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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.

Calcium and vitamin D help hormones help bones

A large analysis of the Women's Health Initiative trial found that combining hormone therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplements significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures. The study suggests that women taking postmenopausal hormone therapy should consider taking these supplements to boost bone health.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJun 26, 2013
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.

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.

Genetic research clarifies link between hypertension and vitamin D deficiency

A large-scale genetic study found a significant link between high vitamin D levels and reduced blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension. The researchers used genetic variants as proxy markers for vitamin D status to test for causality, providing strong evidence for the potential prevention of cardiovascular disease through vit...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that taking calcium supplements up to 1,000 mg per day can lower the risk of death in women. The research, conducted on 9,033 Canadians over 12 years, showed no benefit for men and no conclusive evidence that vitamin D has an impact on mortality.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2013

Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women

A recent study found that calcium supplements, especially those containing up to 1,000 mg per day, can lower the risk of death among women. The benefit was seen regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2013

Preterm infants may need 800 IU of vitamin D3 per day

A new study finds that preterm infants require a daily dose of 800 IU of vitamin D3 to reduce the risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Higher doses led to better bone mineralization, but excess levels caused no major effects.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 2013

Vitamin D: More may not be better

New research from Johns Hopkins finds that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not confer additional benefits on cardiovascular health or longevity in healthy adults. However, elderly individuals, postmenopausal women, and those with kidney disease may still benefit from higher blood levels of the sunshine vitamin.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013
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.

Optimal vitamin D dosage for infants uncertain

A study found that no vitamin D dosage maintained plasma concentrations within the recommended range by pediatric societies, but all dosages raised levels within a lower range. The 1,600-IU/d dosage was discontinued due to elevated plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, indicating the need for further studies on optimal dosages.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 30, 2013

Low vitamin D levels a risk factor for pneumonia

A University of Eastern Finland study found that low serum vitamin D levels are a significant risk factor for pneumonia. The risk was more than 2.5 times higher in individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels compared to those with high levels, particularly among older adults and smokers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2013

The right amount of vitamin D for babies

A new study by McGill University confirms that a daily dose of 400 IU vitamin D is sufficient for infants under 1 year of age. The research followed 132 infants and found no additional benefits from higher doses.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateApr 30, 2013

Researchers pinpoint upper safe limit of vitamin D blood levels

A study of 422,000 people found that the safe range of vitamin D levels lies between 20 to 36 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to increased risk of acute coronary morbidity or mortality, while elevated levels above 36 ng/mL were associated with a slightly higher risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2013

Sunshine hormone, vitamin D, may offer hope for treating liver fibrosis

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered that a synthetic form of vitamin D can deactivate the switch governing fibrotic response in mouse liver cells, suggesting a potential new therapy for fibrotic diseases. This finding could lead to the development of a safer and more effective treatment for liver fibrosis.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 25, 2013
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.

Study: Mushrooms provide as much vitamin D as supplements

Researchers discovered that eating mushrooms containing vitamin D2 can effectively increase and maintain vitamin D levels in healthy adults. The study found that mushroom powder was as effective as taking supplemental vitamin D2 or vitamin D3.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2013

Researchers discover mushrooms can provide as much vitamin D as supplements

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that eating mushrooms containing Vitamin D2 can increase and maintain vitamin D levels comparable to taking supplements. The study found that ingesting mushroom powder containing Vitamin D2 was as effective in raising and maintaining healthy adults' vitamin D status.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermato-Endocrinology·DateApr 22, 2013
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.

Month of birth impacts on immune system development

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that the month of birth affects immune system development and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in UK babies. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in May-born babies compared to November-born babies, while autoreactive T-cells were higher.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 8, 2013

Vitamin D proven to boost energy -- from within the cells

A study from Newcastle University found that vitamin D supplements improve muscle efficiency in patients with severe deficiency, leading to reduced fatigue and improved mitochondrial oxidative function. The research suggests a link between vitamin D and mitochondrial function, potentially offering a new way to boost energy levels.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateApr 5, 2013

Low vitamin D linked with lower kidney function after transplantation

A study found that low vitamin D levels at three months post-transplantation were associated with lower kidney function and increased scarring at one year. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with kidney failure. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels may prevent renal function deterioration after transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 28, 2013

Vitamin D may lower diabetes risk in obese children and adolescents, MU study finds

Researchers found that vitamin D supplements can help control blood-sugar levels in obese youths, potentially staving off Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a significant decrease in insulin levels despite no changes in body weight or activity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 26, 2013

Vitamin D benefits breathing in tuberculosis patients

A recent study found that vitamin D levels in the blood are linked to improved lung function in adults. The study also discovered that people with a history of tuberculosis had lower vitamin D levels, which improved when levels rose.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013
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.

