Combustion Products

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

Wildfire smoke risks understudied, review paper warns

Veterans more likely than general population to use all types of tobacco products, including the most harmful

A new study reveals that Veterans are disproportionately using all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The study found that Veterans had a higher risk for former and current tobacco use, as well as multiple product use, posing significant health risks.

As pesticides and wildfires rise, kids with cancer need resources

A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.

Smoking or vaping may increase your risk of diabetes

A new University of Georgia study found that smoking or vaping increases the risk of developing diabetes, with e-cigarette use associated with a 7% increased risk of prediabetes. The risk is higher for Hispanic and Black populations, as well as those with underlying health conditions.

Soot's climate-altering properties change within hours of entering atmosphere

Researchers found that soot particles can transform their shape and behavior within hours of becoming airborne, altering their ability to warm or cool the atmosphere. This rapid transformation affects both soot's warming and cooling effects, as well as its lifetime.

Industrial pollution’s imprint lasts generations

Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.

Mortality associated with fine particles from wildfires may be underestimated by 93%

A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.

Adolescents with mental health symptoms more likely to use multiple nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, new international research finds

A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.

Stop burning the biomass to protect your lungs

A recent study found that biomass burning products are toxic to human lung cells, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The research emphasizes the need for extended air quality networks across the European Union to monitor key biomass burning markers.

Unveiling unknown chemicals in human serum samples

A study by Chiba University researchers has identified 106 compounds in pregnant women's serum samples, including phthalates, nitrogenous compounds, and parabens, which may impact biological pathways. The study proposes a non-targeted approach for detecting foreign chemicals and evaluating their potential health effects.

Planting seeds for safer farming

Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.

UTA harvests first climate-smart soybean crop

Researchers harvested climate-smart soybeans in a $5 million USDA project aiming to reduce GHG emissions while increasing crop production. The crop was grown using five climate-smart practices, including earlier planting and soil conservation.

The real price of the “zero-price effect”

A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that homes sold through free classified services received fewer clicks, sold more slowly, and at a lower price than identical homes sold through paid services. This resulted in an average net loss of about 3.5% to 3.8% of the transaction price.

LIST to help develop gas sensors for everyday products under new Horizon Europe project

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology is developing affordable gas sensors for environmental monitoring and occupational safety. The €8 million AMUSENS project aims to create portable, cost-effective sensors using nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.

Turning carbon dioxide into useful chemicals

A German junior research group at the University of Oldenburg is developing precious-metal-free catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, formaldehyde, and ethylene. The team aims to create inexpensive and durable materials for large-scale industrial applications.

Most smokers in England wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking

A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.

A non-proliferation solution: using antineutrinos to surveil nuclear reactors

A team from Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a method to remotely monitor nuclear reactors using antineutrinos. The approach, published in the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, could help prevent the manufacturing of materials for nuclear weapons.

UofL study shows nicotine in e-cigarettes may not be harmless, as some claim

A new UofL study shows that nicotine salts in pod-based e-cigarettes can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias. The research found that these aerosols stimulate the same receptor that is inhibited by beta blockers, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.

Ultrasound may rid groundwater of toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that ultrasound can break down harmful PFAS compounds in groundwater, rendering them harmless. The technique works by emitting sound waves that compress and heat up the solution, breaking down the stable carbon-fluorine bonds that make up the toxic chemicals.

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

Urban parks built on former waste incineration sites could be lead hotspots

A new study by Duke University found that urban parks built on former waste incineration sites can still contain high levels of lead in their surface soils, posing potential health risks to children. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and mapping of contaminated soil hotspots across hundreds of cities.

Toxic molds, fossil fuels, antibiotics linked to chemical intolerance: Survey

A survey of 10,981 US adults found that toxic molds, fossil fuels, and antibiotics are common causes of chemical intolerance. The study suggests that reducing exposure to mold, pesticides, and other contaminants may help prevent future cases.

