Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has received a new contract worth up to $250 million from the US Air Force to sustain the structural integrity of aging military aircraft. The program supports the A-10 Thunderbolt II, T-38 Talon, C-5 cargo carrier, and B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a method to analyze airborne DNA, tracking species and pathogens in the air. This technology has vast potential applications for studying wildlife, human health, and environmental monitoring.
A nationwide study by TU Graz found that 75% of Austrian classrooms exceeded the daily average CO2 concentration limit, with some reaching levels almost seven times the guideline value. Regular ventilation can reduce not only CO2 but also airborne disease transmission risk.
Researchers measured air quality over 19 months to capture both smoky and clear days, finding increases in fine aerosols and carbon monoxide during wildfires. The study has implications for weather, cloud formation, and public health.
The Clearinghouse has received a major grant to expand access to evidence-informed parenting programs for Air Force families, aiming to strengthen military family resilience and well-being. The Thrive Initiative will provide research-backed resources tailored to the specific challenges faced by these families.
Kyushu University's Direct Air Capture and Utilization device captures CO2 from air, allowing it to be reused in daily life. The technology enables small-scale, decentralized carbon capture, making it suitable for densely populated cities like Japan.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new materials for direct air capture, making it cheaper and more scalable. The study found that certain materials, such as aluminum oxide and activated carbon, can capture CO2 efficiently, paving the way for more accessible carbon capture technologies.
Researchers at Penn State propose reusing depleted oil and gas wells to store compressed air, improving efficiency by 9.5% compared to existing technology. This could make the technology more economically viable and provide job opportunities in areas with rich energy industry traditions.
Research reveals that dry air caused by climate change dehydrates airways, triggering inflammation and associated conditions like asthma and chronic cough. Higher temperatures and drier air may lead to widespread airway inflammation in the US by mid-century.
A study published in Physical Review Research reveals the intricate physical mechanisms involved in handclapping, including air flow, sound production, and resonance. The researchers found that the size and shape of the hand cavity affect the frequency of the clap, with cupped hands producing lower frequencies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.
Researchers developed a prototype sensor that detects H5N1 viruses in air samples, detecting the virus at levels below an infectious dose. The sensor produced results within 5 minutes and showed over 90% accuracy compared to traditional methods, offering promise for noninvasive air monitoring.
Researchers at IISc have developed an onsite production strategy for hydrogen peroxide using a zinc-air battery. The process generates H2O2 while degrading toxic dyes, making it a low-cost and highly energy-efficient method. This approach has the potential to be scalable and can be used in various applications.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found a statistically significant relation between air lead concentration and infant mortality. Higher concentrations of lead in the air caused higher levels of infant mortality in infants' first month and first year, suggesting both in utero and environmental exposures matter.
Researchers developed an AI system to control airflow on wing surfaces, reducing turbulent separation bubbles by 9%. The system uses deep reinforcement learning to adapt to airflow dynamics and enhance the effectiveness of experimental technologies.
A new study from the University of Surrey identifies targeted ventilation strategies as crucial to preventing super-spreader events on cruise ships. The research found that improved air circulation in crowded areas can significantly reduce airborne infection transmission risk, with CO2 levels increasing in higher occupancy spaces.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a prototype device that can produce ammonia from water vapor and nitrogen in the air using wind energy. The technology has the potential to eliminate the need for a century-old method of producing ammonia, which consumes 2% of global energy and contributes 1% of annual carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have synthesized new molecules that can quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. The study focused on titanium peroxides and showed varying abilities to scrub carbon dioxide, with potassium tetraperoxo titanate being the most reactive.
The study found a significantly higher proportion of racial and ethnic minority children in 'higher exposure risk schools' compared to the rest of schools. Hispanic and Latino children make up a larger share of these schools, with a greater number having disabilities.
A new American Institutes for Research study found that children as young as 6 develop biases towards boys in computing and engineering, while math stereotypes are less pronounced. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these biases and promote equal opportunities for girls in tech fields.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will help the US Air Force modernize methods to sustain three fleets of military aircraft, including the T-38 Talon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and B-52 Stratofortress. The institute's analyses will aid in determining when structural repairs are necessary.
