Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021
A new study reveals unexpected trends in coral reef condition and its environment, contrary to prevailing scientific expectations. The authors found that local threats such as pollution do not lead to a decrease in coral cover, and biogeophysical forcings poorly predict ecosystem-scale coral reef condition.
SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 16, 2021
A new algorithm developed at Caltech allows autonomous systems to recognize their location by analyzing the terrain around them, even in seasonal changes. The system uses self-supervised learning to identify patterns in images, resulting in more accurate localization, with 92% success rate compared to 50% with traditional techniques.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 23, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Scientists used CO2 sensors to track changes in urban emissions, detecting a 33% reduction in Los Angeles and 34% in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region. The study shows top-down methods can produce reliable emissions estimates, giving cities an important new tool to reduce emissions.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 7, 2021
Researchers successfully created amorphous ice similar to interstellar space and on Jupiter's moon Europa, which could help interpret data from future NASA missions. They also developed an envelope system that diverts heat away from buildings and stores it for future use, reducing energy consumption by over 50%. Additionally, scientist...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 1, 2021
Ancient dune fields in Gale crater provide evidence of variable wind directions, shedding light on Mars' climate evolution. The findings suggest that the Martian surface may have been less hospitable to life than previously thought, with a vast expanse of desert sand representing a snapshot of time.
A significant portion of Mars's water is still present on the planet, with estimates suggesting 30-99 percent is trapped within minerals in the crust. This discovery challenges the current theory that the Red Planet's water escaped into space due to low gravity.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2021
Scientists have identified three novel bacterial strains on the International Space Station (ISS) that could aid in growing crops in space. The strains, including a previously undiscovered species, possess genetic determinants for promoting plant growth under stressful conditions.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 15, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers discover that thermal unrest can occur for several years before an eruption, allowing for early warning signs. The study used satellite data to analyze the radiant temperature of volcanoes' flanks, revealing a clear correlation with impending eruptions.
SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 11, 2021
Scientists using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a distant planet, GJ 1132 b, that may have lost its atmosphere but regained a second one. The team believes the current atmospheric hydrogen is being slowly released through volcanic processes to form a new atmosphere.
Researchers at George Mason University are conducting a NASA-funded project to model telluric absorption features using iSHELL stellar spectra and line-spread functions. The goal is to improve EPRV measurements with high precision, enabling the detection of exoplanet atmospheres.
A supermagnetized stellar remnant, magnetar SGR 1935+2154 produced a mix of X-ray and radio signals, including the first fast radio burst (FRB) observed from within our Milky Way galaxy. The event suggests that magnetars in other galaxies may produce similar signals.
The OSIRIS-REx mission has mapped the gravity field of asteroid Bennu, revealing a weaker and less dense core than previously thought. This could put the asteroid's survival at risk in the near future as it may slowly spin itself apart.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers developed an effective environmental monitoring methodology for SARS CoV-2 virus, detecting viral RNA persistence on surfaces for at least 8 days. The study found that a minimum of 1,000 viral particles per 25 cm2 are required to detect the virus effectively.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateOct 7, 2020
Researchers found high concentrations of hematite at lunar high latitudes, strongly correlated with water content. The presence of hematite suggests that Earth's atmospheric oxygen may have oxidized the mineral over billions of years.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 2, 2020
The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateAug 19, 2020
Scientists have unexpectedly found lightning in Jupiter's upper atmosphere, with ammonia playing a crucial role. The discovery reveals a complex atmosphere that challenges previous predictions, indicating an unexpected process causing the phenomenon.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.
