Field Measurements
Field Measurements - Related Videos
07:12
Use of the Open Field Maze to Measure Locomotor and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice
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Cited by 1562 •
2015
A protocol is provided to use an Open Field Maze to access general locomotor activity, anxiety and emotionality in a laboratory mouse model.
11:02
Detection of Exosomal Biomarker by Electric Field-induced Release and Measurement (EFIRM)
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Cited by 43 •
2015
Exosomes are microvesicular structures found within biofluids that potentially carry important disease discriminatory biomarkers. Here, a novel method is used to specifically extract exosomes and rapidly test the exosomal cargo for both RNA/protein targets following the disruption of exosomes using non-uniform electric cyclic square waves.
08:54
Development of a Mobile Mitochondrial Physiology Laboratory for Measuring Mitochondrial Energetics in the Field
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Cited by 2 •
2021
We designed and constructed a mobile laboratory to measure respiration rates in isolated mitochondria of wild animals captured at field locations. Here, we describe the design and outfitting of a mobile mitochondrial laboratory and the associated laboratory protocols.
06:25
Motion-Acuity Test for Visual Field Acuity Measurement with Motion-Defined Shapes
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Cited by 3 •
2024
A novel motion-based acuity test that allows the assessment of central and peripheral visual processing in low-vision and healthy individuals, along with goggles limiting peripheral vision compatible with MRI protocols, are described here. This method offers a comprehensive vision assessment for functional impairments and dysfunctions of the visual system.
10:23
Electric Fields
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2023
Source: Yong P. Chen, PhD, Department of Physics & Astronomy, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN An electric field is generated by a charged object (referred to as the source charge) in the space around it, and represents the ability to exert electric force on another charged object (referred to as the test charge). Represented by a vector at any given point in the space, the electric field is the electrical force per unit test charge placed at that point (the force...
FAQs
Calibration helps ensure that readings from instruments such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, or soil-moisture sensors are consistent with the conditions being investigated. Without calibration, apparent differences among sites or sampling dates may reflect instrument performance rather than environmental variation. Combining calibration with documented protocols improves data quality and makes measurements more comparable across studies.
Sampling design determines where and when observations are collected, while replication shows whether a measured pattern is consistent or could result from local variability. Repeated observations across appropriate locations or times help researchers distinguish natural environmental variation from changes associated with human activity. This strengthens comparisons among sites and improves interpretation of ecosystem or pollution data.
Field measurements provide observations from the actual environmental setting, whereas laboratory analysis and remote sensing may not capture every local condition directly. On-site data can therefore supply evidence for interpreting broader observations and checking whether models or satellite data represent conditions accurately. Using these approaches together supports more complete assessments of environmental systems.
Environmental conditions can vary between places and change over time, so a measurement without location or timing is difficult to interpret or compare. Recording both provides the context needed to identify spatial patterns, evaluate changes across sampling dates, and relate observations to possible human influences. These records also support consistent comparison among field studies and monitoring efforts.
A reliable workflow begins by selecting a standardized sampling design, choosing measurements suited to the environmental question, and preparing calibrated instruments. Researchers then follow documented field protocols while recording the site and sampling time. Replication and quality control are applied during and after collection so the resulting observations can be compared and interpreted with greater confidence.
Field measurements support ecosystem assessment, water-quality and air-quality monitoring, and environmental impact studies. They can document variables such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, soil moisture, and pollutant concentrations under real-world conditions. The resulting evidence helps characterize environmental status, compare locations or times, and evaluate changes that may be linked to human activities.
Researchers compare direct observations from environmental sites with model outputs or satellite-based information to evaluate how well those broader methods represent actual conditions. Agreement can support confidence in the model or remote observation, while differences identify areas requiring closer interpretation. Field data therefore provide an important reference for assessing environmental predictions and large-scale monitoring.