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Heartbeat secrets unlocked as cardiac rhythm gene role identified

Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish cardiac rhythm, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia in humans. The gene, Tmem161b, is found to play a central function in controlling heart rhythm, with mutations potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Dinosaur embryo find helps crack baby tyrannosaur mystery

Researchers have discovered fossils of tiny tyrannosaur embryos that provide insight into the early stages of these colossal animals. The discovery sheds light on the size and appearance of baby tyrannosaurs, which could grow up to 40 feet in length and weigh eight tonnes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Researchers discover how a bio-pesticide works against spider mites

A bio-pesticide made from safflower and cottonseed oils has been found to work against two-spotted spider mites by preventing their embryo from rotating within its eggshell for hatching. This allows the pesticide to spare the mites' natural predators, making it a promising eco-friendly solution for farmers and gardeners.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalEngineering in Life Sciences·DateJan 6, 2021

Silkworm's brain determines diapause by thermal information

Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that silkworms use thermal information to determine when to lay dormant eggs. The neuropeptide corazonin plays a key role in regulating this process, and its release is controlled by GABA neurotransmission.

SourceShinshu University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
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.

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Creating a ground plan for stonefly evolution

A team of researchers led by the University of Tsukuba examined five different stonefly species' eggs to understand their evolutionary relationships. They found that differences in egg structure, such as hard outer membranes and attachment structures, provided insight into the order's ground plan and evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateDec 15, 2020

Using water fleas, UTA researchers investigate adaptive evolution

UTA researchers resurrected preserved Daphnia eggs to investigate how species adapt to invaders, finding extensive genetic variation in responses to a novel predator. The team's work allows for real-time observation of evolutionary processes, shedding light on drivers of change in natural settings.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

Single-cell technique could provide 'egg health' indicators

Researchers have developed a single-cell technique to assess the effects of age on egg cells in mice, identifying genomic and epigenetic factors that affect reproductive competence. The study provides new insights into mechanisms underlying egg quality and could lead to techniques to assess human egg cell quality.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 18, 2020

Go (over) easy on the eggs: 'Egg-cess' consumption linked to diabetes

A longitudinal study found that consuming one or more eggs per day increases the risk of diabetes by 60%. Higher long-term egg consumption is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, especially in women. The study's findings highlight the importance of a balanced diet in preventing type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateNov 14, 2020

Coral larvae movement is paused in reaction to darkness

Researchers found that coral larvae temporarily stop swimming due to reduced light intensity and then resume swimming at their initial speed. This behavior may play a role in determining where corals settle, with the larvae gathering in bright spaces.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 4, 2020

Cracking the secrets of dinosaur eggshells

Researchers compare microstructure and composition of five Mexican dinosaur eggs to determine the unknown eggshell's species. The study finds that the unknown sample closely resembles ornithopod shells, supporting hypothesis it belongs to the hadrosaur family.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateOct 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tracking sea turtle egg traffickers with GPS-enabled decoy eggs

A study using GPS-enabled decoy sea turtle eggs gathered evidence of the illegal trade and tracked eggs from beaches to restaurants and bars in Central America. The findings suggest that most stolen eggs remain in local areas, making it crucial to target conservation efforts towards local communities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2020

Cheating birds mimic host nestlings to deceive foster parents

Research reveals that a group of parasitic finch species in Africa have evolved to mimic their host's chicks with astonishing accuracy. The study found that nestlings of these 'brood-parasitic' finches mimic the appearance, sounds and movements of their grassfinch host's chicks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEvolution·DateOct 2, 2020

Salute the venerable ensign wasp, killing cockroaches for 25 million years

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified four new species of parasitic, cockroach-killing ensign wasps that became trapped in tree resin and fossilized into amber 25 million years ago. The discovery reveals the wasps' long history of controlling cockroach populations and sheds light on their behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 28, 2020

Sex cells have a sweet tooth, and they pass it on to the brain

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discover that changes in sex cells' nutritional requirements make female flies crave sugar, affecting their food choice and fertility. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism by which metabolism controls feeding behaviour, potentially relevant to human fertility.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 31, 2020

Newly discovered rare dinosaur embryos show sauropods had rhino-like horns

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo, revealing that sauropods had stereoscopic vision and a horn on the front of their face. The discovery has challenged previous theories about the appearance of these giant herbivores, which lived 80 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2020
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.