A team of University of Houston engineers developed an AI tool to predict and control pandemic spread by analyzing international air travel. The analysis found that reducing flights in Western Europe can lead to fewer global COVID-19 cases, making it a key strategy for controlling the pandemic.
Researchers develop innovative technology to capture large amounts of water from the air in low humidities, addressing water scarcity in drought-stressed Southwest. The device can generate up to three times more water than existing approaches, with potential for solar power and commercial use.
A new covalent organic framework (COF) material developed by UC Berkeley researchers can capture CO2 from ambient air without degradation, making it a promising solution for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases. The material's high carbon dioxide capacity and selectivity make it an attractive alternative to existing carbon capture tec...
B.H. Baek at George Mason University conducts air quality monitoring and simulation analysis under the U.S. EPA's Office of Air Quality Policy and Standards. Funding from General Dynamics supports this project until December 2024.
Researchers from Leipzig University studied cloud movement in the Arctic using a large-scale international research campaign called HALO (AC)³. They observed air mass transformations over open ocean, sea ice, and central Arctic sea ice.
Researchers developed an air-powered computer that sets off alarms when certain medical devices fail, preventing blood clots and strokes. The device uses air to issue warnings, reducing costs and improving safety in healthcare settings.
Researchers from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have successfully created an electromagnetic vortex cannon using coaxial horn antennas. The device produces air vortices with remarkable resilience and self-healing properties, showcasing complex topological f...
A new MIT study analyzes airline safety trends over the past few decades and finds that commercial flight has become roughly twice as safe each decade since the 1960s. The study estimates that passengers are about 39 times safer than they were in the 1968-1977 period, with a 1 in 13.7 million risk of fatality per boarding.
Researchers found that turkey vultures flying at higher altitudes are generally flying 1m/s faster than those at lower elevations due to reduced drag. By flying faster, these birds can compensate for the lack of lift caused by thin air, allowing them to remain aloft in challenging conditions.
Researchers developed a system that passively alternates between capturing and generating water, eliminating manual labor requirements. The system uses mass transport bridges to optimize efficiency and effectiveness, producing 2-3 liters of water per square meter daily.
Researchers predict a rise in clear air turbulence over most northern mid-latitude regions due to climate change, particularly in North Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East. The study found that the probability of clear air turbulence will increase with each degree of warming, posing a significant threat to aviation safety.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a compact rapid cycling fuel-fired atmospheric water harvesting device that can produce clean drinking water in arid places. The device uses hygroscopic materials to draw water molecules out of non-humid air and then applies heat to release those molecules into liquid form.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder proposed an alternative design for capturing CO2 and converting it to fuels, reducing energy costs. The new design uses a closed-loop system with electrodialysis, which can run on renewable electricity, making it potentially sustainable.
A new ambient-energy-driven membrane has been developed by Newcastle University researchers to capture carbon dioxide from the air, overcoming energy and kinetic challenges. The membrane uses naturally occurring humidity differences to pump carbon dioxide out of the air.
New atmospheric particles form when stratospheric air intrudes into the troposphere below, contributing to cloud formation and influencing Earth's climate. This process occurs frequently over large geographic regions, particularly in remote marine areas.
A groundbreaking study introduces a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning approach to manage air mobility demand in densely populated urban areas. The proposed system ensures safe and efficient navigation through complex airspace using sophisticated algorithms.
Researchers have discovered that soaring birds use their lungs to enhance their flying capabilities by modifying the biomechanics of their flight muscles. The unique air sac, known as a subpectoral diverticulum, increases the force used to power flight muscles while soaring.
A dog-like quadruped robot equipped with a mechanized arm is developed to detect hazardous gases and volatile organic compounds in hard-to-reach areas. The system uses air samples collected by the robot's arm and analyzed on-site, allowing for safer conditions for scientists and technicians.
A new metal-nitrogen-carbon catalyst has been developed for use in zinc-air batteries, outperforming noble metal catalysts and improving the efficiency and practicality of ZAB technology. The team's rechargeable battery achieved a specific capacity of 846.8 mAh·g Zn and an impressive power density of 135 mW·cm−2 in liquid electrolyte.
