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Science News for April 13, 2017


Could New York neighborhood noise be good for poor residents?

Researchers observed lower body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure among low-income individuals living in the city's noisiest neighborhoods. The study suggests that neighborhood noise may have an indirect impact on health, potentially due to increased physical activity resulting from walkability.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateApr 13, 2017

Advantage: Water

Scientists have determined that water is only slightly more likely to stay in one piece as it binds to the catalyst surface than it is to form hydroxyl pairs. This small advantage has significant implications for industries using titanium dioxide, including alternative fuel production and solar energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Brain tissue from a petri dish

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have successfully grown brain-like cultures from human stem cells, mirroring the structure and function of the midbrain. This breakthrough allows for the study of Parkinson's disease mechanisms and potential treatments, as well as reducing animal testing in brain research.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 13, 2017

Citizen scientists help identify shorebird extinction threat

A study published in Nature Communications found that migratory shorebirds are declining due to dependence on mudflats in the Yellow Sea. The researchers analyzed citizen science data and found that even brief visits to the mudflats were crucial for population trends.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

UVA finds way to view genes inside living cells

Scientists have developed a way to track genes inside living cells, mapping their positions in three dimensions. This approach could lead to a better understanding of gene interactions and their effects on health, potentially leading to new treatments and cures for cancer and other genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

EU funds research on biofuels and infectious diseases

The European Union has funded two projects at Goethe University Frankfurt: one on producing environmentally friendly fuels from bacteria that can use carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and another on understanding how bacteria manipulate the ubiquitin system to their advantage in infectious diseases such as Salmonella and Shigella.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateApr 13, 2017

Cassini detects hydrothermal processes on one of Saturn's moons

The Cassini spacecraft detected molecular hydrogen in the plume of Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting hydrothermal reactions between hot rocks and water. This finding indicates that Enceladus' sub-surface ocean may support life, making it a promising candidate for astrobiological research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

People sensitive to sexual disgust more likely to be Kantian

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals sensitive to sexual disgust are more likely to make duty-based moral judgments, similar to those who follow Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy. This is surprising, as previous research has shown no connection between moral disgust sensitivity and moral preferences.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Immune system can spot tell-tale change in identity of cancer antigens -- study

A new study has identified novel mechanisms by which T cells recognize emerging class of targets specifically increased on cancer cells. The study found that phosphorylation induces a major change in peptide structure and makes the critical receptor sensitive to discrimination between modified and non-modified peptides.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateApr 13, 2017

The new method of analysis in record high speed DNA assay device

The new synergistic PCR (sPCR) technique developed by Curiosity Diagnostics combines the advantages of analogue and digital PCR methods. It offers faster analysis times, reduced calibration requirements, and increased accuracy in detecting genetic material. The method is particularly useful for laboratory staff to independently verify ...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Biased bots: Human prejudices sneak into artificial intelligence systems

Researchers found that machine learning programs can acquire cultural biases from online language patterns, affecting tasks like image categorization and automated translations. This study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing bias in AI systems to promote fairness and equality.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Deciphering plant immunity against parasites

A team of researchers identified a protein called NILR1 in thale cress that helps plants sense and defend against parasitic worms. The discovery could lead to the development of crop plants with enhanced protection against nematodes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 13, 2017

Policymakers 'flying blind' into the future of work

The study emphasizes the need for new labor data to assess and predict how computer and robotic technologies affect workplaces. Researchers recommend focusing on uniquely human characteristics in education and training to prepare students for a constantly changing workforce.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Technique improves breast reduction outcomes

Researchers found that using techniques that minimize disruption to the lower breast suspensory ligaments improves breast reduction outcomes. The study suggests that preserving these ligaments reduces pseudoptosis, a common long-term complication of breast reduction surgery.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAnnals of Plastic Surgery·DateApr 13, 2017

Think you can handle your alcohol? Study may urge some drinkers to think again

Researchers found that heavy drinkers developed behavioral tolerance to alcohol on simpler fine motor tasks, such as the Grooved Pegboard Test, but not on more complex tasks like the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Despite faster metabolism, heavy drinkers showed similar levels of impairment on these tasks compared to light drinkers.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateApr 13, 2017

