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Navigating climate challenges: UVA engineers and environmental scientists aid Virginia’s eastern shore

A team of UVA civil and environmental engineers and environmental scientists have developed a web-based decision-support tool, called the Climate Equity Atlas, to help residents deal with the challenges caused by climate change. The tool combines historical environmental data and socioeconomic data to create a sophisticated predictive ...

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 15, 2023

Beef farming that keeps cattle on lifelong grass diets may have higher carbon footprint

A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pacific Northwest snowpack endangered by increasing spring heatwaves

A Washington State University study reveals that high-elevation snow in the Pacific Northwest is melting earlier due to frequent and intense heatwaves. The researchers found that these heatwaves have doubled in frequency and intensity since the mid-1990s, posing a significant threat to the region's water supply.

SourceWashington State University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateDec 13, 2023

Study overturns conventional wisdom about wild turkey nesting survival

A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

“Energy droughts” in wind and solar can last nearly a week, research shows

Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateDec 4, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Wind of (climate) change

Researchers discovered that rising temperatures trigger katabatic winds in Himalayan glaciers, cooling the air and preserving surrounding ecosystems. The team used climate models to demonstrate this phenomenon across the Himalayan range, suggesting that some glaciers may have a chance to 'save' themselves by reacting to global warming.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Consensus needed on when global warming reaches 1.5°C

Researchers propose a new approach to measure global warming, combining the last ten years of temperature observations with projections for the next decade. The current level of global warming is around 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range of 1.13°C to 1.43°C.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2023

Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier

Scientists tracking Cadman Glacier's rapid retreat highlight the importance of long-term monitoring of Antarctica's polar regions. The glacier's ice shelf thinned due to warmer ocean waters, leading to a 28% increase in ice discharge over 13 months.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 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.

New tool to enable exploration of human-environment interactions

A new tool called dahliagram enables cross-disciplinary collaboration to study past and present human-environmental interactions. The tool allows researchers to analyze and visualize diverse data sources, promoting nuanced understanding and testing hypotheses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateNov 22, 2023

“Not dead yet” - Oxford experts identify interventions that could rescue 1.5°C

A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOxford Review of Economic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023
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.

Improved air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration by plants

Plants capture more carbon on weekends when industrial production decreases and fewer people commute, finding similar patterns during COVID-19 lockdowns. This improvement in air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

How mega-floods can be predicted

A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 10, 2023

Wealthy countries' research skews our knowledge of plants

A new study reveals critical gaps in current plant demographic research, highlighting the need for more diverse data on tropical plant species. Climate models are only as good as the data they're based on, and current biases could lead to inaccurate predictions of how plants will respond to changing climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalOikos·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

For 20,000 years, polar bears have been retreating due to rising sea temperatures

A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 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.

The recovery process of European freshwater biodiversity comes to a halt

A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2023

Energy transition: A super-model to guide policy makers

A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023

New study sheds light on Adélie penguins' reliance on declining sea ice during molt

Researchers have discovered a potential bottleneck in Adélie penguins' annual cycle, which could be exacerbated as the climate continues to change. The study found that seasonal Antarctic sea ice plays a crucial role in the penguins' molting periods, with low sea ice concentration signaling extended gaps in post-breeding diving activity.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Video technology could transform how scientists monitor changes in species evolution and development

Researchers have made a breakthrough in studying species evolution by using robotic video microscopes and computer vision to measure embryo characteristics. The study found huge changes in an embryo's observable traits before and after developmental events, suggesting that measuring timings of development is just the tip of the iceberg.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023
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.

A cutting-edge approach to tackling pollution in Houston and beyond

A University of Houston research team integrated machine learning with SHAP analysis to identify the city's air pollution sources more accurately. The study found that the oil and gas industry had the highest impact on emissions, while shortwave radiation and relative humidity were key influencing factors for overall ozone concentration.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 6, 2023

Measuring the impact of desert greening

A recent KAUST study used satellite data to investigate the effects of managed vegetation on surface temperature in arid regions. The results showed that vegetation can reduce daytime temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius compared to bare soil, providing an extra cooling effect on hotter days.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEcological Indicators·DateNov 5, 2023

Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data

Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2023
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.

