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Story of COVID's mental health impact - a thread

Researchers analyzed 94 million tweets to detect early signs of depression and suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. The study found a significant jump in depression levels at the start of the outbreak and a notable increase in users' social media time during lockdowns.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems·DateFeb 3, 2021

What impact does Airbnb have on local housing prices and rents?

A new study found that Airbnb has a positive association with property price increases and rental rates, particularly in areas with fewer owner-occupiers. The research suggests that the presence of an Airbnb property can contribute to an increase in housing prices and rental rates in local neighborhoods.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 2, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers create novel photonic chip

A digital-to-analog converter has been developed without leaving the optical domain, enabling high-speed data processing with low power consumption. This innovation has the potential to advance next-generation data centers, 6G networks, artificial intelligence and more.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·DateFeb 2, 2021
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.

Optical data transmission speed increased by a factor of at least 10,000

Researchers at KIST achieved a pulsed-laser repetition rate of 57.8 GHz by inserting a graphene resonator into a fiber-optic oscillator. This breakthrough overcomes the MHz-level limit and paves the way for significant increases in data transmission and processing speeds.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 19, 2021

Studying and treating COVID-19's long-term impact

A nationwide study, INSPIRE, aims to track the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 infections on various age groups over a two-year period. Researchers will examine COVID-19 survivors' health care utilization, clinical events, and physical and mental function.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateJan 14, 2021

NASA missions unmask magnetar eruptions in nearby galaxies

Astronomers confirm that a recent burst of high-energy light was triggered by a magnetar located in a neighboring galaxy. The finding confirms long-held suspicions about the connection between gamma-ray bursts and magnetar activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2021
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.

Anthropogenic heat flux increases the frequency of extreme heat events

Research reveals a strong relationship between anthropogenic heat flux and extreme temperature events, including both heat and cold extremes. The study, conducted in Beijing, China, uses advanced modeling techniques to analyze the impact of urbanization on temperature records.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Light-based processors boost machine-learning processing

Researchers developed a new approach using light-based processors to accelerate matrix-vector multiplications in neural networks. The photonic chips achieve parallel calculations using multiple wavelengths of light, enabling complex mathematical tasks to be processed at high speeds and throughputs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2021

Light-carrying chips advance machine learning

Researchers developed photonic processors to process information rapidly and in parallel, enabling complex mathematical tasks at fast speeds. These chips use wavelength multiplexing for highly parallel data processing.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 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.

When Uber and Lyft enter cities, vehicle ownership increases

Ridesourcing companies Uber and Lyft's arrival in cities leads to a significant increase in vehicle ownership, with car registrations per capita rising by 0.7% on average. This effect is more pronounced in car-dependent cities and areas with higher income and fewer children, where transit use also decreases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJan 6, 2021
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.

RedHill announces positive top-line data from P2 COVID-19 study of opaganib

Preliminary data from the non-powered U.S. Phase 2 study showed that orally-administered opaganib was safe and demonstrated consistent trends of greater improvement in reducing oxygen requirement across key primary and secondary efficacy outcomes. The opaganib-treated arm demonstrated a greater improvement in reaching room air, reducti...

SourceRedHill Biopharma·DateDec 31, 2020

Using wearable activity trackers to distinguish COVID-19 from flu

A study analyzing Fitbit data and self-reported symptoms found that COVID-19 symptoms lasted longer and peaked later than those with the flu. The researchers also identified characteristic symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath and coughing, which were not present in individuals with the flu.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·DateDec 21, 2020

Big step with small whirls

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created a multilayer system where two different types of skyrmions coexist at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the potential use of skyrmions in ultrafast data processing, promising an extremely compact form of data storage.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2020

Enhancing machine-learning capabilities in oil and gas production

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an advanced evaluation system that can interpret reservoir conditions in real-time using physics-enhanced machine-learning algorithms. This system will enable oil and gas operators to make data-driven decisions quickly, maximizing production in areas with positive responses to fracturi...

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

Public cameras provide valuable insights on pandemic, consumers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a system to analyze real-time visual data from millions of network cameras, providing insights into consumer behavior, economic impacts and misinformation in news media. The technology may help reduce false information and validate facts, enabling safer journalism.

SourcePurdue University·DateDec 17, 2020

Big data will analyze the mystery of Beethoven's metronome

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and UNED used big data and physics research to analyze Beethoven's metronomic marks. The study found that conductors tend to play slower than indicated, with a systematic deviation, which could be explained by the composer reading the metronome incorrectly.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

Error correction means California's future wetter winters may never come

Researchers found that California's winter precipitation projections are likely to be drier than expected due to a persistent error in climate models known as the double-ITCZ bias. This bias can lead to reduced winter precipitation, less spring runoff, and increased wildfire risk in the state.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 15, 2020

A smart ring shows it's possible to detect fever before you feel it

Researchers at UC San Diego used wearable devices to detect fevers in participants with COVID-19, showing promise for an early warning system. The study collected temperature data from over 50 participants and demonstrated that wearables can identify fever peaks more accurately than traditional spot checks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2020

Research shows disparities in how communities respond to cardiac arrest

Researchers at UTHealth analyzed data from over 18,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to identify disparities in automated external defibrillator use. Hispanic/Latino and black neighborhoods showed significantly lower rates of AED use compared to non-Hispanic/Latino white communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCirculation·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Hawai'i researchers kept the data flowing during crisis response on K?lauea

During the 2018 eruption of K?lauea Volcano, Hawaiian researchers leveraged pre-assembled stations with virtual machines to continue monitoring data despite instrument destruction and network failures. This enabled quick deployment and rerouting of data to scientists and decision-makers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 9, 2020

Optimal horse racing speed pinpointed by mathematical analysis

Mathematical analysis reveals optimal Thoroughbred horse racing speed by analyzing track data and considering factors such as course length, surface type, and weather conditions. The study provides insights into the physical limitations of horses and the importance of course-specific factors in determining optimal speed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020
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.

