A new study found that women-led self-help groups in Odisha, India played a crucial role in maintaining food security during the COVID-19 lockdowns by procuring fresh produce from farmers and selling it to local markets. The groups also provided training and support to their members, enabling them to start their own businesses.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalWorld Development·DateDec 11, 2023
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that all aquatic species in river mouths are contaminated with microplastics. Molluscs were the most affected, and nanoplastics posed a greater risk to aquatic organisms due to their ability to pass through cellular membranes.
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.
A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2023
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing a mass migration of zooplankton, which Pacific right whales rely on for food. This shift is also drawing industrial fishing fleets northward, increasing the risk of ship collisions and gear entanglements.
SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2023
Researchers found that shoreline spiders can move mercury pollution up the food chain to land animals like birds and bats. The study suggests these spiders can serve as a potential link between aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, informing management decisions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 13, 2023
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.
Researchers argue that considering an animal's entire 'parasitome' is crucial for understanding its place in the food chain. By analyzing stable isotopes, scientists can determine who is eating whom and how parasites affect behavior and metabolism.
SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateSep 9, 2023
Research on minimally processed vegetables reveals unsatisfactory microbiological safety, with Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. found at high prevalence rates. The study calls for best practice assurance to guarantee products with quality and safety for consumers.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFoods·DateAug 29, 2023
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023
Researchers Gabriel Gellner and Kevin McCann develop an inverse approach to modeling food webs, assuming ecosystems exist and working backward to characterize web dynamics. This method, using biological constraints, succeeds in simulating large, diverse ecosystems and understanding their stability.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Food·DateJul 21, 2023
A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.
SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023
A new study found that the global food system is responsible for a third of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy consumption being the largest contributors. The study suggests that adopting a more plant-based diet could help reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023
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 recent study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals interdependencies in the global food supply chain, uncovering profound indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on product availability worldwide. The study found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects, with losses up to 85% in maize and 89% in edible oils.
SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023
A new study from Harvard University reveals that despite the national reduction of mercury emissions by 90% since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, two regions - Texas and North Dakota - continue to be major sources of toxic air pollution. The research highlights significant sociodemographic disparitie...
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 22, 2023
Research by North Carolina State University found that new species can alter ecosystem processes despite similarities to resident species, but changes occur when they are more dissimilar. This study has implications for predicting the consequences of climate change-induced species introductions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 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.
Researchers found that wolf spider species in Nebraska exhibited similar diets, with many eating the same types of prey. This suggests a complex food web where predators are not just competing for resources, but also engaging in cannibalism to regulate their populations and stabilize the ecosystem.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMay 8, 2023
The concept of nature's chefs offers a new perspective on species interactions, highlighting the diversity of food-making and preparing species across the tree of life. This interdisciplinary approach aims to inform how people think about food across various disciplines.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023
Research explores the complex relationship between droughts, food security, and conflict in Central America. The study finds that decreases in water availability play a major role in conflict insurgences, while stable conditions of peace are more influenced by favorable socio-economic conditions.
SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Water·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 6, 2023
A new study by Penn State researchers found that ground beetle species will thrive or decline based on their habitats and traits. Habitat conservation can help mitigate the effects of climate change on these insects, which are critical pest control agents in North American agriculture.
SourcePenn State·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMar 23, 2023
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 recent study has identified a rare strain of Toxoplasma gondii, COUG, in sea otters that caused fatal steatitis and toxoplasmosis. The strain is virulent and can rapidly kill healthy adult otters, posing a health threat to other marine wildlife and humans.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2023
A new approach to describing network connections can help predict system strong and weak points, crucial for understanding disease spread and communication networks. Researchers found that mapping hierarchies and incoherence within a system enables prediction of strong and weak connections.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023
A study found that the British public largely supports a ban on selling junk foods at checkouts, which is part of the UK government's efforts to tackle obesity. The legislation aims to create healthier shopping environments and reduce calorie consumption among children and adults alike.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 14, 2023
A new Penn State-led study reveals that workers in the US food supply chain are at a high risk of serious injury due to unique hazards such as product movement. The researchers found that fractures of the lower extremities were most prevalent, with transportation-related accidents being the most frequent type.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Safety Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 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.
A recent UBC study has found that southern resident killer whales require high-energy prey to survive, with spring-run Chinook salmon being the most suitable. The study's findings have significant implications for managing both species and mitigating the decline of this critically endangered population.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023
Research suggests that tropical tent web spiders can eat a devastating pest moth of commercially important crops like tomato and potato. The spiders' ability to form groups and create large webs makes them effective biological control agents.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInsects·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 13, 2023
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.
A 250.8 million-year-old fossil find reveals complex marine ecosystems on Earth just one million years after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, contradicting long-held theories. The discovery provides insights into life's rapid recovery from extreme crises and necessitates a re-evaluation of early Triassic ocean conditions.
SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023
A global survey of large carnivore attacks found that attacks in high-income countries occurred mostly during recreation, while those in low-income countries were linked to livelihood activities. The study also highlighted the importance of tailored approaches to prevent such attacks.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2023
Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022
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.
Climate change and land use will cause extinction cascades leading to the loss of 10% of animals and plants by 2050, rising to 27% by 2100. The study highlights coextinctions as a dominant factor in future vertebrate losses.
SourceFlinders University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2022
Researchers analyzed coyote diets and movement in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to determine why a lone hiker was attacked. The study found that coyotes relied on moose due to resource scarcity, adapting their behavior to exploit this unusually large food source.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 12, 2022
A landmark study provides the strongest evidence yet that dinosaurs were in their prime when a deadly asteroid hit, leading to their mass extinction. The research shows that mammals diversified their diets and adapted to environments, creating advantages that helped them survive the disaster.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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 study found that when there are more females than males in colonies of orb-weaving spiders, males fight less with each other and females exhibit less aggression. The researchers also observed cooperation among spiders in constructing their webs and wrapping prey in silk.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Arachnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022
Research reveals that microphytobenthos, a key component of the Dutch Wadden Sea food web, obtains its nutrients primarily from detrital nitrogen in pore water. This finding provides new insights into the ecosystem's dynamics and highlights the importance of considering all nutrient pools in models predicting future changes.
SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 2022
A study by Rice University researchers found that tropical mammal communities divide their days similarly, with feeding routines and body sizes influencing activity patterns. The study confirms consistent patterns across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2022
A regime shift in the Southeast Greenland marine ecosystem has led to a permanent change from an ice-infested to a more temperate system, with large numbers of fin and humpback whales migrating to the area. This tipping point may be irreversible, having cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.
SourceGRID-Arendal·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 21, 2022
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.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.
SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Review of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 4, 2022
The Arctic Ocean's pH is decreasing at a rate 3–4 times faster than in other oceans, with acidification impacting marine life. Sea butterflies, a key food source for whales, may face reduced availability due to increased carbon dioxide uptake.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2022
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022
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 at the University of Cincinnati found that Burmese pythons have evolved super-stretchy skin between their lower jaws, enabling them to consume prey much larger than expected. This adaptation allows pythons to eat deer and other large animals whole, providing a significant energy advantage in their ecosystem.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2022
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateSep 13, 2022
Researchers found that lettuce takes up nanoplastics from soil and transfers them into the food chain, with particles detected in insects and fish. The study highlights potential health risks to herbivores and humans due to tiny plastic particles in soil.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNano Today·DateSep 12, 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 recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that the increased interest in local food during the pandemic may be temporary. The study found that concerns about anxiety and a decrease in sense of community among consumers led to lower willingness to pay for locally produced fruits, vegetables, and meat.
SourcePenn State·JournalAgribusiness·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2022
A study reveals that over 50% of mammal food web links have disappeared due to animal declines, leading to a collapse of global ecosystems. Restoring extinct species to their historic ranges holds great potential to reverse these declines and restore food web complexity.
SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022
Researchers identified critical success factors for mitigating challenges in the food cold chain, including stakeholder pressure and sustainable investment. The study provides a detailed theoretical framework for developing sustainable business strategies in China.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 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 new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateAug 22, 2022
A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2022
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 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.
New research suggests that plant-based beef alternatives could reduce US carbon footprint by 2.5-13.5%, mostly by decreasing cow numbers. However, this shift could disrupt the agricultural workforce, threatening up to 1.5 million industry jobs and exacerbating issues like fair wages and health equity.
SourceCornell University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateAug 4, 2022
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 21, 2022
In a breakthrough observation, scientists documented large groups of southern fin whales feeding together in the Antarctic for the first time since the whaling ban. The discovery suggests that fin whale populations are rebounding, with numbers reaching up to 150 individuals.
SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022
A University of Washington study found that Pacific salmon in larger groups have lower predation risk, but may trade safety for food. The researchers analyzed historical data on fish catches and predator wounds to estimate group size and predation risk, revealing the benefits and costs of schooling in marine fish.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022
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.
A new study finds that cold-water corals thrive when food supply and oxygen content are available, but decline in response to changes. The research, led by MARUM, analyzed sediments from six locations and found that these factors have been critical to coral survival over the past 20,000 years.
SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 7, 2022
A new study reveals the Gulf of Maine is being increasingly influenced by warm water from the North Atlantic, leading to significant changes in its food web. The warming is driven by an influx of North Atlantic water, which has raised temperatures and salinity levels, impacting marine life.
SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateJun 7, 2022
A study by Leibniz-IZW scientists reveals that the death of common noctule bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains, compromising ecosystem services like pest control. The loss of these insectivorous bats has significant consequences for agriculture and forestry in Germany.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJun 7, 2022
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.
Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Webs·DateMay 24, 2022