Articles tagged with Fire
USGS researchers investigate reciprocal interactions between pathogens and ecosystems, finding parasites can alter predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem balance. They also examine the role of ants in monitoring ecosystem condition and the impact of fire history on alien plant invasion.
The article highlights the involvement of doctors in torture and prisoner abuse, with some institutions blurring their ethical guidance. Dr. Michael Wilks calls for a reversal of assault on international bodies like the UN to address this issue.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a report calling for strengthened codes to prevent similar nightclub fires. The recommendations aim to enhance occupant safety by implementing measures such as sprinkler systems, flammable material restrictions, and emergency preparedness practices.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
A recent NCAR study found that Alaskan and Canadian wildfires emitted 30 teragrams of carbon monoxide, causing a 25% increase in ozone levels in parts of the northern continental US and a 10% increase in Europe.
A computer model has been developed to aid in the design and certification of new fire detection systems in cargo compartments. The model uses complex simulations to determine worst-case locations for fires and optimal sensor placement, reducing the risk of false alarms.
The course 'Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling' provides a comprehensive review of tools for developing technical analyses of fire incidents. It features virtual reality reconstructions using NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator and Smokeview software, as well as case studies on actual fire incidents to demonstrate capabilities and limitations.
The probable collapse sequences for the World Trade Center (WTC) towers reveal a complex interplay of factors leading to their collapse, including fires fueled by building contents and jet fuel. The sequences update and finalize hypotheses released by NIST, supported by extensive computer modeling and evidence.
A new study estimates the economic costs of firefighter injuries to be between $2.8 and $7.8 billion, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and prevention programs. The report recommends investing in technologies such as robots for reconnaissance and early detection systems to reduce injury costs.
A computer simulation study found that firing poorly performing employees can lead to significant improvements in workforce quality. The study showed an average annual improvement of 16% for the first two years and 2% thereafter, with the greatest benefits seen when reliable rating systems are used.
A recent NIST report found that automatic sprinkler systems significantly reduce the risk of fatal temperatures and toxic gases in dormitories. In experiments with and without sprinklers, researchers observed a major difference in temperature levels and gas spread, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in college housing.
A new study using NASA satellites found that Siberian fires burned mostly near people, particularly in areas with roads, towns, and cities. The research used Terra MODIS data to map fire hotspots over three years, revealing a strong link between human presence and fires.
A new study suggests that ancient humans' systematic burning of Australia's interior led to the desertification of the region. The research indicates that this burning altered the flora enough to decrease the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and atmosphere, causing the failure of the Australian Monsoon over the interior.
A new study reveals that a world without fire would see closed forests more than double in extent, while tropical grasslands and savannas shrink significantly. The findings highlight the crucial role of fire in shaping vegetation and ecosystems worldwide.
NASA is collaborating with Idaho National Laboratory (INEEL) to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for routine fire surveillance and management. The project aims to improve speed, safety, and cost efficiency in firefighting efforts.
A new theory proposes that a coal fire in the Titanic's coal bunker may have led to its high-speed sailing through an iceberg field. The theory, presented by Dr. Essenhigh, suggests that the crew was trying to control and extinguish the fire before reaching port.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reanalyzed the wind loads that the World Trade Center (WTC) towers were originally designed to resist, finding that the values used in the design exceed those established by building codes prior to 1968. The study suggests that the WTC towers' reserve capacity to withstand u...
The new database will allow researchers to submit a single chemical inventory once a year, reducing the need for frequent updates. It will also screen for hazardous chemicals and explosives, providing critical information in emergency situations and helping prevent laboratory accidents.
Researchers have developed new, non-toxic additives for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) to improve its fire retardancy. The additives, which rely on copper atoms, work by creating chemical crosslinks that form an inert char on the surface of PVC, helping to block flammable gases.
Researchers develop polymer films that can close up holes ripped through them by high-speed projectiles, potentially improving aircraft survivability. The material's thermal properties influence its self-healing performance, and a balance between restoring force and elasticity is crucial for optimal results.
Siberian forest fires significantly affected air quality in Seattle, exceeding EPA ozone limits. Climate change is expected to increase fire frequency and severity, posing a greater threat to human health across western North America.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that Lehmann lovegrass, an invasive species introduced in the 1930s, remains unchanged despite controlled burns. The study suggests that fire is not effective in reducing the spread of non-native species, forcing land managers to explore alternative methods for controlling the invasive grass.
