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Citizen Science Comes of Age

Alastair Bland

February 19, 2019 |

Hakai Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Australia, Tasmania

As climate change accelerates, there is a growing need for scientific data to track and respond to the changes in our environment. Unburdened by the stress of academia or funding, volunteer citizen scientists are stepping in to fill the gaps. A citizen science group in Australia called Reef Life Survey says that trained volunteers help set a baseline of information on things such as water temperature that can be referred back to later. They also have many eyes gathering data over a long period of time, allowing more minute data to be recorded as well as getting data from the edges of studied territories.

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In the Solomon Islands, making amends in the name of conservation

John C. Cannon

February 19, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Solomon Islands, Malaita

In the Solomon Islands, visiting scientists and researchers have made historical and symbolic amends with the Kwaio people. The tribe, once violently attacked by colonial settlers, have felt the need for reconciliation for decades and as the scientists continued to connect with them, decided that a formal ritual of reconciliation was needed. Together, the two groups participated in the ritual, allowing the Kraio people to move forward and the researchers to continue their work.

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New Mexicans Use Rain Gauges to Help Scientists Map Precipitation Levels

Michael Hernandez

February 09, 2019 |

KRWG-PBS |

Broadcast TV News |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Las Cruces, New Mexico

When it comes to meteorology, citizen science can be a powerful resource. In New Mexico and neighboring states, volunteers are collecting data that helps researchers and state agencies map rainfall patterns. Through CoCoRaHS, an online network, that information is reaching diverse stakeholders, from farmers to insurers.

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These probiotics for plants help farms suck up extra carbon dioxide

Adele Peters

February 07, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Florida

A startup called Locus Agricultural Solutions has created a "probiotic" for soil that uses a mixture of beneficial fungi and bacteria. Not only does it increase productivity of crops, but it also absorbs enough carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere per acre to offset the emissions of a passenger vehicle. Tests done on an orange grove in Florida showed that areas treated with the product took up an extra 4.38 metric tons of CO2 per acre.

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Western Water Managers Bet On Cloud Seeding, Despite Gaps In Science

Luke Runyon

January 29, 2019 |

KUNC |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Wolcott, Colorado

In the American Southwest, state water managers have been investing for decades in weather modification programs, otherwise known as "cloud seeding." Colorado River Basin states recently agreed to expand that effort, hoping to build crucial snowpack. But some scientists are skeptical that cloud seeding can produce reliable supplies, citing huge data gaps.

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He's Helping Super Oysters Survive Climate Change

Tafline Laylin

January 25, 2019 |

OZY |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Manchester, Washington

As rising temperatures threaten marine life, the Pacific Hybreed laboratory is working to develop resilient shellfish. Their experimental breeding process attempts to uncover new genes to help a variety of shellfish withstand changing temperatures and disease, and it just might help save the fishing industry.

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A ‘FitBit for squid' could help track the ocean's squishier species

Marianne Messina

January 21, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Massachusetts

Squids play an important role in the ecosystem, so scientists are focusing efforts on better understanding how the species adapts to climate change. By creating a "FitBit for squid," scientists have successfully been able to monitor soft-bodied invertebrates.

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Beet juice, molasses and mag: Colorado's search for the right highway de-icing mixture

Pam Boyd

January 19, 2019 |

Sky-Hi News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

As Colorado searches for the most effective and efficient de-icer for its winter weather, the state weighs the pros and cons of using agricultural by-products like beet juice and molasses as base ingredients. The quest for finding the perfect de-icer comes up against environmental concerns – especially considering the robust outdoors of Colorado – as well as budget limitations and effectiveness.

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Inside the daring plan to map every coral reef from space

Michael Greshko

October 29, 2018 |

National Geographic |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Indonesia

Researchers are using satellite imagery and data to create the first global, high-resolution map of all coral reefs. The project, known as the Allen Coral Atlas, will help provide a baseline for scientists to monitor bleaching events and other short-term changes, which could lead to devastating changes.

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New tsunami warning system

Marco Werman

October 01, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: Indonesia, Sulawesi

The warning system in Indonesia to alert residents of tsunamis could not prevent disaster in Sulawesi because it hasn't worked for six years after many of the surface buoys were vandalized. However, a new system is underway where sensors on the bottom of the ocean detect tsunami waves and send acoustic signals back to shore, giving people 20 to 30 minutes warning to evacuate. A prototype has been installed, with more testing and infrastructure development planned.

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