Researchers used unmanned aircraft to measure turbulent kinetic energy, aerosol particle concentration, and temperature fluctuations near the Earth's surface. The study found that black carbon aerosols suppress turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer, exacerbating human health impacts and extreme weather events.
Berkeley Lab scientists create direct method to study electrochemical double layer using 'tender' X-rays, revealing changes in electric potential and charge properties. This breakthrough advances materials design and development of improved electrochemical systems.
A new study suggests that climate change may extend the ozone season in the Southeastern United States, potentially leading to record ozone days in the fall. As drought-stressed trees emit more of the precursor compound isoprene, air quality becomes more sensitive to climate change.
Scientists have developed a new method for making transparent transistors and electronic circuits using aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), a cheaper and more abundant material than indium tin oxide (ITO). The process uses atomic layer deposition, which improves circuit performance and simplifies fabrication.
Reducing ozone and fine particulate matter to protective levels could save 9,320 lives annually, reduce serious illnesses by 21,400, and decrease impacted days by 19.3 million. The study highlights the benefits of stricter standards in metropolitan areas with high air pollution concentrations.
Researchers found that moisture in the air enhances perovskite solar cells' performance by redistributing a dopant, increasing electric properties. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental.
The Antarctic Peninsula has entered a temporary cooling phase, driven by the stabilization of the ozone hole and changing wind patterns. Temperatures remain higher than pre-20th Century levels despite glacial retreat.
Researchers observe significant reduction in size of ozone hole since 2000, attributing it to decrease in atmospheric chlorine and bromine. The team's findings suggest the ozone layer is healing permanently by mid-century.
The Antarctic ozone layer has shown significant signs of recovery since 2000, shrinking by over 4 million square kilometers. This decline is attributed to the decrease in atmospheric chlorine originating from chlorofluorocarbons, which were phased out due to international regulations.
A new study reports that the ozone hole over Antarctica is starting to 'heal' with a noticeable increase in ozone levels, following nearly three decades of depletion. The Montreal Protocol's phase-out of ozone-depleting substances has slowed the rate of decline and led to an identifiable ozone increase.
The sunshield consists of five layers of Kapton material, each coated with aluminum and doped-silicon for optimal thermal insulation. The unique kite-like shape and precise layer separation direct heat away from the optics, allowing the telescope to reach required temperatures.
Research finds that isoprene emitted by trees can influence ozone production in the St. Louis area, particularly at night and into the morning. The study suggests that a specific combination of nighttime chemistry and morning isoprene emissions can drive elevated ozone levels in urban areas downwind of major deciduous forests.
Scientists demonstrate a cheap and effective method to sterilize medical implants using ozone gas without altering their properties. This technology could revolutionize the production of implantable polymers, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers found the Bakken Formation in North Dakota and Montana emits roughly 2% of global ethane, equivalent to 250,000 tons per year. This single region's emissions are 10-100 times larger than reported inventories and impact air quality across North America.
A new study from Harvard predicts that regions of the US could experience up to nine additional days of unhealthy ozone levels per year by 2050. Global climate change is expected to exacerbate heat waves and increase ozone episodes.
A new study predicts that unhealthy ozone days could rise by 3-9 days per year in the US by 2050, primarily affecting California, Southwest, and Northeast. This increase may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and those with asthma.
Scientists at NRL devised a novel combination to achieve uniform nanometer-thick shell on core particles, regardless of core size. This breakthrough technology creates new designer core/shell particles for multifunctional nanocomposites.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method for making thin films using atomic layer deposition (ALD), reducing waste and potentially cutting precursor costs. The technique involves pulsing gas into the chamber to free up blocked receptors, increasing efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a machine to mimic the surface of the eye, allowing for systematic testing of tear film behavior on contact lens surfaces. This innovation could lead to more comfortable contact lenses that protect users from painful dry eye symptoms.
Researchers have developed a stable and conductive protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that enhances water oxidation efficiency. The innovative layer, made from ruthenium dioxide nanoparticles and an organic polymer, improves current densities and stability.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new set of chemical constituents that could make liquid batteries more practical and affordable. The breakthrough uses calcium, an abundant element, to form the basis for both the negative electrode layer and molten salt in three-layer battery.
