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How much wildfire smoke is infiltrating our homes?

Researchers found that residents in San Francisco and Los Angeles reduced PM2.5 particulate matter by half indoors on smoky days, despite outdoor levels remaining three times higher. Newer homes with central air conditioning performed better at keeping wildfire smoke out.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Researchers explore how people respond to wildfire smoke

Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Exposure to tobacco smoke in early life is associated with accelerated biological ageing

A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 25, 2021

Sin taxes could unintentionally make others pay

Researchers found that taxi drivers who smoked cigarettes were more likely to cheat riders after the federal excise tax on cigarettes was raised. This spillover effect occurs when targeted individuals defraud others due to perceived unfairness and reduced buying power.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2021

Urgent need for anti-smoking campaigns to continue after pregnancy

A longitudinal study of 63,540 Australian women with more than one child found that 30% of smoking mothers-to-be were able to quit for their next pregnancies, reducing the risk of early birth. Quitting smoking during pregnancy can substantially reduce the risk of future preterm births.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 20, 2021
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.

Wildfire smoke exposure linked to increased risk of contracting COVID-19

A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in Reno, Nev. During a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event, PM2.5 levels were associated with a 17.7% rise in COVID-19 cases.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJul 15, 2021

How does exhaled heated tobacco aerosol behave in the air?

Research finds that exhaled heated tobacco aerosol particles are droplets comprised of 75-85% water, evaporating quickly and not impacting indoor air quality. The aerosol is mostly composed of water droplets, unlike cigarette smoke, which lingers in the air and exceeds IAQ standards.

SourceImperial Brands·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·DateJul 14, 2021

Air pollution from wildfires impacts ability to observe birds

Researchers found that wildfire smoke affects the ability to observe more than a third of common bird species in Washington state. Higher concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, were associated with harder-to-observe bird species, while some species became easier to detect when smoke was present.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOrnithological Applications·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Research study suggests BAT's Modern Oral products have similar toxicant profile to NRT

A recent study published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology found that BAT's modern oral nicotine pouches have a comparable toxicant profile to NRTs, with significantly lower levels of toxicants than traditional oral snus. The study suggests that MO products should be placed close to NRTs on the reduced-risk product continuum.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalDrug and Chemical Toxicology·DateJun 16, 2021

A fiery past sheds new light on the future of global climate change

Researchers have discovered significant smoke aerosols in pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere ice core samples, revealing a much fierier past than previously thought. This finding helps to refine climate predictions by accounting for the cooling effect of smoke particles, which may have been underestimated in current models.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2021

A fiery past sheds new light on the future of global climate change

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere was much smokier than previously thought, shedding light on the future impacts of global climate change. This research used ice core samples to determine the amount of smoke aerosols in the pre-industrial atmosphere.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2021
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.

Timing of exposure to secondhand smoke, ADHD symptoms in children

A Chinese study found a strong association between exposure to secondhand smoke and ADHD symptoms in school-age children. The researchers assessed prenatal, early postnatal or current exposure and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among 1,044 children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 20, 2021

'No level of smoke exposure is safe'

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is associated with epigenetic changes in babies, which can increase the risk of developmental disorders and cancer. The study analyzed data from over 100 pregnant women and found correlations between low levels of cotinine, a n...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 19, 2021
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.

Study raises new alarm over long-term exposure to second-hand smoke

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that chronic exposure to second-hand smoke results in lower body weight and cognitive impairments, particularly affecting males. Researchers used a specially designed 'smoking robot' to expose mice to cigarette smoke over 10 months.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 19, 2021

"Heat not burn" product compared with cigarettes and e-cigarettes

A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 17, 2021

WVU researchers study the effects of vaping during pregnancy

A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMay 7, 2021
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.

