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Evolutionary arms race stretches hawkmoths and flowers to extremes

A recent study maps the evolutionary history of hawkmoths, revealing a co-evolutionary arms race between these insects and flowers. The relationship leads to a cycle of nectar spur lengthening and proboscis evolution, with some species developing long tongues to feed on specific orchids.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 21, 2026

In study, real-time feedback on metrics of collaborative processes failed to boost performance, collective intelligence

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that real-time feedback on collaboration metrics does not improve team performance and can even make it worse. By narrowing the feedback to a single metric, teams focused too much on that signal and neglected coordination strategy, leading to decreased overall performance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCollective Intelligence·DateApr 30, 2026
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.

Amplified global heating risk due to climate and carbon cycle feedbacks

A new study finds that global heating could exceed previous estimates, with even low emission scenarios leading to higher temperatures. The Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C may only be achievable under very low emissions and lower-than-estimated climate sensitivity.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

Mental well-being and physical activity can form a positive cycle

A recent study found that positive affectivity contributes to higher physical activity levels and increased activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, depressive feelings are associated with lower physical activity levels. Mental well-being plays a crucial role in maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 24, 2025

Scientists issue urgent warning on climate emergency

A new report warns of an unprecedented climate emergency, with key findings including widespread forest dieback and major ice sheet collapse. The authors emphasize the need for decisive action to safeguard the natural world and ensure a livable future.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breaking MAD: Generative AI could break the internet

A recent study at Rice University found that using synthetic data to train generative AI models can lead to negative consequences, including model collapse and reduced quality. As models become increasingly dependent on self-consuming loops, they may produce warped outputs lacking diversity or quality.

SourceRice University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Global warming and plastic pollution entwined in vicious circle, report says

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology report that global warming and plastic pollution are inextricably linked, with rising temperatures causing plastics to deteriorate more rapidly. This acceleration in plastic waste leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 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.

USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions

Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Could the nerve cells that scratch be the solution for itch?

Researchers at UCSF found a feedback loop between immune protein IL-31 and nerve cells, which dials back nearby inflammation and promotes skin healing. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma by targeting the nervous system's role in regulating the immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Illuminating new horizons: Navigating nonlinear scattering with precision

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new scattering matrix method that can sculpt light output with minimal optimization time. The method offers unparalleled nonlinear scattered light control, enabling high-resolution scanning microscopy and particle trapping through dense, scattering media.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 31, 2023

Study finds sinking tundra surface unlikely to trigger runaway permafrost thaw

Researchers used a high-performance computer simulation to study the impact of soil subsidence on permafrost thawing in the Arctic tundra. They found that uneven land subsidence leads to a drier landscape, which limits the process's acceleration through the end of the century.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2023

Scientists warn of many dangerous climate feedback loops

Researchers identified 27 amplifying feedbacks, 7 dampening feedbacks, and 7 uncertain feedbacks, including permafrost thawing, peatland drying, and forest dieback. The study calls for more ambitious emissions drawdown plans and nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis.

SourceConservation Biology Institute·JournalOne Earth·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Feedback loops make climate action even more urgent, scientists say

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified 27 amplifying feedback loops that significantly increase warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. The study calls for transformative changes in energy, transportation, food production, and international economy to meet climate challenges.

SourceOregon State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 2023
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.

A life-inspired system dynamically adjusts to its environment

The new system consists of two gels with different properties that respond homeostatically to environmental changes. Researchers have created a feedback loop using lasers and mirrors, allowing the system to regulate its temperature in response to external stimuli.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 28, 2022

Time lag between intervention and actual CO2 decrease could still lead to climate tipping point

A simplified mathematical model found a 'lag time' between human intervention and an actual decrease in CO2 levels, which could still lead to climate tipping points. The researchers used a system of stochastic delay differential equations to analyze various emission reduction and carbon capture strategies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

Which side is which?: How the brain perceives borders

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that neurons deep in the brain's cortex process information from borders first, then send clues back to upstream areas. This supports the importance of the 'feedback' pathway for deciphering borders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·DateNov 29, 2021

New paper lays out agenda for the next generation of biodiversity research

A new paper from University of British Columbia expert Dr. Mary O'Connor emphasizes the need to consider feedbacks in biodiversity research and policy making to mitigate negative consequences for humans. The authors propose building national and global biodiversity observatories to monitor ecosystems and human activities, enabling data...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 14, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Reversing a genetic cause of poor stress responses in mice

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to reverse the genetic cause of poor stress responses in mice by targeting specific brain cells and feedback loops. The discovery was made possible by understanding how a particular gene, Ophn1, regulates brain activity and stress tolerance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateApr 7, 2021
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.

Value of climate conversations

A survey of 1,263 people found that discussing global warming leads to increased learning of key facts about the scientific agreement on global warming. This knowledge in turn influences beliefs and promotes more climate-related conversations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Picture release: Spiral growth

Researchers at EMBL discovered a molecular feedback loop that creates regular spacing between leaves, resulting in spiral patterns. This loop involves cells coordinating with neighbors to transport auxin hormone, which builds up and triggers the formation of new hotspots.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 3, 2016

New study finds 'amplifier' helps make connections in the fetal brain

Research by George Washington University researchers found a special amplifier that boosts weak neural signals in the developing brain, allowing for accurate information transfer. This unique amplification circuit is thought to be responsible for the differing levels of seizures in young and old individuals.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateOct 11, 2016

When citizens disobey

A new study by Lily Tsai of Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that citizens in rural China engage in 'constructive noncompliance' to prompt government policy changes, often based on issues like property. The research suggests a greater willingness to disobey laws in situations where citizen input is more likely.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComparative Politics·DateMay 18, 2015

See the ball, hit the ball

A new study by University of Virginia psychologists has found a significant correlation between the perceived size of a softball and the batting average of its players. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that when players are hitting well, they perceive the ball as larger, while poor performers see it as smaller.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 14, 2005
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.