A new study suggests that droughts like the 1930s Dust Bowl may not be unique to modern times, but were common in prehistoric periods. The research found that ancient droughts persisted for several decades and caused widespread effects on ecosystems, including prairie fires and erosion.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a forest fire sensor based on a beetle's infrared sensing organs. The sensor uses polyethylene to mimic the beetle's cuticula and absorbs radiation, triggering an early warning system.
Researchers monitored PAHs in smoke and soot after 9/11, finding high levels initially but diminishing rapidly. The study suggests little lifetime cancer risk for people living near Ground Zero, but possible effects on unborn babies.
The NIST investigation found working hypotheses for WTC 1 and 2 collapses, key visual observations from photographic and videographic images, and insights from computer models and first-person interviews. The report also summarizes laboratory fire tests and experimental work on steel recovered from the WTC.
A recent BioScience article highlights that decades of fire suppression may have been overly criticized, and climate has a significant impact on fire spread in high-elevation forests. The studies also reveal how invasive alien plants can dramatically alter fire regimes, proposing a scheme for evaluating the dangers of these invasions.
A study by Canadian scientists found high levels of pollutant films on windows in lower Manhattan six weeks after the 9/11 attacks, revealing concentrations up to 10 times greater than normal background levels. The findings suggest that urban areas like New York City have high levels of toxic organic pollutants.
A new partnership between researchers and federal agencies has created a powerful tool to manage fire risk, with maps showing the extent of wildland/urban interfaces across the US. The analysis highlights the need for ecological principles in land-use planning, particularly in high-risk areas.
Scientists from NASA's Terra satellite are tracking global air pollution trends, shedding light on how pollutants spread around the globe. The data reveals seasonal and annual variations in CO and aerosol levels, providing clues about Earth's changing climate.
Researchers tested two scents, peppermint and pyridine, on six participants in their early 20s during different stages of sleep. No one responded to peppermint during sleep, while responses to pyridine were infrequent and non-wake-inducing. In contrast, sound consistently woke participants regardless of the sleep stage.
A team of archaeologists has unearthed conclusive evidence of early humans' control over fire in Eurasia, dating back to the Acheulian culture. The discovery, made at the Benot Ya'aqov site in Israel, reveals that ancient humans used fire for cooking and warmth, significantly impacting their diet and survival.
A team of University of Florida engineering students designed and built a crayon-sized sensor that can be fired from a paintball gun to detect explosives. The sensor was part of a government- and corporate-supported research program, and Lockheed Martin plans to refine and produce it for potential use in Iraq.
A team of researchers has received a $2 million NSF grant to create an advanced system that predicts wildfire behavior and progression. The system will use data from sensors, satellite monitoring, and mathematical theory to provide minute-by-minute predictions for firefighters.
Researchers at NCAR/University of Colorado Denver aim to create a system that sends real-time maps and predictions of wildfires to frontline firefighters. The team will use supercomputers, satellite and sensor monitoring, and meteorology to develop tools to warn firefighters about wildfire behavior.
Research reveals that concrete floor slabs can develop vertical cracks within 14-16 minutes of fire exposure, leading to rapid weight loss. The new temperature-dependent model also finds that thick floors are more sensitive to thermal expansion than thin ones.
A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC firefighters experience high levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the 9/11 attacks. The study also highlights the importance of open communication, teamwork, and employee involvement in decision-making to improve firefighter well-being.
A study examining coastal and southern California shrublands found that fire hazard risk was relatively constant at 2.7% annually, contradicting the assumption that older vegetation fuels cause larger fires. Regional differences may contribute to these findings.
A study of 445 patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction found a significant link between impaired sense of smell and an increased risk of cooking-related incidents, gas leaks, and fire detection. Otolaryngologists must be aware of these risks to provide proper diagnosis and counseling for patients.
The International Multiproxy Paleofire Database merges tree-ring evidence and lake sediment records to study past fires, with over 450 tree-ring and 50 sediment-based records anticipated. Researchers aim to connect paleodata to modern data for forest management and climate change analysis.
