A new method for detecting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater has been developed by researchers, which uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to enrich ARG fragments and increase detection sensitivity. This enhanced method was found to detect 1189 more ARGs and 61 more ARG families compared to standard metagenomics methods.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalWater Research·DateMar 3, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.
SourceAston University·JournalMicrobiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2025
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.
Researchers outline critical safeguards needed to balance public health benefits with Indigenous data sovereignty rights. The study highlights the risks of DNA persistence in wastewater samples, which can reveal sensitive information about community health.
SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2025
Researchers developed a liquid fertilizer replacing unsustainable chemical fertilizers with organic waste, producing up to 100% of nitrogen and 77% of phosphorus. The method also increases phosphorus solubility by adjusting pH levels.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025
Researchers at University of California, Merced are using wastewater-based epidemiology to track nicotine use in San Joaquin Valley communities. The project aims to determine trends and levels of nicotine use through chemicals in wastewater, providing valuable insights for public health agencies and tobacco-control researchers.
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.
A study analyzing lithium brine and waste materials found extremely high arsenic levels, potentially threatening local wildlife. The researchers also discovered increasing acidity and boron levels in evaporation pond brine, highlighting the need for sustainable management strategies.
SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 10, 2025
A high number of poliovirus detections in European countries has highlighted the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage. The virus can be imported into Europe as long as it circulates globally, posing a risk to unvaccinated populations.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 30, 2025
Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.
SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025
Researchers have found dialysis to be 'astonishingly effective' in separating salts from organic substances in wastewater, reducing environmental impacts and costs. The method mimics medical dialysis technology, eliminating the need for repeated dilutions and fouling, and enabling resource recovery.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·DateJan 9, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists predict the proposed wastewater release into Cape Cod Bay will stay in the bay for at least a month, with seasonal winds affecting its spread. The study used high-resolution ocean circulation models to simulate the plume's behavior and found that the majority of the water will come close to the shore before leaving the bay.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2024
A new study provides a comprehensive breakdown of how water injected into the Permian Basin changes subsurface pressures and causes earthquakes. The research offers insights that oil and gas operators and regulators can use to reduce seismicity and associated hazards.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAAPG Bulletin·DateDec 2, 2024
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalIsotopes in Environmental and Health Studies·DateNov 26, 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.
A team of scientists has developed an aerogel made from chitosan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose that addresses the dual challenge of tannery wastewater treatment and resource utilization. The aerogel demonstrates exceptional adsorption capacities for Cr(III), Al(III), and Zr(IV) ions, commonly found in tannery effluents.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2024
A new study finds that reducing the depth of wastewater injection can decrease seismic activity, lending further support to this approach. The research suggests that regulatory efforts to backfill some injection wells with cement and reduce volumes have been effective in lowering Oklahoma's induced earthquake rate.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024
Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2024
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created an electrochemical strategy to capture, concentrate, and destroy PFAS from water using a single device. The new process combines redox electrodialysis with electrosorption to effectively remove ultra-short-chain PFAS molecules.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 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.
A new study finds that pathogens like Listeria and E. coli can survive on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. These biofilms, called plastispheres, protect the pathogens from treatment processes, highlighting a challenge for safely reusing treated water.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024
A study from Osaka University found a reliable wastewater surveillance method, tracking regional infection trends with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The research team concluded that at least three samples per week are required for accurate monitoring.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2024
Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateOct 21, 2024
A team of researchers has developed a method to extract valuable materials such as biopolymers and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants. These biomaterials can be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-based products in various industries, including paper production, building materials, and water purification.
SourceAalborg University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2024
The review highlights the potential of cellulose-based materials in purifying wastewater without causing environmental harm. Cellulose can be converted into valuable products like hydrogels, aerogels, and nanocellulose for sustainable water remediation.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 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.
Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalApplied Soil Ecology·DateSep 23, 2024
A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 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.
The study found H5N1 virus detected in 10 out of 10 cities and 22 out of 23 sites, but no correlation with hospitalizations. The team used viral probe capture to detect viruses in wastewater samples, revealing animal origins of the virus load
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024
A $2.35 million EPA grant will support a two-year OSU project studying 40 US wastewater treatment utilities to understand the impact of treatment processes on antimicrobial resistance markers.
Michigan State University researchers have found a new way to prevent antibiotic resistance by unleashing 'DNA scavengers' in wastewater treatment plants. The enzyme, developed by Syed Hashsham and James Tiedje, breaks up strands of antibiotic-resistant DNA before bacteria can pick them up and take on their properties.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Water·DateAug 21, 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.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 7, 2024
Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024
A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.
