Articles tagged with Fire
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Climate warming has diminished the high-elevation flammability barrier, allowing fires to advance uphill in Western mountains. The area burning above 8,200 feet tripled in just over a decade, with rising temperatures extending fire territory to an additional 81,500 square kilometers.
Researchers developed semiconducting passivation layers to inhibit dendrite formation, enhancing battery stability and safety. The new technology improved battery capacity by up to 81% compared to conventional Li electrodes.
A new study predicts a decline in lightning-caused ignitions but an increase in the size of wildfires by mid-century. Human-caused fire ignitions are expected to remain steady, while climate change is expected to worsen social inequalities and lead to more extreme wildfire events.
Researchers analyzed 20 years of fire reconstructions and US government records to show a significant increase in burnt area since 1984. High-elevation subalpine forests are experiencing record-high wildfire activity, accounting for 72% of total burnt area since 1984.
A new University of Montana study finds high-elevation forests in the central Rocky Mountains are experiencing unprecedented fire activity, with burning now occurring every 120 years compared to historical averages of 230 years. Climate change is identified as a primary cause of this increase.
The 2020 fire season marked a turning point in the history of high-elevation forests in the Rocky Mountains. Researchers found that fires are now burning nearly twice as much area on average compared to the last 2,000 years. This increased frequency and severity pose significant risks for forest resilience and regeneration.
New study finds no evidence of widespread forest clearing by Indigenous populations in western Amazonia before European arrival. Instead, researchers suggest a history of sustainable use and minimal impact on ecosystem biodiversity.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores revealing that pre-Columbian societies used controlled fires and water management techniques from at least 3,500 years ago. This predates changes caused by cattle and new technologies in the region.
Researchers found that spiders detect the chemicals released by European fire ants and choose to build their webs elsewhere. This instinctual behavior allows spiders to survive in areas with high ant activity, potentially leading to the development of more effective spider repellents.
A major Swedish forest fire in 2014 led to a significant loss of carbon and nutrients in the affected areas. Water quality in watercourses quickly returned to normal, while forested areas continued to lose carbon for many years after the fire.
Researchers have discovered significant smoke aerosols in pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere ice core samples, revealing a much fierier past than previously thought. This finding helps to refine climate predictions by accounting for the cooling effect of smoke particles, which may have been underestimated in current models.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere was much smokier than previously thought, shedding light on the future impacts of global climate change. This research used ice core samples to determine the amount of smoke aerosols in the pre-industrial atmosphere.
A recent study by Desert Research Institute found that cold wildfire smoke can make soil surfaces hydrophobic, leading to severe water repellency and increased erosion. The research used sand samples treated with both hot and cold smoke, showing similar results in terms of water absorption time.
High-elevation fires in the western US have advanced upslope by 252 meters since 1984, fueled by climate change and increased lightning strikes. This expansion threatens previously wet areas and exacerbates fire risks in dry regions.
A new study assesses the complex role of peatlands in wildfires and finds that their smouldering potential is often underestimated. The researchers warn that peat fires can be devastating and have significant feedback with climate change.
A sensor system developed by PNNL can prevent buildup of flammable gases in outdoor battery enclosures, reducing the risk of explosion. The technology, IntelliVent, responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms and automatically opens cabinet doors.
Researchers used fire progression mapping and weather interpolation to build statistical models for the Klamath-Siskiyou region, finding that hotter-than-average fire weather and smoke density influence refugia occurrence. Topographic variability and moderate smoke conditions are crucial for preserving these fire-resistant areas.
The Association of Anaesthetists and the Intensive Care Society publish new guidelines addressing fire safety and emergency evacuations in ICUs and operating theatres. Key findings include training for staff, design features for fire safety, and ventilation requirements to prevent oxygen enrichment.
A device created by Dr Matthew Griffith uses absorbed light to fire neurons transmitting signals from the eyes to the brain, acting as an artificial retina for those with lost capacity. The goal is to provide a biomedical solution to vision impairment caused by retinitis pigmentosa and AMD.
