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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
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.

Air pollution may disrupt sleep

Researchers analyzed data from 1,863 participants and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and low sleep efficiency. The study suggests that improving air quality may be one way to enhance sleep health and reduce health disparities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2017

New tools safeguard census data about where you live and work

Researchers at Duke University have developed new algorithms that enable analysis of sensitive data while guaranteeing individual privacy. The tools use a customized definition of privacy similar to differential privacy, injecting just enough noise to satisfy regulations and uphold the law.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 18, 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.

Some forests have been hiding in plain sight

A new estimate suggests that dryland forests, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface, are more extensive than previously thought, with an additional 467 million hectares reported. This increase in forest area increases current estimates of global forest cover by at least 9%

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2017

Reaching for the stormy cloud with chameleon

PortHadoop reader enables seamless data transfer between Hadoop and parallel file systems, accelerating big data analytics. The NSF-funded Chameleon cloud testbed facilitates the development of PortHadoop reader for NASA Cloud library applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microphysical differences in precipitation between Tibet and southern China

A study analyzing raindrop size distribution data over Tibet and southern China reveals significant microphysical differences in precipitation. The results indicate lower raindrop number concentrations for convective precipitation in Tibet, while larger raindrops show similar characteristics in both regions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 2, 2017

New study challenges formaldehyde cancer findings

A reanalysis of raw data from a widely used study on formaldehyde exposure shows no link between formaldehyde and leukemia. The study challenges the original conclusions that linked formaldehyde to an increased risk of leukemia, highlighting a need for reconsideration of formaldehyde health risks.

SourceSpectrum Science·DateMay 2, 2017

More women with atrial fibrillation die after ER discharge than men

A University of Alberta study found that women with atrial fibrillation have a 40% higher risk of dying within a month of hospital discharge compared to men. The study analyzed data from 21,062 Albertans and controlled for factors such as age and health-related variables.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 26, 2017

What's coming next? Scientists identify how the brain predicts speech

Researchers have discovered how individual neurons coordinate to anticipate events in the brain's auditory cortex. This process is impaired in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop new models for studying predictive signals in the brain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 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.

Gut bacteria tell the brain what animals should eat

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that gut bacteria control food preferences in fruit flies by inducing metabolic changes that mimic protein satiety. The research identifies two bacterial species responsible for altering appetite behavior, shedding light on the complex interaction between diet and microbes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2017

New method to ensure reproducibility in computational experiments

A new method has been developed to ensure reproducibility in computational experiments, addressing a major challenge in science. Nextflow, a workflow management system, provides a standardized framework for managing computational workflows and integrating resources such as data repositories and cloud computing.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 25, 2017

The fading American dream: Economic mobility has nearly halved since 1940

The probability of children attaining a higher income than their parents has dropped dramatically since 1940, from over 90% to 50%. Restoring economic mobility would require greater economic redistribution. Policies such as fostering productivity growth and increasing the minimum wage can help achieve this goal.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2017
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.

Few Medicare patients take advantage of free annual wellness visits

Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) use increased from 7.5% to 15.6% between 2011 and 2014, but disparities persist in certain groups. Patients from higher-income areas and those affiliated with Accountable Care Organizations were more likely to receive an AWV.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateApr 19, 2017
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.

Distantly related fish find same evolutionary solution to dark water

A study found that three-spined stickleback fish evolved the same genetic changes in their color-vision gene to adapt to dark and clear water environments. The research demonstrated convergent evolution across vastly different time scales, showing that mechanisms underlying adaptive evolution are predictable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 11, 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.

Algorithms can exploit human perception in graph design

Researchers have developed an algorithm to automatically improve the design of scatterplots by exploiting models and measures of human perception. The optimized designs effectively communicate relationships between two data variables, reducing unintended miscommunication.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateApr 5, 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.

UK sexual health (GUM) clinic access has worsened over past few years

Access to UK sexual health clinics has worsened over the past few years, with women being less likely to receive appointments. Clinics in England show the sharpest decline, falling below recommended standards of offering 98% of patients an appointment within 48 hours.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateApr 4, 2017

Shaping the future of health innovation

The National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory will apply Big Data analytics tools to explore trends in health innovation. The £10 million centre, based at Newcastle University, aims to provide better and more efficient healthcare for patients.

SourceNewcastle University·DateMar 31, 2017

Stop eating! You are full

Researchers have discovered a molecule sent by fat cells to the fly brain that signals when energy stores are sufficient, inhibiting feeding behavior. This finding suggests a potential appetite-suppression mechanism in humans and may lead to new weight management strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 28, 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.

