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Spying on hippos with drones to help conservation efforts

Researchers used drones to estimate hippo numbers in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, and found the method to be just as effective as traditional land surveys. The drone's bird's-eye perspective allowed for accurate counting of individual hippos, even when they were crowded together.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Climate change is a disability rights issue'

Researchers argue that climate change has a disproportionate impact on disabled populations, limiting access to knowledge and resources. The study highlights the need for urgent research into the intersection of disability rights and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2019

Ancient roman DNA reveals genetic crossroads of Europe and Mediterranean

A study of 127 ancient individuals' genomes found two major ancestry shifts, one during Neolithic farmers' arrival and another during the Bronze age. The results suggest that by Rome's founding, central Italy's genetics were similar to modern populations, but genetic diversity increased over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2019

Is there evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans?

A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.

SourceBoston College·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

One species, many origins

Researchers argue that viewing past human populations as discrete branches on an evolutionary tree is misleading and instead propose a dynamic changes in connectivity model, which better explains genetic diversity and fossil records. This shift in understanding could address complex questions in human evolutionary studies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 23, 2019
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.

Conflicting consequences of climate change for Arctic nesting geese

Researchers found that climate change has a net zero effect on Svalbard barnacle goose populations, with benefits from warmer springs offset by increased predation. Warmer winters also led to increased egg production and gosling survival, benefiting both geese and predators like Arctic foxes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

Some Pacific salmon populations are especially at risk from climate change

A study by NOAA researchers has identified four Pacific salmon population groups as especially vulnerable to climate change, including Chinook in California's Central Valley and sockeye in Idaho's Snake River basin. The populations face threats from elevations in stream and sea surface temperatures as well as ocean acidification.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2019
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.

Scientists alarmed by bark beetle boom

A recent study published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution reveals the alarming impact of bark beetles on timberlands across Central Europe and North America. The beetles' population growth is linked to climate change, which exacerbates the problem by weakening German timberlands.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 1, 2019

Snowmelt timing and plant seed production

A study found that earlier snowmelt timing reduces subalpine plants' seed production, threatening their long-term survival. Climate change poses a significant threat to these populations, even without noticeable changes in bloom timing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

How much time do Americans spend sitting?

The study found that Americans spent more time sitting, with 62% of children, adolescents, and adults watching TV or videos for at least 2 hours a day in 2015-2016. The proportion of people using computers during leisure time increased across all age groups from 43% to 56%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 23, 2019

When the extreme becomes the norm for Arctic animals

Svalbard reindeer population behaves counterintuitively under harsher climate scenarios, with high density and competition leading to population crashes. However, the population's internal restructuring and age structure buffer the effects of climate change, allowing them to survive in a warming environment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2019

Behavioral ecology: Personalities promote adaptability

A recent study by LMU biologists found that personality differences among great tits affect their breeding timing. The more daring birds breed later but earlier when threatened, while less valiant pairs delay breeding until the threat passes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2019

Hunting practices and seaduck harvesting

A study analyzed biomarkers in bird feces from pond sediment cores to reconstruct seaduck population changes throughout the 20th century. The analysis revealed long-term declines in seaducks across colonies facing high hunting pressure, likely linked to Inuit community relocation and gun introduction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019
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.

Factors influencing monarch butterfly winter colonies

The study found that higher summer populations on northern breeding grounds correlated with larger Mexican winter colonies. Autumn temperatures and disease rates were not significantly associated with winter population sizes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Fate of meerkats tied to seasonal climate effects

Scientists assess how meerkat populations will fare in response to future changes in seasonal rainfall and temperature. The study found that hotter summers may threaten the persistence of meerkat populations, but warmer winters can alleviate negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2019

Antarctic krill population contracts southward as polar oceans warm

A recent study found that Antarctic krill populations have shifted southward due to warming in their key habitat, posing major implications for the food web and biogeochemical cycling. The team analyzed data from scientific surveys spanning nearly a century and found a substantial change in the krill population over time.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 21, 2019
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.

