Articles tagged with Particulate Matter
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increase in hospital procedures for heart failure patients, including stress tests and prothrombin time tests. This suggests that high PM2.5 exposure may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and promp...
Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
Researchers have synthesized NiO nanospheres with fast switching speed and excellent cycling stability, indicating promising application potential in high-performance electrochromic devices. The as-prepared nanospheres exhibited a fast coloring/bleaching speed and excellent cycling stability.
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have doubled lithium storage capacity in hard carbon anodes by exploring lithiation boundary parameters. The study reveals the dual effect of lithium intercalation and reversible lithium film as key to high-reversible capacities.
Research finds exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with a heightened risk of dementia, with a 4% increase in risk for every 2 micrograms per cubic metre increase in average annual PM2.5 concentration. Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide exposure also show a small increased risk.
A new meta-analysis from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a significant association between fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and the risk of developing dementia, with a 17% increase in risk for every 2 μg/m3 increase in average annual exposure to PM2.5.
A new study published in Environment International reveals that vehicle exhaust filters have limited impact on reducing ultrafine particles, which are a major contributor to air pollution. The research shows that current filters are not effective at removing smaller liquid particles, highlighting the need for alternative measures to re...
A new study found that stronger air pollution rules would lower premature death risks for all Americans, but particularly those from marginalized communities. Lowering PM2.5 levels to 8 μg/m3 could reduce mortality rates by 4% for White higher-income adults and up to 7% for Black higher-income and low-income adults.
Researchers developed a new particle resuspension prediction model based on quasi-static moment equilibrium, which considers flow characteristics, particle morphology, and rough wall surface. The model is more accurate than classical models and can be applied to traceability analysis of pollutants.
A low-cost, open-source device called Flatburn can measure air pollution using 3D printing or inexpensive parts. Researchers have tested and calibrated it against existing state-of-the-art machines, making it suitable for community groups and individual citizens to track local air quality.
A new study led by Florida State University researchers found that plants and small organisms in Arctic rivers contribute significantly to carbon export, accounting for 40-60% of particulate organic matter flowing into the ocean. This discovery highlights the importance of rivers as a crucial component of the modern carbon cycle.
Researchers found that wood burning is the trigger for high particulate matter levels in New Delhi at night, producing a unique mixture of gases. These gases condense and form particles when temperatures drop, contributing to the city's notorious smog.
A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.
A study of 3.7 million adults in California found long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) at moderate concentrations is associated with increased risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings suggest the current regulatory standard may not be sufficiently protective.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.
A novel air filter made from corn protein has been developed that can capture small particulates and toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. The filter, which uses functional groups to grab molecules, shows promise for improving air quality in regions with poor air pollution.
A new study published in the British Journal of Criminology found that the number of stoves exempt from UK smoke control regulations has increased ten-fold since 2010. The Deregulation Act 2015 removed obstacles to manufacturers certifying their appliances as 'exempt', contributing to nationwide air pollution problems.
The University of Canterbury researchers found that rocket launches emit gases and particulates that damage the ozone layer. The study highlights the need for coordinated global action to protect the upper atmosphere environment.
A study of 3,284 London adolescents found associations between air pollutants and blood pressure. Higher nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to lower systolic blood pressure in girls, while higher particulate matter 2.5 exposure was linked to higher systolic blood pressure in boys.
A recent study found that China's cleaner heating policies in northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, reduced premature deaths from air pollution by 23,000 in 2021 compared to 2015. The stricter policies led to a significant decrease in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations.
A study by MIT researchers found that chess players perform worse and make more errors when exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter in the air. The probability of error increases by 2.1 percentage points, while the magnitude of those errors rises by 10.8%. Cleaner air leads to clearer heads and sharper thinking.
Researchers have created a set of computational models to predict the structure, mechanical properties, and functional performance outcomes of granular hydrogels. The new framework could make it easier to design materials that can be injected for different types of applications.
A new study reveals a significant increase in nocturnal production of nitrate radicals in China, which could exacerbate air pollution and pose a major health threat. The country's 'hot-spot' for nitrate radical production may worsen ozone and fine particulate pollution if emissions are not reduced.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
Engineers at MIT and Georgia Tech have developed a faster and simpler way to model intrusion through any soft, flowable material. The new method uses Resistive Force Theory (RFT) and adapt it to 3D, predicting forces needed to push objects through sand, gravel, or other soft media in real-time.
A new study finds that global atmospheric dust has a slight overall cooling effect on the planet, hiding the full amount of warming caused by greenhouse gases. The UCLA research found that desert dust levels have grown 55% since the mid-1800s, counteracting warming effects.
