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Decreasing carbon sink across the Belt and Road in the future

Climate change, elevated CO2 concentrations, and increasing nitrogen fixation are projected to reduce the Belt and Road region's net ecosystem production trend by ~40% from 2031-2100. Net primary production may increase in response to rising CO2, but soil respiration is expected to rise more, leading to a decrease in carbon sequestration.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 1, 2022
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.

Change of scenery: New research outlines how recreation will shift with climate change in the west

New research outlines how climate change will shift the future of outdoor recreation in the West, with campsites becoming too hot, ski resorts experiencing fluctuating snowpacks, and rivers facing low water levels. The study provides activity-specific adaptation strategies to prepare for these consequences.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2022

February research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 24, 2022

Offshore wind farms reshape the North Sea

Researchers found shifts in airflows and sea currents downwind of North Sea offshore wind farms, affecting plankton production and the food web structure. The turbines induce atmospheric wakes that redirect existing currents, leading to changed salinity distribution and mean temperatures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022
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.

Extreme heat linked to increase in mental health emergency care

A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022
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.

London produces up to a third more methane than estimates suggest

A new study by Imperial College London reveals that London is releasing more methane than previously thought, primarily due to natural gas infrastructure leaks. The findings suggest that upgrading leaky pipes could significantly reduce emissions. This research highlights the importance of atmospheric measurements in tracking progress t...

SourceImperial College London·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Unprecedented Australian bushfire intensity linked to British colonisation

A new study found that Australian bushfires are linked to British colonisation and climate change, with forests becoming denser and more flammable due to the increase in woody biomass. Indigenous burning practices ceased after colonial settlement, leading to an increase in shrub cover and unprecedented wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lichens are in danger of losing the evolutionary race with climate change

A new study found that algae in common lichens can't adapt to temperature changes as fast as the Earth is warming, putting them at risk of extinction. The researchers' analysis suggests it could take hundreds of thousands or millions of years for these algae to evolve and adapt to modern climate change.

SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 15, 2022

Pursuing carbon neutrality and water security in China

A new study suggests that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality could lead to significant water savings, with 24% of industrial water use expected to be saved by 2060. However, some provinces may struggle to meet their water-use targets, and coordinated climate-water strategies are needed to address these challenges.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateFeb 14, 2022

At bioenergy crossroads, should corn ethanol be left in the rearview mirror?

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the environmental impacts of corn ethanol far outweigh its benefits, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The research highlights the need to shift towards next-generation biofuels and improve efficiency, electrification, and policy-making.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

European diets need to change to reduce climate impact

A new study finds that European diets must change to reduce climate impact, with feeding livestock low-opportunity-cost biomass offering a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The EAT-Lancet diet, which recommends reducing animal-source foods like red meat, is at odds with circular food systems that prioritize land use efficiency.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.

Closing in on the carbon costs of wildfires

A new study suggests that wildfires can lead to increased soil carbon stocks in savannahs and grasslands, potentially offsetting short-term emissions. The research found that fires could store up to 90 million tonnes of carbon per year, but the breakdown rate of charcoal in soils remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022

Brainy birds may fare better under climate change

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that birds with bigger brains relative to their bodies reduced their body size by only about one-third compared to smaller-brained birds. This suggests that cognitive power may play a role in helping certain species adapt to climate change.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

Antarctic research reveals link between warming and fish abundance

A long-term study in the Southern Ocean shows a clear correlation between warming waters, decreased sea ice, and reduced abundance of Antarctic silverfish. The study suggests that these small fish are crucial prey for penguins, seals, and other regional marine life.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Arctic winter warming causes cold damage in the subtropics of East Asia

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Genetic engineering can have a positive effect on the climate

A new study suggests that widespread use of genetically modified crops in the EU could prevent the release of 33 million tons of CO2 equivalents, equivalent to 7.5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This is mainly due to reduced land-use change and preservation of the Amazon rainforest.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 8, 2022

Europe’s most valuable marine species “reduced to a fraction” of their current population size by 2100

Over one quarter of Europe's 20 most highly-fished marine species will face extreme pressure by 2100 if no action is taken to address climate change, overfishing, and mercury pollution. The study projects a significant decline in population size for key species like great Atlantic scallop, red mullet, and common octopus.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 7, 2022

New atlas finds globe’s glaciers have less ice than previously thought

A new atlas measures the movement and thickness of over 250,000 mountain glaciers worldwide, revealing a mixed picture of the globe's ice-bound freshwater resources. The research suggests there is 20% less ice available for sea level rise than previously thought, with significant implications for water availability and climate change.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.

New “vertical map” of airborne microorganisms indicates how global warming will impact global ecosystems

A comprehensive 'vertical map' of airborne microorganisms has been created, showing that temperature is the single most important factor influencing their composition. As global temperatures rise, this could lead to significant changes in the air microbiome, affecting human health and food security.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2022

Future of winter: UNH researchers find low emissions vital to slow warming

Researchers at UNH found that reducing carbon dioxide emissions can preserve almost three weeks of snow cover and below freezing temperatures. This preservation is critical for woodland animals, preventing the spread of invasive pests, and maintaining ski resorts' ability to make snow.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNortheastern Naturalist·DateFeb 3, 2022
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.