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery that can reversibly utilize sodium and air without additional equipment. The breakthrough overcomes the challenge of carbonate formation, increasing energy density and reducing voltage gap.
Scientists at the University of Surrey are developing a new type of spacecraft that harnesses thin air for propulsion, enabling higher-resolution Earth observation and faster telecommunications. This innovation has the potential to extend mission lifetimes by removing the need for stored propellant.
A recent study led by Prof. Yele Sun found that gym air contains a higher percentage of organic aerosols compared to outdoor air, with 50% of indoor air consisting of these particles. The study also identified two types of organic aerosols that can be inhaled during exercise, potentially impacting health.
A massive open dataset, OpenDAC, has been created to accelerate direct air capture technology development while reducing costs. The database enables the training of an AI model that predicts material interactions with high accuracy, significantly faster than traditional chemistry simulations.
Researchers at USTC developed a novel stabilizer, DMAFo, to inhibit oxidation of iodide ions and deprotonation of organic cations in air-processed p-i-n perovskite solar cells. The study achieved a maximum PCE of 25.4% and certified stabilized efficiency of 24.7%.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that frequent and strong cold-air pooling drives temperate forest composition, potentially providing a refuge for cold-adapted species. This phenomenon, where cold air at higher elevations drains down into lower-lying valleys, reverses expected temperatures.
International experts, led by Professor Lidia Morawska, recommend setting standards for ventilation rate and three key indoor pollutants to improve indoor air quality. The recommended standards could help minimize the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19 and contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning wall paint using waste-valorized titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can bind and break down pollutants, and then degrade them when exposed to sunlight. The paint combines several advantages, including air pollutant removal, longer durability, and reduced production costs.
A study by Washington State University found that exposure to multiple air pollutants was associated with asthma symptoms among elementary school children. The researchers identified 25 combinations of air pollutants linked to asthma, with one group from a lower-income neighborhood experiencing higher exposure levels.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that Arctic sea ice loss will deplete the source of cold air for North America, leading to less cold weather events. The loss of sea ice also changes weather patterns, allowing warmer temperatures to reach the surface.
Researchers created a compact MFM system that can image air-sensitive materials without surface protection coatings, addressing a major challenge in magnetic materials research. The system provides a controlled environment for precision and reliability, revealing intrinsic magnetic structures.
Researchers found that understanding airflow patterns is crucial to reducing pathogen dispersion in classrooms. By analyzing airflow dynamics, they discovered an under-floor air distribution concept combined with a ceiling-distributed exhaust system can significantly reduce airborne pathogens by up to 85%.
Researchers developed a supramolecule combination of fullerene and metalloporphyrin that improves the performance and stability of zinc-air batteries. The optimized battery exhibits exceptional long-term stability and high power density.
The 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon is likely to cause record-breaking average surface air temperatures in some areas, including the Bay of Bengal and the Philippines. Global mean surface temperatures are predicted to break historical records with a 90% chance under a moderate or strong El Niño scenario.
A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.
A global study led by the University of Surrey reveals that green spaces like parks, wetlands, and botanical gardens can cool city air significantly during heatwaves. The study found that bigger parks have a greater cooling effect, and connecting green spaces into 'green corridors' can unlock greater benefits.
Researchers have successfully generated a stable high-intensity and high-repetition supercontinuum white light source in air using femtosecond laser filamentation with an external DC electric field. This method suppresses thermal jitter by generating an ionic wind, improving beam pointing stability and signal-to-noise ratio.
Scientists at Oregon State University have made a significant advance in capturing carbon dioxide from the air using vanadium peroxide molecules. The technology has been shown to react with and bind carbon dioxide effectively, making it a promising candidate for improving direct air capture methods.
Researchers at the University of Bath have invented a new form of high-performance air purifier that uses FOAM3R filter technology, promising zero harmful waste. The purifier features a unique, mouldable foam structure that captures contaminants and viruses with high efficiency.