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E-cig vapor does not induce genetic mutations associated with cigarette smoke exposure

In a lab-based test using the Ames assay, scientists found that e-cigarette vapour did not cause DNA mutations in bacteria, unlike tobacco smoke. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than cigarettes, supporting growing evidence of their potential as a safer alternative.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateNov 4, 2016

Subnatural-linewidth biphotons generated from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapor cell

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a method to produce subnatural-linewidth biphotons from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapor cell. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables the creation of narrowband biphotons for practical quantum applications.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2016

Harvesting water from air with less energy

Scientists have developed a new system design that collects water from air with significantly less energy, producing high-quality water. This approach uses a liquid desiccant to separate vapor from air and cool only the vapor, resulting in substantial energy savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2016

Bubbles lead to disaster

Researchers used computer models and laboratory experiments to study bubble behavior in magma reservoirs. They found that bubbles accumulate faster in crystal-rich zones, leading to overpressurization and potential sulfur emissions. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of super-volcanic eruptions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Sniffing out a dangerous vapor

University of Utah engineers developed a handheld scanner that can detect small traces of alkane fuel vapor, crucial for preventing oil pipeline leaks and detecting explosives. The portable device will be used to locate leaks in pipelines, airplane fuel tanks, and security threats, providing real-time warnings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalACS Sensors·DateMar 25, 2016

New research introduces 'pause button' for boiling

A team of researchers has developed a method to create a single vapor bubble in a pool of liquid that can remain stable on a surface for hours. This technique enables the microscopic study of vapor bubbles and the optimization of the boiling process, which could lead to advancements in heat transfer systems.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Portable NIST kit can recover traces of chemical evidence

A portable version of NIST's 'headspace analysis' technique has been developed, enabling detectives to carry a convenient version of the method in a briefcase-sized kit. The kit can recover vapors from solid or liquid compounds, including environmental pollutants and forensic evidence, with collection times as fast as 3 seconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·DateJan 7, 2016

Designer crystals for next-gen electronics

Researchers have developed a new process to grow designer crystals using vapour rather than liquid, enabling the creation of faster and more powerful electronic devices. The method uses metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with extremely large surface areas, allowing for the trapping of other molecules and boosting processing power.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015

Squeeze to remove heat: Elastocaloric materials enable more efficient, 'green' cooling

Researchers have discovered elastocaloric materials that can change temperature in response to mechanical stress, enabling more efficient solid-state refrigeration. These materials could lead to environmentally-friendly replacements for traditional cooling technologies, with potential applications in household refrigerators, air condit...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 24, 2015

The new frontier in plasma medicine

Researchers developed new plasma models applicable to medicine using data on oxygen ion transport and interaction with water molecules. These models account for how discharges are created in water vapour, enabling the development of novel therapeutic treatments for wound healing and dermatology.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 18, 2015