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VUB led Science publication shows how climate change is disproportionally affecting children

International research reveals that children will face a disproportionate increase in lifetime extreme event exposure due to climate change. The study, led by Prof. Wim Thiery of VUB, quantifies the impact of climate change on children born between 1960 and 2020, showing they will experience more heatwaves, droughts, crop failures, riv...

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics

Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Boom in social stress may contribute to population decline

A University of Massachusetts Amherst scientist suggests that rising social stress may contribute to the projected global population decline starting in 2064. Stress from social media and other social interactions may be leading to changes in reproductive behavior and physiology, resulting in decreased reproduction rates.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEndocrinology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

Wing shape determines how far birds disperse

Researchers used flight efficiency estimates from museum specimens to predict bird dispersal distances, revealing that species with elongated wings can disperse farther. This study has applications in biodiversity conservation, as reduced flight capabilities may threaten bird populations.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalEcology·DateSep 2, 2021
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.

ʻOpihi age, growth, and longevity influenced by Hawaiian intertidal environment

A study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that ʻopihi age, growth, and longevity are influenced by the Hawaiian intertidal environment. The research team found that ʻopihi species grow rapidly, reaching maturity within 8-9 months, and can live up to 5 years old.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021

Stress from rising population numbers may cause a decline in human fertility

A review article published in the Endocrine Society's journal Endocrinology predicts a peak in population numbers in 2064 followed by a 50% drop by the end of the century. Stress from less quality social interactions is believed to suppress sperm count, ovulation, and sexual activity, contributing to declining reproduction rates.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateAug 24, 2021
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.

Geneticists map the rhinoceros family tree

Researchers have helped fill gaps in the rhino evolutionary family tree by analyzing genomes of living and extinct species, finding that African and Eurasian lineages separated 16 million years ago and that low genetic diversity is a natural state for rhinoceroses, not a consequence of recent population declines

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

On the “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” a glimmer of hope for a rare fox species

A new study predicts that the population of San Nicolas Island foxes will remain at a low risk of extinction due to their isolated habitat and relatively dry environmental conditions. The researchers suggest strategies such as biosecurity, restoration of habitats, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict to increase the foxes' resilience...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosphere·DateAug 23, 2021

Biodiversity: Land use – Threat to and opportunity for bumblebees

Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists dig deep to understand the effects of population pressure on violence levels

Researchers found a positive correlation between population pressure and higher levels of violence during the Middle Yayoi period in northern Kyushu, Japan. Despite peak population pressures in some regions, lower frequency-of-violence values were observed, suggesting other factors may have influenced violence levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

From coral reef to goat ranch: Uncovering the botanical history of the Guadalupe Mountains

Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

Sea levels influence eruptions on volcanic island

Researchers found a 40-meter fall in sea level increases eruption likelihood at Santorini and possibly other volcanoes worldwide. Climate change impacts volcanic activity, particularly as ice sheets retreat and global sea levels rise.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 2, 2021
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.

Variations in climate conditions affect reproductive success of Antarctic krill, study finds

A new study from Oregon State University found that climate conditions significantly affect the reproductive success of mature female Antarctic krill. The researchers discovered a relationship between the condition of these females during spawning season and the proportion of juvenile krill in the population the following year.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Why lockdown in Africa does not work as a first COVID-19 pandemic response

The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalAfrican Development Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Why is the eastern monarch butterfly disappearing?

A recent study led by Michigan State University ecologists reveals that changing climate has nearly seven times more significant impact on eastern monarch population decline than other contributors. The team analyzed data from over 18,000 surveys of monarchs in the midwestern US, central Mexico, and southern Canada between 1994 and 2018.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 19, 2021

Resilience, not collapse: What the Easter Island myth gets wrong

A new study suggests that Easter Island's demographic collapse did not occur, but rather experienced steady population growth until European contact. The researchers used Approximate Bayesian Computation to analyze radiocarbon dates and environmental changes, revealing that the islanders' resilience strategies were successful despite a...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2021
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.

Temperature cues for bird migration

Research reveals that Asian houbara birds use internal temperature cues to fine-tune their migration departure times, adapting to annual temperature variability without genetic changes. Temperature cues are more consistently used than other environmental factors like daylight length or wind velocity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Fecal records show Maya population affected by climate change

A new study using fecal stanols found that the Maya population in Itzan declined due to both droughts and wet periods, showing a link between climate extremes and population changes. The research provides insights into how ancient civilizations adapted to environmental issues like soil degradation and nutrient loss.

