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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.

Study finds 'hidden harvest' in world's inland fisheries

A new study estimates that 65% of global freshwater fish catch is underreported, with millions of people relying on these 'hidden harvests' for protein. Inland fisheries play a crucial role in food security, especially in low-income countries where they are dispersed across the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

UMass Amherst to study changes in arctic rain/snow regimes

Researchers will study lake sediments in western Svalbard to identify sedimentary signatures of recent changes, potentially leading to more flash flooding and landslides. The study aims to provide a long-term perspective on modern climate conditions and their effects on the region.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJun 15, 2018

Interglacial summer warming in Greenland

A lake sediment record near the Greenland Ice Sheet margin preserves sediments from past interglacial periods, including the Early Holocene and Last Interglacial Period. July air temperatures during these periods were estimated to be significantly warmer than modern temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018
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.

Ancient Greenland was much warmer than previously thought

Researchers found ancient lake mud and fly species that record two interglacial periods in northwest Greenland, revealing warmer temperatures than previously thought. This discovery could improve climate models and predictions of how the ice sheet might respond to man-made global warming.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Hydropower in Cambodia could threaten food security of region

The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateMay 31, 2018
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.

Cause of E. coli beach closings? Gulls

Researchers have identified gulls as the major source of E. coli beach closings on Lake Michigan beaches in Indiana. The team found that trained dogs patrolled beaches with a dog deterrence program reduced gull abundance by nearly 100% and beach closures, resulting in improved water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 23, 2018

Monitoring lava lake levels in Congo volcano

Researchers at Nyiragongo volcano use a combination of seismic, infrasound, and satellite data to track the lava lake level, providing insights into magmatic system activity. The study helps improve eruption forecasting by understanding the relationship between pressure changes in the magmatic system and lava lake fluctuations.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateMay 15, 2018

Brood parasitism in fish

The cuckoo catfish has evolved a clever method to smuggle its eggs into cichlids' nests, exploiting their brood care behavior. Cichlids from Lake Tanganyika have learned to defend themselves against the parasite's trick, but those without 'evolutionary experience' are vulnerable to its strategy.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Greenhouse gas 'feedback loop' discovered in freshwater lakes

A new study discovered a 'feedback loop' in freshwater lakes where organic matter from plants suppresses methane production, while debris from trees and aquatic plants promotes its release. The findings suggest that changes in vegetation could lead to a doubling of lake emissions and exacerbate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018

Climate change will boost global lake evaporation -- with 'extreme' consequences

A new Yale study finds that global lake evaporation will increase 16 percent by the end of the century as a result of climate change. The specific mechanisms driving this phenomenon are not what scientists expected, with other factors such as shortened ice periods and changes in heat energy allocation playing a crucial role.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 2, 2018
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.

Why Antarctic snow melts even in winter

Researchers found that Antarctic glaciers can experience surface melting during the winter months due to warm winds. The Larsen C ice sheet shows large meltwater lakes forming, which may affect ice-shelf stability and contribute to sea-level rise if ponds cause ice shelves to break up.

SourceSwansea University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2018

Blinded by the light: Climate change, the sun, and Lake Superior

Research led by Dr. Soren Brothers found that Lake Superior absorbs atmospheric CO2 from May to October, but expels it during winter due to El Niño events and climate change. The study, published in Limnology and Oceanography, suggests a potential marine-atmospheric feedback loop with global warming.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 24, 2018
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.

Keeping an eye on the health of structures

Researchers used synthetic-aperture radar data from four satellites to analyze the Lake Urmia Causeway in Iran, finding accelerated deformation due to soil consolidation and human activity. They also developed a predictive model for future deformation, highlighting the potential of space-based monitoring for critical structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2018

Scientists discover first subglacial lakes in Canadian Arctic

Two newly discovered subglacial lakes beneath the Devon Ice Cap in the Canadian Arctic are thought to be the first isolated hypersaline lakes in the world. The lakes, containing water four to five times saltier than seawater, exist at temperatures below freezing and have the potential to support microbial life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 2018

Brewing up Earth's earliest life

A team of planetary scientists from MIT has identified large concentrations of sulfidic anions in shallow lakes on early Earth, which may have sped up the chemical reactions required to convert simple prebiotic molecules into RNA. This finding fundamentally changes our knowledge of early Earth and its potential role in the origin of life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 9, 2018
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.

1C rise in atmospheric temperature causes rapid changes to world's largest High Arctic lake

A one-degree temperature increase led to drastic changes in Lake Hazen's ecology, including increased glacial meltwater and fine sediment, affecting light penetration and biological productivity. The findings document an unprecedented shift in the lake's ecosystem, challenging scientists' expectations of its response to climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

Human-engineered changes on Mississippi River increased extreme floods

A recent study revealed a dramatic rise in extreme floods on the Mississippi River over the past century, largely due to human modifications such as artificial levees. The research also uncovered a link between flooding and natural fluctuations in Pacific and Atlantic Ocean water temperatures.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2018
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.

