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Apes understand that some things are all in your head

A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

To help or not to help?

In emergency situations, people tend to behave either egotistically or prosocially, with some individuals being more cooperative than others. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports found that most participants helped others less in emergency situations due to time pressure, while prosocial individuals were more willing to help.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CU researchers find genetic links for facial size and shape

A recent study published in PLOS Genetics identified two genes associated with human facial size and found additional candidates for genes affecting facial shape. The research used a genome-wide association study on an African population, providing new insights into the genetic basis of normal human facial variation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 25, 2016

Exposure to chemicals released during fracking may harm fertility

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from hydraulic fracturing may harm fertility in animals and potentially people. Mice exposed to drilling chemicals had lower levels of key hormones related to reproductive health, leading to reduced fertility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEndocrinology·DateAug 25, 2016

Study finds differences in older adults who fall indoors versus outdoors

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that patients who fell indoors had more chronic health conditions and were less likely to recover at home, whereas outdoor fallers were younger and healthier. The findings can inform targeted initiatives to lower the risk of falls in older adults.

SourceNew York University·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateJul 20, 2016
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.

Researchers find human development's first gear

A team of researchers at Oxford University has identified four genes that play a crucial role in early human development. These genes, known as Argfx, Leutx, Dprx and Tprx, are activated for an extremely brief period, when the embryo is a tiny ball of 8-16 cells. They then switch off, controlling the 'first gear' of embryonic growth.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 28, 2016

ASHG honors James F. Gusella with William Allan Award

James F. Gusella, a renowned geneticist, will receive the William Allan Award for his substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics and neurogenetics research. Dr. Gusella's work has mapped genes associated with neurological conditions such as Huntington disease, ALS, and Alzheimer disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 28, 2016
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.

The sound of music: How the songbird learns its melody

Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified brain cells associated with auditory memory in zebra finches, revealing a potential key to understanding human speech development. The study found that these cells respond selectively to the tutor's song and are essential for learning and remembering complex songs.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2016

How can a family function better? Get outside together

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that spending time in nature together as a family can restore attention, reduce irritation, and promote self-control, leading to better family relationships. Regular family-based nature activities can also foster a sense of identity and belonging within the family.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Theory & Review·DateJun 20, 2016

Electricity and economics

A new study analyzes data from 21 countries and finds a positive correlation between electricity consumption and life satisfaction in some nations, while others show the opposite relationship. The research suggests that narrowing production-consumption gaps can improve human development outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

What can we learn from zebrafish about human blood disorders?

Researchers discuss zebrafish as a model system for studying normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders. The review highlights the knowledge gained from studies of zebrafish, including large-scale forward genetic screens and modeling of human genes to create transgenic zebrafish.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMay 6, 2016

CHLA researcher awarded $1.665 million to study retinal development

A CHLA researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the development of cone photoreceptors in the retina, which can lead to devastating vision loss due to diseases like retinoblastoma. The goal is to improve modeling of these diseases and develop novel therapies using human embryonic stem cell-derived retina models.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateApr 11, 2016
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.

Fresh insights into early human embryo development

Researchers have made significant discoveries about early human embryo development, finding that genes on the X chromosome are regulated differently in humans than in mice. This new understanding is crucial for the use of embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2016

In human development research, big data could mean better results

A Penn State psychologist argues that big data can enhance our understanding of human development by aggregating empirical work from multiple investigators. This approach could also enable personalized medicine and wearable data-collection with more accurate results.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognitive Science·DateMar 23, 2016
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.

Agricultural fertilizer could pose risk to human fertility, sheep study finds

A study published in Scientific Reports found that pregnant ewes and their female lambs exposed to sewage sludge-derived fertilizers showed reduced ovary development, potentially affecting future reproductive health. The research highlights the need for steps to reduce contamination of sewage sludge-derived fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2016

Zebrafish embryos exposed to atrazine pass on health problems to their young

Zebrafish exposed to atrazine during embryonic development exhibited reproductive problems, including swollen abdomens and breeding complications, in their young. The study also found physical deformations, such as decreased head length to body length ratio, and increased progesterone levels in affected parents.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Which discipline or reward is best for your child?

A new study by the University of Michigan explores how children perceive fairness in discipline practices. Preschool-age children tend to favor giving equal rewards or punishments, while older children and adults prefer a more merit-based approach.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Public pre-K boosted test taking for gifted and talented programs

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that public pre-K attendance significantly increases the likelihood of taking the admissions test for gifted and talented programs. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds who attended public pre-K had a lower test-taking gap with their peers compared to those who did not attend.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateFeb 17, 2016

Daters move toward (or away from) marriage in four different ways -- where do you fit?

A University of Illinois researcher identified four distinct approaches that dating couples use to develop deeper commitment. Dramatic daters experience wild swings in commitment levels due to negative events, while partner-focused couples prioritize mutual involvement and conscientiousness. Conflict-ridden couples face tension between...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 10, 2016
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.