Researchers have successfully increased water electrolysis efficiency by applying a copper layer to platinum electrodes. This innovation boosts the reaction's activity and extends electrode lifespan. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale implementation of climate-friendly energy conversion using surplus electricity.
Research associates outdoor air pollution with dry eye disease, finding decreased humidity and increased ozone levels increase DED risk. PM10 was not associated with DED, possibly due to reflex tearing or low environmental levels.
Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.
A new study by NOAA and CIRES scientists reveals that the US is responsible for 8% of global CCl4 emissions, with hotspots in the Gulf Coast region and Colorado. The findings contradict previous reports and highlight the need for further research to understand the source of excess emissions.
Researchers found that unmanaged forests remain productive despite surface ozone pollution, due to differential sensitivity among tree species. Ozone impacts are more pronounced in low-diversity systems like crops and managed forests.
Scientists have found that tropical fires in Southeast Asia and Africa are responsible for high ozone concentrations in the air above the western Pacific Ocean. The ozone is a byproduct of burning organic material, which is transported thousands of miles away by winds.
A recent study found that deep convective storms transport ozone-rich air parcels to the surface of the Amazon rainforest, rapidly increasing surface ozone levels. This process can initiate and accelerate cloud formation via interactions with plant-emitted hydrocarbons.
Adults with long-term ozone exposure face a higher risk of dying from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study found that every additional 10 parts per billion in long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of death by 12% from lung disease, 3% from cardiovascular disease, and 2% from all causes.
A new study suggests that biomass burning from African and Asian fires may play a larger role in climate change than previously thought. Researchers found high concentrations of ozone and chemicals associated with fires in the tropical Pacific, particularly above Guam.
A new study found that long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of ARDS in critically ill patients, with a significant association seen among trauma patients and current smokers. The study analyzed data from 1558 patients and found that higher ozone exposure was linked to increased rates of ARDS.
Anne Thompson has received the 2015 Roger Revelle Medal for her groundbreaking research on ozone and other trace gases in the troposphere and stratosphere. Her work, conducted in the 1980s and early 1990s, established a link between chemical changes, climate forcings, and the earth's oxidizing capacity.
Researchers have isolated single-layer NbSe2 as a genuine 2D electronic phenomenon exhibiting spatial modulation of electron density and atomic lattice. The material remains a superconductor with critical temperature TC = 1.9 K despite dimensional reduction.
A new study reveals that ground-level ozone has been reducing crop yields of maize and soybeans by 5% and 10%, respectively, over the last 30 years. The researchers calculated an annual loss of $9 billion due to ozone damage, highlighting the need for upgraded emissions regulations.
Scientists have discovered that chemicals widely used as refrigerants can degrade in the atmosphere to form a potent greenhouse gas called carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), lasting up to 50,000 years. This finding highlights the need for understanding the chemistry of compounds used in industry to mitigate long-lived atmospheric effects.
The 2015 Antarctic ozone hole was the fourth largest on record, peaking at 28.2 million square kilometers, and formed later than usual due to unusually cold temperatures and weak dynamics in the stratosphere. The large size of this year's ozone hole will likely result in increases of harmful ultraviolet rays at Earth's surface.
A NASA study shows that widely used chemical coolants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contribute to ozone depletion. The study found that HFC emissions cause increased warming of the stratosphere, speeding up chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules.
A new study reveals a sudden drop in the atmospheric concentration of a human-made ozone-destruction gas: HCFC-133a. Researchers explore the causes behind this decline and examine recent developments in U.S. policy addressing geomagnetically induced currents, as well as space weather and earthquakes.
A new study suggests that atmospheric chemistry models in use now may not capture the right mix of compounds emitted from trees and their oxidation products. The researchers found that representing the forest as a single dominant tree species or a blend of a few can lead to inaccurate ozone pollution predictions.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that immersing a zinc-based buffer layer in ammonia water doubles the conversion efficiency of CIGS solar cells, improving their performance from 6.8% to 13.7%. The study reveals the importance of the buffer layer structure and composition for next-generation solar cells.
