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Social smoking carries same heart-disease risks as everyday habit

A large study of over 39,000 participants found that social smokers face the same high blood pressure and cholesterol risks as everyday smokers. The researchers advise clinicians to ask about social smoking in different ways to identify and help these individuals quit.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateMay 3, 2017
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.

For young adults, cigarettes more pleasurable with alcohol than with pot

A recent study by UCSF found that young adults experience greater pleasure from smoking cigarettes while under the influence of alcohol compared to marijuana. The study, which used self-reported data from 500 participants aged 18-25, suggests that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol may be more pleasurable than co-use with marijuana.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateApr 18, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Prescribed fires consume Kansas landscape

In Kansas, controlled burns by farmers to manage land produce smoke with various chemicals and particles, posing an issue for air quality. Air quality alerts are in place due to the drift of smoke from burning grass.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 12, 2017

Kids' hands may be a source of significant nicotine exposure

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and San Diego State University found that children carry high levels of nicotine on their hands even when no one is actively smoking around them. This exposure is associated with various health problems, including respiratory issues and asthma attacks.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalTobacco Control·DateApr 6, 2017

Nearly 1 billion people still smoke daily

The prevalence of daily smoking declined globally between 1990 and 2015, but the number of daily smokers continues to rise year-over-year. Robust tobacco control programs have led to progress in reducing smoking rates, but more efforts are needed to prevent new smokers and encourage quitters.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2017

Research measures potentially damaging free radicals in cigarette smoke

A new study measures potentially damaging free radicals in cigarette smoke for the first time, finding variations in their levels across different cigarettes. The researchers' standardized protocol could help assess people's exposure to free radicals and inform potential health risks.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateApr 3, 2017

How to measure potentially damaging free radicals in cigarette smoke

Researchers developed a standardized protocol for measuring gas-phase and particulate-phase free radicals in cigarette smoke. The study found that levels of these radicals varied widely across cigarette types, with highly ventilated cigarettes producing lower levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateMar 29, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New study on smoking bans finds decrease in smoke exposure in public and private places

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that comprehensive smoking bans significantly decrease overall secondhand smoke exposure across all settings. Exposure to secondhand smoke was found to drop from 72% in 2006 to 45% in 2011, even outside workplaces and hospitality areas covered by the legislation.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateFeb 26, 2017

Teens who vape at increased risk for future cigarette smoking

A new University of Michigan study found that high school seniors who vape are more than four times more likely to smoke a cigarette in the following year. Vaping changes teens' perceptions of the risks of smoking, making them less likely to view smoking as harmful.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTobacco Control·DateFeb 7, 2017
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 compares the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor

Researchers compared the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor on reconstituted lung tissue, finding changes in gene expression levels and increased inflammation. The study utilized a 3D airway culture system and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate the biological effects.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·DateFeb 6, 2017

E-cigarettes safer than smoking says long-term study

A recent study has found that e-cigarette users have significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals and carcinogens in their body compared to smokers. The study also suggests that quitting smoking altogether is the best way to minimize exposure to toxins, rather than using e-cigarettes alongside traditional cigarettes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2017

Thirdhand smoke affects weight, blood cell development in mice

A study led by Berkeley Lab researchers found that newborn mice exposed to thirdhand smoke weighed less and had altered blood cell counts, which persisted even after exposure ended. The findings suggest that the lingering residue of tobacco smoke could be harmful to human health, particularly for babies and toddlers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2017

Smoke-free policy cuts nicotine detected in Philadelphia public housing in half: Study

A study led by Drexel University found that Philadelphia's smoke-free policy reduced nicotine levels in the air by nearly half, benefiting all residents including children and chronically ill individuals. The policy change has significant implications for public housing communities where secondhand smoke exposure is a major concern.

SourceDrexel University·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

Smoking-related imagery absent from only one James Bond movie to date

The James Bond series has conspicuously absent smoking-related imagery in only one film since its debut in 1962, according to a recent analysis published in Tobacco Control. Despite Bond himself no longer smoking, he is still exposed to second-hand smoke through his sexual partners and other characters.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 16, 2017

Seeing vape pen in use boosts desire to smoke among young adults

A new study found that viewing vape pen use increases the urge to smoke in young adults, similar to watching someone smoke a cigarette. The study's results suggest that vape pens can be a potent trigger for smoking, despite their design differences from traditional cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJan 12, 2017

Most valuable colleagues: What the NBA can teach us about worker productivity

A new study from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business found that top NBA players can create positive spillover effects on their teammates' productivity. Research suggests that employees with high spillover values can make a significant impact on team success and should be compensated accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateJan 11, 2017

Animal study shows harmful effects of secondhand smoke even before pregnancy

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJan 5, 2017

Many smokers with serious mental illness want to kick habit

Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCommunity Mental Health Journal·DateDec 29, 2016
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.

Lung-in-the-lab reveals no DNA damage on exposure to e-cig vapor

E-cigarette vapour exposure has been shown to be genotoxic and cytotoxic in human lung cells at high doses. In contrast, Vype e-cigarette vapour produced no DNA damage even at 28 times the equivalent smoke dose. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking cigarettes.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalToxicology Letters·DateDec 15, 2016

Vaping robots measure e-cig vapor delivered to lung cells in the lab

Researchers used smoking/vaping robots to study e-cigarette aerosol's effect on human lung cells. The results show that e-cigarette aerosol is effectively delivered to cell surfaces, despite having a reduced biological impact compared to cigarette smoke.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateDec 8, 2016

Beware: Children can passively 'smoke' marijuana, too

A new study detected traces of THC, a primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the urine of children exposed to secondary marijuana smoke. Higher concentrations were found in non-white children compared to white children. Researchers call for further investigation into secondhand marijuana smoke exposure as a potential health risk.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateDec 7, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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.