Study links changes in global water cycle to higher temperatures

Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 2, 2023

Seismology records growing rumble of climate change

A new study by Colorado State University reveals that seismic signals show a growing intensity in ocean waves since the late 20th century, attributed to global warming. The research indicates that storms are becoming more intense and wave energy is increasing globally, posing a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Amazon deforestation linked to long distance climate warming

A new study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that Amazon deforestation causes land surfaces up to 100km away to get warmer. The study analyzed satellite data from 2001 to 2020 and found that regions with more local and regional deforestation warmed by an average of 4.4°C.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

Heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the U.S. may more than double within decades

A new study finds that heat-related cardiovascular deaths may more than double in the US by the middle of the century, with elderly and Black adults being most at risk. The projections suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can mitigate this impact, but infrastructure interventions such as increasing tree cover may also be effe...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 30, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NSF funds holistic approach to help farmers adapt to climate change

The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.6 million to Emory University researchers to develop predictive models for farmers to adapt to climate change in Georgia, Iowa and Ohio. The project aims to create a public online tool to explore possible futures of agriculture at regional and state levels.

SourceEmory University·DateOct 30, 2023

Research advances toward goal of net zero carbon emissions

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

New study finds hidden trees across Europe: A billion tons of biomass is overlooked today

A new AI-driven mapping study from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a billion tons of hidden biomass in Europe, including trees outside forested areas. The research found that countries like Denmark, Netherlands, and UK have significant tree cover outside forests, which can impact biodiversity and climate models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2023

Climate change likely impacted human populations in the Neolithic and Bronze Age

A study published in PLOS ONE found correlations between climate change and human population trends in Central European regions. During warm periods, populations increased due to improved crops and economies, while during cold periods, populations decreased, leading to cultural shifts and potential social inequality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023
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.

Scientists discover deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching

Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

OU-led study documents new extremes in stratospheric water vapor

A University of Oklahoma-led study highlights newly measured extremes in stratospheric water vapor recorded during the DCOTSS field project. High-level thunderstorms enhance water vapor in the stratosphere at levels higher than previously understood.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 19, 2023

How to build greener data centers? Scientists say crank up the heat

Scientists propose new temperature guidelines for data centers that may help reduce energy consumption and save money. Researchers found that raising the temperature to around 41°C could lead to significant savings, with some areas able to rely entirely on free-cooling, reducing energy costs by up to 56%.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023
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.

Climate network analysis helps pinpoint regions at higher risk of extreme weather

Researchers developed a climate network analysis method to explore teleconnections, which describe how climate events in one part affect others worldwide. The study found areas like southeastern Australia and South Africa are significantly affected by these interconnected events, with stronger connections over time.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateOct 17, 2023

How to help save plants from extinction

A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 17, 2023

In 2020, 30% of the Pantanal was burned to cinders by wildfires

A recent study using SENTINEL-2 satellite images estimated burned areas with 96% accuracy, revealing a much larger area affected by wildfires than previously thought. This higher precision will help improve estimates of greenhouse gas emissions and inform fire management decisions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFire·DateOct 17, 2023
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.

Can macroclimate explain the distribution of the Eurasian forest-steppe zone?

Researchers used statistical methods to investigate the extent of climate support for the Eurasian forest-steppe zone's delineation. The study found that macroclimate explains a significant portion of the zone's distribution, with some regions showing strong agreement and others requiring further refinement.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

Warm summers and wet winters yield better wine vintages

Researchers analyzed 50 years of Bordeaux wine critic scores with weather data to show that warmer temperatures, higher rainfall, and earlier seasons yield better vintages. Climate change is predicted to increase these conditions, potentially improving wine quality, but water scarcity poses a risk.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2023

Rivers may not recover from drought for years

Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateOct 11, 2023

Deciphering the intensity of past ocean currents

New study uses flume-tank experiments to observe changes in sediment deposits and current velocities, revealing insights into past ocean currents. The findings have huge application potential for understanding climate, pollution transport, and benthic ecology.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2023
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.

Climate change brings earlier arrival of intense hurricanes

Research reveals that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade due to climate change. This shift in seasonal cycle can lead to compounding extreme events and challenges community preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

Cornell fills data gap for volcanic ash effects on Earth systems

Researchers at Cornell University have characterized volcanic ash samples from 40 explosive eruptions to provide a comprehensive dataset. The study found that the composition of volcanic ash varies significantly with grain size, tectonic setting, and chemistry, particularly in finer particles where salts increase and glass and iron oxi...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 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.

Data-driven regional ocean models essential for planning

Researchers developed a precise historical reconstruction of the Red Sea circulation using fine-grained regional data. The new analysis reveals new characteristics of current circulation, temperature, salinity, and oceanic behavior, improving decision-making for megadevelopments like those in Saudi Arabia.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateOct 2, 2023

Researchers propose a unified, scalable framework to measure agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers developed a scalable framework to quantify field-level agricultural carbon outcomes, integrating sensing techniques and advanced ecosystem models. The study provides a reliable method for measuring individual farm field-level greenhouse gas emissions and offers insights into the impact of farming practices on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023
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.