SourceMcGill University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJun 30, 2021

We cannot cheat ageing and death

A new study led by Fernando Colchero reveals a strong link between human life expectancy and lifespan equality. Researchers analyzed data from nine human populations and 30 non-human primate populations, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and baboons, to explore the invariant rate of ageing hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2021

Study sheds light on population history of northern east Asia

Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from 25 humans, revealing that the population dynamics between 40,000-9.5 ka were influenced by Ice Age climatic fluctuations. The study provides evidence for an Asian-specific variant associated with anthropogenic traits.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateMay 27, 2021
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.

Wolves and road safety

A study in Wisconsin found that wolf introduction reduced deer-vehicle collisions by 24%, with an economic benefit of 63 times the harm caused by livestock predation. The study suggests that wolves' impact on prey behavior is a key factor in collision reduction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

How can we stop mankind from stagnating?

The global human population is projected to lead to food and water shortages, pollution, poverty and social tension. A new mathematical model suggests that intrinsic factors, such as Turing instability, may drive heterogeneous population distribution, regardless of geographical heterogeneity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 28, 2021
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.

Great tits change their traditions for the better

Researchers found that populations of great tits can switch from one behavior to a more efficient alternative when group members are replaced with new birds. Fluid social groups were more likely to adopt the new behavior, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 6, 2021

Ancient megafaunal mutualisms and extinctions as factors in plant domestication

Researchers propose that plants evolved for long-distance seed dispersal and rapid growth as adaptations for megafaunal mutualisms. These traits allowed them to thrive in human-dominated landscapes, contributing to the global dominance of certain plant families. The study suggests that exaptation traits played a key role in the domesti...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 25, 2021

Pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 hospitalization trends in 22 states to assess severity and spread of the virus in pediatric population. The study found significant variations in hospitalization rates across states, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to prevent further transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 11, 2021

Transients and synchronization are unified in ecological networks

In ecological networks, synchronization and transients are unified through symmetry and stochasticity. Cluster synchronization emerges due to intrinsic symmetries of the network, exhibiting transient behavior with intermittent switching among distinct patterns.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 19, 2020
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.

Skinnier but resilient geese thriving in the high Arctic

A long-term study reveals that barnacle geese are resilient to environmental changes, despite a 10% decrease in body weight, which doesn't seem to affect population numbers. The researchers found that other factors like earlier springs and fox predation play a more significant role in shaping the geese's survival.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 17, 2020

Researchers explore population size, density in rise of centralized power in antiquity

A University of Maine-led team developed a model, Power Theory, which suggests that demography played a crucial role in the transition from egalitarian hunter-gatherer societies to centralized authority. The researchers found a correlation between population density and size, and the change in power dynamics in early Peruvian societies.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 30, 2020

Effect of climate change on infectious diseases unknown to half of the population

A study found that nearly half of the global population lacks knowledge about climate change's effect on infectious diseases. The survey revealed marked differences in awareness among nationality and educational background. Knowledge of climate change is unrelated to educational level, indicating a need for increased public awareness.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2020
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.

For COVID-19 surveillance, test frequency and turnaround time are paramount, modeling suggests

A new study models trade-offs in COVID-19 testing, suggesting that rapid turnaround times and frequent testing have high epidemiological value for effective surveillance. The study found that delays in diagnosing infections had a significant impact on surveillance plans, emphasizing the importance of fast results.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2020

Analyzing predator populations across boundaries

A new study uses transnational genetic monitoring to track population dynamics of brown bears, wolves, and wolverines in Norway and Sweden. The approach reveals evidence of recovery and highlights the impact of humans on apex predator populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Male fin whales surprise scientists by swapping songs

New research suggests fin whales sing multiple different songs, which may be picked up by migrating individuals and spread to different parts of the ocean. This complex behavior provides new insights into how fin whale populations move and change over time.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 29, 2020
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.

CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations

A new study reveals that CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations leads to the emergence of weighted-nestedness immunity structure, enabling hosts to control virus diversification. This structure is crucial for understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics and designing stable microbial populations.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 19, 2020

The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals

The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals in the past three decades, with small, medium, and large coral populations declining by more than 50 percent. This decline is driven by climate change, which is causing record-breaking temperatures to trigger mass bleaching events.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateOct 13, 2020
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 older Western Europeans could already have systemic 'profile' that makes them susceptible to severe COVID-19

Research found that changes in cell populations and circulating inflammatory proteins are already partly present in older healthy individuals. The study identified markers that explain the high susceptibility of older individuals to severe COVID-19 and inform efforts to prevent and treat the disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 24, 2020

Proximity to the southern border and DUI arrests in California

A new study found that DUI arrest rates in California increase as distance to the southern border decreases, likely due to greater availability of alcohol. The study also reveals sociodemographic factors contributing to higher DUI rates, including Hispanic population density and age groups.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·DateSep 13, 2020

Genetic timeline of physical events in Antarctic

The study found that three species had been genetically isolated for at least 3.52 million years, while the other three were isolated for less than 2 million years. The results suggest a correlation with large-scale changes in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet affecting arthropod dispersal and population mingling.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Changes in climate and land cover affecting European migratory bird populations

A new study reveals that European migratory bird populations are most affected by changes in climate on breeding grounds, while land cover changes have a greater impact on their migration routes. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors in conservation efforts to mitigate population declines.

SourceDurham University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateAug 14, 2020

Inbreeding detrimental for survival

Researchers studied 3100 house sparrows from eight islands in northern Norway to examine the effects of inbreeding. The study found that inbred birds had shorter lives and reproduced poorly, with less genetic variation across their genomes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2020

Desert shrub responses to climate change

Researchers analyzed intrinsic water-use efficiencies in two populations of the drought-deciduous shrub Encelia farinosa. The study found that individual shrubs exhibit significant plasticity in response to climate change, rather than population-level adaptation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
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.

Tackling coral reefs' thorny problem

Researchers from OIST Graduate University discovered the crown-of-thorns starfish's evolution, shedding light on its population changes and potential threats to coral reefs. The findings suggest complex ocean currents in the Ryukyu Archipelago may aid the survival of the larvae.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJul 8, 2020

Community science birding data does not yet capture global bird trends

Ornithologists at the University of Utah found that community science bird data shows different trends in bird populations than professional surveys, especially in developing countries. The researchers hope to encourage more conscientious recording and connection between birders and professionals to fill data gaps.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 6, 2020

Poison-induced mortality of red kites

Researchers correlated poisoned red kites with local extinction and declining breeding populations in Spain between 1994-2014. Wildlife poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition may contribute to species declines across the country.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Are protected areas effective at maintaining large carnivore populations?

A recent study found that protected areas in Finland do not harbor higher densities of large carnivores than unprotected lands, with wolverine populations declining within some areas. However, the study also suggests that protected areas can support seasonal habitats and prey for these mobile species.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2020

Secure land rights essential to protect biodiversity and cultures within indigenous lands

New research highlights the importance of legally protecting large indigenous territories in Brazil to preserve biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Almost 90% of indigenous territories retain higher native vegetation cover than their surroundings, safeguarding over 100 million hectares of forests and savannahs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalLand Use Policy·DateMay 13, 2020

Global changes in insect populations reflect both decline and growth

A meta-analysis of 166 long-term surveys across 1,676 sites worldwide reveals highly spatially variable global insect population trends, showing an average 9% per decade decline in terrestrial insects. In contrast, freshwater insect abundance increases by 11% per decade, possibly due to successful clean water efforts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

Researchers use genomics to estimate Samoan population dynamics over 3,000 years

A new study found that the effective population size of the first Samoans was small, ranging from 700 to 3,400 people, with population growth starting around 1,000 years ago. The research highlights the importance of population history and size in understanding health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2020

To reverse engineer dynamics of microbial communities, researchers construct their own

Researchers at the University of Illinois constructed synthetic microbial communities to study their dynamics and predict behavior. The study found that increasing variability in microbial interactions drives community structure, and that characterizing this variation can empower predictions of ecosystem succession.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Limiting global warming would relieve populations from wet and dry extremes in China

A study published in Science Bulletin finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would reduce precipitation extremes in China, particularly in southeastern regions. The research highlights the social impacts of climate change, with heavy rainfall events intensifying across the country and dry extremes increasing in South China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 17, 2019