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Declines in plant resilience threaten carbon storage in the Arctic

A new study reveals that the southern boreal forests' ability to recover from climate shocks has significantly decreased over time, threatening Arctic carbon storage. The resilience of many plant communities in these regions is thought to have increased in most of the Arctic tundra, but this may not be sustainable in the long term.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 10, 2024

Retiring coal plants with climate and equity in mind

New research led by energy systems modelers at Princeton University demonstrates that retiring coal plants based on minimizing costs could leave other climate and equity benefits on the table. Retiring half of Pennsylvania's coal plants under a climate- or equity-focused strategy could reduce carbon emissions, air pollution, and deaths...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 10, 2024

UC Irvine scientists track and analyze lofted embers that cause spot fires

Researchers conducted live field experiments to better understand the physics of firebrands and their impact on wildfires. They found that ember creation is highly intermittent, occurring in large bursts that can hurl fire-starting debris far from the source.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2024

How a common economic theory could help save endangered frogs

A new study applies modern portfolio theory to conserve the coquí llanero frog by diversifying investments and managing risk under future climate uncertainty. The analysis suggests that relying on existing protected areas may not be enough to mitigate climate risks, and investing in additional habitats could be worth the cost.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research uncovers how climate and soil shape tree and shrub wood density across ecosystems

A recent study found that climate factors play a more dominant role in determining wood density for tree species than soil characteristics, while both factors equally influence shrub species. The research provides new insights into vegetation responses to environmental factors, with implications for improving ecosystem predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 3, 2024

Understanding regional climate change is essential for guiding effective climate adaptation policy, study finds

A new synthesis of regional climate data highlights the need for climate adaptation policy based on the latest regional climate science. Emerging signals of climate change are expected to significantly alter monsoon intensity, leading to substantial societal impacts in tropical and subtropical regions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 1, 2024

Inflation Reduction Act funding to allow Illinois scientists to contribute to US governmental efforts and improve mitigation estimates for agriculture management practices

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment will receive funding to improve mitigation estimates for agricultural management practices. The funding will support the work of researchers in advancing the understanding of conservation practices on greenhouse gas fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateSep 30, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Climate change will lead to wetter US winters, modeling study finds

A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateSep 26, 2024

Ice age clues point to more extreme weather patterns in our future

A new study published in Nature suggests that Earth's last ice age may provide crucial insights into future El Niño weather events. Researchers used ancient shells of marine organisms and advanced climate modeling to shed light on how El Niño patterns might change in a warming world.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2024

Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff

A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2024

Atmospheric methane increase during pandemic due primarily to wetland flooding

A new analysis reveals that increased inundation and water storage in wetlands drove the record surge in atmospheric methane emissions from 2020 to 2022. Wetland microbes produce methane as they metabolize organic matter anaerobically, leading to a significant increase in release to the atmosphere.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Abrupt intensification of northern wildfires due to future permafrost thawing

A new study warns that future climate change will intensify wildfires in the Arctic region, leading to an abrupt switch from no fires to very intense ones within just a few years. The accelerated permafrost thawing is expected to increase soil water and vegetation biomass, exacerbating fire fuel.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

New study charts how Earth’s global temperature has drastically changed over the past 485 million years, driven by carbon dioxide

A new study reveals that Earth's surface temperature has varied more greatly over the past 485 million years than previously thought. The study, co-led by the Smithsonian and University of Arizona, confirms that carbon dioxide is strongly correlated with global temperatures across geological time.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

Organic matter on Mars was formed from atmospheric formaldehyde

Researchers at Tohoku University created a detailed model of organic matter production in ancient Martian atmosphere, suggesting that formaldehyde contributed to formation of organic matter. The study found that the depletion of 13C in organic matter on Mars was due to photodissociation of CO2 by solar ultraviolet radiation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 19, 2024
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.

485 million-year temperature record of Earth reveals Phanerozoic climate variability

A new reconstruction of Earth's temperature history over the past 485 million years reveals a wider range of climate variability than previously understood. The study suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide has been the primary driver of climate changes during this period, with temperatures varying more dynamically than thought.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2024

Study outlines cost-effective paths to eliminating greenhouse gas production

A new study identifies multiple technologies to cost-effectively decarbonize the energy system, prioritizing their adoption and transition. The findings suggest a range of options to achieve near-cost-optimal futures, emphasizing research and development investments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2024

Urban heating and cooling to play substantial role in future energy demand under climate change

A new study suggests that urban heating and cooling systems will significantly impact future energy demand due to climate change, with smaller-scale city-level waste heat contributing to local microclimates. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate impact assessment and science-based policymaking to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024
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.

