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Heatwaves like ‘the Blob’ could decrease role of ocean as carbon sink

Researchers found that the 2013-2015 heatwave known as 'the Blob' reduced the Pacific Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in its role as a carbon sink. Microbial communities responded by shifting towards more nutrient-limited conditions, hindering the ocean's biological pump.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 28, 2021

A concrete solution

A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

ALMA reveals carbon-rich, organic birth environments of planets

A study using ALMA revealed that protoplanetary disks around five young stars are factories of organic molecules, including nitriles implicated in the origins of life. The discovery provides insights into planetary system formation and whether these systems have what it takes to host life.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateSep 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study exposes big differences amongst Amazonian countries in their rates of forest recovery as well as deforestation

A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.

SourceBangor University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

New model tracks carbon in agroecosystems

A new model integrates advanced models and observational data to track carbon cycles in agroecosystems, validating its performance and demonstrating its potential for estimating different carbon components. This solution has the potential to advance precision agriculture and inform sustainable farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2021
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.

Impact of coal burning on Yangtze River is comparable to natural processes

A new study reveals that coal fly ash makes up a significant portion of particulate organic carbon carried by the Yangtze River in China. The study found that human activities, such as coal burning, have an outsized impact on river sediment, comparable to natural processes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2021

Fly ash and Yangtze River carbon export

A study reveals that fly ash accounts for 37-72% of fossilized particulate organic carbon flux in the Yangtze River basin. The results suggest anthropogenic carbon cycling can match the pace of geological cycles through various mechanisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021

Skoltech team used mass spectrometry to study composition of meteorites

The Skoltech team used ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry to study the molecular composition of carbonaceous chondrites from Murchison and Allende meteorites. They discovered a wide diversity of chemical compounds and unexpected similarities between meteorites from different groups.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2021

Preconditions for life already 3.5 billion years ago

A research team has discovered organic carbon compounds in fluid inclusions from the Dresser Mine in Australia, dating back 3.5 billion years. These findings suggest that primordial microbes may have had the necessary conditions to exist on Earth at this time.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 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.

USC biologists devise new way to assess carbon in the ocean

A new study from USC provides a universal accounting method to measure organic carbon accumulation and cycling in the ocean. The framework reconciles competing theories and explains how oceans regulate organic carbon across time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021

Climate effects on soil carbon at river basin scales

Soil organic carbon turnover is linked to temperature and precipitation patterns, suggesting that monitoring riverine carbon can track climate change impacts; this study provides new insights into the relationships between climate, soil carbon, and global carbon cycles.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Well connected through amides

Researchers have developed a new reaction, called ASHA ligation, for efficiently forming amide bonds under mild aqueous conditions. This method is fast, chemoselective, and broadly applicable, opening pathways to new approaches in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 27, 2021

Oceans without oxygen

Researchers have discovered that ocean anoxic zones, which lack dissolved oxygen, are teeming with life and play a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle. The study found that microbes can still eat organic carbon but respiring sulfate, known as cryptic sulfur cycling, leading to more organic carbon deposits in sediments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

Climate influence on tree longevity and growth

A study analyzing global tree-ring datasets reveals that trees in tropical climates grow two times faster than those in temperate regions but have significantly shorter lifespans. Warmer temperatures above 25.4?C are associated with reduced tree longevity, likely due to water stress.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Mangroves lock away carbon

Red Sea mangroves have been found to be capable of removing more carbon from the atmosphere through the dissolution of calcium carbonate. The study highlights the importance of considering calcium carbonate dissolution in mangrove ecosystems as a significant carbon storage mechanism.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateDec 13, 2020

Robot probes the Red Sea's carbon storage system

A KAUST team used an underwater robot to investigate the mesopelagic zone in the Red Sea, where warming waters and oxygen depletion slow organic carbon flow. The study found that most organic carbon is converted back into CO2 by microorganisms within days, with only a small percentage sinking to depths for centuries.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateNov 29, 2020

Carbon isotope shifts before end-Triassic extinction

A study reveals carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions likely caused the end-Triassic mass extinction. The apparent increase in light carbon may have been caused by local sea level decline and microbial mats prior to the event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Molecular design strategy reveals near infrared-absorbing hydrocarbon

The researchers synthesized a unique molecule that absorbs near infrared light, despite having only hydrogen and carbon atoms. The molecule's narrow gap between its highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) makes it useful for developing next-generation solid-state materials.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2020
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.

