Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Hyperspectral sensing and AI pave new path for monitoring soil carbon

Researchers at University of Illinois develop new method to accurately estimate soil organic carbon using airborne and satellite hyperspectral sensing. The study leverages machine learning algorithms with a comprehensive soil spectral library, enabling large-scale monitoring of surface soil organic carbon.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 1, 2022

Dead or alive: Seagrasses continue to release methane after their die-off

Seagrasses form methane from methylated compounds, which persist in plant tissue for decades, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Methane production is highly efficient and robust against environmental stresses in seagrass meadows.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Closing in on the carbon costs of wildfires

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
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.

Growing oxygen deficient zones absorb carbon into the deep ocean

Researchers at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that marine snow particles help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to a more efficient carbon cycle. The discovery sheds light on how oxygen deficient zones play a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 9, 2022

Stanford engineers create catalyst that can turn carbon dioxide into gasoline 1,000 times more efficiently

Researchers at Stanford University have created a new catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into gasoline up to 1,000 times more efficiently than existing standards. The breakthrough allows for the production of long-chain hydrocarbons, making it easier to handle and store, with potential applications in a carbon-neutral cycle.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Newly discovered carbon may yield clues to ancient Mars

Researchers analyzing Martian sediment samples suggest three possible explanations for the carbon's origin, including cosmic dust, ultraviolet degradation of carbon dioxide, or biological activity. The findings provide insights into the ancient Mars' carbon cycle and its potential habitability.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 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.

Study: 'Photosynthetic' algae can survive the dark

Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory found that some coccolithophore species can use organic compounds as carbon sources, allowing them to thrive in dark conditions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global ocean processes and the role of algae in the carbon cycle.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 20, 2021

Seagrass is not a miracle solution against climate change

Tropical seagrass meadows may not be as effective in absorbing carbon dioxide as previously believed. According to a new study, some of these ecosystems actually release more CO2 into the atmosphere than they store. This finding is significant for accurately calculating their climate protection potential.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

Gas-passing plankton illumine another piece of the carbon cycle puzzle

A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a type of bacteria called SAR11 consumes acetone and isoprene, volatile organic compounds produced by phytoplankton. These findings suggest that the marine carbon cycle is not fully understood and highlights the importance of studying plankton's role in gas exchange.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Can diamonds originate methane?

Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

When variations in Earth's orbit drive biological evolution

Scientists found that variations in Earth's orbit drive cycles of higher and lower diversity in coccolithophore size and shape, with rhythms of 100 and 400 thousand years. This influence may have played a role in ancient climates and climate variations during past warm periods.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2021

Study digs up roles bacteria play in global carbon cycle

Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel method to track microbes and understand their role in processing soil carbon. The study found that different types of bacteria have varying strategies for assimilating carbon, categorized into guilds based on their access to food.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

Bacteria as climate heroes

Acetobacterium woodii bacteria can efficiently metabolize CO2 into formate, providing a sustainable alternative to oil-based products. This process can be genetically modified to produce ethanol or lactic acid, enabling the recycling of CO2 and carbon monoxide.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Hungry caterpillars an underappreciated driver of carbon emissions

A University of Cambridge study reveals that periodic caterpillar outbreaks improve lake water quality but increase CO2 emissions by altering nutrient cycling and favouring greenhouse gas-producing bacteria. This phenomenon is likely to worsen as climate change expands the insects' range, threatening northern forests.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2021
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.

The Southern Ocean’s role in driving global carbon cycle stronger than expected

Scientists from Stellenbosch University found that phytoplankton are active during winter in the Southern Ocean, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery improves predictive global climate models and sheds light on adaptation strategies of phytoplankton under adverse growth conditions.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalMarine Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Carbon dissolved in Arctic rivers affects our world—here’s how to study it

Scientists have made significant gains in understanding the Arctic's carbon cycle by studying the transfer of dissolved organic carbon from land to ocean via rivers. The research highlights the importance of this process in coastal foodwebs and the impacts of climate change on freshwater export and DOC loading.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 12, 2021

Earth’s natural carbon sinks hold vital power in climate fight

A new study reveals that Earth's natural habitats can remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide due to previously undiscovered rock nitrogen weathering reactions. Preserving these ecosystems is vital to conserve the planet's carbon sink service and combat climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 11, 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.

