A new observational study describes the world's weather patterns and climate influences by revealing four distinct atmospheric circulation cells. The cells create temperature and wind distribution in the mid-latitudes, including the UK, Europe, and US, which was previously not fully understood.
A new NASA study reveals that Saharan dry air and dust likely contributed to the quieter-than-expected 2007 hurricane season. The research found a correlation between the extent of dry air and dust in the North Atlantic and lower sea surface temperatures, atmospheric stability, and reduced hurricane formation.
Researchers discovered that the Douglas-fir tree's wood structure prevents water from being pulled any higher than 350 feet due to air bubble formation. At this height, trees experience drought-like conditions and struggle to transport water, limiting their growth.
Athletes with asthma face increased risk of symptoms due to high minute ventilation and poor air quality during exercise. Individualized management plans are crucial to comply with anti-doping regulations.
A University of Washington study reveals that dozens of toxic chemicals are emitted by top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, with none listed on product labels. The study highlights the need for better labeling and reduced exposure to potentially hazardous fragrances.
Exposure to chemical & biological contaminants can cause respiratory & neurologic symptoms, allergies, asthma, and lung cancer. Secondhand smoke & radon are major causes of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
A study found that blowing cool, dry air under football shoulder pads reduces core body temperature by up to 1 degree Fahrenheit and lowers heart rate significantly. This technology could help prevent heat-related illnesses in football players.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new nano technique that significantly enhances boiling efficiency by up to 30 times. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cooling methods for computer chips, improve heat transfer systems, and reduce energy costs in industrial applications.
A new grant will fund research to identify, forecast, and detect areas of clear-air turbulence, reducing anxiety for travelers. The study will also aid astronomers in using adaptive optics to reduce telescope image degradation caused by atmospheric optical turbulence.
A recent study by Glen McDougall reveals that commercialization of air traffic control organizations has greatly improved performance with respect to cost, safety, and technical modernization. The reforms have resulted in reduced costs, improved service quality, and modernized workplace technologies.
The joint venture aims to develop a new scanner incorporating CSIRO's neutron technology and Nuctech's x-ray systems to detect a wide range of threat items in air freight containers. The scanning technology is designed to be non-intrusive, taking less than one minute to scan an air freight container.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that stratospheric ozone chemistry significantly influences the Arctic Oscillation, leading to changes in atmospheric air flows and temperature distribution. This basic knowledge is crucial for improving climate models and reducing uncertainty in simulated climate developments.
A global study found that 82 percent of parents who smoked reported smoking around their children, exposing them to high levels of secondhand smoke. Hair nicotine levels were detected in 78 percent of children living with a smoker and 59 percent without, highlighting the need for improved public awareness.
Researchers found that using HEPA filters for two days significantly improved microvascular function in healthy, non-smoking elderly individuals. The study suggests that indoor air filtration could be a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk by removing ultrafine, fine and coarse air particles.
Researchers developed a testing apparatus to track air flow distribution in finned-tube heat exchangers, comparing results with CFD simulations. This could lead to improved heat pump efficiency by 5% and reduced material cost.
Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that mice exposed to cigarette smoke and fed a liquid diet containing ethanol had a 4.7-fold increase in artery lesions, compared to those breathing filtered air and eating a normal solid diet.
The airway bypass procedure has shown positive results in reducing air trapped in lungs and improving breathing in patients with emphysema. The study achieved a statistically significant reduction in residual volume and improvement in the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for pat...
Interactions between ozone and body oils can lead to the formation of chemical byproducts that worsen nasal irritation, headaches, and other air traveler complaints. The study suggests simple steps like installing ozone-destroying catalysts can help reduce these byproducts in aircraft and buildings.
Scientists using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument have observed fluctuations in argon composition of the Martian atmosphere. The study reveals a constant change in the ratio of argon to carbon dioxide as winter sets in at one of the poles, indicating mixing between polar air and tropics.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed software that allows for real-time visualization of air flow around speeding cars, creating a new effect for racing coverage. The technology uses Navier-Stokes equations to simulate complex systems quickly, enabling interactive simulations in video games and other applications.
A new report from NIST and EPA offers building owners retrofit options to improve safety against airborne chemical and biological hazards. The report evaluates 14 alternative techniques, including filtration and air cleaning systems, and provides a life-cycle cost analysis tool.
