A new study finds that relaxing U.S. energy regulations and considering climate change would increase ozone precursors in the air, leading to more counties failing to meet air quality standards. The research used a computer model to simulate the effects of relaxed policies and climate change on ozone levels through 2050.
A team from the University of Tsukuba studied volleyball aerodynamics using wind tunnel experiments and found that standard panels create an asymmetric surface, affecting flight patterns. This research may help develop more efficient drones.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a promising replacement for toxic greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The device, based on layers of oxygen and metallic elements PST, displays the largest electrocaloric effects yet observed in a body large enough for cooling applications.
A team of engineers at Purdue University conducted a study using thousands of sensors in an office building to identify indoor air contaminants. They found that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air, with volatile organic compounds lingering even after occupants leave.
PlaneEnglish, an app-based aviation radio simulator, has received a $50,000 grant from the Air Force to improve flight training. The simulator helps pilots acquire radio communication proficiency in realistic environments, enhancing situational awareness and response skills.
Satellite images show Humberto transitioning to an extratropical cyclone, with frontal features and cooler air wrapping around the circulation. The system is expected to become a large and powerful extratropical cyclone before being absorbed by another low-pressure area.
The University of Wyoming has received a $15.8 million NSF grant to modify and certify its new King Air research aircraft, as well as develop new instrumentation for atmospheric remote sensing. The grant will enable the aircraft to support high-end research in areas such as air quality, wildfires, and severe storms.
Mechanism modeling can improve the accuracy of air-sea fluxes, which are crucial for predicting marine atmospheric boundary layer processes. By accounting for the impact of waves, currents, and wind coupled together, models can better represent the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
A recent study by the University of Leeds found that high-tech air mattresses provide only minimal gains in preventing pressure ulcers compared to specialist foam mattresses. The study involved over 2000 patients and showed that the benefits were mostly limited to those who were completely immobile, confused, or had nutritional deficits.
Scientists have found that rising carbon dioxide concentration in the air enhances land carbon sink, a process known as carbon dioxide fertilization. For every 100-ppm increase in CO2, terrestrial carbon sink increases by 0.64 billion tons of carbon per year globally.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a microwave-sized water harvester that can pull water directly from the air 24/7. The harvester uses a highly porous metal-organic framework to capture and condense water molecules from ambient air, even in low-humidity conditions.
Dr. Simon Dai's research aims to advance a passive technology that can attract and capture water droplets from fog and moisture in the air, providing a sustainable solution to global water scarcity. The new funding will help create a more durable lubricant for water harvesting.
This observational study found exposure to ozone, fine particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and black carbon was associated with increased emphysema progression. Ambient ozone exposure also led to a decline in lung function, while other pollutants had no significant impact.
A new study found that seismic air gun signals can damage the sensory organs and righting reflexes of rock lobsters. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reveals that exposure to these signals can cause lasting harm to lobsters' statocysts and ability to function in the wild.
A new study shows that helicopter ambulance services can significantly reduce time to thrombectomy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove the blood clot causing the stroke. Patients transported by air were found to have an average of 42 minutes faster access to surgery when distances exceeded 30 miles.
Researchers have developed a wax-based composite coating that protects lithium metal anodes from air and water, achieving high capacity retention rates. The coating prevents dendrite growth and maintains electrochemical performance under humid conditions.
A new study reveals that households in Europe will increasingly rely on air conditioners to adapt to climate change, generating more greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows that household wealth, presence of elderly family members, and environmental awareness are crucial factors in deciding to install AC.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel parameter to select electrolytes for metal-air batteries, reducing trial-and-error testing. The 'Electrochemical' Thiele Modulus measures ion transport and reaction kinetics, allowing rational development of high-performance electrolytes.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered how plants create networks of air channels to transport carbon dioxide, revealing a major step forward in understanding leaf structure and function. The study also shows that humans have bred wheat plants with fewer pores on their leaves, making them more water-efficient.
