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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

To be equitable, US urban green infrastructure planning must transform

A comprehensive analysis of 20 US cities reveals widespread failure to incorporate equity and justice principles in green infrastructure planning. The study highlights the need for fundamental transformation in planning processes to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and marginalized communities are involved.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateDec 1, 2022

Water wars: causes and possible solutions

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano investigated water's role in conflicts, focusing on socio-hydrological conditions and unequal resource use. The study provides a new methodological approach to understanding natural resource conflicts, with potential applications for creating more accurate representations of socio-ecological systems.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Limiting global warming now can preserve valuable freshwater resource

Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2022

Great potential for aquifer thermal energy storage systems

A KIT study reveals that low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling buildings. The study found that over 54% of German territory is suited well or very well for this system, with the potential to increase by 13% by 2100.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalGeothermal Energy·DateNov 22, 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.

Cooperation among hydropower producers could hold the answer to reviving the mighty Mekong

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 31, 2022

UMD research shows three distinct attitudes toward improving stormwater management

A University of Maryland study found that stakeholders agree on the need for a decentralized approach to stormwater management but diverge on responsibility. Two groups believe stormwater poses a public threat, while the third sees it as an underutilized resource that can be managed with technology.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2022

Acidic layer in single-walled carbon nanotubes facilitates confinement of anion impurities

Researchers at Okayama University found that an acidic adsorption layer in carbon nanotubes facilitates efficient adsorption of negatively charged nitrate anions, making the aqueous solution alkaline. This study provides a novel model for designing carbon nanotubes suitable for ion adsorption and purification.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Why the Salton Sea is turning into toxic dust

Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWater Resources Research·DateOct 10, 2022
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.

Study shows challenge of promoting citizen science to help prevent disasters caused by flooding

A workshop on flood risk governance in Brazil and the UK identified research gaps, including local data, integration systems, and visualization tools. Innovative initiatives are being developed using tools such as an app that empowers citizens to input data and improve disaster prevention.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateOct 5, 2022

An integrated modeling framework to assess surface and ground water resources

Researchers applied a new integrated model linking surface water to groundwater to estimate water resources at high spatial resolution. The study found that irrigation increases atmospheric water loss but reduces groundwater support, especially during dry seasons.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateSep 22, 2022

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

Climate change is affecting drinking water quality

A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ found that climate-induced deforestation can lead to a significant increase in dissolved phosphorus concentration and nitrogen levels in reservoirs. This can result in an overgrowth of diatoms and green algae, compromising water quality.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalWater Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2022
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.

Stormwater management ponds may not hold the solution for depleting wetlands

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests that relying on stormwater management ponds to restore wetlands is unsustainable and lacks critical ecosystem services. The study found a low proportion of wetlands left in areas with high pond creation rates, posing an environmental challenge.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateAug 11, 2022

Aussies living remotely lack access to quality drinking water

A study by Australian National University found that at least 25,245 people in remote communities had access to non-compliant drinking water services. The researchers also identified 408 locations with poor water quality, including 40% of Indigenous communities. A national drinking water database is urgently needed to address these gaps.

SourceAustralian National University·Journalnpj Clean Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2022
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.

Water resources to become less predictable with climate change

A new climate change study finds that water resources will become more variable and unpredictable due to declining snowpack, resulting in less reliable runoff and streamflow. This decline will have cascading impacts on ecosystems that rely on snow-based water resources, including drying out soils and increasing fire risk.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2022

With changing climate, global lake evaporation loss larger than previously thought

Researchers created a dataset quantifying trends of evaporative water loss from 1.4 million global lakes and artificial reservoirs, revealing a 15.4% increase in long-term lake evaporation volume. This finding highlights the importance of accurate information for water management decision-makers in addressing climate change impacts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 5, 2022

A new system enables growers to practice more efficient irrigation

A new irrigation decision support system enables growers to practice more efficient irrigation by analyzing climate predictions, humidity sensors, and irrigation meters. This system allows for optimal watering schedules and reduces water consumption by up to 20% through controlled deficit irrigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural Water Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 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.