Poor outlook for biodiversity in Antarctica

A new study by an international team of scientists has found that Antarctica's biodiversity and conservation management are similar to those globally. Despite some areas of improvement, such as invasive species management, overall progress is lagging behind global targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 28, 2017

New strategy identifies potential drugs and targets for brain repair

Researchers have discovered small molecule drugs that activate signaling pathways leading to specific adult brain cell types from stem cells. These findings provide new insights into neural development and repair, identifying several new approved drugs with potential therapeutic value for brain injury repair.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 28, 2017

Mosquito monitoring has limited utility in dengue control, study finds

Researchers found no association between mosquito abundance and dengue virus risk, but longitudinal indicators showed individuals living with mosquito evidence were more likely to contract dengue. Alternative surveillance frameworks incorporating human outcomes may be necessary for effective dengue control programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 23, 2017
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.

Growing global temperatures could be contributing to rising diabetic numbers

Research published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that higher outdoor temperatures are associated with increased diabetes incidence and glucose intolerance prevalence worldwide. A 1°C rise in temperature could account for more than 100,000 new diabetes cases per year in the USA alone.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateMar 20, 2017

JDR systematic analysis examines global burden of oral conditions

A systematic analysis examined the global burden of oral conditions between 1990 and 2015, finding a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years due to oral diseases. The study suggests that oral health goals should be developed to advance global public health.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 20, 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.

World's oldest plant-like fossils discovered

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

Uncovering new relationships and organizational principles in protein interaction networks

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research used topological data analysis to identify new insights into the organization of complicated protein interaction networks. The study revealed topological network modules composed of proteins with shared properties, providing insight into biological functions and disease mechanisms.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2017

Sub-second system seizures

Researcher Neil Johnson studied sub-second delays in electronic stock exchange data, finding that natural delays already exist in these systems, which can become correlated and cause unexpected behaviors. Introducing more delays could be disastrous, as humans wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 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.

'Traveling' droughts bring new possibilities for prediction

A new study found that approximately 10% of intense droughts travel between continents in predictable patterns, with the largest and most severe ones having the highest potential for damage. The researchers analyzed drought data from 1979 to 2009, identifying hotspots on each continent where similar tracks were followed.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 7, 2017

'Black swan' events strike animal populations

A new analysis found drastic changes in animal populations occur in about 4% of cases, most commonly in birds, with extreme events driven by parasites, climate and predators. Developing management plans to withstand sudden swings could help buffer against black swan disasters and prevent extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Collection of articles examines racial, gender issues in academic medicine

A study by Dowin Boatright found that white medical students were nearly six times more likely to be elected into Alpha Omega Alpha honor society than black students. In contrast, female emergency medicine residents received lower evaluations from faculty members of both sexes, leading to a wide gender gap in milestone attainment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Study shows role of depression in the ongoing tobacco epidemic

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that depression significantly increased in the US from 2005 to 2013 among current, former, and never smokers. The prevalence of depression is consistently higher among smokers, but the rate of increase was more prominent among former and never smokers.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 1, 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.

Inactivity, excess weight linked to hard-to-treat heart failures

Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that inactivity and excess weight are strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which has a poor five-year survival rate of around 30-40%. Increasing physical activity levels and reducing weight may be crucial for combating this growing disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2017

English learners treated differently depending on where they go to school

New research reveals significant variations in how English learners are reclassified in Texas schools, impacting their educational trajectory. The study found differences in assessment data, technology incorporation, and educator understanding, leading to disparate outcomes for students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 23, 2017

Bored by physical therapy? Focus on citizen science instead

Patients with repetitive rehabilitative exercises can contribute to scientific projects while performing engaging physical exercises using low-cost haptic devices. The study increases commitment and effectiveness of the exercises through natural user interfaces.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 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.

Average life expectancy set to increase by 2030

A study by Imperial College London predicts that average life expectancy will increase in 35 industrialised countries by 2030. The results show that South Korean women may live up to 90.8 years, while a 65-year-old woman can expect an additional 27.5 years of life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2017

Modern housing associated with reduced malaria risk in sub-Saharan Africa

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that modern houses with metal roofs and finished walls are associated with a reduced risk of malaria in children under age 5. The researchers analyzed data from 29 surveys in 21 African countries and found a significant correlation between improved housing conditions and lower malaria rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2017

Cars and chlamydia killing Queensland koalas

A University of Queensland-led study found that cars and chlamydia were the top causes of a 80% decline in south-east Queensland koalas over two decades. At least a quarter of healthy, breeding koalas died from car accidents, while half the population was affected by multiple diseases or health problems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017
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.