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ERC Advanced Grant for TU Graz researcher Thomas Pock

Thomas Pock's ERC Advanced Grant aims to develop novel generative learning methods and algorithms for computer vision, improving medical imaging by understanding and realistically generating images. The project seeks to establish a close link between data analysis and generation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateJun 23, 2026

New framework helps estimate sample size for microbiome association studies

A new study provides a method to estimate sample size required for microbiome studies based on effect sizes and analysis methods. For strong associations, around 500 participants were needed to achieve 80% statistical power, while weaker associations may require thousands of samples.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Concordia researchers identify a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean

Researchers found a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean, with subtle but statistically significant changes in community structure and function. The study suggests that warming and freshening of the ocean risks strengthening the microbial loop, potentially impacting the marine food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024
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.

Scent of a woman: Hand odor can reveal a person’s sex

A new study using mass spectrometry analyzed hand scent compounds from 60 individuals and achieved a 96.67% accuracy rate in predicting sex. The analysis can be used to uncover details about a potential perpetrator, such as age and racial or ethnic group, when other evidence is lacking.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023

What’s wrong in statistics

A new paper proposes an itemized checklist to guide researchers in publishing analyses using complex sample survey data. The checklist, PRICSSA, consists of 17 important items to report for any analyses conducted on complex survey data. This reform aims to increase transparency and make analytic mistakes easier to spot.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Survey Statistics and Methodology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 26, 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.

Five key factors affect physical activity in multi-ethnic older adults

A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalGeriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2022

Gut bacteria may contribute to susceptibility to HIV infection, UCLA-led research suggests

Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

Big winners: Gamers with obesity perform better in long-term eSports competitions

Researchers found that high BMI is a positive factor in eSports performance after prolonged playing time, contrary to the general expectation. Obesity has been linked to lower cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities in adults, but the study suggests a potential counterexample in the eSports industry.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 26, 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.

Smallest earthquakes ever detected in micron-scale metals

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University detected smallest earthquakes in micron-scale metals, exhibiting characteristics similar to seismic events. The findings reveal a two-level structure of strain bursts and demonstrate the correlation between acoustic signals and plastic deformation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2022

Study shows smoking increased in those trying to quit during COVID-19

A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalOchsner Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Under 6 percent of criminal justice cases get opioid use disorder treatment

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Transfer learning offers new insight into machine-learning error estimation

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a novel error estimator using transfer learning principles to evaluate machine-learning model performance. The technique enables fast screening of source data sets, improving the accuracy of diagnoses in complex medical issues like schizophrenia.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPatterns·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 2022

Hyperspectral sensing and AI pave new path for monitoring soil carbon

Researchers at University of Illinois develop new method to accurately estimate soil organic carbon using airborne and satellite hyperspectral sensing. The study leverages machine learning algorithms with a comprehensive soil spectral library, enabling large-scale monitoring of surface soil organic carbon.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 1, 2022

Mystery solved about the origin of the 30,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf

A team of researchers used micro-computed tomography to examine the interior of the Venus figurine, finding that its material likely comes from northern Italy. The analysis revealed a unique combination of grain sizes and properties that match samples from Lake Garda, suggesting a journey south of the Alps.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2022
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.

The paradox of big data spoils vaccination surveys

Researchers from Harvard University and others have found that large-scale COVID-19 vaccination surveys were off by up to 17 percentage points due to systematic biases in the data. The 'Big Data Paradox' highlights how big data sets can minimize one type of error while magnifying another, leading to misleading results.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals flaws in statistical modeling approach used in health services research

A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Global pollen samples reveal vegetation rate of change

Researchers analyzed global pollen data to study the global rate of change in vegetation, finding a worldwide acceleration in compositional change between 4.6 and 2.9 thousand years ago. Human influence on terrestrial ecosystems exceeds climate-driven transformation during this period.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Development of microsatellite markers for censusing of endangered rhinoceros

Researchers have developed 29 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to accurately census endangered Sumatran rhinos. These markers are ideal for non-invasive wild sampling and can help determine genetic diversity, aiding conservation plans.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateMay 3, 2021

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

A study published in PLOS ONE found that specially trained dogs can identify positive COVID-19 samples with high accuracy, recognizing the unique odor of the infection. The research suggests large-scale training with diverse samples is crucial to ensure quality and validity for future applications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

Describing the worldviews of the new 'tech elite'

A study published in PLOS ONE finds that the tech elite hold a unique set of views, prioritizing meritocracy and progress over traditional notions of democracy. Their philanthropic statements often emphasize education, work, and social impact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2021
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.

A faster and more reliable method to categorize olive oil is validated

A new analytical method using Gas Chromatography with Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) has been validated for faster and more reliable olive oil categorization into three categories: extra virgin, virgin, and lampante. This method analyzes two samples per hour and uses statistical tools to create calibration equations.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalTalanta·DateSep 21, 2020

Chocolate muddles cannabis potency testing

Researchers found that altering sample preparation conditions in chocolate samples can significantly impact cannabis potency test results. They discovered that the matrix effect of chocolate's fat content is suppressing the signal for Δ9-THC, which could have major implications for producers and consumers of cannabis-infused edibles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2019
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 reliability for neuroscience research

The neuroimaging community has made significant strides in collecting large-scale datasets, but many contain insufficient data for reliable measures of brain connectivity. Increasing reliability can dramatically reduce sample size requirements, improving the field's ability to detect effects and address reproducibility concerns.

