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The Swiss army knife of smoke screens

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2018
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.

Thirdhand smoke found to increase lung cancer risk in mice

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalClinical Science·DateMar 8, 2018

Study discovers South African wildfires create climate cooling

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.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018
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.

Cells communicate in a dynamic code

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2018

Thirdhand smoke lingers in casino months after smoking ban

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalTobacco Control·DateFeb 8, 2018

Vape shops could be 'valuable allies' to NHS

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 8, 2018
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.

Who's still smoking: Report highlights populations still at risk

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.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJan 31, 2018

E-cigarettes and DNA damage

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

No adverse health impacts from long term vaping -- Study

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.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateJan 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pregnant women in NC exposed to less secondhand nicotine after 'smoking ban'

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 16, 2018

Do less harm: E-cigarettes a safer option than smoking

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 11, 2018

Smoke from wildfires can tip air quality to unhealthy levels

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2018

Researchers discover higher environmental impact from cookstove emissions

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJan 2, 2018
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.

New grants bolster CSU expertise in wildfire smoke impacts

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).

SourceColorado State University·DateDec 18, 2017

'Smoke rings' in the ocean spotted from space

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 11, 2017

Children bear the brunt of secondhand smoke in Bangladesh

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 8, 2017
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.

A model explains effects like the formation of clouds from the sea

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.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

Certain popular cigars deliver more nicotine than cigarettes

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

Children's exposure to secondhand smoke may be vastly underestimated by parents

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 15, 2017

Editorial: Use big tobacco's Nov 26 corrective statements to reduce smoking

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateNov 15, 2017

Nicotine's hold: What the gut and gender have to do with it

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateNov 1, 2017
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.

Smoking may cause inflammatory bowel disease

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 31, 2017

Studies support the reduced-risk potential of glo™

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.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateOct 24, 2017

UBC researchers create definitive method to detect wildfire tainted wine grapes

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2017
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 casts doubt on warming implications of brown carbon aerosol from wildfires

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 11, 2017

Too little is known about wildfire smoke

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCurrent Topics in Toxicology·DateOct 3, 2017

Text messaging program may help some pregnant women kick the smoking habit*

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.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 2, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How forest fires spoil wine

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

Risk of lung cancer death by smoking status among patients with HIV

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 18, 2017

Thirdhand smoke exposure effects on liver and brain found to worsen over time

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalClinical Science·DateSep 14, 2017
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.

Cosmetic surgery may help patients quit smoking

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 29, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New meta-analysis shows peer influence doubles smoking risk for adolescents

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 21, 2017

Schoolchildren who use e-cigarettes are more likely to try tobacco

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTobacco Control·DateAug 17, 2017

Where there's fire, there's smoke -- and social media

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...

SourceColorado State University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 2, 2017

Exposure to toxins in e-cig vapor varies depending on scenario

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 2, 2017

Wildfires continue to beleaguer Western Canada

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 1, 2017
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.

CU Boulder, Rutgers to study impacts of nuclear war

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 18, 2017

Study reveals lung changes in mice exposed to second-hand smoke in utero

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRespiratory Research·DateJun 26, 2017
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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smoke from wildfires can have lasting climate impact

Researchers found that brown carbon released into the air from wildfires is more likely to travel to the upper levels of the atmosphere, where it can cool or warm the air. Brown carbon appears more likely than black carbon to have a greater impact on climate due to its altitude.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 22, 2017

Pitt analysis determines odds of a hookah non-smoker taking first puff

A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that young adults who have a positive attitude towards hookah smoking are more likely to take their first puff. The study suggests that prevention efforts should focus on countering the image of hookah smoking as a fun social activity rather than emphasizing health risks.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 16, 2017

Secondhand smoke ups heart disease in unique group of female nonsmokers -- Amish women

Researchers found that Amish women exposed to secondhand smoke had a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, while men exposed to secondhand smoke tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). The study, conducted in a Pennsylvania Amish community, used a novel method to track exposure and avoided recall bias. Small amounts of second...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2017