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.

Vitamin D may lower blood pressure in African-Americans

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that vitamin D supplementation can help reduce systolic blood pressure in African-American adults. The study showed modest but significant gains, suggesting that widespread use of vitamin D supplementation could have substantial public health benefits for this demographic.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMar 13, 2013

Too much vitamin D during pregnancy can cause food allergies

A study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found a link between high vitamin D levels in expectant mothers and increased infant allergy risks. Mothers with low vitamin D levels had fewer food allergies in their children, while those with high levels had higher risks.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAllergy·DateFeb 27, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 26, 2013

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

African-American, Caucasian women should take identical vitamin D doses

Researchers found that African-American and Caucasian women absorb and metabolize vitamin D at the same rate. Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism, leading to conditions like osteomalacia and muscle weakness.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Analysis finds vitamin D potency varies widely in dietary supplements

A Kaiser Permanente analysis found significant variation in vitamin D potency among supplements, with some products containing up to 146% more or less than listed values. The study suggests that consumers may not be getting the expected amount of vitamin D from their supplements.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2013

Obesity leads to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2013

Low vitamin D levels may increase risk of Type 1 diabetes

Researchers found that white, non-Hispanic young adults with higher serum levels of vitamin D had about half the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes than those with lower levels. The study suggests that inadequate vitamin D intake may be an important risk factor for autoimmune diseases.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 4, 2013
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.

Low vitamin D levels linked to high risk of premenopausal breast cancer

A prospective study of 1,200 healthy women found that low serum vitamin D levels before diagnosis increased the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Women with low vitamin D levels had approximately three times the risk of breast cancer as those in the highest vitamin D group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJan 24, 2013

Which nutritional factors help preserve muscle mass, strength and performance in seniors?

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Nutrition Working Group highlights the importance of protein intake (1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight) and vitamin D supplementation for maintaining muscle mass and strength in seniors. The review also suggests avoiding dietary acid loads and incorporating more fruits and vegetables i...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 18, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Obese moms risk having babies with low vitamin D

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that obese mothers pass on insufficient vitamin D to their babies, leading to lower levels in newborns. The study also suggests that obese women may need increased vitamin D supplementation to provide sufficient levels for their babies during pregnancy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2013

Low vitamin D levels in pregnancy associated with lower birth weights, pitt research finds

Women deficient in vitamin D early in pregnancy are more likely to deliver babies with lower birth weights. Maternal vitamin D deficiency may impact fetal growth by reducing calcium absorption and glucose production, leading to a higher risk of small for gestational age births.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 20, 2012
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.

Mother's vitamin D level linked to birth weight

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a mother's vitamin D level is positively related to birth weight and head circumference. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D during the first trimester was negatively associated with the risk of a baby being born small for gestational age.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2012

Can a genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor protect against osteoporosis?

A genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor has been linked to a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a meta-analysis of 26 studies. The study suggests that individuals with this variation may have a significantly lower risk of bone mineral density loss.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 29, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Newly discovered effects of vitamin D on cancer

Researchers at McGill University discovered vitamin D's molecular basis for potential cancer prevention effects. Vitamin D inhibits cMYC production and function, slowing cell proliferation and potentially slowing cancer progression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2012

Vitamin D deficiency linked to Type 1 diabetes

A six-year study found a correlation between vitamin D3 serum levels and subsequent incidence of Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a preventive role for vitamin D3 in this disease. Researchers estimate that achieving an optimal serum level of 25(OH)D at 50 ng/ml can lower the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by half.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetologia·DateNov 15, 2012

Vitamin D may prevent clogged arteries in diabetics

Research found that people with diabetes who have adequate vitamin D are less likely to develop clogged arteries. In contrast, insufficient vitamin D leads to immune cells binding to blood vessels and trapping cholesterol.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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