A team of UNIST researchers has developed a new method to enhance the catalytic activity of provskite, a potential substitute for platinum in metal-air batteries. By physically mixing provskite with polypyrrole, they were able to achieve a synergistic effect that rivals that of platinum.
A new study reveals that the head, upper arms, upper legs, and thighs are significant sources of drag for downhill skiers, with potential applications in designing better ski equipment and improving performance.
Scientists at ORNL have developed a novel crystallization method to capture carbon dioxide directly from ambient air. The method uses a guanidine sorbent that can be heated at relatively low temperatures to release the gas, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Cold Arctic air masses brought frigid temperatures to the US, with temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius detected at high altitudes. The air mass shifted east on Dec 9, impacting Ohio Valley and New England regions.
Researchers found hummingbirds' ability to accelerate and turn is hindered by low air density at high altitudes, affecting their performance. The study suggests climate change may impact species seeking cooler regions, including higher elevations.
Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.
A seasonal unit root analysis found that Hong Kong's urban mean air temperature increased by 0.169°C per 10 years, outpacing global warming.
Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.
Researchers found that underground car parks can act as 'lungs of the city', reducing particulate matter concentrations outside the car parks by up to 50%. The study suggests that implementing air purification systems in parking garages can improve air quality in urban areas.
A new trilayer structure developed by Yuan Yang increases energy density in lithium batteries by 10-30%, allowing for longer operation times. The method stabilizes the battery even in ambient air, reducing costs and manufacturing time.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that varying oxygen levels can reset the circadian clock of mice, which could inform how airlines moderate cabin air pressure. The research also suggests potential benefits for humans, including alleviating jetlag and improving air travel comfort.
A prospective, randomised clinical trial found that an ultraviolet air steriliser significantly reduced sepsis and mortality in cardiac surgery patients. The study included 1097 patients and showed a lower rate of sepsis (3.4% vs 6.7%) and 30-day in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs 6.4%) in patients with the steriliser.
Researchers have created mid-air displays of 'floating pixels' using soundwaves and force fields, opening up new possibilities for computer and mobile displays in the 3D space above the screen. The technology, called JOLED, can be used to create interactive displays and bring digital information to life as physical objects.
A recent UBC study found that directing building air handling units through a snow dump can reduce summer air-conditioning bills. The study's results show promising potential for this type of system to be used in large buildings and institutions.
A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the synchronization of optical clocks across a low-lying, strongly turbulent, 12-km horizontal air path using a frequency comb. They achieved femtosecond-level clock synchronization by measuring the arrival time of pulses at each site and correcting for the finite speed of light.
A new type of bike helmet with an air bag system shows promise in reducing the risk of skull fracture and other brain injuries. The helmet's larger size and cushioning provide added protection, but initial pressure is crucial for optimal performance.
A CSU-developed air quality sampler, TPS100, will be sent to the International Space Station to collect airborne particles and address astronaut health concerns. The device uses thermophoresis to capture nanoparticles and has been tested in lab settings before its upcoming space mission.
A new study developed a mixed metal catalyst that enables both charge and discharge reactions in lithium-air batteries, overcoming key barriers to their development. This breakthrough offers opportunities for future research and potential applications in sustainable energy storage.
A new study found that plants regulate their leaf temperature independently of surrounding air temperatures, increasing carbon uptake through photosynthesis. This decoupling weakens the link between climate and plant functions.
Researchers found that moisture in the air enhances perovskite solar cells' performance by redistributing a dopant, increasing electric properties. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental.
University of Groningen scientists discovered that removing air from perovskite crystals can deactivate 'traps' that reduce solar cell efficiency, allowing for more efficient solar cells. Researchers also found that oxygen and water vapor can be used to create new gas sensors for detecting seal breaks in food packaging.
A new battery concept, called nanolithia cathode battery, promises similar theoretical performance as lithium-air batteries while reducing heat waste and improving charging speed. The new design could overcome issues with volume changes and auxiliary components, enabling faster charging and longer lifetimes.
Scientists have developed a new system design that collects water from air with significantly less energy, producing high-quality water. This approach uses a liquid desiccant to separate vapor from air and cool only the vapor, resulting in substantial energy savings.
Tropical Storm Estelle has a circular storm with two areas of strongest convection, indicating rising air that forms thunderstorms. The storm is strong and almost symmetrical but is being slowed by dry air in the mid-levels.
Researchers found that bees hold their antennae forward in response to increasing air speeds, but also maintain a fixed position when both visual cues and airflow are present. This suggests that bees may be using airflow to calibrate their internal speedometer, helping them estimate distances during flight.
Researchers from KU Leuven show that surface composition and atmosphere interaction on exoplanets affect their temperature and habitability. A well-functioning 'air conditioning' system can make even planets with permanent day and night sides potentially habitable.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect atmospheric chemicals using mid-infrared lasers, generating glowing plasma filaments that reveal chemical fingerprints.
A new artificial intelligence system called ALPHA has been developed by Psibernetix, Inc., which consistently outperforms human experts in simulated air combat. ALPHA's ability to process vast amounts of sensor data and make tactical decisions in milliseconds makes it a formidable opponent, even when its aircraft are handicapped.
Researchers from Aarhus University create convincing model to predict and quantify odorants in the atmosphere, reducing nuisance and improving odor abatement solutions. The technique uses precise measurements of odorant content for on-site assessments, offering a more accurate alternative to human olfactory evaluations.
Kamesh Subbarao, a UTA aerospace engineer, has received a $201,000 grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop an algorithm for cooperative control of multiple spacecraft. The algorithm aims to address uncertainties and time delays in data transmission, enabling better analysis of collected data.
