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New tool helps GPs assess frailty in the elderly

A new electronic frailty index (eFI) tool helps GPs identify older people at risk of frailty and poor health outcomes. The eFI uses routine data from GP databases and has been shown to flag up patients who are living with mild, moderate, or severe frailty.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateOct 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study analyzes volcanic fatalities in more detail than ever before

A recent study in the Journal of Applied Volcanology analyzed volcanic fatalities in unprecedented detail, identifying common causes and victims. The research found that nearly half of all fatal incidents occurred within 10 km of volcanoes, with tourists, media, and emergency response personnel being among the most at-risk groups.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Volcanology·DateOct 6, 2017

Ninety-eight scientists launch a 2,000-year global temperature database

A team of 98 scientists from 22 countries compiled a comprehensive database of past global temperature records spanning 1 CE to the present. The PAGES2k 2,000 Year Multiproxy Database contains 692 records from 648 locations, providing the largest body of climate records with high temporal resolution.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 3, 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.

The 'myth' of language history: Languages do not share a single history

A recent study published in PNAS found that language grammatical structures change more quickly than vocabulary, influenced by contact with unrelated languages. Researchers analyzed 81 Austronesian languages and discovered striking differences in the rates of change between grammar and lexicon.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing -- with some surprises

The Human-Induced Earthquake Database has grown to over 730 entries, revealing that mining projects and water impounded behind dams are the most common causes of induced earthquakes. Unconventional oil and gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing is also a frequent contributor, according to geophysicist Miles Wilson.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 28, 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.

Caching system could make data centers more energy efficient

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed a new caching system that uses flash memory, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The system, dubbed BlueCache, achieves this through clever engineering tricks, including pipelining and the use of DRAM, while maintaining fast performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 31, 2017

US investors shun Quebec firms

A new study found significant US institutional investor bias against Quebec firms compared to those in the rest of Canada. Researchers discovered that US holdings in Quebec firms were a quarter lower than those in other Canadian provinces, with biases varying by firm characteristics.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 30, 2017

Into the wild for plant genetics

Researchers at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew detail for the first time the opportunities for plant sciences with portable real-time DNA sequencing. By sequencing random pieces of the genome in the field, accurate species identification is possible within a few hours of collecting a specimen.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2017

Fish database could help eliminate the ultimate bait and switch

A new protein database developed by scientists can definitively identify fish species, helping to curb seafood fraud worldwide. The database uses mass spectrometry to create unique 'fingerprints' for 54 fish species, including salmon and tuna.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 16, 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.

AI, crowdsourcing combine to close 'analogy gap'

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a method for computers to mine databases of patents, inventions, and research papers to identify ideas that can be repurposed. This approach uses crowdsourcing and deep learning to analyze product descriptions and find analogous products, leading to innovative solutions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 10, 2017

Defining standards for genomes from uncultivated microorganisms

Scientists have established minimum metadata requirements for single-cell genomics and metagenome-assembled genomes, enabling researchers to compare analyses and assess genome quality. The proposed categories include Low-Quality Drafts, Medium-Quality Drafts, High-Quality Drafts, and Finished Quality.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 9, 2017

Scientists discover unknown virus in 'throwaway' DNA

Researchers used Next-Generation Sequencing to identify a new viral lineage distantly related to herpesviruses in fish genomes. The discovery could lead to the identification of viruses in other species, potentially preventing outbreaks before they happen.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalVirus Evolution·DateAug 4, 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.

Identifying major transitions in human cultural evolution

Researchers identify major transitions in human cultural evolution using computational methods and large cross-cultural datasets. The study reveals the complex processes underlying our cultural histories, including changes from small kin-based groups to colossal nation states.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Creating a personalized, immersive audio environment

Researchers are using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to personalize audio in mixed and virtual reality. By capturing a person's unique acoustic fingerprint, the technology can create an immersive sound environment that simulates spatial hearing.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 26, 2017

What are trends in emergency department utilization, costs for shingles?

Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million HZ-related ED visits from 2006 to 2013, finding a significant increase in utilization and costs, especially among younger adults. Vaccination was linked to reduced ED utilization, but further research is needed to understand the drivers of increased costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 21, 2017

New face-aging technique could boost search for missing people

A new face-aging technique uses sparse partial least squares to create photographic-quality images of faces at different ages. The method, developed by University of Bradford researchers, has been shown to be more accurate than existing techniques and could improve search efforts for missing people.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateJun 14, 2017

DIY crystal-makers get refurbished online cookbook

Materials scientists at Duke University have resurrected an online cookbook of crystalline structures, featuring 288 entries with data on symmetry, properties, and unit cells. The revamped website provides a flexible platform for researchers to explore and create new materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateJun 2, 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.

