Agricultural fires in Borneo clear land for palm oil plantations, releasing huge amounts of smoke and contributing to climate change. The fires can also cause severe respiratory problems due to the presence of particulate matter and toxic chemicals.
A new study found that increases in state cigarette prices and restrictions on indoor smoking lead to decreases in beer and spirits consumption, but not wine. People who prefer beer or liquor are more likely to be smokers, suggesting a link between tobacco and alcohol use.
SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study of 1074 cancer patients who smoke found that e-cigarette use did not help with quitting traditional cigarettes. The study, published in the American Cancer Society journal, found a three-fold increase in e-cigarette use among smokers over two years.
In the summer of 2014, wildfires burned an area three times larger than usual in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia, with 12,600 forest fires spanning 1.8 million hectares
A partial smoking ban at a homeless shelter led to reduced expired carbon monoxide levels, indicating less smoking and/or secondhand smoke exposure. Residents supported the policy change, with most smokers believing it would improve resident health.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateSep 22, 2014
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.
Numerous agricultural fires are burning in Eastern Europe, primarily in Ukraine. These fires were likely intentionally set to manage land and return nutrients to the soil, but also produce smoke that degrades air quality.
Smoke from the Selway Complex and Johnson Bar fires is wafting into the Selway River valley, as detected by NASA's MODIS satellite on September 15, 2014. The fires, ignited by lightning strikes between August 10 and August 25, have spread to over 9,600 acres.
A study of frequent marijuana users found that negative emotions increased in the days leading up to use and didn't improve with cannabis. The research suggests that this can create a vicious cycle where people continue to use the drug despite feeling worse afterward.
SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 15, 2014
The Selway complex of fires has grown to 1,659 fires, mostly contained. The Johnson Bar fire, sparked by a lightning strike, has affected 8,867 acres and is currently 55% contained. Warmer weather may increase fire activity.
The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) will provide critical measurements on the International Space Station, demonstrating new technology and proving inexpensive missions can make accurate climate predictions. The instrument will track aerosols over population centers and reveal shifts in global climate.
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.
Researchers found a 10-fold decrease in harmful particles in second-hand e-cigarette smoke, but increased levels of certain toxic metals like nickel and chromium. This study provides insight for regulatory authorities and highlights the need for better manufacturing standards for e-cigarettes.
Researchers adapted the Ames test to assess mainstream cigarette smoke's toxicity, showing concentration-dependent mutations in bacteria. The modified test uses multiple bacterial strains and whole-smoke aerosol exposure, providing a more complete picture of the toxic profile.
SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateAug 26, 2014
A total of 133 active fires are currently burning in the North Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The fire danger is moderate to high, with smoke potentially affecting some communities.
A new study finds that black carbon pollutants from wood smoke may increase women's risk of cardiovascular disease, with the health effects exacerbated by co-exposure to motor vehicle emissions. Women living closer to highways were found to have three times higher blood pressure than those away from highways.
SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014
A large-scale study of 55,568 individuals found that heavy smokers have a 75% higher risk of dying than non-smokers. The study also identified a genetic variant that increases tobacco consumption and is associated with higher blood nicotine levels.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 25, 2014
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.
A recent study from the University of Waterloo monitored smokers switching to cigarettes with reduced nicotine levels, finding no change in puffing behavior or toxic chemical exposure. This suggests that reducing nicotine levels may not lead to an increase in cigarette consumption or nicotine intake.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCancer Epidemiology·DateAug 22, 2014
The Beaver Complex and July Complex wildfires in California have burned over 35,000 acres, with the Oregon Gulch Fire affecting 25,683 acres and the California fire burning 9,464 acres. The fires are currently 100% contained, but resources continue to be focused on hotspots.
Numerous wildfires have impacted Russia's landscape this summer, producing smoke that has drifted to the Arctic Sea. The smoke contains a mixture of particles and chemicals produced by incomplete burning of carbon-containing materials.
Dozens of fires burn in the Northwest Territories, producing massive amounts of smoke that have drifted over the Labrador Sea. The smoke carries hazardous particles and chemicals, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
A rare pyrocumulonimbus cloud has been spotted over Canadian wildfires, posing a risk to air quality. The cloud, which is an extreme manifestation of pyrocumulus clouds, can inject smoke and pollutants high into the atmosphere, affecting areas far from the fire site.
