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Cooking with wood may cause lung damage

A study found that people who cook with biomass fuels like wood are at risk of suffering considerable damage to their lungs due to breathing in dangerous concentrations of pollutants and bacterial toxins. The researchers also found a smaller subset of biomass users who had very high levels of air trapping and abnormal tissue mechanics.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 25, 2020
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.

Coming out as bisexual associated with increased risk of smoking: BU study

A new BU study finds that bisexual youth are twice as likely to start smoking compared to their straight peers. Coming out as lesbian or gay did not increase the risk of smoking. The research highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by bisexual young people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 6, 2020

NYCHA secondhand smoke policy needs more time and effort to show how well it works

A new study by NYU Langone researchers found that tenant exposure to secondhand smoke in NYCHA buildings has not declined despite a smoking ban implemented one year ago. The policy requires more intensive efforts to support and enforce the rule, including better training for building managers and resident education.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 5, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Flying through wildfire smoke plumes could improve smoke forecasts

Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

International team tracks record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires

A global team of researchers found a record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires that measured 1,000 kilometers across and remained intact for three months. The team's findings provide critical information on the impact of wildfires on the Earth's atmosphere, which is expected to increase due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 29, 2020

Researchers find confusion over masks for wildfire, COVID-19 crises

A study by Stanford researchers recommends clear guidelines on mask use during wildfires and COVID-19 crises. They suggest reconciling evidence-based messaging, clarifying mask types, and providing culturally sensitive formats to reach vulnerable groups.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 28, 2020

A call for more comprehensive smoking cessation programs for cancer patients who smoke

Research shows that intensive smoking cessation counseling for newly diagnosed cancer patients improves quality of life, reduces complications and increases survival. The study found that providing six months of inexpensive tobacco cessation support at diagnosis can result in significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

California's August Complex largest fire in state's history

The August Complex of fires has grown to over 1,000,000 acres burned, making it the largest fire in California's history. The complex is 58% contained and poses a significant threat to structures in several areas, including Hidden Valley and Wildwood.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2020

Parents less aware when their kids vape than when they smoke

A UCSF study found parents are more likely to know their child is using e-cigarettes if they're older and male, but less aware of vaping compared to smoking. Parents setting strict household rules can help prevent tobacco use in children.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 5, 2020
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.

Study looks at encoding the odor of cigarette smoke

A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers uses new technology to identify receptors responsible for encoding the complex odor of cigarette smoke. The study's findings could lead to the development of blockers to improve smoking cessation rates, which are notoriously low.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateSep 30, 2020

Videos most effective in communicating with parents about secondhand smoke risks

A study found that video messages are significantly more effective than text-only messages in influencing parent smokers' intentions to protect their children from secondhand smoke. Videos depicting the risks and solutions were most effective, especially when including recommendations for cessation and exposure reduction.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateSep 30, 2020

Tests indicate modern oral nicotine products elicit lower toxicity responses than cigs

New research by British American Tobacco indicates that modern oral nicotine products (MOPs) are less biologically active than traditional cigarettes and snus, with some products failing to elicit a biological response. The study suggests MOPs may be a reduced-risk option for users who switch completely from smoking.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateSep 28, 2020
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.

Wildfire smoke more dangerous than other air pollutants for asthma patients

A new study found that wildfire smoke leads to a 6.1% increase in medical visits for asthma patients compared to days with similar pollution levels from other sources. The research team suggests that wildfire PM is more hazardous than non-wildfire PM for asthma patients, likely due to differences in chemical composition or human behavior.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateSep 22, 2020

Unexpected wildfire emission impacts air quality worldwide

Researchers detected nitrous acid levels two to four times higher than expected in wildfire plumes globally, driving increased ozone pollution and air quality harm. The chemical accelerates the formation of lung-damaging ozone pollution downwind of fires, with significant variations depending on ecosystem type.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2020

Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, New Zealand survey shows

A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 17, 2020
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.

Does the Mediterranean diet protect against rheumatoid arthritis?

The analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women who smoked or used to smoke. Among these individuals, high adherence to the Mediterranean diet resulted in 383 cases per 1 million people per year compared to 515 cases per 1 million people per year.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 10, 2020

Lockdown did not reduce "most harmful" type of air pollution in Scotland

A study found that lockdowns in Scotland had little impact on outdoor air pollution, with no decline in toxic fine particles despite a 65% reduction in vehicles on the road. Instead, people may be at greater risk from air pollution in their own homes due to increased indoor exposure.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 8, 2020

UC study: Secondhand smoke sends more kids to the hospital

A new UC study found that children exposed to tobacco smoke have higher rates of hospital admissions and respiratory-related procedures, with increased risk of asthma treatments. The study suggests that emergency departments should screen for tobacco smoke exposure and provide resources to families.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 8, 2020
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.

NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP captures fires and aerosols across America

The NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite captured images of smoke obscuring the US landscape, indicating a significant area of deep red range suggesting hazardous aerosol concentrations. Aerosols from fires can affect climate, visibility, and human health, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 8, 2020

Insights into behavior during chimney tops 2 fire could improve evacuation planning

Research at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that people's sense of danger lowers when exposed to smoke, leading to a false sense of security. The most critical factor for evacuation decisions is perceived risk, with increasing perceptions leading to increased likelihood of evacuation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateSep 2, 2020
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.

Beating noise via superposition of order

Researchers at UQ and Griffith University use quantum superposition of order to successfully transmit information through two noisy channels. The technique, which can nullify the effect of one noisy medium on another, has potential applications in satellite communication and secret sharing.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateAug 25, 2020

NASA's Terra Satellite shows smoky pall over most of California

A massive wildfire complex has engulfed California, with over 650 fires burning in the state. NASA's Terra satellite captured the smoke-engulfed state on August 24, 2020, revealing a pervasive smoky pall that has affected areas from California to Minnesota and Nebraska.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2020

Low-cost home air quality monitors prove useful for wildfire smoke

Four low-cost air quality monitors provided actionable information during wildfire events, with correlations to reference monitors being 'phenomenally good.' However, the devices required adjustments and checks to use their numbers, with an estimated adjustment factor of 0.48 for PurpleAir PA-II monitors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalSensors·DateAug 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's Aqua satellite shows two views of the apple fire

The Apple Fire has grown to 26,850 acres with 15% containment, spreading into sparse wilderness areas due to low moisture content and high temperatures. NASA's Aqua satellite provided two images of the fire, including a true color image and one showing corrected reflectance bands for burn scar detection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2020

Study suggests increased risks for COVID-19 patients who smoke, vape

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as cerebrovascular-neurological dysfunction. The study suggests that the virus can affect the brain and lead to ischemic strokes in smokers.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Wildfire smoke has immediate harmful health effects: UBC study

Exposure to wildfire smoke affects the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems almost immediately, according to a UBC study. The researchers found that even within one hour of exposure, ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions increased.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 24, 2020

Study finds evidence that loneliness makes it harder to quit smoking

Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAddiction·DateJun 15, 2020

New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples

Researchers found that Māori and Pacific people who struggle to quit smoking may find it easier to switch to vaping if they find it satisfying and are exposed to fewer smoking cues. The study provides valuable insights into the uptake of electronic nicotine delivery systems among these communities.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 24, 2020
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.

Scientists recreate DNA damage caused by toxins from smoking

Researchers recreated DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke in laboratory-grown human bladder tissues. The study found that while direct DNA damage from smoke toxins is unlikely to cause bladder cancer, they may accelerate other DNA-damaging events.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 28, 2020

Observed 'gateway' effect of e-cigarettes among teens 'likely to be small'

Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMar 17, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Humans transport dangerous smoke residues indoors

Research discovered that tobacco smoke off-gassing transports contaminants equivalent to several cigarettes of secondhand smoke into indoor areas. Thirdhand smoke includes residual chemicals left on surfaces and skin, presenting significant health risks to non-smokers.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2020

Third-hand smoke is no joke, can convey hazardous chemicals

A new study from Yale University reveals that third-hand smoke can travel into indoor spaces through human contact, exposing non-smokers to hazardous chemicals. The research found that even in well-ventilated areas like movie theaters, people can carry and release third-hand smoke contaminants, posing health risks.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

Moviegoers contaminate nonsmoking movie theater with 'thirdhand' cigarette smoke

Research shows that concentrations of nicotine and smoking-related volatile organic compounds spike when moviegoers enter a non-smoking theater, equivalent to up to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke. The study highlights the need for regulation and warns of the health risks of thirdhand exposure, especially for infants and children.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020
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.

UBC researchers develop strategy to protect wine grapes from smoke-taint

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a preventative strategy for protecting grapes from volatile phenols in smoke, which can impact wine flavor. Applying an agricultural spray composed of phospholipids to wine grapes one week before exposure to simulated forest fire smoke significantly reduces smoky flavor compounds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2020

For weight-loss surgery patients who quit smoking, relapse is common

A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that nearly all weight-loss surgery patients quit smoking at least a month before their operation, but the prevalence of smoking steadily climbs back to pre-surgery levels within seven years. The researchers suggest that ongoing support is needed to reduce and quickly respond to relapses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateFeb 21, 2020

Vapers show chemical changes in their genome linked to cancer

A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found that vapers and smokers exhibit similar epigenetic changes in their genome, which can cause genes to malfunction. These chemical alterations are commonly found in human cancer and other serious diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEpigenetics·DateFeb 12, 2020
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.

Health: Daily smoking and drinking may be associated with advanced brain age

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that daily smoking and heavy drinking may be associated with modest increases in relative brain age. Researchers used machine learning methods and MRI to analyze data from over 17,000 individuals and discovered a correlation between smoking habits and increased brain age.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2020

Butt emissions: Study finds even extinguished cigarettes give off toxins

A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that used cigarette butts emit toxic chemicals, including nicotine and triacetin, into the air. These emissions can persist for several days, posing health risks to people in close proximity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 29, 2020
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.