New mathematical model can help save endangered species

A new mathematical model developed by University of Southern Denmark researcher Fernando Colchero can help predict the population growth of endangered species. The model takes into account age-specific survival and reproduction rates, as well as trade-offs between these factors, resulting in more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 11, 2019

Female penguins are getting stranded along the South American coast

Researchers found that female Magellanic penguins are more likely to be stranded along the South American coast due to their northward migration. The study suggests that females are at greater risk of encountering threats such as water pollution and marine transport hazards, leading to increased stranding.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2019
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.

Monitoring species: Are we looking long enough?

Conservation efforts rely heavily on estimates of animal populations, but monitoring periods are often short due to funding cycles and experimental time frames. Research by Easton R. White suggests that 72% of species require at least 10 years of continuous monitoring for high statistical power.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2018

Frogs breed young to beat virus

Research suggests that frogs from virus-exposed groups are breeding at significantly younger ages than those in disease-free populations. This decrease in breeding age poses a risk of local extinction due to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 20, 2018

Climate change damaging male fertility

New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that heatwaves can halve male reproductive fitness, reducing offspring production by three-quarters. The study found that heatwaves also damage inseminated sperm within female reproductive tracts, leading to reduced fertility and population viability.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2018

Tommorow's population will be larger, heavier and eat more

The world's population is expected to be larger, heavier and eat more by 2050 due to population growth and changes in eating habits. According to researchers, an average adult today requires 6.1% more energy than in 1975, leading to increased food demand.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSustainability·DateNov 9, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Adaptable lizards illustrate key evolutionary process proposed a century ago

Scientists have documented how individual side-blotched lizards can change colors to become darker on lava; they identified genes that regulate coloration and found genetic changes in the population adapted to the lava flow. These findings provide a detailed example of the Baldwin effect occurring in a wild population.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2018

Australian fur seal pup population is shrinking

A long-term monitoring program for Australian fur seals has tracked a decline in pup populations, with the first reduction since species-wide protection was implemented in 1975. The study highlights the importance of regularly assessing monitoring programs and provides valuable information on how to improve them.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 5, 2018

'What is not just a thing': an alternative inquiry into 'what is life'

Researchers introduce concept of 'live' process emerging from interactions between molecules and environment, identifying earliest hallmark of life. They suggest this process could lead to emergence of complex living organisms with characteristics currently known.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 4, 2018

High precision microbial population dynamics under cycles of feast and famine

Researchers use automated systems to collect around-the-clock data on bacterial populations, finding that more frequent feast cycles lead to faster recovery from famine states. The team uncovers the mechanism behind this phenomenon, attributing it to dispersal of cells during feast conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018
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.

How can parents help children navigate an increasingly diverse world?

A team of multidisciplinary researchers provides novel insights into parenting and diversity, identifying common themes and future directions for research. The study sheds light on the impact of increasing population diversity on parenting adolescents, offering new ways of thinking about parenting.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Office of Research Communication·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateAug 23, 2018

Can population policy lessen future climate impacts?

A growing global population contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions, while nearly 85 million unintended pregnancies annually exacerbate the issue. Including population information in future IPCC assessments could facilitate more effective climate policies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

The sun should not set twice before hip fracture repair

A large study found that delaying hip fracture surgery beyond two days increases postoperative mortality. The researchers suggest adopting a 'don't let the sun set twice' policy for timely access to the operating room, which could avoid up to 16.5% of in-hospital deaths.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 7, 2018

Decline in heat-related deaths in Spain despite rising summer temperatures

A study by ISGlobal reveals a decline in heat-related mortality in Spain, contrary to expectations of increased deaths due to rising summer temperatures. The Spanish population has adapted to the change, reducing its vulnerability to high temperatures through various socioeconomic factors.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 24, 2018

A warmer Midwest could lead to a common bird being less common over the next century

Researchers predict Acadian flycatcher populations will decline substantially due to reduced breeding productivity and increased nest predation under severe warming projections. Climate change poses a significant risk of quasi-extinction to this common Midwestern songbird species by the twenty-first century.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Study: Populations of widely spread tree species respond differently to climate change

A new study by Portland State University reveals that climate change impacts tree growth rates vary among widely distributed tree species in different regions of Patagonia. The research found that warmer conditions and changes in storm tracks led to altered precipitation patterns, favoring tree growth in some areas over others.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 8, 2018

Secrets of fish population changes revealed

Researchers have linked the ecology of adult fish populations inhabiting coral reefs with the dispersal of baby fish between reefs, revealing a complex network called a marine metapopulation. The study found that successful larval dispersal was crucial for replenishing key reefs.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEcology·DateJun 7, 2018

Alien apocalypse: Can any civilization make it through climate change?

