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Five years of aerosol remote sensing in Mindelo – a milestone in atmospheric research in the Atlantic

The Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM) has been conducting aerosol remote sensing for five years, providing insights into Saharan dust and volcanic particles over the Atlantic. The measurements have revealed pronounced seasonal dust events and high variability in dust intensity.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2026

Scientists discover hidden driver of urban air pollution

Scientists at Tampere University identified a new chemical process that can influence the formation of air pollution particles in urban environments. Nitric oxide is found to promote the conversion of certain volatile compounds into aerosol precursors, challenging existing assumptions.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny particles in Arctic ponds may play role in cloud formation, climate change

Researchers from Colorado State University found that tiny particles bubbling up from melting sea ice in the Arctic sky can create clouds, providing a platform for water vapor to freeze onto. This discovery sheds light on why Arctic clouds behave differently and could help improve weather modeling and climate change predictions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 13, 2026

Diamonds are not a geoengineer’s best friend

A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that diamond dust is not suitable for strategic stratospheric aerosol injection due to its effects on acid rain, ozone layer degradation and human health. The study's results reduce the viability of using a 'diamond shield' to cool the planet.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMar 23, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

When trade routes shift, so do clouds: Florida State University researchers uncover ripple effects of new global shipping regulations

New research published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals that cleaner fuels have reduced ship emissions' influence on cloud formation, helping refine global climate models. The study found a 67% decrease in cloud-altering abilities after the IMO regulations went into effect.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateNov 21, 2025

Climate intervention techniques could reduce the nutritional value of crops

A new study suggests that stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI) could decrease the protein content of major crops like maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans. SAI would involve releasing sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere to cool the planet, but this could have unintended consequences on global food security.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2025

When waves meet the shore

Researchers found that strong wave breaking along shorelines produces significant amounts of sea spray aerosols, increasing cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol mass concentration. This can lead to gross overestimations of sea spray aerosols in open oceans using coastal measurements.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 28, 2025
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.

Cleaner East Asian air unmasks a much hotter planet

A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJul 14, 2025

Pollution from the Tijuana river affects air quality in San Diego

A new study reveals that pollutants from the Tijuana River are transmitted to both water and air through coastal aerosols, affecting public health and environment. The study found high levels of illicit drugs, personal care products, and chemicals in aerosols, posing risks to residents living near the border.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Climate change: Penguin guano may help reduce effects of climate change in Antarctica

Measuring ammonia concentration near an Adelie penguin colony found increased levels when wind blew from the colony, suggesting a connection between penguin guano and climate change mitigation. The study suggests that penguin guano may help reduce the effects of climate change on Antarctica by contributing to increased cloud formation.

SourceSpringer Nature·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025

Onion-like nanoparticles found in aircraft exhaust

Researchers found four types of aircraft engine exhaust particles, including soot, volatile particles, and onion-like structures. The onion-like particles are composed of organic compounds and have unique internal structures that may affect their volatility and interaction with the human respiratory tract.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalACS ES&T Air·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Aerosol researcher receives prestigious Copernicus Medal

Yafang Cheng's research on atmospheric aerosols has brought fundamental insights and impactful public outreach, addressing grand challenges of global change. The Copernicus Gesellschaft e.V. recognizes her innovative work, promoting international collaboration in the geosciences.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2025

Delhi air pollution worse than expected as water vapour skews figures

New Delhi's air pollution is more severe than previously estimated, with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapor leading to significant underestimation of particulate matter levels. The study highlights the importance of considering hygroscopic growth and its impact on air quality assessments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalClean Air·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Long-term decline in downward surface solar radiation

A recent study reveals a significant long-term decline in downward surface solar radiation globally, with significant decadal variations observed over land. The research highlights the role of water vapor in DSSR changes, which was previously overlooked, and shows that future DSSR changes will depend heavily on emission scenarios.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 17, 2025

Models show intensifying wildfires in a warming world due to changes in vegetation and humidity; only a minor role for lightning

A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2025

More transparency about So Cal’s fire-polluted air

The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 24, 2025

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.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 14, 2025
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.

Rainforest emissions linked with new particle formation at high altitudes

A recent study published in Nature found that isoprene, a naturally occurring organic compound emitted by vegetation, significantly contributes to the formation of new particles in the upper troposphere. Isoprene oxygenated organic molecules can rapidly form new particles under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

Oceans emit sulfur and cool the climate more than previously thought

A recent study reveals that oceans produce a previously unknown sulfur gas called methanethiol, which cools the climate by increasing aerosol formation and reflecting solar radiation. This new compound is found to have a greater cooling capacity than dimethyl sulphide and its impact on climate models.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2024

Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest

A research team found that rainfall in the Amazon rainforest creates temporary bursts of nanoparticles that can grow into cloud condensation nuclei, essential for water vapor to condense and form clouds. This new understanding challenges previous theories on aerosol particles and their role in precipitation formation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 8, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Climate change, drought, dust, and plankton blooms