Modeling future earthquake and tsunami risk in southeast Japan

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Japanese scientists report developing new techniques for modeling tsunami risk in the Nankai Trough, a region predicted to generate a magnitude 8-9 earthquake within the next few decades. The team's GPS-based methods simulate tsunami inundation and validate previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

Walleye fish populations are in decline

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences found that walleye production in Wisconsin lakes decreased by 27% between 1990 and 2012. Climate change, habitat degradation, and harvest rates are likely contributing factors to the decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 29, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Monitor climate change, not predators, to protect lake diversity: Study

A new study from the University of Guelph finds that climate change and environmental factors are more threatening to fish diversity than predators in freshwater lakes. The research highlights the importance of monitoring lake conditions, including warming temperatures and water quality impacts, to protect species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Waterbirds affected by low water, high salt levels in lakes

A recent study at Lake Abert found that low water levels and high salinity affect the availability of brine shrimp, a key food source for waterbirds. The lake's surface area has decreased by nearly 200 football fields since 1986, resulting in a 82% decline in bird sightings during periods of low water and high salinity.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 22, 2018

Chain reaction of fast-draining lakes poses new risk for Greenland ice sheet

A growing network of fast-draining lakes on the Greenland ice sheet triggers a chain reaction that speeds up ice flow, posing a new risk for the ice sheet's long-term stability. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, reveals that these 'drainage events' can temporarily accelerate ice flow by as much as 400%.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018
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.

Early warning system for deadly amphibian pathogen

Researchers detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus in environmental DNA samples from lakes in California, providing an early signal of potential outbreaks and offering a non-invasive method to screen for the pathogen. The discovery could help save amphibian species around the world from extinction.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·DateMar 12, 2018

Mexico's 2017 earthquake emerged from a growing risk zone

Researchers identified a bending fault line in the Pacific Ocean as the likely cause of the 7.1 magnitude Puebla earthquake, which caused significant damage in Mexico City. The study suggests that earthquakes like this one may be more common than previously thought in a region southeast of Mexico City.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

Citizen science birding data passes scientific muster

A recent study published in Biological Conservation shows that eBird citizen science data accurately tracks trends in government bird surveys, filling data gaps in developing nations. The analysis, led by University of Utah researcher Joshua Horns, reveals significant declines for 48% of North American bird species over the past 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 11, 2018

Fish team up for more food

Researchers observed cooperative behavior in Neolamprologus obscurus fish, excavating stones to create shelter and increase food abundance. The study found that helpers played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding these shelters, leading to increased prey abundance and improved breeding success.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 6, 2018
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.

U CO2 sensor network shows effects of metro growth

The U CO2 sensor network, the only multisite urban CO2 network worldwide with over a decade of continuous measurements, shows that suburban sprawl significantly impacts metro area CO2 emissions. The network reveals that suburban expansion increases CO2 emissions more than similar population growth in urban areas.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers create more complete picture of freshwater toxic algal blooms

A two-year study of North Carolina's Jordan Lake found that multiple cyanotoxins are present in the water throughout the year, albeit at very low levels. The researchers used two different measurement methods to detect these toxins and found four types: microsystin, anatoxin-a, clindrospermopsin, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalToxins·DateFeb 28, 2018

Moths in mud can uncover prehistoric secrets

Researchers have developed a new technique to study lake sediments, using moth scales to identify past and future insect outbreaks. This discovery can help improve knowledge of insect impact on forests, predictability, and links to climate change.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 22, 2018

With cost removed, women choose more effective contraceptive methods

A new study at the University of Utah Health found that removing cost obstacles allows women to access more effective contraceptive methods. The HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative made all forms of contraception available, and participants could change methods at any time in the study, free of charge.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 22, 2018

Extinct lakes of the American desert west

Research reveals two distinct periods of lake existence in the region, with increased precipitation driving formation during warmer periods. The study's findings suggest a potential analogue for future climate change and highlight the importance of understanding El Niño-driven precipitation patterns in arid regions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 22, 2018
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.

Stanford scientists eavesdrop on volcanic rumblings to forecast eruptions

Researchers analyzed infrasound from Villarrica volcano to predict eruptions, finding a connection between sound waves and lava lake changes. The study suggests that infrasound could aid in forecasting volcanic eruptions hours or days ahead.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2018

Shifting shorelines at Lake Tahoe caused by ancient lava dams

New research reveals that Lake Tahoe's shoreline has shifted due to volcanic activity, with three raised shorelines formed by subaerial lava flows and dammed lake outlets. The lake's level rose nearly 200m after each of these events, raising questions about future volcanic eruptions and their hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 13, 2018

Report calls for national parks to get smart

A report suggests national parks adopt smart technologies, such as real-time environmental monitoring and sensor systems, to improve visitor experiences and conserve resources. The Smart Parks model demonstrates how high connectivity can benefit all stakeholders, from nature conservationists to park authorities and emergency services.

SourceLancaster University·DateFeb 11, 2018

No volcanic winter in East Africa from ancient Toba eruption

New research from the University of Arizona contradicts the Toba catastrophe hypothesis by showing no significant negative impact on vegetation growing in East Africa after the 74,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The study found some die-off of mountain plants just after the eruption, but no massive die-off of vegetation at all elevations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Most of last 11,000 years cooler than past decade in North America, Europe

A new climate study found that recent temperatures across North America and Europe are unusually high, exceeding past decade highs by 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and have few natural precedents over the last 11,000 years. The research suggests that human activity has significantly contributed to this warming trend.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2018

Primordial oceans had oxygen 250 million years before the atmosphere

Oceans contained plentiful oxygen long before its accumulation in the atmosphere, providing energy-rich habitat for early life. Researchers used computer models to simulate chemical reactions in ancient ocean sediments and compared results with data from ancient rocks and seawater.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 24, 2018
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.

The big picture of Great Lakes mercury pollution

A study led by Michigan Technological University explores mercury pollution in the Great Lakes, particularly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The research focuses on policy scenarios to reduce mercury emissions and provides insights into regional remediation efforts and fish safety for local communities.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateJan 23, 2018

Combined nutrients and warming massively increase methane emissions from lakes

Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane due to the combination of warming and nutrient enrichment. Methane ebullition increases by up to 17-fold with high nutrient levels, highlighting the need for managing agricultural landscapes to minimize this potent greenhouse gas emission.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 22, 2018