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Building blocks for life could have formed near new stars and planets

A team of researchers found that carbamic acid and ammonium carbamate can form in interstellar ices at low temperatures, potentially delivering these molecules to early Earth via comets or meteorites. This discovery could inform future studies using powerful telescopes to search for prebiotic molecules in distant star-forming regions.

Bidding adieu to sticky ice, but with a grain of salt

Researchers discovered that impure ice is less sticky than pure ice due to its unique structure and quasi-liquid layer. The study found that slow freezing processes preserve contaminants within the ice, leading to weaker adhesion. This discovery could lead to the design of next-generation winterization techniques.

Small proteins, big effect

A research team led by Konrad Meister discovered that small proteins are involved in efficient ice formation, outperforming larger proteins found in other organisms

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Increased West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting ‘unavoidable’

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is projected to melt at an increased rate, even under ambitious climate targets. Sea levels may rise by up to five meters, impacting millions of people living near the coast. The study's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to sea-level rise.

Ice-free preservation method holds promise to protect reefs

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an isochoric vitrification technique that preserves and revives live coral fragments without forming ice. This breakthrough enables the collection of coral samples throughout the year, supporting conservation efforts to protect reefs and their diverse ecosystems.

What role do dust storms play in the world’s climate?

Scientists have found that dust storms in Alaska can cause ice formation in clouds, which could add to or help cool the planet. The particles from these storms contain more biological material than those from desert environments, making them effective at forming ice crystals.

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 Antarctic extremes ‘virtually certain’ as world warms

Recent extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are likely to become more common and severe due to global warming. The study calls for urgent policy action to protect the continent's fragile environments, which have global implications if not preserved.

James Webb Space Telescope sees Jupiter moons in a new light

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected hydrogen peroxide on Ganymede's poles and sulfur monoxide on Io, revealing new secrets about Jupiter's Galilean satellites. These findings suggest that charged particles from Jupiter's magnetosphere can alter the surface chemistry of icy moons.

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.

A vegan way to stop damage from excessive ice build-up and freezer burn

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a vegan way to prevent freezer burn and ice damage by breaking down soy proteins into peptides that slow ice crystal growth. The study, published in ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, shows promise for preserving frozen vegan foods.

Better cryoprotection for red blood cells

Researchers have discovered ultra-thin metal-organic layers that prevent ice crystal formation in red blood cells during freezing and thawing. These nanolayers, made from metal-organic frameworks based on hafnium, show excellent cryoprotection at minimal concentrations, potentially leading to new and efficient cryoprotectants.

A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

A study by Ohio State University researchers found Steenstrup Glacier in Greenland is retreating at an unprecedented rate, with a 5-mile retreat and quadrupled velocity between 2018 and 2021. The glacier's rapid change reveals that even long-term stable glaciers are susceptible to sudden and rapid retreat due to warming waters.

Finding the dream team to beat the heat

A team led by Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko has discovered that ice can quench heat more effectively than water, especially at high temperatures. The study found that ice absorbs heat as it melts, reducing the amount of heat available for vapor bubbles to form.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To ice or not to ice? Icing promotes muscle regeneration after mild injury

Researchers found that applying ice to minor muscle damage in rats enhances muscle repair and reduces inflammation. The study used an animal model of mild injuries and showed that icing attenuates the recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages, preventing injury expansion. This contradicts previous findings on the negative effects of ...

3D radar scan provides clues about threats to iconic Alaskan glacier

Researchers used a 3D radar scan to reveal that Malaspina Glacier is undercut by channels, making it more vulnerable to melting and potentially contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The glacier's bulk sits below sea level, and its coastal barrier erodes, allowing ocean water to access the glacier and accelerate its retreat.

A crystal – but not as we know it

The study reveals hydrated salts can lose their facets and become soft when slowly dissolved in humid air, exhibiting liquid-like molecular mobility at their surfaces. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of crystal formation and behavior.

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.

Why icicles are rippled

Researchers found that salt concentration is crucial for icicle ripple formation. With increasing salt levels, ripples become stronger and more visible. This discovery explains the rippled patterns on gutters and car bumpers during winter.

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.

Discovery of new ice may change understanding of water

Researchers at UCL discovered a new type of ice, medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which has the same density as liquid water and exhibits properties similar to solid water. This finding may challenge existing models of water and raise questions about its anomalies.

New ice is like a snapshot of liquid water

A team of researchers at Cambridge and UCL created a novel amorphous form of ice called medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which resembles liquid water in its solid state. MDA has a density similar to that of liquid water and displays unique properties not found in other forms of ice.

