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The thinnest photodetector in the world

The researchers found that the one-layer MoS2 device absorbs less light but produces seven times more photocurrent than the thicker seven-layer MoS2 device. This is attributed to quantum physics mechanisms, including electron tunneling and reduced recombination within the MoS2 layer.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016

Andeans with altitude sickness produce massive amounts of red blood cells

Researchers found that people living at high altitudes with chronic mountain sickness produce significantly more red blood cells than those without the condition. This is due to an overproduction of the SENP1 enzyme, which boosts levels of other proteins promoting cell division and survival.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 7, 2016

Consensus by international federation on drug use at high altitude

The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation has published guidelines for the safe use of various drugs in mountain environments. The guidelines cover a range of drug types, including alcohol, steroids, and oxygen, and aim to provide evidence-based advice for medical professionals and climbers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateOct 25, 2016
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.

One vent just isn't enough for some volcanoes

Mount Etna's unusual crater formation is attributed to eastern flank instability, causing new stresses and pressures on the volcano's structure. This makes it a prime subject for study, with recent research monitoring its behavior over ten years to predict future eruptions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateSep 2, 2016

Alaska's 'Sleeping Lady'

Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 16, 2016

The Aztec treasure unearthed: New earth snake species discovered in Mexico

Scientists have described a new species of earth snake from the mountains of Puebla and Veracruz in east-central Mexico. Genetic data and anatomical examination reveal that these snakes are remarkably similar to each other, but molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination have come close to understanding their diversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 11, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Huge time-lag between erosion and mountain building

Researchers found a two-million-year delay between tectonic uplift and maximum erosion rates in the Argentine Precordillera mountains. This time-lag is attributed to the slow propagation of erosion waves through the fluvial network under semi-arid conditions.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 19, 2016
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.

Genomes from Zagros mountains reveal different Neolithic ancestry of Europeans & South Asians

A recent study published in Science reveals that populations in the ancient Fertile Crescent are the ancestors of modern-day South Asians, but not of Europeans. The earliest farmers from the Zagros mountains in Iran showed a genetically distinct group that only very distantly related to the first farmers of western Anatolia and Europe.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016
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.

Chewed plants help detect viruses in wild mountain gorillas and monkeys

Scientists discover that chewed plants by mountain gorillas can be used to test for viruses, providing a simple way to monitor the health of endangered apes. The new non-invasive method is effective for detecting both RNA and DNA viruses and has implications for conservation management.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJul 7, 2016

Climate change's effect on Rocky Mountain plant is driven by sex

A UCI study reveals that climate change is altering the growth patterns of male and female Valeriana edulis over elevation in the Colorado Rockies. The shift in sex ratios allows female plants to successfully produce more seeds, while males become more common at higher elevations.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Significant humus loss in forests of the Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps have seen a 14% decline in topsoil organic matter over the past three decades, primarily caused by climate warming. Implementing humus-promoting forest management can help mitigate floods and preserve soil fertility, water balance, and nutrient supply.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

For tropical mayflies, mountain passes are higher indeed

A study by Colorado State University researchers reveals that tropical mayflies have a higher number of distinct species than their temperate-zone counterparts. The distinctions between these species consist of subtle, genetic differences that aren't readily visible to the naked eye.

SourceColorado State University·DateJun 15, 2016

Ice age bison fossils shed light on early human migrations in North America

Scientists have dated the opening of an ice-free corridor in the Rocky Mountains, which allowed for later human and animal migrations between North America's far north and rest. The research used bison fossils to track the movement of animals into the corridor, showing it was open by around 13,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016

Appalachian coal ash richest in rare earth elements

A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2016

Squeezing out mountains, mathematically, on Jupiter's moon Io

A computer model simulates the formation of Io's mountains through the compression of rocks due to volcanic activity. The study suggests that this mechanism could have operated on early Earth, explaining why mountains like those on Io might have emerged first as land.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 17, 2016
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.

Scientist collects 30 sawfly species not previously reported from Arkansas

Dr. Michael Skvarla's Ph.D. research at the University of Arkansas has discovered 30 previously unknown sawfly species in the state. The study highlights the vast natural history still to be explored about insects, with many species having large range extensions across hundreds of miles.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMay 16, 2016

What mountain gorillas reveal with their teeth

A study on mountain gorillas reveals that their dietary habits contribute to dental wear, which adapts to the available food in their habitat. The analysis of tooth morphology provides valuable information for identifying and age-estimating gorillas, highlighting the importance of conserving their habitat.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMay 11, 2016

From the Himalaya to the Canadian Cordillera

Scientists analyze sedimentary archives in Alberta Foreland Basin, revealing cyclic changes in sediment source areas consistent with magmatic flare-ups. In another study, researchers uncover pre-Cenozoic geologic history of the central and northern Tibetan Plateau, tying Wilson cycles to constructing the Tethyan orogenic system.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMay 9, 2016
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.

How climate change dries up mountain streams

A new study simulates climate change effects on Rocky Mountain stream systems, finding that warmer temperatures have a greater impact on streamflow than changes in precipitation type. This can lead to reduced streamflow and altered groundwater recharge patterns.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2016

The fourth dimension

Researchers propose an algorithm to retrieve four-dimensional surface deformation field using space-borne SAR data, crucial for interpreting complex geological phenomena. The method demonstrates its validity in areas where large and/or rapid surface deformation occurs, such as the Afar depression system.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 11, 2016
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.

