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US corn yields get boost from a global warming 'hole'

A Dartmouth study found that a global cooling phenomenon, known as the US 'warming hole', has increased corn yields in the Corn Belt region by 5-10% per year. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allowed corn to mature slower, reducing heat stress and increasing grain accumulation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 24, 2019

UTSA study warns of security gaps in smart light bulbs

A new study by UTSA researchers reveals that popular smart light brands have significant security holes, including infrared capabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The study warns that smart bulbs could become a prime target for hackers, posing a risk to consumers' personal information.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's Terra satellite catches a glimpse of a fleeting Ema

Tropical Storm Ema formed near Hawaiian Islands on October 12 and passed over NASA's Terra satellite on the following day. The satellite captured strong convection limited to the area north of the storm's center, indicating wind shear effects

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 15, 2019

Deep Purple -- future biological darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Researchers studying glacier algae in the Greenland Ice Sheet found that purple-pigmented ice algal blooms cause increased melting by darkening the surface and absorbing more sunlight. The project aims to understand the complex interactions between light-absorbing particulates and predict where and when biological darkening will occur.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateOct 11, 2019

The impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds

Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 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.

Fairy-wrens change breeding habits to cope with climate change

Researchers found fairy-wrens start breeding earlier in milder nights and stop breeding later in hot conditions. The study's long-term data on the birds' life history may help scientists understand climate change effects on wild animal populations globally.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

Early breeding season for some Arctic seabirds due to global warming

According to a study published in Global Change Biology, the breeding season of some Arctic seabirds is shifting earlier due to global warming. The study found that surface-feeding seabirds in the north Pacific Ocean are moving their breeding season about ten days before the rest of species over the last thirty-five years.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 7, 2019

UNH researchers find northern forests have lost crucial cold, snowy conditions

Researchers at UNH found a significant decline in frost days and ice days in northern forests across the US and Canada. This change could have serious implications for ecosystems, water supplies, economies, tourism, and human health. Cold temperatures help prevent disease spread and manage insects detrimental to trees.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 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.

Climate change study finds that maple syrup season may come earlier

A study found that climate change could cause the maple syrup season to shift one month earlier, with eastern North America potentially losing production capacity. The research suggests that areas like Quebec will see increased production, while others may experience declines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 20, 2019

Grassland diversity and climate change

Climate change causes grassland communities to lose diverse species, especially those adapted to drought. The loss of native forbs with high specific leaf area indicates water-limited regions are particularly vulnerable.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019
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.

Finding (microbial) pillars of the bioenergy community

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2019

Finding (microbial) pillars of the bioenergy community

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microorganisms residing on plant leaves are connected to those living in the soil, forming a key part of the bioenergy community. The researchers identified hundreds of leaf microbiome members and compared them to thousands in the soil, using deep sequencing techniques.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2019

Satellite data record shows climate change's impact on fires

NASA satellite data tracks large-scale trends in fire activity, consistent with a warming climate, particularly in the western US, Canada, and Northern Hemisphere forests. Research reveals that high temperatures, low humidity, and warmer nighttime temperatures contribute to increased fire risk and activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 2019
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.

Player athleticism increases head impact exposure in youth football

A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 6, 2019

'Tornado Alley' twisters may be easier to predict in April than in May

April tornadoes influenced by global climate patterns, while May events more strongly linked to internal atmospheric processes. Shifting weather patterns within seasons affect tornado frequencies, suggesting a key factor in climate change impact studies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 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.

Montana examines best practices for wildfire adaptation and resilience

A recent paper by Montana State University researchers highlights the need for communities to adapt and transform themselves to be more resilient to wildfires. The authors argue that current approaches are not working, especially as fire seasons get warmer and longer.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 19, 2019

Fishing leads to investigation of environmental changes in waterways

A three-site study in the Blue Marsh watershed found seasonal differences in microbial populations, with increases in warmer months and higher levels of nitrate and phosphate. The researchers used Biolog Ecoplates to test water samples, revealing changes in bacterial counts and chemical profiles linked to human activities.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 14, 2019

NASA finds heavy rain in new tropical storm Krosa

NASA's GPM satellite detected heavy rainfall east of Tropical Storm Krosa's center, falling at a rate of 50 mm/hour over open ocean. The storm was moving northwest and had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph) before strengthening into a typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 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.

Knowing berry pests' varied diets may help control them

A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Entomology·DateAug 6, 2019

Animal friendships 'change with the weather' in the Masai Mara

A University of Liverpool study reveals that wild animals adjust their social preferences with the weather, affecting extinction risk. The research found that species alter their grouping patterns between wet and dry seasons, influenced by factors like migration and feeding preferences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 31, 2019

When mosquitoes are biting during rainy season, net use increases, study finds

A new study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs found that net use increases during rainy seasons and decreases in the dry season. This seasonal variation in net use can lead to gaps in malaria prevention efforts if not taken into account.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJul 30, 2019

NASA's Terra sees the end of Atlantic Tropical Depression 3

Tropical Depression 3 formed on July 22 and dissipated by July 24, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing an image of its remnant clouds. The depression was centered about 60 miles east-southeast of Daytona Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2019

Global warming will accelerate water cycle over global land monsoon regions

A study published in Journal of Climate reveals that global warming will accelerate the water cycle over global land monsoon regions, enlarging the wet-dry season contrast. This could lead to increased crop yields in some areas and food security threats due to depleted soil water.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 23, 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.

