A new review by the University of East London found no direct evidence showing whether domestic gardens reduce pollution levels or improve household air quality. Despite covering vast areas of Britain's towns and cities, researchers discovered a huge gap in understanding the role of domestic gardens on air quality.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
A European cohort study suggests that childhood exposure to air pollution at home and school increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. The study found stronger associations with metabolic syndrome risk at school than at home.
Research from the University of Reading shows that cutting air pollution globally can strengthen the Indian monsoon, increasing rainfall by 0.28 millimetres a day across the country. The study found that regional action alone can have the opposite effect, reducing rainfall in parts of India.
Clean air policies have improved public health but worsened urban heat islands in humid climates by limiting evaporative cooling and increasing solar radiation. In arid regions, this effect is weakened, highlighting the urgent need for region-specific adaptation strategies.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A UK study found that people most in danger from heat have the least access to air conditioning, with homes with older residents and single parent families using it the least. The research highlights a 'cooling divide' where those who need protection from heat are least able to get it.
A new study reveals gaps in wildfire smoke education among people living with COPD. Researchers found that many individuals rely on smartphone apps and online information for air quality updates, but lack knowledge on mitigation strategies and real-time guidance from healthcare teams.
Scientists at Tampere University identified a new chemical process that can influence the formation of air pollution particles in urban environments. Nitric oxide is found to promote the conversion of certain volatile compounds into aerosol precursors, challenging existing assumptions.
Scientists created a shape-changing flying robot named Floaty that can fly efficiently while staying stable in the air. By adjusting its flaps to control air resistance, Floaty balances itself and recovers from disturbances.
A new study by Ellen Considine and Rachel Nethery shows that Indonesia's air pollution increased in 2018 and 2019 due to the diversion of plastic waste from China, which was previously a major import source. The team used satellite data to evaluate changes in fine particulate matter at 356 open dump sites in Indonesia.
China's air quality has shown significant improvement in 2025, with a decrease in PM2.5 and O3 concentrations compared to the 2022-2024 average. However, high-impact air pollution events such as severe pollution episodes, dust storms, and compound pollution events remain major challenges.
A study led by NTU Singapore found that land-use changes across Southeast Asia contribute to thousands of excess deaths annually due to worsening air quality. The estimated 13,000 excess deaths in 2018 were linked to forest degradation and deforestation, accounting for nearly 30% of the total deaths.
Common air pollutants can alter both brain and respiratory function within four hours of exposure, according to a new study. The source of the pollution matters more than its quantity, with different pollutant sources producing varied health effects even at identical concentrations.
Research finds association between high air pollution and increased risk of post-surgical complications, including sepsis, pneumonia, and surgical wound infection. Higher levels of PM2.5 air pollution above EPA daily limits increase risk by 8%.
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
Global air pollution mortality rates decreased by 45% between 1990 and 2019, with 52% of the decrease attributed to reduced vulnerability, such as improved healthcare access and poverty reduction. Integrating healthcare improvements into air quality strategies is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations.
A review by an international team of researchers highlights that air monitoring is essential for global public health strategies, as airborne antibiotic resistance genes can spread silently between humans, animals, and the environment.
A new study predicts that nearly one in three Americans will experience poor air quality daily by 2100 due to climate change. This could lead to widespread health issues, particularly among sensitive populations like the elderly and those with asthma.
A new study finds that air pollution alerts issued in China's cities significantly reduce PM2.5 levels and prevent nearly 54,000 premature deaths over a five-year period. The alerts trigger short-term actions to limit pollution, resulting in a 30-40% reduction in acute mortality risk due to PM2.5.
The study found a significant reduction in NO2 levels, but limited effect on PM10 and PM2.5 particles within the LEZ. The results indicate that the zone contributes to improving air quality, highlighting the need for additional measures.
A new study found that climate action consistent with the two-degree-Celsius target would avoid more than 13.5 million premature deaths from air pollution between 2020 and 2050, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. However, the distribution of health gains depends on how the global mitigation burden is shared.
Researchers developed a bioinspired Janus air electrode with a fish-scale and waterspider-leg structure, enabling rapid substance transport and improving catalytic site utilization. The asymmetric architecture significantly enhances zinc-air battery performance, achieving high power density and specific capacity.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that small active dogs produce more airborne particles, while larger dogs release more microbes into the air. The research suggests that dogs can impact household air quality at a level similar to or more than humans, and highlights the importance of including pet emissions in ventilation ...
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.
A study by Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that particulate matter concentrations depend heavily on height above ground level. Drone measurements supplemented with standard data improved air quality models and strategies to combat air pollution.
A drone equipped with low-cost air quality sensors has revealed unexpectedly high concentrations of particulate matter at around 100 meters above ground level in Delhi. The findings suggest that current model simulations underestimate PM2.5 mass concentrations during morning haze episodes, highlighting the need for better mitigation st...
Researchers developed a photo-electroactive bifunctional catalyst integrating cobalt active sites, enhancing oxygen reduction and evolution reactions under light irradiation. The system achieved higher power output, improved energy efficiency, and long cycling stability in zinc-air batteries.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that air frying fatty foods produces fewer VOCs and ultra-fine particles compared to other cooking methods. However, repeated use without cleaning can negate some benefits for indoor air quality.
A new study using satellite data confirms that California's shift to electric vehicles is making measurable differences in air quality and public health. For every 200 ZEVs added, nitrogen dioxide levels dropped 1.1%.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Neurology found that prolonged air pollution exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing motor neuron disease, including ALS. Long-term exposure to even low levels of air pollutants was linked to faster disease progression and increased mortality rates.