New research reveals that smog exposure can cause the formation of free radicals in lung proteins, leading to damage, inflammation, and breathing difficulties. The study, conducted in a controlled environment, suggests that ozone reacts with amino acids in lungs, triggering the creation of highly reactive species.
Ozone concentrations commonly near urban areas can strongly inhibit bees' attraction to flowers due to fast scent degradation. The loss of scent signals affects the successful pollination of most insect-pollinated plants.
UBC physicists successfully induce superconductivity in single-layer graphene by coating it with lithium atoms, opening up new possibilities for graphene electronics and nanoscale quantum devices. The breakthrough has significant cross-disciplinary impacts, with potential applications in computing, medicine, and sustainable energy.
A recent study highlights the importance of ozone research in the IGP region, which is agriculturally important and densely populated. The results show that seven out of 18 rice cultivars are adaptable to high-ozone environments, suggesting a useful strategy for food security in India.
Researchers found that stratospheric intrusions bring extremely dry air from the upper atmosphere down to the surface, increasing fire danger. The intrusions were linked to a major wildfire in southern California, with ozone levels exceeding federal limits at monitoring sites.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder discovered that halogen reactions from ocean air can turn mercury into a water-soluble form that stays high in the atmosphere for long periods. This process may help explain why mercury deposition is so widespread and persistent in some regions.
The discovery of a stratosphere on WASP-33b offers insights into the planet's composition and formation. The presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere indicates temperature inversion, similar to Earth's ozone layer.
A stricter federal standard for ozone pollution would require more scientific measurements and models to accurately determine sources of pollution. This is crucial as ozone pollution has multiple sources, some beyond local control, and its effects on human health and the environment are significant.
Scientists at OIST eliminated problematic pinholes in perovskite solar cells, significantly improving their lifetime and reducing thickness. The breakthrough enables more efficient energy conversion, with improved durability and potential cost-effectiveness.
A new study confirms the Montreal Protocol has effectively protected the ozone layer from severe depletion, with atmospheric concentrations of harmful substances declining since their peak in 1993. The researchers used a state-of-the-art model to investigate the impact of the treaty and found that without it, the Arctic ozone hole woul...
Researchers found that climate change, specifically warmer soil temperatures and increased southerly flow, led to lower ozone levels in the Houston area. The study suggests that this trend may be applicable to other coastal regions globally.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.
A new study found emissions of ozone-forming compounds at an Illinois ethanol refinery are 30 times higher than government estimates. Emissions from other refineries in the US may also be underestimated, potentially making them a larger source of VOCs than currently thought.
New research matches underwater volcanic eruptions with their sound signatures to better detect seafloor emissions. Shale boom is linked to increased ozone pollution concentrations in Texas areas. Titan's atmosphere changes fluctuate according to the Sun's magnetic cycle, affecting methane levels.
Researchers detect human fingerprint of industrial pollutants in Borneo rainforest, revealing impact on ozone layer and forest health. Air pollution from East Asia affects air quality in equatorial Southeast Asia, introducing chemicals to the stratosphere.
A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.
Researchers found a mysterious warm layer at altitudes of 90-100 km on Venus' night side, 20-40 degrees warmer than predicted. This anomaly may be connected to the ozone layer and could be caused by chemical reactions involving chlorine-based substances.
Researchers find that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone can increase the potency of airborne allergens, contributing to rising allergy rates. The study suggests chemical modifications of allergenic proteins may play a key role in the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide.
The German Meteorological Service sponsors a new professorship to enhance numerical weather forecasting models. Researchers focus on the atmospheric boundary layer, a critical component in predicting extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and near-ground winds for wind farms and solar facilities.
Scientists have identified a rapid increase in atmospheric concentrations of dichloromethane, a man-made substance contributing to ozone depletion. This discovery threatens the recovery of the Ozone Layer, which is still recovering from CFCs.