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Researchers link pollution to cardiovascular disease, develop strategies to reduce exposure and encourage government intervention

Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2021
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.

COVID-19 lockdowns closed racial gap in exposure to air pollution in rural New York, new research shows

Research by Binghamton University economists found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant improvement in air quality for minority neighborhoods in rural New York, narrowing the existing gap with majority white neighborhoods. The study suggests stronger regulation can improve air quality in polluted areas.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateNov 10, 2021

Two leading US physicians say doctors now need to screen and treat patients for exposure to air pollution

Two leading US physicians urge doctors to screen patients for exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, recommending interventions to limit exposure and improve cardiovascular health. Governments also have a primary responsibility to adopt technologies and regulations that reduce air pollution.

SourceBoston College·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 10, 2021

Biodiversity ‘time machine’ uses artificial intelligence to learn from the past

Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 9, 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 a bacterium may help solve the plastic pollution crisis

Researchers have identified a bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis, capable of degrading PET plastics and producing biodegradable PHA plastics. This finding addresses two pressing sustainability issues in the plastics industry.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 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

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate: Consumption of sustainably hunted meat from wildlife rather than eating livestock may spare considerable greenhouse gas emissions

A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How mercury gets into the sea

An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Reforestation could help save coral reefs from catastrophe

A University of Queensland-led study found that nearly 85% of coastal areas leach sediment to coral reefs, a major threat. Reforestation can help by reducing sediment transport, increasing light levels for coral growth and reproduction. Land restoration is crucial for building coral resilience.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 16, 2021

Bluefin tuna reveal global ocean patterns of mercury pollution

A new study found that bluefin tuna accumulation rates are highest in the Mediterranean and decrease in the north Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and north Atlantic Ocean. The researchers linked methylmercury accumulation to regional seawater and zooplankton concentrations, revealing global patterns of mercury pollution.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2021

First global study of wildfire pollution reveals increase in mortality rate

A first-of-its-kind global study links short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter to increased all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortalities. The research found that over 33,500 deaths annually are directly attributable to wildfire pollution in cities worldwide.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Packages to simplify deep renovation of buildings

A European project developed standard solutions for energy refurbishment, considering various climate zones. These packages include prefabricated façades, decentralized ventilation systems, and smart ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Pilot sites showed significant savings and improvements in tenant well-being.

SourceEurac Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Forest fires linked to tens of thousands of avoidable deaths

A new study quantifies the contribution of agricultural and forest fires to poor air quality in Southeast Asia, finding that preventing these fires could reduce premature deaths by an estimated 59,000 annually. The region's poorest communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these fires.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2021

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

Human health may be at risk from long-term exposure to air pollution below current air quality standards and guidelines

A study published in The BMJ found that long-term exposure to air pollution below current standards is associated with higher mortality rates. Researchers analyzed data from eight European groups and found that even at low concentrations, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon were linked to increased natural deaths.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Environmental pollution may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities In Alzheimer’s disease risk, says new study

A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Low-cost sensors measure real-time volcanic smog exposure

A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

Fine particulate air pollution associated with higher risk of dementia

Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Inequity in the air of India

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that higher income groups in India contribute more to ambient air pollution, resulting in higher mortality rates among lower income groups. The study suggests that policies targeting specific emission sources could help distribute the load more fairly.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 27, 2021

Exploring how air pollution in indoor spaces affects human health

Researchers will investigate how air pollutants in indoor spaces, such as homes and schools, affect children with asthma and people living in urban homes. A new platform will be developed to rank the toxicity of common air pollutants and establish links with neurological disease.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·DateJul 22, 2021

University of Oklahoma researcher receives NSF Career Award

Michele Galizia, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma, has received a $543,641 NSF CAREER grant to develop new polymer membranes. His research focuses on improving the efficiency of industrial separations, crucial for reducing environmental pollution and energy costs.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 15, 2021

Air pollution exposure linked to poor academics in childhood

Children exposed to air pollution may experience poor inhibitory control and academic skills in early adolescence, including spelling, reading comprehension, and math. Interventions targeting inhibitory control might improve outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 13, 2021
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.

UN-endorsed CityU project on monitoring global estuaries

The GEM Programme aims to establish a global monitoring network to collect and analyze seawater samples from urbanised estuaries worldwide. The project will identify pollution hotspots and priority contaminants, providing strategies for cleaner estuaries.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateJun 24, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Poorer communities hardest hit by toxic pollution incidents

Research from Lancaster University Management School found that potentially polluting firms choose locations based on local income demographics, leading to higher toxic releases in poorer areas. Firms reduce pollutant releases and increase waste management spending in higher-income areas.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateApr 29, 2021

Unfavorable weather conditions were the main cause of the fog-haze events over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during the COVID-19 lockdown

Fog-haze events over the North China Plain were caused by meteorological conditions, not emission reductions during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study found that higher temperatures and relative humidity accelerated secondary aerosol formation, while low wind speeds inhibited pollutant diffusion.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 10, 2021

Researchers modify air quality models to reflect polluted reality in Latin America

Computational air quality models have been adapted to better understand pollution challenges in Latin America, providing valuable insights for governments and authorities. The models can help identify the most cost-effective ways of achieving air quality improvements in cities like Bogotá.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 9, 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.