MIT researchers engineer shape-shifting food

Researchers have created edible origami-like sheets of gelatin and starch that transform into three-dimensional structures when submerged in water. By controlling the structure's response to water, they can create various shapes, including pasta, flowers, and more, potentially reducing food shipping costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2017

A new tool for discovering nanoporous materials

EPFL scientists have developed a mathematical method using persistent homology to quantify similarity of pore structures in nanoporous materials. This allows searching databases for similar pore shapes and discovering new materials with optimal performance.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017

New comprehensive national database advances gun policy research

A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 18, 2017

Compiling big data in a human-centric way

MARRVEL, a big data search engine, enables researchers to efficiently access human genome variants and phenotypes from multiple databases. The tool provides a concise summary of the most relevant information, facilitating analysis and discovery.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 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.

Grant helps Baycrest launch Canada's first cross-institutional memory clinic

The Baycrest Memory Clinic will pool anonymous medical records from clinics across Toronto to accelerate dementia research and provide access to better integrated care for patients. The database will allow TDRA researchers to share research data across institutions and access a greater pool of volunteer research participants.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·DateMay 1, 2017

New coral bleaching database to help predict fate of global reefs

A new global coral bleaching database has been developed to predict future bleaching events and assess changes in mass bleaching frequency. The database contains 79% more reports than the existing voluntary database, with two-thirds showing moderate or severe bleaching.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 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.

Daring declaration

Researchers from Harvard University have identified a rare manuscript copy of the Declaration of Independence in a British archive, dated to the 1780s. The document, commissioned by James Wilson of Pennsylvania, features reordered names of signers, symbolizing unity and community.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America·DateApr 21, 2017

Virtual microscopy: New online resource for educators & researchers

A new database, Virtual Microscopy Database, launches to provide high-quality images of human body structures, making it easier for educators and researchers to access and use digital microscopic images. This resource is expected to benefit schools in the developing world by reducing the need to purchase microscopes and glass slides.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 17, 2017

Medical mystery solved in record time

A team of researchers solved a medical mystery in just one day, identifying the genetic cause of intellectual disability in four male patients. They used advanced technology to search genomic databases and connect with other researchers, ultimately finding three more patients with the same condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 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.

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

Different databases, differing statistics on racial disparities in immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy

A study analyzing data from three national databases found significant racial gaps in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy, with white patients having the highest rate of IBR. The disparities were similar among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and were up to 50% in California.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 30, 2017

Protecting web users' privacy

Researchers at MIT and Stanford develop Splinter, a system that disguises database queries to protect user privacy. The system uses function secret sharing to split queries across multiple servers, making it impossible for anyone other than the user to determine what query was executed.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 23, 2017
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.

An epidemic of epipens

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found nearly 24,000 children prescribed epipens between 2000 and 2012, with prescriptions increasing five-fold over 12 years. The study highlights a need for clear guidelines on optimal epipen prescribing to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and ensure child safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 15, 2017

Benchmark database of lifespan-extending drugs announced

The DrugAge database, the largest such database in the world, has been announced by scientists from the Biogerontology Research Foundation and University of Liverpool. The database contains 418 compounds targeting various age-related pathways, revealing that most have yet to be targeted pharmacologically.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 14, 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.

Aging faces could increase security risks

Researchers found that 99% of face images can still be recognized up to six years later, but accuracy drops if images are taken more than six years apart. The study emphasizes the importance of capturing new images every four to five years to reduce false positives.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 2, 2017

Bioinvasion on the rise

A recent study found that 37% of all recorded alien species have been introduced globally over the past few decades, with new introductions increasing at an alarming rate. Climate change is expected to lead to further invasions as non-native plants adapt to new environments.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 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.

A new open source dataset links human motion and language

A new KIT Motion-Language Dataset has been created to support the development of robot activities based on natural language input. The dataset, which includes over 4,000 motions and 6,200 annotations in natural language, aims to unify and standardize research linking human motion and natural language.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateFeb 10, 2017

Analysis uncovers racial bias in fatal shootings by police

A recent analysis found that Black civilians were over twice as likely to be unarmed when fatally shot by US police in 2015 compared to their white counterparts. The study also revealed that civilians from other minority groups were more likely not to pose a threat to officers or others.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateFeb 8, 2017

Electronic depositary of living systems created

The Lomonosov Moscow State University has created an electronic depositary of living systems, featuring a unique information system with data on biological samples from various origins. The system allows for managing and sharing information about biomaterial, including descriptions of organisms and techniques for operating with them.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2017

How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017

System for handling database caching yields faster websites

A new system was presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's Symposium on Principles of Programming Languages that automatically handles database caching in web applications written in Ur/Web. This system offers twofold to 30-fold speedups in experiments involving two websites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 20, 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.

New design strategy for longer lasting batteries

A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

System links data scattered across files, for easy querying

Data Civilizer aggregates scattered data from various files, creating unified datasets for analysis. The system identifies commonalities between columns and traverses a map to find related data, enabling users to compose queries and save results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 19, 2017

Criminology study links NFL players' misbehavior on, off field

A new UT Dallas study found a correlation between NFL players' disciplinary infractions and their arrest records. The research discovered that those who received the most penalties were more likely to have multiple arrests, with some players averaging over 1.5 arrests per game.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateJan 10, 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.