News & Announcements
Working to Solve our Most Challenging Environmental Problems
DRI’s research calls on the expertise and methods of scientists from multiple scientific disciplines. More than 600 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and staff work collaboratively within and across three research divisions, focused on understanding and answering critical science questions about global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, the sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, education, and more.
What happens when rain falls on desert soils? An updated model provides answers
Several years ago, while studying the environmental impacts of large-scale solar farms in the Nevada desert, Desert Research Institute (DRI) scientists Yuan Luo, Ph.D. and Markus Berli, Ph.D. became interested in one particular question: how does the presence of thousands of solar panels impact desert hydrology?
Climate change and “atmospheric thirst” to increase fire danger and drought in Nevada and California
Climate change and a “thirsty atmosphere” will bring more extreme wildfire danger and multi-year droughts to Nevada and California by the end of this century, according to new research from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of Calfiornia, San Diego, and the University of California, Merced.
New luminescence rock dating technique to help answer archaeological questions in Lincoln County, Nevada
A group of scientists led by Christina Neudorf and Teresa Wriston will develop and refine a new technique in luminescence dating.
Local Scientists Discuss Research During First “Conversations with DRI Innovators” Event
Researchers debriefed global participants on microplastics in the environment, a new online snow tracker tool for water resource management, and the role of dogs in body recovery. Link to Event Video Presentation Available at...
DRI Archaeologists to document ancient rock art at Fort Hunter Liggett
A group of Desert Research Institute (DRI) archaeologists will document ancient rock art at Fort Hunter Liggett using high resolution photography.
Xiaoliang Wang Receives 2020 Benjamin Y. H. Liu Award for Aerosol Research
Reno, Nev. (Oct 7, 2020) – Xiaoliang Wang, Ph.D. of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, Nev. is the winner of this year’s Benjamin Y. H. Liu Award from the American Association of Aerosol Research (AAAR). He was recognized for this honor today at a virtual...
DRI announces winner of 22nd Annual Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Science
DRI announced that the 22nd Annual Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences has been awarded to Anne E. Barkley.
Wildfire smoke more dangerous than other air pollutants for asthma patients
For people who suffer from asthma, wildfire smoke is more hazardous than other types of air pollution, according to a new study from DRI.
DRI, EDF, NASA, and Google Announce Web Application to Transform Water Management in the Western United States
OpenET will provide easily accessible satellite-based water data to help build a resilient future for agriculture. The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), NASA, and Google, proudly announced plans today to develop a new web...
Dr. Kumud Acharya Appointed Permanent President of DRI
LAS VEGAS – Dr. Kumud Acharya, an ecological engineer whose pioneering work in Nevada helped local and state water managers address aquatic invasive species threatening both Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe, was appointed the permanent president of the Desert Research...
Population genetic screening shown to efficiently identify increased risk for inherited disease
Healthy Nevada Project’s community-based approach reveals up to 90% of CDC Tier 1 genetic condition risks missed using clinical care guidelines Reno, Nev. (July 27, 2020) – In a new study published today in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers behind the Healthy...
New USDA Grant Will Fund COVID-19 Rapid Response Toolkit for Tribal Extension Agents
Reno, Nev. (July 23, 2020) – Several members of the Native Waters on Arid Lands (NWAL) project team, led by Maureen McCarthy, Ph.D., of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, have been awarded a $300k grant from the US Department of Agriculture National...