http://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Asbestos was once called a miracle material because of its toughness and fire-resistant properties. It was used as insulation, incorporated into cement and even woven into firemen's protective clothing. Over time, however, scientists pinned the cause of lung cancers such as mesothelioma on asbestos fiber inhalation. Asbestos was banned in the many industrialized countries in the 1980s, but the threat lingers on in the ceilings, walls and floors of old buildings and homes. Now a team of researchers from the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K. has developed and tested the first portable, real-time airborne asbestos detector. They hope that the prototype, described in a paper published today in the Optical Society's (OSA) open-access journal Optics Express, will be commercialized in the U.K. in the next few years, providing roofers, plumbers, electricians and other workers in commercial and residential buildings with an affordable way to quickly identify if they have inadvertently disturbed asbestos fibers into the air. http://phys.org/news286713380.html Physics Thu, 02 May 2013 11:36:29 EST news286713380 The top firefighter injury isn't burns or smoke inhalation, but damage to the muscles and skeleton, such as ankle sprain. http://phys.org/news274000746.html Technology Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:19:14 EST news274000746 (AP)—Fresh off a billion-dollar loss in a patent fight with rival smartphone maker Apple, embattled Samsung Electronics Co. now finds itself accused by a labor rights group of mistreating workers in China and illegally using child labor. http://phys.org/news266046752.html Technology Wed, 05 Sep 2012 07:20:01 EST news266046752 Working outside in a cold environment for any length of time is difficult with the protective clothing currently available. Innovative, warmer garments must be developed for those taking part in drilling operations under sub-zero conditions. http://phys.org/news250417327.html Other Sciences Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:22:17 EST news250417327 The Japanese maker of an exoskeleton robot suit to assist walking on Monday unveiled a model that could help nuclear workers weighed down by heavy anti-radiation vests in contaminated zones. http://phys.org/news239862522.html Electronics Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:28:56 EST news239862522 (PhysOrg.com) -- Many rockets, satellites, and spacecraft are driven by hydrazine, sometimes with an oxidizing agent like nitric acid or dinitrogen tetroxide. When filling tanks with these highly toxic substances, technicians must wear full protective clothing—and a failed launch can lead to significant environmental damage. Researchers are thus looking for alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and less toxic, but just as powerful—requirements that are hard to meet in a single material. http://phys.org/news225693061.html Chemistry Fri, 27 May 2011 05:32:43 EST news225693061 (PhysOrg.com) -- A University of Alberta professor has been developing a model for protective clothing that may make firefighters’ jobs safer. http://phys.org/news221315353.html Chemistry Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:29:31 EST news221315353 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels may remain high during winter months, and conditions can change rapidly, suggesting that adults participating in outdoor sports should rely on the season and time of day when judging the need for protective clothing and sunscreen, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Dermatology. http://phys.org/news209061842.html Medicine & Health Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:44:13 EST news209061842 Economy-minded consumers who want protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays -- but rather not pay premium prices for sun-protective clothing -- should think blue and red, rather than yellow. Scientists in Spain are reporting that the same cotton fabric dyed deep blue or red provide greater UV protection than shades of yellow. Their study, which could lead to fabrics with better sun protection, is scheduled for the Nov. 4 issue of ACS' Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. http://phys.org/news174748544.html Chemistry Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:30:01 EST news174748544 (PhysOrg.com) -- In his office, MIT Professor of Chemical Engineering Gregory Rutledge keeps a small piece of fabric that at first glance resembles a Kleenex. This tissue-like material, softer than silk, is composed of fibers that are a thousand times thinner than a human hair and holds promise for a wide range of applications including protective clothing, drug delivery and tissue engineering. http://phys.org/news160760875.html Nanotechnology Tue, 05 May 2009 16:48:15 EST news160760875