Glucosamine may reduce overall death rates as effectively as regular exercise

A new epidemiological study from West Virginia University found that glucosamine supplements reduced all-cause mortality by 39% and cardiovascular-related deaths by 65%. The researchers analyzed data from 16,686 adults and suggest that people should continue exercising while considering the potential benefits of taking glucosamine pills.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateDec 1, 2020

Teaching computers the meaning of sensor names in smart home

The University of the Basque Country has developed a system using natural language processing techniques to represent sensors and human activity in smart environments. By giving sensors meaningful names, the algorithm can transfer knowledge from one environment to another, overcoming a major challenge in smart homes.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNeurocomputing·DateNov 30, 2020

Making sense of a universe of corn genetics

Researchers have developed a predictive model to guide plant breeders in selecting suitable corn varieties based on genomic analysis. The study focused on predicting eight corn traits using shoot apical meristem (SAM) analysis, achieving accuracy ranging from 37% to 57% across the eight traits studied.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

WSU scientists discover new, simple way to classify marine biomes

Researchers Alli Cramer and Stephen Katz identified two key variables: gross primary production and substrate mobility, which sort biomes by their energy flow and ocean floor movement. This new classification system sheds light on the diversity of marine environments and highlights areas where human actions may impact ecosystem function.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateNov 20, 2020

Coaching sales agents? Use AI and human coaches

Researchers found that a combination of AI and human coaches can effectively train bottom- and top-ranked sales agents, improving performance. The study suggests that tailored designs for targeted agents can overcome challenges faced by different types of sales agents.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Team preparing for SKA shortlisted for 'Nobel Prize of supercomputing'

An international team led by The University of Western Australia has been shortlisted for the prestigious Gordon Bell Prize for outstanding achievement in high-performance computing. The team developed data pipelines for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and achieved record-breaking performance on the Summit supercomputer.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·DateNov 19, 2020

Abundance of prey species is key to bird diversity in cities

The study found that the availability of invertebrates as prey is crucial for urban bird diversity, with higher prey abundance leading to more diverse communities. Bird species can be categorized into three groups based on their responses to environmental variables and prey abundance.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateNov 17, 2020
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.

Parent-offspring conflict in songbird fledging

A study analyzed 18 songbird species and found that postfledging bottlenecks increased the survival rate of at least one offspring, suggesting parental manipulation can harm fledglings. The findings imply that parent-offspring conflict may impact other animals' life transitions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Less screen time and more sleep critical for preventing depression

A longitudinal study of almost 85,000 people found that a combination of lifestyle interventions including optimal sleep and reduced screen time can help prevent depression. Additionally, healthy dietary patterns and physical activity were also associated with lower rates of depressed mood.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 11, 2020

Wrinkle-faced male bats lower face masks to copulate

Researchers observed wrinkle-faced bats displaying unique mating behavior, using a mask-like face fold during copulation. This rare lek courtship behavior was previously unknown in bat species, with only 12 instances found across mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2020
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.

Real-time alerts associated with lower mortality

The study found a 16% lower mortality rate among patients who triggered an alert from the Advance Alert Monitor system. Patients with AAM alerts had lower ICU admission rates, shorter hospital length of stay, and lower mortality within 30 days of an alert.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2020

Electrified magnets: researchers uncover a new way to handle data

Physicists at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and Central South University found a way to enhance magnetism's response to electrical fields by stacking magnetic layers. This mechanism can be precisely controlled, allowing for efficient electrical control of magnetic signals.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2020

Climatic dipole affects forest recovery after fires

A north-south drought dipole influences ponderosa pine recovery post-fires, with juvenile conifers less likely to thrive in dry northern regions. The study's findings suggest taking climate variability into account can improve long-term predictions of forest resilience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020
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.

Population dynamics and the rise of empires in Inner Asia

Researchers analyzed genome-wide data spanning 6,000 years in eastern Eurasian Steppe, revealing a spectacular level of genetic diversity among Xiongnu and Mongol populations. The study found no evidence for lactase persistence, challenging current medical models.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalCell·DateNov 5, 2020

Curbing COVID-19 hospitalizations requires attention to construction workers

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that construction workers are five times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than workers in other occupations. The researchers suggest that encouraging basic precautions, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing on work sites, can help mitigate risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 29, 2020

Understanding long-term trends of stressors on koala populations

A 29-year analysis of koala rescue data in New South Wales highlights the impact of increased human activities and bushfires on koala populations. Disease, particularly chlamydia, was found to be a major stressor, with incidents increasing over time, while release rates dropped and euthanasia rates rose.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2020
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.