The site, occupied between 71,000 and 54,000 years ago, reveals repeated use of an open-air settlement, challenging previous assumptions about short-lived settlements. Researchers found evidence of general activities, including tool-making, resource provisioning, and on-site consumption, indicating a stable settlement system.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a conceptual model that explains how thunderstorm clouds form dense clusters, influenced by solar irradiation and ocean temperatures. This phenomenon can impact climate change predictions and extreme weather events.
Tropical Cyclone Vayu weakened due to dry air and wind shear, preventing thunderstorm development. The storm made landfall near Naliya, India, with minimal sustained winds of 40 mph.
Professor Patrizio Antici's In-Air PIL technique analyzes chemical composition and crystal characteristics of artworks, reducing complexity and costs. The method has potential applications in cultural heritage conservation and material science.
Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed an electrochemical path to transform CO2 into valuable products, increasing energy efficiency by avoiding some energy-intensive losses. The technology achieves 100% carbon utilization and generates syngas as a single product.
A team of UD engineers has developed a fuel cell system that can efficiently remove carbon dioxide from an air stream, making it possible to use fuel cells in transportation applications. The system uses an electrochemical pump to capture CO2, allowing for the production of a CO2-free air stream suitable for fuel cells.
A study led by Boston University researchers discovered high levels of toluene and ethyl acetate in nail technicians' blood, but improved ventilation significantly reduced air pollutant exposure. The findings highlight the importance of active ventilation in reducing solvent levels in salon air.
A new University of Stirling study found that banning smoking in prisons significantly reduced secondhand smoke levels across Scotland. The study, which measured air quality before and after the ban's introduction, showed an average 81% decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations.
Scientists at KIT and UoT have proposed a method to produce synthetic fuels from CO2 and water using compact plants in buildings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 'crowd oil' concept could replace significant fossil fuel usage for mobility, with potential CO2 savings of up to 30% of Germany's kerosene demand.
Scientists at Estonian Research Council developed a new method for improving air purifier efficiency by analyzing oxygen adsorption. The research, published in Surfaces and Interfaces, found that oxygen plays a significant role in photocatalytic processes alongside UV radiation.
Researchers have discovered a green material that can replace polluting gases used in most refrigerators and air conditioners. The plastic crystal of neopentylglycol achieves huge cooling effects comparable to conventional coolants.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy for synthesizing non-precious metal catalysts for zinc-air batteries, achieving high electroactivity in neutral electrolytes. The resulting zinc-air battery exhibits superior discharge performance and stability.
A new study combines physical and biological climate indicators to show that Arctic air temperatures are driving major changes in the region's systems. The research highlights the interconnectedness of various components, including sea ice, permafrost, and ecosystems.
A new ventilation system has been shown to reduce the risk of airborne infections in hospital rooms, which can cause serious complications for immunosuppressed patients. The study found that displacement ventilation systems can reduce the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens compared to traditional mixing ventilation systems.
Researchers propose the 'air bridge' hypothesis, suggesting bacteria can be transported globally through the air, sharing antibiotic resistance genes. Studies collected from hot springs worldwide found identical viral DNA memories in bacteria from distant locations.
A study in Madison, Wisconsin found that urban air temperatures decrease with increasing canopy cover during the day but exhibit limited cooling at night. The results suggest that effective heat mitigation strategies involve both increasing canopy cover and decreasing impervious surface cover.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can efficiently break down ammonia in the air, converting it into harmless nitrogen gas and water. The catalyst, made of gold nanoparticles on a metal oxide framework, is effective at room temperature and has been shown to reduce gases contaminated with ammonia to undetectable levels.
Researchers studied pallid swifts, finding they can live in the air for 2-3.5 months without landing. This allows them to avoid predators and parasites on the ground, increasing their survival rate.
Researchers used a high-resolution model to study mesoscale air-sea interaction, revealing its significant impact on oceanic circulation, atmospheric processes, and cloud formation. The study highlights the importance of resolving oceanic mesoscale eddies and fronts in global coupled models.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel crystallization method to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air using neutron scattering. Additionally, geospatial scientists have created a classification model that can quickly collect and store large amounts of data from social media platforms to detect power...
