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Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 29, 2024
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.

TU Graz develops innovative coating against ice

Researchers from TU Graz developed an innovative ice-repellent coating using initiated chemical vapour deposition (iCVD). The coating's unique mechanism involves random alignment of molecules, creating a surface that prevents ice crystals from sticking.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Glacier melting destroys important climate data archive

Researchers found that global warming made the Corbassière glacier unusable as a climate archive, destroying reliable information about past climate and air pollution. The glacier's ice core showed flattened concentration curves and lower amounts of trace substances, likely due to meltwater washing away the deposits.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Major Antarctic glacier passed a tipping point in the last 80 years, research reveals

Researchers confirm Pine Island Glacier passed a tipping point between 1940s and 1970s, leading to an irreversible loss of ice over several decades. The study provides insights into the interactions between ocean and glaciers in Antarctica, highlighting concerns for future mass loss unless global warming is kept within limits.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 6, 2023

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 29, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateNov 28, 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.

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

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

New research: Fivefold increase in the melting of Greenland's glaciers over the last 20 years

Research confirms Greenland's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, with a 5-fold increase in melting over the past 20 years. The study reveals that 25 meters of ice are lost annually, contributing significantly to sea level rise and posing significant challenges for renewable energy and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 9, 2023

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.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateAug 8, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2023

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2023

New radar technique lets scientists probe invisible ice sheet region on Earth and icy worlds

Scientists have developed a new radar technique that can image hidden features within the upper few feet of ice sheets, including melting glaciers on Earth and potentially habitable environments on Jupiter's moon Europa. The technique boosts resolution by combining two different radar bandwidths and looking for discrepancies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2023
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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalChem·DateApr 14, 2023

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 ...

SourceKobe University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Pusan National University researchers build a numerical algorithm to study continuous ice-breaking

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023
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.

New study finds early warning signs prior to 2002 Antarctic ice shelf collapse

Researchers have identified early warning signs of Antarctic ice shelf collapse prior to the 2002 Larsen B collapse. The study suggests that widespread flow acceleration and frequent small-iceberg calving may serve as precursors to destabilization, controlled by both atmospheric and oceanic warming anomalies.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Does ice in the Universe contain the molecules making up the building blocks of life in planetary systems?

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered frozen forms of complex molecules on the surface of small dust grains, providing insight into planetary system formation. The study reveals that these ice-cold conditions facilitate the creation of essential molecules for life, with potential implications for exoplanet atmospheres.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 7, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2023
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.

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2022

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.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

As sea ice retreats, narwhals are changing their migration patterns

Scientists have found that narwhals are changing their migration patterns in response to sea ice loss due to climate change. The study, published in PNAS, shows significant delays in autumn migrations and sex-specific differences in departure times.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

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...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateOct 6, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 4, 2022
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateSep 12, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 8, 2022

Faster in the past: New seafloor images – the highest resolution of any taken off the West Antarctic Ice Sheet – upend understanding of Thwaites Glacier retreat

Scientists mapped high-resolution seafloor images revealing Thwaites Glacier retreated at rates up to 2.1 km/year in the past, potentially leading to a total loss of ice and a 3-10 ft sea level rise. This study provides new insights into the glacier's future behavior.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2022

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.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 22, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAstrobiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

In simulation of how water freezes, artificial intelligence breaks the ice

Researchers at Princeton University used artificial intelligence to simulate ice formation by individual atoms and molecules with quantum accuracy. This breakthrough enables tracking of hundreds of thousands of atoms over longer timespans than previous simulations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2022

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022
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.

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateFeb 7, 2022

Using ice to boil water: Researcher makes heat transfer discovery that expands on 18th century principle

Researchers found that levitating ice requires a significantly higher temperature threshold than liquid water, with the meltwater layer creating a temperature differential that consumes most of the surface's heat. This results in a larger temperature window for boiling, leading to better heat transfer compared to using a liquid alone.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateJan 21, 2022

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateJan 19, 2022

Smooth hydrophobic coatings may be more effective for aircraft de-icing

The study found that plate wettability had no impact on the performance of anti-icing fluids, contradicting previous research. Smooth hydrophobic coatings were shown to prevent ice accretion and reduce water adhesion.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·DateDec 17, 2021

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021
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.