Articles tagged with Fire
A six-year study reveals that climate anomalies like El Nino can drive many small farmers to ruin, forcing them into cities without adequate support. The researchers found a rapid decay in farmers' memories of major climate events due to high rates of turnover and limited access to information.
Scientists found that humans first hunted the flightless sea duck more than 10,000 years ago, but it persisted until about 2,400 years ago. The prolonged survival of the bird challenges the 'Pleistocene over-kill theory', which suggests that human arrival led to rapid extinction.
Researchers found that ancient sediment cores indicate the arctic tundra burned frequently in the past, with some fires occurring as often as every 30 years. A warming climate could make this type of burning more common, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Scientists have found that snow accumulation in western Antarctica has doubled since the 1850s, with a shift in atmospheric circulation patterns contributing to the increase. In contrast, larch trees are benefiting from warmer climates, with fire return intervals decreasing due to their dependence on fires for seed germination. Researc...
A former US naval captain and interim health minister of Iraq criticises the US Department of Defense strategy for using achievement indicators instead of outcomes to judge the success of initiatives. The critique comes as a report confirms that far too many civilians have been killed during the US-led occupation, and many healthcare w...
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Pitt describe a mechanism called dynamic connectivity, where neuronal circuits are rewired in response to specific patterns of stimuli. This process allows for more keenly sensed stimuli, such as recognizing scents, by filtering out noise and enhancing contrast.
A new national study finds that burn-related injuries among children and adolescents in the US may be a more significant public health concern than previously estimated. The study found that young children are most at risk of burns, with those under 2 years old accounting for half of all pediatric burn hospitalizations.
Severe US wildfires can release as much CO2 as the entire transportation sector of a state, posing challenges for emissions tracking. The study found that fires in Western and Southeastern states account for a disproportionate share of carbon emissions.
New research estimates that US fires release around 290 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that large fires can release enormous pulses of CO2 rapidly into the atmosphere, complicating efforts to understand and combat global warming.
A recent study found that forest fires in boreal forests have a greater direct impact on carbon emissions than climate change. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the carbon balance of one million square kilometers of Canadian forest over the past 60 years, determining that fires are the primary driver of carbon emissions.
Researchers have developed a way to use carbon nanotubes to stop bullets from penetrating material and even rebound their force. This could lead to more effective bulletproof materials that avoid blunt force trauma and critical organ damage.
Researchers will use high-tech LifeShirts to monitor cardiovascular and respiratory systems, while thermal imaging cameras capture video of fire scenes. The goal is to improve firefighter safety and reduce deaths caused by heart attacks.
A new study found that inhaled corticosteroids can significantly reduce respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in NYC firefighters two years after the World Trade Center collapse. The treatment was found to be effective in preventing asthma-like illnesses and improving quality of life among firefighters.
Climate change models predict catastrophic fires in Southern California due to growing vegetation and prolonged drought periods. The region may experience longer-term precipitation patterns with less year-to-year variability, leading to heavier vegetation loads and increased fuel loads.
A new study estimates that US forest fires release about 30% of the nation's total mercury emissions, primarily affecting the environment and human health. The Southeast region emits the most mercury, followed by Alaska and California, highlighting the need for better protection measures.
A NIST study found that residential fire sprinklers are a cost-effective solution for new homes, with estimated benefits ranging from $704 to $6,048 over a 30-year period. The analysis also showed significant reductions in civilian fatalities and property damage.
A new study found that when faced with two 'bad' choices, consumers tend to opt to get rid of what they already have. This is due to a stronger preference for possession loss aversion than valence loss aversion. The researchers discovered that this effect is more pronounced in situations where the options are risk-free or unattractive.
New research from UCLA finds that fireproofing homes dramatically reduces the spread of forest fires. By fireproofing not just their own homes but also those of their neighbors, individuals can help limit the damage and preserve entire neighborhoods.
A two-year study will assess optimal methods for reducing heat stress in firefighters, evaluating the efficacy of different rehabilitation methods. The study aims to improve firefighter health and safety by understanding the mechanisms of heat stress and its effects on the heart.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received funding to develop a precision location system for emergency responders. The system will track the movement and physiological status of workers, addressing two leading causes of firefighter deaths: stress-related heart attacks and getting lost indoors.
