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New indicators for monitoring photosmog

Croatian researchers have developed new indicators that can be used to analyse photochemical pollution and smog caused by ozone. The indicators are based on simple mathematical formulae and could make it easier for those who monitor pollution levels to make meaningful comparisons between different sites.




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Unravelling the complex chemistry of the atmosphere

Although there have been significant advances in the understanding and monitoring of atmospheric processes in the last decade, a recent study suggests that uncertainties in their assessment continue to grow and more complex studies are required to understand the precise relationship between atmospheric chemicals, such as air pollutants, and climate change.




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Analysing trends in tropospheric levels of ozone

A new study has analysed trends in ozone levels in the European troposphere from 1996 to 2005. It indicated that average levels have been increasing despite reductions in pollutants that influence ozone formation. However, it also identified year-by-year variations, caused by climate and weather events, and suggested they could be masking the impact of emission reductions on long-term ozone trends.




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Leaked hydrogen fuel could have small negative effects on atmosphere

Using hydrogen as an energy carrier can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fossil fuels, according to recent research. However, if used on a large-scale, it is important that hydrogen does not leak significantly into the atmosphere as it might have some negative environmental effects, such as increasing the lifetime of methane, increasing climate effects and causing some depletion of the ozone layer.




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A mixture of urban tree species best for removing atmospheric ozone

Planting trees in urban areas has been recognised as a cost-effective means of reducing air pollution for several major cities worldwide. In a new study, the impact of tree species diversity on levels of ozone pollution in Rome was assessed. The results suggest that different species of tree complement each other in providing this important ecosystem service.




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Tourist cruise ships increase atmospheric pollution in the Arctic

Levels of air pollution significantly increase on the island of Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic when tourist cruise ships are present, according to a recent study. With shipping levels rising in the region, the researchers recommend that stricter emissions regulations are introduced in order to limit the impact of pollution on the Arctic environment.




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New ozone-depleting chemicals found in the atmosphere

Four ozone-depleting gases, previously undetected in the atmosphere, have been found by new research. The work suggests that more than 74 000 tonnes of these human-made substances have been released since 1978, and that two are continuing to accumulate in the atmosphere. However, it is not yet known where they come from.




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Further sulphur dioxide reductions would lead to greater health benefits

EU air pollution legislation to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) has effectively reduced rates of premature deaths, new research suggests. Moreover, additional reductions would lead to even further public health benefits, the researchers say.




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Sulphur and nitrogen pollution falling - but still harming ecosystems

European emissions of sulphur and nitrogen pollution have fallen greatly in recent decades, a new report shows. However, even at present levels they harm sensitive ecosystems, and will continue do so for some years to come.




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Citizen scientists map air pollution with smartphones

Citizen scientists have helped to map pollution across the Netherlands using their smartphones. Their results, produced by thousands of volunteers, are presented in a study which shows how a combination of mass participation and smartphone technology can be a powerful approach to environmental monitoring.




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Nitrous oxide could be removed from the atmosphere with simultaneous generation of renewable energy

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and atmospheric pollutant. A new study proposes tackling both problems by removing N2O from the atmosphere using a combination of two innovative technologies — photocatalytic breakdown of the N2O to nitrogen and oxygen, and this within a solar chimney power plant that generates renewable electricity. Although some way off from commercial development, the researchers say this approach is feasible, and they outline how these two technologies can be integrated to reduce the climate impact and polluting effects of N2O emissions.




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Vegetative Vigour Terrestrial Plant Test adapted for assessment of atmospheric pollution

It is important to understand the extent to which atmospheric (air) pollution damages plants (i.e. its phytotoxicity) as well as the wider ecosystem (i.e. its ecotoxicity). For this reason, researchers have adapted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Vegetative Vigour Test1 for the assessment of the ecotoxicity of samples of aerosol (suspensions of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air). Typically, the test involves spraying the trial liquid on above-ground portions of the plant, such as the leaves. The adapted protocol involves extracting water-soluble aerosol compounds from aerosol samples to spray on the plant. The new protocol is sensitive enough to determine phytotoxicity and establish a clear cause–effect relationship, and as such has the potential to serve as a useful tool for the assessment of the effects of air pollution on environmental and human health.




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Enabling innovation in AMEA – a symphony of cloud solutions

Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (AMEA) have always been at the heart of world trade. Vibrant and dynamic, AMEA is a region with huge potential; its markets are driving growth around the world and are seen as important prospects for investment.




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Enabling innovation in AMEA – a symphony of cloud solutions

Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (AMEA) have always been at the heart of world trade. Vibrant and dynamic, AMEA is a region with huge potential.




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Changes to Physical Delivery of Bids & Proposals

March 30, 2020: Effective immediately, physical deliveries should be dropped off to the lobby of the Government Center in the secure drop box labeled Department of Finance and Budget, Division of Procurement.




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Cortex 55: Go for the Big Elephant

Grey has made a grown up acquisition, Myke is having a laundry situation, and they both discuss working effectively in different locations.