A study links droughts in Southern Africa to a massive plankton bloom off Madagascar's southeast coast. Climate warming intensified the dust particles carried by wind, which acted as fertilizer in seawater, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 1, 2024

Unlocking oceanic mysteries: satellites shed light on aerosol layer height

A recent study reveals that NASA's PACE satellite can accurately measure aerosol layer height over ocean surfaces. The use of oxygen A and B bands provides valuable data for refining aerosol monitoring, improving atmospheric corrections and enhancing our understanding of aerosol behavior.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateSep 5, 2024

Understanding the impact of human activity on air quality: A look at aerosol pollution before and after the industrial revolution

A recent study found that human-made secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) contribute up to 53% of total SOA levels today, a significant increase from preindustrial times. This dramatic change is crucial to understanding the environmental impact of human activities on air quality and climate change.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 29, 2024

Scientists find new way global air churn makes particles

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a new mechanism that produces a significant amount of particles in the Earth's atmosphere, which could impact climate change and weather patterns. The discovery suggests that stratospheric air intrusions play a crucial role in forming these particles.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2024
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.

Climate change: Reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel associated with increased maritime atmospheric warming

A modelling study found substantial reductions in atmospheric aerosols and cloud droplet number density after the IMO 2020 regulation reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel. This led to an estimated 80% increase in Earth's heat energy retained, equivalent to a significant radiative warming effect.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Shedding light on the chemical enigma of sulfur trioxide in the atmosphere

The study reveals sulfur trioxide can form acid sulfuric anhydride products with organic and inorganic acids, contributing to atmospheric new particle formation. These findings improve aerosol formation prediction models, aiding in managing air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.

SourceTampere University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 23, 2024

Modeling broader effects of wildfires in Siberia

A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

High-resolution lidar sees birth zone of cloud droplets

Researchers developed a high-resolution lidar technique that can measure cloud droplet number concentrations remotely. The device provides unprecedented fine-scale structure at the base of clouds, enabling scientists to gain insight into aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on climate.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateApr 24, 2024
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.

Improved air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration by plants

Plants capture more carbon on weekends when industrial production decreases and fewer people commute, finding similar patterns during COVID-19 lockdowns. This improvement in air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

New ‘whipping jet’ sprayer controls how aerosols move

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 20, 2023

New way to boost simulation of atmospheric aerosol nucleation

Researchers developed a general workflow to simulate atmospheric aerosol nucleation using the full ab initio method. They used active learning techniques and deep network-based force fields to attain comprehensive data sets and better understand the mechanisms of aerosol nucleation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2022
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.

Large parts of Europe are warming twice as fast as the planet on average

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.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Cracking the chemical code on how iodine helps form clouds

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.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

New study sheds light on the effect of rain and clouds on atmospheric aerosols

A new study shows that precipitation events decrease atmospheric aerosol concentrations, particularly sulphate, in boreal forest environments. The researchers found significant formation of sulphate mass in non-precipitating clouds, which can improve the accuracy of climate models estimating aerosol transport.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateSep 21, 2022
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.

Ice shards in Antarctic clouds let more solar energy reach Earth’s surface

Research by University of Washington reveals that ice shards in Southern Ocean clouds increase the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean's surface. The study found a significant impact on temperature, with differences of 10 Watts per square meter between models including and excluding ice formation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAGU Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Plastic snowfall in the Alps

Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

It’s not just SARS-CoV-2: Most respiratory viruses spread by aerosols

A comprehensive review finds that many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and measles, can spread through airborne transmission via aerosols. The study's findings suggest that indoor air quality and ventilation play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of infectious virus-laden aerosols.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2021

Aerosols and cloud lifetime

Research using satellite observations and air mass trajectory modeling reveals that aerosols can extend cloud lifetime and brightness in the stratus-to-cumulus transition zone. This can lead to reduced planetary warming by reflecting more solar radiation back into space.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

From Jungfraujoch Station: How new atmospheric aerosols form

Researchers at a high-altitude research station in Switzerland used state-of-the-art instruments to study new particle formation and its role as cloud condensation nuclei. They found that highly oxygenated organic compounds contribute to nucleation for a short window after vertical transport from the planetary boundary layer.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2016

Dust from the Sahara Desert cools the Iberian Peninsula

Researchers from Spain and Portugal analyzed desert aerosols' radiative effect on the Earth's surface, finding that Sahara Desert dust caused cooling in August 2012. The team also discovered that anthropogenic pollution exacerbated this effect, leading to greater radiative cooling in both Évora and Badajoz.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAtmospheric Research·DateApr 29, 2015

Mechanism of aerosol aging identified

Researchers discovered that OH radicals significantly influence organic aerosols' mass and composition, leading to changes in concentration and characteristics. This finding necessitates updates to regional and global climate models.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2012
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.

Modeling Atmospheric Aerosols

Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop improved atmospheric aerosol models for predicting infrared propagation in coastal environments. The project aims to enhance sensor accuracy for detecting incoming threats such as missiles and submarine periscopes.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999