The within-year distribution of temperature and precipitation could rearrange significantly, challenging both modelers and nature

Researchers at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that specific climate periods can shift by several months or even six months within a year, affecting species distribution. This shift poses significant challenges for distribution models, potentially leading to extinction or migration of species.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024

West Antarctic ice sheet may disappear by 2300

A Dartmouth-led study projects that Antarctica's glaciers will rapidly retreat and potentially collapse by 2200, increasing global sea levels by up to 5.5 feet by 2300. The researchers used 16 ice-sheet models to refine the projection of ice loss over the next 300 years.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2024

​​​​​​​Study explains why Amazon is such a biodiverse paradise

A new study reveals that the Amazon's remarkable variety of plants and animals was shaped by woodlands and savannas connecting forest islands during the last Ice Age. The researchers used advanced climate and vegetation modelling techniques to provide a new understanding of the region's evolution.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 11, 2024
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.

Study suggests US droughts, rainy extremes becoming more severe

Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 6, 2024

The Roman siege of Masada lasted just a few weeks, not several years

Researchers at Tel Aviv University used modern technologies to challenge the long-held myth that the Roman siege of Masada lasted three years. The study found that the siege actually lasted no more than a few weeks, using precise measurements and 3D digital modeling to calculate the time it took to build the siege system.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Roman Archaeology·DateSep 5, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New population model identifies phases of human dispersal across Europe

The 'Our Way Model' reveals four phases of human dispersal, including a slow expansion from the Levant to western Europe and rapid advancements into previously unsettled areas. Climate change significantly impacted human dispersal, with periods of severe cold and warming influencing population growth and decline.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 4, 2024

New model to enhance extreme rainfall prediction

A new model developed by scientists can predict intense, localized heavy rainfall events caused by rapid air rises in clouds. This breakthrough offers potential to improve public safety and preparedness through early warning systems.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2024

Study finds limits to storing CO2 underground to combat climate change

A new study from Imperial College London reveals that current projections for scaling up carbon storage technologies are unlikely to meet ambitious climate change targets. The researchers estimate that a more realistic global benchmark for CO2 storage is in the range of 5-6 gigatonnes per year by 2050.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2024
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.

Insights from satellite data pave the way to better solar power generation

Researchers analyzed satellite data to understand solar irradiance variability in the Asia Pacific region, revealing optimal locations for solar power plants and distribution strategies to minimize fluctuations. The study's findings will help plan for sustainable energy technologies and combat climate change.

SourceChiba University·JournalSolar Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Cold math, hot topic: Sea ice thermal conductivity

A new mathematical theory offers insights into how heat travels through sea ice, which affects global climate predictions. The study provides a way to relate sea ice's thermal properties to its temperature and salt content, allowing for more accurate climate models.

SourceMacquarie University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2024

Innovative field experiments shed light on biological clocks in nature

A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Ocean twilight zone modulates marine phytoplankton productivity

The ocean's twilight zone plays a crucial role in regulating marine phytoplankton productivity, which is essential for the marine food chain. Researchers have found that warming temperatures can strengthen the recycling of nutrients between the ocean layers, with significant implications for climate change projections.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (AIMEC)·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2024

Study finds highest prediction of sea-level rise unlikely

A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024
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.

The Lancet Public Health: Climate change and ageing populations to drive greater disparities in deaths from hot and cold temperatures across Europe, modelling study suggests

A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

Using AI to link heat waves to global warming

A new AI approach accurately links heat waves to global warming, estimating that record-setting heat waves could occur multiple times per decade under higher warming levels. The method uses actual historical weather data and machine learning to predict the magnitude of extreme events.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2024
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.

Illinois scientists to revamp corn breeding with focus on climate resilience

Researchers are working on a new approach to breeding corn that incorporates genomic selection and gene expression analysis to improve climate resilience. They aim to develop high-accuracy prediction models that can identify suitable genotypes for specific locations and future climates, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateAug 20, 2024

Climate model biases in global monsoon: Insights from interhemispheric energy transport

A new study reveals that climate models exhibit pronounced biases in simulating the global monsoon, with the dry and wet biases found in earlier models persisting. However, CMIP6 models show significant improvements over CMIP5, attributed to reduced dry biases and better representation of energy transport.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateAug 14, 2024

Ships now spew less sulfur, but warming has sped up

A new study finds that reduced sulfur emissions from shipping industry likely contributed to nearly 20% of record-breaking 2023 warmth, while regulations also accelerated warming. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of climate response.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2024
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.

