Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024
Researchers developed a new method to assess and manage rising global plastic pollution by testing levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton. The study found varying degrees of damage to common plastics using different chemical digestive aids, highlighting the need for effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution.
SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
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.
Researchers developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure microplastic particles, which are showing up in food, water, and air. The device uses fluorescent labeling and delivers results in minutes, with costs as low as 1.5 cents per test.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACS Sensors·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2024
A new study by UCL researchers surveyed 1,114 UK women aged 16-80 who enjoy cold water swimming, finding most swim in the sea year-round and that longer swims occur in summer. The authors highlight pollution risks and call for improved safety measures and accessibility.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalWomen s Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 21, 2024
New research reveals a dangerous combination of warming waters and nutrient overload is degrading freshwater ecosystem functioning. This simplification leads to shorter food chains and vulnerable top predators, emphasizing the urgent global need to reduce pollution levels.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2024
A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 12, 2024
The NYU Abu Dhabi team has developed a new type of dual-faced membrane that effectively purifies water from contaminants and boasts strong antibacterial properties. The microwave-mediated synthesis method allows precise control over the membrane's properties, enabling efficient removal of pollutants.
SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2024
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.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 7, 2024
Researchers found a significant spike in fine-particle air pollutant levels after the display, with some areas exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to NYC's average daily concentration of 15 micrograms.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateAug 6, 2024
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a self-powered pump that uses natural light and chemistry to target and remove specific water pollutants. The pump uses synthetic molecular receptors designed to bond to negatively charged ions, which are then trapped and released in a non-reactive substrate.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024
A study by the University of Essex found that oil and gas extraction can cause a nearly 30% decline in species richness near platforms, with pollutants like hydrocarbons up to 10,613% higher within 500m. This has a direct impact on marine invertebrates and food webs.
SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 30, 2024
PSU will lead a three-year project to develop cost-effective filters for washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers to remove microplastics. The project aims to reduce microplastic pollution in coastal communities through education and intervention strategies involving tourism industry partners.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study reveals that mining activities pose a significant threat to vertebrate species worldwide, with over 4,642 species at risk. The main drivers of this threat are mining for materials essential to clean energy technologies like lithium, cobalt, and limestone.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2024
Researchers found that nitrogen emissions from human activities cool the climate by minus 0.34 watts per square metre, but also cause harm to health, biodiversity, and the ozone layer. The study warns against increasing atmospheric nitrogen as a means of combating global warming.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024
Researchers discovered an estimated 400 billion microplastic fibers in Frenchman Bay and its tributaries, with concentrations highest in the bay itself. The study found that microplastics were transported from land through rivers and estuaries into the bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and humans.
SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateJul 24, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Pusan National University researchers introduced FLIT-SHAP, an explainable machine learning approach that breaks down pollutant effects in mixtures. The tool revealed significant synergistic and antagonistic interactions, challenging current approaches to regulating pollutants.
SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024
Researchers have identified two new species of hillstream suck-loach, Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, from the upper Pearl River system in southwest China. These species exhibit unique morphological specializations, including suction cup-like fins that enable them to adhere to rocky substrates.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJul 22, 2024
Research from the University of Illinois Chicago found that oil drops can break into smaller droplets at the surface, spreading pollution throughout the ocean. Increasing water viscosity may help prevent this process, making cleanup easier.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 18, 2024
Researchers have identified specific bacterial species that can cleave stubborn fluorine-to-carbon bonds in insidious water pollutants, such as PFAS compounds. This discovery opens the door for bioengineers to improve these enzymes and potentially treat contaminated drinking water sources.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024
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.
Researchers found that microplastics increase the height and stability of sea foam, particularly when part of smaller breaking waves. This positive effect reflects sunlight, potentially lowering ocean temperatures and driving more cloud formation.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 16, 2024
Burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality and lead to devastating public health impacts, even with cleaner engine technology and green production methods. The study suggests that stronger regulations could reduce premature deaths from 600,000 to 66,000 annually
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 11, 2024
Households are willing to pay $156.84 annually for targeted home systems to remove PFAS, which is less than the cost of municipal-level treatment. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis filters are estimated to have a yearly total cost of around $100, including maintenance.
SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Water Resources Planning and Management·DateJul 11, 2024
A new study suggests that implementing effective water quality management measures could halve future water scarcity in the Pearl River Basin. The research highlights the importance of addressing water pollution and other environmental factors to mitigate water scarcity and support sustainable development.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2024
A study by Norwegian researchers reveals that around 758 kilotons of plastics enter the Norwegian market every year, while only 2.4% ends up in the environment. The country's high plastic consumption rates pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, and efforts to reduce plastic waste are crucial.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 4, 2024
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.
Ephemeral streams are a substantial pathway for water transfer with significant implications for water quality, transporting pollutants and sediments to rivers and lakes. A recent study found that these streams account for over half of annual discharge from U.S. drainage networks, highlighting the need for enhanced regulation.
