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Georgia State makes massive NASA solar dataset available to researchers

The university's researchers compiled a large solar dataset from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory mission, making several hundred thousand solar events available to the public. The dataset has improved the quality of the data and will accelerate computer vision research on these solar images.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScientific Data·DateSep 25, 2017

New gravity map suggests Mars has a porous crust

Researchers found a lower density in Mars' crust, indicating possible porosity, which could impact the planet's formation and evolution. The new gravity map reveals variations in crust thickness beneath volcanoes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 13, 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.

Stressed lemurs have worse chances of survival

A recent study published in BMC Ecology found that grey mouse lemurs with high hair cortisol levels had a lower chance of survival. The researchers discovered that low cortisol levels were associated with a 13.9% higher chance of survival compared to those with high levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 31, 2017

Signs of distracted driving -- pounding heart, sweaty nose

The study examined three types of distracting elements: sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional. Researchers found that texting led to more dangerous driving, while a 'sixth sense' protected drivers from emotional upset or absent-mindedness.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Data·DateAug 15, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

'Sherlock' and the case of narrative perception

The study found that brain activity in regions called the default mode network represent a kind of higher-level processing, building up representations of what's happening in the world around us. Participants who had previously watched the 'Sherlock' episode could anticipate events and recall them in the same order, suggesting that chu...

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 2, 2017

Molecular archaeology

A new phylogenetic tree resolves key relationships among vertebrates, including the identification of lungfishes as closest living relatives of land vertebrates. The study uses a novel set of analyses for building large-scale genomic datasets.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 24, 2017

Artificial intelligence suggests recipes based on food photos

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL developed an AI system called Pic2Recipe that can analyze photos of food and predict ingredients and suggest similar recipes. The system was trained on a database of over 1 million recipes and showed impressive results, particularly with desserts like cookies or muffins.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJul 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improved representation of solar variability in climate models

A new dataset provides improved representation of solar variability, enabling more accurate climate model simulations and distinguishing natural from anthropogenic processes. The dataset includes enhanced estimates of solar forcing and particle effects, which may counteract rising Earth temperatures.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateJul 3, 2017

Oceans are warming rapidly, study says

A new study analyzing multiple ocean datasets reveals that the oceans are robustly warming, regardless of data used. The heat redistribution among global oceans experienced a significant shift over several decades.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 29, 2017

Social, computer scientists want to share data on group behavior

Computer scientists and social scientists collaborate to create Collaborative Interaction Corpus (CIC) dataset, featuring 135 participants' online activity and discussion data. The dataset can be used to address various computer-science questions, including predicting user behavior and machine learning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMay 9, 2017

A turbo engine for tracing neurons

Researchers designed UltraTracer to work with existing algorithms, turbo-charging them for faster processing and larger datasets. The software can compare tens of thousands of neuron shapes to better understand cell types.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 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.

Robot radiology: Low-cost AI could screen for cervical cancer better than humans

A new AI-based image detection method has shown promise in screening for cervical cancer, detecting abnormalities with higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional methods. The technique, developed by Lehigh University researchers, could be used to improve early detection and treatment of the disease in resource-poor regions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalMedical Image Analysis·DateApr 24, 2017

No democracy without women's rights

A new study published in the European Journal of Political Research reveals that women's civil rights are essential for countries to become fully democratic. The research indicates that the failure to foster women's rights compromised any attempt at democratic governance in the Arab Spring countries.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·DateApr 11, 2017
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.

RAND study examines 200 real-world 'zero-day' software vulnerabilities

A new RAND Corporation study analyzes over 200 real-world zero-day software vulnerabilities, establishing initial baseline metrics that can augment other studies. The research finds that zero-day vulnerabilities have an average life expectancy of 6.9 years, making public disclosure a moderate level of protection.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateMar 9, 2017

First public data released by hyper suprime-cam Subaru Strategic Program

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released its first public dataset, containing almost 100 million galaxies and stars. This dataset will enable scientists to explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy, as well as study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 7, 2017

Plant dominance in the Amazon is shaped by past civilizations

A new study reveals that plants domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples are more likely to dominate Amazonian forests, with 85 species showing significant impacts from past human influence. The research suggests a lasting impact of human activities on plant distribution and could aid in uncovering unidentified areas of past civilization.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017
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.

Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation

Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 23, 2017

Scientists make huge dataset of nearby stars available to public

A team of scientists has released the largest collection of observations made with radial velocity to be used for hunting exoplanets. The dataset includes almost 61,000 measurements of more than 1,600 nearby stars and has detected over 100 potential exoplanets, including one orbiting GJ 411.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 13, 2017

Simple rule explains complex group swimming patterns

Researchers discovered a strong behavioural rule, the rule of random attraction, that explains how complex patterns of collective movement emerge in zebrafish as they develop from larvae to adults. Younger fish spend less time applying this rule, resulting in fewer schools, while adults do more, leading to group formation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 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.

Bat calls contain wealth of discernible information

Researchers at Tel Aviv University analyzed 15,000 bat vocalizations to identify concrete evidence of socially sophisticated species that learns communication. They found that bat calls contain information about the identity of the caller and addressee, as well as specific aggressive context and possible outcome of conversation.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 27, 2016
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.

