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Does Medicare’s merit-based incentive payment system really work?

Researchers analyzed data from over 80,000 primary care physicians and found no clear connection between MIPS scores and clinical performance. Doctors with low MIPS scores performed worse on some process measures but better on others, suggesting that the system may prioritize paperwork over patient outcomes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 2022
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.

Bioreactor keeps cell culture conditions under control

A new bioreactor system developed by KAUST scientists delivers gases to maintain physiological environments, reducing unpredictable shifts in cell growth. The system allows for more accurate and reproducible experiments in biomedical research.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLife Medicine·DateNov 27, 2022

What octopus and human brains have in common

Research reveals that octopuses have a massively expanded repertoire of microRNAs in their neural tissue, similar to vertebrates. This finding suggests that miRNAs play a fundamental role in the development of complex brains.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

Chemists developed cholesterol testing system

Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a sensor device that determines cholesterol levels without using enzymes. The system uses copper chloride, making the process cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional methods.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2022

A new tool for estimating people’s total exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is developed by Mount Sinai researchers

A new metric estimates cumulative exposure to PFAS chemicals, enabling comparisons across studies and applications. The calculator takes into account patterns of exposure to multiple chemicals, providing a robust tool for biomonitoring and disease assessment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 2, 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.

HRSA funding will result in collaborative effort between schools

The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 31, 2022

Synthetic genetic circuits reprogram plant roots

Researchers created predictable, novel expression patterns of fluorescent proteins using engineered gene circuits. They also redesigned root architecture by tuning the number of root branches using similar gene circuits.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

After more than 300 years of study, researchers developed a new way to understand bacteria

A Princeton team invented a way to observe bacteria in 3D environments, finding that colonies consistently form intricate, branching shapes resembling broccoli. They discovered two factors causing these shapes: nutrient and oxygen availability, and the colony's internal structure.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study identifies new gene that drives colon cancer

Researchers at Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute have discovered a new gene, PDZK1IP1, essential to colon cancer growth. The study found that surrounding inflammation activates the super enhancer, promoting tumor cell survival and growth.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2022

Tracking down satiety mechanisms in the stomach

Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Fluorescence imaging system lays groundwork for better tumor removal

Researchers developed a low-cost, simple imaging system using tumor-targeting fluorescent molecules to determine tumor depth. The portable system provides quantitative information about the depth of tumor cells in the body, helping surgeons remove healthy tissue around tumors for better outcomes.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 6, 2022

How dormant bacterial spores process environmental cues

Researchers discovered a cellular decision-making mechanism in dormant bacterial spores that operates even in physiologically inactive cells. The spores can sense harsh environmental conditions and release dormancy when conditions become favorable, triggered by an electrochemical-state switching mechanism similar to neurons.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2022
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.

Egg powder suitable as a food supplement?

A recent study led by Veronika Somoza found that egg powder is a valuable source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and indispensable amino acids. The researchers discovered that the drying process did not lead to contamination with heavy metals and that egg powder can provide up to 61% of a child's daily requirement for selenium.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 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.

Cooling away the pain: Pusan National University researchers develop bioresorbable, implantable device to block pain signals from peripheral nerves

Scientists have developed a soft, bioresorbable device that cools peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The device was tested in rat models and found to be effective, reversible, and non-addictive, with potential applications for treating neuropathic pain after surgery.

SourcePusan National University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022
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.

Microscopy reveals mechanism behind new CRISPR tool

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new CRISPR system called Craspase, which has the potential to develop promising antiviral and tissue engineering tools in animals and plants. The study uses cryo-electron microscopy snapshots to explain how Craspase identifies RNA targets and activates proteases.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2022

Phage resistant Escherichia coli strains developed to reduce fermentation failure

Researchers have developed a systematic strategy for creating phage-resistant E. coli strains, solving a major problem in industrial fermentation. The approach integrates a defense system and mutations to restrict phage life cycle, maintaining bacterial functionality and productivity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

When recovery goes awry

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that patients who recover well after cardiovascular surgery exhibit precise paths for white blood cell and platelet counts. These trajectories can be used to monitor recovery in a personalized way, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier when necessary.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

The "electric pill"

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully stimulated the auricular vagus nerve to reduce inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases, using a novel closed-loop control system. The therapy, dubbed an 'electric pill', has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022
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.

How the zebrafish repairs a broken heart

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found that zebrafish can regenerate heart tissue after injury due to activated fibroblasts. The fibroblasts, which temporarily enter an activated state, read a series of genes responsible for forming proteins, enabling the regeneration process.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Blacks found twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as Hispanics in young adult populations in underserved communities

A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Prenatal exposure to chemicals in consumer and industrial products is associated with rising liver disease in children

A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 6, 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.

