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Tiny microbes make a surprisingly big contribution to carbon release

Researchers estimate that 67% of organic carbon within bedrock is released during erosion, with certain microbe populations using the carbon for nourishment. The findings suggest that this process could negate geological carbon dioxide consumption and impact Earth's climate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2018

New study in oxygen-deprived black sea provides insights on future carbon budget

Researchers studying the Black Sea's oxygen-deprived waters found that chemical and biological processes similar to those in the deep ocean occur. This provides new insights into the ocean's role as a storage reservoir for carbon, helping to dampen the effects of human-driven climate change.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 4, 2018

New record set for carbon-carbon single bond length

Researchers at Hokkaido University have synthesized an organic compound with a record-long C-C bond of 1.806 angstroms, surpassing previously reported world records. The novel polycyclic hydrocarbon named 10c is stable and exhibits unique properties due to its extended C-C bond length.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalChem·DateMar 8, 2018

Thawing permafrost causing the 'browning' of northern lakes

Researchers found that thawing permafrost is increasing the concentration of organic matter in Arctic and subarctic ponds. This leads to oxygen depletion and cooler water at the bottom of the ponds, impacting microbial activity and greenhouse gas production.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateMar 2, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Urbanization may have a positive effect on the soils

A study by RUDN University scientists suggests that urbanization can increase soil organic carbon stocks, particularly on less fertile soils. This process could help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 13, 2017

A new method to estimate total organic carbon content

A new estimation approach for total organic carbon (TOC) content is validated using well data from the Goldwyer Formation. The method provides reliable TOC estimates for wells inside and outside the Barbwire Terrace, as well as global lacustrine shale. This improves assessments of shale play prospects and potential hydrocarbon resource.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Petroleum Engineering Journal·DateAug 29, 2017

FSU research: Ancient ocean deoxygenation provides an urgent warning

A 94-million-year-old climate change event showed severe oxygen depletion in ancient oceans, with a similar rate of decline observed in contemporary oceans. Researchers used Thallium isotope analysis to examine organic-rich sediment and found evidence of rapid oxygen loss before a major climate event.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 9, 2017

Osaka chemists build new chemical structures on unreactive bonds

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for building complex organic molecules by selectively transforming strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This breakthrough enhances the control over chemical reactions, enabling more synthetic freedom for constructing intricate carbon structures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJul 26, 2017
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 synthesis route for alternative catalysts of noble metals

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a new synthesis route for alternative catalysts of noble metals, overcoming stability issues with organic-based and carbonaceous materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective eco-friendly technologies, including fuel cell vehicles and CO2 reduction.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Bacteria collaborate to propel the ocean 'engine'

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria collaborate to cycle nutrients, feeding the ecosystem. This interaction is crucial for maintaining a balanced nutrient level, supporting half of the planet's primary production and oxygen supply.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 5, 2017

Building 'OLEDs' from the ground up for better electronics

Researchers introduce a new bottom-up approach to pattern emissive polymers, enabling efficient creation of multi-colored OLED arrays. The method uses designer iridium photocatalysts and could potentially enable high-throughput manufacturing of OLEDs using various technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 7, 2017

Dams are major driver of global environmental change

Researchers found that man-made dam reservoirs trap nearly one-fifth of the organic carbon moving from land to ocean via rivers. This lack of representation in climate models highlights the need for better understanding of reservoir impacts on the Earth's climate.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jurassic drop in ocean oxygen lasted a million years

Scientists from the University of Exeter found that a 183 million-year-old oceanic oxygen depletion event ended after one million years due to increased atmospheric oxygen and rising fire activity. This study highlights the critical need to limit carbon emissions to prevent future anoxic events in the modern ocean.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2017

Study: Early organic carbon got deep burial in mantle

A Rice University study found that fossilized organic carbon could have been deeply buried in the mantle starting around 2.4 billion years ago, during a critical period known as the great oxidation event. The researchers discovered that the chemical composition of subducting crustal rock plays a crucial role in determining whether carb...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 25, 2017

More than 100 years of flooding and erosion in 1 event

A study by Colorado State University researchers found that an extreme flooding event in 2013 eroded over 500,000 cubic meters of sediment, equivalent to 115 years of weathering products. The flood also discharged large amounts of organic carbon and wood into reservoirs, affecting water storage capacity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 27, 2017
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.

When permafrost melts, what happens to all that stored carbon?

