Desert Research Institute
Higher Ed: Academic Departments/Divisions | Research Institute or Center
Recent News About Desert Research Institute
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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.
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Study links ancient Roman-era lead pollution with cognitive decline
Lead exposure has long been recognized for its detrimental effects on human health, particularly in children.
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Research shows persistent disparities in cancer risk from US air pollution
New research conducted by the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) examines the distribution of air pollution and its associated cancer risks across U.S. communities.
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Native Climate reporters share stories at Indigenous conference in Alaska
Villagers from Newtok, Alaska, faced permanent evacuation in mid-October due to rising sea levels.
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DRI recruits Fallon residents for study on well water contamination
DRI scientists are seeking fifteen Fallon residents with private wells to participate in a water quality study.
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DRI honors faculty and staff achievements at annual awards ceremony
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) recently held its annual awards and recognition ceremonies at the Reno and Las Vegas campuses to honor faculty and staff for their achievements. The event celebrated individuals for their contributions to science, service, and public engagement.
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Grant supports clean energy education program in Nevada
The Desert Research Institute's (DRI) STEM Education Program has secured a grant from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Environmental Management to support Nevada’s clean energy workforce pipeline. The funding, amounting to nearly $2 million, aims to equip the next generation with essential knowledge and technical skills for employment in sectors such as clean energy, waste management, and environmental remediation.
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Catherine Ivanovich wins Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences
DRI has announced that Catherine (Casey) Ivanovich from Columbia University is the recipient of the 26th annual Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences. The award ceremony took place at the DRI campus in Reno on September 23, 2024.
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USGS funds study on wildfire impacts on flood risks led by Guo Yu
Reno, Nev. (September 10, 2024) – Guo Yu, an assistant research professor of hydrometeorology, along with collaborator Luke McGuire from the University of Arizona, has been awarded a three-year grant from the USGS Water Resources Research Act Program. The funding will be used to expand Yu's research on how repeated wildfires impact flooding risk in communities.