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Biochar from peanut shells boosts soil health and crop quality over the long term

A six-year field study reveals that biochar made from peanut shells improves soil fertility and enhances crop quality by reshaping soil microbial communities. The study shows that biochar acts as both a habitat and a nutrient source for beneficial microbes, promoting plant growth and increasing soluble sugar content in tobacco leaves.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026
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.

A new practical introductory guide on green roofs and walls to EU member states and local stakeholders launched to support the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation

The report, prepared by BioAgora, highlights the benefits of building-integrated greenery for biodiversity, climate resilience, energy efficiency, and human wellbeing. It offers actionable guidance for local authorities to integrate green roofs and walls into spatial planning and building codes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateMar 30, 2026

Wildlife-friendly landscapes dramatically boost biodiversity in fragmented forests

A new study reveals that improving surrounding landscape quality can increase bird species survival in forest remnants, with modest increases in nearby tree cover substantially boosting numbers. This contradicts traditional views on habitat fragmentation and highlights the importance of a more hospitable matrix for conservation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2026

Microbes hold the key to unlocking biochar’s carbon storage potential in soils

A global analysis reveals that microbial communities play a decisive role in determining biochar's carbon storage potential. Biochar increases soil organic carbon by an average of 52.4%, but its effectiveness varies depending on the composition of soil microbial communities and environmental conditions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026

Assessment of nature in the US now available for public comment

The US Nature Assessment Report documents human impact on nature, including resource extraction and habitat loss, but also shows restoration and Indigenous stewardship approaches can help turn things around. The report highlights the importance of farmer involvement in protecting ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMar 26, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oyster reefs off the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen and provide greater economic value than previously estimated, and their restoration may be effective in maintaining water quality and improving marine ecosystems

Restored oyster reefs in the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen from the water than previously estimated. Additionally, their restoration provides greater economic value for coastal communities, supporting sustainable marine ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 25, 2026

The food commodities driving deforestation globally

A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2026
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.

Moss-associated nitrogen fixation helps sustain plant growth in warming permafrost ecosystems

Climate warming significantly increases plant growth in permafrost regions by altering growing seasons and root penetration, but its impact depends on nitrogen supply. A new study reveals that moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation is a critical factor in sustaining plant growth under warming conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2026

Research: Moths are flying later in the year than a century ago

Researchers at Binghamton University found a significant shift in moth flight patterns over a century, with some species emerging later in the year. The study also identified missing moth species in the region, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic change on ecosystems.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

Coastal ocean chemistry now substantially shaped by humans

A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2026
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.

Longest recorded journey of a juvenile fisher to find new forest home

A young female fisher traveled 118 kilometers from Durham to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the longest recorded dispersal for the species. This journey, documented over winter with deep snow, underscores the fisher's adaptability and highlights the need for further research into movement patterns.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNortheastern Naturalist·DateMar 13, 2026
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.

Mountain soils in arid regions may emit more greenhouse gas as climate shifts, new study finds

Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Community-driven restoration in Spain recognized as best-practice example

The Spanish initiative Spongy Slopes has successfully restored key sponge functions in a steep slope landscape through nature-based measures. The project, which involved around 250 volunteers and local associations, has improved landscape-level hydrological resilience, retained rainwater, reduced erosion and increased biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateFeb 25, 2026

Students run ‘bee hotels’ across Canada - DNA reveals who’s checking in

A Canada-wide study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the intricate relationships between cavity-nesting bees and wasps and their food sources. The project, involving over 5000 students, creates detailed maps of these interactions, providing valuable insights into biodiversity and conservation.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateFeb 23, 2026
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.

Smaller fish and changing food webs – even where species numbers stay the same

A global study of nearly 15,000 marine and freshwater fish communities found consistent shifts in species composition, body size and feeding relationships over recent decades. Smaller-bodied fish species dominate ecosystems, reshaping food webs and ecosystem function.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2026

Cal Poly’s fifth Climate Solutions Now conference to take place Feb. 23-27

The all-virtual Cal Poly Climate Solutions Now conference will address a wide range of climate topics, including energy, water, waste, business sustainability, agriculture, education, and more. Presenters from various industries will share strategies, tools, and information to help mitigate climate change.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

Strawberry guava prevents natural forest generation in Madagascar

Rice University researchers found that strawberry guava can prevent natural forest generation in areas of Ranomafana National Park, even decades after deforestation has ended. The invasive plant changes the forest by reducing soil nutrients and altering insect populations, preventing native species recovery.

SourceRice University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Increasing pesticide toxicity threatens UN goal of global biodiversity protection by 2030

A new study reveals that current pesticide use trends fall short of the 50% reduction target by 2030, threatening global biodiversity. The research team analyzed global pesticide data and found significant increases in applied toxicity, driven by higher amounts applied and growing toxicity of active ingredients.

SourceRheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026
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.

Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Shrinking shellfish? FAU study uncovers acidic water risks in Indian River lagoon

A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Baby dinosaurs a common prey for Late Jurassic predators

A new study reveals that young sauropods were a key food source for Late Jurassic predators, with adults unable to care for their eggs and offspring. The research team mapped out a 'food web' of the time, finding that sauropods had a significant impact on their ecosystem.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJan 30, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study finds multiple sources of pollution in Virginia's Lake Anna

A University of Virginia study reveals phosphorus pollution in Lake Anna comes from multiple sources, including homes and abandoned mines. Elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and copper were found near mining sites, highlighting the need for broader strategies to address nutrient and metal pollution.

SourceUniversity of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJan 28, 2026

Pesticides significantly affect soil life and biodiversity

A Europe-wide study reveals that pesticides have substantial effects on beneficial soil organisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nematodes. The contamination has a major impact on soil biodiversity, highlighting the need to adapt current pesticide assessments and regulations.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2026
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.

“Hulk lizard” knocks out ancient colour palette

A study led by Lund University reveals how a dominant wall lizard species has wiped out several color variants within its population. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals and found that the aggressive 'Hulk' lizards have shifted the balance of colors, leaving only white throat colors remaining.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2026

Human activities drive global dryland greening

This study reveals that 29.2% of global drylands have significantly greened from 2001-2024, while only 4.9% experienced significant browning. Human activities, including cropland expansion and irrigation, have a more significant impact on greening than climate or CO₂ fertilization alone.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

US forests are locking in major carbon emissions

A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival

A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Science solves South Australia’s koala dilemma

A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2026
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.

Shark biology breakthrough: Study tracks tiger sharks to Maui mating hub

A six-year acoustic tracking study reveals a predictable seasonal convergence of mature male and female tiger sharks off Olowalu, Maui, coinciding with the humpback whale calving season. The findings suggest an annual mating aggregation site for tiger sharks, contrary to their conventional understanding as solitary wanderers.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2026

Large parts of the tropics overlooked in environmental research

A comprehensive study from Umeå University reveals that humid lowland forest ecosystems receive disproportionate attention, while colder and drier regions are severely underrepresented. This imbalance can lead to policy decisions based on incomplete or misleading science, affecting climate-vulnerable ecosystems.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2026

Organisms in the Atacama Desert soil are remarkably diverse

A new study reveals that resilient nematodes can persist in the Atacama Desert's hostile soil, with population diversity correlating to water profile and temperature fluctuations. The findings suggest that biodiversity in arid regions may be higher than previously assumed, but also warn of ecosystem damage.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026
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.

Wildfires reshape forest soils for decades

Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCATENA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Your Christmas decorations may be hiding a tiny bit of badger and toad

Researchers found 13 bird species, 11 mammal species, and 2 amphibian species in Danish moss samples, demonstrating its potential for monitoring global biodiversity. The study suggests that moss-based DNA sampling could work globally due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and gentle nature.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateDec 16, 2025
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 study challenges the idea of humans as innately nature-loving

A new systematic review examines nearly 200 scientific articles to gather knowledge on biophobia, a negative relationship with nature. The study reveals that both external and internal factors contribute to negative emotions towards nature, threatening conservation efforts.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateDec 4, 2025

The Mohn Prize for 2026 awarded to Canadian John Smol

Professor John Smol of Queen's University is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to identifying stressors of environmental change in the Arctic. He has developed tools for detecting environmental shifts in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, providing key insights into the impact of global warming and human activities.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·DateDec 3, 2025

Old air samples hint at effects of climate change

Researchers at Lund University analyzed old air samples collected by the Swedish Armed Forces and found that spore dispersal of northern mosses has shifted four weeks earlier over the past 35 years. Warmer autumns enable mosses to release their spores earlier in spring, with climate conditions from the previous year being the key factor.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 26, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New deep-learning tool can tell if your salmon is wild or farmed

A new deep-learning tool can rapidly identify wild and farmed salmon by analyzing fish scales, with 95% accuracy. This technology has the potential to mitigate the ecological impact of escaped farmed salmon on wild populations.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 26, 2025

New pika research finds troubling signs for the iconic Rocky Mountain animal

A new study reveals a severe decline in recruitment of the American pika on Niwot Ridge, Colorado, with fewer juvenile pikas being born or migrating to take their place. Climate change is predicted to threaten pikas in the American West, with warmer summers affecting their habitats and ability to survive.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalArctic Antarctic and Alpine Research·DateNov 18, 2025

Rats played major role in Easter Island’s deforestation, study reveals

Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 17, 2025