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Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species

A research paper reveals a suburban backyard is home to 1,150 unique species of animals, plants, and fungi. The study's authors discovered unexpected diversity, including 436 moth and butterfly species, 56 spiders, and eight reptiles.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Building boom boosts malaria-carrying, invasive mosquito in Ethiopia, evidence shows

Anopheles stephensi, a malaria-carrying mosquito, has been found to exploit construction sites and brick-making facilities in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, during the dry season. Targeted control measures, such as stocking construction pits with larvae-eating fish, may help mitigate malarial outbreaks in the city.

SourceEmory University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023

Crowdsourcing city complaints: Cornell Tech method improves equitability

A Cornell Tech method analyzed over 1 million incident reports in NYC and Chicago, revealing correlations between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and reporting rates. This information can help city managers address problems more equitably by adjusting response times.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Computational Science·DateDec 5, 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.

Coastal river deltas threatened by more than climate change

The study identifies five critical risk factors to delta sustainability: land subsidence, population density, ineffective governance, economic capacity, and crop land use. Local and global approaches, combining hard and soft adaptation methods, can mitigate risks.

SourceLund University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 20, 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.

Designing cities for 21st-century weather

Researchers found that well-designed urban land patterns can moderate or even reduce population exposures to weather extremes, regardless of city size. Properly designed cities can generate a meaningful reduction in the increase in risks from climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2023

New model adds human reactions to flood risk assessment

A new land change model simulates interactions between urban growth, increased flooding, and human adaptation, offering deeper insights into adaptive capacities and identifying communities with limited resources. The model reduces projected developed land exposed to flooding by 5-24% depending on flood hazard zone.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2023

Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data

Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 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.

AI can alert urban planners and policymakers to cities’ decay

Researchers developed an AI-powered method to measure urban decay using street view images, identifying object classes like potholes and graffiti. The model showed promise in detecting urban decline in cities like San Francisco and Mexico City, with potential applications for informing urban policy and planning.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Single model predicts trends in employment, microbiomes, forests

Researchers developed a single model that predicts population fluctuations in urban employment, human gut microbiomes, and tropical forests. The model, SLRM, generates a narrow distribution of the most likely trajectories, allowing for prediction and response to variability across multiple domains.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Urgent action needed to address climate change threats to coastal areas

A team of researchers warns that global coastal adaptations are inadequate to address climate change threats, citing short-sighted policies and projects. The experts call for decisive action by the international policy community to identify and tackle key risk areas.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rising seas will tighten vise on Miami even for people who are not flooded, says study

A new study finds that four out of five Miami-Dade County residents may face disruption or displacement due to sea-level rise, with lower-income people bearing the brunt. As habitable areas shrink and housing prices rise, only a small number of affluent residents can relocate, while many others are trapped in low-lying properties.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

LSU Health’s fish study finds clinic-based community program improved food security and health

A clinic-based community program improved food security scores, healthy eating behaviors, and depression scores in a vulnerable, food-insecure population. The Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program provided comprehensive education and access to resources, leveraging community partnerships.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

"farmer wants a wife" is more real than you think, a study finds

A study by Michał Gulczyński reveals a strong relationship between population density and sex ratios, indicating imbalanced marriage markets in rural areas. The researcher found that men tend to outnumber women in rural areas due to gender-specific migration patterns.

SourceBocconi University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateOct 11, 2023
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.

New study highlights inequality in green spaces and mental health

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that every additional 360m of green space is associated with higher odds of anxiety and depression. The study, which analyzed data from over 2 million adults in Wales, highlights the need for improved public green spaces to address mental health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Research reveals disparities in access to quality parks

A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2023

Disaster-proofing sustainable neighborhoods requires thorough long-term planning, new Concordia study shows

A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...

SourceConcordia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2023
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.

New program helps health professionals and community members determine health risks and create medical interventions for people experiencing homelessness

The CARE program, a rapid risk assessment tool, gathered data on immunization status, general health risk, and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. Automated dashboards provide secure, real-time information on resident needs, enabling health professionals to mitigate risks associated with homelessness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 22, 2023

Urban light pollution linked to smaller eyes in birds

Researchers found that two common songbirds have smaller eyes than their counterparts from less bright outskirts, adapting to urban light. This study suggests that sensory pollutants like human-caused light may play a role in the decline of bird populations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 20, 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
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.

Invasive red fire ants confirmed in Europe for the first time

Researchers confirm invasive red fire ant species Solenopsis invicta has established itself in Sicily, with potential to spread across Europe due to climate change. Urban areas are particularly at risk, and the team plans a multi-year treatment plan to eradicate nests and monitor the ants' spread.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Remoteness didn’t protect Amazonian Tsimané from COVID-19

A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2023

Policies favoring high-volume hospitals may disadvantage rural cancer patients

Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2023
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.

