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Transport, domestic activities and agriculture are the main contributors to air pollution related mortality in European cities

A study by ISGlobal found that transport is the main contributor to NO2-related mortality, while residential and agricultural sectors contribute significantly to PM2.5 mortality. The research suggests that strategies to improve air quality should be adapted to each local context.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Wildfire smoke downwind affects health, wealth, mortality

Research from Cornell University estimates that wildfire smoke can cause between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths and cost between $36 to $82 billion per year in the United States. Metropolitan regions near fire sources are likely to experience a large health burden and economic loss.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 21, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop new adsorbent for removing radioactive cesium ions from nuclear wastewater

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
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.

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

Air pollution from oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages, contributes to thousands of early deaths, childhood asthma cases nationwide

A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop high-adsorption phosphates for radionuclide cesium ion capture

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023
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.

Particulate matter linked to increased hospital procedures in heart failure patients

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...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2023

How to land on a planet safely

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 25, 2023

Poor air quality linked to cognitive problems in babies

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Methamphetamine detected in first test in Oceania for airborne drug pollution

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.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalAtmospheric Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Exposure to fine particle air pollution linked to heightened dementia risk

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Air pollution may increase risk for dementia

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Vehicle exhaust filters do not remove ‘ultrafine’ pollution – new study

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...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023
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.

Black Americans, low-income Americans may benefit most from stronger policies on air pollution

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023

Low-cost device can measure air pollution anywhere

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateMar 16, 2023

Extreme nighttime pollution in New Delhi air explained

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

FSU researchers find decaying biomass in Arctic rivers fuels more carbon export than previously thought

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.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

World first study into global daily air pollution shows almost nowhere on Earth is safe

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Breathing is going to get tougher

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 28, 2023

Current air pollution standards tied to higher heart risks

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 24, 2023

Novel air filter captures wide variety of pollutants

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateFeb 23, 2023
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.

Government’s role in promoting wood burning stove emissions unveiled in new study

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Upsurge in rocket launches could impact the ozone layer

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 14, 2023

Air pollution linked with blood pressure in London teens

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023
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.

China’s stricter clean heating policies may have saved thousands of lives – study

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Chess players face a tough foe: air pollution

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 1, 2023

How to make hydrogels more injectable

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateJan 31, 2023

“Dark” side of air pollution across China poses potential health threat

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

EU consumers ‘export’ environment damage to Eastern neighbours

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...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
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.

How to push, wiggle, or drill an object through sand

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2023

Increased atmospheric dust is masking greenhouse gases’ warming effect

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateJan 17, 2023

Exposure to World Trade Center dust exacerbates cognitive impairment in an animal model of Alzheimer’s

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2023

Leonardo da Vinci’s paradox cracked

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.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2023

AI improves detail, estimate of urban air pollution

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateJan 13, 2023
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.

Why chocolate feels so good – it is all down to lubrication

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

VIMS research helps clarify role of water clarity in coastal management

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.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health

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...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2022
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.

Salton Sea dust triggers lung inflammation

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Adults living in areas with high air pollution are more likely to have multiple long-term health conditions.

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2022
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.

Fireworks have long-lasting effects on wild birds

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Air pollution high at US public schools with kids from marginalized groups

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateNov 17, 2022

Low levels of air pollution deadlier than previously thought

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 9, 2022

Does air pollution during pregnancy affect a child’s neurodevelopment?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateNov 9, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

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...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 31, 2022
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.

Does traffic-related air pollution increase risk of dementia?

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 26, 2022