A new study found that planting and managing improved grass in tropical savannas can increase soil carbon stocks by 15% compared to degraded pasture. The use of Koronivia grass also reduced nitrous oxide emissions from grazing cattle by a factor of 10.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Climate·DateNov 10, 2022
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
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers used machine learning to predict sugarcane yield based on DNA. The technique improved accuracy by over 50% compared to traditional breeding methods.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2022
A new study by University of Illinois researchers estimates the costs of removing invasive Miscanthus plants, ranging from $85 to $3,316 per site. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges of eradication and highlight the need for accurate research and planning.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateOct 11, 2022
A five-year field study found that indaziflam reduces downy brome abundance and enables native perennial grass cover. Indaziflam delivered longer-term benefits compared to imazapic, controlling downy brome across the entire study period.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that synthetic turf football fields have a greater impact deceleration compared to natural grass, increasing the risk of injury and concussion. The study's findings suggest that considering safety in sports requires widening our view to include playing surfaces.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $750,000 grant to study native warm-season perennial grasses for organic livestock feed production. Researchers aim to improve soil health and agronomic practices in the southeastern US by integrating warm-season grasses into tall fescue systems.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 29, 2022
New research finds that purple needlegrass thrives in areas with sheep grazing, especially during wet weather, creating space for new growth and reducing competition from non-native grasses. The study's findings aim to inform effective management strategies for this long-lived species and its potential role in mitigating climate change.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 22, 2022
A new model developed by US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and the University of Montana forecasts which areas in the Great Basin have the highest probability of a large rangeland fire. The model combines measures of accumulated annual and perennial grass vegetation with recent weather and climate data.
SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022
A new study by Rice University biologist Tom Miller explores the role of fungi in determining the range limits of plants in Texas. The research reveals that fungal partnerships improve drought tolerance and could potentially extend the range of grasses in response to climate change.
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.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022
Cattle grazing with protein feed supplements during the fall and early winter can significantly reduce standing fine-fuel biomass by over 50% in cheatgrass-dominated pastures. This reduces fire risk by creating space for native grasses to grow, benefiting both ecosystem health and cattle ranchers.
SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateJun 16, 2022
West Virginia University researchers are exploring the symbiotic relationship between Miscanthus x giganteus and its microbes to improve the crop's resilience in unpredictable climates. The goal is to determine the best way to manage the plant on marginal soil, which could help restore damaged soils and mitigate climate change.
A recent study found that children living in areas with tree cover had better early childhood development than those in areas with grass or paved surfaces. The research also showed that tree-filled spaces mitigate air pollution, noise, and heat better than more open green spaces.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022
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.
A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022
A new study reveals that salt marsh grass in Georgia's coast relies on beneficial bacteria in its roots to access nutrients, improving plant productivity. The research provides insights into the importance of soil microorganisms in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting restoration efforts.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobiome·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022
Researchers found that voles in Inner Mongolia, China, trim tall grasses when shrikes are nearby, decreasing predation risk. The voles' behavior is an example of ecosystem engineering, where they modify their environment to improve survival.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2022
A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.
SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
A study by Brazilian researchers found that regular fires enhance functional diversity and carbon fixation in savannas. They measured species numbers, attributes, and carbon dynamics in two areas, one with frequent fires and the other without fires for 16 years.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateFeb 21, 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.
Scientists discovered that fungal endophytes convert chitin to chitosan, a natural plant defense activator, to evade host defense. This conversion enables the fungus to live in symbiotic association with grasses, protecting them from biotic and abiotic stresses.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021
Researchers discover ways to generate clean energy from less-profitable farmland, restore habitat for grassland birds and create sustainable polymers. These breakthroughs could help achieve both renewable energy and conservation goals, as well as reduce future plastic waste.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021
Researchers discovered new species and genera related to the genus Ctenopharyngodon, revealing that grass carp originated during the Oligocene in western China. The fossil record shows a transformation from carnivorous ancestors to herbivores as the environment changed.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateNov 4, 2021
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.
