A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 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 new study reveals that crops such as corn, sorghum, and millet have evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells to adapt to environmental changes. Researchers identified trends of gene module trading among the species, which may help scientists pinpoint genes controlling drought tolerance.
A devastating fungal disease, Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is spreading in Mozambique, jeopardizing banana production. The Cavendish banana variety is highly susceptible to the disease, and lack of access to on-farm data hinders effective containment.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateMay 8, 2023
A climate-resilient bean genome unveiled potential to boost food security in drought-prone regions through improved genetic diversity and productivity. The sequencing of the hyacinth bean provides opportunities for targeted breeding to reduce anti-nutritional properties and increase its cultivation.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2023
A team from Kennesaw State University is studying the cultural, historical, and health significance of artisanal alcohol production in Cabo Verde. The researchers aim to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of grogue production, a national liquor produced by fermenting sugar cane.
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.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have improved photosynthesis by engineering a faster Rubisco enzyme into tobacco plant cells. This breakthrough aims to support global food production and address climate change by increasing crop productivity.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
Researchers have identified a gene that enables plants to tolerate salinity stress by regulating hormone signaling. This breakthrough could lead to crop improvements with larger seeds that germinate well in adverse environments, solving limitations on productivity due to soil salinization.
SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateApr 25, 2023
Stanford researchers develop a simple and environmentally sound method to produce ammonia by combining nitrogen from the air with tiny water droplets, requiring minimal energy and low cost. This innovative approach could revolutionize agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with current industrial methods.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023
A four-year field experiment in Estonia reveals that recycling phosphorus-rich lake sediments can sustain grass biomass yield and provide essential nutrients. However, the study also highlights potential environmental risks associated with sediment application methods.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
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.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis suggest that ancient humans may have chosen certain wild plants for domestication based on their ability to be easily 'tamed'. Plants with high plasticity, or the capacity to respond to environmental changes, can produce more yields and easier-to-sprout seeds.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023
Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.
SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 2023
Researchers are developing an alley cropping system to mitigate crop stress and promote soil fertility in organic vegetable production. The system involves planting trees between rows of vegetables, reducing heat extremes and improving biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateApr 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 30, 2023
Researchers suggest that biochar produced from straw pyrolysis can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese staple crops. The addition of an integrated energy system also produces biogas and bio-oil, which can replace fossil fuels and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Chinese scientists have identified a key gene involved in crop alkaline tolerance, which may greatly improve crop yield in sodic environments. The study found that the gene negatively regulates alkaline stress by modulating the efflux of H2O2 under environmental stress.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2023
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.
Millions of people living in river deltas face risk due to human activities such as damming and levee construction. Climate change is just one part of the story; local resource management can have a greater impact on delta sustainability.
SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalOne Earth·DateMar 17, 2023
A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMar 9, 2023
A study published in PLOS Climate suggests that climate change is significantly affecting land where coffee is cultivated, particularly due to synchronous climate hazards occurring in multiple areas. The researchers found an increase in climate hazards and compound events threatening coffee crops globally between 1980 and 2020.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 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.
Research at Cornell University found that co-locating solar panels with commercial agriculture can improve power conversion efficiency and solar-panel longevity. Agrivoltaic systems offer increased passive cooling through taller panel heights, more reflective ground cover, and higher evapotranspiration rates.
SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 6, 2023
Researchers argue that polders are an important part of China's water heritage, reflecting the country's long history of water management. Over 2,500 years, polders have evolved in response to changing societal needs, adapting to agricultural modernisation and urban encroachment.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalPlanning Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2023
A study by the University of Göttingen found that arranging rows of trees at right angles to semi-natural habitats increases pollination performance and nut production. The design also promotes easy movement of bees through the plantation.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023
A North Carolina State University study shows that yam seeds wrapped in a biodegradable paper made from banana fibers and cardboard grow larger and more abundantly than those without the paper. The 'wrap-and-plant' method also reduces post-harvest loss by minimizing nematode pest effects.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Food·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
New study reveals that diseased plant cells produce more proteins before dying, alerting healthy cells to boost immunity and prevent disease spread. This 'deathbed rally' helps the rest of the plant stay healthy, paving the way for potential disease resistance strategies.
SourceDuke University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023
George Mason University researchers are developing a digital twin system to provide farmers with real-time data on crop conditions, soil, weather, and markets. The CropSmart Digital Twin (CSDT) aims to support the USDA's goal of increasing U.S. agricultural production by 40% while reducing its environmental footprint by half by 2050.
Scientists have genetically modified potatoes and tomatoes to produce betacyanin, a pigment with anti-inflammatory properties. The transgenic vegetables demonstrated enhanced accumulation of the pigment, which showed improved effects in reducing inflammation in macrophage-like cells and murine models of colitis.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Carbon emissions from fertilizers could be reduced by as much as 80% by 2050, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study found that two-thirds of emissions occur after application, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use and innovative solutions to mitigate emissions.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 9, 2023
A new webcast on Grow: Plant Health Exchange presents an overview of the physiological drivers of yield in cotton. The presentation discusses factors influencing each driver and results from research with advanced breeding lines.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateFeb 8, 2023
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.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that reducing pesticide pollution and harvesting intensity can increase crop yields and contribute to climate change mitigation. By optimizing carbon sequestration and storage in soils, farmers can improve plant resilience and productivity, while minimizing environmental harm.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment·DateFeb 8, 2023
The study found that almost 92% of Africa's maize growing areas support year-round growth of fall armyworm. Almost 95% of the crop is also deemed climatically suitable for fall armyworm, with multiple pests posing significant risks.
