A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 18, 2025
Prescribed burns contribute to significant air pollution in the southeast, particularly in minority and low-income areas. Climate change may exacerbate these impacts as fewer burn days become available.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2025
Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory are working with NASA to better understand pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can inject smoke into the upper atmosphere and alter weather patterns. The Injected Smoke and Pyrocumulonimbus Experiment (INSPYRE) aims to enhance predictive weather modeling through detailed analysis of wildfire-induc...
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 Stanford University report examines how US power utilities are confronting the escalating threat of wildfires. The research team found that while progress has been made in some Western states, utilities in high-risk areas remain underprepared.
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
SourceUppsala University·JournalEarth's Future·DateJun 5, 2025
Researchers used fluorescence lidar technology to detect thin layers of smoke at high altitudes, originating from Canadian forest fires. This suggests the upper troposphere over Europe may be more polluted than previously assumed, with potential impacts on ice cloud formation and climate.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025
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 new white paper from Stanford University highlights gaps in US wildfire response workforce data, affecting support and reform. The report aims to improve data collection and provide targeted support for undercounted groups.
Exposure to lingering fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospitalization risks for various cardiorespiratory conditions, including ischemic heart disease and respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for research into the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 28, 2025
The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, ranking as the 2nd and 3rd most destructive wildfires in California's history, highlighted alarming trends of increasingly frequent and destructive urban wildfires. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities in an era of increasing extreme events.
Researchers measured air quality over 19 months to capture both smoky and clear days, finding increases in fine aerosols and carbon monoxide during wildfires. The study has implications for weather, cloud formation, and public health.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science Atmospheres·DateMay 27, 2025
Record-breaking wildfires are rapidly transforming forests from carbon sinks to super-emitters due to warming and drought conditions. Planting trees can even increase wildfire risk in some cases.
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 report models current wildfire risks across the Southeastern US, projecting changes by the middle of this century under various scenarios. Prescribed fires can reduce wildfire risk through reduced fuels, promoting healthy forest growth.
SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateMay 22, 2025
A new study reveals the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) triggers dry, windy conditions that exacerbate wildfires in mid-latitude regions like Los Angeles. The research suggests strong MJO activity can lead to fire-favorable conditions thousands of miles away.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 20, 2025
A new guidebook from Northern Arizona University provides essential support for individuals and communities affected by wildfires in Arizona. The comprehensive resource covers topics such as insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid, and more to help residents recover from the aftermath of these devastating events.
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.
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.
A new study reveals that the Neolithic Revolution in the southern Levant was triggered by catastrophic wildfires and climate-driven soil erosion, forcing early communities to adopt agriculture. Fertile soils formed in valley basins after hillslope degradation became hotspots for settlement and farming.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Soils and Sediments·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2025
Researchers warn that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial public health risks. Over 50 volatile organic compounds have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires, including carcinogens such as benzene.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 16, 2025
A new study from University of California San Diego suggests that climate trauma can have lasting effects on cognitive function, particularly decision-making. Researchers found that wildfire survivors were less likely to stick with choices that offered greater long-term rewards.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2025
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 8, 2025
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.
Recent research highlights increased fire activity in the western US, with wildfires becoming less prone to calming down at night. Meanwhile, extreme turbulence on hurricane flights has led to a new 'bumpiness' metric. Climate extremes are also evident in shifting energy demands for heating and cooling in Chinese megacities.
A new study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions. The study suggests that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2025
A cross-sectional study found wildfire smoke exposure associated with increased odds of mental health-related emergency department visits. The study suggests a possible increase in demand for mental health services during wildfire events.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 4, 2025
The new Probability of Fire model incorporates multiple data sources beyond weather to refine predictions, providing a more holistic approach. Traditional weather-based fire danger indices often fail to pinpoint areas at risk of ignition with enough specificity, but ML can help.
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 recent study by Concordia researchers found that solutions journalism in Canadian alternative media outlets is often constrained by institutional lack of support and daily pressures. Despite its benefits, the practice requires strong nurturing environments to flourish.
SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 25, 2025
A new ACS-led study reveals that patients exposed to wildfire disasters during recovery from lung cancer surgery have longer hospital stays, posing significant challenges to their well-being. The findings highlight the need for disaster preparedness guidelines tailored to vulnerable patient populations.
SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 11, 2025
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can effectively detect wildfires in the Amazon rainforest, using satellite imaging and deep learning. The technology achieved a 93% success rate in training models via datasets of images with and without wildfires.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateMar 6, 2025
Researchers investigate optimal seed mixes for prairie restoration, finding that single-origin seeds may be more effective than mixed-species blends. Meanwhile, a study on wind turbines reveals their potential impact on grouse habitats, while another finds giant pandas thriving in protected areas. Beetles, meanwhile, are making wood mo...
Researchers discovered how air pollution and wildfire smoke can trigger S-nitrosylation of a key brain protein, preventing brain cells from making new connections. Blocking this chemical modification partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and nerve cells.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2025
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 reveals that UK peatland fires are responsible for up to 90% of annual fire-driven carbon emissions, with emissions set to rise by at least 60% if the planet warms by 2°C. Researchers found that rewetting peatlands can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 20, 2025
A CSU study reveals trees are contracting in response to climate change, failing to regenerate in hottest areas and not expanding into cooler climates. Human-assisted tree migration is proposed as a solution to help forests adapt to climate change.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 14, 2025
A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2025
Research published in Nature Communications reveals that fewer forest fires are burning today than in the past, despite recent record-breaking fire years. This 'fire deficit' allows fuel to build up over time, creating conditions for more severe fires. The study highlights the importance of beneficial management fires on the landscape.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2025
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 recent report by Colorado State University reveals that the state's forests are emitting more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to insect and disease impacts. The study estimated that Colorado's forests stored 1,558 teragrams of carbon between 2010 and 2019.