Drinking iced tea may boost cholera risk in endemic countries

Researchers found a link between drinking iced tea and increased risk of cholera in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. Drinking iced tea was associated with an increased risk of contracting the disease, possibly due to Vibrio cholerae bacteria found in ice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 13, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Kidney disease is a major cause of cardiovascular deaths

A new analysis reveals that by 2013, cardiovascular deaths due to reduced kidney function surpassed kidney failure deaths globally. Maintaining kidney health may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and deaths. The study found that reduced kidney function increases the risk of congestive heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 13, 2017

Scientists tag humpback whales in southeast Pacific

Scientists tagged 47 humpback whales with satellite transmitters in the southeast Pacific to understand their breeding area movements. The study revealed that individuals move between countries within the breeding season and that their entire breeding area extends approximately 2,600 kilometers of non-straight coastline.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateApr 13, 2017

Trust in local community leads to better long-term decisions among the poor

Research finds that low-income individuals who trust their communities make better long-term financial decisions by relying on friends and neighbors for support. Building strong communities is crucial for addressing poverty cycles, and targeted policies can help increase community trust.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

New study emphasizes the relative scarcity of lake water

Researchers estimate the total volume of lake water to be around 184,000-199,000 km³, highlighting its relative scarcity compared to the ocean's massive 1.3 billion km³. Human activities like climate change and water diversion significantly impact lake quality and quantity.

SourceUmea University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 13, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Next 10 years critical for achieving climate change goals

To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

Mindfulness just as effective as CBT for a broad range of psychiatric symptoms

A new study found that mindfulness group therapy has an equally positive effect as individual CBT for a range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms such as depression, general anxiety, stress, and somatization.

SourceLund University·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateApr 13, 2017

Green IT: New switching process in non-volatile spintronics devices

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new switching process for non-volatile spintronics devices using asymmetric nanorings. The process involves applying a short magnetic field pulse, which leads to an intermediate 'onion state' and subsequently results in a stable opposite magnetization of the ring.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 13, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Fewer repeat hospital admissions after 'vertical integration' of healthcare

A study published in Medical Care found that vertical integration of primary and hospital care led to a lower rate of hospital readmissions. The analysis included nearly 1.2 million hospital admissions between 2004 and 2013, resulting in a relative ten percent decrease in the probability of unplanned readmission.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 13, 2017

25 is 'golden age' for the ability to make random choices

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that humans' ability to make random choices peaks around age 25 and declines thereafter. The researchers assessed over 3,400 participants and used online tasks to evaluate their algorithmic randomness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 13, 2017

The dangers of being a saber-toothed cat in Los Angeles 12,000 years ago

Researchers found that saber-toothed cats suffered more frequent injuries than dire wolves due to their solo hunting style, which likely involved ambushing large prey at short distances. The study analyzed over 35,000 bones and found that 4.3% of saber-toothed cat bones showed trauma.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 13, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Crooked bite may indicate early life stress

University of Washington researchers find that an asymmetric lower face may indicate early life stress, with one in four US adolescents showing such asymmetries. The study used data from the National Health Examination Survey to investigate lower-face asymmetry as a potential marker for developmental instability.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateApr 13, 2017

Scientists discover master switch to turn on silent biosynthetic gene clusters

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a master switch that 'switches on' silent biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria, leading to the production of new compounds with anti-parasitic properties. The global regulator, scmR, acts as a gatekeeper for expression and can be eliminated genetically to release molecules of interest.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

The Black Panther Party -- its struggles and achievements

A new special issue of the Journal of African American Studies explores the Black Panther Party's diversity, complexity, and impact on the Black Liberation Struggle. The issue features reflections, interviews with former Panthers, and insights into recent books on the BPP, offering a nuanced perspective on this militant group.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of African American Studies·DateApr 13, 2017

