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Aerosol particles cool the climate less than we thought

New research suggests that aerosol particles may not have as cooling effect on the climate as previously thought. Cloud researcher Franziska Glassmeier and her team created an extensive data set of cloud simulations to better understand this effect, which they found to be overestimated by traditional ship-track data.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2021

Ship-track studies overstate cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols

A new study published in Science reveals that ship-track data cannot be used to estimate the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols on climate change. The research highlights a significant bias in current aerosol-cloud forcing estimations and suggests alternatives for direct observation of aerosol effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 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.

Study tracks elephant tusks from 16th century shipwreck

Researchers use DNA analysis to determine that all 44 tusks came from forest elephants residing in West Africa, revealing the geographic origins and habitats of these endangered species. The study provides a framework for examining vast collections of historic ivory, offering insights into modern wildlife conservation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2020

Investigating the carbon intensity of ferries

A recent CMCC study analyzed 2018's Ro-Pax CO2 data from EU-MRV, revealing clustering in vessel populations and key factors contributing to high emissions. The study found variability spanning five orders of magnitude due to ferry size, propulsion features, age, and other characteristics.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·DateDec 17, 2020

How commercial vessels could become tsunami early-warning systems

A team of scientists proposes using fleets of commercial shipping vessels to detect and forecast tsunami waves. The network of ships would utilize GPS sensors to monitor the shoreline for potential surges in less than 10 minutes, providing a significant advance warning to people on shore.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 10, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fish, seaweed inspire slippery surfaces for ships

A team of researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a lubricant-infused slip surface to reduce friction in ships. They found that larger open areas lead to a more slippery surface, while lid thickness has little effect on slip.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateSep 15, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Medieval texts reveal false Royal Navy origins

Research by Flinders University PhD candidate Matt Firth challenges long-held assumptions about the Royal Navy's origins, finding evidence that a tradition of defensive naval action existed before Alfred the Great's reign. The study also sheds light on medieval burial ships and cultural contact between England and Scandinavia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateAug 23, 2020

Improving the monitoring of ship emissions

A German-French research team is developing a new sensor network to monitor ship emissions and improve the monitoring of pollutants in the marine environment. The project aims to provide a tool for observing the extent of pollution arising from ship collisions, affecting coastal populations' health.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateAug 3, 2020

Boats and ships leave baby reef fish vulnerable to predators

A recent study found that noisy boats and ships can affect the prey response of young fishes, leading to decreased activity and reduced swimming distance. This can result in slower escape responses and increased mortality rates among juvenile reef fish.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 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.

Behind the dead-water phenomenon

Researchers from CNRS and University of Poitiers have explained the 'dead water' phenomenon in ships, where waves create drag, slowing down or stopping vessels. The study reveals waves act like an undulating conveyor belt, causing speed oscillations in trapped boats.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

WHOI researcher dives to Challenger Deep

Dr. Ying-Tsong Lin, the 12th person in history to visit Challenger Deep, is an acoustic scientist studying sound propagation in the ocean. His research aims to improve acoustic communication and geo-location at extreme depths.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJun 26, 2020

New efficient ships won't be enough to curb shipping sector's environmental damage

A University of Manchester study reveals that existing ships will dominate the sector's impact on climate change, and could even swallow up shipping's entire safe carbon budget. Retrofitting existing ships and implementing emission-reducing measures such as slower speeds and renewable technologies are key to reducing committed emissions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMC Energy·DateJun 11, 2020
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.

Evolution of maritime shipping routes

Researchers analyzed global shipping fleet movements between 1977 and 2008 to understand how routes evolve. A model based on common neighbor ports and sea distance predicts the likelihood of forming direct links between unlinked ports.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Towable sensor free-falls to measure vertical slices of ocean conditions

Researchers at MIT and WHOI have developed a lightweight instrument that can measure both physical and biological features of the ocean's vertical layers. The EcoCTD uses a combination of sensors to capture data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll content, providing insights into nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMay 21, 2020

Humpback whales may risk collision with vessels in the Magellan Strait

A new study found that humpback whales are at risk of collision with vessels in the Magellan Strait, with some individuals encountering ships up to 18 times per season. The researchers propose speed limits and mandatory observers on commercial vessels to reduce the risk of injury or death.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMarine Policy·DateMay 13, 2020
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.

Surf and turf: Green new deal should be a 'teal new deal'

A group of scientists recommend integrating terrestrial and ocean approaches to create a robust portfolio of climate adaptation and mitigation measures. They propose policies on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, food security, and habitat restoration to promote economic development and address climate change.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMay 5, 2020

Arctic research expedition likely faces extreme conditions in fast-changing Arctic

A new study suggests the MOSAiC research team's ship may melt out months before its year-end goal due to rapid changes in Arctic sea ice. The team used climate models to simulate conditions along potential routes, finding that thinner sea ice and increased variability could lead to early melt-out.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateApr 20, 2020

Ships' emissions create measurable regional change in clouds

New research measures cloud changes caused by ship pollution, revealing a measurable regional impact on global temperatures. The study found that globally, cloud changes due to industrial pollution block 1 Watt of solar energy per square meter.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAGU Advances·DateMar 24, 2020

Unraveling the puzzle of Madagascar's forest cats

Researchers have found that Madagascar's forest cats are domestic cats from the Arabian Sea region, potentially introduced hundreds of years ago via trade ships. This discovery raises concerns about the impact on native species and ecosystems, particularly the fossa, a forest predator facing extinction.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalConservation Genetics·DateMar 16, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Ship noise hampers crab camouflage

Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

Quarantine on cruise ship resulted in more Corona patients

A quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship resulted in a much higher number of coronavirus infections than initially expected. The study found that passengers were exposed to each other for an extended period due to strict social distancing measures, leading to increased transmission.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2020

