Desert Research Institute
Higher Ed: Academic Departments/Divisions | Research Institute or Center
Recent News About Desert Research Institute
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Lichens suggest potential for extraterrestrial life despite intense solar radiation
The possibility of life on planets outside our solar system has long intrigued scientists.
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Study highlights role of urban street trees in mitigating Las Vegas heat
Reno, Nev. – With rising temperatures breaking records in Las Vegas and the broader southern Nevada region, a recent study sheds light on the role urban street trees could play in mitigating extreme heat.
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Study links wet soils with increased flood risks during atmospheric river storms
Atmospheric rivers are known for causing most of the flooding on the U.S. West Coast, while also providing essential moisture to the region.
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Study reveals insights into winter flooding patterns in California's Central Valley
California's Central Valley, a vital agricultural area and home to over 1.3 million people, faces significant challenges with winter flooding.
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Study finds Western U.S. spring runoff takes over five years from snowfall
DRI’s Rosemary Carroll, a research professor of hydrology, has co-authored a study revealing that spring runoff in the Western U.S. mountains is older than previously thought.
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Study examines impact of wildfire smoke on air quality in Western U.S
Researchers are focusing on the effects of wildfire smoke on air quality, public health, and weather in a new study published in Environmental Science: Atmospheres.
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Graduate students showcase research at annual DRI poster session
On April 25, 21 graduate students presented their research at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno.
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Nevada invests $1.8 million in WaterStart for innovative water technology development
The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has announced a $1.8 million investment into WaterStart, a nonprofit organization based in Nevada.
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New study reveals metal contaminants in Rocky Mountain snow
Mountain snowpacks in the Rockies, crucial for supplying water to the American West, are becoming contaminated with mercury and other metals due to atmospheric transport from regional mines.
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Machine learning models face challenges in classifying rain and snow, says new study
A recent study led by the University of Vermont (UVM) has shed light on the difficulties of accurately classifying precipitation as rain or snow.
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Kristin VanderMolen receives 2025 Rising Researcher Award from NSHE Board
DRI scientist Kristin VanderMolen, Ph.D., has been recognized with the 2025 Rising Researcher Award by the NSHE Board of Regents.
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New tool aids farmers in optimizing water management through satellite data
A new tool developed by the OpenET team, supported by NASA, DRI, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), aims to assist farmers and ranchers in managing water resources more effectively.
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DRI hosts science-focused literacy events for young children in Nevada
DRI’s STEM Education Program is organizing free events aimed at enhancing literacy through science activities for Pre-K children in Nevada.
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Study links climate change-induced weather whiplash to increased wildfire risks
A recent study highlights the impact of weather whiplash on wildfire risks, with a focus on Southern California's devastating fires in January.
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Study reveals shifts in indigenous populations before European arrival
A recent study led by Robert Kelly, professor emeritus of archaeology at the University of Wyoming, sheds light on the population dynamics of North America's Indigenous communities before European contact.
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Study reveals link between climate change and increasing weather extremes
DRI's Christine Albano has co-authored a study exploring how climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
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Native Climate releases detailed climate projections for U.S. tribal lands
Earth's climate changes are not only about temperature increases but also involve various factors that affect agriculture.
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DRI launches statewide science storytelling series highlighting environmental challenges
DRI has announced a new series of community events in Las Vegas and Reno.
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Study uncovers ancient forest preserved in Beartooth Plateau ice
Scientists from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Montana State University, and the U.S. Geological Survey have uncovered a 6,000-year-old forest preserved in an ice patch on the Beartooth Plateau.
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Reno-Sparks releases urban heat data following successful mapping campaign
The Reno-Sparks Heat Mapping Project has successfully completed its temperature mapping campaign, releasing detailed data and modeled temperature maps for the Truckee Meadows communities.