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2023 Canadian wildfires impacted air quality as far away as Europe, China

A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that record-setting Canadian wildfires had a significant impact on air quality across the Northern Hemisphere. The research used numerical air quality models to simulate the dispersal of pollutants from the fires, revealing widespread effects beyond Canada and the US.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 16, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Prisons vulnerable to natural disasters, but ill-prepared

A study of 110 Colorado facilities found that 74.5% are at risk of climate-related hazards, including wildfires, heatwaves, and floods. Incarcerated individuals from marginalized communities face added risk due to poor infrastructure and lack of agency.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNatural Hazards Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

How to help save plants from extinction

A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New UNCG research will help better predict the health and sustainability of ‘grassy’ ecosystems

Researchers from UNC Greensboro have developed new methods to predict the impact of global changes on 'grassy' ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface. The study aims to improve mathematical models that forecast changes in these ecosystems, including food production, pollinators, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

New study offers improved strategy for social media communications during wildfires

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that social media engagement improves when national and local levels mismatch audiences during recovery phases, increasing user engagement by 29.6%. The study suggests a nuanced approach to content coordination, with national headquarters leading production and local accounts following.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateOct 10, 2023
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.

National Science Foundation taps Worcester Polytechnic Institute fire protection expertise and resources for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center

The National Science Foundation has added Worcester Polytechnic Institute to its Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, a collaboration between universities and industry. WPI will leverage its expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions for first responder safety, and fire suppression systems.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 25, 2023

Socially vulnerable populations are disproportionately exposed to wildfires in the West, study finds

A new study reveals that people with high social vulnerability are more exposed to wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with the number of exposed individuals tripling between 2011 and 2021. The study highlights the need for tailored wildfire preparation and response strategies for individual communities with different risk factors.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

The timing of fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions during the 4th of July holiday season

Researchers analyzed wildfire data to find that fireworks-caused ignitions are concentrated on tribal lands and in the western U.S., with more ignitions in the week leading up to the 4th of July. The day after the holiday often sees a spike in ignitions, while weekends tend to have fewer wildfires.

SourceAuburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2023

New research highlights opportunities to protect carbon and communities from forest fires

A new study identifies locations where proactive forest management can reduce carbon loss and protect communities from wildfires in the Western United States. Proactive forest management techniques like thinning, prescribed fire, and cultural burning can help keep carbon in forests and reduce wildfire risk.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2023
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.

Simplifying the estimation of volatile organic compounds emitted from wildfires

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a serious cause of concern in wildfire emissions. Researchers found that information on combustion temperatures can help estimate VOC emissions, with over 70% of variability explained by two temperature factors for 22 long-lived VOCs.

SourceYCU Advanced Medical Research Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeNews article·DateAug 23, 2023

REBURN: A new tool to model wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond

A new modeling tool called REBURN can simulate large forest landscapes and wildfire dynamics under different management strategies. The tool shows that setting prescribed burns and allowing smaller wildfires to burn can yield more varied and resilient forests over time.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFire Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023
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.

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Hidden cameras spot wildlife returning home after 2018 megafire

A recent study analyzing camera trap images found six wildlife species, including coyote and gray fox, to be remarkably resistant to the Mendocino Complex Fire's impacts. Small patches of tree cover spared by the fire provided a refuge for these animals, allowing them to recover and even spread back into burned areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2023

Addressing justice in wildfire risk management

A new framework identifies three dimensions of justice: distributional, procedural, and restorative justice. These dimensions arise across four phases of wildfire risk management, impacting social, economic, cultural, and ecological dimensions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 10, 2023
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.

Weeks later, potentially harmful chemicals lingered in homes affected by Marshall Fire

A recent study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that burning from the Marshall Fire left a mark on buildings, with elevated concentrations of carcinogenic materials like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected in dust samples. The research aims to inform best practices for recovering after future wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAir Quality Atmosphere & Health·DateJul 6, 2023

Three things to know: Climate change’s impact on extreme-weather events

Researchers investigated climate change's effect on extreme weather events like wildfires and found a 'worst-case' scenario could lead to significant increases in intensity, frequency, and duration. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures, including emission reductions and adaptation strategies, to build resilience.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2023

How microgrids can help communities adapt to wildfires

A new study finds that clean energy microgrids can reduce power outages in wildfire-prone areas of California by up to 30%, cutting costs from 15-30 cents per kWh compared to conventional technologies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

How prescribed burns could limit megafires in California, Oregon, and Washington

Researchers found that controlled burns in key areas of northern California, western Oregon, and eastern Washington could drastically reduce wildfire smoke exposure throughout the entire western U.S. This is due to prevailing winds carrying smoke across the continent and abundant dense vegetation fueling smokey fires.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEarth s Future·DateJun 14, 2023

When it comes to satellite data, sometimes more is more

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology created a digital platform to enable organizations to share satellite data, accelerating earth science research. The New Observing Strategies Testbed (NOS-T) facilitates complex missions like wildfire spotting and landslides prediction without revealing private information.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalSystems Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2023

Scientists find fire records inside sand dunes

Researchers have found sedimentary archives in sand dunes that can reconstruct reliable, multi-millennial fire histories. The discovery aims to expand scientific understanding of fire regimes around the world and uncover the role of humans on fire history.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalQuaternary Research·DateMay 11, 2023

Data-informed care can help offset climate change-related health risks

Physicians are urging primary care teams to use data-driven approaches to prevent and mitigate climate-related health issues, dubbed "precision ecologic medicine". This approach combines patient-specific data with climate-related information to predict and support vulnerable patients.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·TypeNews article·DateMay 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Prehistoric poo reveals ‘waves’ of extinction in Colombia