AI systems exhibit gender and racial biases when learning language

A new study reveals AI systems retain biases seen in humans, with European American names associated more with pleasant stimuli. The research uses statistical analysis of word associations to demonstrate these findings, which have implications for understanding cultural stereotypes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

When it comes to reading, kindergarten is the new first grade

A nationwide study by Ohio State University found that kindergarten is now considered the new first grade for learning reading skills. While low-achieving students showed gains in basic skills, they struggled with advanced reading skills, highlighting a need to adjust strategies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateApr 13, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How training patients for surgery shortens hospital stays and saves money

A study published in Surgery found that basic fitness and wellness coaching can reduce surgical patients' average hospital stay by two days and cut medical costs by 30 percent. The program, which includes walking and stress reduction, was shown to improve physical healing and provide emotional benefits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSurgery·DateApr 13, 2017

99-million-year-old termite-loving thieves caught in Burmese amber

Fossils of ancient termite-loving rove beetles, named Cretotrichopsenius burmiticus, reveal that ancient termite societies were quickly invaded by beetles about 99 million years ago. The discovery pushes back the fossil record of termitophiles by 80 million years.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2017

The world's most spoken language is...'Terpene'

Researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology discovered that micro-organisms, including bacteria and fungi, use terpenes to hold conversations. Terpenes are the most popular chemical medium for communication on the planet.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2017

University of Illinois Department of Mathematics wins AMS Award

The University of Illinois Department of Mathematics has received the American Mathematical Society Award for its successful programs, including an internship program and active learning initiatives. The department has also expanded its Actuarial Science Program and improved student representation.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 13, 2017

UTA Nursing Professor receives $308,000 NIH grant

Mark Haykowsky and his team will study mechanisms and management of exercise intolerance in older HFpEF patients with endurance exercise training. Preserved ejection fraction is the fastest growing type of heart failure, with high mortality rates and impaired exercise tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 13, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Specialized blood vessels enhance tumor-fighting immunotherapy

Combining anti-angiogenic and immune-stimulating therapies creates specialized blood vessels that deliver cancer-fighting immune cells to tumors, leading to better therapeutic outcomes. This breakthrough research may improve treatments and prolong survival periods for patients.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 13, 2017

Unraveling the mechanism of skin barrier formation

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified the PNPLA1 gene as essential for acylceramide synthesis, a lipid that forms the skin barrier. The study sheds light on potential treatments for skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

A battery prototype powered by atmospheric nitrogen

Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateApr 13, 2017

Methane seeps in the Canadian high Arctic

A field campaign on Ellef Ringnes Island revealed over 130 methane seep mounds in Cretaceous age sediments, indicating a significant release of methane during climate warming. The discovery supports concerns of potential destabilization of modern methane hydrates and has important implications for the Arctic Ocean's warming.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 13, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

MicroRNA may reduce stroke risk

Researchers discovered that microRNA-210 reduces plaque instability and improves fibrous cap stability, potentially reducing the risk of stroke. Local application of microRNA-210 is being explored as a safer alternative to systemic administration, which could minimize side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 13, 2017

Nuclease-resistant hybrid nanoflowers

Researchers at KAIST have synthesized DNA-copper nanoflowers using eco-friendly conditions, exhibiting high DNA loading capacities and low cytotoxicity. The hybrid nanoflowers show exceptional peroxidase activity, enabling sensitive detection of molecules.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateApr 13, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists unveil CRISPR-based diagnostic platform

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diagnostic tool using RNA-targeting CRISPR enzyme for detecting diseases such as Zika virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new system, called SHERLOCK, can detect single molecules of target RNA or DNA, enabling rapid and affordable diagnosis.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Married LGBT older adults are healthier, happier than singles, study finds

A University of Washington study found that married LGBT older adults have better physical and mental health, more social support, and greater financial resources than their single counterparts. The study also highlights the importance of understanding individual choices regarding marriage within the LGBT community.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 13, 2017

Forecasting large earthquakes along the Wasatch Front, Utah

Researchers estimate a 43% probability of at least one magnitude 6.75 or greater earthquake in the Wasatch Front region by 2070. The study, published in 2016, predicts that 22 large earthquakes have ruptured parts of the fault zone between Nephi and Brigham City over the past 6000 years.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 13, 2017

Nanotubes that build themselves

Scientists at Lund University produced nanotubes from a single building block using molecular self-recognition, enabling controlled transport of substances like acetylcholine. The discovery could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

Can unemployment increase stroke risk?

