Research investigates impact of storm fronts, tropical storms, and cyclones on ocean circulation, finding changes in atmospheric synoptic variability (ASV) slow down ocean circulation and decrease primary productivity. ASV variations also affect mixing of ocean's layers and strength of oceanic circulation systems.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023
Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023
Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 3, 2023
Botanists and amateur enthusiasts rediscovered rare tropical plants from the genus Nasa using global data repositories like iNaturalist. Rediscoveries include species considered extinct in the wild, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and community science networks.
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.
A study highlights the importance of wild plants in fallow land and other ecosystems in Madagascar, revealing a wide range of plant species used for various purposes. Fallow land is found to be a valuable contributor to rural households' health, food and energy supply.
Butterflies with smaller or lighter-colored wings, such as those in the Lycaenidae family, are likely to face greater threats from climate change. These species have poorer thermal buffering abilities, which could lead to dramatic declines if temperatures rise.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 13, 2023
A recent study found significant changes in ocean color over the past two decades, affecting 56% of the world's oceans. The shift in color indicates changes in marine ecosystems, with tropical regions becoming greener due to human-induced climate change.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of conservation researchers warns that Indonesia's tropical rainforest and endangered species are under threat from government interference and corporate interests. The researchers advocate for data transparency, online 'safe houses', and anonymized journals to protect environmental research and promote nature conservation.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2023
Researchers argue that equitable governance and science are crucial for ocean sustainability, prioritizing tropical voices and expertise. The study proposes four key actions: equity in ocean science and governance, reconnecting people and the ocean, redefining ocean literacy, and decolonizing ocean science.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·DateJul 6, 2023
Researchers have identified a phenomenon that could help coral reef managers plan and act for the future. Ocean processes during El Niño strengthened the North Equatorial Counter Current, driving cooler plankton-rich waters to Palmyra's coral reefs and enabling them to better manage heat stress.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 14, 2023
Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMay 23, 2023
A decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests can absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of dangerous pollutants from wildfires each year, preventing an estimated 15 million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. This absorption saves Amazon cities US$2 billion a year in healthcare costs.
SourceBurness·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
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.
A study from the University of Copenhagen found that extinct animal species on islands like Mauritius cannot be replaced, as they play a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecosystem balance. Reintroducing new species often causes more harm than good, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect native plants and animals.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2023
A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023
Researchers are using pythons captured by SFWMD's Python Elimination Program and FWC's Python Action Team to study python biology further. The tracking devices will lead researchers to the snakes, allowing them to record behavior and document reproductive data such as nesting sites and hatchlings.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNeoBiota·DateFeb 20, 2023
A new study by the University of Haifa and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reveals that high soil humidity reduces the chances of survival for young tree seedlings growing at high densities. This leads to a greater variety of tree species in the following year, as less dominant species are able to establish themselves.
SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2023
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.
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 15, 2023
Researchers link extreme thunderstorms to Amazon tree deaths, predicting 43% increase in large windthrow events by the end of the century. The tropics will see a 50% increase in areas susceptible to extreme storms triggering windthrows.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2023
A new species record of mesophotic kelp was discovered in the Galapagos Islands, characterized by its extensive and dense kelp forest at depths of ~50m. The research highlights the importance of these forests as ecosystem engineers and supports for marine life, with potential implications for carbon sequestration.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalMarine Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023
Scientists found that invasive black rats transform reef fish behavior, causing changes in territorial patterns and nutrient cycles. The presence of rats disrupts the nutrient cycle by reducing seabird populations and nutrients deposited onto islands.
SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023
Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.
SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022
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.
Researchers analyzed 2.3 million camera-trap photos of tropical mammals, revealing consistent daily activity patterns across continents. Body size and diet are key factors influencing activity, with larger animals active during the day and smaller ones at night.
SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022
A new report reveals that animals are key to forest recovery by carrying a wide variety of seeds into deforested areas. Animals disperse over 80% of tree species in the tropics, and their presence near old-growth forests can improve restoration efforts.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 25, 2022
An interdisciplinary team will uncover complex biological systems and develop tools to globally document coral reef health changes. The research aims to understand how herbivory rate at the ecosystem scale emerges and shapes the ecosystem, ultimately informing management of ecosystems.
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2022
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.
A new international study reveals termites' pivotal role in wood decay, contributing to the earth's carbon cycle, and their sensitivity to temperature and rainfall. Termites may increasingly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions with climate change.
Researchers analyzed data from Australia's Reef Life Survey and two major reef monitoring programs to understand the effects of warming waters on reef fish populations. The study found that temperature changes had a greater impact on temperate reefs, while tropical reefs were more affected by habitat changes such as coral bleaching.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2022
A recent study in Peru revealed a 50% decline in arthropod biomass following short periods of drought and increased precipitation. Tropical insects are sensitive to both extreme weather events, with rainfall patterns being a key factor in their decline.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 14, 2022
Researchers found climate models are less accurate in projecting how tropical cyclones will affect individual coral reefs, highlighting the importance of targeted conservation efforts. The study urges caution when using climate models to identify vulnerable reef communities to storm damage.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEarth s Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2022
Researchers found tropical soil microbes decline in diversity and increase CO2 emissions with simulated global warming. The findings threaten rainforest ecosystems and carbon storage, emphasizing the urgency for conservation.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022
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.
