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Scientists use light to convert fatty acids into alkanes

Researchers have developed an efficient method to convert biomass-derived fatty acids into alkanes under mild conditions. The process utilizes photocatalytic decarboxylation with light, generating alkyl radical intermediates and achieving high yields of Cn-1 alkanes.

More people and fewer wild fish lead to an omega-3 supply gap

A new study reveals that 70% of the world's population lacks sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA and DHA, found in fish and seafood. The researchers suggest optimizing existing sources, such as improved fisheries management and recycling of by-products, to boost supplies.

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.

Walnuts may be good for the gut and help promote heart health

A new study suggests that eating walnuts daily can increase certain beneficial gut bacteria, which may contribute to improved heart health. The research found that walnuts enriched a number of gut bacteria associated with health benefits, including Roseburia and Eubacteria eligens.

How do ketogenic diets affect skin inflammation?

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that ketogenic diets heavy in coconut oil and palm oils worsened psoriasiform-like skin inflammation in mice. In contrast, well-balanced ketogenic diets with long-chain triglycerides did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

Modest improvements in diets of US adults but still too much sugar, saturated fat

A recent study analyzed dietary data from nearly 44,000 US adults between 1999 and 2016, finding modest improvements in diet quality despite high consumption of low-quality carbohydrates and saturated fat. The study also showed a decline in added sugar intake and an increase in whole grains, plant protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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.

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.

Nanoscale 'glass' bottles could enable targeted drug delivery

Researchers created nanoscale silica bottles that can encapsulate a wide range of payloads to be released at specific temperatures. The temperature-sensitive material melts when exposed to near-infrared light, releasing the therapeutic drug only where needed, potentially negating side effects.

Amino acid and membrane interactions in prebiotic cells

Researchers report that prebiotic amino acids can stabilize prebiotic fatty acid membranes in the presence of magnesium ions or sodium chloride. The findings propose how the first cell membranes might have formed and how key cellular components might have co-localized.

Mouse model supports importance of fatty acid balance in chronic disease

Researchers created novel mouse models to study health effects of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, finding a higher risk of metabolic disease and cancer with over-production of n-6 PUFA. The ratio of these fatty acids influences chronic disease risk, and balancing the ratio may be a safe solution.

Efficiently producing fatty acids and biofuels from glucose

Researchers have developed a new strain of microorganisms that can efficiently produce fatty acids and biodiesels from glucose. The resulting strains produced the highest concentrations ever reported by microbial fermentations, making them a potential game-changer for sustainable energy production.

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.

Astrocytes protect neurons from toxic buildup

Research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus discovered that astrocytes collect and recycle toxic molecules from overactive neurons, protecting them from damage. This mechanism, previously unknown, could be related to Alzheimer's disease and is an important role for astrocytes beyond their support of neurons.

A substantial benefit from replacing steak with fish

The study found that replacing red and processed meat with fish in the Danish diet can lead to a significant health benefit, particularly for men over 50 and women of childbearing age. The greatest effect is seen when consuming fatty fish, as it contains healthy fatty acids and vitamin D.

Walnuts may help lower blood pressure for those at risk of heart disease

A randomized controlled trial found that participants who ate whole walnuts daily had lower central blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. Walnuts were found to have additive benefits on heart health, with alpha-linolenic acid and other bioactive compounds contributing to the positive effects.

Omega-3 expert supports new research that shows omega-6 is good for you

A new study published in Circulation found that individuals with higher levels of omega-6 fatty acid LA were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The study, which pooled data from 30 studies involving over 69,000 people, suggests that consuming more LA may lower risk for these diseases.

How plants defend themselves

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that plant cells recognize bacteria through small fatty acid molecules, rather than complex molecular compounds. This finding could lead to breeding or genetically engineering plants with improved immune responses and increased resistance to pathogens.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healthy diet helps older men maintain physical function

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that a healthy diet can significantly influence physical function in older men, with higher diet scores associated with decreased odds of physical impairment. The study suggests that specific dietary changes, such as eating more vegetables and nuts, may lower risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

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.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play opposite roles in childhood asthma

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.

New research shows people with PAD could have an omega-3 deficiency

Researchers found that people with PAD had a lower Omega-3 Index compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that omega-3s may play a role in preventing the development of PAD. Further studies are needed to determine whether long-term use of omega-3 supplements can prevent PAD.

