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Yes, allergy seasons are getting worse; blame climate change

Researchers found that climate change contributes to longer and more severe pollen seasons in the US, affecting respiratory health and viral infections. Pollen counts increased by 21% between 1990 and 2018, with a significant impact on allergy sufferers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Unusual 2019-2020 flu season linked to more transmissible strain

A new study links the 2019-2020 flu season to a more transmissible strain of Type B influenza virus. Younger individuals were disproportionately affected due to limited exposure to other B viruses, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination and preparedness strategies.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2021

Concussions, repetitive head impacts among college football players

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that college football players suffer from high frequencies of concussions and repetitive head impacts over several seasons. The researchers identified patterns of injury and highlighted the need for further research to address the long-term effects on player health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Much to glean when times are rough

A new study finds that households' ability to glean seafood in rough weather is influenced by shallow habitat area and type. This highlights the importance of context-specific understanding of dynamic coastal livelihoods for sustainable fisheries management.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 1, 2021

A large number of gray whales are starving and dying in the eastern North Pacific

A new international study suggests that starvation is contributing to the mortality of gray whales along the west coast of Mexico, USA, and Canada. The researchers used drone photogrammetry to measure the body condition of the whales, which showed a marked decline in juvenile and adult gray whales visiting Laguna San Ignacio.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJan 22, 2021

Study recommends rugby league invests in young players' diets

Rugby league's young players can benefit from individualized nutrition plans to improve physical capacity, health, and recovery throughout their careers. The study provides practical food and drink examples for sports dietitians and coaches to help players eat and drink enough as part of a healthy diet.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season

Researchers found the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season, leading to discrepancies between simulations and observations in both cold and warm seasons. The study suggests using an ensemble approach to consider seasonal variations in model errors, improving future simulation and prediction of Arctic sea ice.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 30, 2020
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.

Humpback whale songs provide insight to population changes

Researchers analyzed acoustic data from humpback whale songs to track population changes in the North Pacific. The study found a significant decrease in acoustic energy levels between 2014-15 and 2018-19, mirroring the declining number of whales during this period.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateDec 18, 2020

Do the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms?

The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

Warmer springs mean more offspring for prothonotary warblers

A study found that warmer springs in southern Illinois allow prothonotary warblers to start laying eggs earlier, increasing the chances of raising two broods of offspring. This adaptability may provide a reproductive advantage for the birds, but could be threatened by continued climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 9, 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.

Drones and AI detect soybean maturity with high accuracy

Researchers predict soybean maturity date within two days using drone images and artificial intelligence, greatly reducing the need for boots on the ground. The developed model performs well independent of data collection frequency, accounting for variables such as image quality and location.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing·DateDec 7, 2020

New study shows that football fixture pile-ups are forcing layers and coaches to change

A new study reveals that footballers are conserving energy for intense bursts in games with congested fixture lists. Coaches are also rotating players more frequently to manage fatigue and injury risks, particularly among central defenders. The findings highlight the impact of fixture congestion on player performance and team management.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalSports Medicine·DateNov 5, 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.

Bronze Age travel routes revealed using pioneering research method

Researchers from the University of Sydney have reconstructed ancient seasonal migration routes of Bronze Age herders in Xinjiang using satellite imagery and archaeological evidence. This innovative methodology provides new insights into how Bronze Age people adapted to life in the region and capitalised on available resources.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2020

A loan for lean season

Researchers found that small loans during the lean season led to higher quality of life, increased agricultural output, and greater wages. The study's results validated the importance of seasonal variability to rural farmers' livelihoods, highlighting the need for economic interventions that account for this factor.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 2, 2020

Aerosols vs droplets

UC Santa Barbara researchers modeled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different temperatures and relative humidities. They found that respiratory droplets can travel longer distances than recommended social distancing guidelines, especially in cooler environments. The study suggests aerosol transmission may be more significant in summer, re...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 14, 2020
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.

Athletes don't benefit from relying on a coach for too long

A new study from Binghamton University suggests that coaches who focus on transformational leadership can help athletes become less reliant on them over time. This means that coaches who inspire and mentor their players to achieve their full potential are more likely to have a positive impact on their development.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateOct 13, 2020

Blue whales change their tune before migrating

Researchers found that blue whales sing mainly at night during the summer feeding season, but switch to daytime singing when preparing to migrate. This discovery may explain inconsistencies in whale song patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 1, 2020

Climate change and chick mortality in migratory birds

As temperatures rise, tree swallow populations are shifting their egg-laying dates forward by up to 13 days. This shift is linked to increased risk of mass chick mortality due to reduced aerial insect availability during cold snaps, highlighting the complex impacts of climate change on animal life cycles.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 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.

Hitchhiking seeds pose substantial risk of nonnative plant invasions

A recent study found that nonnative plant invasions can occur through hitchhiking seeds on shipping containers, with potential risks to agriculture and native ecosystems. The researchers propose strategies such as liquid pre-emergent herbicide application and inspection for exterior seeds to reduce risk of invasion.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2020

Is APM the best way to evaluate NBA players?