Strict environmental laws 'push' firms to pollute elsewhere

A new study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that stricter environmental laws in one country can lead to increased pollution in other countries with lax regulations. This phenomenon, known as 'carbon leakage,' highlights the need for global cooperation on environmental policies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomic Policy·DateMar 8, 2021

How housing discrimination affects environmental inequality

A University of Illinois study reveals racial discrimination in the home-renting process actively sorts minority renters into neighborhoods with higher levels of pollution. This leads to disparities in residential pollution exposures and contributes to health issues like respiratory illnesses and stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 26, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Black carbon aerosols in Beijing become "slim"

In a study published in Environmental Pollution, researchers found that strict emission controls contributed to a decline in black carbon loading in urban Beijing. The aerosols became 'slim', with smaller core sizes and less coatings, indicating reduced solar radiation absorption and improved air quality.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateFeb 10, 2021

Eastern and central China become brighter due to clean air action

China's stringent air pollution control policies have led to a significant decrease in aerosol concentrations, but winter haze events still occur. A recent study found that the controls have resulted in a much stronger increase in surface solar radiation in eastern and central China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2021

Air pollution spikes linked to lower test scores for Salt Lake County third graders

A new study found that frequent peak air pollution exposure was associated with reduced math and English language arts test scores for third graders in Salt Lake County. Chronic exposure also had an impact on test scores, but the effect disappeared when controlling for social disadvantage factors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 30, 2020

Study: Clean Air Act saved 1.5 billion birds

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that improved air quality under the Clean Air Act saved nearly 20 percent of birdlife in the US, potentially averting 1.5 billion bird deaths over the past 40 years.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

AI traffic congestion research earns Future Leaders Fellowship

Dr. Mauro Vallati will receive a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to develop AI-driven frameworks for tackling traffic congestion and environmental issues in urban areas. The research aims to optimize traffic light settings, communicate with vehicles, and reduce pollution.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 15, 2020

Carbon reduction and REDD+ projects

Researchers analyzed 12 voluntary REDD+ projects in the Brazilian Amazon and found that they overestimated reduction of deforestation and carbon emissions. Decreasing deforestation trends during early stages of REDD+ projects may explain why these projects resulted in less avoided deforestation than expected.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

Researchers introduce new theory to calculate emissions liability

A new study reveals that oil and natural gas pipelines are major contributors to carbon emissions, with seven out of eight pipelines being foreign-owned. The study prioritizes climate lawsuits targeting these facilities, which could lead to increased insurance costs for fossil-fuel companies.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnergies·DateAug 25, 2020

Surface clean-up technology won't solve ocean plastic problem

A new study by the University of Exeter and others found that surface clean-up devices will not solve the ocean plastic problem, but could be more effective when used with river barriers. The research estimates that floating plastic will peak at over 860,000 metric tonnes by 2052.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Identifying sources of deadly air pollution in the United States

A new University of Minnesota study identifies livestock, wood stoves, farms, and residential buildings as significant contributors to deadly air pollution in the United States. The research highlights the need for targeted regulations to reduce emissions from these sources, which account for a substantial portion of PM2.5-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 15, 2020

Global pollution estimates reveal surprises, opportunity

The study reveals a significant drop in PM2.5 levels in China since 2011, while India is experiencing a plateau phase. The researchers' hybrid dataset shows that effective controls can be remarkably effective at reducing air pollution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 25, 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.

Enhanced secondary haze by emission reduction during COVID-19 lockdown in China

A study published in National Science Review found that COVID-19 lockdowns in China led to a sharp reduction in transportation emissions, but this was offset by an increase in secondary particle formation due to enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity. The study suggests that coordinated control of various primary emissions is necessar...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 22, 2020

Scientists call for long-term research on ozone source apportionment

Ozone pollution in China's most populated and industrialized city clusters poses a great challenge due to diverse precursors. Long-term research is necessary to accurately determine main sources of ozone and inform effective control strategies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 12, 2020

Egregious emissions

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that a small percentage of industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of toxic pollution year after year. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 facilities across 322 manufacturing industries and found that only 1,116 can be characterized as 'super poll...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Simulating borehole ballooning helps ensure safe drilling of deep-water oil, gas

A device that simulates borehole ballooning has been developed to help prevent serious drilling accidents and irreversible damage. The device can accurately simulate conditions like fracture opening pressures, rock types, and mud circulation pressures, and its experimental results have validated theoretical research on the topic.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 28, 2020

Health impacts of pollution upon indigenous peoples

A global review highlights broad patterns of environmental pollution's impact on Indigenous groups, primarily through consumption of polluted water and food. Innovative strategies by Indigenous communities aim to limit and abate pollution.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateApr 23, 2020

Livestock and poultry farming should be the future focus of agricultural ammonia emissions control

Research reveals that livestock and poultry farming account for 78.08% of agricultural ammonia emissions in Jiangsu Province, with nitrogen fertilizer application contributing 21.92%. The study suggests focusing on controlling ammonia emissions from these sources to mitigate haze pollution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Reducing sulfur dioxide emissions alone cannot substantially decrease air pollution

A recent study found that reducing sulfur dioxide emissions alone can significantly decrease air pollution, mainly due to the stability of ammonium nitrate formed with nitrogen oxides and ammonia. In China, nitrogen dioxide control is more effective in reducing surface PM2.5 concentrations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 11, 2020