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The sound of injustice: Inequitable urban noise impacts people, wildlife

A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Study proposes new framework to identify keystone microbial species

A new data-driven framework uses machine learning to identify keystone microbial species in human gut microbiomes, varying across communities. The study found that keystone species have context-dependent essentiality and can aid digestion, breaking down complex starches.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2023
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.

Pseudoscorpions of Israel: Two new family records discovered

A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel, including Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae. The research expands the catalog to include 61 pseudoscorpion species belonging to 28 genera and fourteen families.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalTaxonomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Ethical, environmental and political concerns about climate change affect reproductive choices

A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 9, 2023

The recovery process of European freshwater biodiversity comes to a halt

A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Okinawa’s ants change their seasonal rhythms amid land-cover changes

Ant communities in Okinawa Island show reduced seasonal behavior in areas with more human development. Researchers found that ant populations in developed sites are less predictable and have diminished seasonality compared to forested areas. The study highlights the impact of human activities on insect populations and ecosystem services.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 27, 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.

New UNCG research will help better predict the health and sustainability of ‘grassy’ ecosystems

Researchers from UNC Greensboro have developed new methods to predict the impact of global changes on 'grassy' ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface. The study aims to improve mathematical models that forecast changes in these ecosystems, including food production, pollinators, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

The currency of conservation

A new study led by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, proposes a way to improve the effectiveness of conservation funding by giving organizations more freedom to allocate funds. By doing so, the team found that conservation projects can offer a high return on investment and make a greater impact on species protection.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2023
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.

Fear of humans pervades the South African savanna

A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Discovery of a new calcifying phytoplankton species off Bermuda

Researchers have discovered a new species of calcifying phytoplankton, Calciopappus curvus, found in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. The species is distinct from others in its genus and boasts intricate skeletons that may aid movement or protection.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalProtist·DateOct 2, 2023

Theories about the natural world may need to change to reflect human impact

Scientists validate a long-held ecological distribution theory, but find it doesn't hold true for islands with human habitation. The findings suggest that traditional models of the natural world may no longer be valid in the face of mounting local human impacts.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 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.

Six of nine planetary boundaries now exceeded

A new study finds that human activities are impacting the planet, breaching six planetary boundaries and increasing the risk of triggering dramatic changes. The study highlights the need for a global focus on interactions between boundaries, particularly Climate and Biosphere Integrity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2023

Global food system could help achieve net negative emissions by 2050

A global food system model suggests that consumer choices and climate-smart technologies can help achieve net negative emissions by 2050. The study estimates that a complete transformation could remove up to 33 gigatons of carbon dioxide each year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 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.

Bats feast as insects migrate through Pyrenees

Researchers discovered seven bat species and 66 insect species in the Pyrenees, highlighting the importance of migratory insects as a food source for both bats and those living in the mountains. The study also shows that migrating insects are a crucial refuelling station for bats during their own journeys south.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2023

Hidden moles in hidden holes

Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Study reveals successful strategies for removing invasive caimans from Florida Everglades

Scientists successfully removed invasive spectacled caimans from specific areas of the Everglades, reducing competition with native alligators and crocodiles. The efforts demonstrate early detection, rapid response, and persistent removal can effectively control invasive species, with implications for other invasive species management.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateAug 7, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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

Sea level rise shifts habitat for endangered Florida Keys species

A study found that the silver rice rat, an endangered Florida Keys species, shifted its habitat in response to sea level rise, moving to higher ground at a rate slightly greater than the observed rise in sea level. The rats' diet and environment are highly restricted, making them sensitive to changes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 1, 2023

Climate change threatens 771 endangered plant and lichen species

A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

Holistic management is key to increase carbon sequestration in soils

A novel framework guides informed and effective soil management as carbon sinks, considering context-dependent environmental conditions. Management targeting 'labile' carbon is more effective in increasing carbon sequestration than focusing on 'stabilized' carbon.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2023

Local loss of species may often be underestimated

A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

Air quality stations have collected vast stores of DNA by accident, a potentially “game-changing” discovery for tracking global biodiversity

Researchers found an astonishing record of biodiversity trapped on air quality filter samples in the UK, including over 180 plant and animal species. The study suggests that existing air quality monitoring networks could be used to track terrestrial biodiversity on a continental scale.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

The other side of the story: How evolution impacts the environment

Researchers found that shorter-legged lizards on tiny Bahamian islands reduced web spider populations by 41% and promoted plant growth, while longer-legged lizards had the opposite effect. This study demonstrates a two-way street in which evolutionary changes shape ecological interactions.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 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.

