Researchers have sequenced 52 Psilocybe specimens, including 39 species previously unsequenced, to understand the evolution of psychoactive psilocybin production. The study reveals two distinct gene orders within the psilocybin-producing gene cluster, suggesting an ancient split in the genus.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
A new study led by the Smithsonian identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia, using DNA analysis and physical characteristics. The two new species, Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023
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 have analyzed mollusk shells from polar expeditions to gain insights into the ocean's natural chemistry before significant nuclear testing in the 1960s. The findings suggest that the tests disrupted the balance of carbon-14 in the atmosphere, making it challenging to date fossil samples using traditional methods.
SourceAarhus University·JournalGeochronology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2023
Researchers have discovered the oldest known fossils of the Frankincense and Myrrh family in Indian chert, dating back to the Cretaceous period. The fossils were preserved in pyrenes, which are woody dispersal pods that protect seeds from digestion.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateDec 19, 2023
Researchers from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History analyzed a 160-year-old woolly dog pelt to determine its genetic makeup. The study found that woolly dogs diverged from other breeds up to 5,000 years ago and were genetically similar to pre-colonial dogs from Newfoundland and British Columbia.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2023
Researchers found that Paleolithic humans intentionally searched for specific types of rocks, like flint, with desirable characteristics for tool-making. They used techniques like the Schmidt Hammer and Rockwell Hardness Device to analyze rock properties.
SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Paleolithic Archaeology·DateNov 30, 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.
A Victorian collector, Morton Allport, traded human and animal remains from Tasmania for scientific recognition. The research highlights the entwined costs of colonialism with practices of natural history, revealing a 'quid pro quo' arrangement to meet demand for these remains.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalArchives of Natural History·TypeNews article·DateNov 28, 2023
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals the earliest known fossil of the modern European common hippopotamus, dating back to the Middle Pleistocene period. The analysis of a fossil skull from Italy confirms the identity of the species and provides insights into its dispersal history.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023
A collaborative effort between scientists from the Natural History Museum of Utah and cavers led to the discovery of fossils spanning over 3,000 years in Boomerang Cave. The findings revealed a faithful reflection of mammal diversity in the area, including species unknown to the region.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.
Researchers discovered six new species of rove beetles with unique genital shapes, including a bottle-opener like structure in one species. Climate change threatens the survival of these species due to habitat changes.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateNov 13, 2023
The new species of mosasaur, named after the Norse sea serpent Jormungandr, is estimated to be around 24 feet long and has a mosaic of features seen in two iconic mosasaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these aquatic lizards and provides new insights into their relationships with other reptiles.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·DateOct 30, 2023
A Curtin University-led study has identified three new species of mulgara, a small carnivorous marsupial, but four of the proposed species are already extinct. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding Australian wildlife and the growing threats to ecosystems.
SourceCurtin University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 200-year-old fruit flies collected in Europe, revealing their surprising genetic similarity to modern flies. The study identified key genes that helped the flies adapt to changing environments, including a gene resistant to DDT pesticide.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 12, 2023
Researchers have extracted ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots, revealing two species were more widespread and diverse in the past. The study helps explain how parrots became the world's most endangered group of birds, with many island populations gone extinct.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2023
A new University of Kansas genomic investigation has rewritten the evolutionary history of the Homalopsidae, a group of unique mud snakes found in Southeast Asia. The study combined genetic analyses of older museum specimens with fresher field collections to reconstruct the family tree and shed light on their evolution.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBulletin of the Society of Systematic Biologists·DateSep 20, 2023
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have recreated an ancient Egyptian woman's scent used in her mummification, revealing complex ingredients and trade connections. The 'scent of eternity' blend includes beeswax, plant oil, and exotic resins, highlighting sophisticated mummification practices and long-distance trade.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2023
A 2020 excavation at Auckland's Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant yielded an unprecedented 266 fossil species, including the world's oldest known flax snails and extinct sawshark spine. The discovery provides valuable insights into New Zealand's geological history.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalNew Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics·DateAug 27, 2023
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 uncover charcoal drawings at Gua Sireh Cave, dating back to the 1600s and 1800s AD, depicting Indigenous resistance to frontier violence. The site's unique artwork sheds light on the region's complex history of colonization and territorial violence.
SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 23, 2023
Researchers are creating digital 3D models of freshwater mussels using photogrammetry, allowing biologists and conservationists to identify species and teach field biologists how to distinguish characteristics. The online course will also educate the public about these essential creatures that filter algae and stabilize streambeds.
New research reveals that open farmlands result in up to a 60% decline in Andean bird species, with specific habitats affecting different species. Conservationists can protect birds by sparing forest fragments and maintaining shrubby habitats.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 22, 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.
Researchers successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick, revealing 34 distinct taxonomic groups of plants. The most abundant sequences were from Brassicaceae (cabbage) and Ericaceae (heather), providing a unique biodiversity time-capsule for the ancient Assyrian site.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2023
Researchers have identified a new species of leaf-tailed gecko from northern Madagascar, showcasing its exceptional camouflage skills. The discovery has shed light on the unique characteristics of this species, including its skin flaps and flattened tail.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2023
A new species of armored reptile, Mambachiton, shows that the precursor to dinosaurs and pterosaurs had bony plates on its backbone, indicating that armor was ancestrally present in bird-line archosaurs. The loss and re-evolution of armor is an important aspect of dinosaur evolution.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJul 26, 2023
Birds, such as magpies and crows, are adapting to city life by using anti-bird spikes as nesting material. Researchers discovered these unique nests made of up to 1,500 metal spikes, showing the birds' creativity in avoiding traditional deterrents.
SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 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.
Researchers have identified cut marks on a fossil leg bone that suggest butchery and likely cannibalism by humans' close evolutionary relatives around 1.45 million years ago. The analysis of 3D models revealed nine clear matches for stone tool damage, which was found to be located in areas suitable for removing flesh.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023
A new butterfly species, Caeruleuptychia harrisi, has been discovered and named in recognition of Brian P. Harris' decades-long work supporting researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Harris provided critical support to visiting researchers, including the paper's lead author, Shinichi Nakahara.
A new armoured dinosaur, Vectipelta barretti, has been described from the Isle of Wight, revealing differences in neck and back vertebrae and a unique spiky armour. The discovery provides new insights into ankylosaur diversity in the Wessex formation during the Early Cretaceous period.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023
A yearlong science program with family members led to increased interest in STEM subjects and a lifelong engagement. Children who participated showed more enthusiasm for science and were more likely to envision themselves as scientists, while their families reported renewed interest in science at home.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalResearch in Science Education·DateJun 14, 2023
A recent study published in Scientific Data reveals that Finland's most visually appealing bird species are colourful birds, with large birds of prey also ranking high. The top 10 most attractive species include the snowy owl and kingfisher, which receive high scores on a visual aesthetic attractiveness scale.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Data·TypeSurvey·DateJun 12, 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.
Unseasonably warm and cold days prolong moth and butterfly activity by nearly a month, according to the study. Insect lifespans may also be affected, potentially leading to increased pathogen transmission.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 5, 2023
A new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment reveals that several distinct spinosaur groups inhabited Cretaceous Britain. The analysis of a British spinosaur tooth shows that these groups did not all live at the same time, but rather inhabited the region over more than 15 million years.
Researchers discovered three 4,000-year-old cases of Yersinia pestis in human remains from mass burials in Somerset and Cumbria. The findings indicate the plague may have been easily transmitted across Britain, contradicting previous assumptions that it was brought by fleas.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023
African spiny mice have been found to produce bone plates similar to those of armadillos, a discovery that challenges previous understanding of mammalian armor. The plates, known as osteoderms, provide protection and are distinct from scales found in other animals.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournaliScience·DateMay 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.
