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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.

If you want to quit smoking, do it now

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to long-term success than gradual reduction. After assessing 697 smokers for four weeks and six months, the research revealed a 25% higher quit rate for those who stopped all at once.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016

Oil fires in Libya continue

The oil refinery fires in Libya have grown significantly since their initial outbreak in January, now covering a large area near Sidra on the coast. NASA has captured images of the burning areas using MODIS's thermal bands, which have been detected in red on the initial image taken on January 07, 2016

The cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.

Extinguishing thirdhand smoke

Thirdhand smoke is a persistent and hazardous environmental contaminant left behind by smoking. Researchers at San Diego State University are studying its spread and effects on human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. The team has found links between thirdhand s...

Newborns in intensive care exposed to thirdhand smoke residue

A small study found that surface nicotine was detectable on mothers' fingers and furniture in a neonatal unit, suggesting exposure to thirdhand smoke. Detectable levels of nicotine metabolites were also found in babies' urine samples, with potential health consequences for vulnerable premature newborns.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateDec 3, 2015

Side stream emissions from 'heated tobacco' products similar to secondhand cigarette smoke

A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry found that 'heated tobacco' products, like iQOS, release chemical compounds into the air when activated, similar to secondhand cigarette smoke. The findings suggest these devices should be regulated similarly to regular cigarettes in indoor spaces.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalJournal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2015

Can reducing nicotine curtail smoking?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can significantly reduce cigarette use and dependence. Researchers discovered that participants who smoked low-nicotine cigarettes showed lower smoking levels and reduced exposure to nicotine.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2015

Stress main cause of smoking after childbirth

A new report from the University of East Anglia found that mothers who quit smoking in pregnancy are more likely to light up again if they feel stressed and lack support. The study highlights the importance of partner support, social influences, and women's beliefs about smoking in preventing postpartum relapse.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAddiction·DateSep 9, 2015

Is incense bad for your health?

A recent study found that incense smoke contains mutagenic properties, causing genetic mutations and potential cancers. Incense was compared to cigarette smoke in a comparison of indoor use, revealing surprising results.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 25, 2015

Air pollution from wildfires may ignite heart hazards

Researchers found a strong association between exposure to tiny particulate pollutants from wildfire smoke and the risk of heart-related incidents, including cardiac arrests, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular events.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 15, 2015