Researchers established normative values for VJ and SR tests in a diverse Chinese population. Males exhibited an upward trajectory in VJ values until the age of 18, while females maintained stable levels until early adulthood. The findings provide valuable tools for gauging muscle function and detecting health-related issues.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2023
A new study published in Obesity found that fitness and preventing weight gain may be more important than weight loss for preventing chronic kidney disease in obese adults. Weight gain was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, while low physical fitness was linked to rapid kidney function decline.
SourceDrexel University·JournalObesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2023
A small molecule drug improved the fitness of hematopoietic stem cells used in cell transplants, potentially enhancing the success of procedures like ex vivo gene therapy. The study found that targeting extracellular vesicles relieved stress on cells outside the body, improving their performance when transplanted back in.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·DateSep 27, 2023
Researchers found that behaviors nourishing individual plant fitness can be detrimental to the whole community in high-density stands. Simulated shade may improve breeding for high-yielding cultivars by understanding molecular and genetic components of interactions between wheat plants.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateSep 6, 2023
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.
A large long-term study found that good cardiorespiratory fitness in young men is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing nine specific cancers, including a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer. Higher fitness was also linked to lower risks of rectal, pancreatic, and bowel cancers.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2023
Researchers highlight the potential of wearables to unlock new insights into physical activity and health risks. However, they also underscore challenges including data standardization, industry-academia gaps, and unequal access to these devices.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 8, 2023
Researchers found that CAR NK cells lose metabolic fitness when competing with tumor cells for nutrients, leading to resistance. Engineering cells with IL-15 enhances metabolic fitness and provides a longer-lasting anti-tumor response.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 26, 2023
A University of Otago study reveals that pre-operative high-intensity interval training can significantly improve patient outcomes after surgery, with a 56% reduction in post-operative complications. The study also found that participants who underwent HIIT prior to surgery stayed in the hospital for three fewer days on average.
SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalSurgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
A new study reveals a 12-week brain fitness program with coaching and lifestyle interventions improves patients' memory, attention, mood, and sleep. The program demonstrates significant improvements in cognitive function and reduces symptoms for ADHD, concussion, and memory loss patients.
SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 30, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies found that preoperative high-intensity interval training improves cardiorespiratory fitness. The study also suggests that this type of training may reduce postoperative complications among adults undergoing major surgery, supporting its inclusion in pre-habilitation programs.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2023
A large Swedish study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness may lower the incidence and mortality rates of certain cancers in men. The researchers suggest prioritizing CRF interventions for individuals with low fitness levels.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 29, 2023
Research from University of California San Diego scientists found that honey bee pollination results in inferior quality plant offspring compared to native bees. The study revealed that honey bees visit twice as many flowers per plant before moving to the next, leading to higher levels of self-pollination and lower-quality offspring.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023
Researchers developed a new biological age indicator, DNAmFitAge, that incorporates physical fitness parameters, showing a correlation with lower mortality risk, coronary heart disease risk reduction, and improved disease-free status in physically fit individuals.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023
A recent study found that healthy dietary patterns are strongly associated with improved fitness in middle-aged adults. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, examined over 2,380 participants and found that a Mediterranean-style diet with fresh whole foods and minimal processed items led to higher cardio...
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new automated algorithm enhances the assessment of human neuron survival in synucleinopathy by tracking cell death and markers of neuronal fitness. The developed method offers improved accuracy and consistency compared to manual counting.
SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateApr 27, 2023
Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed Instagram fitspiration accounts, finding nearly two-thirds published dubious fitness information. Hyper-sexualized content, objectification, or nudity was present in around a quarter of accounts, promoting unhealthy body shapes and driving body image issues.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeCase study·DateApr 25, 2023
Researchers found that people dislike fitness recommendations from apps using social media data, instead favoring personalized approaches with control options. Users prefer systems allowing them to choose between different recommendation methods, making them feel more in control.