City-dwelling wildlife demonstrate “urban trait syndrome”

A study of 379 cities across 6 continents found that city-dwelling organisms have evolved smaller body sizes, diverse diets, and changes in reproduction and foraging strategies. The 'urban trait syndrome' affects different species groups, such as birds, beetles, and reptiles, with varying levels of mobility and dietary adaptations.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

Cities no place for Australian eagles but smaller raptors are adapting

A recent study found that 13 of 24 Australian raptor species have higher tolerance for living in urban areas than the larger-bodied species. The Eastern Barn Owl, Brahminy Kite, and Australian Hobby were among the most tolerant species, while the Brown Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle were the least tolerant.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

It worked in the Caribbean – What about here?

Researchers from dfusion, West Virginia University and UMass Chan Medical School develop a customizable digital platform to deliver an effective sexual health education program tailored to Caribbean youth in the US. The adapted program, FOYC+ImPACT U.S., will be scalable across diverse Caribbean community settings.

SourceDfusion (United States)·DateJul 28, 2023

Invasive species prosper in favorable habitats and from a lack of local predators

A recent study by Dr. Monica Mowery at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that urban habitats provide a safe haven for invasive brown widow spiders, protecting them from parasitism and predation. This allows the species to thrive in high densities, contrary to what is observed in natural desert habitats.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOecologia·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Mesoamerica a model for modern metropolises

A recent study suggests that ancient Mesoamerican cities, such as Caracol and Teotihuacan, withstood environmental challenges like drought and earthquakes due to their advanced infrastructure and socio-economic systems. These cities' resiliency is often overlooked in historical accounts of their collapse.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 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.

Rural mortality rose during year two of pandemic, despite vaccines, new study finds

A new study found that rural areas experienced higher excess deaths during the second year of the pandemic, despite vaccines being widely available in urban areas. The study highlights the role of healthcare inequities, vaccine skepticism, and partisanship in exacerbating mortality rates in rural communities.

SourceBoston University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2023

Paths for reducing harmful air pollution in South Asia identified

A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2023
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.

Historical Redlining May Be Linked to Current Kidney Failure

A new study finds that long-term disinvestment in health and wealth resources in historically redlined neighborhoods contributes to a disproportionate rate of kidney failure among Black adults. Redlining, the discriminatory federal housing policy from the 1930s, has been associated with current racial inequities in poor health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Why Saudi Arabia's "The Line" isn’t a revolution in urban living

Researchers argue that 'The Line' should not be a showcase for future cities due to its unfeasible urban design, including extremely high population density and limited mobility. The city's planned 60-minute average commute times highlight the importance of efficient transportation systems in urban planning.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 2023

New nationwide modeling points to widespread racial disparities in urban heat stress

A new study finds that the average Black urban resident is exposed to disproportionately higher heat stress due to warmer air temperatures, while white residents experience cooler temperatures. The research highlights income- and race-based disparities in urban heat stress across US cities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

One in four adolescent girls experience low mood - twice as many as boys

According to the study, 18.6% of adolescents experience low mood, with girls more likely to suffer from the condition, affecting 25.1% of them. The research highlights contextual factors such as sexual violence and physical inactivity as contributing to these gender differences.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2023

Experiment in Brazil identifies flood-prone areas of cities

A Brazilian study combined urban expansion and land-use changes with hydrodynamic models to identify flood-prone areas of cities. The methodology, validated using actual data for São Caetano do Sul, can be used by other cities to devise public policies and make decisions to address flooding impacts.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalWater·DateJun 12, 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.

A detailed map of Urban Heat Islands

The study provides a detailed map of Urban Heat Islands in Turin, Italy, identifying the population's risk and vulnerable areas. The researchers used an interdisciplinary approach to assess the heat-health nexus, considering factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, health conditions, and environmental context.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalUrban Climate·DateMay 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.

Strategic city planning can help reduce urban heat island effect

Researchers found that tree coverage and high-albedo pavement significantly reduced mean radiant temperatures, improving thermal comfort levels in urban areas. The study suggests incorporating trees and pavement design elements into city planning to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

SourcePenn State·JournalBuildings·DateMay 23, 2023

What’s a park worth to the economy?

Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

Urban residents have smaller risk of mortality from critical limb ischemia

A new study using NIS data found that patients living in densely populated areas are at a lower risk of mortality from CLI, with females also benefiting from decreased mortality rates. Researchers suggest encouraging active lifestyles and vigorous exercise regimens to prevent progression and decrease mortality risk.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 11, 2023

17 percent of U.S. households face growing water affordability challenge

A new analysis by Duke University researchers finds that 17% of US households face growing water affordability challenges, affecting nearly half the population. The study recommends solutions such as utility customer assistance programs and policy reforms to address income inequality and infrastructure costs.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·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.