A study estimates that wildland fires release an average of 143 million tons of airborne organic compounds annually, 21% higher than earlier estimates. This increase poses complex air-quality challenges, particularly in regions such as Equatorial Asia and Northern Hemisphere Africa.
A new study by McGill University researchers found that fine particles in air pollution are associated with higher levels of a biomarker linked with autoimmune diseases. The findings add to mounting evidence that air pollution affects more than heart and lung health, potentially affecting the whole body.
Researchers aim to fill a gap in understanding human-induced climate change with an ERC-funded study. Velle Toll's project will use satellite data and machine learning to analyze the effect of air pollution particles on global warming.
A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC congestion pricing has led to significant air quality benefits, including a 22% reduction in particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in the Congestion Relief Zone, as well as declines across the city's five boroughs and surrounding suburbs.
New research by MIT researchers found that even with the same CO2 reduction, air travel causes about three times more damage to air quality than comparable electricity purchases. The study highlights the importance of considering co-pollutants and regional factors when evaluating climate actions.
A Northwestern University study found that airplane and hospital air mostly contain harmless microbes from human skin, with some potentially pathogenic species in extremely low abundance. The study used worn face masks as a passive tool to monitor indoor air, revealing the invisible world of microbes floating in our shared air.
Researchers found that sea salt particles interact with urban pollution, chemically reacting to form toxic compounds. After the COVID-19 lockdown, reduced pollution allowed more naturally occurring sea salt components to persist, offering potential implications for human health and climate.
A study conducted in Punjab, India, reveals a significant perception gap regarding air pollution from stubble burning. Residents are more likely to recognize severe air pollution in urban areas but underestimate its impact locally. Personal or familial health experiences play a crucial role in shaping awareness of the issue.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan develop an innovative airflow system that captures and removes exhaled aerosols, significantly reducing the probability of infection. The new device outperforms conventional ventilation systems, offering a comfortable and effective solution for indoor spaces.
A UVA-led team is part of a national project funded by ARPA-H to create an intelligent indoor air system that detects pathogens and responds with interventions. The BRAVE system aims to revolutionize public health by anticipating and mitigating outbreaks before they spread.
Researchers developed a distributed carbon nanofiber direct air capture filter that can turn every home, office, school or other building into a small carbon-capture system. The new filter is 92.1% efficient in removing carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to taking 130 million cars off the road for a year.
Scientists propose 'Environmental Catalytic Cities' with self-purification function to remove air pollutants, using stable and green catalytic materials. This technology could mitigate urban air pollution without extra energy consumption.
A policy-specific assessment framework evaluates integrated effects of emission control policies on greenhouse gas mitigation, air quality improvement, and public health protection. China's on-road transportation policies have achieved remarkable progress but face weakening synergies, underscoring the need for deep structural transitions.
A new study reveals Low-Cost Source Apportionment (LoCoSA) is being used to great effect across the Global South, offering a powerful tool for improving public health and environmental policy. Researchers are now putting their findings into practice in Uganda, identifying and understanding dominant sources of Kampala's air pollution.
A multiyear analysis of over 400,000 women and 28,000 breast cancer cases found a strong association between outdoor air pollution and increased breast cancer incidence. The study suggests that reducing car traffic and promoting alternative transportation can help mitigate this risk.
A new study reveals that limiting temperature overshoot can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths while avoiding trillions of dollars in economic damages. The research found significant health benefits by improving air quality, particularly in regions with high population density.
Mayo Clinic has been awarded up to $40 million by ARPA-H to develop new ways to monitor and improve air quality in real-time, enhancing patient care. The Hospital Air Quality (HAIQU) project will introduce cutting-edge biosensors, AI, and smart air filtration systems in emergency departments across Mayo's campuses.
A pilot study found that urban air contained three species of Candida yeasts classified as fungal pathogens, but these were absent in coastal air samples. The researchers suggest that the airborne yeast has industrial or urban origins, such as wastewater treatment plants, and may be infectious.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress found that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can partially mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on lung function. Women who consumed four portions of fruit per day or more appeared to have smaller reductions in lung function associated with air pollution.
A study of nearly 30,000 Chinese children found that air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, is a significant risk factor for childhood myopia. Exposure to poor air quality can cause oxidative stress and inflammation of the eye, potentially harming vision.
Exposure to lower levels of air pollutants is associated with improved vision in children, suggesting that reducing exposure could slow the progression of myopia. Children who live in areas with cleaner air have better vision, especially younger students.
A new study finds that wildfires in the western US worsen local air quality but unexpectedly improve air quality in the eastern US due to heat's effect on weather patterns. This overlooked factor significantly alters regional air quality, with climate models overestimating pollution impacts.
Researchers are using bird flight insights to create drone systems that can save energy and fly more efficiently. The goal is to develop technology that can dramatically reduce the amount of energy required for uncrewed aircraft, enabling longer flights.
A major new study quantifies the health impacts of outdoor air pollution from US oil and gas activities, revealing widespread disparities in exposure and health burden across racial and ethnic groups. The research estimates 91,000 premature deaths annually, with Black, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic populations most affected.
A recent study analyzed hourly data from nearly 750 low-cost and regulatory air pollution sensors throughout LA to understand the impact of wildfires on air quality. The findings suggest that combining different data sources, including ground-based sensors and satellite data, can provide more accurate and comprehensive information.
Combining federal monitors, low-cost sensors, and satellite data can provide a more complete picture of local air quality, enabling people to make safer choices in real-time. The study highlights the importance of timely and accurate air quality information during wildfire events.
Researchers developed drones that can safely explore air ducts by understanding airflow patterns and stabilizing their position using lasers and AI. The study opens up new application domains for drones in industrial inspection and public safety.