ECAR

ECAR is an acronym used in several distinct contexts. In higher education information technology, ECAR stands for the EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research, the research arm of EDUCAUSE. ECAR conducts large-scale studies on information technology use in colleges and universities and publishes reports and resources to inform IT strategy and policy. Its work includes surveys and studies on student experiences with digital learning, IT governance, and technology adoption, contributing to benchmarking and best practices within the sector.

In cellular metabolism, ECAR refers to extracellular acidification rate, a measure of how quickly cells release acid into their surrounding medium. ECAR is largely driven by glycolytic activity, which produces lactic acid, and to a lesser extent by other acid-producing processes. Researchers commonly use ECAR measurements, often with instruments such as the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, to assess glycolysis and metabolic shifts. ECAR is frequently analyzed alongside oxygen consumption rate (OCR) to characterize cellular energy phenotypes and metabolic flexibility.

The acronym is therefore used in at least these two major contexts, among others, and its meaning should be inferred from the surrounding field.