Articles tagged with Aerosols
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.
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 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.
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.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that consumption-related sulphate aerosols from developed and developing countries have comparable climate impacts, regardless of region. The research clarifies the significance of consumption activities on global temperature and precipitation.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in the exhaled breaths and coughs of individuals with COVID-19. The presence of virus RNA was mainly found in cough samples, but also in normal breaths and airway opening breaths.
Computer simulations found that risks of COVID spread on Underground rail were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with mitigation measures. The model predicted low exposure to the virus through routes such as aerosol inhalation and direct droplet deposition.
A study by the University of Leeds found that changing drills from air-powered to electric drills can significantly reduce aerosol spray and create a safer environment for patients and dental teams. The research resulted in a 99.98% reduction in virus spread, potentially allowing millions more treatments to be carried out.
Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have obtained the first high-resolution slow photoelectron spectrum of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), revealing three electronic states and dissociation into HSO3+ and OH fragments. The findings provide fundamental data for in-depth understanding of atmospheric nucleation mechanism.
The study found that black carbon decreased significantly in Beijing since the implementation of the Clean Air Action Plan, with a 71% reduction over nine years. However, this decrease was not accompanied by an equivalent decrease in aerosol extinction coefficient, leading to mixed effects on optical properties.
A new überreview provides a comprehensive introduction to solar resource assessment and forecasting, helping bridge the gap between atmospheric scientists and solar engineers. The review compiles recent studies on critical parameters like cloud and aerosol, aiming to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration for carbon neutrality.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that face masks can reduce airborne pathogens' travel distance by more than half, suggesting they can effectively prevent airborne diseases. The study's findings could aid in managing responses to pandemics like COVID-19.
Researchers developed a passive air sampler clip to estimate airborne virus concentrations, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in five out of 62 volunteers. The device could serve as a semiquantitative screening tool for assessing personal exposure and identifying high-risk areas.
A recent study found that biomass burning aerosols enhance cloud formation in southeastern Asia through aerosol-radiation interactions, leading to significant climate effects. The researchers used a comprehensive approach combining model simulations with multiple data sources to investigate the role of wildfires in low-cloud formation.
Research finds a heightened risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults exposed to secondhand nicotine vapour from e-cigarettes. Exposure to ultrafine particles, volatile compounds, and metals can harm lung tissue.
A study by Stockholm University researchers found that PFAS from the ocean re-emitted into air with crashing waves significantly contribute to PFAS air pollution in coastal areas. The transportation of toxic substances from seawater to marine air via sea spray aerosols poses a significant threat to health and the environment.
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
Researchers have standardized black carbon measurements in the Arctic, improving our understanding of climate change. By correlating absorption coefficients with COSMOS measurements, they derived reliable conversion factors for various instruments, enabling more accurate climate modeling and air quality assessments.
A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.
A flexible and easy-to-use micropen setup is capable of directly writing on surfaces to a microprecise level. The device allows for the printing of microarrays, lines, curves, and other structures in real-time using biomaterial or conductive ink.
Masks designed for singers block aerosols, diluting virus-causing particles, while affecting high frequencies. Singer's masks reduced high-frequency power by less than two times, improving enunciation.
UC San Diego researchers developed a computer model to understand how viruses travel through the air, shedding new light on airborne COVID-19 transmission. The model simulates aerosol behavior and helps explain why SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible through the air.
A study by Colorado State University found that singing produces 77% more aerosols than talking, with older males emitting the most particles. The study's findings suggest that measuring carbon dioxide levels and noise levels can be used to gauge transmission risk in enclosed spaces.
Researchers have developed innovative ways to avoid clouds of coronavirus in public waiting lines, classrooms, and live musical performances. Periodic movements in lines can cause aerosol transmission, while heating in winter and air conditioning in summer create 'dead zones' that spread airborne diseases.
Researchers develop efficient fog filter design using structured nylon nets to capture fog droplets, offering alternative source of fresh water in drought-stricken regions. The design is inspired by the unique abilities of Namib desert beetles and textile-based face masks.
The Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement mobile facility has relocated from Oliktok Point in Alaska to the southeastern United States. This move will allow for continued research on climate and weather models with a new fixed observatory at Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow.
Research found strong correlation between Arctic black carbon abundance and mid-latitude biomass burning, indicating models underestimate BC contribution from biomass burning by a factor of three. This has significant implications for Arctic warming and climate change.
Studies show that non-invasive breathing support like CPAP and high-flow nasal oxygen do not produce more air/surface viral contamination than simple oxygen therapy. Coughing produces the most aerosol, prompting a call for reevaluation of infection control measures for these respiratory support methods.
Researchers used computer simulations and experiments to find that dead zones in indoor spaces can linger with infectious aerosols up to 10 times longer than the rest of the room. This discovery highlights the need for ventilation systems based on air circulation within a room, rather than relying solely on air changes per hour.