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.

Carbon emission from permafrost soils underestimated by 14%

A University of Michigan study found that organic carbon in thawing permafrost soils can be converted to carbon dioxide by sunlight, known as photomineralization. This process could contribute an additional 14% of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing global warming by 0.3-0.4°C.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 15, 2020

New protocol for organic synthesis using organoboron compounds and visible-light

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a novel method for generating alkyl radicals under mild conditions using organoboron compounds and visible-light. The new protocol enables the generation of bulky tertiary alkyl radicals and unstable methyl radicals, which are useful carbon sources for chemical reactions.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

Soot may only be half the problem when it comes to cookstoves

Research reveals that organic carbon particles in cookstove emissions are equally potent agents of atmospheric warming as black carbon, with potential health risks from high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study's findings have significant implications for regional climate change and Paris Agreement targets.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 14, 2020

The ERC funds CIC biomaGUNE's e-DOTS project with a 2.5-million-euro grant

The European Research Council has awarded 2.5 million euros to the e-DOTS project, led by Ikerbasque Professor Maurizio Prato, to explore the structure and properties of carbon nanodots for biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications. The project aims to develop an automated system to discover new nanodots with tailored properties.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateMar 31, 2020

Mystery solved: Why ocean's carbon budget plummets beyond the twilight zone

A recent study found that fragmentation of large organic particles into small ones accounts for roughly half of particle loss in the ocean, controlling sequestration of sinking organic carbon. Sinking particles like plankton and detritus play a critical role in lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

New synthesis methods enhance 3D chemical space for drug discovery

Researchers at Emory University have developed a new approach to organic synthesis that can efficiently transform simple molecules into complex ones with 3D structures. This method opens up whole new chemical space for potential drug targets, enabling the creation of more direct and efficient pathways for pharmaceutical research.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 11, 2020
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.

Solving the mystery of carbon on ocean floor

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a direct link between ancient carbon, graphite particles from hydrothermal vents, and seafloor sediments. This finding sheds new light on the dynamics of the marine carbon cycle, revealing that organic carbon can be converted to graphite at vents.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Breathing? Thank volcanoes, tectonics and bacteria

A new study suggests that volcanic eruptions triggered by tectonics led to the Great Oxidation Event, a significant increase in oxygen in Earth's atmosphere about 2.5 billion years ago. The research proposes that this event was also linked to a change in the composition of carbon isotopes in carbonate rock record.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 2, 2019

Planting on pasture land may provide sustainable alternative for oil palm plantations

Researchers found that converting degraded pasture to oil palm plantations reduces stored carbon loss associated with rainforest clearing, but can lead to initial soil organic carbon loss. However, the carbon is later redistributed within the soil, resulting in long-term recovery of topsoil organic carbon.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019
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.

Wood burial in the Bengal Fan

Scientists have found millimeter- to centimeter-sized wood fragments in sediment cores from the Bengal Fan, a large deposit in the Bay of Bengal. This discovery suggests that wood burial at continental margins may be a previously overlooked component of carbon sequestration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2019

Clay minerals call the shots with carbon

Researchers found that different clay minerals interact with organic matter to varying degrees, affecting carbon sequestration. Smectite and kaolinite form stable complexes with organic substances, while mica and chlorite bind tightly with continental carbon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2019

Controlling the charge state of organic molecule quantum dots in a 2D nanoarray

Australian researchers have fabricated a self-assembled, carbon-based nanofilm where the charge state can be controlled at the level of individual molecules. The system has exciting implications for fields like computer memory, light-emitting devices and quantum computing.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Glacial meltwater consumes carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that glacial meltwaters in Canada are a net carbon dioxide sink due to consumption of CO2 in mineral weathering. This finding suggests that glacial meltwaters globally may also act as unrecognized sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2019