ERC Consolidator Grant for geoscientist Daniel Herwartz

Daniel Herwartz receives 2 million euros funding from ERC Consolidator Grant for his project KinO, which explores temperature fluctuations associated with mass extinction and improves temperature reconstructions of ancient ocean temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateJun 1, 2023

Stop eradication of small mammals to protect vital ecosystems, say scientists

Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 22, 2023

Out of the frying pan: Coyotes, bobcats move into human-inhabited areas to avoid apex predators — only to be killed by people

A study in Washington state found that when wolves and cougars moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats shifted their movements into regions with higher levels of human activity. However, it was humans who finished off the smaller predators, with over half of the coyotes killed by people during the study period.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2023

A new workflow to standardize fossil pollen datasets for ecological research

A new guide has been created to standardize fossil pollen datasets, enabling researchers to compile and analyze large-scale syntheses of palaeoecological data. The FOSSILPOL workflow and R-package provide a step-by-step process for handling data preparation, ensuring good data quality and minimizing erroneous interpretations.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMay 15, 2023
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.

Nature is changing as land abandonment increases

As rural populations decline, abandoned lands hold promise for rewilding and biodiversity recovery. However, land abandonment can also have negative impacts on local ecosystems and human culture. The authors highlight the need to balance economic needs with restoration and conservation goals.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2023

Bridging the gap between lab and field studies in soil microbiology research

Soil microbiology research increasingly relies on big data, with experiments moving from labs to fields. Discrepancies between lab and field studies impact policies due to inconsistent results. Bridging the gap requires interdisciplinary collaboration to improve upscaling of soil microbiology research.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Small wildlife surveys can produce ‘big picture’ results

Researchers have developed a method to rapidly assess the persistence of entire ecological networks and detect extinction risk. By examining interactions between species, scientists can identify patterns and make 'big picture' conclusions about ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2023

Why mosses are vital for the health of our soil and Earth

A global study found that mosses cover over 9.4 million km² globally, providing essential services to the environment. Mosses support plant ecosystems by laying the foundations for plants to flourish and may play an important role in mitigating against climate change by capturing vast amounts of carbon.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeSurvey·DateMay 2, 2023

Prehistoric poo reveals ‘waves’ of extinction in Colombia

Fungal spores found in dung indicate large animals went extinct in two waves in the Colombian Andes, with major impacts on ecosystems. The study reveals that megafauna existed for thousands of years before disappearing and reappearing again, highlighting the sensitivity of habitats to local herbivore declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalQuaternary Research·DateApr 26, 2023
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.

New tools capture economic benefit of restoring urban streams

Researchers developed a suite of tools to assess economic benefits of improving urban stream water quality. The 'ecological production function framework' estimates use and non-use benefits, including increased property values and protected natural resources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies

A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Fungal Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2023

Why are networks stable?

Bar-Ilan University researchers found that large and heterogeneous complex networks exhibit enhanced stability due to non-random patterns of interaction, contradicting Sir Robert May's original prediction. This discovery offers new guidelines for designing stable infrastructure networks and protecting fragile ecosystems.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 20, 2023
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.

Eco-computing

A study at Kyoto University has demonstrated the computational power of ecological networks, providing a new direction for rapidly developing AI technologies. The researchers developed two types of ecological reservoir computing that efficiently process information and can be utilized as a computational resource.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 19, 2023

How does a millipede get its legs?

New research reveals that millipede segments contain tiny bundles of legs, which appear as transparent protrusions before molting. This discovery could help understand how not only millipedes but also other arthropods grow and develop.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 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.

Shift to ‘flash droughts’ as climate warms

Research finds that flash droughts are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change, posing a major challenge for climate adaptation. The transition to flash droughts is predicted to accelerate in a warmer future, with irreversible impacts on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2023

Coral-eating fish poo may act as ‘probiotics’ for reefs

Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Humans need Earth-like ecosystem for deep-space living

A new theory, dubbed the Pancosmorio theory, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an Earth-like ecosystem for human survival in deep space. The key factors include gravity, which induces a pressure gradient in the body, and oxygen, which is generated by plants on Earth.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateApr 12, 2023

New peer-reviewed, decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests in Brazil’s Amazon absorb thousands of dangerous pollutants from noxious fumes from wildfires, preventing 15 million costly cases of disease every year

A decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests can absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of dangerous pollutants from wildfires each year, preventing an estimated 15 million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. This absorption saves Amazon cities US$2 billion a year in healthcare costs.

SourceBurness·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
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.