Researchers discovered and validated the enzymes responsible for producing guanitoxin, a potent neurotoxin associated with freshwater harmful algal blooms. The study revealed that guanitoxin-producing cyanobacteria are more prevalent than known in the US, enabling new molecular diagnostic testing to protect public health.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2022
Researchers found that Mars' extreme energy budget imbalance can contribute to dust storms. The team analyzed four years of data from NASA missions and found a correlation between the planet's orbits and temperatures, suggesting that the energy excess may be one of the generating mechanisms of Mars' dust storms.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2022
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022
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.
Researchers have discovered a 30-mile-long, 9-mile-wide subglacial lake in East Antarctica that may hold the key to understanding the continent's glaciation history. The sediments at the bottom of Lake Snow Eagle could provide valuable insights into climate change and the ice sheet's possible demise.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022
A new study reveals that freshwater habitats have the highest animal species richness per area, with more than 99% of known animal species inhabiting land and 12% ocean habitats. The research suggests that preserving freshwater ecosystems can protect more species and evolutionary history.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2022
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEcological Monographs·DateApr 7, 2022
Scientists detected a seismic signal indicating a massive landslide triggered by the rapid recession of the West Grenville Glacier in British Columbia. The resulting tsunami devastated forest, salmon spawning habitats, and logging camps, killing hundreds of thousands of fish and potentially affecting bears and eagles.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
A new study reveals highly variable year-to-year changes in surface meltwater lakes around the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Warmer seasons lead to deeper and larger lakes, potentially vulnerable ice shelves are at risk of break-up due to climate change.
SourceDurham University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 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.
Researchers have provided a continuous look at the dramatic shift in glacial cycles, known as the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, using an ancient Arctic sedimentary record. The study reveals that three interglacial periods were warmer than previously thought, and there was a long-term drying trend during this period.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 30, 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 used lake sediment in the Tibetan Plateau to estimate that high-elevation alpine permafrost will melt faster than arctic permafrost, releasing greenhouse gases and contributing to global temperature rise. The study suggests that up to 60% of alpine permafrost land area may be lost under current warming conditions.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 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 bi-national regulation targeting ships entering the Great Lakes since mid-2000s has reduced invasive species risk by 85%, with a significant impact on fisheries and biodiversity. The study suggests that saltwater flushing through ballast tanks is a crucial control strategy.
SourceMcGill University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 11, 2022
Researchers in Acadia National Park found that regulations reducing atmospheric sulfur have led to a partial recovery of algae ecosystems, despite ongoing climate change impacts. Clear-water lakes like Jordan Pond are more sensitive to warming than brown-water lakes like Seal Cove Pond, leading to slower recovery rates.
SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalJournal of Paleolimnology·DateMar 2, 2022
A recent study using satellite laser altimetry found that about 54% of lakes showed a significant trend in water-level change from 2003 to 2020, with 80% showing an upward trend. The total water volume of observed lakes increased at a rate of 10.88 ±16.45 Gt/yr during this period.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 22, 2022
A global study reveals that freshwater lake ecosystems are being damaged by salt concentrations below government-protective thresholds. The loss of zooplankton triggers a cascade effect causing an increase in algae, potentially altering nutrient cycling and water quality.
SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 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.
Cambridge University researchers are tackling major environmental challenges in the UK's 'vegetable garden', the Fens, through a £10 million project. The team is working with farmers, landowners, and conservation groups to develop whole system solutions for climate change, extinction, and pollution threats.
Research found that anaerobic microbial transformation on Tonle Sap Lake's floodplains produces substantial amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of this process in tropical freshwater ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global carbon cycles and the impact of climate change.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
Researchers have developed an interest in studying glacial lakes and their impact on glacier behavior and downstream ecosystems. Over a 35-year period, a team of scientists has produced a detailed inventory of glacial lakes and dams in Alaska and northwest Canada.
SourceColorado State University·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022
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.
A recent study discovered that a hydrothermal crater lake in Costa Rica's Poás volcano is home to a diverse range of microorganisms, including the single 'extremophile' genus Acidiphilium. These bacteria have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and toxic metals, which may be similar to those found on Mars.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive directory of subglacial lakes worldwide, revealing that 20% are active and pose a hazard to human populations. The inventory provides a knowledge base for scientists to assess future changes as the climate warms.
SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 4, 2022
Researchers have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Faroe Islands dating back to around 500 AD, with signs of domestic sheep arrival at this time. The findings, based on lake sediments and DNA analysis, provide conclusive proof that humans inhabited the islands before the Vikings, who are thought to have arrived around 850 AD.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers at USTC reconstructed precipitation patterns in East Asian monsoon region during the Holocene and proposed a driving mechanism. The study suggests that low-latitude seasonal insolation changes, modulated by Western Pacific Subtropical High, control monsoon precipitation variation.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalGeology·DateDec 15, 2021
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.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021
Researchers reconstruct Land of Israel climate at end of last ice age using plant remains, revealing significant temperature and precipitation differences that impacted the transition from hunter-gatherer to settled agricultural societies. The study provides insights into the region's flora and its response to past climate change.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 22, 2021
A University of Cambridge study reveals that periodic caterpillar outbreaks improve lake water quality but increase CO2 emissions by altering nutrient cycling and favouring greenhouse gas-producing bacteria. This phenomenon is likely to worsen as climate change expands the insects' range, threatening northern forests.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2021
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.
Airborne pollen concentrations in Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, are influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction. The study found that airborne pollen composition corresponds to local vegetation and reflects long-distance transported pollen taxa.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 28, 2021
A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEnvironmental Science Processes & Impacts·DateOct 27, 2021
Lakes in the Northern Hemisphere are warming at an alarming rate, with some losing up to two months of ice cover since records began. The study, led by York University, found that lakes are losing on average 17 days of ice cover per century.
SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateOct 21, 2021
Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry technique to identify key protein features in cyanobacteria, enabling rapid detection of harmful species. This approach can be used to prevent blue-green algae blooms and detect toxic species, such as spirulina extracts.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Research led by VUB team shows that global changes in lake temperature and ice cover are caused by human-induced climate change, posing a threat to water quality and native fish species.
SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021
The Perseverance rover's first scientific analysis confirms Jezero crater was a calm lake for most of its existence, interrupted by flash floods that carried huge boulders downstream. The findings provide clues to Martian climate evolution and offer opportunities to search for signs of ancient life.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021
Invasive fish and crustaceans significantly reduce lake organism abundance, degrading water quality. Researchers provide guidance on managing waterbodies to prevent ecosystem collapse.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 6, 2021
Researchers analyzed a nine-county birth certificate database in New York state from 2005 to 2018, finding associations between redlined areas and increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. The study's findings highlight the ongoing impact of historical racism on current health disparities.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 30, 2021
Researchers found that lake breach floods played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, creating river valleys with nearly a quarter of the Red Planet's total volume. The study's findings suggest that these floods had a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, influencing the formation of other nearby river valleys.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study by ANU researchers has found human impacts such as deforestation and mining have significantly transformed Lake Kutubu's algal and geochemical compositions. The lake is now showing signs of ecosystem collapse, including plumes of chemicals and health issues for local communities.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021
A new study found that four distinct episodes of volcanic activity coincided with significant environmental changes, including the Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode, which drove animal and plant diversification. The research suggests that large volcanic eruptions had a profound impact on global temperature and humidity.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021
Researchers found fecal contamination in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, primarily attributed to wildlife and pack animals. Human-associated bacteria were detected at lower levels, but not significantly related to landscape or elevation.
SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new study led by Rachel Penczykowski investigates the hydra effect in water fleas, where parasite infections trigger a counterintuitive increase in population density. The researchers found that infected water fleas consume less algae, leading to an abundance of resources for uninfected individuals.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021
Research in Saudi Arabia reveals multiple pulses of increased rainfall transformed the arid region into a hospitable route for human population movements. The discovery of thousands of stone tools shows changing human culture over time, documenting transition from Lower Palaeolithic Acheulean to Middle Palaeolithic technologies.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2021
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.
Researchers have developed tiny 'nanojars' that can split bicarbonate into carbonate and capture it, as well as certain toxic anions, making them suitable for recycling. The nanojars are made up of multiple repeating units of a copper ion and a pyrazole group, and can selectively bind to specific ions.
