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Spying on hippos with drones to help conservation efforts

Researchers used drones to estimate hippo numbers in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, and found the method to be just as effective as traditional land surveys. The drone's bird's-eye perspective allowed for accurate counting of individual hippos, even when they were crowded together.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2019

Increased risk of tularemia as the climate changes

Researchers at Stockholm University developed a method to predict impacts of climate change on tularemia outbreaks. The study shows that relatively small changes in climate and water conditions can sharply increase incidence of tularemia in humans.

SourceStockholm University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 15, 2019

Gravitational lensing provides a new measurement of the expansion of the universe

Scientists have developed a new technique for measuring the expansion of the universe using gravitational lensing, which yields a somewhat higher Hubble Constant value compared to standard measurements. The method provides a valuable alternative approach to addressing the long-standing discrepancy in the Hubble Constant's value

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Raising the standard for psychology research

A new standard, BIDS, allows researchers to compare and combine studies in an apples-to-apples way. This enables the sharing and analysis of large brain imaging datasets, improving the field's ability to understand brain function.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2019

How to recognize where a volcano will erupt

Researchers developed a new method to predict vent location forecasts by combining physics and statistics, successfully testing it on the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The approach improves accuracy for predicting future eruptions and expanding ash plumes, providing valuable insights for land usage planning in volcanic areas.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2019

Understanding brain activity when you name what you see

A new study reveals a reliable sequence of neural interactions in the human brain that corresponds to visual processing, language state, and articulation state when naming objects. The findings support the view that dynamic interactions within neural networks govern language production.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 24, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Decoding Beethoven's music style using data science

EPFL researchers use data science to analyze Beethoven's String Quartets, finding that few chords govern most of the music. The study reveals a unique statistical signature characterizing Beethoven's composition style, offering new insights into the structure and evolution of classical music.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2019

Crisis and suicide prevention services struggle with demand after celebrity suicides

The NIH study found that a sudden increase in demand for suicide prevention services occurs after celebrity suicides, with a significant spike in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The researchers emphasize the need for increased funding and efficient allocation of existing resources to ensure surge capacity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 30, 2019

River levels tracked from space

Researchers at TUM developed a model to compute water level impacts on river sections by extreme weather events, enabling extrapolation of almost any location in the entire river system. Statistical methods linked satellite data from repetitive and SAR altimetry satellites.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJan 29, 2019
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.

Democratizing data science

The tool uses Bayesian modeling to automatically generate statistical models from raw data, addressing a bottleneck in the data science field. By providing a user-friendly interface, it enables nonstatisticians to uncover insights and patterns in data, making data science more accessible to those without extensive expertise.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 15, 2019

Saving species with better monitoring

Dr. Easton R. White analyzes 822 vertebrate species populations, demonstrating substantial problems with current sampling approaches. He argues that properly statistically powered methods will provide a truer representation of population health.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 12, 2018

Preventing international trade fraud

A study on European Union international trading markets reveals conditions where the Newcomb-Benford Law applies and where it does not, enabling the detection of frauds. The findings may lead to an automated system for flagging suspicious patterns in transactions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

Diagnostic imaging for bladder cancer

Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic imaging method for bladder cancer using machine learning analysis of nanoresolution images from urine samples. The method achieved 94% accuracy in diagnosing bladder cancer compared to cystoscopy, the clinical standard.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018
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.

Thanks, statistics! A faster way to improve mobile apps

A new text-mining method developed by Cornell statistician Shawn Mankad and his colleagues can help developers improve mobile apps faster. By aggregating and parsing customer reviews in one step, the method provides guidance on a single app's performance and compares it to competing apps over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateNov 12, 2018

Australia's changing relationship with alcohol

A recent study by La Trobe University found that Australians are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol, with younger adults being key drivers of change. The research revealed that 30% of Aussies have reduced their drink intake and 6% have quit drinking altogether.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateOct 28, 2018

UMBC researchers develop new method to address deep-seated biases in science

A new statistical technique helps address gender and publication biases in science by explicitly testing for equivalence rather than difference. The method allows for the comparison of similarities between traits, providing insights into conservation efforts and knowledge gaps in fields like ecology and animal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 16, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Technique quickly identifies extreme event statistics

A machine-learning model provides risk assessment for complex nonlinear systems, identifying the types of extreme events likely to occur. The technique simulates wave forces and stresses on structures, offering a faster and more accurate risk assessment than traditional methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

Howzat: Limitations of batsmen rankings revealed

A new study analyzed 2,855 test match cricketers to reveal significant uncertainty in current rankings, with players like Joe Root and Kane Williamson having uncertain positions between 9th and 343rd. The study found that batting last is difficult and playing away from home is equivalent to playing on a pitch in its third innings.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·DateOct 2, 2018
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.

Hitler: Election campaigner with limited influence?

