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Study suggests bamboo has ‘superfood’ potential

A recent review of bamboo consumption found promising health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant activity. However, caution is advised due to potential risks associated with raw or improperly prepared bamboo.

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.

Bamboo-based biodegradable mulch film for modern agriculture

Researchers developed a biodegradable liquid slow-release mulch film based on bamboo residue for selenium-enriched crop cultivation. The film showed enhanced moisture retention, insulation properties, and weed suppression, improving soil temperature and humidity.

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.

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.

New insights into bamboo's chemical structure

Researchers investigated the chemical composition and structural characteristics of hemicellulose and lignin-carbohydrate complexes extracted from bamboo tissues. The study showed significant differences in extraction yield, thermal stability, and phenyl glycoside bonds among various tissues.

Sustaining oyster farming with sturdier rafts

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.

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 identify role of subgenomes in bamboo evolution

The study confirms the presence of four distinct subgenomes in woody bamboos, with the C subgenome dominating two tetraploid lineages. The hexaploid lineage exhibits a dynamic shift in dominance from C to A subgenomes, contributing to evolutionary traits and forest habitat adaptation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pollination by more than one bee species improves cherry harvest

Researchers found that pollination by both honey bees and mason bees increases sweet cherry production, with a synergy effect observed in orchards using both species. Growers can attract mason bees to their orchards by providing nest material, such as bamboo sticks, to enhance cross-pollination.

Flowering for naught: 120 years with nothing to show

Researchers found that over 80% of the bamboo's flowering culms did not produce viable seeds, indicating a lack of sexual regeneration via germination. This may lead to widespread ecological changes and loss of a valuable resource.

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.

Could bamboo be the next source of renewable energy?

Research suggests that bamboo can be converted into bioethanol and biogas, offering an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The chemical composition of bamboo varies across species, highlighting the need for further research on selecting optimal species for biomass production processes.

Research sheds light on bamboo paper conservation

Researchers investigated bamboo paper's moisture absorption behaviour under different ageing patterns, finding that ageing doesn't alter water adsorption but reduces effective adsorption sites. Storage humidity conditions around 50% RH are recommended to maintain the paper's stability.

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.

Eating bamboo? It's all in the wrist

A fossilized wrist bone from a 6-7 million-year-old giant panda ancestor reveals the earliest evidence of a bamboo diet and the evolution of its unique 'thumb' structure. The discovery sheds light on how this adaptation allowed ancient pandas to thrive on a low-nutrient bamboo diet.

UBCO researchers use unique ingredient to strengthen bamboo

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.

First tarantula to live in bamboo stalks found in Thailand

Researchers have discovered a new genus of tarantulas that live exclusively in bamboo stalks, found exclusively in high hill forests in northern Thailand. The new genus, Taksinus bambus, is unique due to its association with bamboo and can only be found at an elevation of about 1,000 m.

An easy relationship between a beetle and its yeast symbiont

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that Japanese lizard beetle larvae feed on yeast injected by their mothers, but the yeast only consumes simple sugars. The study found that the yeast grows on small molecule monosaccharides and not on complex sugars despite its ability to digest them.

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.

Battery boost found by mimicking the wonders of bamboo

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a bioinspired membrane that mimics the structure of bamboo's natural membrane, enabling faster ion transport and improved volumetric energy storage. The membrane outperformed other materials commonly used for electrodes in batteries.

The giant panda's mystery revealed

The giant panda's temporomandibular joint and premolar teeth evolved to facilitate sideways movement of the jaw, allowing for efficient peeling of bamboo. This adaptation enabled pandas to access an endless source of nutrition in the early Pleistocene.

New connector for sustainable structures on Earth and in space

Romain van Wassenhove has created a sustainable bamboo connector that can be used to make modular structures out of sustainable materials. His invention is EU patent-protected and has been published in Composite Structures, a leading journal for composite materials and their applications.

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.

Cricket bats should be made from bamboo not willow, Cambridge study finds

Bamboo cricket bats offer improved performance, including increased strength and energy transfer, according to a recent University of Cambridge study. The research also highlights the potential environmental benefits of using bamboo, as it is more sustainable and requires less waste during manufacture than traditional willow.

