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COMPASS method points researchers to protein structures

The COMPASS method uses a combination of molecular spectroscopy techniques, predictive protein-folding algorithms, and image recognition software to determine a protein's likely structure. The approach has been successfully applied to 15 proteins and holds promise for studying complex protein structures that have eluded researchers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStructure·DateOct 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mini DNA sequencer tests true

The MinION miniature DNA sequencing device has been evaluated by an international consortium, showing consistent good performance and accuracy across five laboratories. The data is freely available for re-analysis and innovation on F1000Research.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalF1000Research·DateOct 15, 2015

Engineers assist Bank of America Chicago Marathon with technology

A Northwestern University engineering team has designed a data visualization system to provide real-time insights into the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The system uses historical and real-time data to forecast participant concentrations, helping officials plan accordingly.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 9, 2015

Boeing establishes analytics lab for aerospace data at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon University has established an analytics lab with Boeing to develop AI-powered solutions for aerospace data. The lab aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of data generated in aircraft design, construction, and operation, enabling safer, more reliable, and efficient aircraft operations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 1, 2015
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.

Electric vehicle charging habits revealed

Analysis reveals that public charging infrastructure is not needed everywhere, with homes, workplaces, and 'hot spots' sufficient for adoption. Drivers tend to favor a few public stations when away from home, with workplace charging enabling significant electric range extension.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateSep 30, 2015

Psoriasis, risk of depression in the US population

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of major depression, regardless of severity. Patients with psoriasis reported daily functional impairment more frequently than those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

UMD, partners receive $4.5 million to study cosmic flashes

The University of Maryland has been awarded $4.5 million to participate in the GROWTH network, which aims to improve understanding of cosmic transients. Undergraduates will analyze telescope data from the network using flipped learning environments and active-learning techniques.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateSep 28, 2015

AAO-HNSF to build clinical data registry for otolaryngology

The AAO-HNS Foundation is developing a clinical data registry for otolaryngology, with Regent being the first registry of its kind. The registry will help improve patient care by tracking care outcomes and identifying gaps in clinician knowledge and performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 27, 2015

If you're sitting down, don't sit still, new research suggests

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that increased risk of mortality from long periods of sitting was only associated with very occasional fidgeters. Fidgeting, even for moderately or very active women, may offer enough of a break to counteract adverse health impacts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 23, 2015

Permanent data storage with light

Scientists of KIT and universities develop the first all-optical, non-volatile on-chip memory using phase change materials, allowing for fast data storage and potentially increasing computer performance and reducing energy consumption. The new memory can store data for decades even when power is removed.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 22, 2015
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.

Obamacare saps enthusiasm for government health-care spending

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Obamacare led to a decline in support for government health-care spending among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Before the law's passage, about two-thirds of independents and Republicans supported increased health spending, but this dropped significantly after its enactment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSociological Science·DateSep 21, 2015

Citizen scientists contribute to dog research

A study by Duke University analyzed data from 500 citizen scientists worldwide, who played the same games as researchers use in labs. The results showed that dogs rely on memory over sense of smell to solve problems. The dataset also revealed unique cognitive skills among dogs, including communication and problem-solving abilities.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2015

Scan may identify best candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery

A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

World has lost 3 percent of its forests since 1990

The world has lost 129 million hectares of forest area since 1990, with tropical forests taking the hardest hit. However, there have been positive signs, including a halving of net forest loss from 7.3 to 3.3 million hectares between 2010 and 2015.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 14, 2015

Improving utility smart metering, energy services and conservation

Researchers at UMass Amherst are developing smart energy services that use data from Holyoke Gas & Electric Co.'s smart meters to reduce peak demand, promote local renewable energy and save customers money. The services will also provide real-time notifications for unusual energy usage and suggested conservation tips.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 14, 2015

Higher-earning men would take a pay cut to spend more time with partners

A study of over 4,000 European men found that those earning the majority of household income are most likely to want to work fewer hours. Men in partnerships and without children also desire shorter working weeks. The researchers suggest businesses should prioritize work-life balance for male breadwinners to reduce overwork.

SourceSAGE·JournalSociology·DateSep 9, 2015
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.

Exposure to wildfire smoke linked to increased ER visits for asthma

Researchers analyzed data from Australia's 2006-2007 wildfires and found exposure to wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospital emergency department visits for asthma. Fine particulates in wildfire smoke are easily inhaled and remain deep in the lungs, causing harmful health effects.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

Blacks hit hardest by public-sector job losses during recession, study finds

A new study by University of Washington sociologist Jennifer Laird finds that African-American workers disproportionately lost jobs in the public sector during the Great Recession, leading to widening racial disparities. Black civil servants, especially women, faced higher rates of unemployment than their white counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 24, 2015

The Lancet: Working long hours linked to higher risk of stroke

Working 55+ hours per week is associated with a 33% increased risk of stroke and a 13% increased risk of coronary heart disease. Longer working hours are linked to increased stress, physical inactivity, and high alcohol consumption, which may increase the risk of stroke.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 19, 2015
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.