Computer simulations of Hurricane Bonnie's movement show that pockets of warm humid air flowing from the hurricane's eye to its ring of thunderstorms boost energy, increasing storm strength. This 'turbocharger' effect helps hurricanes remain intense despite weakening influences like cooler ocean temperatures and wind shear.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that droplets carrying viruses can travel large distances in the air, posing a risk to people breathing nearby. The research dispels the myth that viruses only travel a short distance from a person, suggesting that one infected individual can spread the virus simply by exhaling.
A RAND Corporation report found mixed results from laboratory tests of Save the World Air's ZEFS device, suggesting its effectiveness in reducing tailpipe pollutants and increasing fuel efficiency is uncertain. Further testing is needed to confirm or refute the technology's performance.
A new high-resolution computer model has been developed to better understand how air-sea interactions affect hurricane intensity. The model uses detailed data from the Coupled Boundary Layer Air-Sea Transfer (CBLAST) field program, which provided unprecedented information about ocean and sea surface conditions near hurricanes.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital investigated the chronic effects of smoke inhalation on 21 Station fire survivors and found that non-smokers were more severely affected. The study used high-resolution computed tomography to measure air-trapping in the lungs, which increased with severity and was significantly higher in non-smokers.
Researchers directly derived air-sea momentum exchange from ocean current observations under Hurricane Ivan, confirming the trend that momentum transfer decreases at high wind speeds. The findings improve storm surge modeling and have significant implications for ocean circulation and numerical model accuracy.
A pioneering biofuel cell has been developed that can generate electricity from low levels of hydrogen in air, offering an inexpensive and renewable alternative to platinum-based fuel cells. The cell uses enzymes from naturally occurring bacteria and can power electronic devices with minimal power requirements.
The Flat Plasma Spectrometer (FlaPS) is a tiny analyzer developed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to study plasma depletions in the ionosphere. The spectrometer's small size and low power consumption make it ideal for large-scale missions, enabling dozens of instruments to be carried on microsatellites.
Research reveals that reindeer males use their inflated air sacs to produce unique, high-pitched rutting calls that signal their fighting ability and attractiveness to females. This adaptation allows males to conserve energy while deterring rivals and attracting mates.
NASA scientists studied thunderstorms off the African coast using satellites and airplanes to better understand hurricane formation. They discovered that dust plumes from the Saharan Air Layer can suppress hurricane development, but the exact mechanisms are unclear.
Scientists at UC Irvine found that ozone-emitting air purifiers can create additional microscopic particles when used with household cleaning products, increasing harmful particulate matter levels. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict whether an air purifier will make the air dirtier in a given indoor environment.
The International Research Network, ECSAW, aims to improve air quality and water treatment by reducing NOx emissions and developing new fuels for fuel cells. The four-year collaboration will also focus on decontaminating air and water using photocatalysis and green chemistry.
Tiny airborne dust particles from Africa's desert regions can alter surface and air temperatures globally, causing a 'teleconnection' effect. Researchers found that North African dust affects the Caspian Sea and central Asia while having a cooling effect on the region.
A recent study conducted by scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found an innovative DNA test to catalog airborne microbes. The research revealed a diverse bacterial population in Texas cities, which could aid in bioterrorism surveillance and climate change tracking.
The US Department of Defense has funded the Texas Nanotechnology Consortium to develop and commercialize revolutionary nanomaterials for defense aerospace applications. The consortium will partner with the Air Force Research Laboratory to create next-generation composites and smart materials, ensuring US air superiority.
Pollutants from Central American biomass burning influence air quality and climate in the United States, particularly visibility and surface air temperatures. The smoke plumes also trap aerosols in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.
A Rice University study recommends lowering Houston's toxic air pollutant levels due to high health risks. The report proposes a new set of air quality standards based on the underlying toxicology of four pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Scientists used holotomography to study arabidopsis seed's internal structures, discovering a network of voids that may store oxygen for efficient germination. The technique reveals the seed's three-dimensional organization and circulation system, opening new research avenues.
A recent analysis suggests that limiting flights after 9/11 delayed the onset of the 2001-2002 U.S. flu season and slowed flu spread. By analyzing real data on influenza mortality and air travel volume, researchers found a strong correlation between reduced airline activity and delayed flu peaks.