A University of Leicester study found that climate change contributes to forest fires in Central Siberia, with temperatures rising by almost two degrees Celsius. The changing climate has led to an earlier onset of spring, affecting the timing of plant growth and carbon uptake.
A Johns Hopkins study found that many Baltimore inner-city homes lack essential safety devices, putting infants and toddlers at risk of fires, falls, and poisoning. The study highlights the need for improved home safety measures, including stair-blocking gates, fire detectors, and medication storage, to protect young children.
A global assessment reveals that poor management in tropical parks is often driven by corruption and poverty, leading to ineffective fire prevention. The study used satellite data to measure park effectiveness across countries, finding that some parks succeeded where others failed to prevent fires.
Researchers developed a new way to predict when vegetation dries to its most vulnerable state to large-scale fires in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. The study found that global warming has not caused any apparent long-term trend toward early fire seasons in the area.
A recent study reveals that USMC members suffer from chronic sleep deprivation due to combined physical exertion and threat of enemy fire. This can impair their vigilance and decision-making, posing a risk to themselves and others.
A new Oregon State University study found that salvage logging and replanting increased fire severity in areas burned by the 2002 Biscuit Fire. Natural regeneration of forests appeared to result in less risk of severe future fires.
Researchers are developing an interactive simulation of a wildfire spreading through Volusia County to study how residents make decisions about prescribed burns and insurance. The study aims to demonstrate that virtual reality can be an effective public policy tool in encouraging residents to invest in prevention.
Experts are gathering at Michigan State University to identify the nation's research and training needs in fire and structural safety. The university is unveiling a new structural fire testing facility, which will enable researchers to test beams, columns, and slabs under extreme heat conditions.
A fossil trove discovered in a Kendall County cave may rewrite the region's geological history. The site preserves nearly-pristine plant spores, leaves, and scorpion parts, including needles from conifers dated to be the oldest ever found in North America.
A new study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that logging after a wildfire can lead to high fuel accumulation, regardless of whether the site is logged or unlogged. The research showed that logging residue contributed to four times more fine fuels on the ground, while logging caused fewer snags and large woody debris.
Researchers from Oregon State University found a high level of naturally-regenerating tree seedlings in burned forest lands. The density of surviving conifers was similar to that of traditional old-growth forests, with some plots already having larger trees considered 'free to grow' by forestry standards.
Scientists found that brief high-level exposures to nitrogen dioxide can cause rapid lung injury, including breathing rate inhibition, lung edema, and acute lung damage. Researchers studied laboratory rats exposed to varying concentrations of the toxic gas for five minutes, revealing significant health risks.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that fire suppression and other emergency firefighting duties significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease deaths among firefighters. The study revealed a 10-100 times higher risk of dying from CHD while putting out fires compared to non-emergency duties.
A University of Michigan study has found that forest fires release more mercury into the atmosphere than previously recognized. The research, led by Doctoral student Abir Biswas, estimates that wildfires and prescribed burns account for approximately 25 percent of human-generated mercury emissions in the United States.
A new tree-ring study links episodic fire outbreaks in the past five centuries with periods of warming sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic. The study suggests that warmer waters in the North Atlantic correspond with episodes of drought and subsequent fires in the West.
Researchers used NASA earth observations to predict wildfires in southern California, identifying key factors such as plant moisture and fuel condition. The study found that the instruments can detect conditions favorable for wildfires, improving wildfire prediction and monitoring capabilities.
Researchers found that lightning fires in Appalachian forests can deter the encroachment of shade-tolerant hardwoods, such as red maples. This natural mechanism can aid in the regeneration of oak forests, which are approaching extinction due to human alterations and fire suppression.
Researchers at USC discovered that children without asthma suffered from severe symptoms during the 2003 Southern California wildfires. The study found that wearing masks and staying indoors reduced health problems, suggesting simple protective measures can mitigate effects of wildfire smoke.
Researchers found that northern forest fires could lead to a net cooling effect due to the reflection of sunlight by deciduous trees with light green leaves. This study suggests re-examining strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through ecosystem management.
Scientists at UCI found that forest fires can lead to cooling of the northern climate due to increased snow reflectivity. This study suggests that preventing boreal forest fires could have unintended consequences on global temperatures.