New research backs belief that tomatoes can be a gout trigger

Researchers have found a biological basis for the long-held belief that eating tomatoes can cause gout flares. Tomato consumption is linked to higher levels of uric acid in the blood, comparable to other commonly accepted gout trigger foods.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateAug 18, 2015

Saving the unloved, one crowd at a time

A new study from WCS uses the Wisdom of Crowds method to assess the conservation status of the Manus green tree snail, a species found only on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. The approach involves surveying a large number of people to generate estimates of the snail's range, distribution, and decline rate.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalOryx·DateAug 11, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Analytics for resilience

The field of risk analysis is entering a new phase with real-time probabilistic risk analysis, enabling better management of complex systems. New methodologies and technologies are being used to predict risks and improve global resilience.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateAug 10, 2015
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.

The Alan Turing Institute signals progress on many fronts

The Alan Turing Institute has made significant progress in its first few days of operations, with the appointment of Professor Andrew Blake as its first Director. The Institute will promote the development and use of advanced mathematics, computer science, algorithms, and big data for human benefit.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateAug 5, 2015

Reproducible research for biofuels and biogas

A team of researchers from Bielefeld University created a virtual package of data for biogas production to improve its understanding. They made their research more reproducible by releasing all the data and computational methods as a shareable container, enabling others to build on these resources to study biogas generation.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateJul 30, 2015
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.

Rotten tomatoes and 2 thumbs up

The study found that mixed reviews are a double-edged sword, hurt or helping product sales depending on critic reviews. Retailers can capitalize on review variability by promoting quality signifiers and understanding niche user needs.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 30, 2015

Making Europe sweat

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that latent heat release in ascending air masses plays a crucial role in the formation and perpetuation of stable high-pressure systems, also known as 'blocking', which can lead to extreme weather conditions. The research team analyzed massive amounts of climate data from around the wo...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2015
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.

Teens' overall substance use declining, but marijuana use rising

A recent study found that marijuana use among teens is increasing, particularly among black teens, while cigarette and alcohol use are decreasing. The study analyzed data from over 600,000 high school seniors between 1976 and 2013 and found a marked decline in cigarette use and an increase in marijuana use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 20, 2015

Iowa State analysis reveals needs for improvement in youth fitness

Fitness levels among US schoolchildren sharply decline as students get older, with girls experiencing a continual decline in aerobic capacity. The study suggests room for improvement in both BMI and aerobic capacity, highlighting the importance of physical activity in healthy youth development.

SourceIowa State University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 15, 2015

Heading the ball, player-to-player contact and concussions in high school soccer

A study found that player-to-player contact was the most common cause of concussions in high school soccer, with heading the ball being the most common soccer-specific activity leading to concussions. The rate of concussions per 10,000 athlete exposures was higher for boys than girls, highlighting a need for improved safety measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 13, 2015
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.

Spinal cord injuries increasing, especially among older individuals

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study analyzed data from 63,109 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury and found a significant increase in incidence rates among men aged 65-74. Most patients regain some function after an injury, but many require lifelong healthcare services.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

Lovebird has clear sight during rapid turns

Rapidly turning lovebirds execute extremely fast head turns when their wings cover their eyes, shortening blurry phases and maintaining stable vision. This super-fast behavior allows them to make split-second decisions during maneuvers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 2015
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.

Island rodents take on nightmarish proportions

Researchers analyzed size data for over 1,000 rodent populations to identify those that evolved into unusually large or small sizes. The study found that islands are home to more extreme cases of size variation, with rodents on islands weighing among the top or bottom 2.5 percent for their species.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 22, 2015

How flu viruses use transportation networks in the US

Researchers analyzed U.S. flu cases from 2003-2013 and found correlations between genetic distance of flu subtypes and geographic distance using transportation data. The study suggests that mobility patterns, rather than geographic proximity, play a key role in predicting the spread of influenza epidemics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 18, 2015

Value of nonprofit hospital tax exemption nearly doubled over 9 years, reaching $24.6 billion in 2011

The study found that nonprofit hospitals spent only a small fraction of their 'charity care and community benefit' on efforts aimed at improving the health of the communities they serve. In 2011, hospitals allocated less than 1% of total spending towards community health improvement.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 17, 2015
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.

Barnacles go with the flow to find a home on dolphin fins

A study found that highly specialized coronulid barnacles exclusively attach to the fins of dolphins, particularly along the trailing edge facing away from water flow. The barnacles select suitable areas on the fins to filter nutrients and protect developing larvae.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2015

What do walnuts smell like?

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFood Research International·DateJun 8, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Amount of time New Yorkers spend sitting around far exceeds healthy levels

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that New Yorkers spend an average of over 7 hours a day sitting, greatly exceeding the recommended healthy levels. College-educated individuals, higher-income residents, and those aged 65 or older spent the most time sedentary.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateJun 2, 2015