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Your genes could prune your gut bugs and protect you from disease

Researchers found genetic peptides called alpha-defensins that shape gut bacteria, producing healthier microbiomes and reducing insulin resistance. This discovery suggests personalized treatments can be tailored to individual genes, offering new hope for addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

High consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.

Semaglutide reduces cocaine use in rats

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide reduced both cocaine use and relapse in rats, with motivation to keep taking cocaine decreasing by 52%. The study suggests that semaglutide may blunt cocaine's ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain.

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.

How stress and social struggles fuel America’s obesity crisis

A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

New study finds hidden body fat is linked to faster heart ageing

A new study found that excessive visceral fat is linked to faster ageing of the heart, with a genetic predisposition to female-type fat in women potentially slowing heart ageing. Researchers also discovered that artificial intelligence analysis of images revealed signs of organ ageing, including tissue stiffness and inflammation.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer risk in adults with obesity

A retrospective cohort study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce overall cancer risk, including lower risks of endometrial and ovarian cancers, among patients with obesity or overweight. However, these medications may also increase the risk of kidney cancer, highlighting the need for longer-term follow-up.

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.

Researchers illuminate how weight loss drugs target the brain and pancreas

A new imaging approach allows researchers to visualize how dual-acting diabetes and obesity drugs like tirzepatide interact with cells in the pancreas and brain. The tool, called daLUXendins, provides insight into the metabolic effects triggered by these drugs, which stimulate both GLP-1R and GIPR receptors.

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.

UH study finds positive childhood experiences protect against disordered eating

A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.

Obese surgical patients’ medication lifeline can reduce risk - study

A new study suggests that using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) before surgery can help control blood sugar and support weight loss, potentially improving surgical outcomes. The medication was not associated with increased risk in 12 studies reporting postoperative outcomes.

Pharmacotherapy for the management of obesity — an updated guideline

The updated Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guideline recommends a personalized approach to treating obesity, focusing on waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. Two new medications, tirzepatide and setmelanotide, are included in the guideline for managing obesity-related complications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Finding microproteins to treat obesity and metabolic disorders

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified dozens of microproteins that play a crucial role in regulating fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation. This breakthrough discovery offers new potential drug targets for treating obesity and metabolic disorders, building on recent advances in CRISPR gene editing technologies.

Does a diabetes drug help prevent dementia?

A study of over 452,000 adults found that metformin users had significantly lower risks of dementia and all-cause death compared to non-users. The benefits were seen across all categories of overweight and obesity, with reduced risks of up to 26% for death.

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.

Nearly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 weight loss drugs

According to a RAND report, nearly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 weight loss medications, with women between 50-64 years old making up about one-fifth of this group. The survey also found that half of those who have used the drugs experience nausea as a side effect, while one-third experience diarrhea.

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.

When eating is a burden

A study published by the University of Leipzig found that adults with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) who have a higher body weight are at risk of malnutrition and related health issues. The research also highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for this overlooked population.

Less processed diet may be more beneficial for weight loss

A clinical trial found that participants who followed a minimally processed diet lost twice as much weight compared to those on an ultra-processed diet. The study suggests that cutting down on processing can help sustain a healthy weight long term.

Muscle “marbling”: Good in steak, bad in our bodies

A new study suggests that marbling of fat inside muscles is a strong indicator of poor health, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders. The research found that intramuscular fat acts as a physical barrier obstructing muscle healing and regeneration.

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.

Study links dog breed, environment to canine obesity

A new study led by Texas A&M University found that popular sporting group breeds are more likely to be motivated by food, while owners in urban environments and with multiple dogs are also at risk. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored weight management strategies for dogs and their families.

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.

Obesity shapes COVID-19’s long-term damage

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused different long-term consequences in lean and obese macaques, with obesity increasing risks like persistent lung damage. Lean animals also experienced signs of metabolic disruption, suggesting long COVID may be more common than reported.

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.

GLP-1 drugs fail to provide key long-term health benefit

Research warns that GLP-1 drugs may not provide the long-term health benefit of improved heart and lung function. While they help with weight loss, patients may experience significant muscle loss, which can increase cardiovascular disease risk. Doctors are urging additional research to better understand the effects of these drugs.

Genetic test predicts obesity in childhood

A new genetic test can predict adulthood obesity in early childhood, allowing for targeted preventative strategies. The test was developed using data from over five million people and found to be twice as effective as previous tests at predicting obesity risk.

GLP-1 RA use and survival among older adults with cancer and type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment was associated with reduced all-cause mortality among older patients with cancer and type 2 diabetes. The survival benefit persisted across various subgroups, including age, sex, and cancer type.

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.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes in teen years can impair bone health

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that obesity and early type 2 diabetes in adolescence can interfere with bone development, potentially increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Researchers followed 48 teenagers for a year, finding that teens with obesity and type 2 diabetes showed less improvemen...

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.

Obesity rates in Canada increased after start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that obesity rates in Canada increased faster after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among younger adults and females. The prevalence of obesity measured by BMI rose at a greater rate during the 4 years following the pandemic's onset compared to the previous 11 years.

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.