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'Rule-breaking' molecule could lead to non-metal magnets

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a radical hydrocarbon molecule with unique electron behavior, which could be used as building blocks for molecular magnets. The discovery has the potential to create non-metallic magnets that are lighter and cheaper than metal ones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 2, 2004

Utah's redrock may have changed global climate

Researchers found evidence suggesting that the Navajo Sandstone in Utah may have been a large hydrocarbon reservoir, releasing bleaching gas into the atmosphere. The study suggests that this release could have influenced Earth's ancient climate and had significant implications for global carbon fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeology·DateDec 3, 2003

UCI study uncovers unexpectedly high air pollutant levels in southwest states

A UCI study found unexpectedly high hydrocarbon levels in central and southwest US regions, including Oklahoma City, with pollution levels exceeding those in high-smog cities. The research suggests total hydrocarbon emissions are higher than previously estimated, contributing to the American air pollution problem.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2003

Vehicle traffic associated with increased carcinogen levels

Research found that pollution levels from vehicle traffic vary greatly depending on traffic volume and vehicle type, with larger vehicles emitting up to 60 times more carcinogens than smaller ones. The study suggests that diesel engines power these larger vehicles, exacerbating exposure in urban communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateJun 9, 2003
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Much oil remains to be tapped below Gulf of Mexico

A study has identified a vast network of subsurface streams and ponds in the northern Gulf of Mexico basin that are believed to contain significant amounts of untapped oil and gas. The discovery, made by Cornell University professor Lawrence M. Cathles, estimates that these reserves could be as large as those found in the North Sea.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 27, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microorganisms are cleaning up Boston Harbor, UMass study finds

A University of Massachusetts Amherst study reveals that microorganisms in Boston Harbor sediments can break down PAHs using sulfate, potentially reducing the need for expensive remediation strategies. The findings suggest that natural activity can clean up contaminated harbors without active environmental protection.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 13, 2002

New evidence for organic compounds in deep space

Scientists have found organic compounds in deep space, a discovery that supports the hypothesis of complex organic compounds causing the Unidentified Infrared Bands. The study used a special laser to measure the spectrum of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in deep space.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 2002
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UC Berkeley chemists identify missing nitrogen oxide pollutant in atmosphere

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified organic nitrogen oxides, previously unknown pollutants, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. The team's advanced detector can monitor NO compounds continuously with unprecedented sensitivity, enabling better predictions of ozone formation and air pollution impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMar 25, 2002

Pollution in Asian air mass likely measured on both sides of Pacific

Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 11, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study tightens the link between smoking and early menopause

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how smoking leads to premature ovarian failure by identifying a mechanism triggered by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke. The findings support the hypothesis that PAH-induced egg cell death contributes to early menopause in women smokers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 15, 2001

Put a polymer in your tank

A new polymer additive, polyisobutylene, may dramatically increase mileage and engine power with less pollution. It can produce a 10 percent increase in horsepower and a 20 percent increase in mileage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2000

Microbial hydrocarbon 'cracking'

Researchers discover microbes convert saturated hydrocarbon hexadecane to methane and carbon dioxide, leading to potential methane formation in old sediments. This process, known as microbial hydrocarbon 'cracking,' sheds light on slow yet globally relevant microbial processes in deep subsurface environments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 1999
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists identify molecular source of friction

Physicists at Johns Hopkins University have identified the molecular origins of static friction, resolving a long-standing issue in understanding Amontons' classic laws. The 'gunk in the middle' - hydrocarbon molecules between surfaces - provides an explanation for the linear relationship between force and load.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 1999

Pollutants Found In House Dust Increase Pesticide's Toxicity

Research found that pollutants in house dust, such as PAHs, can enhance the inhibitory effect of chlorpyrifos on cholinesterase, a critical enzyme for nerve cell function. The study suggests that exposure to these pollutants may increase pesticide toxicity, posing health risks to humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalToxicology Letters·DateApr 27, 1999

Signs Of Past Life on Mars?

Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules and mineralogical evidence of past life in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. The study suggests that these findings could be indicative of primitive life on early Mars.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateAug 8, 1996