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Computing collaboration reveals global ripple effect of shifting monsoons

Climate researchers projected changes in nine monsoon regions across five continents, revealing delayed onset and intensified seasonal fluctuation. The study found that reduced greenhouse gas emissions under RCP2.6 scenario could minimize long-term shifts, while RCP8.5 scenario predicts significant changes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 29, 2020
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.

Cowbirds change their eggs' sex ratio based on breeding time

Researchers found a seasonal bias in the sex ratio of brown-headed cowbird offspring, with more female hatchlings emerging in May and July. The study suggests that male and female cowbirds may have different developmental trajectories, influencing their survival and breeding success.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateJun 24, 2020

Wildfire smoke has immediate harmful health effects: UBC study

Exposure to wildfire smoke affects the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems almost immediately, according to a UBC study. The researchers found that even within one hour of exposure, ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions increased.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 24, 2020

US cities with pro sports see more flu deaths

A West Virginia University-led study found a significant increase in seasonal flu deaths in US cities with professional sports teams. Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discovered that flu mortality rates rose by 5-24% during pro sports seasons, with the largest jump observed in NHL games.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 18, 2020

Study tracks decades of life cycle changes in nonwoody plants

Researchers tracked the life cycles of 43 plant species over 25 years, finding that some species' growing seasons are lengthening while others are shortening. The study suggests that climate change may be driving seasonal life cycle shifts in plants, but more research is needed to confirm this.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcological Monographs·DateJun 9, 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.

Rainy season tends to begin earlier in Northern Central Asia

A new study found that the rainy season in Northern Central Asia will shift from May-July to March-May by the end of the 21st century. This change is attributed to increased precipitation, with a projected 14.41% rise under the highest emission scenario.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 2, 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.

When COVID-19 meets flu season

As COVID-19 converges with the flu season, pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Singer outlines four key factors that can influence the severity of the upcoming flu season: social distancing, vaccination, co-infection diagnosis, and addressing disparities in vulnerable populations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2020

NASA-NOAA satellite sees Tropical Storm Bertha organizing

Tropical Storm Bertha has formed off the coast of South Carolina, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing critical forecast guidance. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash flooding across eastern and central South Carolina, as well as western North Carolina and southwest Virginia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 27, 2020

Produce-buying incentive program a win-win for Oregon consumers and farmers

A recent Oregon State University study found that 91% of participants bought more fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program increased availability of fresh produce at home and improved overall health, particularly among non-white shoppers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 26, 2020

Spring rains are a surprising source of pollen

Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

Over-harvesting could wipe out water frogs in parts of Turkey

A study warns that water frog populations in Turkey's Ceyhan and Seyhan deltas are declining by 20% annually, threatening regional extinction by 2050. The authors recommend banning wild frog harvesting and encouraging sustainable frog farming to alleviate pressure on wild populations.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalOryx·DateMay 12, 2020
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.

Revealed: the secret life of godwits

A new study using geolocators shows that black-tailed godwits always start a second nest if their first one fails, revealing a longer breeding season than previously thought. This challenges traditional observation methods, which often disturb the birds' behavior and lead to inaccurate data.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateApr 20, 2020

Odor experts uncover the smelly chemistry of lemur love

Researchers identified three key chemicals used by male lemurs for attracting females, which are linked to testosterone levels. In contrast, when females were presented with these individual odors or a neutral control, they showed no increased interest.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 16, 2020

Flamingos form firm friendships

A five-year study reveals that flamingos consistently spend time with specific close 'friends', forming complex social bonds, including 'married' couples and same-sex friendships. Flamingos' long-lasting friendships are stable over years, suggesting they play a crucial role in survival.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateApr 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Precipitation will be essential for plants to counteract global warming

A new study from Columbia University reveals that the balance between soil water and energy availability determines whether plant growth is limited by precipitation or temperature. This finding highlights the crucial role of precipitation in supporting plant photosynthesis, particularly during the late growing season.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

American robins now migrate 12 days earlier than in 1994

A new study reveals that American robins are migrating earlier by about five days each decade, likely due to shifting snow conditions. The birds' flight schedules are being fine-tuned by environmental cues such as snow conditions and when food becomes available.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 1, 2020

New model helps explain seasonal variations in urban heat islands

The new coarse-grained model explains how seasonal changes in rainfall, solar radiation, and vegetation conditions affect surface urban heat islands at a city-wide scale. It provides general insights for city planners and scientists to design heat mitigation strategies.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 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.

Climate variations may impact the base of the food web along the California coast

A recent study reveals that natural climate cycles significantly influence the base of the food web along the California coast. Climate changes can alter the timing and prevalence of phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms, which are crucial for understanding ecosystem responses to ocean warming.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 9, 2020

Climate change at Mount Rainier to increase 'mismatch' between visitors, wildflowers

Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 9, 2020

Monogamous female sea turtles? Yes, thanks to sperm storage

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that 75% of female loggerhead sea turtles on Sanibel Island mated singly and stored sufficient sperm for multiple clutches. This suggests that females may not benefit from mating with multiple males to increase opportunities for advantageous traits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateFeb 27, 2020

In killifish: Diapause protects life from normal consequences of aging

Researchers discovered diapause in African turquoise killifish protects against aging consequences without affecting lifespan or fitness. Genes involved in muscle development and chromatin remodeling factors play critical roles in regulating gene expression during diapause.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 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.