UNH research finds thicker pavement is more cost effective down the road

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that increasing asphalt-layer thickness by 7-32% can maintain road serviceability and reduce future maintenance costs. The study suggests that proactive measures now can lead to savings of up to 50% compared to later repairs.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 10, 2019

Barbara now a major hurricane on NASA satellite imagery

NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites detected Barbara as a powerful hurricane with maximum sustained winds of near 130 mph (215 kph). The storm is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles from the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ancient intervention could boost dwindling water reserves in coastal Peru

Researchers studied an ancient water system in Huamantanga, Peru, and found it could reroute 35% of wet season water, equivalent to 99 million cubic meters per year. The method could extend the wet season, providing more drinking water and longer crop-growing periods for local farmers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 24, 2019

School closure and influenza transmission

Research in Tomsk, Russia found that school closures decrease student contacts by 53% and may worsen influenza spread. Computer simulations estimated a 33% rise in cases without such policies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

High tunnels for specialty crops: The hope and the hindrance

The study reveals that high tunnels can increase yield, enhance shelf life, and improve crop quality, but also pose challenges such as added labor and time requirements. Farmers perceive the ability to differentiate products based on higher quality and premium pricing as a key attractive opportunity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJun 14, 2019
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.

What we think we know -- but might not -- pushes us to learn more

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 23, 2019

Researchers reveal new strategy for preventing holiday weight gain

Researchers found that daily self-weighing can help prevent holiday weight gain by allowing individuals to make behavioral changes based on their weight changes. Participants who engaged in daily self-weighing maintained or lost weight during the holiday season, while those who did not gained weight.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateMay 23, 2019

Timing of measles vaccination campaigns

Researchers used a model of measles transmission to predict the impact of vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Conducting vaccination campaigns between May and October reduced estimated infections by 400,000 compared to January campaigns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Airbnb vs. hotels: New research sheds light on how they can compete and benefit

Airbnb's flexible lodging capacity can help stabilize demand during peak travel seasons, offsetting higher hotel prices. The platform disrupts traditional pricing strategies in some markets, minimizing seasonal pricing needs. Higher-end hotels are most affected by Airbnb's business traveler targeting

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 6, 2019

New research: Airbnb's impact on peak-season hotel pricing

The study proposes strategies for hotels to cope with competition from Airbnb, including abandoning seasonal pricing and adjusting rates. Hotels in cities with high demand for leisure travel and low-end options may need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 1, 2019

Scientists track giant ocean vortex from space

Researchers found the Great Whirl, a massive whirlpool off East Africa, is larger and longer-lived than previously thought. It can grow to over 275,000 square kilometers in area and persist for about 200 days.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 1, 2019

Unravelling the complexity of air pollution in the world's coldest capital city

This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in particulate-bound PAH pollution in Ulaanbaatar, identifying sources and health risks. High PAH concentrations were found in areas with coal and wood combustion, highlighting the need for effective air pollution control strategies.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 25, 2019
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.

'13 Reasons Why' and young adults' risk of suicide

Researchers found that viewers who watched the entire second season of '13 Reasons Why' were less likely to report recent self-harm and thoughts of ending their lives compared to those who didn't watch at all. Young adults, particularly students, showed increased risk for future suicide when watching only part of the series.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

LDAIR, a lncRNA regulates seasonal changes in stress response

Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA, LDAIR, that regulates seasonal changes in stress response in medaka fish. This lncRNA affects corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 and modulates self-protective behaviors during breeding seasons.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

Migratory routes of prehistoric baleen whales

Researchers analyzed oxygen isotope signatures from whale barnacle shells to reconstruct ancient migration patterns. The study found consistent seasonal variations in oxygen isotopes, mirroring modern whale migration patterns and suggesting that baleen whales have retained their migratory routes for over 270,000 years.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

When is best time to get flu shot? Analysis compares scenarios

A University of Pittsburgh analysis reveals that waiting until October to get flu shots may save thousands of lives. The study found that compressed vaccination periods starting in October can prevent up to 22,062 cases of flu and save as many as 258 lives compared to status quo vaccination timing.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 14, 2019

Timing of precipitation pattern change

Researchers project timing and location of precipitation changes relevant to agricultural crop production due to climate change. Precipitation patterns are expected to increase in high latitudes like North America and Europe by 2020s or have already emerged in regions such as the Mediterranean.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Improving researchers' abilities to forecast epidemics

A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed forecasts from 14 predictive models submitted to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influenza season forecasting challenge. The results show that teams with more experience and combined model approaches performed better, highlighting opportunities for future improvement.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2019
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.

Swifts are born to eat and sleep in the air

Researchers studied pallid swifts, finding they can live in the air for 2-3.5 months without landing. This allows them to avoid predators and parasites on the ground, increasing their survival rate.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMar 6, 2019

North Pacific jet stream, moisture and fires change with fire suppression

Recent widespread fires in California suggest a shift in climate-fire relationships, where increased temperatures and drier summers will override the dynamical influence of the North Pacific Jet. The researchers reconstructed over 400 years of North Pacific Jet variability, finding that fire suppression may be responsible for this change.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 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.

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

SourceNOAA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Ancient extinct sloth tooth in Belize tells story of creature's last year

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has discovered that a giant sloth found in Belize, which lived around 27,000 years ago, had a diverse diet that shifted between wet and dry seasons. The study reveals that the creature adapted to its environment by relying on plants more available during dry periods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2019