A new study reveals that predatory dinosaurs, such as T. rex, had a more complex air sac system similar to that in modern birds. The findings suggest that these ancient beasts may have been warm-blooded creatures, with a pulmonary machinery for enhanced gas exchange.
ORNL's national lab-leading total increases to 122 with three new R&D 100 awards. The innovations include the compact and energy-efficient SEMCO Revolution rooftop air conditioner and SensArray Integrated Wafer for precise semiconductor temperature control.
The Air Force has developed a portable biosensor system that can detect and identify biological warfare agents. The system, consisting of a spray and a hand-held 'green box,' provides rapid detection capability and is designed to be reliable, disposable, and cost-effective.
A team of engineers has successfully removed bioaerosols from a hospital therapy pool using a new generation of hybrid filters. The filters reduced concentrations of culturable bacteria by up to 80% and total bacteria by up to 76%, significantly improving pool safety and reducing illness risks.
A study published in Pediatrics recommends new guidelines for air bag safety in children. The research found that children under 14 are at high risk of serious injury from air bags when sitting in the front passenger seat, while older children benefit from air bag protection.
Researchers have developed a new positive air pressure chamber that enables early upright gait rehabilitation after lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery. The device allows for precise adjustment of air pressure to minimize impact on the patient's joints and facilitate faster healing.
A pilot study by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory researchers gathers baseline information on subway workers’ exposure to airborne metals. The study aims to determine if the elevated metal levels pose a health concern for transit workers.
Researchers mapped airflow patterns through nasal cavity using transparent models, revealing why deep breathing is needed for smelling flowers. The study's findings may aid surgeons and drug companies in developing new treatments.
A new computer-aided detection (CAD) system has been developed to detect colon polyps obscured by contrast-enhanced fluid in the colon. The algorithm successfully identified 19 out of 22 polyps in a study involving 17 patients, highlighting its potential to reduce missed diagnoses and lower cancer risk.
The NIST/EPA study found frequent instances of underventilation and overventilation in US buildings, leading to poor air quality and occupant discomfort. Regular maintenance checks are urged to address these issues.
A recent NASA study reveals that tiny particles in the air can have a significant effect on how much carbon is transferred from the atmosphere to below-ground carbon sinks. The research found that aerosols, not clouds, tend to scatter sunlight, allowing more radiation to penetrate to leaves and increasing photosynthesis rates.
Infants who don't sleep on their tummies have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study. Babies who experience sleeping prone are better able to avoid conditions that may trigger SIDS by learning how to breathe more efficiently.
New discoveries have increased resolution on vertebrate morphological sequence, documented rapid tetrapod appearance, and sparked controversy over environmental factors. Research highlights adaptations that enable fish survival on land, including air-breathing organs and biochemical strategies.
Researchers have re-determined the content of argon in air, finding it to be approximately 0.9332%, very close to historical measurements made 100 years ago. This new value is significant for precision mass measurements, which require accurate corrections for air density.
Researchers found that laser resurfacing can improve the look of sun-damaged skin and reduce acne scars with nonablative laser treatment. Increasing volume of botulinum exotoxin A at lower concentrations affects a larger area, making it suitable for treating larger areas like the forehead.
A new study suggests that providing air rather than 100% oxygen for newborn babies requiring ventilation after delivery can reduce infant mortality. The findings are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of five trials, which found that 5% fewer babies given air died compared to those given 100% oxygen.
Aura, NASA's latest Earth-observing satellite, was launched to study the health of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing on ozone layer recovery and climate change. The satellite will survey the atmosphere from the troposphere to the stratosphere, using four instruments to collect data on air quality and its impact on the planet.
The launch of NASA's Aura satellite has been delayed due to an outstanding issue with a solid-state recorder. The new launch date is set for July 14, and media personnel are advised to meet at the main gate of Vandenberg Air Force Base on that day.
