Latest news with #FabianSommer
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make unexpected discovery about health impacts of common recreation equipment: 'The first reliable data'
Microplastics have become a major environmental concern, and scientists have long known that the wear and tear of vehicle tires is a significant contributing factor in the amount of microplastics found in the environment. However, other tires, such as bicycle tires, have not been studied to see how much microplastic they release. Now, though, the University of Bayreuth in Germany has completed such a study. Researchers from the University of Bayreuth recently released their findings from a study on the amount of microplastics released from the abrasion of bike tires — specifically mountain bikes. Researchers already knew that 35% of microplastic pollution in Germany comes from vehicle tires, with around 11 grams of microplastics released for every 62 miles driven. What they didn't know was how much mountain bike tires contributed. According to their findings, the news is good and bad. Mountain bike tires do contribute to microplastic pollution, but these tires only contribute less than 1% of the total, releasing approximately 3.5 grams every 62 miles ridden. Doctoral researcher Fabian Sommer, who led the team, said, as relayed by "Our study provides the first reliable data on the amount of tire abrasion from mountain bikes under real-world conditions. The results show that while mountain bike tires release microplastics directly into nature, the amount is significantly lower compared to motorized vehicles." Microplastics continue to be found nearly everywhere, whether in water, soil, food, household products, air, or even the human body. Science has linked these tiny particles to a host of adverse health effects in people, including inflammation, hormone disruption, and cancer. Microplastics also harm the environment, as they release chemicals into the water, soil, and air. Research has shown that microplastics may negatively impact animals, particularly fish, which is doubly concerning when considering the risks of people consuming contaminated meat. Dealing with microplastics will take time, but governments, companies, and individuals have taken steps in the right direction. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Microbead-Free Waters Act was passed in 2015, which banned the packaging, manufacturing, and distribution of certain cosmetic products using plastic microbeads. In 2022, 175 countries agreed to create an agreement to end plastic pollution by addressing recycling issues and the abundance of single-use plastic packaging. Individuals can help reduce microplastics found in the environment by curbing their use of plastic or making small changes to their lives, such as sometimes riding a mountain bike rather than using a car, since that releases fewer microplastics into the environment. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Local Germany
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Local Germany
O bis O: What you should know about changing tyres in Germany
What does O bis O mean – and what does it have to do with the tyres on my car? Take a drive through the suburbs of a German city on a Saturday or Sunday in April and it's not uncommon to see groups of neighbours passing lug wrenches back and forth across the garden fence. The phrase O bis O means from Easter ( Ostern ) to October and acts as a reminder that car owners in Germany need to change from winter tyres to summer tyres in the spring, and then back to winter tyres again in the autumn. This tends to be a DIY activity – most German homes will have four wheels stashed away somewhere in the cellar or garage – although your friendly local mechanic will happily take on the task. Is there a fixed date for changing my tyres? Winter tyres have a tread of at least 3mm and carry a symbol of a snowflake trapped inside a mountain. Fitting them on your car in winter is mandatory, but O to O is a rule of thumb rather than a hard and fast regulation. Winter weather in Germany can be unpredictable – even more so than usual in recent years – often mild, but with sudden periods of heavy frost and snow possible until well into April. As a general rule, winter tyres are no longer necessary once the outside temperature is consistently above 7 degrees Celsius. READ ALSO: The items you can't carry in your car in Germany Wouldn't it be easier to drive on winter tyres all year round? Driving on summer tyres in winter conditions is illegal. You can be fined up to €120, lose your driving licence (or at least receive penalty points) and, in the event of an accident, find that your insurance company refuses to pay out – even if you weren't at fault. Advertisement Driving on winter tyres in summer isn't against the law but does have a number of drawbacks. Winter tyres are made from a special rubber compound which makes them flexible in freezing temperatures. It also means they wear out much more quickly in warmer weather (meaning they will need to be replaced more frequently). In addition, driving on tyres with a deeper tread increases rolling resistance, which means fewer miles per gallon of petrol. An all-season alternative is available if you want to avoid the trouble of changing your tyres twice a year – as long as they still display the snowflake and mountain symbol. It's a compliant and hassle-free solution (ideal for people who drive infrequently and/or live in cities) – but it does mean marginally less traction in winter conditions and marginally inferior fuel-efficiency in the summer. A car stops at a pedestrian crossing on Gleimstraße in Berlin. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Fabian Sommer Maintaining and changing tyres – what do I need to know? The set of wheels you're not currently using should be stored in a dry room away from direct sunlight – and don't forget to mark them so you know which is which! In Germany, the convention is VL (vorne links), VR, HR (hinten rechts), HL. The wheels can be safely stacked on top of each other. READ ALSO: What are the rules around driving a friend or relative's car in Germany? Ideally, tyres should be replaced every eight years due to natural aging – or sooner, if necessary. Before putting your winter tyres away for the summer, check if you need to order new ones for the winter. The ADAC ( Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club ) recommends a tread depth of 3mm (although only 1.6mm is required by law). The gold edge of a €1 coin is exactly 3mm thick. Advertisement Push a coin into the tread; if you can't see gold, you're good to go for another year. Before you start driving, make sure your summer tyres have the recommended air pressure. If you notice an unfamiliar vibration once you start driving, the wheels may be unbalanced (or rotating unevenly). Your local mechanic can help but so, in all probability, can your neighbours. Germany is the land of responsible car ownership – and most people will jump at the chance to demonstrate their knowledge of all things tyres!