BU study: Late fall may be best time of year to try to conceive

A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that couples conceive quickest in late fall and early winter. Seasonal patterns in conception also varied among Northern states, Scandinavia, and the US, with stronger effects in southern states.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 18, 2020

Hydropower dams cool rivers in the Mekong River basin, satellites show

Researchers found that within a year of a dam's opening, downstream river temperatures dropped by up to 3.6 degrees F, persisting where the rivers meet the Mekong River. The cooling effect is driven by dams releasing cold water from reservoirs during dry season.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 2020

Hot climates to see more variability in tree leafing as temperatures rise

A recent study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that tree budburst, or the timing of leaf emergence, is becoming more variable in hotter regions due to rising temperatures. In contrast, cold climates show a more stable pattern of budburst year-over-year.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 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.

Phenology in urban heat islands

A study found that urban areas in the US experience an earlier start to plants' greening season compared to rural areas. The advancement of spring phenology is driven by warmer temperatures, but the rate of change slows down under continued warming.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Drying effects of tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones have a drying effect on the Maritime Continent, exacerbating dry seasons. Forecasting tropical cyclone activity can improve predictions for this region's circulation patterns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020
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.

Human-sparked fires smaller, less intense but more frequent with longer seasons

A CU Boulder-led study reveals human-sparked fires are becoming more frequent and occurring over longer seasons, presenting new challenges for U.S. wildfire managers and firefighters. The shift toward more human-caused fires results in decreased fire intensity and size, but may not be a good thing due to changes in ecosystem roles.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJan 21, 2020

Resale ticket markets benefit sports teams and fans

The resale ticket market appeals to season ticket holders who want to recoup costs, reducing the need for fans to buy full-season passes. This boosts team revenues by creating an alternative supply of tickets.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 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.

Martian water vapor varies with the seasons

Scientists studied Martian atmospheric water vapor using ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter data, finding seasonal changes were the dominant regulator. The study suggests that warm seasons can lead to increased water loss into space, impacting Mars' continued desiccation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020

Mars: Water could disappear faster than expected

Researchers found large atmospheric pockets of water vapour at an altitude of over 80 km, accumulating in unexpected proportions. The capacity for water to escape increases during certain seasons due to the observed supersaturation rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020

APS Tip Sheet: Trudging until take-off

Researchers from Norway, Latvia, and Israel found that allowing slower airplane passengers to board first decreases total boarding time. By simulating passenger movement using physics, the team predicted boarding times for various passenger groups, confirming that slow passengers being boarded first is up to 28% faster.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 8, 2020

Why your first battle with flu matters most

Research finds that exposure to one subtype of flu virus in childhood can grant extra protection against future infections, but not if the second strain is from a different group. This explains why some people fare better than others when infected with the same strain.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 19, 2019
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.

Daylight saving time does not misalign human cycles

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that Daylight Saving Time (DST) regulations do not disrupt human cycles, including sleep and labor patterns. The report highlights the impact of latitude on seasonal adaptation of human activity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 12, 2019
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.

NASA analyzes Kammuri's heavy rainfall

Typhoon Kammuri brought heavy rains to the Philippines, with surface rainfall accumulations exceeding 500 mm (~20 inches) over the central Philippine Sea. The storm also caused significant flooding and landslides, resulting in up to 17 fatalities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2019

Changes in pupils after asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts indicate changes in brain function

Researchers discovered measurable changes in pupillary parameters following asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts. The study suggests that nonconcussive head impacts may affect intrinsic brain reflex pathways and reflect biological injuries, paving the way for a potential inexpensive and rapid method of determining brain injury.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 26, 2019

Climate change influenced rise and fall of Northern Iraq's Neo-Assyrian Empire

A new study suggests that climate change played a role in the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian Empire by exacerbating agricultural productivity declines. The research used high-resolution paleoclimate records from northern Iraq to show that a megadrought may have encouraged invading armies and led to political unrest.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2019
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.

Severity of earthquake impact may change with the seasons, study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer present in winter months can lead to greater ground failure and damage after earthquakes. The study on two historical earthquakes in Kazakhstan shows that the presence of this layer can generate more severe ground fracturing during earthquakes in the winter.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Strengths of epidemic forecasting models

The study assesses the performance of dengue forecasting models across 8 seasons in Peru and Puerto Rico, revealing improved accuracy late in the season. The results provide a framework for refining future epidemic forecasting models, improving predictive skill over time.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019
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.

Forecasting dengue: Challenges and a way forward

A team of scientists has developed new ways to forecast dengue infections by combining disease and climate data. The project aimed to predict maximum weekly cases, the week of peak cases, and total season cases, but models still struggle to accurately predict epidemics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Study of African animals illuminates links between environment, diet and gut microbiome

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019
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.