Professor Gerardine Botte has received a $999,047 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an indoor COVID-19 sensor that can detect traces of SARS-CoV-2 in air. The sensor has already demonstrated fast detection capabilities in saliva and water, and the goal is to extend this technology for air collection.
In a new study, Northwestern University researchers found that air quality and public health benefits of electric vehicles in China depend on the type of transport electrified and the composition of the electric grid. Electrifying 40% of heavy-duty vehicles improved air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of US engineers has received a $5.8 million NASA grant to create computational design tools for air taxi designs. The project aims to develop safe, quiet, and affordable eVTOL aircraft using advanced design optimization algorithms.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
Researchers used advanced computational fluid dynamics tools to study the transmission of COVID-19 in a restaurant outbreak. The simulations revealed two potential transmission pathways, including those caused by aerosols rising from beneath tables and reentry aerosols associated with limited air conditioner filtration efficiency.
Experts recommend improving air quality in classrooms using HEPA filters and portable units, similar to the airline industry's strategy. Keeping doors open is also suggested as a temporary solution until feasibility studies are conducted.
A team of scientists has devised a mid-infrared free standing solid core optical waveguide that pushes the light interaction with air beyond previous reports. The guided mode resembles a free-space beam, with minimal overlap with material imperfections, reducing spurious fringes and loss.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have designed a new type of rechargeable battery that combines the performance merits of solid-oxide fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The salt battery can significantly extend the range of electric vehicles while being fully recyclable, environmentally-friendly, low-cost, and safe.
Increased snow depth in northeastern China led to a continued warming trend in soil temperatures, contradicting observed surface air temperature cooling trends. This finding suggests the importance of snow cover in regulating soil temperatures and its implications for agriculture during periods of reduced global warming.
Aarhus University researcher Kasper Vita Kristensen is investigating indoor air chemicals, which affect health, productivity, and learning. His project aims to identify chemical sources, processes, and technologies to create a healthier indoor climate for children.
Mason researchers will generate census tract-level data for criteria air pollutants using fusions of observational and computer model predictions. The US Environmental Protection Agency sets national standards based on the latest scientific understanding of these substances' impact on health and welfare.
Researchers found that air purifiers in elevators can increase saliva droplet dispersal and spread COVID-19. Installing an air purifier alters airflow significantly but does not eliminate airborne transmission.
Researchers at NUS have created a substance that extracts water from air without external power, producing up to 17 litres of water per day. The 'smart' aerogel autonomously gathers and condenses water molecules, meeting World Health Organization standards for drinking water.
New research from the University of California San Diego explores the potential of direct air capture to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and slow global warming. The study finds that a massively funded program could reverse temperature rise well before 2100, but deep cuts in emissions are still needed.
The ETH researchers conclude that continuing to power aircraft with fossil fuels and removing CO2 emissions using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a cost-effective option for achieving carbon neutrality. Indirectly capturing CO2 from waste incineration gases also shows promise, costing significantly less than direct air capture.
Researchers designed an open-faced helmet with air filtration to contain cough droplets, minimizing disease transmission. The design reduced the risk of infection by 99.6% within 0.1 seconds.
A study by Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology reveals that bone-conducted (BC) speech transmission affects perception similarly to air-conducted speech. The team found that RT vibrations support frequencies up to 1 KHz, while EC pressure accentuates frequencies in the 2-3 KHz range.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...
An international research team has developed a new zinc-air battery chemistry using a non-alkaline, aqueous electrolyte, overcoming previous technical obstacles. The new battery exhibits higher chemical stability and electrochemical reversibility, with potential to compete with lithium-ion batteries.
High aerosol concentrations increase environmental humidity by producing more clouds, which can mix condensed water into the surrounding air. This humidification enhances updraft speeds, intensifying thunderstorms.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School researchers simulates the potential future health and economic benefits from sustained air quality improvements. They estimate cumulative benefits of clean air during a five-year period would amount to thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, as well as associated economic benef...
A new system provides a practical method for measuring how breath travels when people talk or sing, which could inform the effectiveness of face masks and distancing requirements. The technique uses electronic speckle pattern interferometry to visualize temperature differences between exhaled breath and surrounding air.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersal, including regular ventilation, humidifiers to maintain relative humidity of 40-60%, and portable air purifiers. The risk is high due to infected & healthy people staying in the same room for long periods.
A prototype 16-channel head AIR coil from GE Healthcare has been shown to perform better than a conventional 8-channel head coil for in vivo whole-brain imaging, but not as well as a 32-channel coil. The coil's lightweight and flexible design exhibits improved electrical characteristics that could lead to future design improvements.
Researchers found that ozone reacts with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on surfaces to produce new compounds. The study characterized these compounds for the first time and found they form over time, decreasing THC levels.
USask researchers found that hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants can raise airborne levels to 60% of the maximum allowed exposure level. Using soap and water or ventilation methods can mitigate risks, according to expert Tara Kahan.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing innovative technologies to improve transportation, biology, radiation, and climate. Air taxis could significantly reduce fuel consumption while alleviating traffic congestion. Fungi use signaling molecules to communicate with each other and regulate growth. The lab is also vis...
The WRF4-LICOM model shows improved summer mean monsoon rainfall, circulations, and sea surface heat fluxes. Regional air-sea coupling enhances the simulated daily SST-rainfall relationship, offering a more accurate representation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon.
A new study finds that atmospheric rivers in the Southern Hemisphere are shifting toward the South Pole, which could lead to increased rates of ice melt in Antarctica. The shift is driven by a combination of factors, including ozone depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural variations in sea surface temperature.