A recent study by Syracuse University researchers challenges the use of Adjusted Plus-Minus (APM) as a reliable metric for evaluating NBA player performance. The study finds that teammates' quality affects a player's APM score, suggesting that APM does not accurately account for individual contributions.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2020

Gravity wave insights from internet-beaming balloons

Researchers used Loon LLC's data from high-flying balloons to calculate gravity wave motions, finding larger waves in the tropics during summer and smaller waves near the poles during winter. The study's findings help constrain circulation responses to climate change and improve regional weather forecasts.

SourceStanford University·DateSep 2, 2020

How weather affects crawfish harvests

A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that heavy rainfall in August can suppress crawfish harvest yields in the spring due to low oxygen levels in ponds. Winter temperatures also impact crawfish growth, with freezing conditions slowing it down.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalClimate Research·DateAug 31, 2020
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.

Serengeti leopard population densities healthy but vary seasonally, study finds

A study of Serengeti National Park camera-trap data found that leopard population densities are similar to other protected areas but fluctuate between wet and dry seasons. The fluctuations appear to be driven by the abundance of prey and interactions with other large carnivores like lions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 31, 2020

Daylight study reveals how animals adapt between seasons

Researchers found a biological switch in the pituitary gland that enables animals to adapt to changing seasons, governed by hormones and genes. The study reveals a crucial role of the circadian gene BMAL2 in seasonal adaptations, shedding light on the underlying processes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020
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.

COVID-19 vaccines are moving fast, but will americans agree to get them?

A new study found that US adults' flu vaccination rates differ significantly by demographics such as age, insurance status, and chronic conditions. The researchers suggest that boosting vaccination rates requires a concerted public health campaign and proactive primary care outreach strategy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Some of America's favorite produce crops may need to get a move on by 2045

A Berkeley Lab study predicts warmer California temperatures will impact cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce, while warm-season crops like tomatoes may require relocation. The research aims to ensure food security by predicting future climate conditions and informing agricultural response strategies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 25, 2020

Measles outbreaks in Niger linked to rainfall and temperature, study finds

Research in Niger links measles outbreaks to rainfall and temperature patterns, revealing a strong annual cycle associated with agricultural labor migrations. Vaccination strategies targeting migrating populations during the rainy season may break this pattern, reducing outbreaks.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 25, 2020

Water availability has changed, and humans are to blame

A recent study found that human-induced climate change is responsible for changes in global average water availability on land during the dry season. The research analyzed data from 1902 to 2014 and showed a reduction in average water availability at a global level, with some regions experiencing increased humidity.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Examining Congress members' popularity on Instagram

A study found that personal content, such as family photos and selfies, receives almost 17% more likes and 31% more comments than policy-focused posts. The study also shows that well-known congress members have significantly more followers.

SourceDickinson College·JournalOnline Information Review·DateAug 12, 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.

How climate change impacts prescribed burning days

Research shows that climate change will shift the timing of prescribed burning windows along the east coast of Australia, with some months experiencing more frequent fires. However, the overall number of prescribed burning days is expected to remain similar or even increase in some cases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 28, 2020

Shifts seen in breeding times and duration for 73 boreal bird species over 40 years

A team of researchers found that 73 boreal bird species experienced a contraction in their breeding periods over a 43-year period, with most species starting to breed earlier and ending earlier. The study suggests that warmer temperatures may be causing this shift, allowing birds to take advantage of earlier food availability.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

More flowers and pollinator diversity could help protect bees from parasites

Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Shifts in durations of avian breeding

Bird species at mid- to high latitudes have changed their breeding season durations over the last four decades. Climate change has influenced this shift, with some species contracting their breeding periods, typically breeding earlier and having shorter seasons.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Breeding new rice varieties will help farmers in Asia

Researchers have identified key agronomic traits for high yield in short-duration rice, which can enhance source capacity during grain filling. The new breeding lines yielded 11-38% higher than the most popular short-duration variety, indicating enormous potential for developing improved varieties.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 16, 2020
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.

Wing flapping during condor flight

Andean condors flap their wings for only 1.3% of the total recorded flight time, with most time spent gliding and soaring. Flapping is most frequent during takeoffs and in early morning, when thermal updrafts form.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Climate change and seasonal survival of marmots

Researchers found that climate change positively impacts yellow-bellied marmot survival during short, wet summers and negatively affects it during harsh winters. This study suggests that certain species may benefit in one season while facing unfavorable conditions in another due to climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
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.

Heatwave trends accelerate worldwide

A global assessment of heatwaves has found increasing frequency and duration since the 1950s, with regions like the Mediterranean experiencing rapid changes. The cumulative heat metric shows accelerating trends worldwide, but not in heatwave intensity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020