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What turned Earth into a giant snowball 700m years ago? Scientists now have an answer

Researchers found that historically low volcanic carbon dioxide emissions, combined with weathering of a large pile of volcanic rocks in Canada, led to the prolonged Sturtian glaciation. The team used plate tectonic modeling and computer simulations to investigate the cause and duration of this ice age.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalGeology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 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.

Oder River crisis: Statistics give a chance to prevent river tragedies

Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.

SourcePolitechnika Bydgoska im Jana i Jedrzeja Sniadeckich·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

"COP28 demonstrated the inability of international diplomacy and governance to prevent the worsening climate crisis and to help adequately those most harmed by it", states climate researcher Prof. Paul G. Harris

COP28 failed to prevent the worsening climate crisis and help those most harmed by it, according to climate researcher Prof. Paul G. Harris. The article highlights the limitations of international diplomacy and governance in addressing climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 25, 2024

New tool predicts flood risk from hurricanes in a warming climate

A new compound flooding model predicts that New York City will experience historic and devastating floods every 30 years by the end of this century, a fivefold increase from the present climate. The tool helps city planners prepare and protect against future disasters by providing detailed flood forecasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJan 24, 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.

AMS 2024 Annual Meeting highlights climate challenges and solutions

The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·DateJan 18, 2024

Climate change behind sharp drop in snowpack since 1980s

A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 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.

Attribution of the extreme drought in eastern China in 2022 and its future risk

A recent study found that anthropogenic forcing increases the occurrence probability of a 2022Drought-like event by 56% due to changes in moisture and upward motion. Under low-emissions scenarios, drought risk declines, while high-emissions scenarios project a 79% higher chance.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 9, 2024

Arctic cold snap transforms into a blessing

A recent study suggests that the Arctic cold snap significantly contributes to the heightened uptake of carbon dioxide by the East Sea. The research found that the internal circulation along the East Coast strengthened due to the Arctic cold wave, leading to a surge in carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon presents a promising sol...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 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.

Groundwater is vital to the health of our planet: A call for greater protection

An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 4, 2024

Microbial awakening restructures high-latitude food webs as permafrost thaws

A recent study found that climate warming is altering carbon flow and food web dynamics in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems, with fungi replacing plants as the main energy source for animals. This shift has significant implications for ecosystem function and animal responses to climate change.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 3, 2024

Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia

Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateDec 27, 2023

Scientists uncover link between the ocean’s weather and global climate

A team of scientists has found evidence linking oceanic weather systems to climate on a global scale, revealing that these interactions require the mediation of the atmosphere. The study used mechanical analysis to understand energy transfer across different patterns in the ocean and atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2023
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.

Low economic growth can help keep climate change within the 1.5 °C threshold

A new study by ICTA-UAB shows that pursuing higher economic growth may jeopardise the Paris goals and leave no viable pathways for humanity to stabilise the climate. Slower growth rates make it more feasible to achieve the Paris goals, with lower economic growth reducing CO2 emissions by 10-13% by 2030.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2023

A new 66 million-year history of carbon dioxide offers little comfort for today

A new study reveals that the last time atmospheric carbon dioxide reached today's human-driven levels was 14 million years ago, indicating a highly sensitive climate to greenhouse gases. The research also predicts a whopping 5-8 degrees C warming with a doubling of CO2, highlighting the urgent need for present-day climate policy.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions reach record high

Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use reached a record high of 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, surpassing the previous year's level by 1.1%. The remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C could be used up in seven years if current levels of emissions continue.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateDec 6, 2023
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.

Limitations of asteroid crater lakes as climate archives

Researchers analyzed dolomite rocks and found a high proportion of C-13, indicating strong methane formation by microorganisms in water with low sulphate content. The sediment's chemical development is controlled by crater floor cooling and water supply, not climatic changes.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Study identifies key ingredient for affordable fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 5, 2023

Soil drought weakens forest microclimatic cooling

Forest microclimates are weakened by soil droughts, leading to hotter temperatures in forest understories. This can have devastating effects on small tree seedlings and forest biodiversity as a whole.

SourceStockholm University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

New methods for improving water management to develop sustainable cities

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalWater Resources Management·TypeCase study·DateDec 1, 2023
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.

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

New study reveals insights how pollution affects clouds and climate

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover that pollutants trigger significant changes in large-scale weather patterns, leading to enhanced radiative forcing. Aerosols stop rain in some areas, causing moisture to move to regions with big clouds, which release heat and strengthen winds.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

Accurate forecasting of the required precipitation for a recent drought recovery

A research team developed a multi-model projection system using the self-calibrating Effective Drought Index to predict drought and recommend cumulative precipitation for recovery. The required rainfall for drought recovery was estimated at 170 mm, 310 mm, and 440 mm for March, April, and May respectively.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 14, 2023
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.