Artificial leaves have been designed to mimic photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide into fuel, with a proposed design using semi-permeable membranes to collect CO2 from the air. The system could produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide for synthetic fuels and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels by 10% within 100 meters.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that people living in drafty homes in low-income, urban communities are at a higher risk of respiratory health issues such as asthma. The study revealed that residents in homes with the highest air-exchange rates were more likely to report chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms.
A breakthrough discovery has identified new links between natural air pollutants and manmade emissions, which could lead to more accurate climate-related legislation. The study found that particles formed from a mixture of natural and man-made vapours are significantly reduced compared to individual components.
Scientists propose using high-tech coatings that can retain air for weeks to reduce drag and fuel consumption of ships. This technology has the potential to save up to 20% of fuel and reduce global CO2 emissions by almost one percent.
A study from Indiana University predicts that climate change will lead to increased air pollutants from US forest soils, which can cause smog, acid rain, and respiratory problems. Tree species such as maple, sassafras, and tulip poplar are found to promote the release of nitrogen oxides.
Researchers propose using compressed air storage in porous rock formations to meet UK's electricity needs during winter months, providing a viable option for steady and reliable renewable energy supplies. The approach aims to store enough compressed air to cover the UK's typical electricity demand for January and February.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.
Researchers used 3D modeling to simulate heat exchange in dinosaurs and discovered they had an intricate cooling system in their snouts. The study suggests that the length of their noses played a crucial role in warming and cooling respired air, keeping their brains cool.
Researchers found that ankylosaurs had a built-in air conditioner in their snouts, which was just as efficient as those in living animals. The long, twisty noses allowed for effective heat exchange and cooling of the brain.
Researchers have created a genetically modified houseplant that can efficiently remove at least two toxins, formaldehyde and benzene, from the air. The plant's detoxifying potential was boosted by introducing a mammalian gene called CYP2E1 into its genome.
Researchers have genetically modified a common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air, two hazardous compounds linked to cancer. The modified pothos ivy plants express a protein that converts these pollutants into harmless molecules, which can support plant growth.
Researchers used computer simulations to test the hypothesis that ankylosaurs' nasal passages acted as heat exchangers, warming and cooling air to regulate body temperature. The study found that the nasal passages could have provided energy savings of up to 84% during exhalation simulations.
Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system to extend the shelf life of single-use metal-air batteries by introducing an oil barrier that protects the aluminum electrode from corrosion. The design has shown a thousandfold improvement in energy loss, enabling batteries to last up to 24 days without degradation.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify outliers in air quality monitoring data, which can automatically flag erroneous data and improve forecasting accuracy. The method uses probability of residuals to discriminate outliers, allowing for simultaneous evaluation of spatial and temporal consistencies.
Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.
Scientists are working on technologies to collect water from the air, which could help alleviate global water shortages. Researchers have developed various approaches, including fog-harvesting systems and liquid desiccants, that can reduce costs and scale up production.
New research reveals climate models inaccurately represent recent air-pressure changes in Greenland, leading to uncertain projections for the UK and Europe. This may result in more frequent record wet summers if Greenland air pressure continues to strengthen.
Researchers have developed a novel catalyst that enables an aluminum-air flow battery to outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, cost, and cycle life. The breakthrough technology uses a silver manganate nanoplate architecture to alleviate side reactions and improve the battery's longevity.
Researchers at MIT have developed a self-healing material that can grow, strengthen and repair itself by reacting with carbon dioxide from the air. The material, made from a polymer and chloroplasts, becomes stronger as it incorporates the carbon.
Direct visualization of air flow patterns in the human upper airway has been achieved using in-vitro models with realistic anatomical structures. The study reveals that airflow is a laminar flow with vortices, rather than turbulent, under normal inspiration.