Research by Peter Selb and Simon Munzert found Hitler's 455 public appearances had surprisingly small effect on electoral outcomes. His personal involvement only positively impacted the 1932 presidential election, but overall campaign effects were minor.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateAug 6, 2018

Moving fish farms enables seagrass meadows to thrive, study shows

New research found that moving fish farms away from seagrass meadows can boost their growth and health. The study, led by the University of Plymouth, showed that seagrass limits increased at a rate of 1.2-9cm per year in areas with reduced fish farming impact.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Software aims to reduce food waste by helping those in need

A software prototype called eFeed-Hungers has been developed to divert excess food to those in need, reducing food waste in the US and India. The interactive online network allows donors to post food they have to donate and those in need to find nearby locations for pickup.

SourceIowa State University·JournalTelematics and Informatics·DateMar 7, 2018

Enrichment program boosts STEM for black students but leaves Latinos behind

A study by Cornell sociologists found that MESA, a widely-established enrichment program, improved black students' high school STEM engagement but had little impact on Latino students' aspiration to major in a STEM field in college. The researchers suggest tying enrichment programs with social connections to amplify positive effects.

SourceCornell University·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateMar 2, 2018
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.

Want safe travels? Find freeways with these features

A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that lower speed limits were linked to higher rates of accidents, contrary to expectations. Increasing shoulder width and using concrete barriers were also associated with a decrease in crash risk.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalStatistical Modelling·DateNov 16, 2017

Data Science Institute develops statistical method that makes better predictions

The Data Science Institute developed a novel statistical method to measure predictivity in big data analysis. The approach allows researchers to compare their predictions to a theoretical baseline, enhancing accuracy. The team will help the New York City Department of Transportation assess complex social problems using big data sets.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·DateNov 8, 2017

Has protecting marine species become a job for statisticians?

Researchers have created a new statistical model to study bycatch in commercial fishing, enabling more accurate predictions of incidental catches. The Random-Effects Hurdle Model can be applied to various fields with complex data structures, including health economics and medicine.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateNov 8, 2017

Virtual reality helps veterans prepare for new jobs

The Virtual Training Agent for Veterans (VITA4VETS) program uses virtual simulation practice to build job interviewing competence and confidence among veterans. With a high success rate of 93% in securing employment, VITA4VETS provides customizable training to address the challenges faced by transitioning service members.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateSep 27, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

Going to extremes to predict natural disasters

Researchers at KAUST have developed a systematic method for comparing the accuracy of different types of simulation models for predicting extreme events. The study found that nonparametric methods are more flexible but limited to small dimensions, while parametric methods can handle higher-dimensional problems but are sensitive to errors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStatistics and Computing·DateJul 9, 2017

New statistical method finds shared ancestral gene variants involved in autism's cause

A new mathematical method identifies ancient genetic variations contributing to autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a small effect of each variant. The approach uses discordant siblings to find a clear signal of these shared variants, which are common among individuals with autism in both affected and unaffected populations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 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.

Method to predict surface ozone pollution levels provides 48-hour heads-up

A novel air quality model, REGiS, can predict surface ozone levels up to 48 hours in advance by combining statistical models with weather patterns. This method provides a 48-hour heads-up for air quality forecasters and decision-makers to mitigate unhealthy ozone level formation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 16, 2017

Magnetic Resonance Imaging to predict the salt content of Iberian ham

Researchers from University of Extremadura develop non-destructive method using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to quantify salt content of Iberian ham and classify it according to salt penetration. This methodology enables real-time results and can be applied to other quality parameters.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateNov 11, 2016

Study suggests probable scientific misconduct in bone health studies

A new study by Mark J. Bolland and his team analyzed 33 randomized controlled trials, finding reported results that differed markedly from what could be expected statistically. The trials reported large reductions in hip fractures, but the findings are not consistent with results found in similar studies by other researchers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 2016

Finding patterns in corrupted data

Researchers have developed a new algorithm that can efficiently fit probability distributions to high-dimensional data, even when the dataset contains corrupted entries. The algorithm relies on two insights: selecting an appropriate metric for measuring distance from distributions and identifying regions where cross-sections should begin.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 2016
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.

Softwares for fMRI yield erroneous results

Researchers at Linköping University found that common fMRI analysis methods produce false positives, leading to inflated false positive rates. The team's alternative method yielded more accurate results, reducing the false positive rate from 60% to 5%.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

New statistical approach will help researchers better determine cause-effect

A new statistical technique can help scientists determine causation of effects they are studying, providing a direction for research and overcoming ethical boundaries. The approach was tested on studies involving ADHD and lead exposure, and found support for the link between high levels of lead in blood and ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateJun 21, 2016

Words, more words ... and statistics

Researchers used transitional probability to segment natural language and found it effective for 49-86% of word identification across languages. The method performed better on stress-timed languages, while mora-timed languages required relative thresholding.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 17, 2016

New method of producing random numbers could improve cybersecurity

Researchers create a new method for generating truly random numbers using two weakly random sequences, offering higher levels of security for data encryption, electronic voting, and simulations. This breakthrough could improve cybersecurity and increase the accuracy of complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateMay 16, 2016
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.

Chemical fingerprints confirm the saffron fraud

Scientists use chemical fingerprints to detect saffron fraud, revealing over 50% of 'Spanish' saffron is from other countries. The technique uses metabolomics to identify unique chemical markers for each type of saffron.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2016