New method to combat damage, help revive NY berry industry

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method using thin mesh covering, called exclusion netting, to control spotted wing drosophila infestation in New York berry crops. The technique has shown significant benefits, including reduced pesticide use and lower costs, with minimal SWD incidence.

SourceCornell University·JournalCrop Protection·DateAug 26, 2020

This cuttlefish is flamboyant on special occasions only!

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish's skin is usually camouflaged nearly all of the time, but it flashes a dazzling display only on specific occasions, such as during courtship rituals, fighting over females, or when threatened. This unique display allows them to signal aggression or attract mates.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateAug 19, 2020

Scientist to resurrect water fleas from U.S. nuclear fallout zone

A researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington is using Daphnia, or water fleas, to study the long-term evolutionary impacts of nuclear testing. By hatching decades-old eggs and measuring their viability and traits, Matthew Walsh aims to understand how nuclear-induced mutations affect generations of water fleas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 12, 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.

Stellar egg hunt with ALMA

Researchers tracked the evolution of stellar eggs in Taurus, discovering internal structures and bipolar gas streams that indicate a star's birth. The team used ALMA's compact array to observe starless cores and found evidence for 'first hydrostatic cores,' short-lived objects formed before a baby star's birth.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Cancer treatment in young women need not mean the end of their fertility

A 20-year study found that 16% of cancer patients used their frozen eggs and embryos, with a remarkable 71% birth rate among those who did. Fertility preservation can be effective for young women diagnosed with cancer, with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte freezing offering good options.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 6, 2020

Tiny Japanese dinosaur eggs help unscramble Cretaceous ecosystem

A new study reveals a nest of exceptionally small non-avian theropod egg fossils in Japan, providing insights into Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The Kamitaki Egg Quarry yielded over 1300 fossil eggs, mostly belonging to the newly discovered Himeoolithus murakamii genus.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCretaceous Research·DateJun 26, 2020

Cowbirds change their eggs' sex ratio based on breeding time

Researchers found a seasonal bias in the sex ratio of brown-headed cowbird offspring, with more female hatchlings emerging in May and July. The study suggests that male and female cowbirds may have different developmental trajectories, influencing their survival and breeding success.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateJun 24, 2020

Dispersal of fish eggs via waterfowls

Researchers found that fish eggs can survive gut passage in ducks, with 0.2% of eggs intact after 24 hours. This process may play a key role in the dispersal of invasive fish species, such as Prussian carp, across wide geographic areas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020
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.

First dinosaur eggs were soft like a turtle's

Scientists have found that the first dinosaurs laid soft-shelled eggs, contradicting long-held assumptions. The study analyzed the eggs of two non-avian dinosaurs and found they resembled those of turtles in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Past is prologue: Genetic 'memory' of ancestral environments helps organisms readapt

A study on chicken adaptation reveals that genetic changes play a more prominent role when organisms return to their ancestral homelands. Researchers found that plastic phenotypic changes are sufficient to help animals adapt when reintroduced to familiar environments, but mutation-induced changes are necessary for initial adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 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.

Why do so many pregnancies and in vitro fertilization attempts fail?

A mathematical model developed by Rutgers University scientists can help explain why many pregnancies and IVF attempts fail. The study highlights the importance of understanding errors in female cell division, which increase with age and are linked to aneuploidy, a leading cause of early miscarriage and IVF failure.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Fungus application thwarts major soybean pest, study finds

A new study finds that a type of fungus can cut the soybean cyst nematode's reproductive success by more than half, reducing yield losses of over $1 billion annually. The fungus, Funneliformis mosseae, reduces nematode egg hatching and juvenile nematode populations, making it a potential tool for controlling the pest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPlant Disease·DateApr 9, 2020

A bad egg does good for its mother

Researchers at Northwestern University found that a damaged fertilized egg sends a molecular signal to the mother that protects her from cellular stress and environmental damage. This allows the mother to live longer and produce healthier eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 8, 2020
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 suggests marijuana may impair female fertility

A recent study found that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, impairs female fertility by decreasing embryo development and quality. The research suggests that females exposed to THC have lower rates of viable pregnancies and are more likely to experience infertility.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateApr 2, 2020

The tentacle 'bot

Researchers developed an octopus-inspired soft robotic arm that can grip a wide range of objects, from eggs to iPhones. The device uses a flexible, tapered design and vacuum-based biomimetic suckers to attach to objects of various shapes and textures.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalSoft Robotics·DateFeb 27, 2020

First baby born to cancer patient from eggs matured in the lab and frozen

For the first time, a cancer patient has given birth to a healthy baby using lab-matured eggs that were frozen, thawed, and fertilized five years later. The breakthrough achievement demonstrates the potential of in vitro maturation (IVM) for fertility preservation in cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

The paradox of dormancy: Why sleep when you can eat?

