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Suomi NPP satellite continues to monitor Alberta's huge wildfire

The Fort McMurray wildfire in Alberta, Canada, is still burning intensely, with smoke and heat detectable by satellite. Suomi NPP's VIIRS instrument captured daytime images on May 5, showing hotspots indicating the location of fires, while nighttime images on May 6 revealed the fire at night, with smoke appearing light gray.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 6, 2016
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.

Bats' flight technique could lead to better drones

Researchers at Lund University found that long-eared bats use their large ears and body shape to generate lift, challenging previous assumptions about flying animals. This discovery could lead to new aerodynamic control mechanisms for drones.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2016

Human heart cells respond less to e-cig vapour than tobacco smoke

Researchers found that human coronary artery endothelial cells showed a reduced stress response to e-cigarette aerosol compared to conventional cigarette smoke. This suggests that switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes may lead to reduced immediate harm for tobacco smokers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 4, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study reveals COPD linked to increased bacterial invasion

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2016

New report shows electronic cigarettes are beneficial to UK public health

E-cigarettes offer potential to radically reduce harm from smoking in UK society, with benefits found at individual and population levels. The Royal College of Physicians report finds that e-cigarette use is primarily among smokers seeking to cut down or quit, and no grounds to suspect renormalization of smoking habits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoke, dust and an unknown future

Researchers will model uncertain future meteorology and smoke, dust to gain a comprehensive view of possible air quality implications. The study aims to improve predictions of particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.

SourceColorado State University·DateApr 6, 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.

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

Thirdhand smoke linked to type 2 diabetes

A UC Riverside-led study links thirdhand smoke exposure to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in mice, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Exposure to toxins from second-hand smoke causes oxidative stress, damaging proteins and DNA, leading to insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 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.

In emergencies, should you trust a robot?

Researchers found that test subjects followed a faulty robot's instructions during an emergency simulation, suggesting people trust robots too much. The study aims to understand human-robot trust and develop safer robots for emergency situations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Penn research: An FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug could help smokers quit

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that two acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, galantamine and donepezil, reduced nicotine consumption in rats and human participants. The treatment decreased cigarettes smoked daily by 12% and improved feelings towards smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2016

More evidence found on potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes

Research by UofL professor Daniel J. Conklin found e-cigarettes may cause atherosclerosis, a plaque-causing disease leading to heart attacks and strokes. The study exposed mice to varying levels of e-cigarette aerosol, tobacco smoke, or nicotine alone, revealing that multiple constituents have cardiovascular disease-causing potential.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateFeb 11, 2016

Chinese male teens aren't smoking as much, Saint Louis University research finds

Research from Saint Louis University and Chongqing University found that younger Chinese teenage boys are less likely to start smoking than those born longer ago. The study suggests that urbanization and improved access to education may be contributing factors to the decline in smoking rates among Chinese male teens.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 9, 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.

Second-hand smoke increases fatness, hinders cognition in children

Researchers found that exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with increased body fat and poorer cognitive function in children. The study of 220 overweight or obese children aged 7-11 years found that smoke exposure was linked to a larger waist size and reduced attention span, with implications for future health outcomes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJan 28, 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

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2016

For breast cancer patients, never too late to quit smoking

A large study of over 20,600 breast cancer survivors found that those who quit smoking after diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of death from breast cancer. Quitting smoking led to a 33% reduction in mortality rate, with the highest risks observed among long-term smokers and former smokers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 26, 2016

NYU research: Secondhand smoke hazardous to hookah bar workers

A study by New York University researchers found that hookah bar employees are exposed to high levels of toxins and inflammation due to poor indoor air quality. The study recommends regulating the industry to protect both workers and patrons from secondhand smoke hazards.

SourceNew York University·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 25, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

One hookah tobacco smoking session delivers 25 times the tar of a single cigarette

A new meta-analysis reveals that hookah smokers inhale a large load of toxicants, with one session delivering 25 times the tar and 125 times the smoke of a single cigarette. The study suggests that hookah tobacco smoking should be monitored more closely to address this growing health concern.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateJan 11, 2016

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...