Researchers found Tai Chi Chuan improved global cognition and physical markers in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. After 36 weeks, the Tai Chi Chuan group showed a significant average improvement of 3.29 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score compared to the baseline.
SourceFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2023
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.
A recent study by the University of Jyväskylä found that good physical fitness in children does not reduce low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in childhood obesity. Higher body fat percentage and waist circumference were strongly associated with higher low-grade inflammation levels.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 3, 2023
A study found that regular exercise increases mitochondrial fusion, benefiting muscle cells and maintaining physical fitness even in old age. Daily sessions of exercise throughout life delay the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and decline in physical fitness.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023
A 29-year study found that being fit reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men with high blood pressure. High fitness levels attenuate, but do not eliminate, the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in individuals with elevated blood pressure.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
Research from Penn State found that self-monitoring physical activity through smartwatches leads to increased motivation and activity levels. Participants who received prompts to report their activity took hundreds more steps in a given day compared to those who didn't receive such prompts.
SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 7, 2023
A new study called IGROOVE will investigate the effects of various dance styles, frequency, and social interaction on fitness, memory, and brain health in older adults. The research aims to answer fundamental questions about the optimal dosage of dance for cognitive benefits.
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.
In a new study, red squirrels that gamble with their reproductive strategy outperform those that play it safe, especially during mast years. Despite short-term costs, female squirrels that increase litter sizes in low-food years experience greater lifetime fitness if they get to experience a mast year.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2023
Muscle mass and blood pressure are key factors in maintaining healthy arteries, with higher muscle mass and lower blood pressure linked to reduced arterial stiffness. The study found that these associations remain significant even after accounting for age.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2023
Researchers found that exercise induces a cycle of fatigue and recovery in muscles, paralleled by mitochondrial network rebuilding. Long-term training programs improved middle-aged fitness, while AMPK interventions enhanced exercise capacity during aging.
SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2023
A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 22, 2022
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.
A new study shows that paying cash to people with obesity for losing a specific amount of weight works better than offering free tools like weight-loss programs and wearable fitness trackers. Incentives tied to actual weight lost were most effective in the short term, while goal-focused financial rewards performed better in the long run.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022
Researchers developed a method to measure overall fitness using wearable devices, outperforming current consumer smartwatches and fitness monitors. The model uses machine learning to predict VO2max during everyday activity, providing accurate predictions based on heart rate and accelerometer data.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateDec 1, 2022
A recent study published in Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport reveals that high aerobic fitness does not protect children from metabolic syndrome. In contrast, a lower risk was observed when considering body size and composition.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateOct 20, 2022
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC CardioOncology·DateOct 18, 2022
Researchers found that horizontal gene transfer can accelerate bacterial adaptation under most growth conditions, but not all. By analyzing the fitness effects of gene transfer, they can predict when it will provide an advantage.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
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.
A machine learning model developed by Carnegie Mellon University can accurately predict how stay-at-home orders affect people with multiple sclerosis. The model uses passively gathered smartphone and fitness tracker data to identify factors that signal changes in health.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 3, 2022
A recent clinical trial published in Circulation found that Fitbit wearable devices can identify patients with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to strokes. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, used a novel algorithm to detect irregular heart rhythms based on Fitbit sensors.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
A study from Brigham Young University found that wearing a pedometer increases daily step counts by an average of 318 steps per day. The researchers discovered that being aware of one's step count through tracking, regardless of specific goals or incentives, can lead to increased physical activity.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
Research findings suggest that aerobic fitness, cognitive processing speed, and walking endurance are strongly associated in individuals with thalamic atrophy. Aerobic exercise training may be beneficial in restoring function for those with this biomarker of neurodegeneration.
SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateSep 16, 2022
A new paper in The Quarterly Review of Biology reviews studies on workload distribution and division of labor to better understand individual differences in cooperation. The authors argue that integrating collective action and offspring care literatures could lead to a deeper understanding of these factors.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022
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.
