A biologically inspired membrane, called memzyme, can capture 90% of carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants with a low cost of $40 per ton. The membrane uses an enzyme to rapidly and selectively dissolve carbon dioxide molecules.
A new study found that wildfire smoke exposure is associated with increased rates of ER visits for heart-related complaints, including ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, and pulmonary embolism, among adults aged 65 and older. The risk was greatest on dense smoke days.
Research from Harvard University shows that agricultural fires in Punjab, India can increase air pollution in Delhi by 20 times the safe limit. The study used satellite data and modeling to track the impact of smoke particles on urban areas.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.
A recent study published by British American Tobacco found that vaping does not cause the same level of tooth discoloration as smoking. The research used cow's teeth to test the impact of e-cigarette vapour and tobacco-heated products on tooth colour, with surprising results.
Researchers have developed a zeolite filter to reduce carcinogens in smoked foods, resulting in superior smoke flavor. The filtered smoke was found to contain up to 93% fewer carcinogenic compounds than unfiltered smoke.
Researchers have created a new kind of smoke that can block both visible and infrared detection, which is crucial for military operations. The development could lead to the creation of a 'Swiss army knife' of smoke grenades with multiple spectral capabilities.
A new study shows that airway cells damaged by cigarette smoke can be reversed when exposed to glo vapour. The results suggest that glo may have reduced risk compared to conventional cigarettes.
Researchers found that thirdhand smoke exposure increases lung cancer risk in mice, with toxic residues damaging DNA and leading to mutations. Early exposure is associated with increased incidence and severity of lung cancer.
A recent study by UMBC physicists found that the interaction between wildfire smoke and clouds results in a net cooling effect, contrary to previous understanding. The team discovered that the smoke increases cloud reflectivity, leading to an overall cooling effect.
Researchers discovered that biomass smoke from South Africa significantly enhances the brightness of low-level clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean, creating a cooling effect. This process helps counteract the greenhouse effect and results in substantial climate cooling.
A clinical study by British American Tobacco found that switching to glo significantly reduces exposure to cigarette smoke toxicants. The results indicate that glo vapour has lower levels of toxicants than cigarette smoke.
A study found that nearly all adolescents aged 13-19 in an economically disadvantaged San Francisco population had measurable levels of NNAL, a biomarker for exposure to tobacco smoke. The prevalence of tobacco exposure was highest among African-American adolescents, with 32% identified as active smokers.
Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.
A new study found that thirdhand smoke residue remains in casino surfaces six months after a smoking ban, posing health risks to non-smokers. The researchers recommend casinos implement smoking bans sooner to reduce the toxic legacy of tobacco use.
Research shows that vape shops provide valuable behavioural support for quitters and offer an opportunity for socialisation to reinforce vaping. Vape shops could be a valuable ally to the NHS in reducing smoking, according to new study.
Scientists found that glo vapour triggered only two gene changes in human airway tissue, whereas cigarette smoke caused thousands of changes. This suggests glo vapour may cause less damage to cells compared to smoking conventional cigarettes.
A new report highlights the persistence of smoking among vulnerable subpopulations in the US, including lower education and socioeconomic groups, certain racial/ethnic communities, and those with mental illness. The American Cancer Society calls for increased attention to novel interventions to address these disparities.
Research reveals e-cigarettes deliver carcinogenic compounds to human cells, damaging DNA and reducing repair mechanisms. Mice exposed to e-cigarette smoke showed increased DNA damage in vital organs, mirroring effects seen in cultured human lung and bladder cells.
A 24-month clinical trial found that regular e-cigarette use does not have negative health effects on smokers. The study showed reduced nicotine withdrawal symptoms, lower exposure to cigarette smoke constituents, and no increase in body weight.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pregnant women in North Carolina experienced reduced secondhand smoke exposure since the passage of the 'smoking ban' in 2009. Despite overall reductions, racial and socioeconomic disparities persisted among African-American, unmarried, and less-educated women.
A new study suggests that e-cigarettes can reduce premature deaths and life years lost compared to smoking, making them a promising alternative for smoking cessation. The authors argue that harm minimization is essential and that nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches are more appealing but less effective.
Wildfire smoke plumes spread across the US, causing devastating effects on air quality and health. Researchers found that smoke from wildfires can tip air quality to unhealthy levels, particularly in urban areas with high population densities.
A collaborative team from Washington University in St. Louis conducted field studies in Raipur, India, to quantify the true scope of particulate emissions from cookstoves. They found that emissions were higher than previously estimated, with some cases exceeding twice the levels detected in laboratory experiments.
Thomas Fire contained to 60% thanks to improving weather conditions, with satellite images showing reduced hot spots and smoke. However, forecasted strong north winds may reignite the fire, prompting concern for continued spread.
Colorado State University researchers are expanding their study of wildfire smoke impacts thanks to new grants. The awards will fund research into modeling how aerosols from fires travel and react in the air, building on previously collected data from the Fire Influence on Regional and Global Environments Experiment (FIREX).
The Thomas fire, California's fifth-largest blaze, is being closely monitored due to the satellite's ability to provide detailed temperature differences within the burn scar. Severe fire weather continues to threaten communities in Santa Barbara County, with gusty offshore winds posing a significant risk.
Ocean researchers discovered 'smoke rings' that can transport small marine life at high speeds across vast distances. These linked eddies are ten times faster than regular ocean currents and were found in the Tasman Sea and South Atlantic.
In a concerning study, nearly 500 Bangladeshi children aged 9-12 tested positive for recent second-hand smoke exposure. The results reveal alarming rates of SHS exposure among Bangladeshi children, with 95% showing evidence of biochemically validated exposure.
A new study published in Archives of Toxicology shows that common combinations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW PAHs) can help spark the development of cancer, even if each chemical is not known to cause cancer alone.
