Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Machine learning offers growers a new tool for predicting crop water use

A new study demonstrates strong performance in predicting daily crop transpiration using machine-learning models and high-resolution lysimeter data. Machine learning can reliably predict daily transpiration from environmental conditions and plant characteristics, highlighting an important conceptual step toward plant-driven prediction ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2025

Researchers identify key survival strategy for soybeans during heat and drought

Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that soybeans employ differential transpiration as a natural defense strategy to cool reproductive tissues under extreme weather conditions. This adaptation allows plants to save significant amounts of water while protecting their flowers and seed pods.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPhysiologia Plantarum·DateJul 23, 2025
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.

Novel biosensor allows real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants

A novel, needle-type biosensor allows for real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants, revealing light-dependent stomatal uptake and daily rhythms. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability enable the detection of subtle physiological events, shedding new light on plant biology.

SourceWaseda University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025

Growth before photosynthesis: how trees regulate their water balance

Researchers discovered that trees close their stomata earlier than previously thought, prioritizing growth over photosynthesis during drought. This finding has implications for carbon sequestration and climate models, suggesting that trees may absorb less CO2 from the atmosphere during droughts.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2025
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.

New chemical treatment reduces number of plant pores that regulate water loss

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a chemical compound that regulates stomatal density in plants, reducing water loss through transpiration. The compound, Stomidazolone, inhibits stomatal development without affecting plant growth, offering a promising solution for drought-prone environments.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

As temperatures rise, researchers identify mechanisms behind plant response to warming

Plant biologists have mapped two paths that plants implement during elevated heat conditions to minimize heat damage. Carbon dioxide sensors play a central role in the stomatal warming-cooling responses, while a second heat response pathway bypasses normal photosynthesis-driven responses, leading to increased water use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

CABBI team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow

Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

3D-printed microstructure forest facilitates solar steam generator desalination

A team of researchers has developed a novel 3D printing technology that creates bioinspired solar steam generators for desalination. The innovative design mimics the structure of trees and achieves high water evaporation efficiency, making it an efficient solution to address global freshwater scarcity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJul 23, 2024

Optimizing leaf hydration potentially improving agricultural practices

The study explores the impact of light conditions on plant hydraulic conductance and water demands, revealing adaptive strategies for improved crop productivity. Shaded leaves exhibit higher water-use efficiency due to reduced transpiration, offering insights into optimizing agricultural practices.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

How to help save plants from extinction

A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 17, 2023

Pusan National University researchers uncover causes for increased compound droughts & heatwaves in East Asia

Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023
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.

Researchers harvest electricity from wood soaking in water

Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to harness electricity from wood placed in water, producing small amounts of bioelectricity. By nanoengineering the wood's surface area and porosity, they improved electricity generation by 10 times compared to natural wood.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers measure atmospheric water vapor using open-air spectroscopy

A new open-path mid-infrared spectrometer can precisely measure isotopologue ratios in atmospheric water vapor in under 15 minutes, offering improved accuracy for climate change modeling and air quality monitoring. The instrument's dual-comb technique enables spatially resolved studies of water vapor transport over natural ecosystems.

SourceOptica·DateJun 29, 2022

Water consumption for trees is calculated in order to design precision irrigation systems

A research team from the University of Córdoba has developed a method to calculate tree water consumption, allowing for optimized irrigation systems. This innovation enables farmers to determine if their trees are consuming water at optimal levels or experiencing stress, enabling targeted watering and maximizing production.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateOct 27, 2020

Hot urban temperatures and tree transpiration

Research reveals complexity of tree and urban zone responses to extreme heating events. Tree transpiration plays a significant role in exacerbating the urban heat island effect.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJul 29, 2020
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.

The revolt of the plants: The arctic melts when plants stop breathing

Plant breathing reduces Arctic land surface temperature, but rising CO2 accelerates warming by closing stomata and reducing transpiration. This study confirms the physiological forcing effect on Arctic climate system, estimating that 10% of greenhouse effect is caused by plant stomatal closure.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tropical forest response to drought depends on age

Research found that older tropical forests can access deeper soil layers during droughts, while younger forests struggle to survive due to shallower root systems. This study has implications for reforestation efforts and understanding forest responses to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers model optimal amount of rainfall for plants

Researchers found that the optimal amount of rainfall for plant productivity lies in an intermediate climate, where plants can use slightly more moisture than usual. This 'mesic maximum' range is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and agricultural systems under projected climate change conditions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 6, 2017

Artificial transpiration for solar water purification

Researchers have developed a 3D graphene oxide based artificial transpiration device with high solar vapor efficiency, minimizing convection and conduction losses. The device can also collect more sunlight throughout the day and enable effective water treatment through two pathways.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

Exploring how rice could survive salt stress

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) studied rice plant responses to moderately saline conditions and pinpointed new salt tolerance genetic loci. They found that growth rate diminished in salt-treated soils, with indica lines faring better than aus varieties, highlighting significant genetic differences.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2016

Mines hydrology research provides 'missing link' in water modeling

Researchers at Colorado School of Mines have developed a unique model that integrates processes not often captured in existing water models, including lateral groundwater flow. The study found a significant increase in water supply from transpiration when including lateral groundwater flow, paving the way for better global water models.

SourceColorado School of Mines·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water

A new device mimics leaf processes to harness solar energy and purify water, offering a clean alternative to conventional methods for addressing global water shortages. The tri-layer membrane uses TiO2 nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and anodized aluminum oxide to degrade pollutants in simulated sunlight.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 6, 2016

The influence of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration on European trees

A study of European trees found that they have increased their water-use efficiency by 14% for broadleaf and 22% for coniferous species since the 20th century. However, despite this adaptation, forest transpiration rates have still risen by 5% over the same period due to a warmer environment and longer growing seasons.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2015
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.

Loss of eastern hemlock will affect forest water use

A new study by US Forest Service scientists finds that eastern hemlock decline due to invasive insect infestation will impact forest transpiration and alter seasonal stream flow patterns. The replacement of hemlock with species like rhododendron or sweet birch may lead to reduced winter stream discharge and increased summer stream flow.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 9, 2013

Gene helps plants use less water without biomass loss

Researchers found a genetic mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana that reduces stomata, conserving water while maintaining carbon dioxide intake. The mutant plant exhibits 20% reduced transpiration and increased drought tolerance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 11, 2011

Loss of hemlocks will affect water dynamics in southern Appalachian forests

The loss of eastern hemlocks may lead to significant changes in streamflow, forest structure, and soil moisture. Eastern hemlocks play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of mountain ecosystems, providing critical habitat for birds and other animals.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 9, 2007