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 400 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and staff work collaboratively within and across four 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.
Traditional hydrologic models may misidentify snow as rain, new citizen science data shows
Normally, we think of the freezing point of water as 32°F – but in the world of weather forecasting and hydrologic prediction, that isn’t always the case.
DRI announces winner of 22nd Annual Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Science
Anne Barkley of University of Miami to be honored in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 27, 2020 Reno, Nev. (October 1, 2020) – The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is pleased to announce that the 22nd Annual Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric...
Wildfire smoke more dangerous than other air pollutants for asthma patients
Photo caption: Smoke from wildfires covering the city of Sparks, Nevada. Credit: GChapel, Adobe Images. Reno, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2020) - For people who suffer from asthma, wildfire smoke is more hazardous than other types of air pollution, according to a new study...
DRI, EDF, NASA, and Google Announce Web Application to Transform Water Management in the Western United States
DRI, EDF, NASA, and Google Announce Web Application to Transform Water Management in the Western United StatesRENO, NEV.SEPT 15, 2020HydrologyNevada AgricultureEvapotranspirationRemote-SensingData VisualizationOpenET will provide easily accessible satellite-based...
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...
New study investigates link between clothes dryers and microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe
Reno, Nev. & South Lake Tahoe, Cal. (July 20, 2020) - Last year, Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the League to Save Lake Tahoe detected microplastics in Lake Tahoe for the first time ever, many of which were microfibers. This discovery revealed that...
New USDA grant to support Diné (Navajo) and Hopi Teachers in Placed-Based STEM curriculum
Reno, Nev. (July 14, 2020) - Meghan Collins, M.S., Education Lead for the Native Waters on Arid Lands (NWAL) project and Assistant Research Scientist at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno has received a $100k grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s...
DRI’S WaterStart Program GOED Knowledge Fund Success Story
This story was reposted with permission from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development. CARSON CITY, Nev. – After investments totaling $4.3 million through the Knowledge Fund administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the...