Computer learns to recognize sounds by watching video

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL develop a sound-recognition system that outperforms predecessors without requiring expensive hand-annotated data. The system is trained on video and achieves high accuracy rates, with applications in improving mobile device context sensitivity and situational awareness of autonomous robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 1, 2016

Suggestions for you: A better, faster recommendation algorithm

A new recommendation algorithm allows individuals and items to belong to multiple overlapping groups, making it more realistic than existing models. The algorithm's predicted ratings proved more accurate than those from existing systems on five large datasets.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2016
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.

Quicker and twice as accurate predictions

Researchers at URV develop collaborative filtering model with scalable algorithm for predicting individual preferences and group overlaps. The new approach provides more accurate predictions than existing algorithms by considering individual differences, making it ideal for large datasets.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2016

Bisexual men and women face pay gap, Indiana University study finds

A new study by Indiana University finds that bisexual individuals are paid less than their heterosexual counterparts for doing the same jobs. The research suggests that workplace discrimination may be a factor contributing to this wage gap, particularly for bisexual men and women.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 15, 2016

Researchers have a better way to predict flight delays

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new multilevel input layer artificial neural network to predict flight delays. The model outperformed traditional networks in terms of accuracy and training time, predicting delay lengths with about 20% more accuracy than traditional models.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProcedia Computer Science·DateNov 14, 2016

Unlocking big genetic datasets

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new machine-learning algorithm called TeraStructure to analyze massive genetic data sets. The algorithm can estimate population structure more accurately and twice as fast as current state-of-the-art algorithms, making it potentially useful for identifying disease-causing genetic mutations.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 7, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Collecting injury data could reduce A&E attendances

A UK injury data collection pilot has found a significant association between deprivation levels and an increasing incidence rate of unintentional injuries. The study suggests that collecting injury data could help reduce A&E attendances by understanding patterns in communities.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 11, 2016

Trauma patient deaths peak at 2 weeks

Researchers found that patients with lower severity trauma have peaks in mortality probability around 14 and 21 days after admission. The study used the largest trauma database in Europe to analyze 165,559 trauma cases, including 19,289 with unknown outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateSep 2, 2016

How 5-star online customer reviews can backfire

Research by marketing experts found that excessive positive online customer reviews can lead to higher return rates and increased costs for retailers. This is particularly true for products with low prices or from new customers, as it raises expectations and may result in disappointment upon delivery.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateAug 2, 2016
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.

Researchers produce first major database of non-native English

Researchers have created a comprehensive dataset of non-native English sentences, providing a valuable resource for linguistic insights and practical applications. The dataset, consisting of 5,124 sentences, includes annotated errors and can help improve computers' handling of non-native English speakers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 1, 2016

'Advance warning'

Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 28, 2016

Unidentified spectra detector

Researchers at EMBL-EBI develop an algorithm to cluster peptide mass spectra, identifying 9 million consistently unidentified spectra. This breakthrough simplifies the detection of post-translational modifications and variants, paving the way for more efficient exploitation of proteomics data.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 28, 2016

How well do facial recognition algorithms cope with a million strangers?

Researchers tested facial recognition algorithms on a dataset of one million images from around the world and found that accuracy rates dropped significantly when confronted with more distractions. Google's FaceNet performed strongest, but other algorithms struggled to maintain high accuracy rates at scale.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 23, 2016
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.

Sierra Nevada snowpack not likely to recover from drought until 2019

A UCLA-led study predicts the Sierra Nevada snowpack will take years to recover from drought, even with above-average precipitation. The research provides unprecedented detail and precision, offering insights into water availability in other mountain ranges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2016

Hedgehogs are indeed not so widespread in England any more

A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 12, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Supporting the bioimaging revolution

EMPIAR provides valuable data for developing new approaches to data processing and interpretation, facilitating archiving and quality control. The resource accommodates large datasets, including four related 3D SEM entries showing different stages of infection by a malaria parasite.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 21, 2016

Sea level rise threatens larger number of people than earlier estimated

A new study estimates that 1.9 billion people, or 28% of the world's total population, live closer than 100 km from the coast in areas less than 100 meters above the present sea level. By 2050, this number is predicted to increase to 2.4 billion, with 500 million people living lower than 5 meters above current sea level.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 8, 2016

Old data may provide new insights on honey bee populations

Researchers used three long-term datasets to analyze honey bee population trends, identifying the USDA Census of Agriculture as the most accurate dataset for measuring changes in abundance. However, they acknowledged limitations of the data, including lack of information on colony usage and losses.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dartmouth-led team develops method to predict local climate change

A Dartmouth College-led team has developed a new method to project future climate scenarios at the local level, addressing the limitations of global climate models in predicting climate changes at regional scales. The method generates high-resolution climate datasets for assessing impacts on small watersheds like Lake Champlain.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateFeb 18, 2016

Terrestrial laser scanning in California

Researchers evaluated the performance of Riegl Z620i and LPM-800HA terrestrial laser scanners on characterizing natural surfaces. They established a procedure to test componential uncertainty budgets and demonstrated the relationship between reference network uncertainty and imaged surface repeatability.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 8, 2016
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.

Are you a 'harbinger of failure'?

A MIT study found that a group of consumers have an unerring knack for buying failed products, time after time. The 'harbingers of failure' tend to purchase all kinds of flop-worthy products, including those with strong initial sales but ultimately poor market reception.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 22, 2015

Scientists peg Anthropocene to first farmers

A new study suggests that the beginning of the Anthropocene era was linked to the emergence of agriculture around 6,000 years ago. The researchers found a shift in the frequency of aggregated versus segregated species pairs in ancient ecosystems, which they attribute to human activity that altered the terrestrial landscape.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2015