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A detective story of wildfires and wine

Scientists are making progress in understanding 'smoke taint' in wine after wildfires, discovering links between volatile phenols and glycoconjugates. The study found that fermentation can increase smoky compounds, complicating efforts to remove taint from tainted wines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 9, 2018
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.

So much depends on the velocity of tiny droplets cast upward

Researchers have created a model predicting the velocity and height of jet aerosols produced by bubbles in seawater and sparkling wine. The study found that viscosity is crucial in determining aerosol production, with optimal bubble sizes ranging from 10-20 microns.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateMar 8, 2018

Discovery shows wine grapes gasping for breath

Researchers discovered that grapes experience internal oxygen shortage during ripening, leading to cell death and potentially affecting wine quality. The study's findings suggest that manipulating oxygen supply can reduce cell death, and may lead to new ways of selecting grape varieties for warmer climates.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMar 1, 2018

Marketing of lower strength alcohol products may increase drinking

A study found that marketing messages for lower strength wines and beers are often associated with healthier habits, despite containing less alcohol. This can paradoxically lead to increased consumption, as consumers mistakenly believe these products are suitable for all occasions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 7, 2018

New controls scale quantum chips

Engineers at Rigetti Computing have developed a technique to reduce qubit interference, allowing for the creation of larger practical quantum processors. This breakthrough enables the retention of logical operations independent of the state of a large quantum register.

SourceRigetti Computing·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2018

Sugar tax on soft drinks might drive up alcohol consumption

A sugar tax on soft drinks might increase alcohol consumption due to similar sugar content in many alcoholic beverages. Research suggests that a more nuanced approach to pricing across a range of beverages may be more effective than a single tax.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 23, 2018
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 changing climate, changing wine

A new study suggests that climate change could force winemakers to switch from traditional grape varieties to more drought-tolerant and heat-resistant ones. Researchers at Harvard University are exploring the potential of lesser-known grape varieties to adapt to changing weather patterns.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 2, 2018

Alcohol taxes are too low, have not kept up with inflation

State alcohol excise taxes have declined by 30-32% since 1991, making them incredibly low. Raising these taxes could increase revenues while improving public health outcomes and reducing excessive consumption-related harms.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 13, 2017

Pop the bubbly and hear the quality

Researchers investigated the sounds made by champagne bubbles to determine if they could infer bubble size and ultimately assess wine quality. By analyzing acoustic properties, they found that bubble size distribution can be obtained from simple measurements, potentially aiding in quality assurance testing of sparkling wines.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2017
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.

New discovery to accelerate development of salt-tolerant grapevines

A recent Australian discovery identified genes expressed in grapevine roots that limit sodium uptake, leading to more robust salt-tolerant rootstocks. This breakthrough allows for early screening of new genotypes at the seedling stage, supporting the local wine sector's sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 27, 2017

Wine 'legs' and minibot motors (video)

Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 15, 2017

Early evidence of Near Eastern viniculture

Researchers discovered chemical evidence of grape wine in Georgia as early as 5400-5000 BC, and radiocarbon age determinations confirm Neolithic hunter-gatherers innovated viniculture around 5800-6000 BC. The study also found abundant grapes in the region during this period, highlighting deep historical roots of Georgian wine culture.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2017

Drinking glasses can contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium

Researchers found high levels of lead and cadmium in 139 and 134 cases, respectively, on drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives and greater industry awareness of toxic substances used to decorate glassware.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UC-led genomic study reveals clues to wild past of grapes

A UC-led genomic study suggests that humans gathered wild grapes for centuries before cultivating them as a crop. The research found evidence of human consumption of grapes dating back approximately 22,000 years, prior to the traditional domestication period of around 7,000-10,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2017

UBC researchers create definitive method to detect wildfire tainted wine grapes

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have created a definitive method to detect wildfire-tainted wine grapes, providing accurate and quick results. The new test detects volatile phenols present in the fruit prior to wine production, helping wine producers and grape growers manage the impact of smoke exposure on wine flavor.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2017

A deeper understanding of a surface phenomenon

Researchers studied the movement of acetone droplets on water using a simplified model and three independent approaches, finding that ignoring surface tension's curvature leads to accurate calculations. The study has implications for understanding complex phenomena like droplet gliding and measurements like the Langmuir balance.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateOct 2, 2017

How forest fires spoil wine

Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017
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.