Cold mountain streams offer climate refuge: Future holds hope for biodiversity

A new study finds that cold-water species are more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with many populations expected to persist this century. Mountain landscapes play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, giving conservationists time to complete extensive surveys and develop effective conservation strategies.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2016

Four new research units established

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing four new Research Units, focusing on climate-related extinction events, individual risk perception, human impact on high-altitude ecosystems, and resilience in pre-modern societies. The units will receive approximately €7 million in funding for the first period.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateMar 23, 2016
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.

Inventory of moths

A recent study has identified nearly 2,000 species of looper moths in the Andes mountains. The researchers used DNA barcodes to categorize and identify the species, revealing a higher diversity than previously estimated.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2016

Evidence in the Cassia Hills of Idaho reveals 12 catastrophic eruptions

Researchers have uncovered evidence of 12 massive explosive eruptions in the Cassia Hills of southern Idaho, which left behind glassy deposits and a deep volcanic basin. These eruptions were hotter and more frequent than those at Yellowstone, and provide insights into ancient volcanic activity west of the famous park.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMar 10, 2016

Even plant-supporting soil fungi affected by global warming, UCI study finds

A University of California, Irvine study found that global warming affects the soil fungi that support plant life in tropical mountain cloud forests. The impact on these ecosystems could be significant, with changes to fungal community composition and increased carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 7, 2016
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.

How climate change will affect western groundwater

Climate models predict wet regions will become wetter and dry regions drier; western US aquifers expected to see slight-to-significant decreases in recharge as climate warms. The team's research integrates scientists' knowledge with scientific models to predict groundwater changes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Terrestrial laser scanning in California

Researchers evaluated the performance of Riegl Z620i and LPM-800HA terrestrial laser scanners on characterizing natural surfaces. They established a procedure to test componential uncertainty budgets and demonstrated the relationship between reference network uncertainty and imaged surface repeatability.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 8, 2016

Topography shapes mountain biodiversity

A new study highlights how topography influences biodiversity in mountains. Mid-altitudes host the most species due to the size and connectivity of similar habitats. Biodiversity peaks at these elevations, not at high altitudes or lower levels, according to researchers from EPFL.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.

Two new species of frogs are discovered in Madagascar

Two new species of frogs, Rombophryne ornata and Rombophryne tany, are discovered in the forest floor of Madagascar's remote Tsaratanana Massif. The scientists found unique features such as spines over their eye sockets and distinctive colors like reddish and brownish hues.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHerpetologica·DateJan 12, 2016

Reptile fossils offer clues about elevation history of Andes Mountains

The discovery of ancient tortoise and turtle fossils in the Andes Mountains suggests that the region was less than a kilometer above sea level 13 million years ago. The findings support alternative estimates to a recent study and provide insights into climate change caused by rising mountains.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateDec 29, 2015
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.

Geomorphic impact of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011

The 2011 flood caused by Tropical Storm Lee had a significant impact on the geomorphology of several large watersheds in north-central Pennsylvania. Channel widening and bank erosion were common, and huge volumes of gravel were transported during the flood. The study suggests that part of the reason for these changes was related to the...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 29, 2015

Death Valley study helps determine evolution of western US landscapes

New mapping and dating reveal timing of past earthquakes and tectonic deformation distribution across the western U.S. Death Valley's faulted alluvial fans help determine seismic hazard mitigation and understand great landscapes' evolution over recent geologic time.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateDec 8, 2015

Filling in gaps in the history of earth's magnetic field

Scientists have used subterranean rock samples to help fill a gap in the history of Earth's magnetic field, shedding light on North America's position 400 million years ago. The study provides new insights into Paleomagnetism and its relevance to understanding the continent's geological past.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateDec 8, 2015

SF State research reveals how climate influences sediment size

San Francisco State University researchers developed a new method to analyze river rocks, revealing the impact of climate on sediment size. The study found that larger sediment sizes are produced on steeper, colder mountains, controlling canyon formation.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015
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 discover sediment size matters in high-elevation erosion rates

Researchers found that cold, steep slopes produce coarser sediment than gentle slopes, suggesting variations in climate, topography, and weathering rates shape mountain landscapes. This discovery quantifies the relationship between sediment size and erosion rates, providing new insights into the interplay of climate and tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015

Researchers advance understanding of mountain watersheds

Scientists estimate volume of open pore space in subsurface using geophysical surveys and computer models, revealing new theoretical framework for understanding watershed porosity. The study predicts distribution of pore space based on stress in the earth's crust, with implications for streamflow, aquifer systems, and landscape evolution.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

New study unravels mystery of why deadly tick disease appears to be surging, yet fatalities have not

A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the expanding range of the Lone star tick is causing reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections to rise, but fatalities have not. The mild disease spread by the aggressive tick is being mistaken for the more serious disease due to similarities in bloo...

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 26, 2015
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.

Geothermal energy: Look to the Denver-Julesberg Basin

A new study presents a method using GIS and National Geothermal Data System data to evaluate regions for geothermal energy exploration. The Denver-Julesberg Basin is identified as the highest capacity for large-scale, economically feasible geothermal power production.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateOct 9, 2015

Southern California wildfires show split personalities

A new study reveals that Southern California wildfires have two distinct personalities, with Santa Ana winds-driven fires being more damaging due to faster spread, urban burns, and higher economic losses. Climate change is expected to fan flames for the region, increasing fire risk from hot summers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 8, 2015