A new study found that melting permafrost during a past warming spike led to the massive release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, with severe deepening of the active layer and enhanced microbial respiration. The research provides crucial insights into how permafrost will respond to future climate change.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2016

An artificial pathway for turning carbon dioxide into useful products

Researchers developed a synthetic pathway to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds more quickly than plants. This breakthrough has potential applications in enhancing plant photosynthesis and creating new carbon-based feed for cattle or chemical products.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2016
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.

The ocean below

The article discusses a scientific plan developed by UCSB researchers to quantify present conditions in the ocean's carbon cycle and predict its future states. The plan, known as EXPORTS, combines modeling, satellite data, and field sampling to understand how carbon is processed by the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMar 30, 2016

New class of materials for organic electronics

Researchers have developed a new class of materials for organic electronics, featuring polymeric carbon nitrides with high charge mobility and long lifetimes. These materials show promise for building durable and efficient components for organic electronics applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 12, 2015

Study: Alaskan soil thaw sends carbon directly back into atmosphere

A new study finds that Alaskan permafrost soil is biodegradable, releasing its stored carbon directly back into the atmosphere as CO2. The process occurs rapidly, with almost half of the carbon being consumed by microbes within 200 hours.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015
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.

Scientists solve deep ocean carbon riddle

Research reveals that hydrothermal vent systems convert long-lived organic carbon into more readily available forms, balancing the continuous supply from surface oceans. This mechanism addresses the long-standing question of why deep ocean dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels remain constant.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 28, 2015

Historical land use an important factor for carbon cycling in northern lakes

A new study by researchers from Umea University found that historical land use has a significant impact on carbon cycling in northern lakes. The study analyzed lake-sediment records and found that organic carbon concentrations varied depending on natural dynamics and human impacts over thousands of years.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2015

Fjords are 'hotspots' in global carbon cycling

Researchers estimate that fjords bury about 18 million tonnes of organic carbon annually, equivalent to 11% of global marine carbon burial. Fjords are 'hotspots' for carbon burial due to their deep and stable environments.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

Ocean bacteria get 'pumped up'

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that stressed and dying phytoplankton release chemicals that stimulate marine bacteria to quickly convert organic carbon back into CO2. This process reduces the amount of sinking detritus, releasing more CO2 into the shallow ocean and atmosphere.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2015
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.

Study: Melting glaciers have big carbon impact

Researchers estimate that 50% more organic carbon will be exported in glacier outflow over the next 35 years, equivalent to half of the Mississippi River's annual organic carbon influx. This increase has major implications for high-latitude marine ecosystems, particularly those surrounding ice sheets.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 19, 2015

Cover crops can sequester soil organic carbon

A 12-year University of Illinois study shows that cover crops increase soil organic carbon stock without improving crop yields. The practice is found to sequester the most soil organic carbon in no-till systems with hairy vetch and cereal rye cover crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalOpen Journal of Soil Science·DateDec 2, 2014

Deep-earth carbon offers clues on origin of life on Earth

A Johns Hopkins University-led team has discovered a rich variety of organic carbon species in deep fluids, suggesting they could spark the formation of diamonds and potentially become food for microbial life. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience, provide new insights into the Earth's mantle and its role in the origin of life.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 2014

The ocean's living carbon pumps

Phytoplankton, tiny photosynthetic organisms, play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's carbon content. A new study reveals that viruses can rapidly wipe out blooms, fixing large amounts of organic carbon in the process.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2014
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.

Study on global carbon cycle may require reappraisal of climate events in Earth's history

Scientists at the University of Miami re-evaluate the global carbon cycle by analyzing marine sediment cores, suggesting that post-depositional changes can mimic ancient trends. This new perspective highlights the importance of understanding geological context in interpreting carbon isotope records.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014

Mineral magic? Common mineral capable of making and breaking bonds

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered a common mineral that can catalyze the breaking and making of carbon-hydrogen bonds in hydrothermal environments. This finding has significant implications for the Earth's deep carbon cycle, astrobiology, and Green Chemistry.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2014

Researchers question published no-till soil organic carbon sequestration rates

A team of researchers found that some studies have shown no-till systems without cover crops may not increase soil organic carbon stocks as claimed. The review suggests that different definitions and methods can lead to conflicting findings, and the accuracy of determining soil organic carbon sequestration depends on the method used.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 18, 2014

Ocean food web is key in the global carbon cycle

A novel mechanistic model assesses the global ocean carbon export by incorporating the lifecycle of phytoplankton and zooplankton into a food-web-based approach. The researchers found that oceans are a central component in the global carbon cycle, with a mean global carbon export flux of 6 petagrams per year.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 11, 2014

Fish biomass in the ocean is 10 times higher than estimated

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mesopelagic fish have a stock estimated at 10,000 million tons, surpassing previous estimates of 1,000 million tons. This discovery has significant implications for the understanding of carbon fluxes in the ocean and the operation of ocean deserts.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

Geosphere, GSA's dynamic online-only journal posts 9 new articles in Sept.