Red snow phenomena are a balancing act

Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a model to predict the occurrence of red snow events, which are associated with the duration of snow melt and the timing of new snowfall. The study found that snow algae blooms can speed up snow melt as they darken the surface.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateFeb 2, 2022

Insect DNA metabarcoding to assess the state of health of forests

A new DNA metabarcoding technique identifies nearly 3,000 insect species in European forests, revealing that forest dieback affects insect community composition and ecological functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving environmental features supporting biodiversity.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 2, 2022

UK plants flowering a month earlier due to climate change

Climate change is causing plants in the UK to flower one month earlier, with average first flowering dates advancing by a full month since the mid-18th century. This phenomenon can lead to ecological mismatch, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022
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.

Climate change in the Early Holocene

Researchers found that a large Early Holocene cemetery in Northern Russia was used for only one to two centuries and reveals human stress caused by a global cooling event. The team believes the creation of the cemetery shows a social response to climate change, with abundant grave offerings indicating complex social systems.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Caribou and muskoxen buffer climate impacts for rare plants

A 15-year study in arctic Greenland found that caribou and muskoxen helped mitigate the effects of climate change on rare plants, lichens, and mushrooms. The presence or absence of these large herbivores made a clear difference in species commonness and rarity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Green backyards help increase urban climate resilience: Here is how

Green backyards in cities provide multiple benefits, including improved thermal comfort and increased carbon storage. Small differences in green structure can yield significant benefits, with greener courtyards showing up to 11°C cooling effects. Proper maintenance is key to enhancing these benefits.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalOne Ecosystem·DateJan 24, 2022

Major gaps in understanding of climate impacts on tropical cyclones identified

Researchers identify significant gaps in knowledge about climate impacts on tropical cyclones, including the dynamics of storm formation and track changes. To address these limitations, they recommend extending historical datasets and improving understanding of natural variability to inform adaptive strategies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 23, 2022
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.

New USDA grant to support climate resilience planning in Indian Country

The USDA has awarded a $1.5 million grant to support climate resilience planning in Indian Country, led by Desert Research Institute (DRI). The project aims to address climate injustice through culturally-appropriate information sharing and increasing Native American representation in research and outreach positions. The initiative wil...

SourceDesert Research Institute·DateJan 13, 2022

Lost birds and mammals spell doom for some plants

Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022
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.

Rainy days harm the economy

A new study by Potsdam scientists finds that increased rainfall and extreme daily rainfall have a significant impact on the global economy. The analysis of over 1,500 regions across 40 years reveals a clear connection between wet days and economic slowdowns, particularly in rich countries.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

Arctic coasts in transition

Rapid coastal erosion in the Arctic is driven by permafrost thawing, ground ice melting, and sea surface temperature rises. This leads to increased erosion, water pollution, and loss of habitats for local communities.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateJan 11, 2022

Study shows climate change will lead to increase in kidney stones

A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Evolution follows climate: Oaks adapted rapidly to climate change in the Anthropocene

A retrospective analysis of oak tree genomes reveals an identical evolutionary pattern across three French forests, differing according to climatic periods. Oaks can evolve rapidly and redirect their evolutionary trajectories in response to changes in climate, highlighting the need for adapting forest management practices.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Addressing jointly air pollution and climate change to reduce health-economic impacts

A new modelling framework internalizes air pollution's economic impacts on human mortality, considering climate constraints and aerosol feedback. The study finds that optimized air pollution interventions generate considerable health benefits, avoiding 1.62 million premature deaths by mid-century.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 5, 2022

Mass die-off of Magellanic penguins seen during 2019 heat wave

Researchers at University of Washington documented a mass mortality event among Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, due to extreme heat. The January 2019 heat wave killed at least 354 adult penguins and 90 chicks, with nearly three-quarters of the deceased being adults primarily due to dehydration.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOrnithological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2022
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.

Climate and soil determine the distribution of plant traits

Researchers identified global factors explaining plant diversity in form and function, influenced by climate and soil properties. Characteristics such as size, structure, and life span were shown to be determined by these factors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2021

Homelessness increases serious illness, emergency room visits during heat waves

A study published by UC San Diego researchers found that heat waves significantly increase emergency room visits among people experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the need for heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021

No returning to climate of the past even with CO2 reduction

A recent study suggests that climate change in some regions is unavoidable even if CO2 levels are reduced. The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) shifts southwards when CO2 decreases, triggering persistent El Niño conditions and regional climate changes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 21, 2021

Shoots and roots respond differently to climate change

A new study reveals that climate change causes a mismatch between above- and belowground plant phenology, with woody plants responding more strongly to warming in their roots. This finding highlights the importance of plant root phenology and its impact on ecosystem functioning.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 20, 2021

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Himalayan glaciers melting at ‘exceptional rate’

The study reveals Himalayan glaciers are shrinking far more rapidly than glaciers in other parts of the world, losing around 40% of their area and massive amounts of ice. The accelerating melting threatens the water supply of millions of people in Asia.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2021