Wildfires have become an increasing threat in the Western United States, with devastating effects on both public health and the environment. As these fires rage, they release enormous amounts of aerosols into the atmosphere, which can travel far and wide, impacting air quality and human health. A recent study, published in Environmental Science: Atmospheres, has shed light on the alarming consequences of wildfire smoke on air quality and the planet’s short-term weather.

The research, led by scientists Siying Lu and Andrey Khlystov from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), monitored air quality in Reno, Nevada over a 19-month period between 2017 and 2020. During this time, more than 106 wildfires impacted the city’s air, with smoke accounting for up to 65% of PM2.5 concentrations and 26% of carbon monoxide levels.

The findings reveal that fine aerosols (PM2.5), which can travel deep into lungs, increased significantly during smoky days. These particles are produced when trees and homes burn, releasing soot and other pollutants into the air. The data also showed that larger aerosols can promote cloud formation and duration by acting as nuclei for water vapor to condense around.

Furthermore, the study found higher concentrations of carbon monoxide present in Reno’s air during smoky days. This gas can reduce the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other organs. In contrast, levels of nitrogen oxides and ozone remained relatively stable during both smoky and average days.

The research team used a combination of equipment on DRI’s roof and data from a downtown Reno EPA air monitoring station to collect hourly concentrations of PM2.5, ozone, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants. They also employed satellite images and fire location information from NASA and NOAA to verify when air pollution was caused by wildfire smoke.

The implications of this study are far-reaching. The findings suggest that wildfires can have a significant impact on local air quality, with potential effects on public health and the environment. As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and severity, it is essential to understand their impact on air quality and develop strategies to mitigate these effects.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of monitoring air quality during smoky days and provides valuable insights into the consequences of wildfire smoke on human health and the planet’s short-term weather. As we continue to face the challenges posed by wildfires, it is crucial that we prioritize air quality research and public health messaging to ensure a safer and healthier environment for all.

Scientists at the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way we detect diseases. A team of researchers has developed a small, portable device called ABLE (Airborne Biomarker Localization Engine) that can collect and detect airborne molecules associated with various diseases.

The ABLE device is just four by eight inches across and is designed to capture air from its surroundings, condense it into liquid droplets, and analyze the contents for biomarkers of disease. This technology has the potential to transform the way we diagnose and monitor diseases, particularly in high-risk populations such as premature infants.

The researchers envision the ABLE device being used in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even homes. They believe that this technology could enable non-invasive testing for diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and respiratory infections.

One of the main challenges in developing the ABLE device was overcoming the problem of dilution. In air, the particles you’re looking for can be as few as one in a trillion, making it difficult to detect them using traditional methods. The researchers overcame this challenge by designing a system that captures and condenses air into liquid droplets, allowing for easier detection.

The ABLE device has already shown promise in detecting biomarkers associated with various diseases. In one test, the researchers used a cup of coffee as a proof-of-concept, blowing vaporized coffee into the device and collecting it in liquid form. The distinct aroma of coffee emanated from the liquid, demonstrating that the device can successfully detect airborne molecules.

The researchers are now working to refine the design and miniaturize the ABLE device further to make it wearable. They also plan to collaborate with medical professionals to explore the potential uses of this technology in various clinical settings.

This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for medicine and public health, and scientists are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. As one researcher noted, “This work might start many new studies on how these airborne impurities affect phase change behaviors, and the new physics can be used for many applications.”

The urban environment plays a significant role in the development of asthma, particularly in densely populated areas with limited green spaces. A recent study conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet has shed light on this issue, highlighting that nearly one in ten asthma cases can be avoided with a better urban environment.

The study, which involved over 350,000 people from seven European countries, analyzed the impact of air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and urban density on the risk of developing asthma. The researchers used satellite images to assess the environmental exposures, categorizing areas as grey (buildings), green (green spaces), or blue (water).

According to the study, nearly 7,500 participants developed asthma during the study period. The researchers found that 11.6% of these cases could be attributed to the combination of environmental factors, such as air pollution and lack of green spaces.

“This is a significant finding,” says Zhebin Yu, first author of the study. “Our research shows that by improving the urban environment, we can reduce the risk of asthma in children and adults.”

The study’s findings have important implications for urban planning and policy-making. By identifying areas with high environmental risks, policymakers can take steps to mitigate these risks and create healthier environments.

“The method used in this study can be applied to existing urban areas as well as new developments,” says Erik Melén, professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education, Södersjukhuset, and last author of the study. “This will enable us to better understand how environmental factors contribute to disease development and inform strategies for prevention.”

The researchers plan to conduct further studies, including an examination of blood samples from some participants to identify their metabolome – a composite picture of the body’s metabolism and breakdown products.

This research has significant implications for our understanding of asthma development and may lead to new strategies for preventing this condition. By improving the urban environment, we can reduce the risk of asthma and create healthier communities.