New research: Fivefold increase in the melting of Greenland's glaciers over the last 20 years

Research confirms Greenland's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, with a 5-fold increase in melting over the past 20 years. The study reveals that 25 meters of ice are lost annually, contributing significantly to sea level rise and posing significant challenges for renewable energy and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 9, 2023

Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data

Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2023

Southern hemisphere dominates decline in global water availability

Global land water availability declined from 2001 to 2020, primarily driven by Southern Hemisphere climate variability. The region experienced a significant decrease in water availability over the last 20 years, contributing 95% of global variance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2023
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.

Research advances toward goal of net zero carbon emissions

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Climate change brings earlier arrival of intense hurricanes

Research reveals that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade due to climate change. This shift in seasonal cycle can lead to compounding extreme events and challenges community preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

China University of Geosciences (Beijing) researchers provide new insights into the formation of the Tibetan plateau

Researchers used paleoaltimetry technique to reveal early mountain range uplift in Southern Tibetan Plateau. The study found that the region had achieved an elevation of approximately 3.5 kilometers by 63 to 61 million years ago, challenging established notions of Tibetan Plateau formation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023
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.

CSIC contributes to deciphering the enigmatic global distribution of fairy circles

A study by CSIC reveals fairy circles are more common than thought, linked to low nitrogen content and rainfall below 200 mm/year. The formations show increased stability in productivity compared to other ecosystems, providing insights into ecosystem resilience and potential indicators of degradation with climate change.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Greenwashing a threat to a ‘nature positive’ world

Researchers warn that greenwashing poses a threat to achieving a 'nature positive' world, where environmental decline halts and biodiversity improves. The University of Queensland study emphasizes the need for standards and transparency to distinguish genuine efforts from misleading claims.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 21, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Laser-based ice-core sampling for studying climate change

A new laser-based sampling system allows for higher depth resolution, enabling scientists to reconstruct continuous annual temperature changes thousands of years ago. The LMS system overcomes previous limitations in sampling ice cores, preserving critical oxygen and hydrogen isotopes needed to infer past temperatures.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateSep 19, 2023

Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to adverse changes in cell processes in new-born babies

Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

Unveiling the toll of fossil fuel combustion on children's health and subsequent human capital loss

A new review explores the effects of air pollution and climate change on children's developmental health, leading to human capital losses. The study highlights three dimensions: health, cognitive ability, and socio-emotional ability, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these impacts.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 3, 2023

Unveiling global warming’s impact on daily precipitation with deep learning

A deep learning approach has unveiled a significant change in the characteristics of global daily precipitation for the first time. The research found that on more than 50% of all days, there was a clear deviation from natural variability in the daily precipitation pattern since 2015.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2023

Enhanced chemical weathering: A solution to the climate crisis?

Researchers discovered that blending crushed rock with arable soil could help reduce global temperatures. The process, known as enhanced chemical weathering, works by releasing calcium and magnesium from rocks, which bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and prevent its release back into the atmosphere.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 29, 2023
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.

Mississippi mud reveals secrets of Antarctica’s ancient expansion

Researchers have discovered clues about Antarctica's ice sheet formation in Mississippi mud, suggesting a 300,000-year brake on climate cooling. The study provides new insights into the Eocene-Oligocene transition, a significant climate event that had a major impact on Earth's history.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2023

Water harvesting in Death Valley: Conquering the arid wilderness

Researchers developed a water harvester device that harnesses atmospheric water vapor using metal-organic frameworks and ambient sunlight. The device successfully collected up to 285g of water per kilogram of MOF in extreme environments, showcasing its potential for universal applicability.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Water·DateAug 21, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Calcifying algae as key players in climate models

Researchers studying foraminifers, tiny algae with calcareous shells, have discovered six different strategies under various environmental conditions. These strategies are crucial for predicting changes in the ocean's calcium balance and carbon cycle under climate change.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2023

A climate-orchestrated early human love story

A recent study reveals that past climate changes and vegetation shifts played a key role in determining when and where early human species interbred. The research suggests that the overlap of habitats led to increased encounters and interactions among groups, increasing the chance of interbreeding.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Global ecosystem water use efficiency has stalled since 2001

A new study found that global ecosystem water use efficiency has stagnated since 2001, likely due to an increased vapor pressure deficit and intensifying evapotranspiration. This decline may undermine human reliance on nature-based climate solutions for carbon neutrality.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023
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.

Climate modeling reveals new insights into hominin migration and evolution

Researchers used climate modeling approaches to fill gaps in understanding hominin evolution and migration. Their studies found that extreme glacial conditions may have led to the depopulation of Europe and facilitated interbreeding between Denisovans and Neanderthals due to overlapping habitats.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Drops of seawater contain traces of an ancient world

Researchers linked chemical changes in seawater to volcanic activity and climate change, with a 7-fold decrease in lithium concentration over the past 150 million years. This shift is attributed to reduced seafloor hydrothermal activity, influenced by tectonic plate movements.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 2023
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.