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New study charts how Earth’s global temperature has drastically changed over the past 485 million years, driven by carbon dioxide

A new study reveals that Earth's surface temperature has varied more greatly over the past 485 million years than previously thought. The study, co-led by the Smithsonian and University of Arizona, confirms that carbon dioxide is strongly correlated with global temperatures across geological time.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists quantify energetic costs of the migratory lifestyle in a free flying songbird

Researchers found that migrating blackbirds do not save energy in warmer climates, but instead reduce their metabolism before departure. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism used by migrants to save energy prior to migration, and suggests alternative physiological adaptations may offset the energy costs of migration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Sea surface temperature record in the southwestern Pacific: Coral colony from Fiji reveals warmest temperatures in over 600 years

A coral colony from Fiji has provided a new record of sea surface temperatures in the southwestern Pacific, revealing that 2022 was the warmest year in over 600 years. The reconstruction uses data from the giant coral Diploastrea heliopora, which records long-term climatic and environmental changes.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2024

The within-year distribution of temperature and precipitation could rearrange significantly, challenging both modelers and nature

Researchers at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that specific climate periods can shift by several months or even six months within a year, affecting species distribution. This shift poses significant challenges for distribution models, potentially leading to extinction or migration of species.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Heatwaves may increase likelihood of seizures in people with epilepsy

A study published in Brain Communications found that heatwaves can trigger more seizures in individuals with severe epilepsy. Researchers used intracranial electroencephalography to track brain activity during heatwaves and non-heatwave periods, revealing a significant increase in seizure frequency during hot weather.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

West Antarctic ice sheet may disappear by 2300

A Dartmouth-led study projects that Antarctica's glaciers will rapidly retreat and potentially collapse by 2200, increasing global sea levels by up to 5.5 feet by 2300. The researchers used 16 ice-sheet models to refine the projection of ice loss over the next 300 years.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2024

Urban forests reduce heat-related mortality, study shows

A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2024
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.

Biogeochemistry scientists from around the world, led by the ASC's Margenot, publish position paper on tackling “hidden” phosphorus

Researchers developed a comprehensive roadmap to measure legacy phosphorus accumulation in soils. They identified key priorities and non-priorities, providing a unified vision for future phosphorus use. The study found that accumulated phosphorus is often located in the top 12 inches of soil and transforms into different forms than whe...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Smart researchers unveil study linking EV charging stations to increased local business activity

A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Study suggests US droughts, rainy extremes becoming more severe

Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 6, 2024
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 Roman siege of Masada lasted just a few weeks, not several years

Researchers at Tel Aviv University used modern technologies to challenge the long-held myth that the Roman siege of Masada lasted three years. The study found that the siege actually lasted no more than a few weeks, using precise measurements and 3D digital modeling to calculate the time it took to build the siege system.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Roman Archaeology·DateSep 5, 2024

Land-sea “tag-team” devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists

A team of researchers discovered that a 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents led to severe environmental crises, causing mass extinctions of marine species. The study found that chemical weathering pulses disrupted the oceans, leading to anoxic events that had profound impacts on marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024
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.

Rain or shine? How rainfall impacts size of sea turtle hatchlings

A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Trends of heat-related deaths in the US, 1999-2023

Heat-related mortality rates in the US rose between 1999 and 2023, reversing a previous trend. Climate change projections suggest continued increases, highlighting the need for access to hydration centers and cooling centers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Climate change and ageing populations to drive greater disparities in deaths from hot and cold temperatures across Europe, modelling study suggests

A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024
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.

Study finds highest prediction of sea-level rise unlikely

A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

The underrated impact of humidity

A study from the University of Tokyo found that incorporating humidity data into heat stress indicators improves predictions of climate-related deaths. The researchers analyzed data from hundreds of cities and found that humid environments, such as coastal areas, are more accurate predictors of heat-related mortality.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

How bread dough gave rise to civilization

A study by the Open Wild Wheat Consortium explains how Aegilops tauschii, a wild grass, contributed to the genetic diversity of bread wheat, enabling its rapid spread across different climates. This hybridization event allowed humans to settle down and form societies.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2024

Hydrometeorology and location affect hospitalizations for waterborne infectious diseases in the US

A study published in PLOS Water found associations between weather, geographic location, and urban/rural settings with waterborne infectious disease hospitalizations. Hospitalization rates were higher for enteric and biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens in areas using groundwater, while precipitation increased parasitic infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2024
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.

Mature forests vital in frontline fight against climate change

Researchers found that mature trees increased wood production by an average of 9.8% under elevated CO2 levels, supporting their role as medium-term carbon stores and natural climate solutions. This increase was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in leaf or fine-root production.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

"All of us urgently need to band together to pass a robust and just earth to future generations," says eminent environmental lawyer Edith Brown Weiss

Edith Brown Weiss advocates for a Planetary Trust to ensure a just and robust Earth system for present and future generations. She proposes six critical commitments for the UN Summit of the Future, including integrating the future into decision-making and practices.

SourceIOS Press·JournalEnvironmental Policy and Law·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 12, 2024

Detecting climate change using aerosols

Researchers developed a new metric, R_AOD, to detect climate change using aerosols as tracers. They analyzed long-term satellite data and found significant temporal variations in aerosol transport, highlighting shifts in transboundary pollution pathways due to global warming.

SourceChiba University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2024

Pixels to pasture: how AI can help farmers predict their pasture

Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to analyze satellite data and provide farmers with information on pasture productivity and quality. The approach uses remote sensing and AI-driven processing to gather data on large areas, providing a scale-neutral solution for small- and large-scale farms.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalRemote Sensing Applications Society and Environment·DateAug 7, 2024
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.