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.

What it would take to discover life on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus

A new study suggests that an orbiting space probe could provide definitive answers about the presence of life on Enceladus' ocean. The team mapped out how a hypothetical mission could gather data from the moon's plumes, which are thought to contain organic molecules and methane.

New approaches to the mystery of why ice is slippery

A computer simulation confirms the presence of a self-lubricating layer on the surface of ice, which is driven away by pressure and causes the ice to melt and repair itself. This discovery could lead to improved lubricants in other systems and significant energy savings.

Researchers advance insights into cause of ripples on icicles

Experimental physicists discovered that water impurities become entrapped within icicles, creating chevron patterns and ripple effects. The study reveals that internal patterns are connected to external shapes, leading to a deeper understanding of natural ice formations.

Rethinking mountain water security

A new study reveals huge gaps in data on how communities use mountain water sources, complicating efforts to model future scenarios. The researchers emphasize the need for improved data and process understanding to guide effective climate change adaptation.

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.

Seasonal change in Antarctic ice sheet movement observed for first time

Scientists have observed distinct seasonal movements in the flow of land-based ice draining into George VI Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula, with glaciers speeding up by approximately 15% during the Antarctic summer. This finding suggests that similar seasonal variability may exist at other vulnerable sites in Antarctica, potential...

New UBC Okanagan research aims to break the ice

The UBC Okanagan team has created a novel, passive-de-icing coating that integrates an ice-detecting microwave sensor. This technology enables automatic melting of ice without external energy input, reducing wear-and-tear and energy waste.

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.

New ice-shedding coating is 100x stronger than others

A University of Houston engineer has developed a sprayable ice-shedding material that is 100 times stronger than any others. The new durable coating material controls interfacial fractures and can accelerate crack formation and growth.

Cli­mate change threat­ens ice caves in Aus­tria

Researchers analyzed eight ice caves in Tyrol, Styria, Upper Austria, and Carinthia, finding a decline in ice mass over the past 2000 years due to human-induced climate change. The study mirrors the evolution of glaciers during the Late Holocene period, with significant consequences for these underground ice formations.

Case solved: missing carbon monoxide was hiding in the ice

Astronomers find that carbon monoxide is three to 100 times less than predicted in disk observations, suggesting a massive ice formation problem. The new model suggests carbon monoxide forms on large particles of ice, especially after one million years.

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.

Underwater snow gives clues about Europa’s icy shell

A new study suggests Europa's ice shell could be orders of magnitude purer than previously thought due to the formation of frazil ice, which keeps salt in seawater. This could affect the ice's strength and heat transfer, making it crucial for understanding Europa's habitability.

A look into the magnetic future

Scientists at Paul Scherrer Institute have observed artificial spin ice structures aligning with temperature changes, revealing a complex phase transition. The discovery could lead to novel high-speed computers with low power consumption.

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.

UNLV researchers discover new form of ice

Researchers at UNLV's Nevada Extreme Conditions Lab have discovered a new form of ice with unique properties. The team found that the transition to Ice-X occurs at much lower pressures than previously thought.

Ice-free in icy worlds

The Antarctic scallop's microscopic ridges create a regular structure that prevents water from freezing on its surface, allowing it to resist icing. This unique feature provides an advantage for the species, with researchers suggesting potential technological applications for non-icing surfaces in polar shipping.

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.

Self-healing ice

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have found that ice can heal itself by forming a new layer of ice to cover scratches and cuts. This discovery could potentially extend breaks between skating races, but careful control of moisture in the air is still necessary.

Antifreeze cream prevents frostbite injuries to skin

Researchers have developed a cream that prevents frostbite injuries in mice when applied to the skin before severe cold exposure. The cream, called SynAFP, reduces frostbite wound size and speeds healing compared to no treatment. Further studies are needed to determine its effects on humans.

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.

Using the Earth’s noise to see beneath the Greenland ice sheet

Researchers used Rayleigh waves to produce high-resolution images of the rocks underneath the ice sheet, identifying key factors controlling ice flow. The study provides a better understanding of processes contributing to accelerated ice discharge into the ocean and sea level rise.

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.

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.

How ‘ice needles’ weave patterns of stones in frozen landscapes

Researchers discovered that ice needles growing on frozen ground can push up rocks into regular patterns through a combination of experiments and computer modeling. Over time, stones cluster together, leaving bare patches stone-free, as the size of the stones, soil moisture, and ice needle growth interact.