Researchers discovered that dormancy is a natural response to over-predation, allowing zooplankton to survive during food scarcity. Laying dormant eggs can aid population recovery, while regular eggs may not.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 15, 2020

Research reverses the reproductive clock in mice

A study at the University of Queensland found that a non-invasive treatment can maintain or restore egg quality and alleviate the biggest barrier to pregnancy for older women. The treatment uses a metabolic compound to boost energy levels in cells, which were found to be lower in older female mice.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 12, 2020

Five things to know about egg freezing

Elective egg freezing is a common method to increase pregnancy chances at a later age. Patients under 35 with normal ovarian reserve have the best chance of success, but future live births are not guaranteed. The treatment process takes 10-14 days and fees are not covered by Canadian government health insurance.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateFeb 10, 2020

Biophysics: Orientation of protein patterns

Researchers have discovered two crucial mechanisms that contribute to the robust orientation of polarized proteins along the long axis of the fertilized egg. The study shows that the ellipsoidal geometry of the egg influences patterning and selection of the long axis polarization.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Neutron source enables a look inside dino eggs

Scientists investigate three 67 million year old oviraptorid egg fossils, determining that the embryos were at different developmental stages and likely hatched at different times. The findings suggest a unique nesting biology similar to modern birds, challenging previous assumptions about oviraptorids.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJan 22, 2020
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.

Jumping genes threaten egg cell quality

Scientists discovered that jumping genes target egg cells with reduced quality for elimination during fetal development, a process called FOA. This mechanism helps maintain the caliber of available egg supply, suggesting potential ways to combat infertility.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2020

Egg trading between hermaphroditic fish: Why would you give when you can just take?

Researchers used microeconomic models to analyze the circumstances required for reciprocal egg trading to work. The results reveal that eggs must be costly to produce and it's essential to identify cheaters before mating. This complex system of trading helps hamlets avoid a costly dilemma by dividing the reproductive role.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJan 14, 2020

Trace Metals in Leatherback Turtle Eggs May Harm Consumers

Leatherback turtle eggs laid in Bocas del Toro nesting beaches contain high concentrations of trace metals, posing a health risk to local communities. The ingestion of these eggs could lead to increased lifetime carcinogenic risk for adults and children.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalChemosphere·DateJan 10, 2020

Break point

Researchers found that DEHP disrupts meiosis in worms, leading to defects during egg formation and early embryonic development. The chemical causes excessive DNA breaks and interferes with the system that repairs them, resulting in abnormal chromosomes and reduced embryo viability.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 9, 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.

The mysterious case of the ornamented coot chicks has a surprising explanation

A new study reveals that American coot chicks' bright orange and red feathers are a result of maternal effect, with mothers putting more carotenoid pigments in later eggs. This trait helps parents choose the most colorful chick, which receives preferential feeding and has a higher chance of survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

Deciphering the equations of life

Researchers developed equations to study life's diversity and predict specific traits, including reproduction timing and lifespan. The new theory refines old understandings about life history tradeoffs and has implications for ecosystem models and management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2019

Research explores how grape pests sniff out berries

A new study found that female grape berry moths detect a subset of volatile organic compounds emitted by grapes, as well as nearby plants like gray dogwood and apple trees. The researchers suggest that the moths use these common volatiles to find their target habitat before using other cues to locate specific berries.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateDec 10, 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.

Investing in love and affection pays off for species that mate for life

A new study by biologists at the University of Chicago and University of North Carolina reveals how species that form long-term pair-bonds raise their young more efficiently. By investing in love and affection, males stimulate females to work harder, leading to increased reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019
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.

Mosquitoes push northern limits with time-capsule eggs to survive winters

New research shows that mosquitoes at the northern edge of their range are successfully surviving cold winters using diapause eggs. This rapid local adaptation could impact efforts to control the spread of invasive species like Asian tiger mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as Zika and dengue viruses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 21, 2019

Gender bending: Baby turtles influence their own sex

Researchers found that turtle embryos move towards warmer ends of eggs and develop into females or males based on the temperature gradient. This study provides a rare 'good news' story about conservation, as it suggests that turtles may be more resilient to climate change than thought.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 2019