Researchers are using Jupiter's mass and orbit to help locate the center of gravity of the solar system, which can signal the presence of massive black holes. By analyzing changes in pulsar timing, they aim to detect gravitational waves that warp space-time.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 30, 2020
A multivariate analysis of sea level data reveals that barystatic and steric contributions drive most interannual variability in GMSL, with ENSO playing a significant role. The study highlights the magnitude of these contributions associated with ENSO events.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020
Severe flooding in the Midwest delayed crop growth by around two weeks and reduced maximum seasonal photosynthesis by 15 percent. This led to a 100 million metric ton reduction in net carbon uptake from June to July 2019.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalAGU Advances·DateMar 31, 2020
Researchers have assessed East Antarctica's Denman Glacier, which has retreated 5 kilometers, and found alarming clues about its condition. The glacier's potential impact on long-term sea level rise is significant due to its sheer size.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists track unprecedented rate of Greenland's ice melting and continued Antarctic loss in a new study. The research used data from NASA's GRACE Follow-On satellites to monitor changes in Earth's gravity and water reserves, revealing striking results.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 18, 2020
A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2020
A recent study found that a reduction in air pollution in Europe has led to fewer extremely cold days, as the decrease in aerosol particles caused changes in the wintertime Northern Hemisphere polar jet stream. This suggests that aerosols have a stronger impact on extreme winter weather than greenhouse gases at regional scales.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 3, 2020
Researchers have developed a new optical atomic clock called the 'tweezer clock' that uses laser tweezers to manipulate individual atoms. This design combines the advantages of two existing approaches, offering improved accuracy and precision, and paving the way for advances in fundamental physics research and new technologies.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 23, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
NASA's AIRS instrument detected coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit around Fengshen's center, suggesting a strong storm. Forecasters expect Fengshen to continue strengthening and reach typhoon status, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.
The U.S. Army's foundational research program has led to advancements in four critical areas of ground combat robotics, including sensing, movement, and teamwork. The government investment is crucial for ensuring U.S. Warfighters maintain a combat advantage, while also aligning research priorities to defeat near-peer adversarial threats.
A comprehensive analysis of the Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence reveals a web-like network of interconnected faults, challenging standard models of large seismic events. The complexity of the rupture is only clear due to the combined data from orbiting radar satellites and ground-based seismometers.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019
Brittany Seto, a UC Riverside alumna, interned at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is now working on Mars projects. The university has set a record for the number of UCR undergraduates interning at JPL, with 22 students participating in the FIELDS program.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 8, 2019
NASA's ARIA team created a flood proxy map using satellite data from the ALOS-2 satellite, depicting areas of Louisiana likely flooded due to heavy rain and Tropical storm Barry. The map can be used as guidance to identify potentially flooded areas, but its reliability is limited over urban and vegetated regions.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers have developed a satellite-based early warning system that can spot tiny movements in bridges indicating potential collapse. The technique combines data from satellites with advanced algorithms to provide near-real-time monitoring of entire structures.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJul 9, 2019
Researchers use satellite-based fluorescence measurements to track photosynthesis and monitor forest health. Chlorophyll fluorescence emission closely tracks photosynthetic activity in evergreen forests, providing insights into large-scale forest dynamics.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2019
A new AI-powered system, Neural Lander, uses a deep neural network to help autonomous drones land more safely and quickly, while gobbling up less power. The system has been tested and achieved significant improvements in landing accuracy, with reductions of up to 100% in vertical error and 90% in lateral drift.
Scientists study cloud top temperatures and identify strongest storms around the center of circulation and in a band of thunderstorms southwest of the center. The satellite data reveals cold cloud tops, indicating powerful storms with high rainfall potential.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Astronomers use thermal wavelengths to spot near-Earth objects, providing critical details for defensive strategies. This technique enables the calculation of energy required to nudge an object away from Earth's trajectory, shedding light on the solar system's formation.
Researchers found mostly human-associated microbes on the ISS, including opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus. The study provides a comprehensive catalogue of bacteria and fungi, which can help improve safety measures for NASA's deep space human habitation.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 7, 2019
A new paper proposes specific scientific objectives for a Mars Sample Return campaign to address fundamental questions about the planet. The study identifies critical measurements that would need to be done on returned samples to maximize their scientific value.
