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Genetic risk scores not useful in predicting disease

Researchers found that polygenic risk scores identify only 11% of individuals who develop disease and generate 5% false positives. The scores contribute little health benefit while adding cost and complexity to healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023
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.

Insights on disparities in dementia from the UK Biobank study

The UK Biobank study found that racial minority status increased dementia risk by 24%, with socio-economic status attenuating this effect. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, physical activity, and sleep were identified as crucial in reducing racial and socio-economic disparities in dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

Healthcare access is not preventing deaths among pregnant and postpartum people

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

Risk for dementia varies by ethnicity, study finds

A new study analyzing English primary care records found that hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and low HDL cholesterol confer a higher risk of dementia in South Asian and Black people compared to White individuals. The results suggest tailored dementia prevention efforts should be targeted towards minority ethnic groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023
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.

Maternal obesity predicts heart disease risk better than pregnancy complications

A new study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is a primary driver of future cardiovascular disease risk, rather than pregnancy complications. The research followed 4,216 individuals from early pregnancy to postpartum and found those with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCirculation Research·DateOct 10, 2023

Postsurgery memory impairment in middle-aged Chinese patients

Middle-aged Chinese surgery patients experience subjective cognitive impairment within 12 months after surgery, with identified risk factors. Preoperative psychological interventions and optimized perioperative management may help prevent postoperative cognitive impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 10, 2023

University of Minnesota Medical School professor receives $4.39 million grant to study heart condition linked to dementia

A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateOct 10, 2023

Should a more individualized model replace the current method for determining which people should be screened for lung cancer?

A new study found that an alternative model to identify patients with lung cancer eligible for screening was more accurate than the currently used method based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. The PLCOm2012 models had higher sensitivity and identified more people with lung cancer eligible for scree...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 9, 2023
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.

Depressive symptoms and mortality among adults

A study of 23,000 adults found a significant link between depressive symptoms and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Public health efforts can support nationwide strategies to reduce depression's burden.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 9, 2023

Heart disease risk, prevention and management redefined

A new American Heart Association advisory introduces the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which affects nearly every major organ. The approach highlights the importance of screening for CKM-related conditions and addressing social factors to prevent progression.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 9, 2023

Grape consumption benefits eye health in human study of older adults

A recent human study found that grape consumption improved key markers of eye health in older adults, including increased Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) and reduced AGEs. Regular grape intake was also shown to increase plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalFood & Function·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023
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.

Factors associated with marijuana use among high-risk college students

A new study examines cannabis use patterns, motivations, and risk factors among college students at a large public university in the southeastern US. The researchers found that top reasons for cannabis use were relaxation and social pressure, while daily users reported higher quantity of cannabis per day.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCannabis·DateOct 5, 2023
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.

Obesity, high blood pressure, and lipid imbalance trigger a progressive loss of energy generation capacity in the heart

A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 3, 2023

Loneliness and risk of Parkinson disease

A large study of 491,000 participants found that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that loneliness is a significant psychosocial determinant of health and may contribute to the development of the neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 2, 2023
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.

Parkinson’s: Are our neurons more vulnerable at night?

A UNIGE team investigated the destruction of neurons at different times of the day using fruit fly models and found that cellular stress was more deleterious to neurons at night. This suggests that the circadian clock exerts a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons against oxidative stress.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Job loss is linked to increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Suicide risks of health care workers in the US

A study of 1.84 million US adults from 2008 to 2019 found registered nurses and healthcare support workers were more likely to attempt or die by suicide than non-healthcare workers. The findings highlight the need for improved mental health protections for these workers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 26, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Dementia risk in adults with intellectual disability

Researchers found dementia prevalence among people with ID to be 6.44%, with modifiable risk factors identified as hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings can inform better screening and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SourceOkayama University·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Global study provides new insights into barriers to effective cardiovascular rehabilitation for women and why women are less likely to participate

A global comparative study assesses barriers to participation in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs for men and women, highlighting sex differences and regional variations. The study provides patients with mitigation strategies to address these barriers and improve CR utilization.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023
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.