A task group led by Samuel L. Manzello is developing international standards for large outdoor fires, including wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. The new standards aim to improve resilience against these types of fires, which are becoming increasingly common due to urbanization and climate change.
SourceTohoku University·JournalFire and Materials·DateFeb 9, 2025
A new study found that designated protected areas are benefiting Mexican Spotted Owl subspecies, maintaining their foothold in the region. The use of Protected Activity Centers, which protect core habitat, has been key to this success.
SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025
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 at Ohio State University have developed a new portable tool that can deliver conductive aerosols to suppress flames using the power of vortex rings. The device was tested in two prototypes, both of which had an effective range of nearly 2 meters, and showed promise in suppressing fires.
SourceOhio State University·JournalTechnologies·DateFeb 4, 2025
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 4, 2025
Research reveals that wildfire smoke can carry contaminants hundreds of kilometers, leaving a toxic and lingering footprint. Urban landscapes accumulate
SourceMcMaster University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 30, 2025
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 UC Irvine-led study emphasizes the importance of fostering community ties, collaborating with emergency services, and implementing multilingual education campaigns to boost risk perception and preparedness among residents. The research found that short text messages and TV were preferred communication channels, while digital tools li...
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateJan 29, 2025
Research finds that aerosols from Canadian wildfires of summer 2023 contributed to the formation of ice clouds over the Arctic. Aerosol particles were transported via atmospheric rivers and contributed to ice cloud formation at temperatures warmer than usual.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalAtmospheric Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2025
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
A new publication provides comprehensive guidance for public drinking water system staff on responding to wildfire damage, outlining key findings from previous disasters. The guidance aims to improve detection of chemical contamination, reduce customer notification delays, and restore safe drinking water delivery quickly.
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 new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2025
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2025
Early online research reveals associations between snowmelt timing, wildfires in Alaska, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones. The impact of climate patterns on extreme weather events is a growing concern.
SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalEarth Interactions·DateJan 3, 2025
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.
Scientists discovered that indoor air quality remained compromised weeks after the devastating Marshall Fire, releasing gases harmful to human health. Researchers tested methods to mitigate smells and VOC concentrations indoors, finding that opening windows and running air cleaners decreased gas levels by over 50%.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS ES&T Air·DateDec 23, 2024
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
A new CU Boulder study found that residents of surviving homes in the area reported physical symptoms, including headaches and sore throats, attributed to poor air quality six months after the Marshall Fire. The study also found that hazardous gases lingered for weeks inside smoke- and ash-damaged homes.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS ES&T Air·TypeSurvey·DateDec 23, 2024
A study found a strong link between woody cover and large wildfire occurrence in the eastern US, with a 37% increase in woody vegetation over the last 30 years. In some regions, such as eastern Texas and the Appalachian Mountains, each 1% increase in woody cover led to a 3.9% increase in wildfire risk.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 17, 2024
Large-scale wildfires in radiologically contaminated areas enhance the mobility of radionuclides like · 137 Cs and ¹ 90 Sr in rivers. This increases radiation exposure for residents, particularly after a fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2024
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 tracked farmworker movement and behavior in response to wildfire smoke using cell phone data from over 12,000 workers. The study found that workers reduced their hours worked by 37% on smoky days and switched fields to avoid worst conditions.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024
A new study finds that California's wildfire response is biased towards wealthier communities, leaving marginalized populations without access to necessary resources. The analysis of over 500 wildfire incidents revealed a significant disparity in resource allocation based on socio-demographic factors such as race and economic status.
The World Drought Atlas depicts the systemic nature of drought risks, highlighting their interconnectedness across sectors. It underscores the need for national plans and international cooperation to build resilience against harsher droughts, which are expected to affect 3 in 4 people globally by 2050.
SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·DateDec 2, 2024
The report charts a course correction for how the world grows food and uses land, highlighting the central role of land in maintaining Earth's stability. Land degradation is undermining the planet's capacity to support humanity, with seven out of nine planetary boundaries negatively impacted by unsustainable land use.
SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·DateDec 1, 2024
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.
A cohort study found that long-term exposure to wildfire and fine particulate matter was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing wildfire PM2.5 exposure could decrease dementia diagnoses and address health disparities.
A new Stanford University report aims to increase diversity and inclusivity in the wildland fire profession. The study identifies cultural, structural, and capacity-related barriers that have historically prevented a more diverse group of people from entering and succeeding in the field.
SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·DateNov 12, 2024
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Climate·DateNov 8, 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.
A new crowdsourcing system, FireLoc, uses a network of low-cost mobile phones to detect wildfires minutes—even seconds—after they ignite. The system prioritizes privacy and accurately maps wilderness fires to within 180 feet of their origin.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 7, 2024
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024
Researchers found that wildfire suppressant products can contribute to elevated metal levels in the environment. The study tested 14 fire suppression products and found that they contained at least one metal exceeding EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level regulations for drinking water.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 30, 2024