Scientists from the Karelian Research Centre RAS are among the winners of two regional competitions organized by the Russian Science Foundation. Eight research projects will be supported. Congratulations to our colleagues!

Karelian scientists probed the territory of an ancient stone-tool workshop with a GPR, revealing the positions of small artifacts in the ground. Previously, geophysical methods were used in archeology mainly to search for bulky objects and remnants of structures, such as burial chambers or foundations of ancient buildings. Specialists successfully tested the new technique to study Stone Age sites, where the size of findings is often within a centimeter.

Commercial medical serves are more frequently used by low-income families. Such a paradoxical conclusion was made as a result of a study carried out at the Institute of Economics KarRC RAS. Researchers conducted a sociological survey of households and studied the consumer activity of Karelian citizens in the market of commercial medical services.

Biologists from KarRC RAS found a way to reduce the need for antibiotics in trout farming. Scientists experimentally proved the efficacy of an organic dietary supplement, dihydroquercetin, derived from larch logging wastes. It promotes fish resistance to stresses and diseases. At the same time, the supplement is harmless for humans and water ecosystems.

Scientists create thin films of shungite carbon for the first time. Shungite is now mainly used in the metal industry, construction, and for water purification. The new development opens up possibilities for its high-tech use, for example, for making gas sensors, as well as in optical devices.

Russia is creating a national system for greenhouse gas monitoring. One of the participants in this project, initiated by the federal government, is the Karelian Research Center RAS, which has extensive experience in environmental research. In the fall, scientists surveyed 50 sample plots in forests of Karelia. The specialists studied tree stands, downed deadwood, ground vegetation, and soils. Based on these studies, they estimated carbon accumulation in boreal forests.

Joint session of the Learned Councils of the Karelian Research Center RAS, Petrozavodsk State University, and Karelian Branch of RANEPA, timed to the Russian Science Day, was held on February 8. Scientists were congratulated by representatives of regional authorities, educational and cultural organizations. The main agenda was devoted to the current Year of Teacher and Mentor.