Rapid simulations of toxic particles could aid air pollution fight by providing more precise ways of monitoring air quality and predicting how these harmful substances move through the air. Researchers have developed a new computer modeling approach that significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of simulating nanoparticles’ behavior in the air.

These tiny particles, found in exhaust fumes, wildfire smoke, and other airborne pollutants, are linked to serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Predicting how they move is notoriously difficult, making it challenging to develop effective strategies for mitigating their impact.

The new method allows researchers to calculate a key factor governing how particles travel – known as the drag force – up to 4,000 times faster than existing techniques. This breakthrough was made possible by creating a mathematical solution based on how air disturbances caused by nanoparticles fade with distance.

By applying this approach to simulations, researchers can zoom in much closer to particles without compromising accuracy. This differs from current methods, which involve simulating vast regions of surrounding air to mimic undisturbed airflow and require far more computing power.

The new approach could help better predict how these particles will behave inside the body, potentially aiding the development of improved air pollution monitoring tools. It could also inform the design of nanoparticle-based technologies, such as lab-made particles for targeted drug delivery.

The study, published in the Journal of Computational Physics, was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Lead author Dr Giorgos Tatsios, from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, said: “Our method allows us to simulate their behavior in complex flows far more efficiently, which is crucial for understanding where they go and how to mitigate their effects.”

Professor Duncan Lockerby, from the University of Warwick’s School of Engineering, added: “This approach could unlock new levels of accuracy in modeling how toxic particles move through the air – from city streets to human lungs – as well as how they behave in advanced sensors and cleanroom environments.”

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.