Frequent fires may narrow the recovery window for lichens in chaparral ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. The study found that most chaparral lichen taxa could be lost if fire intervals shorten to less than 20 years, emphasizing the importance of old-growth chaparral and sustainable land management practices.
A Rutgers University study found that volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals' in their bodies than the general public. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are linked to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The American Thoracic Society releases a report highlighting the need for research on wildfire smoke's effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as communication strategies to protect public health. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated federal response and dedicated funding to mitigate health risks.
A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.
The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
A team of geologists and archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem confirms that ancient humans were making simple Oldowan stone tools inside the Wonderwerk Cave 1.8 million years ago. The discovery also dates the deliberate use of fire by prehistoric ancestors to 1 million years ago.
Researchers analyzed California wildfire data from 2000-2019, finding the annual burn season has lengthened and the yearly peak shifted from August to July, fueled by climate change and human-caused ignitions. Small fires account for most incidents, but large fires have deadly consequences.
Researchers at UC Riverside develop method to estimate air quality in neighborhoods affected by wildfire smoke, providing critical data for public health officials. The new approach fills gaps in current methods by predicting particulate matter concentrations over short distances.
A new study published in Science shows that deciduous trees replacing burned spruce forests store more carbon and accumulate it four times faster over a 100-year fire interval. This suggests that these faster-growing forests may act as a stabilizing 'firebreak' against escalating fire patterns.
A study published in Nature Climate Change predicts a significant increase in Arctic lightning strikes by the end of the century. This rise in lightning will drive both wildfires and further warming above the Arctic Circle.
Researchers from the University of Vienna detected high concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in charcoal samples from fires worldwide. These toxic chemicals can persist for years and may harm ecosystems and human health, posing a significant threat after landscape fires.
A new study predicts that parts of the UK, particularly eastern and southern England, will face extremely hot and dry conditions conducive to wildfires nearly every other year by 2080 due to climate change. This could lead to a significant increase in wildfire danger, posing environmental, health, and economic risks.
Researchers found that climate change and human disturbances like fire can slow down forest regrowth in the Amazon. The study suggests that protecting these forests is crucial to mitigate climate change.
A study found that Australian fires created a spreading stratospheric haze, peaking in January to March and persisting through July. The particles were transported by mid-latitude cyclone belts and weather patterns, eventually settling around the entire hemisphere.
Long-range wildfire smoke is associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Local wildfires were found to be protective of residents' health due to evacuation efforts and media coverage.
Researchers found that treating apple flowers with specific bacteria strains reduced fire blight symptoms, altering floral microbiomes and disease rates. The study suggests that flowers may be a key site for biocontrol interventions, offering a new approach to managing this damaging disease.
Researchers have developed a new testing method to identify and quantify previously undetectable per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds in watersheds on Cape Cod. The study found large quantities of PFAS, including those from fire-retardant foams, exceeding state maximum contaminant levels.
Scientists propose a technology that uses a 'chemical fuse' to cover the main conductor cable of the battery, preventing overheating and fire. The polymer adjusts its electrical conductivity in response to voltage fluctuations.
Researchers found that a half-degree of additional warming would likely create a notably greater danger of fire on continents like the Amazon and African savanna, and around the Mediterranean. Suppressing extra warming could reduce climate-driven extreme fire activities in many places, potentially saving lives and billions of dollars.
Repeated fires alter tree communities, reducing biomass and individual trees by up to 72% over 50 years. Regions with extreme climate variations are most sensitive to fire frequency changes.
Researchers propose new approach to planning in high fire risk areas, incorporating green technology infrastructure and Indigenous fire techniques. The study emphasizes the urgent need for strong leadership and collaboration to address climate change and transition to a renewable future.
Researchers used medium-resolution satellite images to generate a burned area dataset for sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in significantly higher estimates of burned areas compared to coarse-resolution images. The study estimated fire carbon emissions at 1.44 PgC, substantially surpassing previous estimates.
