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Little-known microbes could help predict climate tipping points

Researchers at Duke University have identified a climate feedback loop that could accelerate climate change. Monitoring mixotrophs, tiny organisms with dual metabolism modes, may allow us to anticipate the tipping point before it gets there. However, nutrient pollution poses a challenge to detecting early warning signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Microbes powered by electricity

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer

Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGels·DateMay 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Introducing green carbon science

Green carbon science explores the interplay between economic growth, carbon energy, and carbon dioxide, aiming to develop a new energy system with carbon neutrality. The concept is based on the trilemma of economic growth, resources, and environment, and seeks to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 6, 2023
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.

Breath test can monitor metabolism at home - study

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that a portable breath test can detect changes in metabolism in response to diet. The study used the Lumen device to monitor metabolic fuel use at home and showed that it could detect acute changes in carbohydrate use, but was not sensitive on a day-to-day basis.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateApr 26, 2023

CO2 recycling: What is the role of the electrolyte?

Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 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.

Want better kimchi? Make it like the ancients did

Researchers found that traditional handmade clay jars, called onggi, ferment kimchi faster and produce more beneficial bacteria due to their unique porous structure. The study highlights the connection between the earthenware's material properties and the fermentation process, providing new insights into ancient technology.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023
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 biohybrid system to extract 20 times more bioplastic from CO2 developed by KAIST researchers

Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

Researchers prepare ethylene by single-atom catalytic electroreduction of CO2

A team of researchers at USTC has developed a stable single-site copper coordination polymer that significantly improves the efficiency of ethylene production through electroreduction of CO2. The catalyst enables efficient carbon-carbon coupling without compromising its structural stability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023

A European consortium achieves record efficiency in direct conversion of CO2 and H2O into sustainable fuels using earth-abundant materials

A European consortium has achieved a world-record solar-to-fuel efficiency of over 10% in converting CO2 and H2O into sustainable fuels using sunlight. The innovative cell produces hydrogen continuously (24/7) without the use of critical raw materials.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

MU researcher discovers threshold that triggers drought response in forests

A recent study at Baskett Forest found that forests reach an ecosystem wilting point between 2-4 weeks of extreme drought, requiring soaking rainfall to rejuvenate. This concept explains how whole forests respond to drought and is essential for understanding their dynamics under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

How a record-breaking copper catalyst converts CO2 into liquid fuels

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique that captures real-time movies of copper nanoparticles as they convert carbon dioxide into renewable fuels and chemicals. The study reveals that metallic copper nanograins serve as active sites for CO2 reduction, paving the way for advanced solar fuel technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Climate change could cause mass exodus of tropical plankton

Research suggests that rapid ocean warming could force plankton to move away from the tropics, negatively affecting marine food chains. The study used microfossils to track the history of zooplankton and found that tropical plankton populations lived in waters more than 2,000 miles from their current location 8 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023
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.

Nickel laden black gold converts CO2 to chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a plasmonic black gold-nickel catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen. The catalyst shows a multifold increase in catalytic activity, achieving a high production rate of 2464±40 mmol g−1 h−1 with over 95% selectivity.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 13, 2023

It takes two: cooperating catalysts provide new route for utilizing formate salts

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023
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.

Electrochemistry converts carbon to useful molecules

A Cornell University collaboration has made an innovative discovery by incorporating carbon dioxide into organic molecules via electrosynthesis. The team successfully created carboxylated pyridines, which are vital to medicinal chemistry, using a novel electrochemical reactor setup.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Symbiotic CO2 sequestration

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial community that can convert CO2 into sugar and produce useful chemicals, effectively acting as a living carbon sink. The community, consisting of bacteria and cyanobacteria, produces chemicals with a negative carbon balance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Researchers identify elusive carbon dioxide sensor in plants that controls water loss

Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Fertilizing the ocean to store carbon dioxide

An international research team proposes using engineered nanoparticles to fertilize ocean plankton, encouraging growth and carbon dioxide uptake. The approach has been shown to be safe and effective in enhancing plankton growth through controlled release of nutrients.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 29, 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.

Calcifying organisms, under threat from a combination of ocean warming and acidification

A new study reveals that global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons, such as corals and sea urchins. The researchers found a clear pattern showing that species with high levels of magnesium in their skeletons become more common with warmer seawater temperatures.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalEcography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 28, 2022

Large parts of Europe are warming twice as fast as the planet on average

A new study reveals that large parts of Europe are experiencing faster-than-average warming during summer months, leading to worse heatwaves and an increased risk of fires. The climate across the continent has also become drier, particularly in southern Europe.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

New technology creates carbon neutral chemicals out of thin air

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a technology that captures CO2 from the atmosphere and transforms it into useful chemicals. The switchable Dual Function Materials (DFMs) can produce multiple chemicals depending on operating conditions, making it responsive to demand fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNanoscale·DateNov 10, 2022
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 of comets provides insight into chemical composition of early solar system

A new study of 25 comets has found strong evidence that comet outgassing could be the source of the chemical composition of the early solar system. The research, led by Olga Harrington Pinto, measured the ratio of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide gases from comets to test predictions of solar system formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 2022

Study: Public more likely to support climate action if other countries commit as well

A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateNov 3, 2022

Ethylene fabricated by cations

A research team from POSTECH and KAIST found that cations play a crucial role in converting CO2 into valuable chemical products like ethylene. The study reveals a new mechanism for high-performance catalytic conditions, paving the way for carbon-neutral technologies.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2022

Microbiologists improve taste of beer

Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MDS3 gene that improves yeast's tolerance to carbon dioxide pressure, resulting in full-flavored beer. This breakthrough could lead to improved quality beer production worldwide.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 4, 2022
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.

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Membranes help multiply microbial CO2 munching

Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 20, 2022

New treatment makes fruit juices safer

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new treatment method using carbon dioxide to eliminate bacteria from fresh fruit juice, preserving its flavor and appearance. The process is as effective as heat pasteurization in reducing pathogens, but without the undesirable taste change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2000
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.

Er:YAG Laser Has Advantages Over CO2 Laser For Wrinkle Removal

A new study from the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital found that Er:YAG laser treatment is as effective as CO2 laser for wrinkle removal but with fewer side effects. Patients experienced less skin reddening and faster recovery times with Er:YAG, which requires more passes to achieve similar results.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 15, 1999

Gas Releases At Mammoth Mountain More Complex Than Expected

Researchers continuously monitored carbon dioxide flux at a 35-acre tree-kill area near Horseshoe Lake, discovering daily cycles that defy temperature explanation. The data suggests barometric pressure oscillations and Earth tides may influence the degassing rate, highlighting the complexity of volcanic gas emission.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 6, 1998