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.
NASA captured images of a large swath of smoke from Canadian wildfires hovering over the Great Lakes and settling over the Bay of Baffin, which borders Greenland. The fires have been raging this summer, with some smoke drifting southward into the US.
Fires and smoke are as widespread as they were in July, with hundreds of fires detected across the region. The Air Quality Health Index reached 12 on August 3, indicating a high health risk due to air pollution.
A blanket of heavy smoke covers dozens of wildfires in remote eastern Russia areas caused by lightning strikes. The fires spread rapidly, covering the landscape with no apparent stopping point.
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.
Researchers found that burning outside the traditional late spring frame has no measurable negative effects, but may have multiple benefits. Burning in the fall or winter increases flexibility and ensures pasture gets burned without reducing grass production.
SourceKansas State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2014
Forest fires in the Northwest Territories have destroyed over 893,000 hectares of land, with lightning blamed for most fires. The ongoing wildfires are also affecting residents in Yellowknife, prompting residents to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality.
A new study reveals that nicotine and its metabolite cotinine can inhibit DNA damage caused by NNK, a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke. The study suggests that these compounds may protect against one form of DNA damage, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalToxicology in Vitro·DateJul 28, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A swath of smoke from Canadian fires drifted across the Great Lakes region of the U.S., with visible paths taken by the smoke as it moved southeastward. The smoke originated in Manitoba and parts of Ontario before crossing the lakes.
Heavy smoke from forest fires in the Northern Territories has triggered a high health risk warning for Yellowknife and surrounding areas. The smoke contains harmful particles and chemicals, posing risks to vulnerable populations such as those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
A significant increase in forest and land fires was detected in Riau province, with 154 hotspots reported on July 20, 2014. The smoke from these fires poses a risk to air quality, potentially spreading to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
Severe forest fires are burning across the region, with 160 wildfires currently active, and a total of 855,000 hectares burned so far this year. The area burned has grown eight-fold compared to the 10-year average, posing high fire danger in the region.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 16, 2014
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.
A new study estimates the potential cancer risk by age group for non-dietary ingestion and dermal exposure to third hand tobacco smoke. The results indicate potentially severe long-term consequences, particularly to children, with cancer risks exceeding EPA recommendations in three-quarters of smokers' homes.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 16, 2014
On July 11, 2014, NASA's Aqua satellite captured a natural-color visible image of the region showing smoke from various fires. The NSW Rural Fire Service was tracking 29 active fires in eastern New South Wales.
The NOAA GOES-West satellite captured images of brownish haze from Canadian forest fires drifting into South Dakota. Fire danger is high across much of Canada, with evacuation orders issued for several communities affected by smoke.
NASA captured satellite images reveal extensive wildfires in central Russia, with hotspots and smoke plumes indicating active fires. The smoke contains various pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter, posing health risks to nearby populations.
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.
Scientists have discovered a new form of soot particle, 'superaggregates,' emitted by wildfires in regions like Southeast Asia and Russia. These particles contribute up to 90% more warming than conventional soot particles, warranting further research.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2014
A Johns Hopkins-led research team found that motivational interviewing significantly reduced secondhand smoke exposure among children living in households with smokers. The study showed a 17% increase in prevalence of home smoking bans and a 13% decrease in smokers in the intervention group.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 2014
A new study finds that menthol cigarette users smoke an average of 43 cigarettes per week, nearly double the amount smoked by non-menthols. The study also reveals that menthol smokers are almost three times more likely to intend to continue smoking in the next year.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJun 20, 2014
Smokers who struggle to quit may have weaker response to rewards in their brains, making it harder to overcome nicotine addiction. Researchers used fMRI to study the striatal response to monetary reward in smokers expecting to smoke and those not planning to do so.
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.
A study of adolescent friendship networks and smoking use over time found that friends exert influence on both starting and quitting smoking, but the influence to start is stronger. Nonsmoking friends are unlikely to provide resources needed to help their smoking peers quit, making peer pressure a significant barrier to cessation.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 11, 2014
Research at Euroanaesthesia meeting found that children exposed to indoor coal-burning stoves and/or second-hand tobacco smoke experience higher postoperative complications and excessive pain after tonsillectomies. Elevated carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations were linked to increased pain sensitivity and more frequent use of painkillers.
SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 1, 2014
A study found that observing e-cigarette use increases young adult smokers' desire to smoke both combustible and e-cigarettes. The study suggests a need for policy attention on the secondary effects of e-cigarette use on observers.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 27, 2014
The Funny River Fire in southern Alaska has been reported as 30% contained, affecting 158,585 acres. The fire is spreading northeast towards Skilak Lake Road, prompting evacuations and closures along the Kenai River.
The Slide Fire smoke has shifted from Flagstaff to Sedona in Arizona, covering over 20,000 acres of the Coconino Forest. Crews have completed the final perimeter burnout and are working to hold the containment line along the west edge of the fire.
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.
The Skunk Fire in Arizona has expanded to 23,642 acres as of May 18, according to Inciweb. The fire is expected to pose a high fire danger due to strong winds and low humidity.
Research reveals prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with reduced brain activity and increased ADHD symptoms in young adults. The study found that individuals exposed to tobacco smoke in utero showed weaker response inhibition, a key symptom of ADHD.
Research reveals that smoking during pregnancy can lead to adult diseases such as lung disease and metabolic syndromes. The study found that rat pups exposed to tobacco smoke in utero had a higher risk of developing metabolic disease and respiratory issues later in life.
The Yucatan Peninsula experienced severe fires during its dry season, from January to May, with the number of fires growing as the season progressed. The fires, which may be wildfires or accidental, produce smoke degrading air quality and pose a threat to local farmers' crops.
Uninsured low-income adults in non-expansion states have delayed healthcare, emergency department visits, and multiple health conditions. Those in expansion states also experience poor health, but to a lesser extent. The study highlights the benefits of Medicaid expansion for those in need.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A new study found that cigarette smoking among obese women interferes with their ability to taste fats and sweets, making them more likely to consume high-calorie foods. The study suggests that this may contribute to the consumption of more calories, exacerbating weight-related health issues.
Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol found that men who started smoking before age 11 had sons with significantly higher body fat content compared to those who started smoking later. This study suggests a potential transgenerational effect of tobacco exposure on metabolic changes in the next generation.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 2, 2014
Hundreds of agricultural fires burn across Sierra Leone, predominantly due to slash and burn agriculture. The fires, which peak in March and April, release greenhouse gases and particulates posing a threat to human health and regional climate.
A recent study by IHME found that a small number of US counties are driving declines in smoking rates, with some seeing significant drops over the past decade. These counties tend to have more progressive tobacco control policies and programs.
SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalPopulation Health Metrics·DateMar 24, 2014
Research from The Netherlands found that high-potency cannabis users still take in more THC than lower potency smokers. Despite attempting to compensate by inhaling less smoke, titration efforts were only partially successful, resulting in roughly half of the THC strength being absorbed.
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.
Researchers found a significant decrease in snuff smoke exposure among non-smokers in Spain after the implementation of tobacco control laws. The perception of being exposed to snuff smoke decreased by 36.5% at home and 25% overall, indicating smokers are restricting indoor smoking.
SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2014
Researchers have found that third-hand smoke compounds can cause DNA damage and stick to it, potentially leading to cancer. The biggest risk is for babies and toddlers who are more vulnerable to environmental hazards. Removing affected items and taking steps like vacuuming and washing clothes can help reduce exposure.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that over half of non-smoking pregnant women (55%) are passive smokers. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and cognitive development issues. Researchers attributed this largely to their partners' smoking at home.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 5, 2014
Researchers created temperature maps to study how RIP bands influence cigarette burn rate and chemical composition. Temperature differences were found between RIP and regular cigarettes, potentially affecting PAH levels.
SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalThermochimica Acta·DateMar 4, 2014
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.
A study found that exposure to passive smoke in childhood causes direct and irreversible damage to the structure of children's arteries. Children exposed to both parents' smoking have thicker artery walls, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. The study supports banning smoking in cars where young people are present.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 4, 2014
Tens of thousands in Riau struggle with air pollution due to land-clearing fires; schools closed for safety. Legal cases against suspected companies ongoing.