Scientists confirm climate change and fire suppression influence wildfires, but their effects vary within regions. Climate change increases burn probability in wetter areas while decreasing severity in drier locations.
A recent study highlights the complex relationship between climate change and forest management in driving wildfires. Climate change is found to be the primary driver of increasing fires in some ecosystems, while fire suppression dominates in others. The research reveals that local responses to these factors can vary greatly within ind...
Residents who experienced the 2018 Camp Fire exhibited measurable increases in PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, worsened by proximity and previous adverse experiences. Chronic mental health problems were mitigated by physical exercise, mindfulness, and emotional support.
Researchers have discovered a temporary bright spot in the decline of nitrogen oxides, byproducts of combustion, across the north equatorial part of Africa. The decline is linked to a decrease in dry-season fires managed land practices, as well as increasing population densities and urban emissions.
The Arizona Rural EMS Advanced Telemedicine Demonstration Initiative (AzREADI) provides rural EMS responders with real-time consultations with board-certified EMS physicians. This improves the time from symptom onset to treatment, especially for stroke or traumatic brain injury cases.
A three-year study will examine how being a firefighter affects women's stress levels and their risk of cancer and reproductive toxicity. The study aims to identify potential differences between incumbent and new recruits to help make jobs safer.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found that trauma-focused psychotherapy reduces brain communication between emotion and logic regions, promoting symptom recovery. The study's findings suggest this restructuring of brain connections may be a key signature of PTSD recovery.
A new study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire found that forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings slow down wildland fire growth. The research used a 3D analysis to examine how forest structure affects fire behavior and revealed that varying tree sizes and shapes can significantly impact fire spread.
Climate scientists have long known that human activities increase wildfire risk, but the specific roles and influences were unclear. A new study quantifies competing anthropogenic influences on extreme fire weather risk, revealing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions as a dominant contributor.
Researchers found that blue orchard bees produce significantly more female offspring after severe wildfires, indicating a functional response to increased floral resources. This adaptation helps bees invest in the more expensive sex of their offspring, females.
Researchers identified a severe drought period in 1302-07 Europe, which shares similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly and recent climate trends. The study suggests that transitional phases in the climate are characterized by stable weather patterns, contributing to extreme events like the Great Famine of 1315-21.
A new study reveals that only 10% of remaining tropical forest cover remains fire-resistant, while the rest has been fragmented or degraded. Tropical forests play a crucial role in preventing catastrophic fires, emphasizing the need for preservation and regeneration.
Wildfire smoke carries microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that can spread infection when inhaled. The study highlights the potential for wildfires to become a source of bioaerosols, which can travel long distances and impact human health.
A new study found that films demonstrating responsible behavior significantly decreased risky driving behaviors among young drivers, while fear-based content had the opposite effect. The research suggests that positive messages can be a more effective way to promote road safety.
A team of researchers from Duke University has developed a method to make neural networks more transparent and interpretable. By modifying the reasoning process behind predictions, it is possible to better understand how these complex models work. The approach involves replacing standard parts of a neural network with new ones that con...
Researchers found that California's winter precipitation projections are likely to be drier than expected due to a persistent error in climate models known as the double-ITCZ bias. This bias can lead to reduced winter precipitation, less spring runoff, and increased wildfire risk in the state.
New research from Portland State University predicts an increase in wildfire hazard in the Clackamas Basin by mid-century due to projected changes in temperature and relative humidity. This could lead to longer fire seasons and more severe fire weather, resulting in larger, more frequent fires.
A recent paper by Tadeg Quillien outlines a mathematical model of causal judgment that reproduces people's intuitions better than previous models. The study highlights the role of probability and logical structure in shaping our causal intuition, with implications for problem-solving and decision-making.
Researchers analyzed soil samples from burned and unburned areas in California parks, finding that the oak woodland fungal community was less affected by wildfires than those in evergreen forests. This aligns with the fact that oak woodlands depend on regular fire to thrive.