Inaccurate global irrigation models can cause extensive societal harm

A new study reveals that large-scale hydrological models producing global irrigation water withdrawal estimates are unreliable due to overlooking uncertainties and traditional irrigator practices. The researchers argue that these biases can lead to grave policy misjudgments, devastating consequences and inaccurate water management.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2022

SUTD study uncovers how China’s dams are operated along the Lancang-Mekong river

A SUTD study has uncovered the reservoir filling strategies and operating rules of China's big hydropower dams on the Lancang-Mekong river. The data shows that dam operations remained steady during a severe drought, indicating no need for emergency releases to mitigate its impact.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMay 31, 2022

Critical global water questions

A new study has identified 100 crucial global water questions facing the planet today, including water scarcity, sanitation, and climate dynamics. The research emphasizes the need for concerted efforts in interdisciplinary research and action to address the consequences of human governance failure on water resources.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOne Earth·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022
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.

Assessing the risk of drinking water contamination during flooding

A multidisciplinary project aims to develop a decision-making tool to estimate the risk of water contamination in flooded areas. The research team will collect public data and conduct field work to test their approach in small study areas, ultimately enabling Québec to reduce health risks by better protecting water quality.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMay 25, 2022

Study finds soil composition isn’t key to southeast Raleigh flooding

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that soils in the Walnut Creek watershed can absorb over 99% of precipitation events, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that urban planners address flooding problems by considering the amount and location of paved surfaces rather than soil composition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

A Politecnico study explains how to save the Mekong Delta from rising seas

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam could be almost completely submerged by sea water by the end of the century if urgent action is not taken. A Politecnico di Milano study identified six measures to increase the survival of the delta, including regulating sediment extraction and implementing natural coastal protection solutions.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 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.

New method can predict summer rainfall in the Southwest months in advance

Scientists developed a method to estimate summer rainfall in the Southwest months in advance, performing well in Arizona. By analyzing lower atmosphere moisture, they created monthly forecasts to aid reservoir storage and water allocation decisions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

How to assess a community's resilience

Researchers developed an interdisciplinary resilience framework to understand the connection between social and water systems in communities like the Choyeros. The framework explores how social systems impact water supply resilience and vice versa, providing a tool to generate conversations and coordinate responses.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSustainability Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2022

Study identifies gaps in monitoring of streams

The study found that stream gauges are disproportionately located in large rivers and human-occupied watersheds, but sparsely distributed in protected areas and non-perennial rivers. This is critical information for freshwater conservation and water security concerns.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateApr 25, 2022

New study shows robust increases in atmospheric thirst across much of U.S. during past 40 years

A new study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Cool way to keep streets green

Researchers at Flinders University discovered that stormwater interception and infiltration using the TREENET Inlet enhances white cedar tree growth, with saplings growing 65% more in height and 60% more in diameter. The study found increased water uptake and photosynthesis rates for trees receiving harvested stormwater.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2022
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.

Improving predictions of bacteria in Ala Wai Canal, Hawai‘i

Researchers have developed a model to predict Vibrio vulnificus abundance in the canal by analyzing rainfall, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and organic matter. The study found that warmer waters due to climate change may lead to an increase of twice or three times current levels of bacteria by the end of the century.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Call to preserve hidden water

Groundwater supplies half of world's drinking water and is vital to agriculture and industry; poor management threatens global water security. A study in Australia highlights the benefits of collective action in groundwater management.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeCase study·DateMar 20, 2022

Snowbound: Big trees boost water in forests by protecting snowpack

Researchers found that big trees provide a doughnut-shaped zone surrounding them where snowpack can endure, benefiting forests with sparse precipitation. The study suggests conserving healthy and large tree species can help retain snow on the ground.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcohydrology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Human actions accelerate climate-driven floods and droughts

