Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface. The model simulates the solidification process by considering the droplet behavior and heat transfer between the hotter droplet and cooler surface, replicating experiments with high accuracy.
A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
An international study found Canadians have the highest relative risk of respiratory mortality resulting from wildfire pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires increased risks of all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with about 0.4 percent of total mortality attributable to wildfire smoke.
Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.
A one-year study found that increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lower ventilation rates were associated with slower response times and reduced accuracy on cognitive tests, affecting employees' productivity.
A first-of-its-kind global study links short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter to increased all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortalities. The research found that over 33,500 deaths annually are directly attributable to wildfire pollution in cities worldwide.
Researchers found that residents in San Francisco and Los Angeles reduced PM2.5 particulate matter by half indoors on smoky days, despite outdoor levels remaining three times higher. Newer homes with central air conditioning performed better at keeping wildfire smoke out.
A study developed an HVAC system with HEPA filters, reducing particulate matter removal time in classrooms. The system's optimized airflow control enables efficient PM removal and maintains even indoor air distribution.
A study of over 13,000 people found that exposure to air pollution is associated with increased use of mental health services among those with psychotic and mood disorders. Initiatives to lessen air pollution could improve outcomes for these individuals and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.
A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.
Researchers at Caltech studied ant digging habits and uncovered mechanisms guiding their tunnel construction. Ants use efficient techniques to minimize work, digging straight tunnels along cup edges, and sensing force chains to avoid digging there.
Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.
A study by Politecnico di Torino and Universidade de Ribeirão Preto found that wet scrubbers used in Brazilian sugarcane industry waste up to 70% of water. Dry technologies can achieve similar emissions control with significant energy and water savings.
Domestic burning of wood and dung fuels in Neolithic homes would have exceeded modern internationally-agreed standards for indoor air quality, exposing inhabitants to unsafe levels of particulates. The study suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 could be linked to bone lesions found in the remains of Çatalhöyük's inhabitants.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that soot particles from oil and wood heating systems as well as road traffic contribute significantly to air pollution in Europe. The researchers estimated that 48% of local soot emissions and 52% of long-distance soot emissions reached the measurement site.
Researchers at CU Boulder discovered that a sudden change in slushy iceberg aggregates can trigger calving events up to an hour before they occur. The findings may help scientists predict future sea-level rise scenarios and understand the forces determining how much ice discharges into the ocean.
A new study reveals that coal fly ash makes up a significant portion of particulate organic carbon carried by the Yangtze River in China. The study found that human activities, such as coal burning, have an outsized impact on river sediment, comparable to natural processes.
Researchers have developed a new model, Dynamic Resistive Force Theory (DRFT), to predict the locomotion performance of vehicles and other objects in granular media. The model captures diverse counterintuitive observations in granular locomotion, including behaviors seen in circular and 'grousered' wheel locomotion.
A new study found that nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources affect people of color more than whites, with industry and vehicle emissions being major contributors. The disparities persist across income levels and geographic regions, suggesting systemic issues behind the findings.
Researchers found that high levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with a 60% higher chance of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing respiratory disease. Patients without respiratory disease showed no increased risk. Air pollution may have policy implications, such as reducing particulate exposure.
A sector-based approach to regulations has reduced diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions in California by 78%, outperforming the US average of 51%. The analysis suggests that adopting similar policies could help reduce DPM emissions nationwide, improving public health.
A recent study at the Paul Scherrer Institute has revealed that airborne particulate matter can generate additional oxygen radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage lung tissue. The formation of these radicals is triggered by the interaction of iron and organic compounds under typical weather conditions.
A new study found that some air purifiers, marketed for COVID-19, can create a suite of other pollutants. The devices, which use ionizing technology, can decrease some VOCs but increase others, including harmful substances like formaldehyde and ozone.
Researchers confirm that fine particles in wildfire smoke can be several times more harmful to human respiratory health than particulate matter from car exhaust and other sources. The study, focused on Southern California, highlights the risks of tiny airborne particles with diameters of up to 2.5 microns.
A recent study found that aircraft cabins have the lowest levels of tiny aerosol particles, making them a good option for indoor spaces with low air pollution. The study measured air quality in various environments, including restaurants, offices, and vehicles, and found that aircraft air is exchanged frequently, removing pollutants.
Research in the Lower Gunnison River Basin found that selenium concentrations in fish prey were highest in April and August due to snowmelt and irrigation. This study highlights the importance of considering the timing of exposure to selenium, which can impair development and survival in aquatic species.
Research found that long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and respiratory issues. The study analyzed hospitalization records for over 63 million Medicare enrollees and found a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions.