Secondhand smoke linked to higher odds of heart failure

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35% increased risk of developing heart failure. The association was strongest in men and among those with previous heart conditions, highlighting the need for education and stringent smoke-free policies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 5, 2021

As wildfires increase in severity, experts call for coordinated federal response

The American Thoracic Society releases a report highlighting the need for research on wildfire smoke's effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as communication strategies to protect public health. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated federal response and dedicated funding to mitigate health risks.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 3, 2021

Wildfire smoke trends worsening for Western US

A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Five studies point to dangers of environmental exposures

Recent studies point to links between environmental exposures and health risks, including respiratory problems from hog farms and inflammation caused by triclosan. Gulf War veterans may also be more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage due to environmental factors.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Faster air exchange in buildings not always beneficial for coronavirus levels

A modeling study suggests that rapid air exchanges can cause a spike in viral concentrations within 30 minutes and remain elevated for up to 90 minutes. Increasing outdoor air and strong filtration reduce transmission risk, but the effect of increased ventilation rate is less obvious.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateApr 22, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

First of its kind study links wildfire smoke to skin disease

A new study found that short-term exposure to hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke can harm skin health, particularly for those with eczema. The research, conducted during the Camp Fire in 2018, saw a significant increase in patients visiting clinics with concerns of eczema and general itch.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 21, 2021

Thirdhand smoke exposure linked to fabric type, heat, and humidity

A UC Riverside-led team developed a simple method to assess contaminants in household fabrics exposed to thirdhand smoke. The study found that THS chemicals are more extractable from fabrics in humid environments, posing greater exposure risks for people living in such conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 15, 2021

Amoeba biology reveals potential treatment target for lung disease

Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateApr 13, 2021
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.

Probing wet fire smoke in clouds: Can water intensify the Earth's warming?

Researchers have developed a novel instrument to measure the effects of water on wildfire smoke absorption, which could enhance light absorption by up to 20%. The findings were tested in laboratory experiments and will be deployed next year as part of a DOE campaign to better understand fire impacts.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalAerosol Science and Technology·DateMar 29, 2021

Children exposed to tobacco smoke use more emergent health services

Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to use emergent health services, leading to higher costs and toll on the nation's healthcare system. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies such as standardized interventions in urgent care settings and promoting smoke-free home and car policies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

Research aims to help Alaskans and visitors avoid wildfire smoke

A five-member team led by Jingqiu Mao at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is working on a tool to provide air quality forecasts for Alaskans and visitors. The team will use satellite data, ground-based instruments, and computer models to create a web-based forecast that can help wildland fire managers deploy resources effectively.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateMar 19, 2021

How bushfire smoke traveled around the world

A study found that Australian fires created a spreading stratospheric haze, peaking in January to March and persisting through July. The particles were transported by mid-latitude cyclone belts and weather patterns, eventually settling around the entire hemisphere.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021
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.

Recreational cannabis use among adults in the home is on the rise, but what about the children?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateMar 17, 2021
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.

Researchers see need for warnings about long-range wildfire smoke

Long-range wildfire smoke is associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Local wildfires were found to be protective of residents' health due to evacuation efforts and media coverage.

SourceColorado State University·JournalGeoHealth·DateMar 9, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Daily emails about chemicals in tobacco lead some smokers to consider quitting

A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 24, 2021

Study shows airborne particulate matter is also contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates

A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 12, 2021
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.

What is surgical smoke and what can be done about it?

Researchers define surgical smoke as a hazardous vapor composed of aerosolized chemicals, with potential to obscure vision, cause respiratory issues, and even contain viruses. Laws mandating its evacuation from operating rooms are recommended to reduce health impacts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAORN Journal·DateJan 7, 2021

New studies suggest vaping could cloud your thoughts

Two new studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between vaping and difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Adolescents who started vaping before age 14 were more likely to experience mental fog than those who started later.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·DateDec 28, 2020

Light smokers may not escape nicotine addiction, study reveals

Researchers found that almost two-thirds of light smokers (1-4 cigarettes/day) and a quarter of those smoking less than weekly were addicted. The study suggests that clinicians should consider lighter smokers for treatment, as they may still require assistance to quit.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A little-known threat: Infectious microbes in wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke aerosolizes bacteria and fungi from burning materials, potentially infecting people who breathe in the plumes. Researchers argue that public health sciences must expand their focus to include the impact of microbial cargo on human populations

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

Wildfire smoke carry microbes that can cause infectious diseases

Wildfire smoke carries microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that can spread infection when inhaled. The study highlights the potential for wildfires to become a source of bioaerosols, which can travel long distances and impact human health.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020