A new study using thermoluminescence dating has challenged the prevailing theory about the early inhabitants of the US Virgin Islands. The research team found that multiple cultures coexisted on the islands simultaneously, contradicting the widely accepted theory of three major waves of immigration.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalHeritage Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023
Scientists have discovered where the first butterflies originated and which plants they relied on for food, tracing their movements through time. The results show that butterflies first appeared in Central and western North America, with some groups traveling vast distances while others remained stationary.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2023
A new paper reveals that Henry Hilton, Central Park's Treasurer and VP, was behind the order to destroy life-size models of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures in 1871. The destruction was part of a struggle for control of New York city following the American Civil War.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Geologists Association·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 11, 2023
Researchers discovered supergenes that enabled ragweed to colonize large parts of Europe, changing characteristics such as size and flowering timing to produce highly allergenic pollen. The study highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding invasive species' evolution and spread.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023
A recent study found that online art breaks can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety in participants. The research team discovered that individuals with high levels of aesthetic responsiveness benefit more from interactive art experiences, suggesting a personalized approach to online art interventions for well-being.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 5, 2023
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 study from Smithsonian researchers deepens understanding of Earth's crust by testing and eliminating the garnet hypothesis about why continental crust is lower in iron and more oxidized. The findings suggest that intense heat and pressure cannot produce the necessary conditions for garnet formation, contradicting a popular explanation.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023
A study found that visitors who received more detailed descriptions of artworks spent more time viewing them, exhibited physical signs of excitement, and reported higher comprehension and positive emotions. This suggests that providing more information about modern art can lead to a more satisfying aesthetic experience.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023
A team of researchers from UNLV has named a previously unexplored 500 million-year-old Grand Canyon formation, the Frenchman Mountain Dolostone. The new formation was identified through scientific detective work and is now understood to have been deposited over an interval of 7.3 million years during the Cambrian Period.
SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalGeosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 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.
The platform has enabled the transcription of over 4.7 million specimens, making a significant dent in the backlog of objects stored in museums without online information. The mission to catalog Earth's biodiversity has resulted in an inconceivably large number of specimens, with billions more collectively housed in smaller institutions.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·DateMay 2, 2023
Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from over 50 institutions, including Balto at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, to shed light on extraordinary feats in mammals. The study has identified unchanged DNA across millions of years of evolution and pinpointed genetic variants associated with rare human diseases.
SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2023
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder identified a fossil chili pepper that may rewrite the geography and evolutionary timeline of the tomato plant family. The team's findings suggest that chili peppers were present in North America at least 50 million years ago.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 21, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
Researchers from Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have discovered evidence of a symbiotic relationship between Cretaceous dinosaurs and feather-feeding beetles. The study found that the beetles fed on the feathers of theropod dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 105 million years ago.
SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2023
A new 52 million-year-old bat species has been discovered in Wyoming, shedding light on Eocene chiropteran diversification. The oldest known bat skeleton, this find provides valuable insights into the evolution of bats.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers uncover 70 Euptychiina genera and over 500 species of butterflies, previously considered monotonous, revealing surprising color patterns and mysterious mimicry. The study's classification provides a framework for further investigation into euptychiine biology.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateApr 11, 2023
Researchers found that Luna moth tails are primarily used for bat evasion, but also make the insects conspicuous to birds and other predators. The study suggests that the tails' role in predation may have co-opted their function in attracting mates.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 10, 2023
Researchers analyzed manillas and found a strong similarity between the metal composition of Benin Bronzes and Portuguese trade prior to the 18th Century. The consistency in metal composition suggests that African metalsmiths were selective about what metal they used, with German brass being the principle source.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023
A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 29, 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.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 28, 2023
A new species of ancient beaver, Anchitheriomys buceei, has been discovered in Texas and named after Buc-ee's. The beaver lived about 15 million years ago and was about 30% larger than modern beavers.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 27, 2023
A global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 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.
The CONVINCE project, funded by €4 million, focuses on developing cognitive deliberation capabilities in autonomous robots to enhance safe and robust operation in unstructured environments. The goal is to enable robots to adapt to their surroundings and tasks autonomously without human intervention.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateMar 20, 2023
A recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023
Researchers analyzed ancient Wari pottery to understand how the empire spread its aesthetic. They found that potters across the empire created their own ceramics, decorated in traditional Wari style, with distinct chemical signatures from different regions. This bottom-up approach highlights local agency and economies' importance.
SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMar 14, 2023
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNordic Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
A new fossil discovery dating back 247 million years provides the earliest evidence of dipterans, including mosquitoes and flies. The immature insect's preserved breathing system offers insights into its adaptations to a post-apocalyptic environment.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023
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.
Archaeologists found that potters across the Wari empire used the same black pigment, suggesting imperial control. The shift to manganese-based recipes implies 'quality control' and symbolic meaning behind the color black.
SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMar 7, 2023