SourceWiley·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMar 6, 2019
Research led by UT Austin found that Ceres' crust keeps cryomagma liquid for up to 10 million years after impact, contradicting earlier estimates. The discovery helps scientists understand primary forces driving volcanic activity and could shed light on Europa's potential for life.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A UCI/JPL study found Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago, resulting in a half-inch rise in global sea levels. The accelerated melting is attributed to climate change and warm ocean water, with East Antarctica contributing significantly to the total ice mass loss.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019
A high-resolution ocean current model reveals significant connectivity between mangrove regions, including trans-Pacific dispersal via archipelagos. The study also highlights the importance of viable propagule time in determining effective dispersal distance.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018
Scientists and engineers will collaborate on a new Climate Modeling Alliance to advance climate modeling and prediction. The goal is a climate model that projects future changes more accurately, with uncertainties at least half the size of existing models.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 13, 2018
Researchers have developed a new way of making rechargeable fluoride batteries that work at room temperature, potentially increasing battery lifespans up to eight times longer. The breakthrough uses liquid components and a specially designed electrolyte, allowing for more efficient energy storage and release.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018
Scientists at the W.M. Keck Observatory have made robust data on a young giant gas planet, confirming its water composition and lack of methane. The team is perfecting their technique using advanced instrumentation to study giant planets and prepare for future searches for life on Earth-like exoplanets.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Scientists analyzed data from NASA's Aqua satellite to determine if Tropical Cyclone Luban was intensifying or weakening. The storm showed cold cloud top temperatures as low as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong winds and a powerful system.
Astronomers successfully collected microscopic material streaming from Saturn's rings using Cassini's Cosmic Dust Analyzer and Radio and Plasma Wave Science instruments. The research reveals that the main component of Saturn's rings is water ice, with tiny silicates also present.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2018
A team of ASU and JPL scientists used satellite-based Earth remote sensing techniques to map California's Central Valley aquifer system. The analysis revealed significant drops in groundwater levels and permanent loss of storage capacity during the 2007-2010 drought period.
SourceArizona State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJul 19, 2018
Researchers used satellite-based measurements to track changes in groundwater levels and storage capacity in the Central Valley aquifer system, revealing permanent loss of water storage capacity. The study provides new tools for water resource managers to monitor aquifers and mitigate the effects of drought.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJul 18, 2018
The ECOSTRESS mission uses satellite data from NASA to track temperature changes in various biomes. The on-the-ground data collected by the University of Queensland will be used to validate the accuracy of the satellite data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of water stress and crop growth.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
An international team of scientists confirmed that ?Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object, experienced an unexpected speed boost as it passed through the inner solar system. The team found that the object's trajectory suggested behavior consistent with a comet.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2018
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Tropical Cyclone Flamboyan, revealing northwesterly wind shear pushing the storm southeast. The coldest cloud tops were highest in the atmosphere, indicating strong storms capable of producing heavy rainfall.
NASA is studying four potential flagship missions to explore the universe, including direct imaging of Earth-like planets and investigation of first black holes. The agency will use advanced tools to overcome technical challenges and achieve unprecedented picometer-level stability.
Astronomers have detected Freon-40, an organohalogen compound, around an infant star and a comet using ALMA and Rosetta. This finding suggests that organohalogens may be significant components of planetary formation materials, rather than indicators of life.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 4, 2017
The NASA Mars 2020 rover will feature a new SuperCam instrument with Raman spectroscopy capabilities, allowing it to detect carbon-based signatures of organic materials. The instrument uses a conduction-cooled laser system and can produce 1000 shots in one burst, significantly improving sampling efficiency.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Research at USC Viterbi School of Engineering has provided evidence for the occurrence of ground ice on protoplanet Vesta, a NASA-sponsored study that utilized bistatic radar techniques. The findings suggest large, smooth areas on Vesta correlated with higher hydrogen concentrations, supporting the presence of ground ice.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2017
Researchers detect tell-tale differences in sea level rise around the world due to changes in continental water and ice sheet mass. The study uses time-variable gravity data from NASA's Gravity Recovery & Climate Experiment satellites.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 7, 2017
Researchers demonstrated a region of very deep contrast between a simulated star and its planet, achieving an 18% bandpass. This milestone is crucial for future missions like WFIRST to detect and analyze the atmospheres of giant planets.
Researchers from Stanford University and NASA's JPL have designed a robotic gripper to grab and dispose of space debris, featuring gecko-inspired adhesives. The gripper can stick to flat objects and curved surfaces, and switch between relaxed and rigid states for precise manipulation.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 28, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new study led by CU Boulder finds that comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has an extremely active surface with growing fractures, collapsing cliffs, and massive rolling boulders. The comet's surface underwent rapid changes due to the warming of its ice surface, causing it to sublimate and move massive rocks across its surface.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2017