News | Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering (CASE) at WashU

Data collected by the MOSAiC expedition to the central Arctic (shown) and analyzed by McKelvey engineers revealed blowing snow as a previously unaccounted for source of sea salt aerosols, impacting Arctic climate models. Photo by Matthew Shupe, University of Colorado

Blowing snow contributes to Arctic warming

Atmospheric scientists led by Jian Wang discovered abundant fine sea salt aerosol production from wind-blown snow in the central Arctic, increasing seasonal surface warming.

09.04.2023

To conduct a comprehensive analysis of what makes up wildfire smoke plumes, Rajan Chakrabarty’s team spent 45 days traveling to different wildfire locations in the western United States where they sampled gaseous smoke and aerosol species and analyzed their chemical and optical properties. This research was conducted as part of the Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality (FIREX-AQ) field campaign, a joint venture led by NOAA and NASA. (Photo: Steve Brown/NOAA)

Fanning the flames: Wildfires emit potent climate-warming organic particles

Chakrabarty, Mishra team up to reveal wildfires’ unexpected impact on climate change.

08.07.2023

Benjamin Sumlin, a senior scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, blows into a device designed by researchers at the university. The device — a breath test that uses a biosensor — could become a tool for use in doctors’ offices to quickly diagnose people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. (Chakrabarty lab)

Scientists develop breath test that rapidly detects COVID-19 virus

Test results available in less than a minute.

07.31.2023

Researchers working with Randall Martin used satellite remote sensing and advanced modeling techniques to evaluate atmospheric composition and assess sources of fine particulate matter across South Asia. (Credit: Martin lab)

Researchers identify paths for reducing harmful air pollution in South Asia

Analysis of fine particulate matter exposure in South Asia in Randall Martin’s lab points way to improve population health.

07.11.2023

A team of researchers at the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine has developed a proof-of-concept air quality monitor that can detect live SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor environments. The monitor uses a biosensor made with nanobodies that is integrated into an air sampler that operates based on the wet cyclone technology, pictured above. (Image: Joseph Puthussery)

Air monitor can detect COVID-19 virus variants in about 5 minutes

Proof-of-concept device could also monitor for flu, RSV, other respiratory viruses.

07.10.2023

Exploring the impact of spatial resolution on air quality modeling

Researchers in Randall Martin’s lab will investigate the effects of spatial resolution on model simulations of atmospheric chemistry.

06.07.2023

Martin ranked among best environmental scientists worldwide

Randall Martin was ranked No. 48 in the world and No. 26 in United States in Research.com’s world online ranking of best environmental scientists in 2023.

06.06.2023