SourceSan Diego State University·DateDec 30, 2015

Teens with fewer mental health issues turn to e-cigarettes

A USC study surveyed 3,310 ninth-grade students and found that those with moderate mental health problems who vape e-cigarettes have emotional and behavioral issues midway between smokers and non-vapers. E-cigarette use has tripled among teens in recent years, with flavors like Skittles enticing young people.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 18, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

New finding helps explain why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that nicotine weakens the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol by stimulating the basal forebrain. This discovery sheds light on the close link between alcohol and nicotine usage, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateOct 27, 2015
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.

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
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

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

E-cigarettes serve as gateway to smoking for teens and young adults

A national US sample of 16-26 year olds showed that 38% of e-cigarette users started smoking traditional cigarettes within a year, compared to 10% of non-e-cigarette users. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine slowly, allowing users to become tolerant and advance to cigarette smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

Exposure to wildfire smoke linked to increased ER visits for asthma

Researchers analyzed data from Australia's 2006-2007 wildfires and found exposure to wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospital emergency department visits for asthma. Fine particulates in wildfire smoke are easily inhaled and remain deep in the lungs, causing harmful health effects.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateSep 8, 2015

Pacific Northwest wildfires severe in intensity

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing severe wildfires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with over 27 fires listed in the Inciweb database for Washington state. The largest active fire, Okanogan Complex Fire, has grown to 256,567 acres and is only 10% contained.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 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

Smoke from western fires wafts eastward

Smoke from western fires mixes with atmospheric particles to obscure landmasses in eastern states, altering sunset colors. Residents notice increased reddish hues due to filtering of shorter wavelength light by smaller smoke particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015
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.

New research: Teen smokers struggle with body-related shame and guilt

A study by Concordia University found that exercising regularly can reduce body-related guilt in teen smokers, while non-active smokers experience higher levels of shame. The research suggests that physical activity may be a promising solution to prevention and cessation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 19, 2015

Air pollution from wildfires may ignite heart hazards

Researchers found a significant association between wildfire-related air pollution and an increased risk of heart-related incidents, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and emergency department visits. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular health events.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 15, 2015
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.

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

Airway test reveals e-cigarette vapor produces similar result as air

Researchers used a unique combination of tests to investigate the potential adverse effects of e-cigarette vapour on airway tissue. The results show that despite six hours of exposure, the impact of e-cigarette vapour on airway tissue is similar to that of air.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalToxicology in Vitro·DateJul 14, 2015

Secondhand smoke increases stroke risk by 30 percent for nonsmokers

A recent study found that secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke by 30% for nonsmokers, regardless of other factors such as hypertension and heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 22,000 participants, suggests stricter smoking regulations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 8, 2015
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.

Nanometer catalyst cleans up bad cigarette smoke in smoking room

A new nano-catalyst filter, developed by KIST, can remove 100% of particle substances in cigarette smoke, converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. The air cleaning equipment based on the catalyst can purify over 80% of cigarette smoke within 30 minutes and 100% within 1 hour in a 30 square meter smoking room.

SourceKorea Institute of Science and Technology·DateJul 8, 2015

Satellite sees smoky skies over World Cup soccer

A natural-color satellite image taken on July 05, 2015, shows the impact of Canadian wildfires on the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals in Vancouver. The smoke from three wildfires in the Boulder Creek Wildfire complex grew rapidly, blanketing the stadium and surrounding areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 2015

Cancer survivors who smoke perceive less risk from tobacco

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that cancer survivors who currently smoke report fewer negative opinions about smoking and have more barriers to quitting. They are also more likely to be exposed to other smokers, which may contribute to continued smoking.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateJul 2, 2015

Lake fire and San Gorgonio fire in California

Two major wildfires are burning in California: the Lake Fire, which is 17,305 acres in size and has slowed its growth, and the smaller San Gorgonio Fire. The fires have forced the closure of hiking trails and caused air quality issues in surrounding areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Washington wildfire in California

A lightning strike sparked the Washington Fire near California Highways 4 and 89, fueled by strong erratic winds and severe drought conditions. The fire has grown to 8,000 acres since initial firefighting efforts began on June 19.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2015