Tag

Aerosols

All articles tagged with #aerosols

health27 days ago•16 min saved

Why a few people spread flu far: biology, speech, and the air we share

New research shows that flu outbreaks are often driven by a small minority of people whose high viral loads, particle types, and behaviors—like loud speech and heavy breathing—combine with environmental factors (dry air, poor ventilation) to boost transmission. Factors such as stage of infection, lung capacity, mucus properties, and social context determine who becomes a superspreader, suggesting that biology and behavior together shape who—and where—an outbreak escalates.

via BBC|

#aerosols #droplets #health

health29 days ago•23 min saved

Toilet Plumes Meet Your Toothbrush: What Actually Reduces Microbes

Flushing toilets creates toilet plumes that spread aerosols in the bathroom, and toothbrushes can collect these droplets and harbor biofilms. Studies show common brushes in communal bathrooms carry fecal bacteria, though oral microbes from the user can outcompete some contaminants; closing the lid doesn’t fully prevent spread and covers can trap moisture, promoting other pathogens. The recommended defenses are chemical disinfection or soaking, regular toothbrush replacement, and keeping brushes far from the toilet (ideally in a drying cabinet). Upgrading to vacuum toilets would help, but for now the goal is reducing cross-contamination rather than achieving sterility.

via ZME Science|

#aerosols #bacteria #disinfection

science2 months ago•4 min saved

NASA Data Shows Earth Is Darkening and Experiencing Increased Heat Imbalance Due to Clouds

Recent research shows that Earth's increasing heat is mainly due to changes in cloud behavior and surface warming, rather than reductions in air pollution or aerosols, highlighting the importance of natural climate variability in global warming.

via Earth.com|

#aerosols #air-pollution #climate-change

science4 months ago•3 min saved

NASA Reports Significant Decline in Earth's Sunlight Reflection Over Two Decades

A study shows that Earth's reflectivity has declined over 20 years, with the northern hemisphere experiencing a net loss of solar energy due to reduced snow and ice cover and fewer aerosols, while the southern hemisphere's reflectivity has increased due to natural aerosol events, impacting climate dynamics.

via Indian Defence Review|

#aerosols #climate-change #earth

health1 year ago•1 min saved

Can Closing the Toilet Lid Reduce Disease Transmission?

A Japanese research team led by Takashi Fukuda at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of closing toilet lids in preventing disease spread. Using a water-saving Japanese toilet, they found that closing the lid reduced aerosol generation to a quarter of that with the lid open, though some particles still escaped. Virus samples placed in the bowl showed minimal risk of infection from surfaces like toilet seats or walls. The team recommends closing the lid, standing 15 cm away when flushing, and cleaning nearby walls regularly.

via The Mainichi|

#aerosols #covid-19 #health

science1 year ago•4 min saved

Oceans' Sulfur Emissions Play Key Role in Climate Cooling

Researchers have quantified global emissions of methanethiol, a sulfur gas from marine life, revealing it cools the climate more than previously thought, especially over the Southern Ocean. This discovery, led by scientists from ICM-CSIC and IQF-CSIC, highlights the significant role of sulfur aerosols in climate regulation and improves climate models by addressing a gap in understanding the cooling effects of oceanic emissions. The study suggests that methanethiol emissions increase known marine sulfur emissions by 25%, enhancing the accuracy of climate predictions.

via Phys.org|

#aerosols #climate-change #methanethiol

science-and-technology1 year ago•2 min saved

EarthCARE Mission Launched to Study Clouds' Impact on Climate

A complex satellite, developed over several decades, has been launched to study the impact of clouds and aerosols on future climate patterns.

via CNN|

#aerosols #climate-change #clouds

spacescience2 years ago•3 min saved

"NASA's PACE Mission: Observing Earth's Invisible Universe from Space"

NASA has launched the PACE mission to study microscopic plankton and aerosols from space, aiming to understand their impact on the planet's climate. The mission will use advanced instruments to observe phytoplankton and aerosols, which play crucial roles in ocean ecosystems and atmospheric processes. The data collected will enhance knowledge of the ocean's influence on the climate cycle and aid in improving climate models. Additionally, the research may support potential strategies for carbon dioxide absorption and address concerns related to geoengineering.

