Your unique smell can provide clues about how healthy you are

The science of smell is an exciting area of research.

Aoife Morrin, Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Dublin City University • conversation
Feb. 9, 2024 ~7 min

That sharp, green smell of freshly cut grass? It’s a plant’s cry for help – and it may work as a less toxic pesticide for farmers

Green plants produce a specific gas when under attack to both directly ward off herbivores and pathogens and indirectly lure in herbivore predators.

Sasimonthakan Tanarsuwongkul, Ph.D. Candidate in Biochemistry, University of South Carolina • conversation
Jan. 29, 2024 ~5 min


Wildfire smoke leaves harmful gases in floors and walls − air purifiers aren’t enough, new study shows, but you can clean it up

Wildfire smoke, even from fires far away, carries potentially harmful gases that, once inside, tend to stick around. An air quality specialist offers an easy, cheap, effective way to deal with it.

Delphine Farmer, Professor of Chemistry, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 13, 2023 ~8 min

To deal with drought stress, soil releases more volatile compounds

During drought, soils release more volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere, researchers report.

Rose Brandt-Arizona • futurity
Aug. 7, 2023 ~5 min

Containers keep pesky coating off nanomaterials

New storage containers for nanomaterials use an"ultraclean" strategy to keep VOCs at bay.

Jade Boyd-Rice • futurity
July 21, 2023 ~5 min

How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the long-term risks

The slow release of information about the chemical spill and results of air and water tests have left many questions about the risks and long-term impact.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Director of the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and Center for Plumbing Safety, Purdue University • conversation
Feb. 15, 2023 ~8 min

Cheap sewer pipe repairs can push toxic fumes into homes and schools – here's how to lower the risk

A wave of infrastructure projects is coming as federal funds pour in. Cities need to know the risks from the cheapest, most popular repair method and how to avoid harm.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Director of the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and Center for Plumbing Safety, Purdue University • conversation
Jan. 23, 2023 ~10 min

Homes that survived the Marshall Fire 1 year ago harbored another disaster inside – here’s what we’ve learned about this insidious urban wildfire risk

Noxious smells and blowing ash initially made the homes unlivable. But even after their homes were cleaned, some residents still reported health effects months later.

Michael Hannigan, Professor, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 26, 2022 ~10 min


Homes that survived the Marshall Fire harbored another disaster inside – here’s what we’ve learned about this insidious urban wildfire risk

When the Marshall Fire swept through the Boulder suburbs, scientists began studying the health effects. What they’re learning could help homeowners in the future.

Michael Hannigan, Professor, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 26, 2022 ~10 min

Homes that survived the Marshall Fire 1 year ago today faced another disaster inside – here’s what we’ve learned about an insidious urban wildfire risk

When the Marshall Fire swept through the Boulder suburbs, scientists began studying the health effects. What they’re learning could help homeowners in the future.

Michael Hannigan, Professor, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 26, 2022 ~10 min

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