Research finds elevated air pollution events, like wildfire smoke and inversions, impact indoor spaces. Indoor air quality is up to 30% of outdoor levels during inversions, while wildfires can increase pollution by 78%.
A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.
A research team has proposed new testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production, aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of this technology. The standards will provide a reliable guide for large-scale implementation and further promote research advances in the field.
Fine particulate air pollution stimulates production of inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation of the arteries and elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 29% beyond other confounders.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure lowering is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, especially in patients exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter. The study suggests that ambient air pollution may influence the benefit of intensive BP lowering.
A recent study by University College London researchers found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, are at increased risk of developing AMD. The study suggests that improving air quality could be a key public health priority to reduce the risk of eye disease.
A large-scale study found that air pollution is associated with an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Higher exposure to fine particulate matter was linked to a higher risk of AMD, while other pollutants were associated with changes in retinal structure.
A health impact study estimated the mortality burden attributable to air pollution in over 1,000 European cities. The research found that 51,000 premature deaths could be prevented annually by reducing PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations to recommended levels.
Exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with a greater likelihood of chronic kidney disease. The risk is stronger in urban areas, males, younger adults, and those without comorbid diseases. Air pollution levels can be estimated using satellite-based information.
The Working committee particulate matter recommends concrete countermeasures for indoor areas to reduce COVID-19 transmission. These include window ventilation, exhaust ventilation, air purification systems, and increased N95/FFP2 mask use.
The study led from the University of Turku discovered phosphorus and fluorine in solid dust particles collected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This finding suggests that comets may have delivered life-necessary elements to the young Earth.
Researchers found that particulate matter's oxidative potential, not just its amount, is the main health risk. The study suggests urban areas have higher oxidative potential and more harmful effects on health than rural areas.
Researchers found a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentrations at most monitoring sites, but no significant improvement in particulate matter. In contrast, some areas experienced worse air quality in April 2020 compared to previous years.
Researchers found a significant association between ozone levels and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with a 1% increased risk for every 12 parts per billion increase in ozone. The study also showed that the relationship was present even at concentrations below the EPA air quality standard.
Research led by Queen Mary University of London finds air pollution particles, including metals, in placentas of 15 London women, suggesting a link between maternal inhalation and fetal exposure. The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the effects of air pollution on fetal development.
A study found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 in China is associated with a significant mortality burden, accounting for 30.8 million premature deaths between 2000 and 2016.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with atrial fibrillation have a 1.2-fold higher risk of stroke when exposed to greater levels of pollution. The study, which included neighborhood-specific pollution data, emphasizes the importance of air pollution alerts in advising the ...
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
Researchers discovered that water content and total mass concentration of aerosol particles are key factors in determining aerosol acidity. In populated continental areas with high anthropogenic emissions, the conjugate acid-base pair of ammonium ions and ammonia buffers and stabilizes aerosol pH.
A study found that lockdowns in Scotland had little impact on outdoor air pollution, with no decline in toxic fine particles despite a 65% reduction in vehicles on the road. Instead, people may be at greater risk from air pollution in their own homes due to increased indoor exposure.
A new study finds that air pollution distribution has remained largely unchanged, with disadvantaged communities more likely to have higher levels of particulate pollution. The concentration of fine particulate air pollution has decreased by 70% since 1981 in the US, but socioeconomic disparities persist.
Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns in five Indian cities reduced harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations by up to 54%, comparable to reductions in other cities worldwide. The lockdown also saved an estimated 630 lives and $690 million in health costs.
Researchers monitored air temperature, humidity, and particulate matter pollution during the 2019-20 Australian bushfires. The study found specific combinations of air temperature and relative humidity led to higher pollutant accumulation, highlighting the importance of understanding microclimatic impacts on urban areas.
A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.
A new study from the University of Surrey discovered that roadside hedges protect human health by reducing air pollution exposure, but at the cost of harming plant health. The researchers found that fine particles on leaves were more prevalent on the traffic-facing side of the hedge.
By extending available data, researchers developed a method to estimate mass concentrations of particulate matter from humidity and visibility measurements. This approach has the potential to provide broader understanding of how particulate matter evolves and improve visibility in daily life.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, China experienced up to 90% reductions in certain emissions, but also saw a significant increase in particulate matter pollution. This unexpected phenomenon highlights the need for a comprehensive regulation of precursor gases from all sectors.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon increases the risk of vascular damage in people living in India. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals, showed a non-linear association between PM2.5 exposure and vascular injury.
A new study found that China's countrywide ban on traffic mobility during the pandemic greatly limited automobile emissions and sharply reduced severe air pollution. This led to an estimated 12,125 avoided premature deaths compared to lives lost from the pandemic, with two-thirds of these being from cardiovascular diseases.