Severe air quality issues persist in Fort McMurray due to ongoing wildfires, with a Health Quality Index of 10+ reported in the region. The fire, covering over 522,892 hectares, remains out of control, prompting evacuation orders for multiple communities.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered new catalyst materials for lithium-air batteries that can increase capacity by five times. The breakthrough could enable electric cars to drive 400 miles on a single charge and mobile phones to last a week without recharging.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University found that every movie leaves a characteristic pattern in the air, with increases in carbon dioxide and isoprene levels indicating suspense or humor. The study uses mass spectrometry to analyze exhaled air and differentiate between scenes in movies.
A study found that flame retardants used in tent manufacturing are released into the air within tents, potentially exposing campers to toxic compounds. The levels of these compounds can vary depending on the brand of tent, but may still pose a health risk to adults and children.
Researchers found that the early Earth's atmosphere weighed at most half of today's, reversing a long-held idea about atmospheric pressure and climate patterns. The discovery also sheds light on the composition of ancient gases and their impact on early life.
A new study by TUM researchers has identified singlet oxygen as a potential culprit behind the short battery life of lithium air batteries. The highly reactive substance is created when the batteries are charged, corroding surrounding material and decomposing electrolytic fluid.
A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that having a first-class cabin increases air rage incidents nearly four times more than a nine-hour flight delay. Economy passengers who pass through first class are also more likely to exhibit bad behavior.
Scientists observed anomalous sinking phenomena in apparently fixed powder beds due to local fluidization. The final sunken depth varied with sphere density and air strength. This discovery could lead to the development of dry-type gravity separation technology for separating three objects with different densities.
Researchers discovered an insulating layer of air that forms near the surface during winter, reducing evaporation and precipitation on the ice sheet. This phenomenon explains why temperature has risen without increased precipitation on the central parts of the Greenland ice sheet.
Researchers found that exhaled e-cigarette particles are liquid droplets that evaporate rapidly, unlike smoking conventional cigarettes. The study suggests vaping indoors is unlikely to pose an air quality issue.
Researchers found that human ancestors had impaired nasal air conditioning, but their pharyngeal cavities could compensate. This led to the diversification of early Homo and their ability to explore Africa's more severe climates.
Tracy Clinton and Michael Thompson received the Protein Society's Year 2015 'Best Paper' awards for their work on Ebola drug target mimics. The researchers, who came from diverse backgrounds, were chosen for their innovative approaches to solving complex protein problems.
New research from NC State University demonstrates that experts can use air sampling technology to detect and quantify radiological releases. The technique was tested using data from the 2014 WIPP nuclear facility accident, achieving impressive accuracy and precision.
Scientists have found that tropical fires in Southeast Asia and Africa are responsible for high ozone concentrations in the air above the western Pacific Ocean. The ozone is a byproduct of burning organic material, which is transported thousands of miles away by winds.
For the first time, researchers have directly converted carbon dioxide from the air into methanol at relatively low temperatures. This process uses renewable energy to transform the greenhouse gas into a clean-burning fuel for internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
New University of Washington research shows that the lunar forces affect the amount of rain on Earth, though very slightly, with a change of about 1 percent of total rainfall variation. The effect is due to the moon's gravitational tug causing higher air pressure and increasing temperature, making it less favorable for precipitation.
Researchers have developed an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the way kestrels hover above their prey. The MAV gains height from convenient updrafts, making it more efficient and extending its working range for tasks such as package delivery and surveillance.
The Arctic Report Card 2015 reveals a warming trend with air temperature 2.3 degrees above average, sea ice extent at its lowest record since 1979, and significant melting on the Greenland ice sheet. Fish and walrus are adapting to the changing climate by moving north in search of new habitats.
A recent survey by Drexel University researchers found that there is a lack of understanding about the costs and benefits of improving indoor air quality, even among building owners and designers. The study suggests that increasing ventilation and using better air filters can significantly improve health and productivity, but many peop...
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
A study found that prolonged hypobaria from air evacuation worsened long-term cognitive outcomes in rats with TBI. Researchers suggest approaches to limit negative effects, including delaying transport or increasing cabin pressurization.
A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that air evacuation may worsen neurological function and increase brain cell loss in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study's findings have major implications for the treatment of military injuries.
A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.
A major new study found that people with heart disease face an increased risk of a serious heart attack during poor air quality days. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified a strong association between bad air quality days and a higher risk of STEMI, the most dangerous type of heart attack.
In a study published in Animal Cognition, researchers found that captive elephants blast air through their trunks to obtain inaccessible food, revealing an advanced understanding of their physical environment. The dominant female, Mineko, was more proficient in adjusting her trunk to target the air and push food towards her.
Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that utilizes unique materials to overcome common issues with efficiency and water tolerance. The battery's design features a lithium metal negative electrode, non-aqueous electrolyte, and positive electrode that work together to improve overall performance.
Researchers discovered that dinosaurs utilized their elaborate nasal passages as heat exchangers to maintain optimal brain temperatures. This innovative mechanism allowed them to regulate their body temperature efficiently, solving the long-standing puzzle of how dinosaurs kept their brains from overheating despite their large bodies.
Jesse Little's three-year grant aims to develop guidelines for designing aircraft that can withstand structural and heat stresses of sustained supersonic flight. The study focuses on understanding shock waves interacting with near-surface air flows in three dimensions.
Researchers used holographic imaging to analyze cloud mixing behavior, revealing clear boundaries between wet and dry air. The findings challenge current computer models and may enhance weather predictions by providing more accurate insights into cloud interactions.
The soft skin modules use air-filled cavities to cushion collisions and provide pressure feedback for grasping delicate objects. The researchers successfully tested the modules on a disposable plastic cup, a roll of printer paper, and a piece of tofu, reducing peak forces by 32-52% and side impacts by 26-37%.