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'Underworked' victims of modern slavery endure extra exploitation

Research by University of Bath finds that modern slavery victims are not always worked to exhaustion, but instead given little or no work for weeks, accumulating large debts. This 'coerced consumption' drives them deeper into financial dependence and exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAcademy of Management Proceedings·DateJul 16, 2018

Growing a dinosaur's dinner

Researchers at the University of Leeds grew herbivore dinosaurs' diet by mimicking atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago. The study showed that many plant species had significantly higher energy and nutrient levels under high CO2 concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 13, 2018

Tree shrew tolerance for spicy foods unlocked by researchers

Researchers found that tree shrews have a unique mutation in their TRPV1 ion channel, which lowers sensitivity to capsaicinoids, allowing them to consume chili peppers. This adaptation is thought to be driven by strong selection for this residue due to its prevalence in spicy plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2018
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.

Mice study implicates fat as obesity cause

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a high-fat diet was the sole driver of weight gain in mice, with no significant impact from carbohydrates or protein. The researchers believe that fat uniquely stimulates the brain's reward centers, leading to increased calorie intake.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 13, 2018

Insectivorous birds consume annually as much energy as the city of New York

The world's insectivorous birds consume a significant amount of energy annually, estimated to be comparable to that of the city of New York. Forest birds play a crucial role in suppressing pest insects, with their annual food intake being around three-quarters of the global prey biomass gathered by insectivorous birds.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateJul 9, 2018
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.

Diet quality among adults in SNAP food assistance program

A study of 38,696 adults found that SNAP recipients showed less improvement in diet quality over time compared to those who did not participate in the program. The findings suggest that disparities in diet quality persisted or worsened for SNAP participants for most dietary components.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2018
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.

Federal food aid to Puerto Rico high in salt, sugar

An analysis of federal food aid delivered after Hurricane Maria found that nearly 10% of items exceeded daily limits for sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats. The study highlights the need for better programs to protect the health of communities affected by disasters.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 2018

Tracing the impacts of food and nutrition policies

Researchers found that children in WIC households ate more fruits and vegetables, while a CDC study assessed local government incentives for healthy food options. Model estimates also show banning trans fats could reduce health disparities and save billions in healthcare costs.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 2018

New research reveals benefits of a vegetarian diet

A vegetarian diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. High-quality plant-based foods are also linked to reduced weight gain, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of death.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nutritional quality of fish and squid reduced by warm water events

Research led by the University of Sydney found that warm water events decrease the ratio of healthy oils to protein in fish and squid, while cold water events increase their nutritional quality. This has implications for marine life, including humans, who consume similar foods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 7, 2018

Children can learn ways to significantly reduce salt usage

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a web-based salt education program improved salt-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors among children ages 7-10 years. The program reduced salt usage by 19% and improved children's ability to change their behaviors.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 7, 2018

Mangos help promote gut health

A new study suggests that eating mangos may be more effective than taking a comparable amount of fiber in relieving constipation. The research found that mango polyphenols helped improve gut health by reducing markers of inflammation and changing the microbiome.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 6, 2018

Commensal rats record Polynesian resource shifts

A study of ancient rat remains from Polynesia finds that isotopic trends reflect resource depression and reshaping of nutrient flows by early human settlers. The declines may be due to changes in food sources, such as a shift from slash-and-burn agriculture to agroforestry and nearshore fishing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Brain structure may predict diet success

A study found that individuals with greater volume in the dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex tend to exhibit improved dietary self-control. This suggests that brain anatomy plays a crucial role in making healthier food choices.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 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.

Massive analysis reveals ways to make food earth-friendly again

A meta-analysis of global food production cycles and their environmental impacts has identified data-supported opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of food production. The study found that some products have disproportionately high environmental impacts, while others may require trade-offs in certain mitigation strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Study suggests that a novel wearable nasal device to reduce smelling ability can induce weight loss and changes to dietary preferences

A novel wearable nasal device was found to reduce body weight and change dietary preferences in individuals aged 50 and under. The study showed a significant drop in olfactory sensitivity and improved insulin levels in participants who used the device, while those over 50 experienced greater weight loss.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 24, 2018
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.

Rice becomes less nutritious as CO2 levels rise

Research finds that rice grown under higher carbon dioxide concentrations has lower levels of iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B9. This decrease may exacerbate malnutrition among populations relying heavily on rice as a staple food source.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 23, 2018

Rice's nutritional value decreases in higher CO2 concentrations

A study found that rice grown under higher CO2 concentrations has lower nutritional value, particularly in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B content. This decrease may have significant implications for the health of populations relying heavily on rice as a primary food source.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 23, 2018

A vegetarian diet is not only good for you -- it's the most affordable too

A new study found that a vegetarian diet is the most affordable healthy dietary pattern, with an average cost of $15.44 per person per day. Compared to the Mediterranean and US diets, it costs around $2.00 less per day. The study used Amazon Grocery data to assess the nutritional quality and cost of three menu plans.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Adoption of 'healthier' Mediterranean-style diet varies considerably across US states

The adoption of the Mediterranean-style diet varies significantly across US states, with Western and Northeastern coastal areas showing highest adherence. The study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged rural minority neighborhoods have lowest adherence rates, while factors such as education, income, and physical activity levels a...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018

For older adults, a better diet may prevent brain shrinkage

A study published in Neurology found that people with a better diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, and fish, had larger brains. The study included over 4,200 participants and found that those who consumed a higher-quality diet had an average of two milliliters more total brain volume.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 16, 2018

An energy dense diet changes the brain and increases urge to eat

A study by Stephanie Borgland found that rats eating a 'cafeteria-diet' of high-fat and high-sugar foods developed brain changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, leading to increased motivation to eat despite satiety. Obesity was also observed, highlighting the complex mechanisms behind food attraction.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 15, 2018
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.