via The Verge|

#aerosols #climate-change #nasa

climate-change2 years ago•5 min saved

Study predicts rise in extreme weather events by 2050 due to carbon neutrality

A study published in Nature Communications warns that achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 may lead to an increase in extreme weather events by that same year. The research highlights the negative impact of declining atmospheric aerosols on global climate, exacerbating the occurrence of extreme weather more than changes in greenhouse gases or the tropospheric ozone layer. The study emphasizes the need to find sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and associated pollutants to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of global warming.

via Phys.org|

#aerosols #carbon-neutrality #climate-change

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Space Debris: A Silent Threat to Earth's Atmosphere

A new study reveals that the Earth's upper atmosphere is being contaminated by metal pollution from space junk that burns up upon reentry. This unexpected level of contamination, which is expected to increase in the future, could have unknown effects on our planet's atmosphere. Researchers discovered high levels of metallic elements, including rare earth metals used in technological components, in the stratosphere. The main source of pollution is believed to be rocket boosters ejected by rockets and falling satellites. The study highlights the need to understand the implications of these metals in the atmosphere.

via Livescience.com|

#aerosols #atmosphere #environmental-impact

science-and-environment2 years ago•1 min saved

Space Junk from Satellites and Spacecraft Pollutes Earth's Atmosphere, Study Reveals

Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have discovered rare elements, including niobium and hafnium, in aerosol particles in Earth's stratosphere. These elements are commonly found in spacecraft manufacturing and are released as metal vapors during reentry into the atmosphere. The study suggests that the number of aerosols linked to space debris could outnumber those produced by meteors, potentially impacting cloud formation and the composition of the stratosphere. While direct health or environmental impacts are unlikely, the researchers warn that the increasing number of satellite launches could lead to a significant increase in trace metals in the stratosphere.

via The Washington Post|

#aerosols #environmental-impact #noaa

climate-science2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Impact of Biological Particles on Climate Calculations

Scientists at CERN have discovered that trees release a type of chemical called sesquiterpenes, which are more effective than expected in seeding clouds. This finding suggests that trees play a significant role in cloud formation and could help refine estimates of the atmosphere before industrialization. The research highlights the need to better understand the composition of a "pristine" atmosphere and may require adjustments to climate models.

via Ars Technica|

#aerosols #climate-models #climate-science

climate-science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Unveiling the Impact: Trees' Revelation Disrupts Climate Calculations, while AI Advances Hurricane Forecasting"

via Ars Technica|

#aerosols #climate-models #climate-science

climate-science2 years ago•6 min saved

Unveiling the Impact of Trees on Climate Calculations

Scientists at CERN have discovered that trees release a type of chemical called sesquiterpenes, which are more effective than expected at seeding clouds. This finding suggests that trees play a significant role in cloud formation and could help refine estimates of the atmosphere before industrialization. The research also raises questions about the accuracy of climate models, as it may have underestimated the prevalence of natural aerosols from trees and plants. Understanding how trees contribute to cloud formation is crucial for predicting future climate changes and developing effective mitigation strategies. However, incorporating the physics of tree aerosols into climate models poses computational challenges. Further research is needed to investigate the interaction between anthropogenic emissions and tree aerosols in cloud formation.

via WIRED|

#aerosols #atmospheric-science #climate-models

climate-science2 years ago•4 min saved

Volcanic Eruptions Have Greater Impact on Climate Than Previously Thought, Cambridge Study Finds

A study led by the University of Cambridge suggests that the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions on Earth’s surface temperature is likely underestimated in standard climate projections, possibly by up to four times. The researchers discovered that small-magnitude eruptions, which occur more frequently than large ones, contribute significantly to volcanic cooling effects by emitting sulphur gases into the atmosphere, highlighting the need for improved representation of all volcanic activities in climate modeling. Although the cooling effect of volcanoes is being underestimated in climate projections, the researchers stress that it does not compare with human-generated carbon emissions.

via SciTechDaily|

#aerosols #climate-modeling #climate-projections