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Clinical trial to investigate whether vitamin D protects against COVID-19

A new clinical trial launched by Queen Mary University of London aims to investigate whether taking vitamin D can protect people from COVID-19. The study, which will involve over 5,000 participants, will test the effectiveness of a 'test-and-treat' approach to correct vitamin D deficiency during winter.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Exposure to vitamin D in the womb might minimize risk of high blood pressure for children born to mothers with preeclampsia

A study found that higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy may protect against childhood high blood pressure, particularly for children born to mothers with preeclampsia. The analysis of data on 754 mother-child pairs revealed a dose-related association between cord-blood vitamin D levels and reduced offspring blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2020

Vitamin D deficiency leads to obesity, stunted growth in zebrafish

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that vitamin D deficiency during early development can disrupt the metabolic balance between growth and fat accumulation in zebrafish. The study suggests a linkage between vitamin D and metabolic homeostasis, leading to obesity and stunted growth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Vitamin D levels in the blood can predict future health risks and death

A recent study suggests that free, circulating vitamin D levels in the blood may be a better predictor of future health risks in aging men than total vitamin D. The study found that higher levels of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with a lower risk of death, while free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was not predictive of mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateSep 7, 2020

Study: Vitamin D deficiency may raise risk of getting COVID-19

A retrospective study of 489 patients found an association between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were almost twice as likely to test positive for the coronavirus compared to those with sufficient levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 3, 2020
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.

Compared to placebo, vitamin D has no benefit for severe asthma attacks

A placebo-controlled clinical trial found that vitamin D supplements did not prevent severe asthma attacks in at-risk children. The study, led by Juan C. Celedón, followed nearly 200 children with moderately low vitamin D levels for three years and showed no benefit from the supplements.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateAug 25, 2020

Vitamin D twice a day may keep vertigo away

A study found that taking vitamin D and calcium supplements twice daily can reduce the chances of getting vertigo again, especially for those with low vitamin D levels. The study showed a 24% reduction in annual recurrence rate among participants who took supplements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 5, 2020
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.

Calcium and vitamin D nutrient deficiencies lead to higher risk for osteoporosis

A study published in PLoS ONE found that inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake are prevalent among the US population, particularly those living below the poverty line. The research highlights the significant risk of osteoporosis for men and women from low-income backgrounds, with non-Hispanic Black men facing a two-fold increased risk.

SourcePharmavite LLC·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2020
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.

Vitamin D could help mitigate chemotherapy side effects

Researchers from the University of South Australia suggest that Vitamin D could mitigate chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis by suppressing inflammation and enhancing T-cell function. The study highlights the potential benefits of Vitamin D in reducing damage to the gut microbiome caused by chemotherapy agents.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJun 17, 2020

Vitamin D linked to low virus death rate -- Study

A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries. Vitamin D modulates the response of white blood cells, preventing excessive inflammatory cytokine release, which is a key factor in COVID-19 severity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateMay 7, 2020

Foods high in vitamin D may benefit heart health

A study of over 3,000 adults found that higher vitamin D intake from food sources was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events, particularly in men. The researchers suggest that increased vitamin D consumption may protect against heart-related problems.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 8, 2020

Natural sunscreen gene influences how we make vitamin D

Researchers discovered genetic variants linked to vitamin D concentration and found that certain genes influence the body's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight. These findings provide new insights into how our bodies handle vitamin D and may help explain why low levels are associated with poor health.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New therapeutic strategy against diabetes

Maintaining vitamin D receptor levels in pancreatic cells may protect against diabetes development and counteract cell damage. Researchers found that sustained VDR expression preserves β-cell mass and function, reducing inflammation and hyperglycemia.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 26, 2020

Vitamin D boosts chances of walking after hip fracture

A Rutgers-led study found that vitamin D levels greater than 12 nanograms per milliliter are associated with a higher rate of walking at 30 and 60 days after hip fracture surgery. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with hip fractures, often occurring together with malnutrition.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 17, 2020
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.

Carrots plus sticks: Study looks at what works to reduce low-value care

A study found that paying for low-value vitamin D tests was stopped in Ontario, leading to a nearly 93% drop in testing. In contrast, US patients covered by Veterans Health benefits or commercial insurance saw only an 14% reduction after Choosing Wisely guidelines were issued.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2020

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy connected to elevated risk of ADHD

A study found a significant association between low maternal vitamin D levels during early to mid-pregnancy and an increased risk of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research used the Finnish Maternity Cohort, which included 1,067 children with ADHD and their matched controls.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

High doses of vitamin D for critically ill patients yield minimal benefit

A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high doses of vitamin D do not reduce mortality or improve non-fatal outcomes in critically ill patients. The Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment (VIOLET) study included over 200 researchers and showed no difference in mortality rates, hos...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

Supplements don't preserve kidney health in Type 2 diabetes

A large clinical trial found that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements did not slow the decline of kidney function in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study involved over 1,300 participants and measured their kidney function over five years.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019
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.