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2019

Mindfulness could promote positive body image

A new study published in Body Image found that higher interoceptive awareness, as measured through mindfulness practices, is associated with more positive body image. The research suggests that individuals who can better tune into their internal bodily signals are less likely to experience negative self-image.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateFeb 28, 2019
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.

Our social judgments reveal a tension between morals and statistics

People tend to criticize others for using statistics to make judgments, yet they apply the same statistical approach when making their own judgments. The study found that participants viewed others' statistically-based judgments as unfair, inaccurate, and unintelligent.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 2, 2019

Monitoring species: Are we looking long enough?

Conservation efforts rely heavily on estimates of animal populations, but monitoring periods are often short due to funding cycles and experimental time frames. Research by Easton R. White suggests that 72% of species require at least 10 years of continuous monitoring for high statistical power.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2018

Eating with your eyes: Virtual reality can alter taste

A recent study by Cornell University found that virtual reality can significantly alter the perceived pungency of blue cheese when eaten in different environments. The researchers used a sensory booth, park bench, and cow barn to test how surroundings affect food perception.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateOct 15, 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.

NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing in forensic DNA profiling. This new data enables labs to generate reliable match statistics, even with partial DNA profiles or mixtures from multiple individuals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 23, 2018

Can estimates from forensic handwriting experts be trusted in court?

A new study found that forensic handwriting experts are marginally better than novices at estimating the frequency of specific features in handwriting samples, but with large overall error rates. The researchers advise courts to take a cautious approach when using experience-based likelihood ratios as evidence.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateApr 18, 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.

Researchers develop spectroscopic thermometer for nanomaterials

Scientists have created a new way to measure the temperature of materials at the nanoscale using electron energy gain spectroscopy. This technique promises to advance microelectronic devices and semiconducting materials by mapping atomic-scale vibrations due to heat.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 13, 2018

NIST urges caution in use of courtroom evidence presentation method

Statisticians Steve Lund and Hari Iyer argue that Likelihood Ratio's Bayesian reasoning approach is flawed for courtroom use, risking conclusions driven by assumptions rather than data. NIST recommends using the method only in cases where probability-based models are warranted.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateOct 12, 2017

A new method used to generate ensemble initial perturbations

A new method, NLLE, generates ensemble initial perturbations with similar forecast skill to ETKF scheme. It offers a time-saving alternative to ETKF scheme in high-dimensional models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 31, 2017

Aerial surveys of elephants and other mammals may underestimate numbers

Researchers found that observers on aerial surveys miss some large animals, like elephants, due to factors such as herd size and habitat type. Their study suggests population estimates from aerial surveys are biased low by 13 percent, highlighting the importance of accurate counting for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Diamonds help generate new record for static pressures for study

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have devised a method to achieve static pressures vastly higher than any previously reached, using transparent nano-crystalline diamonds. This breakthrough enables the study of materials under extreme conditions, potentially leading to the discovery of new materials with unique properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 29, 2016

NIST's Internet Time Service serves the world

The NIST Internet Time Service serves much of the world, receiving 316 million unique IP address requests from 20 servers in one month. This represents at least 8.5 percent of devices on the entire internet, highlighting its importance as a reliable source of time.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateMar 8, 2016

Researchers overturn landmark study on the replicability of psychological science

A consortium of 270 scientists found that more than half of psychology studies couldn't be replicated due to methodological issues and statistical errors. Reanalysis of the data by Harvard professors reveals that the original study's conclusions are unwarranted, as the replicators made significant mistakes in their methodology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Swap the couch for a walk to avoid an early death

A University of Sydney study found that swapping one hour of sitting with physical activity decreases the chance of an early death by 12 to 14 per cent. Replacing one hour of sitting with standing is linked to a five per cent reduction in risk of premature death.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateSep 30, 2015

Researchers can trace dust samples using fungal DNA

Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Revealing political partisanship a bad idea on resumes

A Duke University study found that job candidates who share the minority partisan view of voters in a geographic district are less likely to receive a callback than those with neutral resumes. Employers appear not to favor majority-partisan views. The study suggests partisanship may play a role in hiring, but further research is needed.

SourceDuke University·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014
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.

Schizophrenia's genetic 'skyline' rising

Researchers have discovered 108 genetic loci associated with schizophrenia, a significant increase from the 30 previously reported. The study suggests that these genetic variations may exert their effects by turning genes on or off rather than coding for proteins.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2014

NIST microanalysis technique makes the most of small nanoparticle samples

Researchers developed a microscale thermogravimetric analysis technique that can analyze tiny nanoparticle samples, detecting mass changes as small as a nanogram and using samples as little as one microgram. The technique has potential for studying nanomaterials in biology and the environment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2014
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.

Tracing unique cells with mathematics

Scientists have created a new statistical method to analyze individual cells, allowing for more accurate detection of cell properties. By combining data from multiple cells, researchers can reduce errors and overcome statistical noise, leading to better understanding of cellular behavior and development.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2014

A new paradigm for nanoscale resolution MRI has been experimentally achieved

A new MRI technique has been developed with a spatial resolution of roughly 10 nanometers, significantly improving sensitivity. The team used a novel protocol and nanoscale metal constriction to overcome obstacles in applying classic pulsed magnetic resonance techniques.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 27, 2013