New research from NIST confirms that smoke alarms offer enough time to save lives in most cases, even with a three-minute warning. The study found that the placement of smoke alarms and closed bedroom doors can increase survival chances, but also noted the limitations of ionization and photoelectric alarms in detecting false alarms.
Researchers from NASA and universities worldwide found that El Nino events led to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions from fires globally. The majority of the increase occurred in Southeast Asia, with other regions like Central and South America also experiencing increased emissions.
Researchers on the Old English Dictionary project found a heavy preponderance of 'for' compounds and the phrase 'to be on fire,' which originated in an Old English quotation. The study highlights the importance of understanding language as a conveyor of culture, revealing insights into social, political, and intellectual institutions.
NIST is working on redundant elevator power systems and waterproof components to maintain safe operation during fires. The institute will use virtual reality simulation to test emergency evacuation procedures and collaborate with global experts to establish standards.
The reconnaissance round is a novel device that allows infantry soldiers to see past obstacles from a vertical perspective. It transmits images of nearby terrain back to a laptop computer, enabling soldiers to view the enemy's position in real-time.
Researchers found that Canadian forest fires can cause large pulses in atmospheric mercury levels, affecting regions like the northeastern US. The study estimated annual emissions from Canadian forests and worldwide boreal forest fires, suggesting a significant impact on mercury levels.
Researchers developed software to weigh fire danger reduction against thinning costs, finding targeted density preserves ponderosa pine and western larch while minimizing waste. The approach can help reduce wildfire risks across tens of millions of acres with cost-effective solutions.
Research by Schurbon and Fauth found that prescribed burning negatively impacts pine savannah amphibian diversity and abundance, with species declining in areas burned more recently. The study suggests a 5-year prescribed burn cycle and summer burns can balance the needs of amphibians and longleaf pines.
A controlled study after the Dutch café fire found a 75% increase in clinical overall mental-health symptom scores among Volendam adolescents compared to other students. These scores were significantly higher for girls than boys, indicating that post-disaster healthcare should focus on psychosocial consequences.
A team of researchers from the Illinois State Water Survey and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that frequent droughts, lightning strikes, and fires are critical factors for the plains. Long-term data gathered since 1890 suggests that these extremes are key issues in addressing global climate change.
Researchers have found that areas burned in forest fires may support more and healthier dogwoods due to increased light, heat, and airflow. Fire could potentially impede the spread of the fatal disease, dogwood anthracnose, by removing fungal-friendly conditions.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that tracking the motion of larger objects is more difficult than smaller ones. The center-surround receptive field organization in the brain's visual area helps filter out spurious signals, making it harder to distinguish moving objects from their background.
Researchers found that lightning is the primary source of low-altitude ozone in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, defying previous expectations. The discovery was made using satellite data and computer models, which showed a significant increase in ozone levels near areas with intense lightning activity.
Researchers used satellite data and a computer model to study ozone formation, finding that lightning strikes in tropical Atlantic may be a major contributor. The study combined data from multiple NASA satellites and a Canadian computer model to make the surprising discovery.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a new instrument to study the metal of World Trade Center (WTC) steel. The apparatus rapidly compresses and heats samples at extremely high temperatures, helping to improve understanding of how steel responds under stress.
A new study by Northwestern University suggests Memphis should consider California-style earthquake building codes, but experts argue the costs would be too high. The proposed code could cut earthquake damage in half, but would increase construction costs by 10-33% and have significant economic impacts.
A new remote sensing system, the Wildfire Airborne Sensor Program (WASP), will be able to detect wildfires as small as 8-12 inches in diameter from 10,000 feet altitude. The system combines infrared and high-resolution visible cameras with GIS technology to provide accurate and reliable fire detection.
A NASA study found that El Nino events, such as the 1997-1998 event, lead to unusually high biomass burning globally, producing more pollution than fossil fuel combustion. The study assessed smoke pollution from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America during these droughts.
A new GIS tool called GeoWEPP can rapidly assess soil erosion and sediment delivery in streams after wildfires, allowing forest managers to quickly plan and implement conservation measures. The tool guides users to select the best and most cost-effective conservation measures to mitigate erosion and protect water sources.
Intentional deforestation in rainforests has gained attention, but unintentional out-of-control fires devour millions of acres of forests, threatening ecosystems. Fire behavior in rainforests differs from temperate forests, with slow-spreading fires having devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.