Gaining distribution in small retail formats bring big payoffs even for major brands

A recent study found that gaining distribution in small retail formats, such as Save-A-Lot and Aldi, can lead to significantly higher sales increases compared to larger assortment stores. The study, published in Marketing Science, analyzed data from Systembolaget, a Swedish state-owned monopoly, and found that a 10% widening in retail ...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 15, 2017

Global warming could result in losses for the European wine industry

A study in the journal Temperature found that high temperatures can lead to a 27% labor loss and 15% decrease in work time for grape-picking workers in European wine production. The research highlights the potential negative impact of global warming on the industry, which is a significant contributor to world GDP.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTemperature·DateJul 12, 2017

The two faces of rot fungi

Researchers at FAU investigated the formation of rot in grapes and found that certain mould fungi can produce a range of aromas, including fruity and floral notes. The study suggests that wine producers may be able to harness these alteration processes to create new, desirable flavors.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2017
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.

New research on wine fermentation could lead to better bouquet

Researchers discovered that yeast breaks down amino acids to create a pool of nitrogen for use in protein synthesis, contrary to conventional wisdom. This finding could lead to better control of fermentation and improved wine quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 23, 2017
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.

Tennessee wine and grape industry experiencing strong growth

The Tennessee wine industry has seen significant growth, with 435 direct workers in the winery industry, an increase of 20% from the previous year. The state now has 72 bonded wineries, providing well over 500 jobs, mainly in rural areas where job options are limited.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateNov 21, 2016

Different strokes for different folks

Research reveals that consumers use different criteria when buying for themselves versus others, with 'scarcity' cues driving self-purchases and 'popularity' cues influencing gift-buying. Online retailers can tailor promotions to optimize sales by highlighting best-selling products on their website.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 14, 2016

Beer yeasts show surprising diversity, genome study finds

A recent genome study reveals that beer yeasts exhibit a surprisingly high level of genetic diversity, forming multiple groups beyond the main subgroup. The research sheds light on the complex history of beer production, suggesting separate domestication events for beer and wine/sake yeasts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

Beer yeasts are dogs, wine yeasts are cats

Researchers found that beer yeasts have been domesticated in the 16th century, leading to stronger signs of adaptation. In contrast, wine yeasts show fewer signs of domestication due to their limited interaction with humans.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateSep 8, 2016
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.

UBC takes steps toward examining the DNA of the world's wine regions

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have developed a novel DNA analysis technique that identifies the full spectrum of yeast and bacteria in wine samples. This breakthrough allows for faster and more efficient monitoring of micro-organisms affecting wine quality, paving the way for improved wine production.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2016

New research uncovers why an increase in probability feels riskier than a decrease

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that upward changes in probability make events feel closer and more likely than downward changes. This phenomenon, known as psychological momentum, influences people's behavior and decision-making regarding uncertain events.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 23, 2016

Larger wine glasses may lead people to drink more

Researchers found that larger wine glasses led to an almost 10% increase in wine sales, with consumers drinking more due to perceived volume changes. The study suggests that avoiding larger wine glasses could reduce consumption, but further research is needed to confirm this effect.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 6, 2016
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.

