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Harvard researchers help explain link between emotion and addictive substance use

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.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2020

Young adults using both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes at significantly higher risk of stroke

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...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 2020

JUUL delivers substantially more nicotine than previous generation e-cigs and cigarettes

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateJan 6, 2020

Operating room reproductive hazards for female surgeons

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Review of studies on cigarette smoking, multiple sclerosis

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 16, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Better wildfire and smoke predictions with new vegetation database

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Why cigarettes initially feel disgusting and how this could help smokers quit

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Bushfires on east coast of Australia out of control

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2019
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.

Preventing smoking -- evidence from urban emergency department patients

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.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateNov 4, 2019

Exposure to secondhand smoke associated with eye differences among children

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 17, 2019

How roots grow hair

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019
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.

E-cigarette smoke caused lung cancer in mice

A new study has found that e-cigarette smoke caused lung cancer and bladder issues in mice exposed to nicotine. The study, published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, found that 22.5% of mice developed lung adenocarcinomas after exposure to e-cig smoke with nicotine for 54 weeks.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

Exposure to air pollution increases violent crime rates, study finds

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateOct 3, 2019

Nuclear war between India and Pakistan could kill millions worldwide

A Rutgers University co-authored study finds that a nuclear war between India and Pakistan could result in over 100 million immediate deaths and global mass starvation. The conflict could also lead to a significant decline in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface, causing regional cooling and reduced precipitation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 2, 2019
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.

'Fire inversions' lock smoke in valleys

Researchers have discovered a feedback loop that reinforces atmospheric inversions, locking smoke in valleys and worsening air quality. Understanding this loop enables scientists to predict when fire inversions are likely to occur, aiding firefighters and residents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateSep 12, 2019

Tiny airborne particles from wildfires have climate change implications

A recent study by Arizona State University researchers found that tarballs, tiny organic particles formed during wildfires, can significantly impact local and global climate. The team's analysis revealed that tarballs form through chemical and physical changes of organic aerosols within the first hours following smoke production.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

Warnings on individual cigarettes could reduce smoking

A new study suggests that individual cigarette warnings could be an effective way to discourage smoking among young people and non-smokers. The innovative approach would make health messages more visible and prolonged throughout the consumption experience.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateAug 29, 2019
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.

Persistent plume

Scientists studied a massive wildfire smoke plume that lasted for nearly nine months, providing an ideal opportunity to test climate models. The findings show that black carbon was key to the plume's rapid rise and persistence, challenging previous nuclear winter studies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Reevaluating the impacts of smoke plumes aloft, based on the 2017 Pacific Northwest wildfires

Researchers compared observations with model simulations, revealing gaps in smoke plume rise and duration modeling. The study found that solar heating warmed air within the plume, causing it to self-loft to nearly 23 kilometers, but observed smoke lifetime was 40% shorter than calculated models due to photochemical loss of organic carbon.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Mega-cloud from Canadian wildfires will help model impacts of nuclear war

Scientists used a state-of-the-art climate model to study the lofting and movement of the colossal Canadian wildfire smoke cloud, which contained only about 0.3 million tons of soot. The modeling validated previous theories on nuclear war impacts and provided new insights into potential global climate effects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Cigarette smoke makes MRSA superbug bacterium more drug-resistant

Researchers found that cigarette smoke can change the DNA and characteristics of pathogenic microbes like MRSA, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This stress response sparks an emergency mutation, resulting in hardy variants that are better equipped to resist drugs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 30, 2019

African smoke is fertilizing Amazon rainforest and oceans, new study finds

Research found that African biomass burning is a substantial source of phosphorus deposition to the Amazon, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Ocean. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Earth's climate and may impact primary productivity and carbon dioxide drawdown in both ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019
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.

New e-cigarette laws could drive some users to smoke more cigarettes

Research from Duke Health suggests that new e-cigarette laws could have unintended consequences on existing users, leading them to smoke more traditional tobacco cigarettes. The study found that limiting flavors or customizability of e-cigarettes might cause some users to increase their use of traditional cigarettes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateJul 15, 2019

Arizona's Whiting Knoll fire seen by NASA-NOAA satellite

The Whiting Knoll Fire in east central Arizona has generated enough smoke to be seen from space, with NASA-NOAA satellite images capturing its extent. The fire, which started on June 30, 2019, is burning approximately 1,546 acres and remains only 5% contained.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2019
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.