Researchers found that mice exposed to WTCPM dust exhibit impaired spatial recognition and memory, as well as changes in genes related to immune-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a peripheral-brain immune inflammatory 'cross-talking' mechanism that may increase cognitive decline risk.
Researchers from the University of Seville and Bristol have discovered a mechanism to explain the unstable movement of air bubbles rising in water. The simulations closely match high-precision measurements, revealing that bubbles deviate from straight-line motion when their spherical radius exceeds 0.926 millimeters.
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
A team of scientists at the University of Leeds has decoded the physical process behind chocolate's sensation in the mouth. They found that fat plays a key role in creating the smooth emulsion, and by understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop healthier luxury chocolates with the same feel and texture.
Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...
Researchers found particulate air pollution concentrations between 10 to 20 times higher inside the Copenhagen Metro system compared to street level. The concentrations measured at stations were 109-168 µg m−3, exceeding EU's 25 µg m−3 standard.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Global rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults have increased significantly between 1990 and 2019, with countries with lower socioeconomic development and women under 30 showing the largest increases. High body mass index is the main contributing factor to this trend.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
Exposure to traffic-related air pollution linked to an increased risk of having two or more physical and mental health conditions. Participants exposed to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide had a greater risk of developing multiple long-term health conditions.
Wild geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands experience significant changes in their behavior after fireworks, including flying further and foraging more, even after the disturbances end. The effects persist for up to two weeks, with birds leaving their sleeping sites and flying hundreds of kilometers non-stop.
A new study found that schools with more students of color and those who receive free or reduced-price lunches have higher concentrations of pollutants, exacerbating health issues such as asthma and heart disease. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can result in increased risk of hospitalization or death.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with delays in children's gross motor, fine motor, and personal-social development. The study of 17,683 infants in Taiwan suggests that protection from air pollution should start during pregnancy.
A recent study suggests that even low levels of fine particulate matter can cause significant mortality risk, contributing to 1.5 million extra deaths globally each year. The research used Canadian data to inform global estimates and highlights the need for improved air quality guidelines.
A new study aims to understand how an air quality alert system can help reduce the health risks posed by wood smoke in communities. Researchers are collecting data from participants who use Burner Alert, a UK-first system that provides real-time pollution levels and recommendations.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found a clear association between tiny air pollution particles and sudden cardiac arrests in Singapore. Researchers identified a short-term effect, with reduced risk of cardiac arrests after exposure to lower PM2.5 concentrations.
A CSU study found that racially segregated communities are exposed to a more concentrated form of air pollution, including toxic metals like lead and cadmium. This disparity is linked to systemic racial injustices and targeted emissions reductions can help reduce exposure.
Researchers from South China University of Technology have developed novel surface modification techniques for nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials, improving their electrochemical performance. The techniques allow for high-performance nickel-rich cathode materials to be synthesized, enabling in-depth mechanisms to be captured a...
Researchers analyzed 30 years of cardiovascular mortality data from the US and UK, finding that lead exposure contributes more to CVD death risks in the US. The study also revealed a steady decline in cardiovascular deaths associated with all environmental factors in both countries.
A new study from Finland found that passenger car preheating produces significant particulate emissions equivalent to driving dozens of kilometers. The study measured auxiliary heater emissions and compared them to calculated emissions from driving, revealing the impact of preheating on air quality.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found an association between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. Fine particulate matter exposure was linked to a 3% increase in dementia risk, highlighting the importance of reducing air pollution to prevent this disease.
Researchers found that a community-specific approach eliminated pollution disparities and reduced overall pollution exposure. The new strategy targeted specific locations with high emissions, effectively addressing decades-long disparities in air quality.
The study found that fine particulate concentration levels decreased by 2-4 micrograms per cubic meter in host countries with embassy monitors. This reduction led to a significant decrease in premature mortality, resulting in annual health benefits of $127 million for the median city with an embassy monitor.
A new study found that air pollution from factories and vehicles is associated with faster disease progression and premature death for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Increasing levels of PM2.5 were linked to more severe disease, faster disease progression, and higher likelihood of dying sooner.
Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
A study found that high levels of air pollution were associated with increased risks of transitioning from healthy to having a stroke, cardiovascular events after stroke, and death. Exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen dioxide was linked to these outcomes.
An international team found that more than 90% of fine aerosol particles detrimental to health and the climate originate from human-made sources. The study revealed high concentrations of nitrogen oxides, exceeding WHO guidelines, and linked air pollution to an annual excess mortality rate of 745 people per 100,000 in the region.
A recent study reveals that anthropogenic air pollution contributes significantly to poor air quality and climate change in the Middle East. The research found that hazardous fine particulate matter from human activities accounts for around 53% of aerosol visible optical depth, posing a significant health risk.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...