The geology of wine

The taste of wine is influenced by soil properties, particularly pH, which modify the wine's chemistry. Researchers found a correlation between specific soil characteristics and Pinot Noir vintages in the Willamette Valley.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateApr 26, 2016

Maryland's 2011 alcohol sales tax reduced alcohol sales, study suggests

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland's 2011 increase in alcohol sales tax led to a 3.8% decrease in total alcohol sales. Sales of spirits were 5.1% lower, beer sales were 3.2% lower, and wine sales were 2.5% lower.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateApr 11, 2016

Wine yeast genomes lack diversity

Sequencing hundreds of wine yeast strains revealed low genetic diversity and high levels of inbreeding, making it challenging to develop improved wine yeasts. Scientists hope to introduce new genes from diverse strains to create hybrids with unique flavor profiles.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateApr 7, 2016
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.

You can thank diverse yeasts for that coffee and chocolate

A new study reveals that yeast strains in coffee and cacao beans exhibit greater diversity than those in wine production. The findings suggest that these differences may impact the characteristics of chocolate and coffee from various regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Global warming pushes wines into uncharted terroir

A study finds that global warming has largely removed drought from the centuries-old early-harvest equation, pushing French grape growers to adapt to hotter climates. As a result, some regions may no longer be suitable for traditional wine varieties, forcing vineyards to change their methods or relocate.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 21, 2016

Of warming and wine

Researchers analyzed over 500 years of harvest records, finding that climate change has caused winegrape harvests in France to occur two weeks earlier than in the past. The trend is expected to continue due to increasing temperatures, which can negatively impact wine quality.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 21, 2016

Grape waste could make competitive biofuel

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that grape waste can be converted into a competitive biofuel, producing up to 270 litres of ethanol per tonne of grape marc. The process involves fermentation and pre-treatment with acid and enzymes, which increases yields to 400 litres per tonne.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 20, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Natural cocktail used to prevent, treat disease of wine grapes

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered a natural cocktail of four bacteriophages that can prevent and treat Pierce's disease in wine grapes. The phage treatment offers an alternative to pesticides for disease control, with promising results in both greenhouse experiments and field testing.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2015

Artificial intelligence improves fine wine price prediction

Researchers at University College London developed a novel AI approach to predict fine wine prices more accurately, outperforming traditional methods by 15% on average. The new method uses machine learning to learn relevant information from data and improve predictive accuracy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Wine Economics·DateAug 4, 2015

Figuring out how to make tastier wines using fewer pesticides

Researchers found that American grapes have low levels of metabolites crucial to fine wine, but are high in anti-fungal compounds. The study suggests using chemical profiling to design a better grape breed for the wine industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 29, 2015
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.

Better chocolate with microbes

A team of Belgian researchers has discovered a yeast species that significantly improves chocolate fermentation, resulting in better and more consistent chocolate. The new method allows for the creation of specialty chocolates with unique flavors.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2015

Wine-making shortcut gives bubbly a fruitier aroma

Researchers found that adding certain yeast autolysates can enhance fruity aromas in sparkling wines without affecting foam quality or phenolic compound content. The study provides new insights into the impact of commercial yeast products on bubbly wines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 17, 2015

Raising a glass to the holidays

A new study published in BMC Medicine found that people in England consume an additional 12 million bottles of wine each week due to holidays and special occasions. This increase in alcohol consumption can lead to health issues, highlighting the need for more accurate measurement and targeted interventions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 21, 2015
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 new piece in the 'French paradox' puzzle -- cheese metabolism

Scientists investigate how cheese affects gut health and cholesterol levels, finding a link between high cheese consumption and reduced 'bad' cholesterol. Recent studies have cast doubt on the notion that saturated fats are harmful, and this research further supports a role for dairy products in maintaining heart health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2015

Significant reduction seen in fatal car crashes after an increase in alcohol taxes

Researchers at the University of Florida found that an increase in alcohol taxes led to a significant reduction in fatal car crashes. After Illinois raised its excise tax on beer, wine, and spirits by 2009, fatal alcohol-related car crashes decreased by 26%. The decrease was even more marked for young people, with a 37% reduction in fa...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 31, 2015