New research shows wildfire smoke impacts on the brain

Researchers found that wildfire smoke triggers chronic brain inflammation affecting learning and memory regions, lasting up to 28 days. The study's findings are concerning given the frequent exposure of people to wildfire smoke.

Lignin separation method could make renewable material profitable

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method to extract lignin from wheat straw, producing a color-neutral, odorless, and homogenous material. This breakthrough could make lignin a more viable candidate for developing high-value products and biobased materials.

WVU researchers develop hydrogen technology to curtail greenhouse gases from food, beverage industry

Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a hydrogen flexible boiler to decarbonize the food and beverage industry. The technology, proposed by Hailin Li, will supply thermal energy by burning clean fuel rather than traditional fossil fuels.

Current evidence identifies health risks of e-cigarette use; long-term research needed

Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.

Nearly two thirds of youth would stop vaping without added sweet flavors, menthol, synthetic cooling agents

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that restricting sweet flavorings and cooling agents in e-cigarettes could significantly reduce youth vaping rates. Nearly 39% of survey respondents would quit using their e-cigarettes if tobacco-flavored e-liquids were the only options available.

Depression & anxiety symptoms linked to vaping nicotine and THC in teens and young adults

A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.

New tobacco product marketing depends on demographics

Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.

Alternatives to menthol cigarettes pose significant addiction and health risks

A study published in Tobacco Control found that alternatives to menthol cigarettes pose significant addiction and health risks. Mentholated pipe tobacco and tubes were the most appealing and addictive options, suggesting they should be included in the proposed ban.

People who vape had worrisome changes in cardiovascular function, even as young adults

Researchers found that vaping and smoking e-cigarettes led to greater constriction of the brachial artery and worse heart rate variability, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Vaping was also associated with poorer performance on exercise stress testing compared to non-nicotine users.

Use of e-cigarettes had negative cardiovascular effects similar to smoking cigarettes

A recent study published at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022 found that pod-based e-cigarette users experienced changes in blood vessel health comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The research, which included 106 young adults without cardiovascular disease, measured vascular function, blood pressure, an...

From the streets to the stratosphere: Clean driving technology enables cleaner rocket fuel

A chemical used in electric vehicle batteries can also power rockets and satellites, reducing CO2 emissions and requiring less storage. The new fuel, ammonia borane, releases more energy than traditional hydrocarbon fuels and has no environmental impact.

CSU Energy Institute researchers receive $1.5 million for methane emissions-reduction project

Researchers at CSU are developing a system to recapture and burn crankcase ventilation gas, reducing methane emissions by over 75%. The project partners with Caterpillar to test their engine and design the system, which aims to solve a significant industry problem.

New tool can detect a precursor of engine-destroying combustion instability

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.

Unprecedented view of a single catalyst nanoparticle at work

Researchers use high-intensity X-rays to study a single catalyst nanoparticle's surface changes during chemical reactions. The study reveals how the surface composition affects activity, shedding light on industrial catalytic materials.

Hawaiian chemist honored for ocean research at Pacifichem 2000

Jonathan Scheuer, pioneer in marine natural products research, is being honored for his work on developing treatments for incurable diseases. His research has led to the discovery of compounds like Kahalalide F, a potential cancer treatment.

Louisiana researcher receives award for contributions to the science and technology of making synthetic rubber

Hall's innovations improved EPDM's stability and allowed its use as a dispersant in motor oil, protecting engines from combustion by-products. He developed a method for producing low-molecular-weight EPDM, enhancing the oil's performance.

Tobacco use common among college students

College students are at risk of developing nicotine dependence due to the high prevalence of tobacco use, which includes smoking cigarettes and cigars. The study found that tobacco users also engage in other substance abuse behaviors, such as marijuana use and binge drinking.

Cornell Wins Student Product Development Competition With "Wrapidos"

At the Institute of Food Technologists' annual meeting, Cornell's 'Wrapidos' took top honors for its leak-proof and moisture barrier design. The snack, consisting of shaped pita pockets wrapped around three sides with an open side for stuffing, was inspired by a mother-daughter duo's request for a mess-free snacking solution.