Research suggests that unemployment increases the risk of stroke in middle-aged Japanese individuals, particularly those who experience job loss or are unable to rejoin the workforce. The study highlights the importance of job security during productive work ages in reducing stroke risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 13, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Device pulls water from dry air, powered only by the sun

Researchers at UC Berkeley and MIT have developed a solar-powered harvester that can collect water from the air even in extremely dry conditions. The device uses a metal-organic framework to absorb water vapor, which is then condensed and collected using sunlight as power.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Are tumor cells glutamine addicts?

Researchers found that tumor cells entering a reversible state of proliferation arrest when glutamine is depleted, rather than dying. c-MYC levels are down-regulated upon glutamine deprivation, suggesting it couples transcription to nucleotide availability.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 13, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Harnessing CRISPR for rapid detection of viral and bacterial infection

Researchers developed SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-Cas system that detects viral and bacterial pathogens with high sensitivity, enabling rapid diagnosis. The system's high sensitivity and low cost make it suitable for various applications, including cancer mutation detection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Hunting by humans significantly reduces bird and mammal populations

A new study found that hunting by humans significantly reduces bird and mammal populations, with declines ranging from 53% to 82% in tropical forests. The research highlights the need for sustainable wildlife management strategies to avoid further defaunation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Sandy the dingo wins world's most interesting genome competition

A wild-born dingo named Sandy Maliki won the World's Most Interesting Genome competition with 41% of international votes. The UNSW-led project aims to sequence Sandy's genome and uncover genes related to temperament and behavior, shedding light on the transition from wild animals to domestic pets.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateApr 13, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Worldwide survey finds 16 percent rate of acute neurological conditions in critically ill children

A worldwide survey found 16% of critically ill children have acute neurological conditions with brain damage, highlighting the need for transformational ideas to improve outcomes. The study revealed that cardiac arrest was the most common cause of these conditions, followed by traumatic brain injury and central nervous system infection.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 13, 2017

Bacterial supermachine reveals streamlined protein assembly line

Researchers have discovered a defined architecture of the bacterial expressome, allowing for a better understanding of how bacteria impact human health. This finding may lead to the development of new antibiotics that target bacteria but leave human cells unharmed.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

With magnetic map, young eels catch a 'free ride' to Europe

Researchers discovered that young European eels detect subtle differences in the earth's magnetic field, helping them swim towards the Gulf Stream, a conveyor belt transporting them to Europe. The findings reveal that juvenile eels use their magnetic map sense to increase their chances of catching a free ride to their destination.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

How nature engineered the original rotary motor

Researchers discovered a mechanism that controls the length of a bacterial flagellum's rod, which transfers torque to propel the bacterium. The study found that an outer membrane tethering protein plays a crucial role in regulating the flagellum's dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Study links brain structure, anxiety and negative bias in healthy adults

Researchers found that healthy college students with smaller inferior frontal cortex tend to experience more anxiety and display a stronger negative bias. The study suggests that larger IFC volume confers resilience against negative bias through lower levels of trait anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 13, 2017

Shedding light on the absorption of light by titanium dioxide

Researchers have shed light on the absorption of light by anatase titanium dioxide using cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations. They discovered that strongly bound excitons exhibit novel properties, including confinement to a two-dimensional plane and stability at room temperature.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

New study reveals highest risk profiles for opioid overdose

A comprehensive analysis reveals individuals with depression or substance use disorder are at highest risk of serious opioid overdose. The study highlights the importance of a personalized approach to opioid prescribing, considering factors such as mental health disorders, medication interactions, and opioid-specific characteristics.

SourceThe Hodges Partnership·JournalPain Medicine·DateApr 13, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.