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Three children rescued in the Philippines after tip-off from Australian authorities

An ongoing investigation by Australian authorities into the sexual abuse of children in the Philippines, including suspected live distance abuse committed by an Australian citizen, has resulted in the rescue of three children and the arrest of one woman in the Philippines.




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YMCA of Greater Houston Reopening Update from President and CEO Stephen Ives




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Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes comes to St Albans with his new tour

Named by the Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer”, Sir Ranulph Fiennes is to embark on a live tour across the UK, coming to the Alban Arena on Monday, March 23.






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Sensational flavour and lively atmosphere at Thai Square in St Albans

Here in St Albans Thai Square can be found in the historical quarter of the city on the corner of George Street. The entrance of Thai Square is flanked by two stone elephants with their trunks fortuitously elevated. We open the door to a richly decorated lobby.




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Watford Sunday League: St Josephs, The Victoria and Dome Bar book final berths

President’s Cup Semi-Final




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Watford throw away two-goal advantage as Everton triumph at Viacarge Road

Watford’s survival hopes have suffered another blow after they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to ten-man Everton at the death at Vicarage Road.





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Heathrow boss says social distancing at airports is ‘physically impossible’ 




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​Physicists prove that 2D and 3D liquids are fundamentally different 

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CPHC Central North Pacific Outlook

The Central North Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.




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IOC Wins Approval On Phase 1 Development Plan

Full contract awards are expected shortly for key Phase 1 workstreams.




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Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse joins Twitter elite

Tyson is known for his somewhat irreverent tweets about space and science.



  • Arts & Culture

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Astrophysicists hunt for time travelers on Twitter and Facebook

But apparently, time travelers shy away from promoting their whereabouts on social media.




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Female scientists respond to sexist comments with 'distractingly sexy' photos

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Tim Hunt talked about his 'trouble with girls' this week, and women in the scientific community responded perfectly.



  • Arts & Culture

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Wild thing, you make my phone ring

Find your animal soul mate and download its mating call from the Center for Biological Diversity's Love Calls of the Wild ringtone collection.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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How to choose the best wine to drink on Valentine's Day [Infographic]

A fun, not-so-serious, but still-helpful chart that helps you select a vino based on what you're doing, not what you're eating.




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12 photos of cuddling animals to make Valentine's Day a little more snuggly

These adorable pictures are sure to warm even the coldest heart.




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Transit of Venus: Hubble telescope, Venus share the frame in dramatic photo

Photographing the historic Venus transit of the sun is special enough on its own, but one space photographer managed to get NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in the




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Students get better grades when phones are banned

Those struggling academically saw 14% increase in test scores.




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There's a lot of glyphosate in kids' cereals

All of the oat-based cereals tested by EWG had traces of what the World Health Organization has named a "probable carcinogen."




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Syphilis cases on the rise in U.S. men

Although syphilis was nearly eliminated from the U.S. about a decade ago, the sexually transmitted disease has resurged in recent years.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

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Phallus-shaped mushroom can instantly trigger an intense female orgasm

A brightly-colored fungus found only on Hawaiian lava flows might be the most powerful aphrodisiac ever discovered.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Dirty facts about the BP oil catastrophe

A compilation of some of the most disturbing factoids about BP and the federal government's response to the catastrophe.




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Jindal's photo album of wetlands oil

Louisiana Gov. Jindal puts up Flickr album of gruesome oil creeping into Louisiana wetlands.




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Infographic of the Year: xkcd's Money Chart

The cartoonist responsible for beloved webcomic xkcd is also an ace infographic designer. His "Money Chart" is the definitive portrait of a cash-strapped, cash-




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Imagine a world without oil: Infographic

Thanks to our oil addiction, such a world would include rolling blackouts, minimal transportation, dwindling food supplies and possibly war.




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Plant the Plate infographic argues for increased fruit and vegetable production

America does not grow enough fruits and vegetables to satisfy USDA recommendations for all citizens. This infograhic makes the argument easy to understand.




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Hidden dangers in your baby's nursery [Infographic]

Make sure your new baby's room is safe and healthy for the whole family with these quick and easy tips.



  • Babies & Pregnancy

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Odd gadget holds both a smartphone and a baby bottle. But why?

Is the idea behind Swipe & Feed smartphone/baby bottle combo genius or ridiculous?



  • Babies & Pregnancy

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Photos: Brazil faces eco-challenges ahead of Rio+20

More than 100 world leaders and tens of thousands of protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro next week for the Rio+20 summit in hopes of overcoming years of d



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Photos: In Rio, a different kind of environmental summit takes shape

As world leaders fly into Rio de Janeiro for Rio+20, thousands of people from indigenous tribes, environmental groups, unions and religious organizations gather




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Snuggling with baby penguins and other perks of being a wildlife photographer

Sue Flood's new book on emperor penguins, 'Emperor: The Perfect Penguin,' is the culmination of 9 years of work.