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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.

Plant microbiota: War and peace under the surface

Researchers at the University of Lausanne discovered that plant roots release complex compounds called root exudates to recruit beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are attracted to glutamine, an amino acid that acts as a signal allowing them to colonize precise leakage sites on the root surface.

Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline

Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.

Molecule linked to metabolism found to boost plant growth

Researchers at University of California San Diego discover itaconate stimulates seedling development, enhancing crop growth and potentially offering a sustainable solution for increasing food production. The study provides new insights into the molecule's role in plant physiology and its connections to animal biology.

A root development gene that’s older than root development

A Kobe University study finds that a gene regulating root development in vascular plants is also essential for organ development in liverworts, demonstrating the evolutionary dynamic of co-opting. The RLF protein, involved in this process, interacts with others to clarify plant organ development evolution.

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.

Unlocking the secret to salt-resistant roots in bok choy

A recent study has identified a key regulatory module involving BcWRKY33A, BcLRP1, and BcCOW1 that promotes root elongation and stabilizes root hair development under salt stress in Bok choy. This discovery provides new insights into how plants adapt to salinity by enhancing root system performance.

New insights into plant growth

A recent study revealed that brassinosteroids are distributed unevenly between new cells formed during cell division, influencing root growth and development. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how these hormones regulate plant growth and development at the cellular level.

High-yield rice breed emits up to 70% less methane

Scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. A new strain of rice was bred using traditional breeding methods, resulting in yields of 8.96 tons/hectare while emitting up to 70% less methane.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows how plant roots access deeper soils in search of water

Plant scientists have discovered how abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin influence root growth angles in cereal crops like rice and maize to seek deeper water reserves. This mechanism could lead to developing drought-resistant crops with improved root system architecture, addressing global food security concerns.

Plant roots change their growth pattern during ‘puberty’

Researchers discovered that a change in gene expression of SPL13 is crucial for root development, altering cell division orientation and morphology. This 'root puberty' phase has significant implications for climate-resilient agriculture, as it may enable crops to grow more deeply or widely, making them more resistant to drought.

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.

Next generation biosensor reveals gibberellin’s critical role in legume nitrogen-fixation – paving the way for more productive legume crops and self-fertilizing cereals

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the plant hormone gibberellin is essential for legume nitrogen-fixing root nodule formation and maturation. The study used a highly sensitive next-generation biosensor to visualize GA accumulation in specific zones of the root, revealing its critical role in nodulation.

Wild plants and crops don’t make great neighbors

Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

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.

Roots are a key to drought-tolerant maize

A study led by the University of Bonn analyzed over 9,000 maize varieties to identify their root structures and adaptability to dry conditions. The researchers found that seminal roots, which absorb nutrients rapidly, vary in number depending on the variety's ability to cope with drought.

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.

Now we know, what gets roots to grow: Can help in future droughts

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered that a biological mechanism called autophagy plays a key role in plant root growth. By understanding how plants control their root growth, scientists can develop climate-resilient crops to thrive in harsh conditions.

Maize genes control little helpers in the soil

Researchers discovered that maize genetic makeup affects which microorganisms cluster around roots, boosting root growth. The study found that specific bacteria, like Massilia, promote lateral root growth when nitrogen is scarce, suggesting a potential breeding strategy for drought-tolerant maize varieties.

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.

Brown bears digging up artificial forests

Researchers found that brown bears' digging for cicada nymphs damages tree roots and alters soil nitrogen content, limiting tree diameter growth. This phenomenon is unique to human-planted conifer forests, with no similar effects in natural forests.

From growing roots, clues to how stem cells decide their fate

Researchers at Duke University have discovered how stem cells decide their fate by analyzing the activity of two key regulators, short-root and scarecrow, in real-time using light sheet microscopy. This finding has implications for understanding cell development and preventing diseases such as cancer.

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.

Electronic “soil” enhances crop growth

Linköping University scientists create an electrically conductive substrate, eSoil, which enhances crop growth by up to 50% in just 15 days. This innovation enables efficient water and nutrient management, making it suitable for urban environments and areas with limited arable land.

Less asphalt gives stronger trees in urban areas

Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.

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.

Agriculture study delivers unexpected results

A recent study at the University of Bonn found that mixed cover crops grow thinner roots than single-type cover crops, contradicting previous assumptions. The researchers tested oil radish, winter rye, and crimson clover in different combinations and observed varying root growth patterns.

Switching from harmful to helpful fungi

Researchers found a single gene cluster that determines whether fungus aids or hinders plant growth, offering potential for reducing food waste and increasing crop yields. The study highlights the complex relationships between fungi and their host plants, challenging traditional views of pathogenic and mutualistic traits.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study improves understanding of how bacteria benefit plant growth

Researchers found that competition between beneficial bacterial strains degrades the service they provide to plants, resulting in smaller benefits. The study used native California plant and eight compatible nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains to directly measure their ability to infect plants and provide benefits.

Roots are capable of measuring heat on their own, new study shows

Plant roots detect temperature changes and adjust their growth accordingly. Researchers found that root cells produce more auxin in response to elevated temperatures, stimulating cell division and allowing roots to grow deeper into the soil. This discovery could help develop new approaches for plant breeding against climate change.

Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth

Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.

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.

How plants use sugar to produce roots

Researchers at Heidelberg University have identified a molecular mechanism controlling root branching in plants, which involves the activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein. The study found that glucose plays a crucial role in forming lateral roots, and TOR acts as a gatekeeper to regulate this process.

WVU researcher searching for ‘holy grail’ of sustainable bioenergy

A WVU researcher is creating mathematical models to predict how bioenergy crops enhance and store soil carbon, potentially spurring renewable energy from biological sources. The model considers factors like plant roots, microbes, and feedstocks to determine net carbon benefits or losses.

Beneficial bacteria a double-edged sword

Researchers found that a patented microbe, UD1022, protects alfalfa plants from fungal diseases, but it also disrupts the beneficial relationship between plants and rhizobium bacteria. This discovery highlights the complexity of bacteria-bacteria interactions and their impact on plant health.

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.

How plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

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.

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.

Now we know how plants steer clear of salt

Researchers at University of Copenhagen discover that plants use stress hormone ABA to reorganize their roots and grow away from salty areas. This mechanism could lead to the development of more salt-tolerant crops, reducing crop yields loss due to salinity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

What keeps plant roots growing toward gravity? Study identifies four genes

Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.

Seeing the unseen: Birth and death of tree roots under a future atmosphere

Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels stimulate tree growth, resulting in longer and more extensive root systems. This adaptation helps trees absorb nutrients from the soil, providing limited protection against climate change. The study provides insights into how forests respond to increased carbon dioxide levels.

Hair finds new roots as urban farming growth medium

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a sustainable hydroponic substrate using keratin extracted from human hair. The substrate has been tested with microgreens, leafy vegetables, and seedlings of Arabidopsis and bok choy, showing promising results in terms of water retention and nutrient delivery.

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.

Amazon's growth limited by lack of phosphorus

New research shows that the Amazon rainforest's growth rate is limited by a lack of phosphorus in the soil, which could reduce its ability to store carbon and increase vulnerability to climate change. Phosphorus availability played a critical role in increasing productivity in a recent experiment.

Designing roots to reach new depths could help carbon storage in soil

Researchers from the University of Nottingham discovered a key gene controlling root growth angle, enabling crops to grow steeper roots and capture more nutrients and carbon. This finding has potential applications for developing new crop varieties with improved resilience to drought stress.