Articles tagged with Aerosols
Research finds global emissions of several banned ozone-destroying chemicals are increasing, primarily due to their use in alternative products. These potent greenhouse gases affect the climate, equivalent to CO2 emissions from a smaller country like Switzerland, and may negate some benefits of the Montreal Protocol.
A new study reveals that contaminated bubble bursting produces aerosols with smaller sizes, greater number of drops, and higher ejection speeds. This finding has significant implications for public health and environmental impact.
New research confirms that coastal water pollution transfers to the atmosphere in sea spray aerosol, contaminating air for people inland. Bacteria and chemicals from sewage-polluted Tijuana River are detected in ocean aerosols.
Scientists will investigate the properties of coastal marine clouds, including their radiative effects and role human-made particles play in shaping Earth's energy balance. The study aims to inform numerical models used to represent ocean-cloud processes.
A new study found that prolonged inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols by mice caused changes in pulmonary immune cell composition and altered gene and protein levels in the lungs. Even low exposure to JUUL aerosols had significant impacts on the animals' lung health.
A new field campaign will provide crucial details on cloud and precipitation properties in the Southern Ocean. Scientists aim to improve climate models' accuracy with data from this region.
A new 'whipping jet' aerosol sprayer can precisely control how aerosols move, a crucial aspect of various industries. The technology has potential applications in pharmaceutical sciences, climate research, automotive, food processing, and carbon capture.
Scientists have discovered a new process in the marine atmosphere that increases its ability to self-cleanse by recycling nitrogen oxides on nitrate aerosol. This finding has significant implications for atmospheric chemistry, particularly for regulating greenhouse gases like ozone.
A research team investigated NPF events in Beijing's atmosphere, discovering regional transport plays a vital role in creating 'polluted' NPF events. These events significantly impact air quality, climate, and human health, highlighting the importance of joint air pollution control measures.
Research finds that black carbon aerosols from South Asia contribute to the melting of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau, reducing precipitation and mass gain. The study reveals a 11% impact on average glacier mass loss in Tibet and 22% in the Himalayas since 2007.
A study found that children exhale fewer small particles, which are less likely to spread diseases like COVID-19. Larger particles produced by adults and children can transmit infections equally well, highlighting the importance of wearing high-efficiency masks for disease prevention.
A study found that acidification of aerosols post-exhalation significantly impacts viral load. Influenza A viruses are inactivated within minutes, while SARS-CoV-2 requires days at typical indoor pH levels.
Researchers used bright green lasers and camera equipment to directly visualize aerosol plumes and measure the speed and spread of particles in a toilet flush. The study found that airborne particles shoot out quickly, reaching speeds of 6.6 feet per second and remaining suspended in the air for minutes or longer.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Researchers developed novel liquid-coated air filters that capture viable bacterial and viral samples for analysis. The filters show promise in improving early pathogen detection and aerosol sampling efforts.
A new study has resolved the first molecular steps of particle formation from iodine emissions, a crucial process in atmospheric secondary particles. The research team found that iodine plays a significant role in forming clouds, providing a key piece in understanding the changing atmosphere.
A new study reveals that large parts of Europe are experiencing faster-than-average warming during summer months, leading to worse heatwaves and an increased risk of fires. The climate across the continent has also become drier, particularly in southern Europe.
Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...
Researchers found that exposure to e-cigarettes, marijuana, and tobacco led to increased scarring, decreased blood vessels, and changes in heart nerves, all contributing to an increased risk of arrhythmias. These substances can cause similar harm to the heart as traditional cigarettes.
Research found high levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in 'tobacco-flavoured' e-cigarette liquids, particularly fruity and caramellic flavour chemicals. The study suggests manufacturers are getting around regulations by using these flavour chemicals in products marketed as 'tobacco-flavoured', raising concerns about their safety.
Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
A study by University of Louisville researchers found that exposure to e-cigarette aerosols can cause heart arrhythmias in animal models, promoting arrhythmias and cardiac electrical dysfunction. The study suggests that certain flavors or solvent vehicles in e-liquids may disrupt the heart's electrical conduction and provoke arrhythmias.
A new study reveals that western wildfires can strengthen storms in central US states, leading to heavier rain and flash flooding. The heat and airborne particles from wildfires intensify severe storms, with some cases bringing hailstones larger than baseballs.
A new study finds that air pollution can worsen the social costs of carbon emissions, affecting human health, economies, and agriculture differently depending on where the pollutants are emitted. The research highlights how aerosol pollutants can increase climate change impacts by as much as 66% in some regions.
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that playing wind instruments releases fewer viruses into the air than singing, but still more than breathing quietly. Wind instruments act as filters for larger particles, reducing transmission risk, while smaller particles spread further and pose a higher risk.
A recent study reveals that anthropogenic air pollution contributes significantly to poor air quality and climate change in the Middle East. The research found that hazardous fine particulate matter from human activities accounts for around 53% of aerosol visible optical depth, posing a significant health risk.
A recent study found that improved air quality has led to a significant increase in global warming, with aerosols cooling the climate by up to 50% less than expected. This acceleration is largely due to reduced aerosol pollution in North America, Europe, and East Asia since 2000.
Scientists have developed a face mask that can detect common respiratory viruses in the air, alerting wearers via mobile devices within 10 minutes. The mask uses aptamers to identify unique proteins on viral surface proteins, amplifying signals to detect even trace levels of pathogens.
Researchers found that fatty acids in cooking emissions form a stable film on surfaces, protecting trapped pollutants from breakdown. This film can become rougher and attract water, trapping toxins underneath.
A study published in Anaesthesia found that FFP2/3 respirators associated with a 38% increased risk of airway complications, mainly due to difficult facemask ventilation and desaturation. The use of other aerosol precautions showed no such association.
A researcher will combine ARM data and fine-scale modeling datasets to understand marine boundary layer aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. The goal is to improve climate models' portrayal of cloud-processing of aerosols and address uncertainty in global climate models.
A study in China reveals high infection probabilities for populations exposed to reclaimed water aerosols containing Legionella, exceeding WHO thresholds. To mitigate the risk, researchers recommend disinfecting reclaimed water before use and setting up warning signs in parks.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied wind instrument aerosol dispersion to understand how far aerosols travel and decay. Aerosols emitted by wind instruments share a similar concentration and size distribution with normal speech and respiration events, suggesting that musicians should stay 6 feet apart.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that coarse sea spray significantly reduces the amount of lightning in storm clouds. The study found that aerosols larger than 1 micron, or coarse sea spray, inhibit lightning by up to 90%, while smaller aerosols actually increase lightning and affect rainfall.
A new study used satellite data to determine the effect of fuel regulations on sulfur pollution from cargo ships. The research team found significant changes in pollution after regulations went into effect, and their data can contribute to understanding how pollutants interact with clouds and affect global temperatures.
Aerosol particles in the atmosphere have a bigger impact on cloud cover than previously thought, increasing it by approximately 10%. Clouds hold more water before rainfall occurs due to smaller and more numerous droplets, leading to reduced precipitation. The study uses satellite data and machine learning to improve climate models.
Climate change is intensifying Western US wildfire activity, resulting in taller smoke plumes and more aerosols injected into the atmosphere. The study models 4.6 million smoke plumes and finds that maximum plume height increased by an average of 320 ft per year in four regions, with some areas experiencing a 750 ft per year increase.
A new online tool from NIST offers a solution to regularly check ventilation by measuring indoor carbon dioxide levels. The Quick Indoor CO2 (QICO2) calculator takes into account factors like occupants, outdoor CO2 levels, and building size to provide accurate results.
Researchers from Colorado State University have made direct observations of ice nucleating particles in the central Arctic, revealing strong seasonality and seasonal changes. These findings provide crucial insights into the effects of climate change on clouds and precipitation patterns.