A team from Oklahoma State University developed techniques to model environmental hazards for autonomous aircraft, while another group at the University of Surrey investigated building wakes to enhance air quality. Researchers also found an unbalanced exchange flow in natural ventilation systems, which can slow down cooling.
Researchers found a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentrations at most monitoring sites, but no significant improvement in particulate matter. In contrast, some areas experienced worse air quality in April 2020 compared to previous years.
Research found that areas with better air quality and higher greenness measures have lower rates of heart disease deaths. The study suggests that promoting environmental policies to support increased green spaces could lead to improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers found a significant association between ozone levels and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with a 1% increased risk for every 12 parts per billion increase in ozone. The study also showed that the relationship was present even at concentrations below the EPA air quality standard.
A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.
A new study found that burning biomass fuels like wood and crop residues contributes to 32% of premature deaths due to inhaling fine particle pollutants in China. Residential energy use, especially indoor emissions, pose significant health risks, with indoor PM2.5 concentrations being 3 times higher than outdoor air concentrations.
Researchers found that opening windows increases particle exit by nearly 40% and reduces aerosol transmission between students. Glass droplet screens in front of desks also significantly reduced particle transmission.
Seawater air-conditioning (SWAC) has been shown to provide the same cooling energy as 21 wind turbines or a solar power plant the size of 68 football fields, making it a viable alternative to conventional air-conditioning. The technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in cooling systems.
Researchers have identified volatile organic compounds used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons, generating regional olfactory maps that can be used as a compass to return home from unfamiliar sites. The study provides evidence for the existence of suitable regional chemical gradients in the air.
Membrane-based Direct Air Capture (m-DAC) technology has been developed to efficiently capture CO2 from ambient air. The technology uses organic polymer membranes to separate carbon dioxide with high efficiency and competitive energy expenses.
Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop digital tools to track, understand and predict COVID-19 effects. The Digital Sprint produced innovative solutions for Air Quality, Recovery, Ecosystem Services and Visualising Risk.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are working on a project to improve the durability and efficiency of air-breathing hypersonic engines. Using advanced laser techniques, they aim to capture snapshots of gas-phase combustion reactions in supersonic environments.
Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.
Aerosol particles play a significant role in heat absorption and deflection by the atmosphere. Researchers have now detected the rate at which these tiny particles leave the atmosphere, revealing a much narrower range of lifetimes than previously suggested. This new understanding can improve climate models and air quality forecasting.
A systematic review of air contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals found high levels of viral RNA in patient toilets, staff areas and public spaces. The positivity rate was 27.5% in close patients' environments, with lower rates in distant areas.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a way to record real-time images of immune cells inside the lungs, revealing that these 'cleaners' become paralyzed during infections. This new imaging technique has provided crucial insights into the immune system's response to deadly bacteria and viruses like flu and COVID-19.
The University of South Carolina's research team will use a four-year NASA grant to develop an atom-to-airframe approach, increasing the production rate of aircraft and making urban air mobility possible. The project aims to produce 100 aircraft per day, a significant increase from current rates.
Researchers develop Salvinia-like slippery surface with stable water/air contact line, exhibiting increased stability against pressure and impact. The surface also enhances the mobility of water drops and reduces hydrodynamic drag.
Scientists developed a highly sensitive and accurate Nitrogen Dioxide sensor, which can detect below 20 parts-per-billion of NO2 in under 15 minutes. The device has potential applications in domestic, public, and industrial settings to prevent respiratory issues and infant morbidity.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research recommends controlling indoor air humidity to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Low humidity can cause virus droplets to dry out faster, allowing them to travel further and be inhaled by healthy people.
Researchers developed the Cold Tube, a system of rectangular panels that absorb heat radiation from a person's body, creating a cooling sensation. This technology can be used in outdoor spaces like summer fairs and public markets, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
A study by the University of Sydney found that lower humidity is associated with higher COVID-19 transmission rates. The researchers estimated a 7-8% increase in cases for every 1% decrease in relative humidity, highlighting the importance of wearing masks in dry conditions.
Researchers developed a 'Cold Tube' technology that uses radiant cooling to keep people comfortable in hot environments. This method can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to air conditioning, making it an attractive alternative for mitigating climate change.
Researchers modelled how airflow and humidity affect exhaled droplets containing virus particles. They found that high humidity extends the airborne lifetime of medium-sized droplets, allowing them to travel further before falling to the ground.
Researchers at KAUST propose vast greenhouse complexes using energy-efficient solar panels, air-cooling technologies, and salt-tolerant agriculture to grow food and crops. This concept aims to provide sustainable, local crop growth on a large scale in coastal desert regions.
Researchers at EPFL have created a technology to amplify light inside hollow-core optical fibers filled with air, increasing the light intensity significantly. This breakthrough enables longer-distance transmission and potential applications in thermometers and temporary optical memory.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.
Adranos has obtained significant funding from the US Army to develop and test its ALITEC solid rocket fuel in hypersonic research. The technology is expected to increase firing range for both traditional solid rocket motors and air-breathing systems, maximizing end-to-end system performance.
George Mason University's Daniel Tong will receive $83,748 from NOAA to develop an integrated model system predicting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions at a city scale. The three-year project aims to simulate the evolution of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases in a changing climate.
A new paper reveals the mechanism behind sorbent materials' ability to capture and release carbon dioxide from the air. The study's findings could lead to smarter design of sorbent materials at the heart of all carbon removal systems.