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Machine learning helps predict worldwide plant-conservation priorities

A new machine learning-based approach predicts conservation status of over 150,000 plants, identifying 15,000 species at high risk. The method uses data analytics and machine learning to assess habitat features, weather patterns, and physical characteristics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Mental health care increasing most among those with less distress

A new study shows that fewer Americans have serious psychological distress, but those with less distress are getting more outpatient mental health care. The growth in treatment is driven by people with little or no distress, while those with serious distress often don't receive the care they need.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 28, 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.

Particulate matter and asthma medication use

Research suggests a link between PM2.5 exposure and higher daily rescue inhaler use in individuals with asthma. Reducing PM2.5 pollution could result in significant economic benefits, estimated at nearly $350 million annually.

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

How common are eating disorders in young children?

A study of 4,500 US children aged 9-10 found an overall frequency of eating disorder diagnoses at 1.4%, with no significant differences between girls and boys. The prevalence of specific disorders varied, including anorexia nervosa (0.1%), binge-eating disorder (0.6%), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (0.7%).

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 26, 2018

New technique improves efficiency and accuracy of single cell RNA sequencing

Researchers have developed a new method to identify differences between single cells using single nucleotide variants, which can eliminate biases in traditional sequencing methods. This technique uses variant information to retrieve gene expression data, enabling better identification of tumor subpopulations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2018

Transparency and reproducibility of biomedical research is improving

Recent studies suggest that biomedical research is becoming more transparent and reproducible, with a significant increase in data sharing and funding disclosure. However, the authors argue that there is still much to be done to improve research practices, particularly in terms of protocol sharing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

Long-term exposure to road traffic noise may increase the risk of obesity

A new study has found a significant association between long-term exposure to road traffic noise and the risk of obesity. The research, published in Environment International, involved 3796 adults who took part in the Swiss SAPALDIA cohort study and had attended at least two follow-up visits between 2001 and 2011.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateNov 16, 2018

SwRI scientists map magnetic reconnection in Earth's magnetotail

Researchers have found that the regions in the Earth's magnetosphere that energize the polar aurora are remarkably calm and nonturbulent. The study revealed intense electron jets associated with magnetic reconnection, which dump energy into Earth's atmosphere, exciting auroras.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018

African ancestry associated with risk factors for heart failure

Genetic analysis of African ancestry found a correlation with increased risk factors for heart failure, including thicker left ventricles and higher ECG voltages. This study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure in young adults.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 14, 2018
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.

Study examines opioid use among Massachusetts adolescents, trends in opioid prescriptions

A recent study in Massachusetts found that adolescent females have a higher rate of non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to males, while receiving insufficient medication for post-overdose treatment. The analysis of public data from 2012 to 2014 revealed that only 8% of adolescents were prescribed medications like methadone or buprenorp...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 13, 2018

Amazon turtle populations recovering well thanks to local action

Local protection efforts have led to a significant recovery of Giant South American Turtle populations, with over nine times more turtles hatching on protected beaches compared to the 1970s. Other species, such as birds and fish, are also thriving in these areas.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 13, 2018

Surrey academic receives award for preserving endangered languages

University of Surrey academic Dr Mike Franjieh has been recognized for preserving two endangered languages on the South Pacific island of Ambrym in Vanuatu. His research has created usable spelling systems and recorded cultural practices, benefiting community members and future generations.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateNov 13, 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.

Trends in opioid prescriptions in children, adolescents

Since 2012, prescription opioids dispensed to children and adolescents have decreased, with an average of 4 per 1,000 children receiving an outpatient opioid prescription in 2009-2012. Long-term opioid prescription use has also declined since the start of 2017.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2018

Automated detection of sleep states from olfactory brain waves

Researchers create an algorithm that accurately classifies mouse vigilance states into wake, REM sleep, and non-REM sleep based on local brain activity in the olfactory bulb. The study has potential applications in medical and clinical fields, including surgical anesthesia and sleep disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

Borexino sheds light on solar neutrinos

The Borexino experiment has provided insights into how the Sun generates energy by analyzing its solar neutrino spectrum. The study revealed details about the Sun's core and fusion processes, confirming current understanding of these phenomena.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateNov 5, 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.

Getting the most out of atmospheric data analysis

A team of researchers has developed a mutual information approach to interpreting atmospheric data collected over an 18-year period, finding strong correlations between new-particle formation and water content, sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTSA Gets $2 million to train national security analytics cyber workforce

The University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Business has received a $2 million grant from the Defense Intelligence Agency to expand its Master of Science in Data Analytics program. The three-year grant will allow for the development of new courses, research collaborations, and internship opportunities with industry partners.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 24, 2018

New technology to allow 100-times-faster internet

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2018

NASA's Dellingr team awarded IRAD Team Award

The Dellingr team developed a more capable and resilient CubeSat platform, advancing the state-of-the-art in this mission class. The team's innovative approach to resilience and problem-solving enabled them to recover from system failures and gather high-quality data about Earth's upper atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

Looking and listening for signals of navy test explosions off Florida coast

A team of researchers analyzed seismic and acoustic data from US Navy explosions off the Florida coast to better understand the relationship between local magnitude and charge weight. They found that both types of data can be used to identify underwater explosions, with seismic signals providing clearer evidence.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 16, 2018

Unapproved ingredients in over-the-counter supplements

A study analyzed FDA warnings from 2007-2016 and identified over 700 dietary supplements with unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients. Most of these products were marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of over-the-counter supplements.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 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.

