Soil emissions are much-bigger-than-expected component of air pollution
Nitrogen oxides produced by huge fires and fossil fuel combustion are a major component of air pollution. They are the primary ingredients in ground-level ozone, a pollutant harmful to human health and vegetation. view more (2005-06-07)
A sprightly explanation for UFO sightings?
In legend, sprites are trolls, elves and other spirits that dance high above our ozone layer. But scientists at Tel Aviv University have discovered that some very real "sprites" are zipping across the atmosphere as well, providing a possible explanation for those other legendary denizens of the skies, UFOs. view more (2009-02-24)
Record air pollution above the Arctic
Last week Scientists of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research observed the highest air pollution on record since measurements began in Ny-Ã-lesund on Svalbard. Monitoring instruments displayed significantly increased aerosol concentrations compared to those generally found. view more (2006-05-11)
Sulfur signature changes thoughts on atmospheric oxygen
Ancient sediments that once resided on a lake bed and the ocean floor show sulfur isotope ratios unlike those found in other samples from the same time, calling into question accepted ideas about when the Earth's atmosphere began to contain oxygen. view more (2006-08-24)
Scientists in first global study of 'poison' gas in the atmosphere
It was used as a chemical weapon in the trenches in the First World War, but nearly a century later, new research by an international team of scientists has discovered that phosgene is present in significant quantities in the atmosphere. view more (2007-09-20)
Southern ocean carbon sink weakened
Scientists have observed the first evidence that the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb the major greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, has weakened by about 15 per cent per decade since 1981. view more (2007-05-21)
Pine Is Ten Times As Sensitive As Maple
Coniferous trees are widespread in Russia, especially in Siberia, where taiga extends over tens of millions of hectares. Cedars and pines grow also in the environs of cities and in city parks and suffer from human-induced changes in environment. Of course, coniferous trees can withstand a low-level... view more... (2002-05-07)
Combination of technologies works best against E. coli
No one weapon in the food-safety arsenal will take out E. coli 0157:H7, a nasty little pathogen that's becoming far too familiar to Americans, say University of Illinois scientists Scott Martin and Hao Feng. view more (2006-12-13)
First-ever study to link increased mortality specifically to carbon dioxide emissions
A Stanford scientist has spelled out for the first time the direct links between increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increases in human mortality, using a state-of-the-art computer model of the atmosphere that incorporates scores of physical and chemical environmental processes. view more (2008-01-04)
UCI scientists first to predict air quality impact of small-scale power sources
As California searches for more sources of power, researchers at UC Irvine have created the first scientific method for predicting the impact of small-scale generators on air quality - a tool that could help the state develop environmentally sound policies to regulate and promote their use. view more (2006-08-22)
Atmospheric chemistry - air quality and climate
Air quality has improved dramatically over the past 50 years. Professor Mike Pilling, Head of Physical Chemistry at the University of Leeds, will reveal the latest about air quality research at the Festival of Science today. view more (2004-09-06)
Satellite sniffs out chemical traces of atmospheric pollution
The recent Hague talks on global warming focused attention on the so-called greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. But these gases are only a part of the story. Mankind generates a wide variety of emissions that are changing the chemistry and composition of our planet~s atmosphere. Satellite monitoring is helping scientists to understand those... view more... (2000-12-15)
Air quality in West going south
By mid-century, air quality throughout the Western United States will deteriorate, according to a new EPA-funded computer simulation by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. view more (2005-10-07)
Air pollutants from abroad a growing concern, says new report
Plumes of harmful air pollutants can be transported across oceans and continents -- from Asia to the United States and from the United States to Europe -- and have a negative impact on air quality far from their original sources, says a new report by the National Research Council. view more (2009-09-30)
Researchers at the University Jaume I put environmentally-friendly refrigerants to the test
Keeping food cool in the fridge or switching on the air conditioning at the office can be costly for the environment. The gases that have been used up till now for refrigeration (mainly the so-called HCFCs, such as R22) contain high proportions of chlorine, one of the elements responsible for the depletion of atmospheric ozone. Manufacturing new... view more... (2004-06-28)
Even seaweeds get sunburned
It is red, it burns and itches: a sunburn on our skin. However, too much sun is not only bad for humans. Many plants react sensitively to an increased dose of ultraviolet radiation, too. Yet they are dependent on sunlight. view more (2008-08-25)
Computer-designed molecule to clean up fluorocarbons?
The chemical bond between carbon and fluorine is one of the strongest in nature, and has been both a blessing and a curse in the complex history of fluorocarbons. Now, in a powerful demonstration of the relatively new field of "computational chemistry". view more (2007-03-05)
Researchers discover links between city walkability and air pollution exposure
A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. view more (2009-11-03)
Mars Express sees its first water - scientific results
ESA PR 06-2004. Mars Express, ESA's first mission to Mars, will reach its final orbit on 28 January. It has already been producing stunning results since its first instrument was switched on, on 5 January. The significance of the first data was emphasised by the scientists at a European press conference today at ESA's Space Operations Centre,... view more... (2004-01-23)
Even low levels of air pollution may pose stroke risk
Short-term exposure to low levels of particulate air pollution may increase the risk of stroke or mini-stroke, according to findings that suggest current exposure standards could be insufficient to protect the public. view more (2008-06-02)
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