New method based on smart materials for experimenting with cells

Researchers developed a new method using magneto-active polymers to study cellular behavior and replicate complex biological processes. The system allows for real-time control of mechanical forces on cells, enabling the analysis of mechanisms behind traumatic injuries and tissue damage.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateJun 28, 2022

Fragile balance in the gut

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI found that lactic acid bacteria nourish intestinal cells, promoting bacterial growth and adapting Candida's metabolism to make it less infectious. This balance restores a healthy state and prevents fungal infections.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

New solution for stem cell manufacturing

Researchers have developed a unique 3D printed system to harvest mesenchymal stem cells from bioreactors, which can be used for various treatments. The system combines microfluidics and 3D printing to process adult stem cells, potentially making stem cell therapies more widely available.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBioresources and Bioprocessing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022
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.

Diffuse optics for medical diagnostics: progress toward standardization

A collaborative initiative aims to establish common protocols for assessing and comparing diffuse optics systems used in medical diagnosis. The study presents the results of a multi-laboratory comparison of 12 institutions and 28 systems, proposing simple numeric values for easy comparison across instruments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 15, 2022

Making drug interactions in the liver visible

A new EU project, DeLIVERY, aims to develop a microscopy system for liver cells to test tolerability of drug interactions. The system will enable researchers to observe how liver cells react to different medications, dosages, and combinations, potentially leading to improved patient safety.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJun 13, 2022

A bellwether for COVID-19

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used a new technique to analyze SARS-CoV-2 samples from university screening programs and found that omicron accounted for over 90% of infections just nine days after arrival. The study suggests universities can serve as monitoring hubs for early detection of infectious disease outbreaks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 8, 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.

Discovery offers starting point for better gene-editing tools

Cornell researchers develop smaller gene-editing tool, IscB-ωRNA, to solve size problem of delivering CRISPR-Cas9 into every cell. The tool works similarly to CRISPR-Cas9 but with a smaller RNA component, offering new starting point for more powerful and accessible gene editing tools.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2022

Lew lab sheds new light on cell membranes

Researchers at the Lew lab have created a novel hardware and algorithm that enables visualization of cell membranes and molecular motions in six dimensions. This breakthrough allows for the observation of 3D structures with additional information on molecular orientation, providing new insights into biological systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022

Hawk’s eyes may not help the world’s only nocturnal hawk hunt at night

A study led by Flinders University reveals that Australia's Letter-winged kite may not have enhanced vision for nighttime hunting as previously thought. The research found similar eye dimensions to its daytime-hunting relatives, contradicting decades of speculation about the kite's visual system.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2022
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.

Rice chemists skew the odds to prevent cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical framework to explain how cancers caused by multiple genetic mutations can be identified and potentially stopped. By analyzing energy landscapes of cellular transformation pathways, they found that the most dominant pathways are favored by chance.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2022

Gut microbiome composition predictive of patient response to statins

A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalMed·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022

A sharper image for proteins

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Study reveals genetic diversity of a particularly problematic pathogen

Researchers analyzed 451 bacterial strains of C. difficile, identifying 9,924 distinct gene clusters and categorizing them into 176 genetically distinct groups. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and evolution of this pathogen, shedding light on its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

Mount Sinai researchers discover how early-stage breast cancer can become a silent killer in some patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which not-yet-malignant breast cancer cells can travel to other organs and 'turn on' to become metastatic. The study identified potential diagnostic biomarkers, including the transcription factor NR2F1, that could help predict relapse.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 26, 2022

In western floodplains, species adapt to bullfrog, sunfish invaders

A new study found that native species in southwestern Washington floodplains adapt to bullfrogs and sunfish by changing their feeding strategies. The researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in predators and prey to understand food webs, finding that some species shifted towards more abundant food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalFreshwater Science·DateApr 21, 2022

Joystick-operated robot could help surgeons treat stroke remotely

A new robotic system allows surgeons to remotely treat patients experiencing a stroke or aneurysm, providing teleoperated endovascular treatment during the critical golden hour. With just one hour of training, neurosurgeons can successfully operate the system to guide a wire through complex vessels and reach difficult-to-reach areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 13, 2022

In-hospital deaths in STEMI patients with COVID-19 drop in 2021

Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Electronic alert improves guideline adherence for heart failure treatment

A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Novel CRISPR imaging technology reveals genes controlling tumor immunity

Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 14, 2022

Physics and biology explore together the mechanisms of life

UNIGE researchers developed a new approach combining genetics and cell biology experiments with physical modelling to simulate protein gradients. Their innovative model can explain complex mechanisms and be adapted to other biology systems.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

How SARS-CoV-2 takes over the cell's protein factory

A research team has discovered how the Covid virus reproduces itself by taking over the cell's protein factory. The team identified a specific structure in viral mRNA that allows the virus to access the ribosome and produce its own proteins, while blocking cellular production. This discovery opens up new avenues for antiviral treatments.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalRNA·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022