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Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation

A recent study from the University of Illinois suggests that Illinois' clean energy transition has led to a lack of equity in the distribution of renewable power benefits. The state prioritized historically marginalized communities but failed to consider the burdens on rural, white communities, resulting in perceived injustices and opp...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPolitical Geography·DateJul 11, 2024
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.

Scientists release new research on planted mangroves’ ability to store carbon

Scientists have discovered that planted mangroves can store a significant amount of carbon, reaching levels comparable to those in intact stands after just 20 years. The study used logistic models compiled from over 700 planted mangrove stands worldwide and found that the trees' carbon stock reached 71-73% of that found in intact stands.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 10, 2024

Braiding community values with science is key to ecosystem restoration

A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How should Japan make use of vacant homes in old new towns?

Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Rapid urbanization in Africa transforms local food systems and threatens biodiversity

A new study reveals that urbanization in Africa affects food security through dietary shifts, particularly rice consumption, leading to increased methane emissions and biodiversity loss. The research highlights the need for policymakers to adopt holistic approaches to address future sustainability challenges.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 30, 2024

Healthy diets for people and the planet

Researchers analyzed diets of 856 schoolchildren in Germany, finding potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing eating habits. However, nutrient adequacy was not optimized, highlighting the need for context-related nutritional recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 16, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

No bull: How creating less-gassy cows could help fight climate change

A Curtin University study found that breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land can significantly reduce methane emissions from Australia's beef and dairy sectors. Researchers identified several strategies to lower emissions, including altering breeding objectives and improving wastewater management.

SourceCurtin University·JournalClimate·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 22, 2024

Clearing the air: Wind farms more land efficient than previously thought

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wind farms only use a small fraction of the land they are built on. The research also showed that wind turbines sited near existing roads can produce energy seven times more efficiently than those developed from scratch.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 17, 2024

Study shows how plants influence Europe’s climate

A study by MLU found that ecosystems with diverse plant mixes can regulate up to 5% of regional climate, while plant traits like leaf thickness affect climate. The research highlights the complex relationship between plants and climate, emphasizing the need for biodiversity in nature conservation.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2024

WVU spearheading regional USDA project to increase agricultural production

The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is leading a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement grant to support underserved farmers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project aims to increase agricultural production, provide working capital, and create farm-to-institution markets.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateApr 5, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Canada lynx historic range in US likely wider than previously thought

A recent study suggests that Canada lynx had a broader past range in the US, potentially including parts of Utah, central Idaho, and Yellowstone National Park. The researchers used a validated model to estimate the species' historic distribution, taking into account factors such as climate change and land use.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 1, 2024

How Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown gained self-reliance

Researchers found that Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown overcame economic barriers by raising pigs and distributing pork, a practice similar to traditional South China pig husbandry. The study analyzed dental calculus on pig teeth, revealing rice as the primary food source.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Antiquity·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Ancient cities provide key datasets for urban planning, policy and predictions in the Anthropocene

A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology highlights the importance of ancient cities in understanding contemporary urban challenges. The research provides numerical datasets on road lengths, building types, population sizes, economic output, and environmental impacts to inform urban planning and policy.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Cities·DateJan 11, 2024
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.

Beef farming that keeps cattle on lifelong grass diets may have higher carbon footprint

A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Big cities foster socioeconomic segregation; Here’s how we can fix that

Research using cellphone data found that most people in big cities primarily interact with others within their own socioeconomic bracket. However, locating meeting places between neighborhoods could help change this, as cities with frequently-visited hubs in between neighborhoods were less segregated.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 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.

Clearing mangroves makes ‘muddification’ worse

A new study found that removing mangroves in New Zealand's estuaries actually increases mud build-up, as these coastal trees and shrubs trap sediment efficiently. This highlights the need for sustainable land use upstream to address the root cause of the issue, rather than focusing solely on mangrove removal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2023

Communities of color suffer disproportionately higher pollution-related deaths

A new Northwestern University study estimates that approximately 171,000 premature deaths per year are linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure, with a disproportionate number occurring in marginalized communities. The study found that NO2 pollution affects predominantly Black census tracts 47% higher than the national average.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2023

City and highway lights threaten mountain lion habitats

A new study found that mountain lions avoid areas with artificial light, even during the day, which can impact their habitat selection and distribution. The research adds to concerns about the species' extinction within decades due to human activities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·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
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.