Socially vulnerable populations are disproportionately exposed to wildfires in the West, study finds

A new study reveals that people with high social vulnerability are more exposed to wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with the number of exposed individuals tripling between 2011 and 2021. The study highlights the need for tailored wildfire preparation and response strategies for individual communities with different risk factors.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

New evidence confirms patients with severe psoriasis are at a higher risk for heart disease

A large study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with severe psoriasis have a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis severity and duration, as well as the presence of psoriatic arthritis, are independently linked to redu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023
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.

COVID-infected adults with 4 or more underlying diseases or advanced age, face higher risk of ICU stay, death

A 10-state study from the CDC's VISION Network identified risk factors for critical COVID-19 outcomes in adults hospitalized with the virus. Adults with four or more underlying disease risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, are at higher risk of ICU admission and death.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 19, 2023

Long COVID: lower risk after an Omicron infection

A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that individuals infected with the Omicron variant have a significantly lower risk of developing long COVID compared to those infected with earlier variants. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 people and found that around half of all wild-type infe...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2023
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.

Researchers identify lesser-known factors associated with firearm violence

An analysis of 71,000 shooting incidents in five major US cities found that socioeconomic status and lack of access to a vehicle are strongly linked to increased firearm assaults. Policymakers can use this data to target neighborhoods at risk of firearm violence using the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 13, 2023

Calculating disease risk in individuals with previous disease

A new study found that having a previous disease increases an individual's risk of developing another disease, regardless of age and established risk factors. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank cohort and found roughly double the expected rate of new diseases in certain groups, such as high-BMI men who smoke.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 12, 2023

Sedentary behavior and incident dementia among older adults

A large study found that more time spent in sedentary behaviors was significantly associated with a higher incidence of all-cause dementia among older adults. The study, which included 49,000 adults aged 60 or older, suggests a potential causal link between sedentary behavior and dementia risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 12, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

‘Night owls’ more likely than ‘early birds’ to develop diabetes

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that evening 'chronotype,' going to bed late and waking up late, is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes. Participants with later sleep and wake times had less healthy lifestyles and were at greater risk of developing diabetes than those with early-bird sleep habits.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Liver cancer and severe liver disease more common if a close relative has fatty liver disease

A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2023

Calcium channel blocker use and associated glaucoma and related traits

A large UK Biobank study of 427,000 adults found that calcium channel blocker use was associated with an increased prevalence of glaucoma. The study suggests that calcium channel blockers may be a modifiable risk factor for glaucoma through a mechanism that is independent of intraocular pressure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 7, 2023
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.

World can now breathe easier

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that global PM2.5 exposure decreased significantly from 2011 to 2019, largely due to China's air quality management efforts. The study used satellite-derived data and a new regional decomposition approach to quantify local and regional contributions to global PM2.5 pollution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2023
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.

How little things can reduce hip fractures

A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2023

AI helps ID cancer risk factors

A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023
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.

Stress and insomnia linked to irregular heart rhythms after menopause

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that stressful life events and poor sleep are major contributing factors to irregular heart rhythms after menopause. The study analyzed data from over 83,000 women aged 50-79 and found a significant association between stress, insomnia, and atrial fibrillation.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateAug 30, 2023

Early action to control cardiovascular risk factors preserves brain metabolism

A new CNIC study confirms that controlling traditional cardiovascular risk factors can prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Maintaining a low cardiovascular risk is linked to preserved cerebral glucose metabolism, indicating better brain health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateAug 30, 2023

Sickle cell disease worsens maternal health outcomes for Black individuals

New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 29, 2023
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.

UEA researchers develop new tool to reduce stroke risk

Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2023

Poor lifestyle of over 60s linked to heightened risk of nursing home care

A large population study found that unhealthy lifestyles between ages of 60 and 64 are associated with a doubling in the risk of nursing home admission. Physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet, and sleep disorders were linked to an increased risk of care, particularly among 60-64 year olds.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023