University of Idaho awarded $18.9M for deep soil research facility

The Deep Soil Ecotron will enable scientists to conduct experiments on columns of soil up to three meters deep, improving understanding of how deep soil organisms react to unprecedented conditions and sequester carbon. The facility will also be used to develop sensors to monitor deep soils in the field.

SourceUniversity of Idaho·DateSep 28, 2021

Dinosaurs’ ascent driven by volcanoes powering climate change

A new study found that four distinct episodes of volcanic activity coincided with significant environmental changes, including the Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode, which drove animal and plant diversification. The research suggests that large volcanic eruptions had a profound impact on global temperature and humidity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

Climate change threatens base of polar oceans’ bountiful food webs

A new study suggests that climate change is displacing cold-water communities of algae with warm-adapted ones, threatening to destabilize the delicate marine food web. The research found a clear boundary between these communities at moderate water temperatures, highlighting the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2021

Ancient sea ice core sheds light on modern climate change

Researchers found a 12,000-year record of marine sediment cores in Antarctica showing fluctuations in sea ice levels affecting algae growth. Algal bloom events occurred nearly every year before 4,500 years ago, but became less frequent after 4.5 thousand years ago, responding to climate cycles like ENSO.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 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.

Forest edges in the tropics increase carbon emissions

The study found that tropical forest edges are releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere due to increased tree mortality. By 2100, the proportion of forest edges is projected to increase from 31% to almost 50% if deforestation rates remain high.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2021

Scientists use radar data to measure the impact of forest fires in the Amazon

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

Deadwood in the global carbon cycle

The study reveals that climate change affects the rate of decomposition and insect contributions to deadwood, releasing approximately 10.9 giga-tons of carbon worldwide annually

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cloud shadows cue mini-migrations

A new study reveals zooplankton exhibit high-frequency 'mini-migrations' due to cloud shadows, affecting their energy expenditure and carbon transport. The daily process of swimming up and down in response to subtle changes in light intensity may have significant implications for Earth's carbon cycle.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Robotic floats provide new look at ocean health and global carbon cycle

The deployment of thousands of autonomous robots called BGC-Argo floats is transforming our understanding of marine primary productivity on a global scale. By measuring oxygen production over time, researchers can estimate net primary productivity and shed light on the ocean's role in storing carbon.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 16, 2021

Green hydrogen: Why do certain catalysts improve in operation?

Researchers discovered that certain catalyst materials, such as erythrite, improve in performance over time due to restructuring. This process increases the surface area of the material, allowing for more reactions to occur, resulting in higher oxygen yields and doubled electrical current generation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 9, 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.

Newly discovered enzymes are not heavy metal fans

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified two metal-independent carbonic anhydrase enzymes that improve our knowledge of the global carbon cycle. These enzymes may play a crucial role in CO2 metabolism, particularly in metal-poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

Changes in ocean chemistry show how sea level affects global carbon cycle

Scientists reconstructed fluctuations in ocean chemistry by analyzing strontium isotope ratios, which provide information about geochemical processes. The study found that seawater strontium concentration has changed considerably over the past 35 million years and still changes today.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2021

Twice as much carbon flowing from land to ocean than previously thought

A new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles provides estimates of the elusive component of the global carbon cycle. The researchers used two stable carbon isotopes to track carbon through different components of the cycle, finding much higher numbers for land-to-ocean carbon transfer

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 18, 2021

High greenhouse gas emissions from Siberian Inland Waters

Researchers at Umeå University have quantified carbon emissions from rivers and lakes in Western Siberia, finding that emission rates are high and exceed carbon export to the Arctic Ocean. The study highlights the importance of inland waters in the global carbon cycle and climate system.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Climate and carbon cycle trends of the past 50 million years reconciled

Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa reconciled climate and carbon cycle trends over the past 50 million years, resolving a long-standing controversy. The study found that as atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased, the global carbonate compensation depth actually deepened, contradicting previous expectations.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2021

West coast wildfires create rare opportunity to track black carbon

Researchers are tracking black carbon from West Coast wildfires to study its impact on the global carbon cycle and global warming. The first flush of carbon and nutrients from burned land has been captured for the first time, revealing a previously unknown pathway in the chain that connects fire-derived black carbon to the deep ocean.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateDec 17, 2020

Detecting solar neutrinos with the Borexino experiment

The Borexino experiment has successfully detected low-energy neutrinos from the Sun's carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle, a process that produces about 1% of the Sun's energy output. This detection provides valuable insights into the CNO cycle and its role in the energy production of stars, including our own Sun.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateDec 4, 2020

Bacteria in iron-deficient environments process carbon sources selectively

Researchers at Northwestern University found that bacteria in low-iron environments reroute their metabolic pathways to favor producing iron-scavenging compounds. This study provides insights into the impact of iron on carbon cycling in bacterial cells, with implications for ecosystem health and environmental biotechnology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

The uncertain future of the oceans

New study shows ocean acidification influences carbon content of sinking particles, affecting biological pump. The results, published in Nature Climate Change, indicate highly variable responses to CO2, with bacterial and animal plankton playing a key role.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Who is driving whom? Climate and carbon cycle in perpetual interaction

Scientists analyzed deep-sea sediment cores to reveal changing climate-carbon cycle interactions. They found that the carbon cycle exerted control over climate at times of volatility, not stability, and provided new insights into their complex relationships.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Uncovering new understanding of Earth's carbon cycle

A University of Alberta PhD student has shed new light on the Earth's carbon cycle using diamonds as breadcrumbs. The study proposes a model where 'superdeep' diamonds crystallize from carbon-rich magmas, which may be critical for their growth.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2020

Understanding the 'deep-carbon cycle'

Scientists have discovered that a small fraction of carbonate melt is present throughout the Earth's mantle, storing a large mass of carbon. This finding sheds light on seismology and its connection to climate change.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Correlating global events with rise of complex life

Researchers date Shuram excursion to 574-567.3 million years ago, suggesting global synchronicity and decoupling of complex life from biogeochemical events. The study challenges traditional views on the coevolution of Ediacaran life and environment.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Carbon cycling in wet soils

Research found that dynamic waterlogging enhances carbon dioxide emissions and depletes soil organic carbon. Microbes exhibit higher activity under fluctuating conditions, but not necessarily greater diversity.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

Sugar turns brown algae into good carbon stores

Researchers discovered that brown algae's cell wall contains the long-chained sugar fucoidan, which is only partially degraded by microbial communities. However, specific highly specialized bacteria can break down fucoidan using over 100 enzymes, sequestering carbon in the ocean.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 26, 2020

Triassic igneous effects on carbon cycle

A study suggests that Triassic igneous rocks in Brazil caused the release of light carbon isotopes, which may have contributed to the end-Triassic extinction. The findings imply a significant impact on the Earth's carbon cycle during this period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Breaking down wood decomposition by fungi

Researchers develop a trait-based understanding of fungal decomposition abilities, improving predictive power for early and mid-stage wood decay. The study identifies different fungal traits that explain wood decomposition variation, with great potential to improve carbon cycle predictions in forests.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Changes to drylands with future climate change

Future climate change will cause drylands to expand at an accelerated rate, but their average productivity is expected to decline. The study found that while total global productivity may increase by 12%, individual dryland areas will experience decreased productivity due to changes in precipitation and temperatures.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2020

Orbital cycles in the Early Jurassic

A study of carbon-isotope data from a Welsh mudstone core reveals anomalies consistent with orbital cycles of approximately 405,000 years. These findings indicate that the marine carbon cycle is particularly responsive to such astronomical signals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020
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.