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Mothers’ exposure to air pollution associated with low-birth-weight babies

A recent study published in Environmental Research found a significant association between air pollution and low birth weight in Israel. The study, which analyzed data from over 380,000 births, revealed that mothers who were underweight or of lower socioeconomic status were more vulnerable to exposure to air pollution.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Sewer treasure

Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022

Reducing carbon emissions of C&D waste in building refurbishment

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Air pollution significantly reduces pollination by confusing butterflies and bees

Common air pollutants from urban and rural environments reduce pollinating abilities of insects, leading to fewer flower visits and overall pollination reductions. The study observed up to 70% fewer pollinators, 90% fewer flower visits, and a 31% reduction in pollination when common ground-level air pollutants were present.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

Making light work of emerging micropollutants

A new procedure uses high-intensity pulses of light to dramatically accelerate the removal of organic micropollutants from water. The treatment can degrade pollutants at extraordinary rates, making it an ideal solution for high-throughput water treatment applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Water Process Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A smart system does better on VOCs recognition

Researchers developed a smart system to accurately identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and benzene, toluene, and xylene molecules in the air. The system uses thermal modulation to enhance recognition capabilities and offers a powerful route for exploring future advanced VOCs recognition electronics.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Sensors·DateDec 15, 2021

Towards carbon neutrality: New synthesis method yields superior membrane for carbon capture and storage

Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMembranes·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

New project to help scientists mitigate risks of environmental pollutants

A new project led by University of Illinois researchers will develop machine learning models to predict the reactivity of thousands of organic contaminants in engineered and natural environments. This will help scientists better model pollutant fate and transport, leading to more accurate contaminant risk assessments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateDec 7, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How far is Fukushima nuclear accident contaminated water from us?

A team from Tsinghua University developed analysis models to simulate the diffusing process of radioactive water in oceans. The pollutants are expected to cover almost the entire Pacific Ocean within 3600 days, with a contamination center moving eastward along the 35°N latitude line.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 1, 2021

$2.78M grant to develop wearable pollutant-tracking device

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing wearable devices to track air pollution exposure, providing unprecedented data on air quality over space and time. The devices will help inform policies and interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the health impacts of air pollution.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 18, 2021

Why drinking water needs monitoring for HIV drugs

Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEnvironmental Nanotechnology Monitoring & Management·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Three ways to reduce the carbon footprint of food purchased by US households

A study analyzed grocery purchase records of 57,000 US households and identified three ways to reduce food-based carbon footprints: meal planning, using local produce, and reducing meat consumption. The research suggests that 71% of households can decrease their emissions by implementing these strategies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2021

Fish are being increasingly exposed to endocrine disrupters

A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEnvironmental Science Processes & Impacts·DateOct 27, 2021

The path from pollutants in food to a heightened allergic response

Cadmium exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies, particularly asthma, in children. Researchers found that gut bacteria over-produce an enzyme degrading vitamin D after cadmium ingestion, mimicking a deficiency, leading to enhanced allergic reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateOct 26, 2021

Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, SFU researchers find

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Living near oil and gas wells increases air pollution exposure

A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution linked with increased mortality risk

A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

COVID-19 and plastics: How the pandemic highlights the need for sustainable waste disposal

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2021

Childhood asthma study uncovers risky air pollutant mixtures

Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

AI-driven dynamic face mask adapts to exercise, pollution levels

Researchers developed a dynamic respirator that modulates pore size in response to changing conditions like exercise and air pollution. The device features an AI-powered system that adjusts filtration characteristics wirelessly, providing improved breathability and comfort.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 29, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Environmental monitoring of organic pollutants using plants

Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemosphere·DateSep 7, 2021

Secrets of COVID-19 transmission revealed in turbulent puffs

Researchers developed a new model to study turbulent puffs, revealing the impact of temperature and humidity on turbulence. The findings suggest that buoyancy plays a significant role in shaping the behavior of tiny fluctuations within the puff, which can affect the movement of airborne droplets.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Common environmental pollutants damage mucus structure, function

Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiophysics Reviews·DateAug 10, 2021

Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Nanomaterials to decontaminate water