Scientists find thirdhand smoke affects cells in humans

A study led by University of California, Riverside scientists found that thirdhand smoke can damage epithelial cells in the respiratory system by stressing cells and causing them to fight for survival. The researchers identified 382 genes significantly over-expressed and found pathways affected by these genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2019

Seeing inside superfog

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, successfully replicated superfog formation in a laboratory setting, revealing crucial factors such as low water content, small particle size, and high fuel moisture content. While they can now understand how superfog forms, predicting its occurrence remains uncertain due to comple...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateMay 22, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Most e-cigarette users want to quit, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers University study found that over 60% of e-cigarette users want to quit using e-cigarettes. The study also revealed that more than 25% have tried to quit in the past year and 16% plan to quit within a month.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 21, 2019

Prison tobacco ban significantly reduces secondhand smoke

A new University of Stirling study found that banning smoking in prisons significantly reduced secondhand smoke levels across Scotland. The study, which measured air quality before and after the ban's introduction, showed an average 81% decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 6, 2019
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.

Avoid smoky environments to protect your heart

A large study of 131,739 never-smokers found that passive smoking is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure. The study suggests that avoiding secondhand smoke completely is necessary to protect against hypertension. Researchers recommend stricter smoking bans and help for smokers to quit.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 3, 2019

Sniffing pleasant odors may decrease cigarette craving

A novel approach using pleasant odors could help smokers quit by reducing craving urges. Pleasant aromas significantly decreased urge scores in participants, with those smelling pleasant odors showing a greater reduction than tobacco or blank scents.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateApr 15, 2019

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk that your baby will become obese

A recent study by the University of Kentucky has identified a potential cellular mechanism that connects smoking during pregnancy with an increased risk of offspring obesity later in life. The research found that expectant mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy induce distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in their offspring.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMar 29, 2019

College drinking intervention strategies need a refresh

New study from Michigan State University finds that student social norms and peer approval are crucial in determining drinking behavior. Researchers suggest emphasizing social costs of risky behaviors and promoting messages from peers themselves, not authority figures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateMar 14, 2019
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.

Hookah smokers are inhaling toxic chemicals that may harm the heart

Hookah smoking exposes users to high levels of particulate matter and other harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, and lead. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding tobacco use in any form due to the risks associated with hookah smoking.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMar 8, 2019
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.

Secondhand smoke linked with higher kidney disease risk

A new study has found a strong association between secondhand smoke exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease. Even brief periods of exposure, such as less than 3 days per week, were linked to a higher risk of CKD, with a 66% increased risk compared to those with no exposure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 7, 2019

SDSU study looks to limit secondhand smoke in homes with children

A San Diego State University study found that a combination of coaching, lights, and sound can reduce smoking in homes with children. The 'Project Fresh Air' intervention resulted in a near-20% reduction in smoking and related activity, as well as a decrease in air particle events triggered by secondhand smoke.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalTobacco Control·DateMar 4, 2019

Smoking and alcohol: Double trouble for the brain?

Researchers found that joint use of tobacco and alcohol increased reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rat brain, leading to lower levels of a growth factor essential for neuron survival. The study suggests that alcoholics who smoke may be at additional risk for neural damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2019

Heavy smoking can damage vision, Rutgers researcher finds

Researchers found significant changes in smokers' ability to discriminate contrast levels and colors compared to non-smokers. The study suggests that cigarette smoke's neurotoxic chemicals may cause overall color vision loss and visual processing impairments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 18, 2019
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.

Researchers find genetic vulnerability to menthol cigarette use

Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with an increased preference for menthol cigarettes, specifically in African-American smokers. The MRGPRX4 gene variant is five to eight times more frequent among menthol cigarette users, suggesting a potential underlying factor for the higher use of these products among this population.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 15, 2019

SDSU researchers find new way to measure nicotine exposure in children

Researchers at SDSU have developed wearable wristbands to track nicotine exposure in children, which were compared to traditional urine samples and found to be equivalent. The wristbands may become a useful tool for studying tobacco product exposure in both children and adults.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateFeb 14, 2019

Thirdhand smoke residue exposes children to chemicals

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati found significant levels of nicotine on children's hands, even when caregivers did not smoke in their presence. The study suggests that indoor smoking bans may not fully protect children from exposure to tobacco smoke residue.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateFeb 7, 2019