A six-week field experiment will gather data on regional air quality, intercontinental transport of polluted air masses, and human health effects. The study, ICARTT, involves five countries, universities, and government agencies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management found that domestic airline ticket taxes add approximately 15% to average fares, contradicting airline executives' claims. The research analyzed millions of tickets and provides a definitive answer to questions about ticket tax burdens on air travel costs.
A study found that people increasingly expect standardised temperatures and levels of ventilation, driving industry trends towards air conditioning. Design decisions early on shape future comfort regimes, suggesting a need for changes throughout the design process to promote sustainable environments.
Airborne viruses were detected in 32% of office building air filters, with higher carbon dioxide levels linked to increased exposure risk. Researchers also found that healthcare workers treating SARS patients were at high risk of developing the disease due to endotracheal intubation.
A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polyols from soy oil through air oxidation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials for various industries.
Researchers have extended atmospheric record of methyl bromide over 300 years by analyzing air bubbles in an ice core. The study shows that global atmospheric methyl bromide levels increased significantly during the industrial era.
A Baltimore study finds that EPA's ambient model estimates grossly underestimate cancer health risks from indoor air toxins. The researchers used passive air sampling badges to measure personal, outdoor, and indoor concentrations of VOCs, finding a factor of three underestimation of actual risk.
A study of long-haul air travelers found a 1% risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Traditional risk factors and prophylactic measures may need further investigation to reduce the risk.
Scientists are studying sulfur oxidation processes and high levels of atmospheric nitric oxide at the South Pole. They aim to understand natural phenomena to differentiate them from human-caused processes in more complex regions.
Research suggests that air travel increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions and those taking oral contraceptives. Long-haul flights lasting eight hours or longer may double the risk of isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis.
Researchers developed synthetic jets that produce two to three times as much cooling with two-thirds less energy input, overcoming fan limitations. Vibration-induced droplet atomization technology also uses tiny cooling liquid droplets to carry heat away from components.
Researchers investigated the impact of a building demolition on air quality and found that airborne dust concentrations were extremely high in immediate vicinity and downwind areas. Spectators are advised to stay upwind and indoors to avoid exposure to high levels of particulate matter.
A new report warns that the US air transportation system is in peril due to a lack of coordination among stakeholders. The report calls for a focused national leadership and strategic vision to enable the airline industry to meet increasing travel demand.
Researchers examining the link between cabin air quality and health will collect data from a sample of flights, recording cabin air quality and perceptions of comfort and health by flight attendants and passengers. The study aims to inform the development of air quality standards for commercial aircraft.
A new software tool, LoopDA, allows architects and engineers to determine the size of natural ventilation openings needed for desired airflow rates. The program uses an engineering-based design process to control indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
A new air-drying technique allows stored sperm to be transported without special equipment, relieving laboratories of sperm care. This method also reduces the risk of HIV transmission and gives owners more control over disposal decisions.
Researchers exposed eight healthy participants to hypoxia and normal air conditions to investigate potential link between air travel and venous thrombosis (DVT). The study found no significant changes in clotting activity during hypoxic exposure, but a larger study is required to confirm these findings.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a chest-mounted air-conditioning system that can cool an aviator's body by up to 10 degrees Centigrade. The system uses zeolite to absorb heat and is designed to be lightweight, compact, and independent of aircraft power.
A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that natural climate variability may contribute up to half of the observed global surface warming since the 1970s. The analysis of ocean surface temperature records in the tropical Pacific indicates that long-term changes in ocean temperatures precede global air temperature ch...
Researchers create DOAS system that separates fresh air supply from cooling and heating functions, reducing carryover of recirculated air and eliminating damp spots. This approach could save $2 per square foot in new construction and reduce operating costs by up to 60-70%.
The US Marine Corps has begun using a new software system called ANT to schedule fighter air operations, reducing the time spent on planning from hours to minutes. The system balances various factors, including maintenance requirements and resource constraints, to create efficient schedules for aircraft carriers.