SourceWaseda University·JournalEnvironmental Science Water Research & Technology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2024
Astronauts on spacewalks will have access to clean drinking water thanks to a novel urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits. The system recycles urine with an efficiency of 87% through forward and reverse osmosis, providing a continuous supply of potable water.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Space Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024
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.
A deep metagenomic sequencing study in Berlin wastewater reveals common viruses like RSV and flu, seasonal visitors like asparagus-infecting viruses, and astroviruses with potential for gastrointestinal tract infections. The analysis also identifies novel enzymes with biotechnological potential, expanding our knowledge of viral diversity.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024
Researchers isolated three bacterial strains that produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste, showing great potential for production. The optimal conditions for amylase production were found to be 37°C and pH 7.0, leading to increased enzyme activity.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biotechnology Journal·DateJul 4, 2024
Researchers found that combining aquaponic wastewaters with hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP) solutions up to 8% can support plant growth without inhibiting germination. This alternative nutrient source has the potential to increase circularity in food production systems and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers identifies 92 compounds in biosolids that could pose potential risks to human health and the environment. The team screened 16 samples of biosolids from US and Canadian cities and found a range of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 25, 2024
A new BU study links sewage overflows to increased risk of acute gastrointestinal illnesses in downstream communities. Residents are at a 62% higher risk of developing AGI within four days after large-volume combined sewer overflows, regardless of drinking water source.
SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 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.
Researchers mapped wastewater flows on farms and found that copper and zinc footbath water causes fluctuations in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in slurry, highlighting opportunities to reduce AMR pollution through proper waste disposal or recycling.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·Journalnpj Antimicrobials and Resistance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 22, 2024
Researchers have found that lithium can be extracted from Pennsylvania wastewater with high efficiency, potentially supplying up to 40% of the country's demand. This could bring the US closer to meeting its goal of producing all lithium domestically by 2030.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024
Four studies document the feasibility of microalgae-based and microbial wastewater treatment methods to remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The methods show promise in reducing environmental harm while increasing midwestern seafood production and consumption.
SourcePurdue University·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 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.
Researchers at TU Wien have created a nanofabric filter using waste cellulose that can efficiently remove hazardous dyes from water. The filter, called 'nanoweb', uses a high surface area to bind organic dye molecules, resulting in a 95% removal rate.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
A mysterious plasmid, pBI143, found in 90% of human intestines, could be used to identify faecal contamination and offer insights into intestinal diseases. The discovery also highlights the prevalence of 'cryptic' plasmids in human gut microbiota.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2024
A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...
SourceColorado State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 15, 2024
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.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a novel way to degrade and remove toxic organic chemicals, including azo dyes, from wastewater. A new photocatalytic process powered by ultraviolet light effectively degrades methyl orange into water and carbon dioxide molecules with high degradation efficiency.
SourceFlinders University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024
Researchers found that warmer water edges out antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in natural biofilms, suggesting a defense mechanism against their spread. The study suggests temperature can influence microbial competition in rivers.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateFeb 7, 2024
Researchers detected nearly 73% of hepatitis E virus RNA in wastewater samples from sewage treatment plants. High-throughput sequencing revealed genetic variants that could indicate drug resistance, posing a challenge for treatment.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalLiver International·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study found that solid waste scales linearly, while wastewater production and greenhouse gas emissions scale superlinearly and sub-linearly, respectively. Cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, highlighting the link between economic growth and waste generation.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024
A new study reveals high concentrations of PFAS in micro-estuaries, posing significant risks to the environment and human health. The research emphasizes the need for targeted environmental management strategies to protect these critical ecosystems.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024
Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.
A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 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.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024
Researchers at WVU develop a cotreatment process that reduces demand for chemicals to soften wastewater, allowing treated water to be reused up to 99% of its original volume. The study's findings offer a potential solution to the industry's water use challenge and could close the cycle of treating cooling tower blowdown and reusing it.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalDesalination·DateDec 5, 2023
Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 27, 2023
Testing wastewater for COVID-19 provides a more accurate forecast of new hospital admissions than clinical data. The researchers found that wastewater surveillance improved prediction models by 11 and 15 percent over models using case data and regional estimates, respectively.
SourceSyracuse University·JournalInfectious Disease Modelling·DateNov 21, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers have designed micromotors that purify wastewater and create ammonia, a potential green energy source. An AI method developed at the University of Gothenburg will be used to optimize the motors' performance.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023
The LoCKAmp device uses lab-on-a-chip technology to detect Covid-19 and other pathogens in just three minutes, providing rapid and accurate results. The device has the potential to be used in remote healthcare settings and could also detect conditions like cancer.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023
The study highlights that up to 80% of dye-containing industrial wastewaters are released untreated into waterways, posing direct and indirect threats to human, animal, and plant health. New sustainable technologies and regulations are needed to combat the issue.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 26, 2023
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.