A new MIT study provides detailed information on the wave-damping benefits of marsh plants, enabling coastal restoration planners to determine the area needed for mitigation. The analysis incorporates plant morphology and interactions with currents and waves, providing a more quantitative way to estimate the value provided by marshes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review·DateOct 18, 2021
Researchers at Oregon State University have made history by describing the first fossilized grass ever discovered in Baltic amber. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of plant life during the Eocene epoch.
SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2021
Researchers discovered that storks are attracted to the smell of freshly cut grass, using their sense of smell to locate food sources. This finding suggests that the sense of smell may play a greater role in other birds than previously thought, contradicting previous assumptions about bird behavior.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2021
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 new study finds that the microbiome of grasses plays a crucial role in their ability to withstand drought. Healthy bacteria in grasses can provide nutrients, protect against pathogens and UV radiation, and help manage drought. However, under severe drought conditions, the bacterial communities become less diverse and more harmful.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2021
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a bioengineering process that uses grass blades to create scaffolds for animal cells to grow on, resulting in cultured meat. The study successfully demonstrates significant cell adhesion and tissue formation, paving the way for a more sustainable meat production method.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 1, 2021
Researchers found over 30 species of plants along the banks of Tikal's reservoirs, including trees like ramón and cabbage bark. The study suggests that the Maya protected these areas as sacred groves to provide medicinal or edible plants and fruits.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2021
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.
A Curtin study reveals that aspirin, a naturally occurring compound found in willow trees, can improve the survival of grass species important for ecological restoration and sustainable pasture. Low concentrations of salicylic acid applied to seeds can boost plant growth and resistance to stress.
SourceCurtin University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021
A new study found that beneficial arthropods are nearly twice as abundant and diverse in uncultivated field edges than in cropped areas. The edges, which were rich in flowers and broad-leaved plants, provided a winter sanctuary for the beneficial bugs, making them more useful to farmers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateJun 3, 2021
A new project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to disposable plastics in take-away food packaging using upcycled grass fibres. Replacing plastic with bio-based packaging can reduce carbon emissions from production by approximately 210,000 tonnes CO2 annually.
Researchers have successfully genetically modified grass to detoxify residues of the military explosive RDX, contaminating groundwater and posing a threat to drinking water supplies. The genetically modified switchgrass plants removed 27 kg of RDX per hectare, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 3, 2021
Researchers from the IPK Leibniz Institute identified regulatory networks and signalling pathways controlling barley floral meristem development. The findings provide a deeper understanding of spikelet formation and offer an important tool for future studies.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2021
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Grasses can incorporate DNA from other species into their genomes through lateral gene transfer, giving them an evolutionary advantage. This process may allow crops to adapt to new environments quicker and be more resistant to climate change.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 22, 2021
Researchers have discovered a unique area in the Novosibirsk region with a high concentration of orchid species, including some new to the territory. The area has been identified as a hotspot for these rare plants, and efforts are being made to preserve them.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalActa Biologica Sibirica·DateApr 8, 2021
A new study shows that Miscanthus grass can be grown in lower agricultural grade conditions, making it a promising biofuel option. The research found specific genes that play key roles in response to water stress across different Miscanthus species.
SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateMar 25, 2021
Research on grass blade sizes reveals that smaller leaves with more veins provide better tolerance to dry and cold conditions. This discovery can aid scientists in conserving grass species under climate change and breeding crops for cold climates.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2021
A new study suggests that environmental DNA can help better understand which grasses are the worst offenders for outdoor allergens. The research found substantial variability in airborne pollen from different grass species and identified a disproportionate influence of certain grasses on relevant health outcomes.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers combined healthcare data with ecological techniques to identify potential links between airborne pollen and human health. The study found connections between certain grass species and respiratory health issues, suggesting a roadmap for refining pollen forecasts in the future.
SourceBangor University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2021
A recent study found that biodiversity is vital at regional scales, not just local ones, to maintain stable ecosystems. This research can inform conservation planning and make human communities more sustainable by promoting biodiversity.
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 11, 2021
Researchers are testing novel grassland systems across the eastern US to improve beef production, soil health, and water quality. The study aims to evaluate tall fescue and native warm-season grasses for their effects on ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 5, 2021
Researchers found that selenium nanoparticles and garlic extract can mitigate stress in grass carps by reducing oxidative damage and improving digestive enzyme activity. The supplements also increased growth rate and improved immunity in fish at medium and low population density.
SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of the World Aquaculture Society·DateFeb 4, 2021
A study suggests that growing perennial grasses on abandoned cropland could counteract climate change by producing biofuels. The research found that 83 million hectares of areas previously used for food production are now available for biofuel cultivation, which could meet between 11-68% of current bioenergy needs.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 21, 2021
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 find that invasive canal grass in Panama originated from a sugarcane breeding program in Florida, where over 500 varieties were sent for testing. The plant's DNA matches those from Indonesia and suggests high ploidy levels, making it challenging to control its spread.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiological Invasions·DateNov 30, 2020
Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully created biochemical random numbers using DNA synthesis, correcting a long-standing challenge in generating truly random numbers. The team achieved this by synthesizing DNA molecules with randomly placed building blocks, resulting in vast quantities of randomness that can be stored in a small ...
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2020
A University of Illinois study suggests that tree cover around schools improves standardized test scores, regardless of student demographics or school resources. The study found that even small amounts of tree cover closer to the school made a significant difference.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateNov 9, 2020
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 found that infertile spikelets collect and transfer photosynthetic carbon to seed-bearing ones, increasing yield. Removing infertile spikelets reduced seed weight by 9%.
SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 5, 2020
The study provides a genetic road map for researchers to optimize Miscanthus sinensis's desirable traits, including its high tolerance for drought and cool temperatures. The genomic analysis reveals new regulators of perenniality, a trait important for biofuel crops.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2020
The discovery of the COM1 gene reveals its role in controlling cell growth and influencing the properties of cell walls to form spikelets. This finding provides new insights into grass inflorescence architecture and may aid in increasing barley's yield potential.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2020
Researchers found that allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from riparian buffers minimally impacts water quality, with only slight annual average reductions in nutrient and sediment capture. The location of the buffer was most important, as buffers between fields and streams removed more pollutants than those near streams.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 2, 2020
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.
An international research team confirms Alan Turing's theory for Australian fairy circles, showing that the grasses within them act as 'eco-engineers'. The unique gap pattern emerges due to ecohydrological biomass-water feedbacks from the grasses.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateSep 22, 2020
Researchers finally resolved the identity of the mysterious butterfly, previously described by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1866. The species, known as 'Grass Blue', demonstrates high seasonal variability and may not warrant subspecies classification.
Scientists have discovered that C3 grasses outcompete C4 grasses in hot, dry conditions due to precipitation patterns changing throughout the year. This shift has a self-fueling power, with C3 plants preemptively using soil water before C4 species become active.
SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2020
Researchers found evidence of humans using grass bedding and ash layers to create comfortable areas for sleeping and working over 200,000 years ago. The study suggests that people used fire, ash, and medicinal plants to maintain clean and pest-free camps.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2020
Researchers have discovered that wheat and couch grass can accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals from contaminated soils, removing them and making the soil safer. The plants' ability to phytoextract toxic metals makes them promising candidates for effective cleaning of soils using phytoremediation.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateAug 10, 2020
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.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to transform alcohol into amino acids, the building blocks of life. This breakthrough enables the creation of new, unnatural amino acids that can be used to build complex molecules targeting various diseases.
SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2020
Invasive native rush species are spreading across UK upland farms, threatening local wildlife and the livelihoods of farmers. The study found that rushes can spread by up to 174% in just 13 years, reducing grassland productivity and causing losses for farmers.
SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of Applied Biology·DateJun 9, 2020
The study explores the impact of invasive grasses on South Texas landscapes, revealing their spread across diverse ecoregions. Remote sensing technologies and AI are being used to detect and manage these invasive species, which also affect native tanglehead grass.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateMay 29, 2020
Researchers investigated restored prairies and found that first-year weather conditions have a lasting impact on their success. This unexpected finding suggests that long-term weather forecasts can help inform planting decisions to mitigate weed growth.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 6, 2020
A University of Michigan study reveals that ostrich eggshell beads were exchanged over long distances for at least 30,000 years, facilitating relationships between hunter-gatherer groups. The findings provide evidence of a complex exchange network used to share information on resources and landscapes.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.