Fires blazing across the southern United States

Multiple wildfires are currently burning across several states in the southern United States, including the Boteler, Maple Springs, Tellico, Party Rock, Chestnut Knob, Rough Ridge, and Rock Mountain fires. The largest fire, the Rough Ridge fire, has burned over 19,411 acres in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness Area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 2016

E-cig vapor does not induce genetic mutations associated with cigarette smoke exposure

In a lab-based test using the Ames assay, scientists found that e-cigarette vapour did not cause DNA mutations in bacteria, unlike tobacco smoke. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than cigarettes, supporting growing evidence of their potential as a safer alternative.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateNov 4, 2016
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.

Mutation types in diverse cancers associated with smoking

Researchers identified distinct mutational signatures associated with tobacco smoke, including Signature 4 and Signature 5. These signatures are linked to specific types of cancer, such as lung and larynx cancers, and may be driven by a cytidine deaminase enzyme or other unknown mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 27, 2016

Smoking bans persuade light users to give up the habit

A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateOct 5, 2016
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.

E-cigarette vapor non-toxic to human lung cells in lab tests

Lab tests reveal e-cigarette vapor is non-toxic to human lung cells, even at unrealistically high doses. Cigarette smoke proves cytotoxic, with lung cells showing low levels of toxicity only after equivalent daily exposure in just one hour.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalToxicology Mechanisms and Methods·DateOct 5, 2016

Toxicant levels are on average 95 percent less in e-cig emissions compared to smoke

A recent study by British American Tobacco found that e-cigarette vapour contains toxicant levels on average 95% lower than conventional cigarette smoke. The study measured 142 compounds in e-cigarette vapour and found substantial reductions in toxicant groups, with most cigarette smoke toxicants undetectable.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateOct 4, 2016

Blocking key gene reduces cigarette smoke toxicity in fish embryos

A study led by Duke University researchers found that blocking the production of a key receptor can reduce the toxicity of cigarette smoke on zebrafish embryos. The receptors were found to play a role in early embryonic development, particularly the formation of bone, heart and muscle tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateOct 3, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Majority of US doctors discussing electronic cigarettes with their patients

A survey of US physicians reveals they frequently discuss e-cigs with patients, recommending e-cigs as a way to reduce smoking, but cautioning against using them to quit. However, the study found that many doctors are uncertain about their knowledge of e-cigs and are often asked by patients about their use.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 24, 2016

Blue Cut Fire in California spreads quickly

The Blue Cut Fire in California is a rapidly growing wildfire that poses an imminent threat to public safety, rail traffic, and structures in several areas. The fire has already affected over 82,000 people and damaged an estimated number of structures, with firefighters battling hot, dry, and breezy conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 18, 2016
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.

Mapping the health threat of wildfires under climate change in US West

A new Yale-led study estimates that by mid-century, over 82 million people will experience 'smoke waves,' or consecutive days with high air pollution related to fires. The regions likely to receive the highest exposure include northern California, western Oregon, and the Great Plains.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 15, 2016

'Smoke waves' will affect millions in coming decades

Researchers identified hundreds of western US counties with high risk of exposure to wildfire smoke, affecting up to 82 million people by 2051. The study found that climate change will cause longer, more intense, and frequent 'smoke waves' impacting children, seniors, and communities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 15, 2016

The great evolutionary smoke out: An advantage for modern humans?

A team of Penn State researchers identified a genetic mutation in modern humans that increased their tolerance to toxic smoke and fire. This mutation, found only in humans, may have given ancient humans an edge over Neandertals, who were more susceptible to respiratory problems and cellular toxicity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 2, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Teens who smoke daily are more likely to report health complaints

A new study by Oregon State University researchers has found that teens who smoke daily report significantly higher levels of health complaints than their nonsmoking peers. The study also reveals a widening gap in health complaints between smoking and nonsmoking teens, with girls reporting more health issues than boys.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 28, 2016

A minute of secondhand marijuana smoke may damage blood vessels

A new study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that secondhand marijuana smoke can cause temporary damage to blood vessels, similar to tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke lasted for at least 90 minutes, whereas tobacco smoke exposure recovered within 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 27, 2016

Do you know what you're smoking? Research suggests that you don't

A study published in BMC Public Health found that nearly a quarter of US adults reported looking for information on tobacco constituents, with young adults and smokers more likely to do so. The research suggests that making this information available could improve public health and reduce tobacco use.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 22, 2016

Smoking can hamper common treatment for breast cancer

A new study from Lund University found that smoking affects the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor treatment for breast cancer, leading to a threefold higher risk of recurrence. Smoking also increases the risk of dying from breast cancer or other illnesses during treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJun 17, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UM researcher embarks on field campaign to study effects of smoke on Earth's climate

A UM researcher is leading an international campaign to study the impact of smoke particles on regional climate warming. The experiment will investigate how smoke affects marine low clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean. By understanding this interaction, scientists can improve global aerosol models and climate change forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMay 31, 2016

Fort McMurray wildfire continues to burn

The Fort McMurray wildfire is burning out of control, covering an area of 161,000 hectares, with extreme fire conditions due to low humidity and high temperatures. Residents are advised not to return home until it is safe to do so, while firefighters, including 1,500 employees at the Syncrude facility, work to contain the blaze.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 9, 2016
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.