Practice makes perfect: Switching between languages pays off

Research from Concordia University reveals that bilingual children are better at certain types of mental control, with those who practice more language switching showing greater skills. This advantage is attributed to the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, including increased cognitive flexibility and selective attention abilities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Ancient Babylonians used geometry to track Jupiter

Babylonian astronomers calculated Jupiter's position using geometry, challenging the long-held assumption that this technique was introduced in Europe much later. The tablets, written between 350 and 50 BCE, depict geometric calculations for time-space and distance, revealing a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2016

Genetics influences knee pain sensitivity in osteoarthritis patients

Researchers found that patients with two copies of a different allele showed more pain variability and more pain at the end of the day after physical activity. This study suggests tailored behavioral programs could be used sensitive to a person's genotype to increase physical activity and manage arthritis.

SourcePenn State·JournalScandinavian Journal of Pain·DateJan 19, 2016

Risk taking across life span: The effects of hardship

Researchers found that risk-taking propensity decreases with age in most countries, but remains high in countries with poverty and inequality. The study, published in Psychological Science, analyzed data from 77 countries and showed a clear connection between country standards of living and citizens' willingness to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 8, 2016
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.

NIH funds development of robots to improve health, quality of life

The National Institutes of Health is funding the development of three innovative robots to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The robots, including a smart-walker for elderly mobility and a hand-worn device for visually impaired grasping objects, aim to enhance independence and quality of life.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateDec 3, 2015

Uneven growth of identical twins may begin in first few days after conception

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports suggests that genetic identical twins may exhibit uneven growth as early as the first few days after conception. This phenomenon occurs when two inner cell masses within a single embryo are at different stages of development, leading to unequal growth throughout pregnancy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 12, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

US stillbirth rates unchanged after move to discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks

A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 9, 2015

Splitting human embryos to produce twins for IVF may not be viable

A new study led by King's College London found that splitting human embryos to produce twins for IVF may not be viable due to delays in development. The research suggests that a 'developmental clock' plays a critical role in earliest stages of human development, which can be interrupted by the splitting process.

SourceKing's College London·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 21, 2015

Research reveals new clues about how humans become tool users

Researchers found a clear age effect in human children's ability to use tools, with 2-year-olds struggling but improving by 4 years old. In contrast, nonhuman primates rely on their sense of touch, known as haptic senses, to complete spatial reasoning tasks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2015

The black box at the beginning of life

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a lab-based human germ cell development model, revealing specific key elements and events that occur at the beginning of human life. This breakthrough provides insight into how epigenetic marks are erased during early germ cell development, shedding light on conditions such as infertility.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 15, 2015
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.

Study reveals the genetic start-up of a human embryo

Scientists from Karolinska Institutet have identified 32 genes that are switched on within two days of fertilization, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding early embryonic development. The study's findings also reveal the importance of 'junk DNA' in regulating gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2015

Gut feeling restored by growth outside the body

Researchers successfully joined two separate pieces of embryonic mouse intestine using growth supports, allowing nerve signals to pass through and promoting growth. The breakthrough could lead to treatment for conditions like short bowel syndrome, a condition causing damage to the bowel that prevents nutrient absorption.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateAug 25, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Fetal ECG readings offer no advantage over heart rate monitoring during labor

A new study by the National Institutes of Health found no significant differences in birth complications between fetal ECG monitoring and traditional heart rate monitoring during labor. Infants in ECG-monitored groups were slightly more likely to have low Apgar scores, but overall outcomes remained unchanged.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 12, 2015

Early prosocial behavior good predictor of kids' future

A nearly 20-year study found that kindergarteners' social-emotional skills are a significant predictor of their future success. Students demonstrating better prosocial behavior were more likely to graduate from college, be gainfully employed, and avoid arrest.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 29, 2015
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.

Human activities, shifts in local species reshaping coastal biodiversity

A study of 50 years of marine biodiversity data found that human activities like pollution and sedimentation led to diminishing biodiversity in developed areas. However, protected or restored sites showed increases in species diversity, particularly among lower-level food-web organisms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 9, 2015

Infant brains develop years faster than we thought

Scientists discovered that infant brain development occurs years faster than previously thought, with face perception abilities emerging as early as four months. The study used electroencephalography to track brain activity in response to facial images, revealing a unique right-hemisphere processing of faces.

SourceeLife·DateJun 2, 2015

Psychology: Does aging affect decision making?

Older adults perform just as well as younger adults in simple decision-making, according to a study published in Cognition. However, in more complex decisions, older adults may struggle due to age-related cognitive decline. The study suggests that simple learning strategies can be useful for aging decision makers despite limitations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCognition·DateJun 1, 2015
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.

Workplace intervention improves sleep of employees' children

A workplace intervention designed to reduce work-family conflict and increase schedule flexibility has a positive influence on the sleep patterns of employees' children. Children whose parents participated in the STAR intervention showed improved sleep quality compared to those in a control group, according to researchers at Penn State.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 21, 2015

Species' evolutionary choice: Disperse or adapt?

New research reveals that minor changes in environment can trigger dramatic shifts in evolutionary strategy as a generalist species disperses into a heterogeneous landscape. This can lead to a positive feedback loop where reduced dispersal triggers further specialization.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalEvolution·DateMay 1, 2015

Risk perception: Social exchange can amplify subjective fears

Scientists found that people's preconceptions affect the information transmitted, influencing those receiving it. This can lead to an increasingly alarmist perception of potential risks as original messages are reinforced.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2015
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.

The rapid rise of human language

Human language likely developed quickly into a sophisticated system, featuring syntax and structures, according to MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa. Words bear traces of syntax, challenging the idea that they originated from simple primal utterances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 31, 2015