Fungal spores found in dung indicate large animals went extinct in two waves in the Colombian Andes, with major impacts on ecosystems. The study reveals that megafauna existed for thousands of years before disappearing and reappearing again, highlighting the sensitivity of habitats to local herbivore declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalQuaternary Research·DateApr 26, 2023

Methane from megafires: more spew than we knew

A new detection technique reveals that megafires emit significantly more methane than previously thought, posing challenges to California's climate goals. Researchers used remote sensing to measure methane emissions from wildfires, finding nearly 20 gigagrams of methane emitted by a single fire.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 17, 2023

A mechanistic and probabilistic method for predicting wildfires

Lehigh researchers develop new method to predict wildfires by analyzing power system ignition risk, considering mechanical behavior of conductor cables under strong winds. The study finds that encroachment probability is highly sensitive to vegetation clearance and wind intensity, providing valuable insights for decision makers and pol...

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2023

New model provides improved air-quality predictions in fire-prone areas

Researchers developed a deep learning model that provides improved predictions of air quality in wildfire-prone areas, distinguishing between wildfires and non-wildfires. The ST-Transformer model uses sparse attention to prioritize relevant information and captures trends associated with wildfires.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2023

Study: Smoke particles from wildfires can erode the ozone layer

A new MIT study reveals that smoke particles from Australian wildfires can trigger chemical reactions that erode the protective ozone layer. The research found a 3-5% depletion of total ozone at mid-latitudes and widened the Antarctic ozone hole by 10% in 2020.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2023
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.

Pusan National University researchers uncover causes for increased compound droughts & heatwaves in East Asia

Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Fungi and bacteria are binging on burned soil

Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 7, 2023

Western wildfires destroying more homes per square mile burned

A new analysis found that human ignitions started 76% of the wildfires that destroyed structures in Western states, leading to increased structure losses. The study suggests that policymakers can lessen the risks of wildfire damage by addressing human-related ignitions and promoting fire-resistant building materials.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 1, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Unprecedented levels of high-severity fire burn in Sierra Nevada

A recent study reveals that high-severity wildfires are increasing in Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade forests, with the average annual area burned at high severity nearly quintupled since before Euro-American settlement. This trend is concerning as most affected forest types are adapted to low-to-moderate severity burning.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2023

20,000 premature US deaths caused by human-ignited fires

A study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that human-ignited fires are responsible for over 67% of small smoke particles called PM2.5 in the US, leading to 20,000 premature deaths annually. The research highlights the need for ignition-focused management plans to reduce human-ignited fires and minimize health impacts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 16, 2023

Bird diversity increased in severely burned forests of Southern Appalachian mountains

A study found bird diversity and abundance increased in areas with high-severity burns, but some species showed lower abundance. The findings suggest that managing forests to promote shrubland bird species could be beneficial. Researchers hope the results can inform forest management strategies to benefit birds.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateDec 22, 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.

Flocking to fire: wildfires don’t deter Americans from moving to at-risk regions

A team of scientists found that Americans are moving to regions prone to wildfires, defying expectations that natural hazards would deter migration. The study suggests that economic factors play a larger role in migration decisions in metropolitan areas, where people are drawn to desirable landscapes with higher year-round temperatures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers identify elusive carbon dioxide sensor in plants that controls water loss

Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022
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.

Large parts of Europe are warming twice as fast as the planet on average

A new study reveals that large parts of Europe are experiencing faster-than-average warming during summer months, leading to worse heatwaves and an increased risk of fires. The climate across the continent has also become drier, particularly in southern Europe.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Climate change strikes: lightning patterns change with global warming

New research finds climate change could lead to more frequent lightning strikes over mountains and Northern Europe, triggering increased wildfire risks. However, relatively fewer lightning hazards are expected over populated areas of Central Europe.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Scientists warn in report that climate change has pushed Earth to “code red”

Scientists warn that climate change is at the door and pounding hard due to rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and infectious diseases. The report highlights urgent need to protect nature, eliminate fossil fuel emissions and support socially just climate adaptations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 26, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

Western wildfires spark stronger storms in downwind states

A new study reveals that western wildfires can strengthen storms in central US states, leading to heavier rain and flash flooding. The heat and airborne particles from wildfires intensify severe storms, with some cases bringing hailstones larger than baseballs.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2022

OSU study finds higher rates of traumatic injuries for outdoor workers during hotter weather

A recent OSU study found that traumatic injury rates among outdoor workers in Oregon's agricultural and construction sectors are significantly higher during periods of high heat. The study examined 92,000 injury claims from 2009-2018 and found a strong association between heat index above 75 degrees and increased risk of injury.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHealth Science Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022
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.

Pollutants from burning structures linger in waterways post-wildfire

A new review highlights the need for more research on the effects of wildfires on water quality in watersheds. The study found that pollutants from burned structures can exceed regulatory limits and affect the surrounding ecosystem, leading to increased risk of water contamination.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateSep 15, 2022

New AI system predicts how to prevent wildfires

A new neural network model developed by Aalto University researchers can accurately predict the occurrence of fires in peatlands. The model identified a suite of interventions that would reduce fire incidence by 50-76%.

SourceAalto University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 9, 2022
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.

Understanding the effect of wildfires on air quality: a NASA initiative

A NASA initiative studies wildfire-induced air pollution by measuring atmospheric CO and O3 levels using airborne observations. The study found that CO levels increased in the plume as it was transported away from the fire site, while plume age was associated with distance in both vertical and horizontal directions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·DateSep 7, 2022

Global analysis identifies at-risk forests

Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2022