A recent study identifies areas at risk of waste leakage into aquatic environments, highlighting the need for improved waste management systems and universal waste collection. The research also emphasizes the importance of circular waste management systems to reduce pollution in these ecosystems.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2024
A new study reveals that the Supreme Court's ruling weakening the Clean Water Act leaves many US waterways vulnerable to pollution. Ephemeral streams, which only flow during weather events, contribute significantly to river systems' total output, with 55% of water coming from them on average.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024
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.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2024
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2024
Using caffeine as an indicator, researchers found that domestic wastewater is the primary source of contamination in storm drains, making it easier to identify and address leaks. The study aims to develop diagnostic technology to track down pollution caused by these leaks and protect public water bodies.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateJun 19, 2024
A recent study found that Republican men's environmental support varies greatly depending on the party affiliation of the proposal's sponsors. While Democratic support for environmental legislation remains consistent across parties, Republican men's support drops significantly when a bill is sponsored by Senate Democrats.
SourceWashington State University·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateJun 11, 2024
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.
A fungus living in the sea can break down polyethylene plastic when exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. The fungus Parengyodontium album can degrade particles of polyethylene, a common type of plastic found in ocean pollution.
SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024
Researchers found metal-tolerant trout populations in British and Irish rivers are genetically distinct due to high levels of metal pollution. The lack of genetic diversity in these populations makes them more susceptible to environmental changes.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 30, 2024
A European Union-funded project investigates how plastic particles and climate change contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments. The researchers explore the formation of 'plastisphere' colonies where bacteria exchange genes responsible for antibiotic resistance.
Researchers tracked and studied sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping shorelines and causing environmental harm. The study found that the biochemical composition of sargassum is consistent throughout the year, but processing methods affect other components.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2024
A study suggests that reducing plastic pollution by 5% per year can stabilize the level of microplastics in surface oceans. However, even a 20% reduction may not significantly impact existing microplastics levels, which will persist in oceans beyond 2100.
SourceImperial College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 24, 2024
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.
The study found that Indonesians eat about 15 grams of microplastics per month, a 59-fold increase from 1990 to 2018. China and Mongolia top the list for airborne microplastic concentration, with U.S. residents inhaling about 300,000 particles per month.
SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 23, 2024
The KAIST-Yonsei University research team has developed a novel, high-performance paper coating material made from biodegradable plastic that improves the sustainability of paper packaging. The coating material was tested for its biodegradability and found to achieve 59-82% biodegradation in marine environments.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 22, 2024
Scientists at UC Riverside and Clarkson University developed a method to clean up PFAS pollutants in contaminated water using UV light, sulfite, and electrochemical oxidation. The process achieves near-complete destruction of PFAS compounds and can be used for firefighting equipment flushing and groundwater treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024
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.
Researchers have developed swarms of miniature robots that can capture both microplastics and bacteria from water, demonstrating a promising approach for ridding water of plastic and bacteria. The microrobotic system works by attracting particles with positively charged polymer strands, allowing the robots to decontaminate and reuse them.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 8, 2024
A new study by Chalmers University of Technology finds that ship scrubber water discharges caused EUR 680 million in pollution costs between 2014 and 2022. The researchers also found that most shipping companies have already recouped their investments in scrubbers, making cheap heavy fuel oil a more lucrative option.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2024
A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024
A new study by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that human activities account for a substantial amount of toxic thallium in the Baltic Sea. The research suggests that the amount of thallium could increase due to further anthropogenic or natural activities, posing a concern for marine life.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024
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.
Research found that oil spills in freshwater produce more chemical changes, creating compounds that can persist longer in the environment. The study simulated a freshwater oil spill and analyzed water samples using mass spectrometry, revealing higher concentrations of oxygen-loaded chemicals.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateApr 25, 2024
Researchers developed Au-BiFeO3 nanocrystals with improved photocatalytic activity, achieving 98% methylene blue degradation efficiency. The nanoparticles' unique localized surface plasmon resonance and electron transfer mechanisms enhance their recyclability and stability.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateApr 24, 2024
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 18, 2024
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.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024
High levels of plastic pollution can kill the embryos of a wide range of ocean animals, preventing healthy development in all seven tested species. This study highlights the
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChemosphere·DateApr 16, 2024
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2024
The new centers aim to better understand the interplay between environmental science, climate change, and human health in oceans and Great Lakes. Researchers will study microplastics, algal blooms, and their impact on seafood safety and human health.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateApr 16, 2024
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 new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024
Researchers at IISc developed a novel hydrogel that can remove 95% of polyvinyl chloride and 93% of polypropylene microplastics from water. The hydrogel uses UV light irradiation and has a durable structure, making it suitable for repeated use.
SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 12, 2024
A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024
A study by Staffordshire University has pinpointed microplastic pollution 'hotspots' in Long Island Sound using a new scientific method. The technique identified two primary and two secondary hotspots, with potential similarities between areas of high shipping traffic and higher microplastic concentrations.
SourceStaffordshire University·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·DateApr 10, 2024
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.
New study reveals high concentrations of small microplastics in surface water samples from the Southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica, surpassing previous studies. The research suggests ocean currents play a crucial role in pollution and highlights the need for further investigation into their impact.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 9, 2024
Researchers at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute will survey Sargassum inundation sites using drones and remotely operated vehicles, then conduct aerial images and on-the-ground morphometrics. They aim to test the viability of harvesting Sargassum without harming marine animals.
A new UNSW-led international study reveals that much of the world's global source water contains PFAS levels above recommended drinking water guidelines. In Australia, firefighting foams used in military institutions and fire training facilities are a common source of contamination, with many locations exceeding safe limits.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 8, 2024
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.