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.

Diagnosing 'art acne' in Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings

A multidisciplinary team from Northwestern University has diagnosed metal soaps as the cause of destructive pimple-like protrusions in precious works of art. The tool enables researchers to monitor and understand what conditions make the protrusions grow, shrink or erupt.

A hidden route for fatty acids can make cancers resistant to therapy

Researchers discovered a novel metabolic pathway in cancer cells that produces an unusual fatty acid, sapienate, allowing them to bypass fatty acid metabolism inhibition. This finding can explain the resistance of certain cancer types to therapy and opens new avenues for targeted treatment.

Researchers reveal prostate tumors 'fed' by fatty acids

Researchers found that prostate cancer cells absorb fatty acids, increasing tumor growth, and blocking this process slows cancer development. The study suggests a possible therapeutic target for treating prostate cancer, particularly for men with aggressive disease.

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.

Not all saturated fats are equal when it comes to heart health

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology confirms that diets rich in palmitic and stearic acid, found in meats, increase cardiovascular risk. In contrast, eating fewer long-chain saturated fats and consuming plant-based proteins lowers the risk of myocardial infarction.

Effects of linoleic acid on inflammatory response depend on genes

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that linoleic acid's impact on human inflammatory response is influenced by genetic variations. The study, which analyzed over 1,300 middle-aged men, found that different FADS1 gene variants resulted in varying effects on fasting glucose levels and inflammation.

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.

Technique boosts omega 3 fatty acid levels in brain 100 fold

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new technique to increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in the brain, with significant implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's and depression. By using a lysophospholipid form of EPA, the team was able to boost levels by 100-fold in mice, with minimal side effects.

Scientists produce 'designer triacylglycerols' in industrial microalgae

Researchers have discovered novel diacylglyceryl transferases that selectively assemble essential fatty acids into microalgal TAGs. By modulating the ratio of these enzymes, they created a strain bank with customized FA compositions, offering potential for 'designer' TAGs with tailored health benefits.

Type 2 diabetes: A therapeutic avenue is emerging

Researchers have discovered a new therapeutic avenue for treating type 2 diabetes by targeting the interaction between hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and a transcription factor responsible for fatty acid synthesis. Decreasing HSL expression leads to improved insulin sensitivity, which may help prevent or manage the disease.

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.

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.

Study firms up diet and depression link

A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.

Fish-rich diets may boost babies' brain development

Research suggests that consuming fatty fish during pregnancy can enhance babies' brain function and visual development. The study analyzed 56 mothers and their children, finding that those who ate fish three or more times a week had better test results for visual functioning and maturational changes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fatty acids can slow down an overheated immune system

Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered a new type of fatty acid that can slow down the overactive STING protein, which is normally an important part of our immune system. This breakthrough has opened a new path to developing effective treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and SAVI.

Customized bio-synthetics

University of Konstanz chemist Professor Stefan Mecking has developed a method to synthesize tailor-made bio-synthetics by precisely determining the length of molecular chains. The newly synthesized material exhibits an extraordinary layered structure with great potential for application in high-tech membranes, such as batteries and wa...

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.

Low plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids associated with preterm birth

Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found pregnant women with low EPA+DHA serum levels had a significantly higher risk of early preterm birth compared to those with higher levels. The study suggests that adequate intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may help prevent preterm birth.

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.

News from the Journal of Lipid Research

Lysosomal phospholipase A2, a unique enzyme, interacts with various substrates and modifies phospholipids. Researchers identified Asp13 as a crucial catalytic residue contributing to the enzyme's properties. In contrast, a study on chronic kidney disease found no strong correlation between HDL protein content and cardiovascular risk.

Fish consumption may prolong life

A large study found that consuming fish was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from all causes, as well as specific chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's. Higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids also showed significant protective effects.

Illinois study finds benefits and tradeoffs in feeding rice bran to pigs

A new study from the University of Illinois provides information on the effects of rice bran on growth performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs. The results show that including 30% full-fat rice bran in diets improves gain-to-feed ratio without affecting carcass characteristics or meat quality.

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.

Coconut oil prolongs life in peroxisomal disorders

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that coconut oil diet significantly increases vitality and lifespan of fruit flies with peroxisomal disorder. The diet dampened cell damage caused by lipase 3 activity.