A recent study suggests that tree density in the Cerrado biome has been controlled mainly by the length of the dry season over the past 45,000 years. The research found a link between changes in the dry season and variations in Earth's axial tilt, which may lead to similar trends in the late 21st century.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateMay 3, 2022
Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2022
A new study published by the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that wildfires in US and Canadian boreal forests between now and 2050 could release about 12 gigatons of net carbon emissions, equivalent to 3% of the remaining global carbon budget. This could jeopardize nations' ability to limit warming in line with the Paris Agreement.
SourceUnion of Concerned Scientists·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 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.
A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Educational Computing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
A new paper by UBC researchers suggests reviving cultural burning and promoting Indigenous-led fire stewardship to achieve multiple objectives, including reducing wildfire risk and enhancing biodiversity. However, barriers such as lack of understanding and funding limitations hinder the implementation of these practices.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFACETS·TypeCase study·DateApr 26, 2022
Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 25, 2022
A study by Portland State University researchers found that extreme winds were the primary driver of the devastating 2020 Oregon megafires, but topography and vegetation structure also significantly influenced burn severity. Younger trees and low canopy height were particularly susceptible to high mortality rates.
SourcePortland State University·JournalFire·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2022
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 $150,000 grant from the NV Energy Foundation will support DRI's development of a Weather and Research Forecast model to simulate weather, fire, and smoke for firefighting operations. The tool will provide critical air quality forecasts and risk assessment for specific locations.
A new study found that non-medical first responders, such as police and fire departments, are associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates. They initiated CPR in 31.8% of incidents and AED use in 6.1% of cases, leading to significantly improved chances of survival and hospital discharge.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalResuscitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2022
Researchers have developed a new type of coating that can limit the flammability of wood used in construction, potentially providing more time to escape fires and curb their spread. The environmentally friendly flame retardant could also be used for other flammable materials.
A recent study has identified soil erosion and wildfire activity as significant contributors to the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Triassic period. The research found that soil erosion was a more prominent terrestrial ecological stress than intensive wildfire activity, with fire events likely being localized rath...
SourceCurtin University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study reveals that smoke from major wildfires can destroy atmospheric ozone in the Southern Hemisphere for months. Researchers warn that more frequent wildfires with a changing climate will lead to increased damage and exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2022
Recent wildfires have led to a palpable change in fire dynamics, with large fires becoming more common and spreading into new areas. The study found that fire frequency doubled in the West and quadrupled in the Great Plains since 2000.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 16, 2022
A new study found that re-wetting drained peatlands can support bird diversity and sustainable oil palm farming without affecting yields. The research suggests restoring peatlands can conserve biodiversity and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 15, 2022
A new study reveals that cultural burning by Native American tribes in the Klamath Mountains helped maintain forest structure and biodiversity. Despite periods of climate change, forest biomass remained relatively low due to intentional burning practices.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022
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.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that the vast majority of carbon stored in trees before large wildfires remains in the trees themselves after the fires. The study's findings challenge previous estimates suggesting up to 85% of living trees' biomass combusts in California's big fires.
SourceOregon State University·JournalForests·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2022
A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 9, 2022
The European Union is projected to experience increased fire-prone areas, threatening biodiversity and carbon sinks. The IPCC report highlights the need for adaptation in addressing wildfires, focusing on fire and forest management to increase ecosystem resilience.
SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateMar 7, 2022
Researchers found a chemical link between wildfire smoke and ozone depletion, which may stall ozone recovery for years. The study discovered that the smoke from Australian wildfires in 2019-2020 depleted ozone by 1%, highlighting the potential impact of future, more frequent fires.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.
SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 24, 2022
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.
Rising temperatures are causing the world's coldest forests to shift northward, threatening biodiversity and increasing wildfire risks. Soil nutrient availability also plays a key role in the response of boreal vegetation to climate change.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022
A new study led by Oregon State University finds that climate change has increased the likelihood of hot, dry, windy autumn weather that can lead to severe fires in the region. The research, which examined conditions during recent large fires, found a 40% increase in extreme fire weather conditions due to human-caused climate change.
SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022
Professor Wil Roebroeks receives the 2021 Gutenberg Research Award for his groundbreaking work on Neanderthals and early Eurasian hominins. The award acknowledges his interdisciplinary approach, international collaboration, and devotion to paleoanthropology.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 21, 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
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 UN Environment Programme's latest Frontiers Report identifies three critical environmental issues: urban noise pollution, wildfires, and phenological mismatches. These issues pose significant risks to public health and ecological systems, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
SourceUnited Nations Environment Programme·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022
Research led by Oregon State University contradicts the common narrative of wildfires igniting on remote public land before spreading to communities. The study found that fires crossing jurisdictional boundaries are primarily caused by people on private property, accounting for more than 60% of ignitions.
SourceOregon State University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
A new study found that Australian bushfires are linked to British colonisation and climate change, with forests becoming denser and more flammable due to the increase in woody biomass. Indigenous burning practices ceased after colonial settlement, leading to an increase in shrub cover and unprecedented wildfires.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 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 new study suggests that wildfires can lead to increased soil carbon stocks in savannahs and grasslands, potentially offsetting short-term emissions. The research found that fires could store up to 90 million tonnes of carbon per year, but the breakdown rate of charcoal in soils remains uncertain.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022
Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.
A new study reveals that trees benefit from having more space, reducing competition and helping them recover from fire damage. By alleviating stress caused by neighbors competing for limited water resources, trees can fend off beetle attacks and heal after fire, increasing their chances of survival.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 27, 2022
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.