For wineries, competition boosts profits from sustainability

A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that wineries with more sustainable practices experience better financial performance when they feel competitive pressure. Conversely, those without significant competitive pressure are more likely to adopt new sustainability measures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOrganization & Environment·DateOct 8, 2018

Annual price tag for nonfatal injuries in the US tops $1.8 trillion

A new analysis found that nonfatal injuries in the US cost over $1.8 trillion in 2013, with falls and being hit by objects causing most prevalent causes of injury. The study highlights preventable measures, such as well-designed safety devices and laws, to reduce deaths caused by injuries.

SourceBrown University·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateOct 7, 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.

How has children's body image changed over time?

The nationwide Chinese survey found that childhood overweight/obesity prevalence increased to 16.8% and children underestimated their weight status at the start of the study by 49%. Children with a higher body image had lower increases in BMI over time.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateOct 5, 2018

Even light drinking increases risk of death

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateOct 3, 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.

Weekday mornings are no longer peak times for sudden cardiac arrest

A new study by Cedars-Sinai finds that stress is a major contributor to sudden cardiac arrests, which are now more likely to happen outside of previously identified peak times. The research analyzed data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study and found no evidence of increased cardiac arrests on Mondays

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateOct 2, 2018
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.

Eighth-century skeleton found at Torcello

The discovery of an eighth-century skeleton on Torcello has shed new light on the island's population and burial customs. The skeleton, found in a tomb dating back to around 700 A.D., provides valuable biometric data for analysis.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·DateOct 1, 2018

Decline in native fish species -- invasive species on the increase

A study by the Technical University of Munich found that native fish species are on the verge of extinction, while invasive species like rainbow trout and topmouth gudgeon are increasing in population. The analysis of over 30 years of data reveals a decline in specialiszed species with complex life cycles due to habitat changes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 1, 2018

How have mortality rates changed over time for infants, children?

Mortality rates for infants and children in the US have declined significantly since 1999, according to a study analyzing death certificate data. The study found decreases in deaths from sudden infant death syndrome and unintentional injuries among young people, but increases in suffocation and strangulation deaths in infants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 1, 2018

Democrat/Republican divide is worst it's ever been

A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Networks·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

How Sacred Ibis mummies provided the first test of evolution

The discovery of mummified Sacred Ibises in France after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt played a significant role in delaying the acceptance of evolutionary theory. The debate between Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck over these birds' classification highlighted the influence of charismatic personalities on scientific thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Bureau of Reclamation funds Upper Missouri River pallid sturgeon study

The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.

SourceBureau of Reclamation·DateSep 26, 2018

How common are traumatic brain injuries in children?

The study analyzed national survey data to estimate lifetime TBI in children and found that such injuries send children to emergency departments and carry risk for long-term adverse outcomes. Parents reported diagnoses, which may lead to underestimation of TBI prevalence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 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.

Why are data ethics so challenging in a changing world?

The article discusses the complexity of data ethics, emphasizing personal data ownership, consent, trustworthiness, and privacy. Researchers aim to strike a balance between harnessing data's potential benefits and mitigating its risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateSep 24, 2018

Asian-Americans more likely to be hired to lead troubled companies

Researchers found that Asian-Americans were appointed two-and-a-half times as often during a company's decline than when it was successful. This may be due to stereotypes of Asian-Americans being self-sacrificing, which can lead to longer working hours or giving up bonuses.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 24, 2018

Study: Widely used nonprofit efficiency tool doesn't work

A recent study from North Carolina State University found that the overhead ratio, a widely used metric for assessing nonprofit efficiency, is actually negatively correlated with efficiency. The researchers used data from Habitat for Humanity affiliates and two established efficiency analysis tools to demonstrate this problem.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNonprofit Management and Leadership·DateSep 20, 2018

Gaia detects a shake in the Milky Way

The Gaia satellite has detected substructures in the Milky Way's star disk, indicating a 300-million-year-old gravitational disturbance caused by the Sagittarius Dwarf galaxy. Researchers used precise data to analyze shapes and twisting patterns, leading to new findings on galactic archaeology

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 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.

Why some human genes are more popular with researchers than others

A recent study reveals that historical bias in research funding mechanisms and social forces reinforce the focus on established genes, leading to an under-studied 80% of all human genes. The researchers discovered that poorly characterized genes have a 50% lower chance of becoming independent researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 18, 2018

Silicone breast implants linked to increased risk of some rare harms

A comprehensive study found that women receiving silicone breast implants may be at increased risk of several rare adverse outcomes compared to the general population. The elevated risks included conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a higher risk of stillbirth and melanoma.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 17, 2018