Where the sun doesn't shine? Skin UV exposure reflected in poop

A new study found that skin UVB exposure increases gut microbial diversity and favors the growth of Lachnospiraceae bacteria, which are linked to vitamin D status. The results suggest a potential link between UVB light exposure and the protective effect against inflammatory diseases like MS and IBD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 24, 2019

Taking vitamin D by oral spray just as effective as taking a tablet

A recent University of Sheffield study found that taking vitamin D by oral spray is just as effective as taking a tablet in improving levels. The six-week trial compared the efficacy of vitamin D3 delivered through both capsule and sublingual methods, with results showing an equal rate of improvement in participants.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 15, 2019
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.

Vitamin D: How much is too much of a good thing?

Researchers discovered a dose-related decrease in bone density with high doses of vitamin D, contrary to initial predictions. Vitamin D supplementation above recommended levels (400-2000 IU daily) was not associated with an increase in bone density or strength.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 2019

Skin cancer risk in athletes: The dangers of ultraviolet radiation

Athletes who engage in outdoor sports and exercise are at increased risk of skin cancer, with up to eight-fold exposure limit exceeded during summer and autumn months. Sun protection is crucial for these groups, as research shows a higher incidence of malignant skin cancer among active individuals.

SourceThe Physiological Society·DateAug 30, 2019
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.

Lower levels of dietary vitamins and antioxidants are linked to frailty in older adults

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that lower levels of specific vitamins and antioxidants are consistently associated with frailty in older adults. The study also suggests that micronutrient insufficiencies may act as an easily modified marker for frailty, offering new potential treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateAug 22, 2019

Low levels of vitamin D in elementary school could spell trouble in adolescence

A University of Michigan study found that children with vitamin D deficiency during elementary school were nearly twice as likely to develop externalizing behavior problems as those with higher levels. Low levels of the protein transporting vitamin D were also linked to self-reported aggressive behavior and anxious/depressed symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 20, 2019
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.

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.

Muscling in on the role of vitamin D

A recent study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that vitamin D signaling is crucial for maintaining normal muscle size and strength. Researchers discovered that mice lacking vitamin D receptors in their muscle cells had smaller muscles and reduced physical performance.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·DateJun 25, 2019

A solarium for hens? How to increase the vitamin D content of eggs

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have found a way to further increase the vitamin D content of eggs by exposing chickens to UV light. This method works under practical conditions and could represent an important step towards supplying the population with vitamin D.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPoultry Science·DateJun 24, 2019

Vitamin D may not help your heart

A new Michigan State University study found that taking vitamin D supplements did not decrease the incidence of heart attacks, strokes or other major adverse cardiovascular events. The study of over 83,000 patients showed no benefit from vitamin D supplements in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

Benefits beyond fracture risk reduction? Results of the VITALE study

The VITALE study found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces fracture risk in kidney transplant recipients, with a lower incidence of fractures in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group. The treatment was well-tolerated with no increased risks of adverse effects.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 14, 2019

Sun-exposed oyster mushrooms help patients fight tuberculosis

Researchers found that sun-exposed oyster mushrooms can increase vitamin D levels and improve immunological responses in TB patients. The study used bread containing the mushrooms, which showed significant improvements in patients' TB severity scores and reduced vitamin D deficiency.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 9, 2019

NIH-funded trial finds vitamin D does not prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk

A large NIH-funded study found that taking a daily vitamin D supplement does not prevent type 2 diabetes in adults at high risk. The study, which enrolled over 2,400 participants, found no significant difference between those who took 4,000 IU of vitamin D and those who took a placebo.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2019
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.

Vitamin D could help cancer patients live longer

A recent study found that taking vitamin D for at least three years may lower the risk of death among cancer patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 79,000 patients and discovered a statistically significant difference in mortality rates between those who took vitamin D and those who received a placebo.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 3, 2019

Does sunscreen compromise vitamin D levels?

Researchers found that using high UVA protection factor sunscreen allows for better vitamin D synthesis due to increased UVB transmission. Despite concerns, optimal sunscreen use does not harm vitamin D production, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMay 9, 2019