A Colorado State University study found that brass instruments produce 191% more aerosols than woodwinds during play. Male performers and louder playing of brass instruments were associated with higher emissions. Bell covers can reduce particle spread, but not achieve N95 level protection.
Aerosols generated by musicians dissipate within 6 feet, settling into the background air draft. Flute-generated aerosols traveled farther due to airflow over the instrument.
A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.
A review of 18 studies suggests that long distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in indoor settings, particularly with poor ventilation. The evidence supports the role of mitigation measures, such as adequate ventilation, to prevent transmission.
A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Science used computer simulations to analyse speech aerosols and found the risk of infection was higher when one person acted as a passive listener. The study also suggests that turning heads away by about nine degrees can reduce the risk for speakers
Recent papers in ACS Environmental Au explore the impact of aerosol acidity in the southeastern U.S. and the effects of environmental films on native ecosystems. The journal also investigates electrospun nanofibrous membranes for controlling airborne viruses.
Researchers found that 80% of infections at superspreading events came from just 4% of infected individuals, known as index cases, who carried high viral loads. The study also identified the occupancy and ventilation in social contact settings as key factors driving variability in superspreader events.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new class of highly reactive chemical compounds called hydrotrioxides. Formed during atmospheric decomposition of substances like isoprene and dimethyl sulfide, these compounds are stable enough to react with other atmospheric compounds.
A new method measures individually measurable aerosol values during exercise, revealing moderate aerosol emissions at medium exertion and exponential increases above that point. The study suggests special protective measures are needed for high-intensity training to reduce infection risk.
A new study finds that reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants like methane and ozone can cut the rate of global warming in half by 2050. This approach offers a fighting chance to prevent catastrophic warming and improve our chances of remaining below the 1.5 degree centigrade mark.
Research team from Goethe University reproduces Asian monsoon conditions in experimental chamber, identifying increased aerosol particle formation. The study found that ice clouds can form under lower water vapour supersaturation than anticipated, affecting climate models' accuracy.
Researchers developed a desktop air curtain system that blocks all incoming aerosol particles, effective as an indirect barrier in healthcare settings. The device's blocking effect was tested on patients during blood collection, showing promising results.
Researchers at Lund University found that improved ventilation and distance between patients significantly reduce airborne virus transmission. The study's findings aim to update international healthcare guidelines.
The Chemical Insights Research Institute has received a prestigious award from the National Institutes of Health to study the link between electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) usage and periodontal disease. The researchers will analyze consumer vaping behavior data and biosamples to identify biomarkers of exposure and injury, aim...
A new model shows combining face masks, distancing, and increased ventilation can reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by more than 98% in most cases. The study found that layered controls are highly effective in curb exposure to COVID-19.
Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.
Outbreaks in Hong Kong's high-rise housing have shown vertical transmission of COVID-19 via drainage stack bioaerosols, which can spread through pipes and enhance by poor ventilation. The omicron variant has contributed to the rapid spread.
Researchers used climate models and observations to analyze Arctic temperature changes over the 20th century. They found that both natural and human activities contributed to the cooling from 1940 to 1970, with aerosol forcings being a primary factor.
A new machine learning study analyzed 10 years of weather data to identify three major categories of weather patterns and their effects on thunderstorms. The study aims to isolate the impact of aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere, on storm severity.
Researchers found that brown carbon from biomass burning contributes significantly to Arctic warming, exceeding previous estimates. The study highlights the importance of wildfire mitigation and suggests a positive feedback loop where increased wildfires emit more brown carbon aerosols, further heating the earth.
New research from the University of Reading found that changes in air pollution levels in Asia and Europe may have driven prolonged European summer extremes and Central Asian dry spells. The study revealed that air pollution reductions in Europe strengthened the jet stream, while increases in Asia weakened it.