SourceCABI·JournalFrontiers in Insect Science·DateJan 31, 2023
Anu, a Purdue University startup, received a $970,993 NSF SBIR grant to further develop its innovative Rotary Aeroponic Cultivation Chamber. The technology aims to increase yields while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact through multispectral photomorphogenesis and deep-learning algorithms.
A Cambridge-led consortium has received $35m to engineer plants to utilize naturally occurring micro-organism interactions, enhancing nutrient uptake and increasing crop yields. This approach aims to revolutionize smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa and provide a sustainable solution for food production.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the effect of mixing wheat and faba beans on pollinating insects. They found that areas with mixed crops were visited equally often by foraging bees as those with single crops. The findings suggest that this mixture may counteract pollinator decline.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023
Researchers have characterized the tar spot pathogen on a molecular level, revealing its virulence molecules target specific plant organelles. This study advances our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and contributes to developing disease control strategies.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateJan 18, 2023
Researchers developed a bioeconomic model to overcome the cost barrier of high-density planting for weed suppression. The study found distinct physiological differences in crops that impact the balance needed to achieve a cost-neutral result.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
A study from Cornell University found that broccoli grows abnormally in warmer temperatures, resembling cauliflower. Researchers identified the genetic basis of this phenomenon, revealing that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating floral development and causing abnormal growth.
SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Horticulture·DateJan 9, 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 global study reveals that around 50% of soil-available phosphorus worldwide comes from mineral fertilizers, with significant regional disparities. The findings highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2023
The UT Extension Center for Profitable Agriculture project is studying six niche crops: cut flowers, persimmons, blueberries, elderberries, garlic, and microgreens. The project aims to provide education and outreach to help Tennessee producers make informed decisions about marketing and sales.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateDec 21, 2022
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 19, 2022
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.
The global food system exerts significant pressure on the environment and climate, with five countries accounting for almost half of the impact. Locally produced food is often the most environmentally friendly option, but production methods can vary greatly between countries.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers developed AI-powered software to measure and classify pacu fish, enabling breeders to select animals with higher fillet yield and faster weight gain. The system uses deep learning and can recognize different parts of the fish even in challenging environments.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAquaculture·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers have developed an edible plant-based ink derived from food waste to create cost-effective scaffolds for culturing meat. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale cultured meat production, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Institute found that Florida pompano larvae can be grown in salinities as low as 10 parts per thousand without adverse effects. The study showed that growth, fatty acid profiles, and transcriptome responses were normal across different salinities.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAquaculture·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 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.
A simple breeding experiment identified genes that promote cooperation and higher yields in plant populations. Plants with specific alleles were found to produce 15% more biomass when grown in close proximity, while reducing root competition.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
Research reveals that sweet corn yields significantly decrease with extreme heat during flowering, especially in rainfed fields. Irrigation may help mitigate yield loss, but water scarcity could worsen climate-related challenges.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2022
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateNov 16, 2022
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.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers at CABBI used unmanned aerial vehicles with machine learning methods to select the best candidate genotypes in miscanthus breeding programs. The new method leverages high-resolution aerial imagery and three-dimensional neural networks to estimate crop traits such as flowering time, height, and biomass production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022
Researchers discover chemical inhibitor TIS108 significantly lowers Striga infestation without affecting plant growth or grain yield. The study shows canonical strigolactones contribute to seed germination in root parasitic weeds and play a major role in stimulating invasion by Striga.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2022
A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 27, 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.
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
A new study found that increasingly complex mathematical models can produce more uncertain estimates, limiting their usefulness for informing real-world policy decisions. Researchers recommend reassessing the drive to create detailed models and suggest calculating the model's effective dimensions before adding complexity.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022
Researchers predict that reduced Ukrainian grain exports due to the war will lead to increased food insecurity and higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study estimates a potential increase in global agricultural land use of 16.3-45 million acres, driving up carbon emissions by 527-1.6 billion metric tons.
SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2022
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022
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 from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Researchers at the University of Illinois are investigating maize roots for organic and regenerative systems to optimize carbon storage, resource use efficiency, and productivity. They aim to develop corn varieties that provide ecosystem services even under changing weather scenarios.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that Brazil can increase its soybean production by 36% by 2035 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and eliminating deforestation. The strategy involves intensifying crop yields, growing a second crop on soybean fields, and raising more cattle on smaller pastures.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 10, 2022
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022
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 have discovered a key link between warmer early winters and reduced crop yields in oilseed rape plants. The study found that colder temperatures during late November/early December promote faster growth and higher yields, while warmer temperatures result in lower yields.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022