Dr. Andrew Z. Fire's article in November MCP explores the development of an assay to observe protein interactions in vivo, confirming previously documented interactions and discovering new ones in C. elegans. The study also identifies key associations between RNA interference and nonsense mediated decay pathways.
Researchers at University of Rochester discovered that neural noise enhances brain's processing and enables decision-making in uncertain environments. The 'noise' is actually the brain's optimal format for running Bayesian computations, making it easier to compute complex answers.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have made a groundbreaking discovery linking the timing of inhibitory neuron activity to the generation of odor-specific patterns in the brain's olfactory bulb. This finding supports the temporal coding hypothesis, which proposes that odor identity is encoded by the timing of neuronal firing, r...
New NIST study reveals portable radios can't withstand high-temp fires without protective gear, posing communication risks to firefighters. Radios inside pockets or gear fared better, but exposed components failed quickly.
Scientists tracked air pollution from Alaskan-Canadian forest fires to Houston, finding a 50-100% increase in ozone levels within five kilometers of the city. This event highlights the impact of long-distance pollutants on local air quality and emphasizes the need for improved forecasting.
A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.
A new national standard for collecting suspicious powders has been developed by AOAC International, providing a uniform procedure for emergency responders and federal agencies. The standard addresses the need for safe handling, transportation, and analysis of samples from visible powders suspected to be biological threat agents.
A large-scale study found that NYC firefighters' lung function declined by 12 years of age due to WTC dust exposure, with early arrival time-based periods showing more frequent respiratory symptoms. Researchers emphasize the importance of medical surveillance for high-risk jobs and call for better protective equipment.
Two groups of researchers from Oregon State University and the USDA Forest Service exchange perspectives on post-wildfire salvage logging, forest regeneration, and fire risk. The OSU team questioned the methodology and conclusions of a previous study, while the response emphasizes the strength of the original design and findings.
Recent research found that climate change is strongly linked to increased frequency and severity of large forest fires in the western United States. The study analyzed wildfire data from 1970 to 2003, finding a significant correlation between warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt, leading to drier conditions and longer fire seasons.
A new study published in Science finds that rising temperatures are exacerbating the number of large and costly wildfires in the western United States. The research, led by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, analyzed a database of recent large western wildfires since 1970 and compared it with climate and land-surface data from the re...
The Florida Shock Anxiety Scale is a new tool developed by University of Florida researchers to identify anxious thoughts and feelings in ICD recipients. The scale evaluates correct underlying anxiety concepts and proved highly reliable, offering a valuable tool for healthcare providers.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight climate change impacts on Mars, with data from orbiting spacecraft and rovers revealing a hemispheric dichotomy. In the Arctic, sea ice reduction is linked to inflows from the Pacific Ocean, while the Indian Ocean experiences decadal variability in its circulation. Scientists st...
Fire ant expert Walter R. Tschinkel's new book reveals the fascinating world of S. invicta, dispelling misconceptions and showcasing the creature's vital role in ecosystems. The fire ant thrives in disturbed habitats, controlling pest populations and adapting to human activities.
Researchers found that polymer composites localize heat better than steel, allowing them to sustain structural rigidity and prevent fire spread. The study recommends developing materials with high glass transition temperatures to achieve optimal performance.
A study on the 2002 Biscuit Fire in Oregon found that fuel treatments significantly reduced tree damage and mortality. The research team measured the effects of two fuel treatments, including thinning and underburning, and concluded that reducing fine fuels is crucial for minimizing overstory tree damage.
The new standard offers greater uniformity in design, operation and arrangement of fire panels, as well as equipment specifications concerning wireless and remote applications. The standardization effort aims to make real-time information clearly and quickly available for processing, planning and response.
A recent study found that darkness more than triples the risk of fatalities in EMS helicopter crashes, while bad weather increases the risk eight-fold. The study suggests that helicopter EMS programs should prioritize patient safety and transport patients by air only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
After a high-severity fire, natural conifer regeneration can occur, with seedlings per acre reaching up to 300, but logging reduces this by 71%. Logging can also produce fine fuels that increase fire risk. The study suggests leaving dead trees standing may reduce re-burn risks.
Researchers at NIST have submitted recommendations for standardized performance guidelines for thermal imagers used in six critical emergency situations, including locating victims and pinpointing fire sources. The proposed evaluation methods will improve the selection process for life-saving devices costing $10,000 each.