Tropical soil disturbance could be hidden source of CO2

Researchers found that deforested areas leach older, biodegradable organic carbon into rivers, which is consumed by microbes and released as CO2. This process could jeopardize local ecosystems and fuel the greenhouse effect.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 24, 2019

Organic carbon hides in sediments, keeping oxygen in atmosphere

Researchers discovered that organic carbon is preserved in sediments due to strong chemical bonds with minerals, preventing it from decomposing. This process helps maintain a stable balance of gases in the atmosphere, allowing for oxygen to remain available for human consumption.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019
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.

Carbon from permafrost in Siberian rivers

A recent study reveals that around 17% of total organic carbon in Siberian rivers originates from thawing permafrost and peat deposits. The research found that particulate organic carbon contributed to more than half of the river's total organic content.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019

For zombie microbes, deep-sea buffet is just out of reach

A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that deep-sea microbes are unable to fully utilize organic carbon due to its scarcity and physical isolation. The research suggests that the unique environment of deep sediments may limit life on Earth and provide insights into the possibility of extraterrestrial microbia...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 21, 2019

Amazonian peatlands as carbon source

A study simulating Amazonian peatland dynamics from 2100 AD to 12,000 years ago finds that peatlands may become a net source of carbon under changing climate conditions. Basin peatland and non-peatland soils are predicted to release up to 0.4 petagrams of carbon by 2100.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

Are we losing one of our biggest CO2 sinks?

A recent study reveals that eelgrass meadows store significant amounts of organic carbon, comparable to tropical seagrass species and mangroves. The distribution area of these meadows has decreased by at least 1/3rd over the past 50 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 31, 2018

Faster than we thought: sulfurization of organic material

Organic matter sulfurization can occur on the timescale of just hours to days, according to new research published in Nature Communications. This process may have sizable implications for understanding the past and future of the Earth's climate.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

In soil carbon measurements, tools tell the tale

A recent study shows that common soil carbon measurement methods, including clod, core, and excavation, yield significantly different results. The core method was found to greatly underestimate soil organic carbon stocks, particularly in deeper soil layers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 22, 2018
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.

Grease in space

Researchers estimate that the Milky Way contains about 10 billion trillion trillion tonnes of greasy matter, equivalent to 40 trillion trillion trillion packs of butter. The discovery could have implications for understanding the origins of life in the universe.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 27, 2018

Reducing CO2 with common elements and sunlight

A new photocatalyst composed of an organic semiconductor material and an iron complex selectively reduces CO2 to CO under visible light, converting the major factor of global warming into a valuable carbon resource. The efficiency of this process is comparable to that of precious metal or rare metal complexes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 25, 2018

Interstellar dust and Solar System formation

Comet-derived IDPs contain presolar interstellar dust, such as GEMS, with organic carbon mantles that decompose at high temperatures. The results suggest that GEMS formed in a cold environment and represent surviving building blocks of the Solar System.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Experiments at Berkeley Lab help trace interstellar dust back to solar system's formation

Researchers at Berkeley Lab used infrared light and electron microscopy to study interplanetary particles, finding they contain pre-solar dust leftover from the solar system's formation. The dust, consisting of carbon, ices, and disordered silicate, was mostly destroyed by planet formation processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

Mars rover finds ancient organic compounds that match meteoritic samples

The discovery of ancient organic molecules in Martian sedimentary rocks increases the chances of finding evidence of habitability and potential life on Mars. The findings suggest that NASA's Curiosity rover may have discovered record-breaking amounts of organic carbon, comparable to those found in meteoritic samples.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018

Study paves way for healthier and more robust eggs

A recent study published in Science Advances has analyzed the nanostructure of chicken eggshells to better understand their role in embryo development. The findings suggest that specific characteristics of the eggshell could be genetically selected to produce healthier, more robust eggs.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2018