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Color naming across languages

Researchers analyzed color-naming data from 110 languages and found that warm colors like red, yellow, and orange are generally easier to communicate than cool colors like blue and green. The study suggests that differences in color categorization may reflect cultural differences in color usefulness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

VLA begins huge project of cosmic discovery

The VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) will produce the sharpest radio view of a large portion of the sky, detecting powerful cosmic explosions and superfast particles. The survey will reveal new information on galaxy growth, magnetic fields, and interactions between galaxies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateSep 18, 2017

Quantum machine learning

Researchers reviewed the status of classical and quantum machine learning, exploring its potential to analyze both classical and quantum data. Quantum machines could accelerate processing timescales using quantum annealers and universal quantum computers.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2017

Particulate matter and life expectancy in China

Analysis of Chinese life expectancy data reveals a significant impact of airborne particulate matter (PM) on mortality rates. Exposure to PM smaller than 10 microns is estimated to reduce life expectancy by 0.6 years for every 10 μg/m3 of PM10.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017
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.

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.

Taking a deep breath?

Researchers measure exceptionally high oxygen absorption in the Labrador Sea during winter 2014/2015. The study suggests that while this region may absorb more oxygen than lost, the global decrease in surface water oxygen content due to climate change cannot be compensated.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 4, 2017

Sequencing all 24 human chromosomes uncovers rare disorders

A study by NIH and other institutions has extended noninvasive prenatal screening to all 24 human chromosomes, detecting rare genetic disorders that may explain miscarriage and pregnancy abnormalities. The research identified risk for serious complications in pregnancies with high levels of abnormal cells in the placenta.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Thorough analysis reveals immune system dynamics after immunotherapy

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a technique to monitor the maturation process of the immune system in leukaemia patients after stem cell transplantation. This study identifies patterns linked to clinical complications and provides new knowledge on the regulation and dysregulation of the immune system.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 29, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More education linked to better cognitive functioning later in life

A study led by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that higher levels of education are tied to better cognitive functioning later in life. The study analyzed data from around 196,000 Lumosity subscribers and found that education boosts performance more in areas such as reasoning than processing speed.

SourceLumosity·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2017

Higher income individuals more physically active, yet more sedentary

A new study found that higher income individuals engage in more moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity on fewer days, known as the 'weekend warrior' effect, while spending more time in sedentary pursuits. The study suggests tailoring physical activity messages to reflect the constraints of both low and high income individuals.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 11, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Spain is one of the countries where more heatwaves are recorded annually

A study by CSIC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that higher temperatures increase health risks, but sensitivity varies by region. The study suggests adapting to excessive heat and developing migration strategies as climate change projections increase temperatures.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 10, 2017

Dietary restriction can improve learning in worms

A new study reveals that dietary restriction improves learning in worms by depleting a specific amino acid metabolite. The researchers used the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans to test how food deprivation affected learning and found that restricted access to food increased learning by reducing kynurenic acid levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2017

Are the world's highest paid football players overpaid? Big data says yes

A computational model analyzing 6,082 European football players' salaries showed that Lionel Messi is the world's most overpaid player, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. The study found a strong link between skills and salaries, but noted exceptions like the Ekstraklasa league.

SourceLawrence Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Science in Sport·DateJul 28, 2017

Which type of cell to become: Decision through indecision

Researchers found that cell fate decision is not a unique programmed event, but rather the outcome of a dynamic process where cells explore different molecular possibilities before reaching a stable state. This process is reminiscent of trial-and-error learning and highlights the complexity of human hematopoietic cell fate commitment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 27, 2017
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.

Child abuse and neglect linked to gender inequality

Researchers found a significant association between gender inequity and increased child physical abuse and neglect. The study analyzed data from 57 countries and found that higher scores on measures of discrimination against women were linked to higher rates of child maltreatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateJul 27, 2017

Researchers develop model to predict and prevent power outages using big data

Texas A&M University researchers have developed a predictive model that can identify potential vulnerabilities in electric grids and predict weather hazards. The model uses historical and close-to-real-time data to analyze the impact of these factors on power system outages, enabling utility companies to take proactive measures.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateJul 26, 2017

Magnetic quantum objects in a 'nano egg-box'

Researchers have successfully produced a 'quantum egg-box' with hundreds of thousands of artificially arranged fluxons, enabling stable non-equilibrium states. This breakthrough paves the way for developing fast computer circuits based on fluxons with enhanced speed and reduced heat dissipation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 25, 2017
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.

A healthy lifestyle increases life expectancy by up to 7 years

A new study published in Health Affairs reveals that individuals who adopt healthy behaviors such as maintaining a normal weight, not smoking, and consuming alcohol moderately can expect to live seven years longer than the general population. These extra years are spent in good health, free from disability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 20, 2017

UK Biobank partners with the EGA

The UK Biobank is distributing its 500,000-person dataset via the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), a resource developed by EMBL-EBI and CRG in Barcelona. This move aims to enable researchers to study human disease causes with maximum efficiency.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·DateJul 19, 2017

Study examines birth defects following 9/11 terrorist attacks

A recent study analyzed data from California Birth Defects Monitoring Program and found that male infants had lower rates of birth defects after the 9/11 attacks. The researchers suggest that large population stressors like 9/11 may select against weaker male fetuses.

