyre, and brake sources.

They argued that immersive VR experiences can provide easy, accessible guidance to the public, policymakers, and city planners.

In the paper, published in the Royal Society Open Science journal, the team used detailed computational fluid dynamics models to simulate the release and dispersion of these particles from vehicles, which usually remain invisible to the naked eye.

The VR models were tested with members of the public in Birmingham city centre -- the second largest contributor to PM2.5 emissions from brake and tyre wear.

“Air quality plays a key role in the health and wellbeing of society. Despite the electric vehicle transition, harmful emissions persist through the release of small particles from brakes, tyres, and roads, into the air we breathe,” said Principal Investigator Dr. Jason Stafford from the University of Birmingham.

The models made the non-exhaust pollutants visible within a virtual urban environment, helping people to actually see the dangers with their own eyes and act accordingly to reduce or avoid exposure wherever possible.

Stafford said, “computational models can help us to understand the pollution pathways and identify those key moments in people’s daily journeys where exposure risk is highest”.

The researchers said the findings also outline how the implementation of VR could lead to a rethink in town and city planning to encourage cleaner air.

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Psychological abuse more harmful for kids than sexual abuse

Psychological abuse more harmful for kids than sexual abuse
Kids who are emotionally abused and neglected face similar and at times worse mental health problems than children who are physically or sexually...

Psychological abuse more harmful for kids than sexual abuse

Bullying could change eating behaviour of kids

Bullying could change eating behaviour of kids
If you have noticed sudden change in the eating behaviour of your child, that could well be due psychological stress such as bullying by peers, a study noted....

Bullying could change eating behaviour of kids

Low sexual desire among women a treatable condition

Low sexual desire among women a treatable condition
Low sexual desire among some women is a treatable condition and they should not feel embarrassed about it as it may ruin their personal life and self confidence....

Low sexual desire among women a treatable condition

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake
Sandwiches account for one-fifth of the body's total sodium absorption, new research on the dietary intake of US adults shows....

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women
After analysing 731 Italian women aged 18 to 43, researchers found that women who ate more apples on a regular basis reported overall satisfaction...

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study
The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, examined 1,200 Danish male military recruits between the ages of 18 and 28 years, all of whom underwent...

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study