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Shapeshifting crystals-varying stability in different forms of gallium selenide monolayers

Scientists investigate the structural stability, electronic states, and transformation of crystal phases of a recently identified polymorph of gallium selenide monolayer. The study reveals that the new phase is metastable, with stability reversing upon applying tensile strain, and large energy barriers for phase transitions.

Almost like on Venus

The study found that Earth's early atmosphere was slightly oxidizing, with carbon dioxide as its main constituent, and had a surface pressure much higher than today due to the hot surface.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2020

Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty

A new study has identified major gaps in the international ozone treaty, which must be addressed to avert stronger climate change and serious risks to human health. The treaty's loopholes include unaccounted for CFC and HFC emissions, leakages from old air conditioners, and emissions of nitrous oxide from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 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

Research zeroing in on electronic nose for monitoring air quality, diagnosing disease

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to computationally design the optimal gas sensor array using metal-organic frameworks. This enables the creation of an electronic nose for detecting air pollutants and diagnosing diseases by measuring gases in a patient's breath. The framework assesses how well different co...

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 30, 2020

Study verifies a missing piece to urban air quality puzzle

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on an under-appreciated source of organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas, showing that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to SOA formation. The research reveals that non-traditional VOCs, such as those found in everyday household products, are a major contrib...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 21, 2020

Volcanoes under pressure

Scientists from Technical University of Munich found that the plug dome's permeability drops significantly as stone alteration increases, leading to an imminent eruption. This discovery enables more reliable prediction of volcanic eruptions, with reduced outgassing being a key indicator of an impending event.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2019

New threat to ozone recovery

A new MIT study identifies chloroform as a significant threat to ozone layer recovery, with increased emissions in East Asia potentially delaying the process by four to eight years. The researchers found that production of products from chloroform is on the rise in the region, contributing to the growing problem.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 20, 2018

Mantle neon illuminates Earth's formation

Researchers used neon isotopes to study Earth's mantle formation, finding evidence of rapid early planet formation and delivery of vital compounds. The findings support the idea that a planet must reach a certain size before absorbing these ingredients, which is consistent with observations of other solar systems.