Food recognition in hundred-year-olds: this explains how our semantic memory works

A new study shows that centenarians outperform younger individuals in recognizing natural foods, indicating the role of experience in shaping semantic memory. The research reveals a decline in semantic memory function only after age 90, making it a potential early indicator for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2018

Researchers use emojis to develop a modern face scale for product testing

A new emoji-based face scale was developed by Kansas State University researchers, showing it to be just as accurate as traditional scales in measuring kids' emotional responses to food and products. The study found that the emoji scale was used universally across different cultures.

SourceKansas State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMay 8, 2018

Women who eat fast food take longer to become pregnant

A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that women who eat less fruit and more fast food take longer to get pregnant. The study also showed that a diet rich in fruits can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes for women to conceive.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 3, 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.

Women who eat fast food and little or no fruit take longer to become pregnant

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who consume more fast food and less fruit take longer to become pregnant. The research, which analyzed data from over 5,500 women, suggests that a diet rich in fruits and low in fast food can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes to get pregnant.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 3, 2018

Researchers defy biology: Mice remain slim on burger diet

Researchers found that mice lacking NAMPT in fat tissue gained no weight on high-fat diet and maintained better blood glucose control compared to normal mice. This study challenges the general view of NAMPT as an enzyme that should be boosted, and may pave the way for new treatments for obesity and metabolic disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2018

Changing cities' food systems to help reduce carbon emissions

Researchers found that increasing urban agriculture, switching to renewable energy, reducing retail and consumer food waste, and adopting plant-based diets can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing these measures, cities can achieve a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 2, 2018

New study finds pureed pork supports infant growth

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that introducing pureed pork as a complementary food to formula-fed infants can support early growth and development. The research suggests that meat-based diets may be beneficial for linear growth, with no increased risk of overweight at 12 months of age.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018
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.

The effects of diet on the start of the menopause

A large UK cohort study found that eating oily fish and legumes was associated with a later onset of menopause, while consuming refined pasta and rice was linked to an earlier start. The study's findings could have implications for women's health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2018

Diet rich in fish and legumes may help to delay natural menopause

A diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2018

People waste nearly a pound of food daily

A new study finds that Americans waste nearly a pound of food per person each day, with the amount of wasted food corresponding to harvests produced using 780 million pounds of pesticide and 1.8 billion pounds of nitrogen fertilizer annually. The study also found that higher quality diets were associated with higher levels of food waste.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Kids hit hard by junk food advertising: New research

A new study found that children are exposed to over 800 junk food ads per year, with unhealthy food ads being 2.3 times more frequent than healthy food ads during peak viewing times. The research, led by the University of Adelaide, used a bespoke TV monitoring system to capture an entire year's worth of television and ads.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateApr 17, 2018

Adolescents' cooking skills strongly predict future nutritional well-being

Adolescents with strong cooking skills tend to eat more vegetables, have family meals, and prepare healthy meals at home. A new study found that these skills are linked to better nutrition outcomes in adulthood. Developing cooking skills early may provide long-term benefits for health and nutrition.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 17, 2018

Specific bacteria in the small intestine are crucial for fat absorption

A new study found that specific bacteria in the small intestine play a key role in fat absorption and digestion, with certain microbes multiplying in response to high-fat foods. The findings suggest that these microbes facilitate the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, enabling rapid absorption of calorie-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 11, 2018

School lunch decisions made by the child and not the parent

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that children are often the primary decision maker for school lunches and packed lunches, prioritizing their own enjoyment and food preferences. The study's findings suggest that parents' anxieties and reassurances play a significant role in accommodating ch...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 6, 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.

Smokers have worse diets than non-smokers

A study of 5293 US adults found that smokers consumed around 200 more calories a day than non-smokers or former smokers, despite eating smaller portions. Smokers' diets were also high in energy density, meaning they consumed food with fewer nutrients and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 3, 2018

Dining out associated with increased exposure to harmful chemicals called phthalates

A recent study found that consuming food at restaurants, fast-food outlets, or cafeterias is associated with increased levels of phthalates in the body. The study suggests that eating at home may be less likely to contain high levels of these chemicals, which are linked to fertility problems and other health issues.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 28, 2018

Food production under plant-based and animal-based diets

A study by Ron Milo and colleagues reveals that plant-based diets offer a significant reduction in food loss and an increase in food production. Replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives could produce up to 20-fold more protein per acre, enough to feed approximately 350 million additional people.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Food waste: The biggest loss could be what you choose to put in your mouth

A new study suggests that adopting plant-based diets could increase global food production by 50-200 times, making it a game-changer for addressing hunger and food waste. By replacing animal-based foods with edible crops, researchers estimate that 350 million more people could be fed with the same land resources.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Women with food insecurity less likely to breastfeed: U of T study

Researchers at University of Toronto found that women with food insecurity are less able to sustain breastfeeding than those who are food-secure. By the age of two months, half of the food-insecure women had stopped breastfeeding exclusively, compared to most food-secure women who continued for four months or longer.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 19, 2018
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.

Fish the primary source of nutrition in medieval Northern Ostrobothnia

Research at the Ii Hamina cemetery found that the diet of medieval residents consisted mainly of fish, with 70% of protein consumption attributed to fish-based food. This suggests a strong reliance on waterways and an underemphasis on farming and dairying in the region.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEnvironmental Archaeology·DateMar 16, 2018