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2022
University of South Florida researchers found that mangroves have overtaken 83% of oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, leading to a decline in ecosystem function and habitat for threatened species. Climate-driven changes are altering subtropical ecosystems, threatening the very foundations of coastal biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022
Scientists studied lightning's impact on Panama Canal forests, finding that some tree species, like palms, are more likely to die after a strike. Others, with denser wood and larger water vessels, are more resistant and may even store more carbon.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 24, 2022
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.
A study by the University of Göttingen and Malagasy universities found that vanilla plantations on fallow land have similar yields to those in forests while increasing biodiversity. This sustainable approach helps smallholder farmers secure their income, highlighting a win-win opportunity for both economy and conservation.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022
A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 2022
A new study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that centuries-old lava caves on Hawaiʻi Island harbor an astonishing number of previously undiscovered bacterial species, including the Chloroflexi group. These microbes play key ecological roles in their communities and may have played a crucial role in shaping life on Mars and early Earth.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2022
Researchers found that frog-eating bats could recognize ringtones indicating a food reward up to four years later. The bats learned to associate specific tones with rewards and were able to recall these associations even after long periods of time.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 14, 2022
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 12, 2022
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.
Researchers from the University of Turku have described seven new species of tropical ferns, including six from the genus Danaea and one from Dennstaedtia. The newly discovered species range from 20cm to 2m tall and offer insights into the biodiversity of Amazonian rainforests.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalKew Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2022
A large, all-season ozone hole has been detected over tropical regions, with an area seven times greater than the Antarctic ozone hole. The discovery highlights the need for further research on ozone depletion and its impact on human health and ecosystems.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 5, 2022
Satellite-tracking of whale sharks in the Panamanian Pacific reveals their feeding and breeding patterns, with a focus on protecting these endangered species from human threats. The study highlights the importance of identifying and conserving large oceanic areas and marine corridors to safeguard their migration routes.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 1, 2022
A major Amazon study reveals ecological threats, including deforestation, but also opportunities for sustainability through actions like halting deforestation and protecting secondary forests. Researchers found biodiversity and carbon storage gains from allowing mature secondary forests to regrow.
SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers have created a new classification system for coexisting mangrove-coral habitats, identifying four distinct types: lagoons, creeks, fringe areas, and under the mangrove canopy. These habitats are diverse, with about 130 species of corals living in them, and are crucial for coral survival.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2022
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 pioneering study shows that climate change was the primary driver of the location of ancient coral reefs, which once extended far beyond the tropics. The researchers used habitat modeling and reconstructions of past climates to predict the distribution of suitable environments for coral reefs over the last 250 million years.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2022
Research finds that exotic tree plantations can affect the biodiversity of dung beetles and other insects in neighboring Amazonian forests. The study highlights the importance of considering the proximity to such plantations when restoring tropical forest ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2022
Research by UMBC finds that tree plantations in the tropics are degrading biodiversity hotspots, damaging ecosystems like grasslands, and encroaching on protected areas. The study reveals that up to 92% of new tree plantations were in biodiversity hotspots.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 6, 2022
A new study reveals that Nor'easters produce flood levels just as severe as hurricanes, but occur much more frequently in the Mid-Atlantic region. The intense storms can cause significant damage and disruption along the coastline, with some events surpassing those from tropical cyclones.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJun 2, 2022
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.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki used new techniques to observe tree hyraxes in Kenya's Taita Hills, finding that they are social animals with specific habitat preferences. The study estimated a population size of no more than 2,000–4,000 individuals, shedding light on the behavior and conservation of these unique mammals.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2022
Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
A new study identifies food and oxygen supply as crucial environmental factors influencing the vitality of cold-water corals in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The analysis of ancient sediments reveals that changes in food supply, rather than ocean temperature, are likely to determine the future health of these ecosystems.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMay 2, 2022
A study published in PeerJ has discovered that the dominant tree group in Brunei's rainforest, dipterocarps, has remained unchanged for at least four million years. The research suggests that the current ecosystem is similar to what was present during the Pliocene Epoch, providing additional justification for conservation efforts.
A scientific expedition led by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute aims to explore and document the biodiversity of Panama's Cordillera de Coiba seamounts. The mission, funded by several organizations, will use advanced technology to study the important habitats in the area.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateApr 25, 2022
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2022
Researchers propose a new way to harvest aguaje fruit from the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree without cutting down female trees, increasing fruit production by 51% and generating $62 million annually. This method could provide a sustainable economic alternative for local communities and reduce deforestation in Amazonia.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022