This tableware made from sugarcane and bamboo breaks down in 60 days

Researchers have developed biodegradable tableware made from hybrid sugarcane and bamboo fibers, which breaks down in 60 days and is cleaner than traditional bioplastics. The new material has improved mechanical strength, grease resistance, and non-toxicity, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

Panda poo, ants and slugs could be key to the green fuel of tomorrow

A new research project at Aarhus University aims to convert lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable bioethanol using enzymes and microorganisms found in pandas' digestive systems, as well as those of ants and slugs. The goal is to produce bioethanol via completely natural processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New study first to reveal growth rates of deep-sea coral communities

A new study has estimated the growth rates of deep-sea coral communities in Hawaii, revealing a pattern of ecological succession over centuries to millennia. The research found that Coralliidae, pink coral, were the first to colonize, followed by Isididae, bamboo coral, and Antipatharia, black coral.

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.

For giant pandas, bamboo is vegetarian 'meat'

Researchers used nutritional geometry to assess giant pandas' macronutrient mix, revealing a high protein content similar to hypercarnivores. Despite their plant-based diet, pandas' energy intake comes from protein-rich bamboo, blurring the line between herbivore and carnivore.

Giant panda's bamboo diet still looks surprisingly carnivorous

A recent study reveals that giant pandas' protein and carbohydrate intake resembles a hypercarnivore's diet, with 50% of energy coming from protein. The findings suggest that the transition to an extreme specialized herbivorous diet was not as drastic as previously thought.

Ancient pandas weren't exclusive bamboo eaters, bone evidence suggests

New evidence from stable isotopes in ancient panda bones indicates they likely had a varied diet, similar to that of other mammalian species. The researchers found that ancient pandas were isotopically distinct from modern giant pandas, suggesting differences in their dietary habits and a wider niche than previously thought.

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.

Bale monkeys living in different areas have very different DNA

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that Bale monkeys living in different habitats have distinct mitochondrial DNA profiles. The researchers discovered that populations from fragmented forests were more closely related to vervet and grivet monkeys than those from continuous forests, suggesting hybridization had occurred.

Climate change may slowly starve bamboo lemurs

A study published in Current Biology suggests that climate change may force bamboo lemurs to eat culm for longer periods, leading to potential starvation. The researchers analyzed the lemurs' feeding habits and found that a short dry season has been crucial to their survival in the past.

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.

To swallow food, some sharks shrug their shoulders

Researchers used X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) technology to observe bamboo sharks feeding on squid and herring. The study reveals that the shark's shoulder girdle swings internally to create suction, manipulating food down its long pharynx.

Bamboo inspires optimal design for lightness and toughness

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that bamboo's natural fiber distribution is optimized for maximum flexural rigidity while minimizing wood volume. This study sheds light on the potential of biomimetics in developing lightweight and tough materials.

Businesses that show commitment to sustainability inspire greener customers

Research from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers conserve resources when they perceive a hotel to be environmentally friendly. The study revealed that visible efforts by firms can influence consumer behavior, with eco-friendly initiatives leading to greater resource conservation and cost savings.

Old specimens establish a new bamboo worm genus and species

PhD student Wang Yueyun and Dr Li Xinzheng discover two new species and a new genus of bamboo worms in the open access journal ZooKeys. The new genus is characterized by a unique collar-like glandular band on its sixth chaetiger, setting it apart from other Maldaninae subfamily members.

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.

Panda poop study provides insights into microbiome, reproductive troubles

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that captive giant pandas experience gastrointestinal problems when switching from bamboo stalks to leaves, leading to reproductive issues. The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the pandas' poop and discovered a unique population of microbes associated with digestive dysfunction.

Not your grandfather's house, but maybe it should be

Experts are looking into alternative materials that can be used in building houses, focusing on local sources such as bamboo and straw bales, while also considering economic and environmental factors. Khanjan Mehta emphasizes the importance of scalability and finding suitable alternatives for cement, which is often scarce and expensive.

Pandas spend less energy to afford bamboo diet

A new study reveals that giant pandas have evolved underactive thyroid glands and other energy-saving traits to afford a bamboo diet, with daily energy expenditure 38% of average for terrestrial mammals. This allows them to thrive on low-nutrient plants despite not having stomachs designed for such food.

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.

Pitt engineer receives $200,000 grant to explore use of bamboo

A University of Pittsburgh-led consortium has received a $200,000 grant to explore the use of bamboo as a safe and sustainable construction resource in urban areas. The research aims to reduce the environmental impact of housing while addressing global grand challenges of urbanization and resilience.

Giant panda gut bacteria can't efficiently digest bamboo

Giant pandas have a carnivore-like gut microbiota that can't efficiently digest bamboo due to the lack of genes for plant-digesting enzymes in their genome. Their gut diversity is also lower compared to other herbivores, leading to nutritional challenges and increased risk of extinction.