SourceWiley·JournalBirth Defects Research·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

Making lab equipment on the cheap

Neuroscientists have created a low-cost imaging and microscope system for research, training, and teaching, called FlyPi. The system uses 3D printing and open-source components to perform standard lab protocols at a fraction of the cost of commercially available solutions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 18, 2017

Does a candidate's religion matter to voters?

A new analysis by University of Houston political scientists found that party labels, not religious affiliation, are the most powerful predictors of how voters perceive candidates. Party brand matters more than a candidate's religious views when it comes to shaping voter beliefs about ideology.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalResearch & Politics·DateJul 12, 2017

Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017
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.

Immune system cell clones created before birth may last for decades

Researchers found that identical twins share more T-cell clone receptors than expected due to potential exchange of T cells through cord blood before birth. This phenomenon suggests that some immune system cell clones created before birth can persist for about 40 years, shedding light on the diversity of T cell receptors in adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

Globally, the rise of agriculture is squashing some fires

The expansion of agriculture has led to a decline in burned areas globally, particularly in tropical savannas and grasslands. Long-term declines were more associated with transitions from natural to managed landscapes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2017
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.

Training changes the way the brain pays attention

A study found that training enhances attention in the brain, leading to improved performance in tasks like reading x-rays and excelling in sports. However, after extended training, this initial gain in attention disappears, even though behavioral performance remains improved.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 27, 2017

Infections in early life associated with increased risk for celiac disease

Recurring gastrointestinal infections in early childhood significantly increase the risk of developing gluten intolerance, according to a new study. The research found a strong association between early respiratory tract infections and an elevated risk of celiac disease.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 20, 2017
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.

Older people who feel close to God have well-being that grows with frequent prayer

A Baylor University study finds that frequent prayer among older adults with a secure attachment to God improves their sense of well-being, while those with an average or weak attachment may experience mixed results. For those who perceive God as distant or untrustworthy, prayer is not associated with improved mental health.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateJun 20, 2017

Faster performance evaluation of 'super graphs'

Researchers have developed a new computer model that generates synthetic data for simulating real-world applications using giant graphs. The model, TrillionG, is faster and uses less resources than existing methods, making it ideal for testing giant graph algorithms and systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·DateJun 16, 2017

New software tool could help doctors diagnose genetic diseases

A new software tool called Mendel,MD can help doctors analyze patients' genetic data to diagnose diseases caused by mutations. Developed for easy use by physicians, the tool is freely available and has been validated using clinical cases and tests at multiple research centers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 8, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How the brain recognizes what the eye sees

Researchers analyzed how neurons in V2 respond to natural scenes, discovering three principles: combining edges, cross-orientation suppression, and repeating patterns. This work provides insight into the brain's ability to recognize faces, cars, and other objects.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017

Comets may have delivered significant portions of Earth's xenon

A new study suggests that comets may have delivered up to 22% of the element xenon found in Earth's atmosphere. The finding is based on analysis of spectrometry data from the Rosetta spacecraft, which detected isotopic signatures of cometary xenon that closely match those on Earth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2017

Certain cardiovascular medications may increase risk of falling

A new analysis suggests that non-selective beta-blockers are associated with a 22% increased risk of falling compared to selective beta-blockers. The study of over 10,000 individuals found no association between selective beta-blocker use and fall risk.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

How neurons use crowdsourcing to make decisions

Researchers found that neurons initially rely on many neurons for good prediction of a macaque monkey's decision, but eventually each neuron is maximally predictive as the decision point approaches.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 6, 2017

What makes a movement feel strenuous?

A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2017

Frailer patients at much greater risk of institutional care and death after discharge from hospital

A recent study found that frail patients are almost twice as likely to die in the year following critical care admission, with nearly 40% dying within one year. Additionally, frail patients were more than twice as likely to need institutional care and become increasingly dependent after discharge from hospital.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 2, 2017

Summer rainfall in vulnerable African region can be predicted

Scientists have developed a new model that predicts Sahel summer rainfall with high accuracy, enabling decision-makers to anticipate future cycles of droughts and floods. This improved understanding has the potential to help local communities become increasingly resilient to the region's variable climate.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017
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.

In-hospital COPD mortality shows large drop from 2005-2014

In-hospital COPD mortality declined substantially between 2005 and 2014, with a 62% decrease in deaths among patients hospitalized for the condition. Women accounted for the majority of hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths, making up 57-58% and 51-55%, respectively.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 24, 2017

Was a statin beneficial for primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from a clinical trial and found no benefit of statins for all-cause mortality or coronary heart disease events when started for primary prevention in older adults. The authors concluded that treatment recommendations should be individualized for this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017