Recent studies examine sea-level change offshore New Jersey, the geological processes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and post-subduction magmatism in northern California. These articles provide new insights into the geological history of these regions and their ongoing tectonic activity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateSep 18, 2013

Non-toxic flame retardants

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed non-toxic flame retardants, replacing conventional halogenated chemicals. The new compounds, derived from organic phosphorus, have been shown to be effective without harming the manufacturing process or environment.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2013

Fast-sinking jellyfish could boost the oceans' uptake of carbon dioxide

Experiments show high sinking speed for dead gelatinous plankton species, contributing to the biological pump. Fast sinking provides high-quality food resources for benthic organisms and releases CO2 that can be stored without direct contact with the atmosphere.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMay 28, 2013
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.

First meteorite linked to Martian crust

Researchers have identified a new class of Martian meteorite that likely originated from the Mars' crust, containing an order of magnitude more water than any other Martian meteorite. The unique meteorite, dubbed Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034, has similarities to but is distinct from other Martian meteorites known as SNC.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2013

Alpine glaciers contribute to carbon cycling

Researchers have discovered that Alpine glaciers contain diverse biogeochemical complexes of dissolved organic matter, which is surprisingly bioavailable. This finding highlights the importance of glaciers as 'freezers' that preserve organic matter for microbial heterotrophs.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 17, 2012
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.

Unexpected finding shows climate change complexities in soil

Underground organisms like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a dual role in soil carbon sequestration, both storing and releasing carbon as atmospheric carbon levels rise. The study challenges assumptions about their protective effects on organic carbon.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Potential methane reservoirs beneath Antarctica

A new study suggests that beneath Antarctica's ice sheet lies a massive potential methane reservoir, with estimates suggesting up to 400 billion tonnes of carbon. Microorganisms in sub-ice environments have been found to metabolize organic carbon into methane gas, which could be released during future ice-sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2012

Study suggests large methane reservoirs beneath Antarctic ice sheet

A new study finds that microorganisms may convert old organic matter to methane under oxygen-deprived conditions in sedimentary basins beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This could lead to significant methane release if the ice sheet shrinks, exacerbating global climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2012
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.

Organic carbon from Mars, but not biological

A new study by Carnegie's Andrew Steele provides strong evidence that Martian organic carbon originates from the planet itself, not Earth or other meteorites. The findings reveal insights into Mars' volcanic history and suggest the presence of organic chemistry throughout its history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Microbiologists can now measure extremely slow life

A team of researchers has developed a new method to calculate the activity level of microorganisms in the deepest layers of the seabed. The study reveals that these slow-growing bacteria play a crucial role in the global storage of organic carbon, affecting the oxygen content of the atmosphere.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 2012

UK researchers shed light on magnetic mystery of graphite

Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered that commercially available graphite crystals contain micron-sized clusters of predominantly iron, which explain their weak signs of magnetism. This finding could be a breakthrough for utilising graphite as a bio-compatible magnet for medicine and biology.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJan 26, 2012

A bit of boron, a pinch of palladium: One-stop shop for the Suzuki reaction

Researchers developed a practical and general method to synthesize organoboron compounds for Suzuki reactions, improving yields and reducing waste. The new approach enables the creation of diverse organic molecules, including novel drugs and materials.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 1, 2011
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.

Orchids and fungi: An unexpected case of symbiosis

Researchers found that fully photosynthetic orchids associate with specific fungal clades, not shared with other sympatric orchids, and depend on their symbionts for nutrition. The study used stable isotope analysis to assess how much of the organic carbon and nitrogen in orchid tissue was acquired from their fungal partners.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 11, 2011

Jellyfish blooms transfer food energy from fish to bacteria

A new study reveals that jellyfish blooms drastically alter marine food webs by shunting food energy toward bacteria. This shift can lead to a detour of energy away from higher trophic levels and towards bacteria, altering the microbial community composition.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2011

Jellyfish blooms shunt food energy from fish to bacteria

A new study reveals that jellyfish blooms drastically alter marine food webs by shunting food energy from fish toward bacteria. The researchers found that jellyfish produce organic matter rich in carbon, which is rapidly metabolized by bacteria, reducing its potential to assimilate into the food web.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2011