Children are at risk of heat-related health problems due to obesity and physical inactivity. Fitter adults can better tolerate high temperatures, but research suggests children need daily physical activity to build fitness.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2022
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022
Research reveals associations between cardiovascular risk factors, low physical fitness, and decreased neural activity in the social brain network, leading to social cognitive function decline. A healthy lifestyle may mitigate this decline through targeted interventions.
SourceKobe University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2022
A 30-year study of over 1200 participants found that children with higher levels of cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness had better midlife cognitive function. Conversely, those with higher waist-to-hip ratios were at increased risk for dementia later in life.
SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJun 16, 2022
A University of Jyväskylä study found that menopausal women's ability to use fat as an energy source is not impaired by estrogen levels or menopause. Women who burned more fat during exercise had higher fitness and physical activity levels, while those with better glucose tolerance did not necessarily burn more fat.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·DateJun 14, 2022
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.
A new study found that consuming more ultraprocessed foods is associated with poorer locomotor skills and lower cardiovascular fitness in children. The research suggests that educating families about cost-effective ways to reduce ultraprocessed food intake can help decrease the risk for cardiovascular health problems in adulthood.
Children's physical fitness and health-related quality of life decreased significantly after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and overall well-being.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·TypeCase study·DateApr 27, 2022
A new study found that moderate fitness can offer protection against the dampening effects of chemotherapy on natural immunity. Breast cancer survivors who were moderately fit produced a significantly larger immune response to a typhoid vaccine, while those with lower fitness levels had a reduced response.
SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateApr 26, 2022
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness demonstrate better problem-solving skills and reduced cognitive decline. Regular physical activity is linked to increased brain health, including faster reaction times and improved working memory.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 10, 2022
A recent study found a strong association between aerobic power training and high-intensity performance in elite soccer players, except for centre backs. Researchers used targeted treadmill training and lactate blood samples to assess aerobic fitness, revealing individual differences in physiological performance.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBiology of Sport·DateJan 20, 2022
A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.
SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021
A global group of researchers, industry stakeholders, and consumers have launched a networking hub to ensure the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of wearable fitness devices. The network aims to develop a standardized testing pathway and improve data standardization across devices.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalSports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 1, 2021
A new study reveals that psychological attributes such as attitude, coachability, competitiveness, and work ethic are more important than physical fitness in determining basketball success. Coaches prioritize players who exhibit optimistic behavior, good communication skills, and mental toughness.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSports Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2021
A study found that male animals have a greater genetic variance in reproductive success compared to females, which translates into purging deleterious mutations. This suggests that sexual selection on males bolsters adaptation and reduces the risk of extinction when facing challenging environmental conditions.
A novel software algorithm detected irregular heart rhythms and identified undiagnosed atrial fibrillation with high reliability. The algorithm requires at least 30 minutes of sensing irregular heart rhythms to indicate the presence of possible atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that green tea catechins EGCG and ECG enhance fitness and lifespan in C. elegans by inhibiting complex I activity, reducing fat content and enhancing antioxidant defenses. This study provides evidence for the potential health benefits of green tea consumption in extending human lifespan.
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.
A study found that female zebra finches are choosy but flexible in their mating preferences, allowing them to avoid fitness costs. The researchers discovered that these 'wallflowers' can still produce successful fledglings by sneaking eggs into other birds' nests.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
A 26-year study on wild white-footed mice found that mice with physical impairments survived and thrived at a rate similar to their unimpaired counterparts. Mice with impairments had greater mass and larger home ranges, but no evidence of decreased fitness.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021
A recent study found that fitness apps utilizing illness- and death-related messages are more effective in motivating users than those focusing on social stigma, obesity, or financial costs. The research discovered a significant relationship between these messaging types and self-regulatory beliefs and outcome expectations.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInformation·DateOct 19, 2021
Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 18, 2021
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.