Balancing technology and governance are key to achieving climate goals

A new international study underscores the need to integrate technological advancements with robust institutional capacities to formulate effective climate policies. The research found that inadequate institutional capacity could hinder reaching even 2°C targets, while improved global institutional support could enhance the likelihood o...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 12, 2024

Millions of years for plants to recover from global warming

A study by ETH Zurich scientists found that global warming's effects on plant recovery can last for thousands to millions of years. The research team discovered that the severity of climate shifts and the speed at which carbon is sequestered affect the duration of climate warming.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Individuals vary in how air pollution impacts their mood

Researchers found that air pollution affects people differently, causing some to feel less aroused and more negative. The study suggests that this effect can contribute to increased anxiety risk and inform climate adaptation planning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Machine learning and better radar solve the ‘cloud cover’ problem

A new approach incorporating machine learning and a novel radar technique has solved the 'cloud cover' problem in remote sensing, improving land surface temperature tracking accuracy. This is achieved by combining better elevation models with multiple radar echoes from SAR images to reconstruct optical data.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2024

Future enterovirus outbreaks could be exacerbated by climate change

Researchers at Brown University found that temperature increases enterovirus transmission, with a similar effect seen in polio historically and more recent enteroviruses causing hand, foot and mouth disease. Climate change may lead to increased intensity of outbreaks, particularly in regions with larger seasonal temperature ranges.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2024
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.

Current forecasts of the amount of renewable energy that can be generated are too optimistic, according to a new study

A new study by Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Imperial College London challenges current renewable energy forecasts, citing material limitations that may hinder the development of clean energy technologies. The research team proposes incorporating equations that account for material availability and promoting recycling to make foreca...

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2024

How the rising earth in Antarctica will impact future sea level rise

A new study suggests that the rising earth in Antarctica will impact future sea level rise, depending on how much global warming is controlled. If humans lower greenhouse gas emissions, upward shifts in solid earth could reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea level rise by about 40%, bolstering best-case scenarios for global sea level...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2024

Born to modulate: Researchers reveal origins of climate-controlling particles

Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed new pathways for the formation of aerosol particles, which are shown to be nearly triple the amount estimated using traditional methods. The team's work improves climate models' ability to predict Earth's system changes and reduces uncertainty in aerosol-climate science.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2024

Climate change may lead to shifts in vital Pacific Arctic fisheries

Climate change is expected to shift the distribution of eight commercially important marine fish and invertebrate species northwards due to warmer water temperatures and loss of sea ice habitat. This could lead to changes in the abundance and economic viability of fisheries, with some species potentially benefiting while others decline.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024
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.

New model uses satellite imagery, machine learning to map flooding in urban environments

A new mapping tool from North Carolina State University uses machine learning and open-source satellite imagery to model flooding in urban environments. The model creates maps that predict urban area flooding, helping officials make informed choices about flood resiliency and prevention resources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024

What’s the weather like in the deep sea?

Researchers from MARUM and the National Oceanography Centre analyzed sensor data over four years to determine seafloor currents in deep waters. The study found that currents sped up, slowed down, reversed direction, and were steered by seafloor relief, contradicting previous steady models.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 31, 2024

Balancing instability and robustness: new mathematical framework to understand dynamics of natural systems

Researchers introduce ghost channels and cycles to understand transient behaviors in complex systems like climate processes or neuronal networks. This new approach challenges traditional concepts based on stable or unstable equilibria, potentially helping predict tipping cascades and ecosystem degradation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Raindrops grow with turbulence in clouds

Researchers found that turbulent movements of air in clouds play a key role in the growth of droplets and initiation of rain. Simulations with turbulence showed rain formed around 20 minutes earlier and with seven times more rainwater than simulations without turbulence.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2024

Wash U researchers quantify solar absorption by black carbon in fire clouds

Washington University researchers have made new measurements of black carbon in pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) clouds, which are extremely hot and can linger for months. The study found that these particles absorb visible sunlight two times as much as those from smaller fires and urban sources.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2024