A new model developed by Alfonso Gañán explains the origin of various phenomena, including cloud formation, wine aroma, and tire smoke. The model predicts the critical size of gas bubbles that determine the release of tiny droplets, which can generate clouds or spread flavors in the air.
Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.
A new study suggests that parents who smoke mistakenly rely on their own physical senses to gauge the presence of tobacco smoke in the air, leading to misconceptions about when and where children are exposed. This lack of awareness can result in inadequate measures being taken to protect children from secondhand smoke.
The American Thoracic Society editorial emphasizes the need for effective tobacco control measures, citing the court-ordered publication of corrective statements by major US tobacco companies. The statements acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the lethal effects of smoking on human health.
A recent animal study suggests that heat-not-burn tobacco products may not offer cardiovascular protection. Exposure to iQOS vapor resulted in a significant decrease in blood vessel function, comparable to cigarette smoke.
A mouse study found significant differences in gut microbiome composition between male and female mice exposed to nicotine, with potential implications for nicotine's addictive properties. The study suggests that the brain-gut relationship plays a crucial role in nicotine's effects, particularly in women.
A new study reveals that cigarette smoke triggers colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers identified CD4+ T cells and a pro-inflammatory protein as the immune cells responsible for this effect. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for Crohn's disease.
New research by British American Tobacco finds that vapour from gloTM has no toxic effect on human lung cells, unlike cigarette smoke. The study's results indicate that gloTM is substantially less harmful and may be considered a reduced-risk alternative.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have created a definitive method to detect wildfire-tainted wine grapes, providing accurate and quick results. The new test detects volatile phenols present in the fruit prior to wine production, helping wine producers and grape growers manage the impact of smoke exposure on wine flavor.
Scientists found gloTM vapour produces significantly lower levels of harmful compounds compared to cigarette smoke. The study measured 126 substances and found that 102 were emitted 95% less in gloTM vapour than in cigarette smoke.
Scientists ranked glo™ and other next-generation products against conventional cigarettes, finding reduced toxicants in vapour and biological impact on cells. Glo™ produced a substantially reduced response compared to cigarette smoke.
A Keck School of Medicine of USC study found that teens vaping high-nicotine e-cigarettes were 14 times more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes per day. High nicotine concentrations increased the risk of becoming frequent smokers among youth.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
A study found that a more intensive text messaging program helped some pregnant women quit smoking during pregnancy. The combo of Text4baby and Quit4baby was particularly effective for women age 26 and older and those in the second and third trimester. However, resolve to quit seemed to disappear postpartum.
Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.
A new study projects increased lung cancer death risks among people living with HIV who smoke, with heavy smokers facing the highest mortality rates. The study suggests that tobacco use accelerates lung cancer development and should be prioritized in comprehensive care for HIV patients.
Researchers found that thirdhand smoke exposure causes significant health effects in mice as early as one month after initiation of exposure, including liver damage and insulin resistance. The effects worsen with time, with stress hormones increasing and immune fatigue developing at longer exposure durations.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that cigarette smoke triggers epigenetic changes in human airway cells, sensitizing them to genetic mutations. These changes precede and silence key tumor suppressor genes, leading to increased KRAS signaling and cancer development.
New studies reveal that e-cigarette refills contain respiratory irritants and increase symptoms in smokers. E-cigarette use is most common among smokers, with dual users experiencing the worst respiratory symptoms.
A new study found that more than 1 in 4 European workers are exposed to secondhand smoke at work, with indoor workplaces seeing an increase in cases. The research, which surveyed over 55,000 people across the EU, highlights the need for stronger enforcement of existing smoke-free laws.
A long-term follow-up study found that many patients who received instructions to stop smoking before cosmetic surgery were more likely to quit or reduce their cigarette use. The study suggests that targeted messaging with specific examples of the negative effects of smoking may be an effective way to encourage smokers to quit.
A new meta-analysis finds that having friends who smoke doubles the risk of adolescents starting and continuing to smoke. The study also reveals that peer influence is stronger in collectivist cultures, where adolescents are 4.3 times more likely to pick up smoking if their peers smoke.
A recent UK study found that schoolchildren who use e-cigarettes are 34% more likely to smoke a cigarette within a year. The research, led by the University of Leeds, surveyed over 2,800 adolescents and found that e-cigarette use was a strong predictor of smoking initiation, particularly among those with no friends who smoked.
Researchers found that e-liquid and vaping device variations can lead to high toxin levels, exceeding occupational limits for acrolein, formaldehyde, and diacetyl. Typical use scenarios result in lower toxicity compared to secondhand tobacco smoke.
A Colorado State University study shows a strong correlation between Facebook posts about visible smoke and commonly used datasets for estimating smoke exposure. The researchers found that Facebook was a better tool than satellite data in pinpointing smoke exposure, with daily maps of Facebook posts matching standard smoke monitoring s...
In British Columbia, over 500 wildfires are currently active, with firefighters battling blazes in three main areas. The region is experiencing its third-worst fire season on record, with 840 fires breaking out since April 1. Firefighting costs have reached $172.5 million, with close to 4,000 personnel working to contain the flames.
A study by University of Stirling researchers found a link between e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette experimentation among never smokers. Young people who tried an e-cigarette were more likely to smoke a cigarette in the following year compared to those who had not.
Scientists are calculating environmental and human impacts of a potential nuclear war using sophisticated climate models and supercomputers. The team aims to provide a solid scientific analysis of the issues, including impacts on agriculture, food availability, and migration activity.
A study published in Respiratory Research reveals abnormal lung structure and function changes in mice exposed to second-hand smoke during gestation, leading to decreased lung function in adult offspring. The research suggests that in utero second-hand smoke exposure can predispose to adult lung diseases.