Coffee and cocoa plants at risk from pollinator loss

A new study reveals that tropical crops relying on insect pollinators are under threat from climate change and agricultural activities. The research found significant declines in insect pollinator abundance and richness, with the tropics being the most vulnerable region.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 12, 2023

Study shows little improvement in mandated disaster plans, despite required updates

A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023
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.

Give abandoned croplands a second chance to boost climate mitigation and food security, urges new study

Researchers found that globally abandoned cropland could feed up to 476 million people per year if recultivated and help pull planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through reforestation. The study highlights the potential of this often-neglected resource in supporting both food security and climate change mitigation.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2023

Is there more to palm oil than deforestation?

A study in Germany found that consumers struggle to grasp the environmental consequences of their buying choices, even with extra information. The research suggests introducing an eco-label could guide shoppers towards more informed decisions about sustainable palm oil production.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateSep 22, 2023

Peru’s Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalConservation Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Department of Natural Resources Eric Quaempts selected as the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award Winner

Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 4, 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.

Prescribed burns encourage foul-smelling invaders

Research reveals that prescribed burns create favorable conditions for stinknet to spread, outcompeting native plants and reducing soil health. Targeted treatments after burns can help mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateMay 23, 2023

New study reveals possible future health impacts related to climate mitigation

A new study by Penn State researchers found that some climate mitigation strategies could result in harmful health impacts in specific areas, particularly if significant land use changes are required for bioenergy production. This could lead to worsened respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, resulting in premature deaths.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 19, 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.

Some climate-smart agricultural practices may not be so smart

A recent study reveals that certain climate-smart agricultural practices can lead to land use spillovers that cancel out their climate benefits. Cover cropping with rye is found to cause yield losses and negate most of its climate advantages.

SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 18, 2023

A new tool for deforestation detection

Researchers developed a method to detect forest disturbance by combining strengths from time-series algorithms and 2-date detection methods. The new technique facilitates more effective forest management and policy.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 18, 2023

Sustainable agriculture is building peace in Colombia

Researchers found that farmers implementing sustainable land use systems like cocoa agroforestry contribute to reducing conflicts over land. In a survey of farmer households, participants felt that agroforestry systems increased spaces for community dialogue and decreased disputes over access to natural resources.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPLOS Climate·DateMay 17, 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
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.

“Zero plant extinction” is possible, says plant ecologist

A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2023

The reasons why insect numbers are decreasing

A worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalBiology Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 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.

Tribal water rights underutilized in U.S. West

A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 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.

New peer-reviewed, decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests in Brazil’s Amazon absorb thousands of dangerous pollutants from noxious fumes from wildfires, preventing 15 million costly cases of disease every year

A decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests can absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of dangerous pollutants from wildfires each year, preventing an estimated 15 million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. This absorption saves Amazon cities US$2 billion a year in healthcare costs.

SourceBurness·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Manganese in Central Valley water threatens fetuses and children

A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 5, 2023

Estuaries face higher nutrient loads in the future – particularly on the Atlantic coast

Estuaries along the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico are expected to experience significant increases in nutrient loading, posing risks for harmful algal blooms and ecosystem health. The study identified regions with high adaptive capacity as having more resources to mitigate these effects.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEarth s Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2023

Climate change, urbanization drive major declines in L.A.’s birds

A new study reveals that climate change and urbanization have dramatically impacted bird populations in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. In L.A., more than one-third of bird species have declined over the past century, while the Central Valley saw a mix of winners and losers. The study used current and historical bird surveys to ana...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 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.

New study settles long-standing debate: Does agricultural erosion create a carbon sink or source

A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2023

Doubling protected lands for biodiversity could require tradeoffs with other land uses, study finds

A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateFeb 9, 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.

EU consumers ‘export’ environment damage to Eastern neighbours

A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Berlin could produce more than 80% of its fresh vegetables locally

A comprehensive study found that up to 82 percent of Berlin's vegetable demand could be met locally if all available land was used for urban gardening. Investing in water and human resources would be crucial for this production, with a total investment cost of 753 million euros required.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2023