Research found that air travel affects both the peak date and rate of spread of flu in the US. The study analyzed government records on deaths from flu and pneumonia between 1996 and 2005 and discovered that flu season started about two weeks later than usual after 9/11 restrictions on air travel were implemented.
A NASA study reveals that small dust particles, known as aerosols, help trigger rainfall in South Asia's Tibetan Plateau during the monsoon season. The 'elevated heat pump' effect amplifies this process, causing an earlier and longer wet season in northern India.
Scientists on the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) mission used a combination of satellites and aircraft to study hurricanes. They found surprisingly strong winds in tropical disturbances and evidence of dry air, which typically comes from the Sahara Air Layer.
Researchers at UCI create tool to analyze thousands of variables, predicting potential effect of distributed generation on Southern California air by 2010. The study found that maximum levels of ozone and particulate matter could increase slightly, but the impact would be far less than other power-production alternatives.
A large study found that traveling for more than 4 hours increases the risk of venous thrombosis by 2-fold. High-risk groups, including those with factor V Leiden and oral contraceptives, have a significantly increased risk of thrombosis after air travel.
Researchers found crop yields are running at about 50 percent below conclusions drawn from enclosed test conditions, contradicting previous assumptions of increased yield due to CO2 levels. The study highlights the need for changes in production strategies to avoid global food shortages.
A new study published in the journal Science found that future greenhouse gas conditions are likely to result in lower crop yields, particularly for C3 crops such as rice, wheat, and soybeans. The researchers used open-air field trials involving five major food crops grown under carbon-dioxide levels projected for the year 2050.
Researchers found evidence of reactive chlorine chemistry in surface air, estimating it creates 5-8 parts per billion of maximum daily ozone level. Chlorine levels fluctuate with little regularity and its cause remains unknown.
Researchers found that mussel body temperatures vary with local climate conditions, even when air and water temperatures are the same. This means that protected areas for conservation may need to be tailored to specific locations.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Leicester found no evidence that low air pressure and low oxygen levels during long-haul flights increase the risk of blood clots. The study, which included 73 healthy volunteers, assessed the effects of hypobaric and hypoxia on markers of blood clotting.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have determined that the temperature difference between air and water controls the amount of mist at Niagara Falls. The study found that a higher temperature difference results in a thicker and more substantial mist plume, contrary to previous reports linking high-rise hotels to increased mist levels.
A new wound monitor uses hybrid sensor technology to detect bad bacteria in the air emitted from a wound, enabling rapid and non-invasive infection diagnosis. The device aims to improve early detection of infections, reducing discomfort for patients with severe burns, skin ulcers, or gaping wounds.
Researchers found increased clotting marker concentrations during flights compared to sitting and daily activities, suggesting additional mechanisms underlying air travel-related thrombosis. The study included 71 healthy volunteers with varying risk factors for thrombosis, including genetic mutations and oral contraceptives.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new modeling technique that can predict and negate the noise produced by air flowing across a car's sunroof. The technique uses computer simulations to manipulate the air flow and cancel out the acoustic waves, resulting in a quieter aircraft. This innovation has important military applic...
Researchers evaluated innovative approaches to mitigate the urban heat island effect, including light-colored surfaces and vegetation. Strategies such as planting urban forests and creating living roofs showed promise in reducing air temperatures.
A new energy-saving method has been developed to reduce the cooling-related demand for electricity in small office buildings. The approach involves running air conditioning at cooler-than-normal settings in the morning and then raising the thermostat to warmer settings in the afternoon, resulting in a 25-30% reduction in peak electrica...
Researchers simulated conditions of three building types in six cities and found that improved air tightness would result in energy savings ranging from 9-37%. The study suggests that increased airtightness can lead to smaller but still significant cost savings in warmer climates.
By mid-century, air quality in the Western United States is expected to decline due to climate change, with a doubling of stagnant days in the region. In contrast, the Midwest may see improved air quality thanks to increased cloud cover, which could offset warming temperatures.
Climate models have significantly underestimated changes in air pressure, leading to a lower estimate of global warming's effect on weather patterns. Air pressure trends have contributed to temperature increases and rainfall changes in regions like Scotland, UK, and Siberia.
Research suggests climate change will lead to decreased air quality in Texas and the western U.S., while the Midwest is predicted to receive more rain, which could help reduce ozone levels. Satellite data also reveals the temperature of Earth's ring current, with plasma ion temperatures consistent with in situ measurements.