Researchers studied Paradise, California's response to the 2018 Camp Fire. They found that community responses vary greatly due to distinct fire and demographic characteristics.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2022
Researchers have found an unprecedented increase in winter stream flow rates over the last 25 years, with nearly 80% above average, driven by permafrost melt and forest fires. The combined effects of these factors are accelerating Arctic ice melt and exacerbating global warming.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022
A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021
Current climate models underestimate species extinction rates by neglecting the complexities of ecosystems. Researchers used piñon pine data to model how climate affects tree populations and distribution, finding indirect effects that cannot be captured by climate-only models.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 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 study found that extreme fire weather is being driven by a decrease in atmospheric humidity coupled with rising temperatures. This trend is linked to an increase in naturally occurring extreme fire events, spreading to new areas and burning more intensely than ever before.
SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021
A new UCI study links rising temperatures to higher blaze risk in the Sierra Nevada, predicting a 50% increase in wildfires by 2040. The research analyzes daily temperature spikes and finds that each 1 degree Celsius rise increases fire risk by 19-22%
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 17, 2021
A team at Sandia National Laboratories tested specially designed stainless-steel containers for fire safety and found they did not split open even when heated to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The containers developed small pinholes instead, allowing superheated gas to escape without pressurizing the container.
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.
Researchers found that firefighters experience significant increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when responding to emergency calls, with most having uncontrolled hypertension. The study aims to raise awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.
A statistical modeling approach highlights predictive importance of local climate and human activity in determining wildfire probabilities. The analysis uncovered key roles for climate, human activity, fire history, and short-term climate variations in fire-prone regions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2021
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers highlights the importance of considering the needs of socially vulnerable populations in disaster resilience planning. Schools and healthcare facilities play a crucial role in supporting student, teacher, and staff mental health, as well as providing essential services to the commun...
SourceOregon State University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2021
A team of researchers, including Elizabeth Tomasino, will investigate the effects of smoke exposure on grapes and wine production. The project aims to provide critical knowledge to grape growers and winery owners affected by widespread wildfire smoke.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A Brazilian study reveals that forest fires and wildfires modify the freezing process of cloud droplets, altering natural cloud functioning and potentially impacting precipitation. The research used a large dataset to show that aerosols emitted by fires can affect cloud formation in southern Amazonia during the rainy season.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021
A new study found black spruce trees' ability to regenerate after fire dropped by 38% and failed completely at 18% of sites. This trend threatens the iconic species' place as dominant tree species in boreal North America, with implications for biodiversity and carbon storage.
SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021
Researchers analyzed historical documents to understand the timing, causes, and consequences of prairie fires in the Midwest. The study reveals that Native Americans intentionally set fires for hunting and land management purposes, while Europeans feared fire but also cleared land using controlled burns.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNatural Areas Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2021
Fire tests in Austrian tunnels found that e-vehicles pose a lower risk than conventional cars. However, multistorey car parks and commercial vehicles like e-buses and e-trucks require further investigation. The results provide reassurance for tunnel safety.
SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 7, 2021
Travelling fires, which burn locally and spread across entire floors over time, can cause significant structural damage in large open-plan spaces. Researchers at Imperial College London have found that these lesser-known fires are a concern for buildings with fuel-rich environments, such as warehouses and offices.
SourceImperial College London·JournalFire Technology·DateOct 4, 2021
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.
Researchers analyzed an ice core from Greenland and found that fires in the North Atlantic region decreased over 4,500 years ago due to weaker summer insolation and expanding glaciers. Human interference, such as Viking colonization, also played a role in reducing fire frequency.
SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalClimate of the Past·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021
George Mason University Assistant Professor Zhisheng Yan is leading a project to create augmented 360-degree video for firefighters, enabling remote commanders to visualize the entire emergency scene in all directions. The research aims to enhance firefighting productivity and safety by providing panoramic visual cognition.
Researchers developed DamageMap, an AI system that uses machine learning to identify building damage from post-wildfire images, achieving 92% accuracy. The system can analyze satellite and aerial photos to pinpoint damaged buildings, providing immediate results for first responders and fire victims.
SourceStanford University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateSep 16, 2021
A new study quantifies the contribution of agricultural and forest fires to poor air quality in Southeast Asia, finding that preventing these fires could reduce premature deaths by an estimated 59,000 annually. The region's poorest communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these fires.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 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 study by Matthew Auer highlights the need for community-led wildfire protection plans to address growing threats, particularly among low-income households. These plans can provide educational resources, fire-resistant home construction, and access to funding.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSustainability Science·DateSep 8, 2021
A first-of-its-kind global study links short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter to increased all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortalities. The research found that over 33,500 deaths annually are directly attributable to wildfire pollution in cities worldwide.
SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 8, 2021
Researchers combined VOD with remote sensing data from optical satellites to analyze the effects of fire on Amazon canopy dynamics. The study found that VOD provided a more accurate picture of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic biomass changes, and that rainfall was close to average during the fire season.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateSep 2, 2021
A new study assesses the impact of environmental policies on Amazon biodiversity, finding that 40-73,400 square miles of rainforest have been affected by fires since 2001. The research highlights the need for strong antideforestation policies and recognition of Indigenous lands to protect the region's biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2021
Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.
SourceStanford University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.
A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that Indigenous fire stewardship increases biodiversity and ecosystem heterogeneity across all major terrestrial biomes. Cultural burning reduces risks of interface fires and has important cultural practices for resource management, community protection, and cultural purposes.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2021
A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2021
Research suggests that Western wildfires will initially intensify for about a decade due to hotter and drier conditions, then decrease in size as fire becomes self-limiting.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2021
Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2021
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have designed a new class of molten sodium batteries that operate at lower temperatures and use low-cost materials. The new battery design has the potential to significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency in grid-scale energy storage.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 21, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.