Researchers at INRS and Université de Montréal are developing new electrodes based on nanostructured materials to degrade chemical compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PFAS. The project aims to create innovative solutions to decontaminate waters containing harmful chemicals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateAug 2, 2021

Flood water: Toxins from the riverbed

A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 30, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Chemistry discovery could remove micropollutants from environment

Researchers developed a new imaging technique to study ligand interactions with nanoparticles, discovering that varying ligand concentration can control particle shape. This approach could lead to the creation of chemical sensors and methods for removing micropollutants from the environment.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2021

Cleaner air has boosted US corn and soybean yields, Stanford-led research shows

Researchers found that pollution reductions contributed to a 20% increase in yield gains for corn and soybeans between 1999 and 2019, worth $5 billion per year. The analysis revealed that four key air pollutants are particularly damaging to crops, with negative effects averaging 5-6% loss of production.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 1, 2021

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy may boost babies' obesity risk

Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 15, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Dangerous landfill pollutants ranked in order of toxicity by MU researchers

A new system developed by University of Missouri researchers can automatically prioritize pollutants in landfills based on their toxicity and abundance. The system has the potential to help environmental agencies create more specific and efficient plans to combat leachate, which can cause cancer and other serious harm.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 24, 2021

Targeted coating improves graphene oxide membranes for nanofiltration

Researchers developed a stable graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane with uniform pore size to remove organic micropollutants. The study proposes combining signal amplification strategy and defect chemistry to reduce membrane pore size distribution, offering a promising method for preparing highly selective NF membranes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJan 22, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Pesticides can protect crops from hydrophobic pollutants

Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 27, 2020

Honeybees reveal environmental pollution in their surroundings

Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Solar-powered degradation of micropollutants

Researchers discovered that gold nanorods can catalyze the degradation of organic micropollutants like bisphenol A and perfluorooctanoic acid. When exposed to sunlight, these nanorods produce free radicals that break down pollutants, making them a promising low-cost water purification method.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Novel bioaccumulative compounds found in marine bivalves

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that mussels and sediment from Hiroshima Bay contain novel bioaccumulative compounds with high toxicological effects. The researchers identified unknown mixed halogenated compounds with similar physicochemical properties to persistent organic pollutants.

SourceEhime University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 2, 2020

USC scientists advance better imaging tool to study disease

Researchers at USC have developed a new imaging technique called spectrally encoded enhanced representations (SEER) that provides greater clarity and works up to 67 times faster than existing methods. This technology has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis, particularly in detecting lung cancer and damage from pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

It's a small (coal-polluted) world, after all

A study in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reveals that coal-burning activities in the Asia-Pacific region have contaminated sediment layers in the US Pacific Northwest, with mercury deposition increasing by 400-fold. Global cooperation is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateDec 20, 2019

Why polar bears at sea have higher pollution levels than those staying on land

A new study reveals that polar bears at sea, particularly pelagic bears, accumulate more pollutants due to their diet rich in marine life closer to pollutant sources. This is attributed to increased energy requirements and longer periods without ice, forcing them to feed on land-based prey or rely on fat reserves.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 11, 2019

DDT linked to higher risk of diabetes among Asian Indian immigrants to US

A study from the University of California, Davis found a link between high levels of DDT and increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease in Asian Indian immigrants. Prior exposure to the pollutant may contribute to their higher rate of diabetes, even after migration to the US.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 20, 2019

Trinity scientists engineer 'Venus flytrap' bio-sensors to snare pollutants

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin engineer molecular sensors based on porphyrin pigments, which can detect and capture pollutants. The novel sensors exploit the shape of porphyrins to mimic a Venus flytrap's opening leaves, enabling selective binding of target molecules.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 19, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Babies burdened by environmental estrogens in mothers' wombs

Researchers have discovered that zearalenone, a widespread food estrogen, can pass through the placenta and affect fetal development. The study found that even low concentrations of zearalenone can have a significant impact on the unborn child's hormonal balance.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateOct 10, 2019

Cleaning our water with groundbreaking 'bioinspired' chemistry

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Green Science unveiled a new field of sustainable chemistry using bioinspired oxidation catalysts. The catalysts, called NewTAMLs, can eliminate pharmaceutical micropollutants from water in under five minutes and have major cost savings over current water treatment techniques.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 18, 2019