A new study suggests that no civilization can sustainably survive climate change, with four possible scenarios emerging: die-off, sustainability, collapse without resource change, or collapse with resource change. Researchers used mathematical models to analyze the co-evolution of civilizations and planets.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAstrobiology·DateJun 4, 2018

Cod harvesting and habitat shifts

Researchers used population dynamics modeling to assess the effects of size-specific and age-specific harvesting of Atlantic cod on the eastern Scotian Shelf, Canada. Fishing practices were found to drive a significant increase in cod habitat deepening, with depths of up to 120m accounting for nearly 100% of observed changes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018
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.

Research ties persistence of 'white flight' to race, not socioeconomic factors

A study from Indiana University finds that white flight occurs when nonwhite residents move into a neighborhood, regardless of socioeconomic factors. Once a community reaches a certain threshold of diversity, white flight becomes more likely, with areas losing an average of 40% of their white population over a decade.

SourceIndiana University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateApr 9, 2018

Hunting squid slowed by rising carbon levels

Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful hunts. This effect is observed across two cephalopod orders, suggesting that many species may be impacted by rising CO2 levels in the oceans.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2018
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.

Citizen science birding data passes scientific muster

A recent study published in Biological Conservation shows that eBird citizen science data accurately tracks trends in government bird surveys, filling data gaps in developing nations. The analysis, led by University of Utah researcher Joshua Horns, reveals significant declines for 48% of North American bird species over the past 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 11, 2018

Previously unknown 'supercolony' of Adélie penguins discovered in Antarctica

A new study led by researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has discovered a supercolony of over 1.5 million Adélie penguins in the Danger Islands, off the Antarctic Peninsula's northern tip. The population appears to be resilient to climate change, providing valuable insights for future monitoring and conservation eff...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2018

AI to fight the spread of infectious diseases

A USC-developed algorithm can better locate and treat people living with undiagnosed infectious diseases, such as TB and gonorrhea. The algorithm optimizes disease spread models using behavioral, demographic, and epidemic trends to capture underlying population dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 20, 2018

Protecting piping plovers

A Michigan State University study reveals that the endangered piping plover population may decline over the next decade due to increasing predator pressure. The researchers developed an integrated population model coupled with a Bayesian population viability analysis to improve accuracy in forecasting population changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 23, 2018

California sea lion population rebounded to new highs

The California sea lion population has fully rebounded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), reaching carrying capacity in 2008. The species' recovery reflects an important success for the MMPA, which recognized marine mammals as a central element of their ocean ecosystems.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJan 17, 2018
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 shrinking moose of Isle Royale

A 40-year study on Isle Royale moose reveals a 16% decline in skull size, indicating smaller individuals and shorter lives, likely linked to climate warming. The population's growth may be an imbalance in the predator-prey dynamics, with wolves' decline contributing to malnutrition.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

Novel framework to infer microbial interactions

Researchers developed a novel method to infer microbial interactions using steady-state data, avoiding perturbations and potential ethical concerns. The approach allows for accurate network inference without requiring population dynamics modeling, enabling better understanding of microbial ecosystems.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2017

Albatross populations in decline from fishing and environmental change

A new study found that albatross populations have halved over the last 35 years on Bird Island due to environmental change and deaths in longline and trawl fisheries. Climate change and bycatch were found to be major contributors to this decline, with grey-headed albatrosses being particularly affected.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ensuring the survival of elephants in Laos: A matter of economics

The study found that Laos' elephant population, which has dropped by half in the last 30 years, depends heavily on socio-economic practices. Implementing a 'maternity-leave' system for owners could help offset losses and promote breeding, potentially saving the species.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 1, 2017

Population, wellbeing, and climate change mitigation

A study links population growth to increased social cost of carbon dioxide and potential savings in climate mitigation costs by reducing emissions. The model suggests that minimal population growth can lead to substantial annual savings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2017