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.
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.
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.
A study by San Diego State University researchers found that cleaning thirdhand smoke residue in homes can reduce nicotine contamination, but the effects are temporary. Frequent vacuuming, dusting, and surface cleaning can help minimize exposure to household dust and touch surfaces.
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Wildfires have ravaged western states, with over 3.1 million acres burned in California alone. Climate experts blame drought, heat, and strong winds for the disaster.
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.
Aerosols from western fires detected by NASA's Terra instrument pose a significant threat to climate and human health. High concentrations of aerosols can reduce visibility, impact respiratory systems, and exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
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.
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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.
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.
The NOAA-NASA satellite has revealed detailed images of the Elkhorn Fire in California, highlighting burned areas and fire-affected regions. The satellite's reflective solar bands provide valuable information for firefighters and scientists to track the spread of the fire.
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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.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured two images of California's wildfires, showing the direction of smoke travel and aerosol layer thickness. The smoke was traveling in two directions, with some heading east to Salt Lake City and others west into the Pacific Ocean.
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.
A recent study by Colorado State University atmospheric scientists aims to settle the debate on black carbon's impact on cloud formation. The research found that black carbon is not as important as previously thought for ice particle formation in mid-level clouds.
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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.
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.
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.
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A study found that smokers, even those with a lower body mass index (BMI), have a higher risk of depositing fat in organs and tissues compared to non-smokers. This excess fat can disrupt normal functions and increase health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
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.
Experts say mask requirements protect workers at retail stores and restaurants from COVID-19. Mandatory mask-wearing could normalize in the US like it has in east Asia.
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.
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The Bighorn Fire, which started in the Catalina Mountains on June 5th, has grown to 65,536 acres and is 33 percent contained. The Suomi NPP satellite captured a massive smoke trail extending 63 miles southeast and 41 miles northeast, providing critical information for fire management and ecosystem monitoring.
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.
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.
Research on mice shows that gut microbiome alterations can slow cancer growth when exposed to cigarette smoke. Cancer-promoting effects of smoke are eliminated with antibiotics, and the immune system plays a crucial role in this process.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
A new vapour product called iSwitch has been shown to have significantly fewer and lower levels of certain toxicants compared to cigarette smoke. The study found that the iSwitch vapour contained no or extremely low levels of analytes, even when used at high power settings.
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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.
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.
A new study from UC Davis finds significant disparities between employers' and employees' approaches to wildfire smoke concerns. Many farmworkers prioritize work over safety, while some employers lack clear plans or protocols for managing air quality.
Researchers analyzed data from over 49,000 adults and found that while overall smoking rates have decreased among Americans aged 20+, the rate of stroke survivors who smoke remains steady. The study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking for stroke survivors, citing the highly addictive nature of nicotine.
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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.
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.
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.
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A Swedish study found that infants born to mothers who smoked during early pregnancy have a small increased risk of fractures before age 1. However, the association disappears after age 5, suggesting smoking has only short-term effects on bone health. The study followed over 1.6 million offspring from birth to young adulthood.
The law banning smoking in cars carrying children has been shown to reduce teenage exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke by 72% in England. This significant drop in exposure is attributed to the legislation, which aims to protect children from the harms of secondhand tobacco smoke.
Researchers tracked pollutants from Canadian and US wildfires to reach NYC, causing significant increases in air quality advisories. The study highlights the need for policy-makers to consider long-term air quality management plans due to increasing wildfire smoke.
Research published in the American Heart Association's journal found that hookah smoke causes blood clots to form within an average of 11 seconds, compared to 5 minutes without exposure. Hookah smoking increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
A set of four integrated studies by Harvard researchers reveals that sadness plays a strong role in triggering addictive behavior relative to other negative emotions like disgust. The studies show that individuals experiencing sadness are more likely to be smokers and relapse into smoking after quitting.
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A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that young adults who use both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes have a nearly three times higher risk of stroke compared to non-smokers. The study also found that switching from combustible to e-cigarettes does not reduce stroke risk, highlighting the need for fu...
A new study by UCSF researchers found that JUUL delivers significantly higher levels of nicotine to the bloodstream compared to previous-generation e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The study also revealed that JUUL impairs blood vessel function similarly to cigarette smoke, which can have severe cardiovascular consequences.
Research highlights occupational reproductive hazards for female surgeons in the operating room, affecting physical health and fertility. The study emphasizes the need to mitigate these risks through improved working conditions and safety measures.
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The study found nearly 9 million injuries and over 120,000 deaths worldwide in 2017 due to fire, heat, and hot substances. Heat-related injuries disproportionately kill the very young and very old, with the risk of death greatest in Seychelles and Laos.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured extensive fires burning in New South Wales, Australia, covering approximately 5.3 million acres of land. The resulting smog poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing wildfires.
Researchers conducted a literature review to summarize outcomes in patients with MS who smoke cigarettes and are exposed to smoke. The study found associations between cigarette smoking and increased risk of MS relapses, disability, and mortality.
Researchers investigate how smoke plumes develop and travel from prescribed burns, aiming to create more accurate models for fire managers. They partner with experts in fire management and conduct field experiments to refine their understanding of the complex interactions between fire, topography, and vegetation.
A Hebrew University study found pregnant women who smoke are nearly 50% more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Women who cut down on their cigarette intake still face a 22% higher risk compared to non-smokers or those who quit before pregnancy.
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Researchers created the first comprehensive North American Wildland Fuel Database to improve wildfire and smoke predictions. The tool incorporates best available measurements of vegetation, allowing fire managers to see where fuel information is missing, ultimately informing more realistic smoke predictions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered the brain cells responsible for nicotine aversion in mice, paving the way for new treatments to help smokers quit. The study found that dopamine neurons signal reward and GABA neurons signal aversion in the ventral tegmental area.
NASA's Terra satellite captured a massive image of fires and smoke from Australia's bushfires, spanning the southern Pacific Ocean. Over 1.1 million hectares have burned since September, with more than 70 fires still raging in Queensland.
A record number of bushfires are raging on Australia's east coast, spanning across New South Wales and Queensland. The fires, fueled by hot and dry weather, have burned over 365,000 hectares, with temperatures expected to remain high for the next week.
Studies found that urban emergency department patients who face unemployment and food insufficiency are more likely to smoke. Socioeconomic stressors also affect the likelihood of smoking among men and women, with certain groups showing different patterns.
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A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that heavy smoking can have a causal effect on facial ageing, influencing appearance and wrinkling. Researchers used Mendelian randomization and gene-by-environment interaction tests to identify the effects of smoking heaviness.
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with differences in choroidal thickness among children, with non-exposed kids showing healthier eyes. The study examined over 1,400 young children in Hong Kong and found significant differences in eye health between those exposed and not exposed to secondhand smoke.
A team of researchers has identified a key regulator of root hair growth in plants, revealing a new mechanism for controlling this process. The discovery, made using 'smoke detectors' from fire-following seeds, shows promise for improving crop yields and drought resistance.