A study of 2,272 streams in North America found that human-altered streams are at greater risk of severe flooding due to increased paved surfaces. Human activities also lead to water shortages and biodiversity loss in these streams.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 9, 2022

Leaks an untapped opportunity for water savings

A study from the University of California, Davis, found that reducing leaks in urban water systems can be a highly effective and cost-competitive method for saving water. The research suggests that leak reduction is the most cost-effective tool in an urban water manager's toolkit, with estimated savings of $277 per acre-foot.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 7, 2022

Sustainable groundwater use could be answer to Africa’s water issues

A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Swiss rivers on track to overheat by the end of the century

According to a new EPFL study, Swiss rivers are at risk of overheating by the end of the century. If greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, river temperatures may only rise by 1°C and discharge decreases by 5% in mountain catchments. Inaction could lead to extreme consequences, including glacier loss and decreased biodiversity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

CityU’s scholars participate in a global study that reveals broad contamination of pharmaceuticals in the world’s rivers

A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Study recommends six steps to improve our water quality

A new study from the University of Waterloo provides a roadmap for faster improvements in water quality by tackling nitrogen legacies. The research recommends six steps to address this critical issue, which has persisted for decades due to excess nitrogen fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 14, 2022

Pursuing carbon neutrality and water security in China

A new study suggests that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality could lead to significant water savings, with 24% of industrial water use expected to be saved by 2060. However, some provinces may struggle to meet their water-use targets, and coordinated climate-water strategies are needed to address these challenges.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.

Fine Sediment in Open Water

This book provides a fundamental understanding of the physical, biological, and chemical processes governing fine sediment transport in open water. It covers various spatial and temporal scales, from micro-scale to system-wide, and discusses interactions between disciplines such as hydrodynamics and soft soil mechanics.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateJan 28, 2022

Pristine groundwater seeps support native algae on Hawai‘i’s coasts

Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Increase in marine heat waves threatens coastal habitats

Marine heat waves in the Chesapeake Bay are projected to increase by half a year by 2100, causing devastating impacts on marine life and coastal economies. The study found a significant upward trend in frequency and intensity of marine heat waves within the Bay.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2022

Water scarcity may spur improvements at manufacturing facilities

A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.

SourcePenn State·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022
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.

Toward a more inclusive definition of green infrastructure

A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 5, 2022

Waterfall sounds used as a telltale sign of water loss

Researchers developed a tool to monitor and predict water losses in waterfalls based on their soundscapes, allowing environmental managers to balance water diversion and preservation. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a minimum threshold of water flow for waterfall appearance and sound.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 29, 2021

UMD researchers unlock the potential of trees for managing environmental impacts in cities

Researchers found that individual urban trees, such as street trees, can capture and store rainfall at a rate of three times that of clusters or patches. The study used sap flux sensors to monitor transpiration rates in 18 mature red maple trees, revealing significantly higher transpiration rates in single trees compared to cluster trees.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2021

Why drinking water needs monitoring for HIV drugs

Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEnvironmental Nanotechnology Monitoring & Management·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
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.

Climate and agriculture in the Mediterranean: less water resource, more irrigation demand

A Mediterranean region study predicts increased crop water demands due to worsening climate conditions, affecting staple crops like maize and wheat. The findings highlight the need for precision agriculture and water management strategies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalAgricultural Water Management·DateNov 16, 2021

Secondary forests restore fresh water sources in degraded landscapes

Researchers found that bacterial communities in streams adjacent to young secondary forests recover to resemble those of mature forest streams within a decade after cattle is removed from the land. This study provides hope for restoring water quality through passive reforestation, which can be crucial for human health and the environment.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2021

Nursery plants are plagued by a hidden water mold—plant pathologists have a solution

Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Project aims to improve accuracy of climate change models

A new project led by Cornell University's Flavio Lehner will improve climate models to reduce uncertainty in future water projections. The research aims to assess the sensitivity of models to changing environmental factors, such as temperature and greenhouse gases.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 26, 2021
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.