Individuals vary in how air pollution impacts their mood

Researchers found that air pollution affects people differently, causing some to feel less aroused and more negative. The study suggests that this effect can contribute to increased anxiety risk and inform climate adaptation planning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

New perspectives for using corals in climate research

A research team from the University of Göttingen has developed a new method to analyze the oxygen isotope composition of coral skeletons, allowing for more accurate temperature reconstructions and insights into biomineralization processes. This breakthrough enables scientists to correct for 'vital effects' that can distort climate data.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Seismic detectors measure soil moisture using traffic noise

Researchers have developed a new method to measure soil moisture in the vadose zone using seismic technology that detects vibrations from traffic noise. The technique, called distributed acoustic sensing, can provide real-time information on soil water content, crucial for managing water use and conservation efforts.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2024

Not the day after tomorrow: Why we can't predict the timing of climate tipping points

A new study shows that predicting exact tipping times for critical Earth system components is challenging due to large uncertainties. The authors identified three primary sources of uncertainty and found that predicted tipping times for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) ranged from 2050 to 8065.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2024
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 anomalies may play a major role in driving cholera pandemics

Historical records suggest that anomalous climate conditions during El Niño events contributed to the establishment and spread of new cholera strains. Climate-facilitated emergence of novel strains is projected to increase through the end of the century due to climate change-driven increases in climate variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024
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.

Oil and gas extraction causes pollution to spike 10,000%

A study by the University of Essex found that oil and gas extraction can cause a nearly 30% decline in species richness near platforms, with pollutants like hydrocarbons up to 10,613% higher within 500m. This has a direct impact on marine invertebrates and food webs.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

New study disputes Hunga Tonga volcano’s role in 2023-24 global warm-up

A new study published by Texas A&M University researchers found that the Hunga Tonga volcano eruption did not contribute to global warming as initially thought. Instead, the eruption resulted in more energy leaving the climate system than entering it, leading to a slight cooling effect.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateJul 26, 2024

Using forest resources strengthens food security, study finds

Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalFood Security·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024
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.

Researchers enhance tool to better predict where and when wildfires will occur

A newly enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers predict where and when wildfires will occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors. The revised Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the United States from 1992 to 2020, providing a deeper understanding of...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateJul 22, 2024

Researchers say Sun’s influence penetrates into deep Earth

A new study reveals that solar radiation can affect the Earth's deep interior, influencing the redox state of arc magma. The research found a latitude-dependent distribution of arc magma with less oxidized magma in lower latitudes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Sea ice's cooling power is waning faster than its area of extent

Researchers found that sea ice's cooling power decreased by about twice as much as the decrease in annual average sea ice area since 1980. The Arctic has seen the largest declines in sea ice cooling power, while the Antarctic's cooling power has also weakened since 2016.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 17, 2024

Forests endure as carbon sink despite regional pressures

A new study reveals that global forests have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the past three decades, with tropical forests experiencing a decline in their ability to absorb carbon due to deforestation. However, temperate forests have shown an increase in their carbon sink capacity, largely due to extensive reforestation efforts.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2024

Breakthrough wildlife tracking technology that adheres to fur delivers promising results from trials on wild polar bears

A new tracking technology that adheres to a polar bear's fur has shown promise in studying the behavior and movements of subadult and adult male bears. The technology, known as Burr on Fur, allows researchers to track these groups without the need for satellite collars, providing valuable insights into their habits.

SourceYork University·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateJul 15, 2024
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.

Unprecedented warming threatens earth’s lakes and their ecosystems

A recent study predicts that lakes worldwide will experience unprecedented surface and subsurface warming, leading to severe disruptions in ecosystems. Tropical lakes are expected to be the first to emerge from natural temperature bounds, while high-latitude lakes may shield their subsurface layers from surface warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2024

High and low tide cause low and high methane fluxes

Research shows that methane fluxes in the North Sea vary with tidal pressure, with emissions potentially three times higher or lower depending on the tide. This affects climate science's understanding of methane emission from the seafloor.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJul 12, 2024

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

Burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality and lead to devastating public health impacts, even with cleaner engine technology and green production methods. The study suggests that stronger regulations could reduce premature deaths from 600,000 to 66,000 annually

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 11, 2024

Mozambican Woodlands could store more than double the carbon previously estimated

New research from an international team of scientists found that Mozambican miombo woodlands store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated, with potential storage of 13.6 billion tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide. This suggests a critical role for these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How a plant app helps identify the consequences of climate change

Researchers used Flora Incognita data to identify plant rhythms and ecological patterns year-round. The algorithm accounts for user observational tendencies, revealing synchronized responses among plants and ecological shifts with the seasons.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2024

Public health researchers detail way forward post-pandemic

Public health researchers detail seven steps to regain public trust after the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for accountability, communication, and addressing climate change. The report highlights critical challenges such as politicization, data system updates, and workforce improvement.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 9, 2024

Braiding community values with science is key to ecosystem restoration

A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2024
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.

Early-onset El Niño means warmer winters in East Asia, and vice versa

Researchers from Kyushu University found that early-onset El Niño leads to warm winters in East Asia due to anomalous warming of the tropical Indian Ocean. Late-onset El Niño, on the other hand, results in colder winters. This study aimed to improve climate modeling and prediction during El Niño events.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2024

Climate change drives tree species towards colder, wetter regions

Researchers have found that climate change is driving tree species towards colder and wetter regions across Europe and North America. The study analyzed data from over two million trees and found that no single trait of the tree species could explain these changes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2024