Fine particulate matter from dust storms can exacerbate respiratory diseases, and now scientists have shown that critical care hospital visits spike during and after such events.
aerosols & particles
Effects of Particles on Climate Remain Unsettled
Major advances have been made in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of particles, but major uncertainties remain in determining their radiative forcing effects on climate.
Eyes in the Sky Improve Pollen Tracking
Physicians, public health officials, and experts in remote sensing and ecology recently met to identify ways that satellites, webcams, and crowdsourced science could help them manage asthma and allergies.
Niveles Altos de Contaminación en Chile se Relacionan Con Parrilladas de Hinchas del Fútbol
Misteriosos picos de contaminación—10 veces más altos que los niveles normales—ocurren en Santiago durante los partidos de fútbol televisados y son causados por decenas de miles de parrilladas, revelan nuevos resultados.
Dust in the Wind: Human Impacts to the Colorado Front Range
A recent increase in airborne dust has been attributed to both climate and land use, with human activity playing a substantial role, especially in summertime at low elevations.
Six Ways Satellites Tracked COVID-19
A new database reveals dimmer cities, empty farming fields, and vacant ports.
Clearing the Haze Around Aerosol Assessments
An international gathering of scientists discussed the state of the art in assessments of how aerosol particles in the atmosphere affect Earth’s climate.
Dangerous Bacteria Catch a Ride on Saharan Dust
Saharan dust events can spread bacterial pathogens over long distances, but we may be able to predict the human health risk from exposure.
Pollution Spikes in Chile Tied to Soccer Fans’ Barbecuing
In Santiago, mysterious pollution spikes—tenfold above normal levels—occur during televised soccer matches and are caused by tens of thousands of barbecues, new results reveal.
Hardwood Forest Soils Are Sinks for Plant-Produced Volatiles
New research identifies temperature, moisture, and soil fungi as important factors in influencing how biogenic volatile organic compounds cycle between plants and the atmosphere.