Using a robot to deploy robots in remote oceans

The AutoNaut is a specially-adapted sea-going robot that can deploy an underwater Seaglider, carrying sensors for climate research. The vessel has been tested off the coast of Barbados and will be used to track cloud formation and its role in the climate system.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateJan 9, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

eDNA expands species surveys to capture a more complete picture

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science found that eDNA (environmental DNA) can identify more species of marine vertebrates than traditional trawl nets. The research team collected water samples and analyzed the DNA to detect the presence of important species such as great white sharks and salmon.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 31, 2019

Satellite tracking shows how ships affect clouds and climate

Researchers used satellite tracking to show how strongly ships affect clouds, which can influence climate. The study found that restricting sulphur in fuels led to a significant decrease in ship tracks and their impact on clouds.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2019

360 degree virtual dive in Iceland shipwreck

The Flinders University team created a highly realistic virtual experience of the wreck, including a digital reconstruction of how it sank. The three-minute dive is available on YouTube and offers insights into Iceland's forgotten history during the 17th century.

SourceFlinders University·DateOct 22, 2019

Plastic bottles in South Atlantic Ocean

Researchers found polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles are the most abundant type of debris, increasing at 14.7% annually since the 1980s. The majority of recent bottles were manufactured in Asia, with China being a primary source.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 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.

Cataloguing the human impact on the world's oceans

Francesca Verones aims to create a comprehensive life-cycle assessment tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of ocean-related activities. Her research will consider everything from shipping routes and pollutants to tourism and trash management.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateSep 5, 2019

In a quantum future, which starship destroys the other?

Researchers have discovered that particles and even time itself can exist in a state of superposition, blurring the lines between cause and effect. This phenomenon has significant implications for quantum computing, potentially leading to breakthroughs in operations performance.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

127-year-old physics problem solved

Researchers have solved a 127-year-old physics problem regarding the Kelvin angle in boat wakes, finding that the traditional assumption is not always true. The study reveals that boat wakes can have a different angle and even be off-center when affected by shear flow or other environmental factors.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Tiny bubbles hold clue to better performing industrial technologies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used supercomputer calculations to study the growth and collapse of tiny bubbles, known as nanobubbles. The findings suggest that these bubbles can burst to release powerful jets of liquid, causing damage to industrial structures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalLangmuir·DateJul 31, 2019

Correcting historic sea surface temperature measurements

Researchers from Harvard University and the UK's National Oceanography Centre corrected historic sea surface temperature measurements, identifying two new key causes of warming discrepancies in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. The study suggests that changes in Japanese records, particularly truncation of data, contributed to the ...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Risky business: New data show how manatees use shipping channels

A new study analyzes 10 years of data on manatee movement patterns, revealing that they use nearshore channels more frequently and travel faster in all channel types. This research sheds light on the risks associated with vessel collisions and informs suggestions for optimal channel maintenance.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 18, 2019

Weapons trade reveals a darker side to dark web

Research published in Deviant Behavior found that the dark web is a hub for anonymous handgun sales, with 64% of products advertised being handguns. The study sheds light on a niche market where buyers can circumvent stricter gun laws, highlighting the need for further investigations and potential regulation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateApr 19, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Energy monitor can find electrical failures before they happen

A new sensor system can monitor wiring in buildings or ships to detect impending electrical failures, allowing for timely repairs. The system was tested on a Coast Guard cutter, pinpointing a motor with burnt-out wiring that could have led to a serious fire.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·DateMar 22, 2019

'X-ray gun' helps researchers pinpoint the origins of pottery found on ancient shipwreck

Archaeologists used a portable X-ray fluorescence detector to analyze ceramic pieces from the Java Sea Shipwreck, pinning their origins to specific kiln sites in southeastern China. The findings reveal complex trade networks between Asia and Africa in the 12th and 13th centuries, challenging traditional Eurocentric views of globalization.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 8, 2019

Lubricant for oil tankers

Scientists propose using high-tech coatings that can retain air for weeks to reduce drag and fuel consumption of ships. This technology has the potential to save up to 20% of fuel and reduce global CO2 emissions by almost one percent.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJan 24, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Growing noise in the ocean can cause dolphins to change their calls

Researchers found that increased ship noise results in high dolphin whistle frequencies and a reduction in whistle complexity, making it harder for dolphins to communicate. The simplification of these whistles could have significant effects on dolphin populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Looking and listening for signals of navy test explosions off Florida coast

A team of researchers analyzed seismic and acoustic data from US Navy explosions off the Florida coast to better understand the relationship between local magnitude and charge weight. They found that both types of data can be used to identify underwater explosions, with seismic signals providing clearer evidence.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 16, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

More ships and more clouds mean cooling in the Arctic

A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that increased trans-Arctic shipping could lead to a minor cooling effect in the Arctic, potentially offsetting some of the overall warming trend. However, this effect is relatively minor and may be offset by international regulation and trade agreements.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2018

What holds materials together -- on the inside

The FRASCAL research training group at FAU is investigating fracture processes in materials across all scales, from nanometers to visible cracks. This interdisciplinary study aims to develop computer-aided simulation methods to predict and prevent undesired fractures.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateAug 16, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Stern of World War II US destroyer discovered off remote Alaskan island

A NOAA-funded team of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Delaware discovered the missing 75-foot stern section of the USS Abner Read in 290 feet of water off Kiska Island. The finding sheds light on the little-known episode in WWII history where 71 US Navy sailors lost their lives.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateAug 15, 2018

Study identifies which marine mammals are most at risk from increased Arctic ship traffic

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that narwhals, beluga, and bowhead whales are most vulnerable to vessel traffic in the Arctic. The researchers identified two 'pinch points' where ships and animals are most likely to intersect, including the Bering Strait and Lancaster Sound.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018