A new study found that facemask ventilation during routine surgery does not significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission compared to normal breathing or coughing. The procedure is considered low-risk and should not delay or slow down surgery.
Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...
Researchers from DTU Space and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that solar eruptions reduce cosmic ray flux, leading to reduced aerosol production and decreased cloud cover. This results in an increase in the Earth's energy budget by almost 2 W/m2 within 4-6 days.
The ASCENT network will provide high-time resolution measurements of aerosols, key contributors to climate change and health concerns. The project will advance understanding of aerosol properties and their impact on public health.
New research shows that climate models are underestimating the warming effect of black carbon aerosols transported over the South-East Atlantic. The study, led by Dr Marc Mallet, found that biomass-burning aerosols can lead to an increase in absorbed sunlight, potentially warming the climate system.
A Johns Hopkins University study found thousands of unknown chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols, including industrial chemicals and caffeine. The research used advanced fingerprinting techniques to identify these compounds, which were not disclosed by manufacturers.
Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University are using a tethered balloon to study the Arctic air layers, which play a key role in climate change. The measurements aim to better understand the strong warming of the Arctic and improve climate models.
Researchers are reconstructing life on the ISS over two decades to understand space culture and how astronauts interact with their tools and colleagues. The project uses digital photography, crowdsourcing, and archaeological surveys to document developments and changes within the station's lifestyle and cultural makeup.
New experiments found that poorly mixed room air can lead to increased exposure to airborne contaminants, with occupants at risk of respiratory aerosols from others up to 5-6 times higher. Portable air cleaners using air pull-down can provide a simple solution to improve ventilation and reduce the risk.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have identified food products that can alter a person's saliva to reduce the transmission potential of airborne pathogens. By adding ingredients like ginger, cornstarch, and xanthan gum to food products, people may be able to make masks more effective or even reduce their need for them.
A new study found that people infected with COVID-19 exhale infectious virus in their breath, putting others at risk. Using tight-fitting masks can reduce the amount of virus in the air by half.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that pyrogenic iron from Australian wildfires fertilized the Southern Ocean, leading to unprecedented algal blooms. This phenomenon raises concerns about the role of wildfires in spurring phytoplankton growth, which absorbs large quantities of climate-warming carbon dioxide.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.
Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that washing and drying reusable cloth masks doesn't compromise their ability to filter out viral particles. The research confirms that layering a cotton mask on top of a surgical mask provides more protection than cloth alone, with filtration efficiency reaching up to 40%.
Researchers found that nanofibers coalesce irreversibly during water aerosol exposure, reducing effective fiber length for capturing aerosols. This study aims to improve design and use of face masks made with nanofibers, highlighting the need for frequent replacement in cold environments.
Researchers found that masks, social distancing, and ventilation significantly reduce the risk of musical COVID-19 transmission. Simple safety measures, such as wearing masks, limiting performance time to under 30 minutes, and maintaining distance between players, can mitigate this risk.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers highlights the importance of using better face masks and proper ventilation to mitigate COVID-19 transmission indoors. The study found that higher-quality masks can filter up to 50% of exhaled aerosol droplets, while even modest ventilation rates are effective in reducing risk.
A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.
A new study found that fine aerosols generated during talking and singing can contain more viral particles than coarse aerosols, highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to these particles in indoor environments. The research suggests that these aerosols may play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
New research found that using electric drills instead of air-driven drills reduces aerosol spray by 99.98%, creating a safer environment for patients and dental teams. This could lead to a significant increase in treatments carried out, addressing the growing backlog of patients waiting for dental care.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that wearing masks and maintaining physical distance significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that both disposable paper medical masks and two-layer cloth masks were effective in blocking aerosol particles, with increased distance reducing particle counts to near baseline levels.
Routine anaesthetic procedures do not generate aerosols, contradicting previous thought. The study refocuses on ward staff exposed to coughing patients and high-grade PPE needs reassessment.
Research finds that exhaled heated tobacco aerosol particles are droplets comprised of 75-85% water, evaporating quickly and not impacting indoor air quality. The aerosol is mostly composed of water droplets, unlike cigarette smoke, which lingers in the air and exceeds IAQ standards.
The simulation reveals that smaller aerosol particles can spread over a greater area and evade face masks, while larger particles dissipate quickly. The study provides new insights into the capacity of infectious aerosols to disperse in the environment.
A large measurement campaign has started in the Atlantic, using a TROPOS lidar on Cabo Verde to study atmospheric conditions and support the ESA wind satellite Aeolus. The campaign aims to improve weather forecasts and understand cloud and aerosol behavior in the tropics.
Research found that playing wind instruments produces similar aerosol levels to breathing and significantly lower levels than vocalizing. The study's findings have important implications for lifting COVID-19 restrictions in the performing arts sector.
Human activities contribute to a four-day delay in seasonal rainfall, threatening crop production and exacerbating heatwaves. The delayed onset of monsoon rainfall also jeopardizes the livelihoods of large populations in regions like India.