Researchers found that semi-natural habitat patches complement existing flower strips in protecting pollinators, attracting a greater number of species and providing year-round flowers. These small structures, such as hedgerows and overgrown fences, offer potential retreats and nesting sites for overwintering bumblebees.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 3, 2021
A Japanese research team found that residents who engage in activities like camping and hiking experience increased happiness, while ownership has no effect. The study suggests better policies for enhancing forest relationships and measuring happiness based on the types of forest happiness.
SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalJournal of the Japanese Forest Society·DateAug 2, 2021
A new study reveals that the domestication of plants and construction of settlements based on agriculture in ancient Japan coincided with periods of relatively warm and stable climate. This challenges the conventional theory that a climatic cooling event drove humans to adopt agriculture.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJul 29, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A geologist's analysis of ancient sediments found in Kenya's Lake Magadi has revealed a progressive drying trend over the last million years. The study suggests that early humans may have been prompted to move and trade due to drought, with the region experiencing significant changes in climate.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalGeology·DateJul 8, 2021
Scientists use NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite 2 to map subglacial lakes under the West Antarctic ice sheet. The study reveals two new lakes and provides critical insight into freshwater exchange, which may alter ocean circulation and ecosystems.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 7, 2021
A pioneering study reveals subglacial lakes in Antarctica harbor thriving microbial life through the erosion of ancient sediments, providing a new source of nutrients and energy for microorganisms. The research found that crushing sediments can produce key gases, including methane and hydrogen, essential for microbial processes.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 29, 2021
Researchers have discovered a new style of invisible gold hosted in pyrite crystals with deformation-related dislocations. Additionally, a study reveals the impact of diagenesis on iron speciation in ancient sedimentary rocks, suggesting true euxinia may be less than previously thought. Submarine fans also exhibit dynamic environments ...
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJun 29, 2021
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 found that zebra mussels can increase Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria causing harmful algal blooms, by filtering out competitors. The study suggests that zebra mussels may be inadvertently helping toxic algae thrive in nutrient-poor waters.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 24, 2021
A new study develops a machine learning method that incorporates physical world rules to make more accurate environmental predictions, particularly in river temperature prediction. The model can handle sparse data and generalize well across different time periods.
A recent study found that Finland's lakes in Lapland will have higher mercury levels due to climate change and increased land use. The warmer climate and more intense land use lead to the leaching of nutrients and carbon-bound mercury into waterways, causing a biomagnification effect on fish and food webs.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 22, 2021
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.
Researchers from the University of Liège found that Lake Victoria's phytoplankton biomass decreased by seven times since the 1990s, while nutrient levels remained stable. Climate conditions, including wind intensity, significantly impact phytoplankton growth and food chain dynamics.
SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateJun 18, 2021
Researchers discover 9,000-year-old obsidian flakes in Lake Huron, originating from an obsidian quarry over 2,000 miles away, representing the oldest and farthest east confirmed specimens of western obsidian in the continental US. The find sheds light on social connections across North America 9,000 years ago.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2021
Researchers reconstruct climate history in Ethiopia for the last 200,000 years, revealing a wet phase that supported human migration to Europe and Asia. The study provides evidence for significant impact on human evolution and mobility.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 14, 2021
Research suggests that earthquakes magnitude 5.0 and larger could cause ground displacement and liquefaction in Salt Lake City, increasing the risk of earthquake-related building damage. The study identified a complex zone of folding and faulting beneath downtown Salt Lake City, which may deform the ground during a large earthquake.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·DateJun 3, 2021
Research published in Nature found that oxygen levels in temperate freshwater lakes declined 5.5% at the surface and 18.6% in deep waters since 1980. Climate change is driving this decline, which threatens aquatic biodiversity and drinking water quality.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A recent study found that browning lakes in the northeast US are becoming increasingly light-limited, restricting algal growth and aquatic plant life. This reduction in productivity can affect fish food webs, particularly those relying on visual foraging like brook trout.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateMay 29, 2021
A reevaluation of the Edaphodon eyrensis fossil tooth plate has led to a revised classification as Ptyktoptychion eyrensis. The discovery was made possible by Evgeny Popov's study of the fossil in various Australian locations.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMay 28, 2021