New research from a stalagmite reveals that the Pueblo cultural development coincided with drier climatic conditions in the southwestern US. The study suggests that climate change played a significant role in shaping the region's cultural history, challenging previous assumptions about the impact of megadroughts on civilizations.
SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2022
Researchers have identified a cork-like substance called suberin that helps protect rice roots from floods and drought. By understanding how suberin is produced, they hope to use gene editing or selective breeding to make the crop more resilient to climate change.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
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.
A study found that climatic conditions during the extreme 2021 spring drought in SWC were distinct from similar historical events. Researchers identified atmospheric internal variability and a warming trend as key drivers of the drought, with high temperatures contributing significantly to its severity.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 17, 2022
The European drought event from 2018 to 2020 was the most intense in over 250 years, affecting approximately one third of the land area. The drought's total duration was unusually long, starting in April 2018 and ending in December 2020.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalAGU Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022
New study finds tree branches move downward up to 20 cm at night as leaves and branches replenish water storage. This phenomenon has practical applications, including monitoring plant water status in greenhouses to automate watering regimes.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalForests·DateMay 12, 2022
A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Heads of State and Government meeting at the United Nations' global conference on land called for immediate action to stem life and livelihood losses due to desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Abidjan Call urges prioritizing drought relief and committing to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.
SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·DateMay 9, 2022
Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 4, 2022
Researchers found that trees in tropical forests produce significantly more seeds than those in boreal regions, challenging the assumption that larger seeds mean fewer offspring. The studies also reveal that seed production is not constrained by seed size and provide new guidance for forest management and replanting.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers discovered that periods of drought were interrupted by wetter phases lasting several decades or even centuries, challenging the understanding of climate change in the region. The study's findings have significant implications for archaeological considerations and future climate scenarios.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 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.
A new UC Riverside study finds that the timing of rainfall is crucial for drought-stricken plants, with summer rains resulting in higher plant biomass. In contrast, winter rains have less impact on plant growth and may lead to negative effects.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
A new study models the probability of renewable energy droughts in Texas, finding that grid operators may need backup energy sources due to variable wind and solar production. Researchers suggest increasing capacity or exploring alternative storage methods to avoid extended dry spells.
SourceColumbia University·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2022
A new study found that climate change and drought can lead to increased rates of HIV treatment non-adherence in Africa. The review highlights the complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors that exacerbate this issue.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 11, 2022
A new study warns that California's water resilience planning may not be financially viable without careful partnership agreements, as benefits may not be evenly distributed among stakeholders. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors to construct investment partnerships that satisfy all partners.
SourceCornell University·JournalEarth s Future·DateApr 7, 2022
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 study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
Researchers found that flash droughts are happening more quickly, with the fastest ones occurring within five days, affecting areas like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and central North America. The study highlights the importance of understanding and preparing for these events.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has found that tropical trees' trunk growth is reduced in years with drier and warmer conditions. The researchers also discovered that the effect of climatic fluctuations is more dramatic in arid or warm regions, suggesting climate change may increase the sensitivity of tropical trees.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022
Researchers found a persistent 20% reduction in carbon dioxide seeping up from the ground during the spring of 2017, coinciding with intense drought and record-high Sierra Nevada snowpack. The study suggests that changes in Earth's hydrology due to climate change can impact volcanic emissions.
SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2022
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.
Volunteers transcribed 130 years of handwritten rainfall observations, extending the UK's rainfall record back to 1836. The new data provides insights into extreme dry and wet months, as well as recent changes in rainfall due to climate change.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalGeoscience Data Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2022
A new study, led by UMass Amherst, found that drought, not colder temperatures, contributed to the demise of the Norse settlement in southern Greenland. The researchers analyzed sediment samples from a lake near a former farm and found a prolonged drying trend coincident with the settlement's collapse.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 2022
Researchers found that big trees provide a doughnut-shaped zone surrounding them where snowpack can endure, benefiting forests with sparse precipitation. The study suggests conserving healthy and large tree species can help retain snow on the ground.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcohydrology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2022
Researchers used a novel model ensemble to study compound hot-dry-events and found that precipitation trends determine their future occurrence. The frequency of these events is expected to increase fourfold in a two-degree warmer climate, with an uncertainty of up to 48% for precipitation trends.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2022
A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateMar 10, 2022
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.
Research led by Dr. Petra Holden from the University of Cape Town found that catchment restoration through alien tree management can reduce climate change's impact on drought streamflow. The study shows that clearing moderate levels of invasion can result in a 3-16% amelioration of human-derived climate change impact.
SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2022
The Bureau of Reclamation released a new report evaluating current and emerging snow measurement technologies to enhance water supply forecasting. The report identifies under-utilized emerging technologies with potential to improve forecast accuracy in the near term.
Researchers have found that altering carotenoid metabolism in tomato plants increases fruit yield by up to 77% and enhances nutritional content. The modified plants also show improved tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
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.
The European Union is projected to experience increased fire-prone areas, threatening biodiversity and carbon sinks. The IPCC report highlights the need for adaptation in addressing wildfires, focusing on fire and forest management to increase ecosystem resilience.
SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateMar 7, 2022
Research from satellite data analysis suggests that three-quarters of the Amazon forest has lost its ability to recover from perturbations since the early 2000s. This loss of resilience increases the risk of dieback and contributes to global warming, highlighting the urgent need for limiting logging and greenhouse gas emissions.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022
The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in resilience, which could trigger dieback and have severe consequences for the environment. The study found that resilience has dropped consistently since the early 2000s, with parts of the forest losing resilience faster due to deforestation and climate change.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2022
Higher elevation mountain forests are using more water on average during droughts, reducing water availability downstream for cities and wildlife. Researchers found that these forests tend to be located above 3,280 feet and have increased water use due to rising temperatures and changes in tree species composition.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLandscape Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022
Researchers warn that deforestation and climate change are exacerbating drought conditions in Brazil's agricultural frontier, threatening soybean yields. The study analyzed changes in hydrology and weather patterns over four decades, highlighting a rise in temperatures, dry days, and decreased precipitation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.
SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022
Researchers discovered two WOX genes controlling lateral root primordium size in rice, improving drought stress tolerance and crop production. QHB/OsWOX5 regulates S-type roots, while OsWOX10 mediates L-type root development, enhancing water uptake under drought conditions.
SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2022
Regions such as the southwestern US, Amazon and Mediterranean will experience intensified drought from 1901 to 2100. Hydrological and agricultural droughts are expected to intensify more than precipitation drought due to increasing climatic water demand deficit.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.
A study found that beetles in German forests shifted their diversity to Red-Ash trees when European Ash trees died due to drought stress. This suggests that non-native trees can provide opportunities for insects during times of climate change.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalSustainability·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022
Researchers linked El Niño to decreased enslaved Africans transported to the Americas due to drier conditions, indicating a two-year lag. The study highlights the interplay between weather and human conflict, with lessons applicable to modern-day climate change and potential conflicts.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalWeather Climate and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022
A new UF study found that climate change intensifies the negative effects of invasive plants on longleaf pine trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. The experiment showed that trees under stress from both drought and invasive cogongrass were least likely to survive after fire.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.
SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022
A new Stanford University study reveals that communities near the West's wildland-urban interface are vulnerable to wildfires due to drought-sensitive ecosystems. The research identifies 18 'double-hazard' zones where plant-water sensitivity and atmospheric dryness create high wildfire risks.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
Researchers at NTNU identified a molecular component, THE1, required for modulating cell wall stiffness and abscisic acid production in plants. This finding provides novel insights into plant adaptation to drought and changing environments, with potential benefits for agriculture.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
Scientists from Nagoya University investigate the formation of air channels in wetland plants, which help them survive floods and droughts. The study reveals that a phytohormone called auxin is required for normal root growth, and two factors lead to the induction of aerenchyma formation in response to flooding.
SourceNagoya University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 4, 2022
A new DNA metabarcoding technique identifies nearly 3,000 insect species in European forests, revealing that forest dieback affects insect community composition and ecological functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving environmental features supporting biodiversity.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 2, 2022
Increased aridity since the 1950s is evident across several hotspot regions, including Africa, southern Europe, East Asia, and Australia. Climate model projections suggest worsening drought conditions and longer-lasting drought events in the late 21st century.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 29, 2022
A new study reveals that trees benefit from having more space, reducing competition and helping them recover from fire damage. By alleviating stress caused by neighbors competing for limited water resources, trees can fend off beetle attacks and heal after fire, increasing their chances of survival.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 27, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A University of Arizona-led team combined tree-ring data with forest inventory measurements to predict future tree growth. The researchers found a 56-91% decline in individual tree growth, leading to less carbon sequestration by Arizona's forests.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2022
A new analysis predicts climate change will decline suitable regions for coffee arabica, cashews, and avocados in major producing countries. Suitable areas may expand at higher altitudes and latitudes, particularly for cashews and avocados.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2022
A study found that frequent-fire forests in the Sierra Nevada have far fewer trees due to fire suppression, leading to increased competition among remaining trees. Managing for resilience involves drastically reducing densities to create low-density stands with less tree competition.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 19, 2022
Researchers found that sunflowers with larger UV bullseyes retain water more efficiently in drier environments, suggesting a dual role for floral pigmentation in adaptation. The discovery may help increase crop yields and improve pollinator attraction.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournaleLife·DateJan 18, 2022
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.
Researchers evaluate the impact of severe water restrictions on almond plantations, finding that complete irrigation suspension leads to high mortality rates. Sustained deficit irrigation may be a more beneficial strategy for new plantations, mitigating economic losses and preserving production.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalIrrigation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022
A new analysis reveals that approximately 1.3 million Californians, or nearly 3.5% of the population, rely on domestic wells for their water supply, while 370,000 more may be served by contaminated community water systems. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by drinking water contamination.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2022
A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.
SourcePenn State·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022
A new study reveals the Maya had nearly 500 edible plants available to them, many of which are highly drought-resistant. This analysis debunks the assumption that drought led to the collapse of ancient Mayan civilization.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2022
In a new study, desert shrubs in the Southwest have increased their water use efficiency at unprecedented rates to survive a decades-long megadrought. The study found that despite this heroic increase, shrubs may not be adapting quickly enough to long-term drying trends in the West.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 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.
A Dartmouth team compiled a global-scale dataset to show how uncertainties over determining snow depth can actually improve predictions of water availability. The approach leverages observational and definitional uncertainties to make better assessments of snow droughts and their impacts.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers found that diverse plant water-use strategies and soil interactions support forest stability during extreme drought. The study revealed a 70% drop in carbon storage but also showed plants releasing VOCs to signal with soil microbes, mitigating emissions.
A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021
Current climate models underestimate species extinction rates by neglecting the complexities of ecosystems. Researchers used piñon pine data to model how climate affects tree populations and distribution, finding indirect effects that cannot be captured by climate-only models.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 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.
Persistent weather conditions are becoming more common in European summer, leading to prolonged heat waves and intense rainfall events. This trend is linked to increased hydro-climatic risks, especially for densely populated regions.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021
Researchers created a single-cell map of corn's root, identifying key regulators of cellular diversity that help crops tolerate drought and flooding. The study found that the genetic regulator SHORT ROOT (SHR) plays a crucial role in expanding cortex tissue, leading to increased tolerance of climate stressors.
SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2021