A study of over 1,000 passengers flying between San Francisco and Denver found that recirculated cabin air did not cause more colds than fresh air. The researchers suggest that being on a plane packed with people may be the primary factor in transmission of colds.
A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.
A NASA study found that urban heat islands create more summer rain over and downwind of major cities worldwide. The increased heat promotes rising air and alters weather patterns, leading to higher rainfall rates in urban areas.
Research found that a warm polar winter made it easier for ozone to accumulate in the Arctic stratosphere, as warmer air prevented the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. This prevented the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to higher levels of ozone in the lower stratosphere.
Researchers found the warmest portion of a hurricane's eye is approximately 3.5 miles high, corresponding to falling pressure and destructive winds. The data provided a comprehensive 3D image of the inner core, revealing how heat from rising air powers the storm.
A study of nearly 1,900 air travelers found that the percentage of people experiencing stress while flying increased from 60% to 81% since 9/11. Post-9/11 fliers are more focused on personal safety and security, with women being slightly more concerned than men.
Research shows that lower dasher rates can produce ice cream with the same physical structure and sensory attributes as higher rates, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The balance of ingredients, including milk fat, emulsifiers, and air, is crucial in achieving desired quality and texture.
Researchers investigated gas exchange between infants and their environment while sleeping facedown on soft bedding. They found that hypoxemia, not hypercarbia, is the more important factor contributing to SIDS deaths, suggesting a new approach to prevention.
Researchers investigated how nasal volume affects nasal air-conditioning process when subjects lie face-up. The study found that increasing nasal mucosal temperature enhances nose's warming and humidifying abilities, but lying face-up reduces this ability.
The program will study the impact of distributed power on Southern California air quality, assess air quality impact, and design low-emission combustors for micro-turbine generators. The grant is funded through the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program to reduce California's reliance on the power grid.
A Virginia Tech student has made significant discoveries about air bubbles in drinking water, which can interfere with treatment processes and lead to pathogen contamination. The research is being used to identify problems at two California water treatment plants and has the potential to prevent water-borne diseases.
A new NASA study found that the Icelandic low-pressure system affects Arctic sea ice cover, leading to regional variations and an overall decrease in ice extent. The system brings warm air northward, reducing ice cover east of Iceland, while also contributing to climate warming.
A team of researchers at Sealed Air Corporation has developed a new packaging film called OS1000 that can remove trace amounts of oxygen from the interior of hermetically sealed packages. This innovation improves the shelf life and quality of packaged food products, reducing oxidation and spoilage.
Researchers found that ultrasound-induced lung damage is dependent on beamwidth, pulse duration, and exposure duration. The air-blood barrier near the surface of the lung may be the principal target for ultrasound-induced lung damage.
Scientists at Penn State have developed a new method to reduce the permeability of biomedical polymers using silicate clay, achieving a significant improvement in air and water resistance. The clay is mixed with the polymer in a common solvent, resulting in a barrier that effectively blocks many paths for air and water migration.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that undercharged air conditioners use more electricity, leading to increased energy bills. They estimate that consumers can recover the cost of charging their systems in three months by simply topping off the charge.
A preliminary study published in Operations Research found that free flight routing could lead to a significant reduction in mid-air collision risk, with a potential safety dividend of up to 69%. The study also suggests that shortened flight paths could result in reduced fuel consumption and increased flight frequencies.
The development of 'smart' flaps could significantly improve the efficiency of supersonic engines by minimizing flow separation. By recirculating air within the boundary layer, these flaps prevent turbulence and increase engine performance.
A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.
A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming larger portions of puffed-up food servings can reduce hunger and lead to a lower calorie intake. The study suggested using whipped foods like low-fat frozen desserts or air-popped popcorn as alternatives to manage weight.
Virginia Tech engineers propose integrating simulation models to evaluate the national airspace system, addressing critical bottlenecks in aircraft sequencing, runway operations, and taxiway management. By optimizing these processes, they aim to reduce time delays and increase airport efficiency.