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Ancient bony fish forces rethink of how sharks evolved

A 410-million-year-old fossil discovery challenges conventional wisdom on shark evolution, hinting that bone may have emerged before cartilage. The find provides new insights into the evolutionary history of sharks and their relatives.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 7, 2020

People who feel their lives are threatened are more likely to experience miracles

A Baylor University study found that people experiencing threats to their existence are more likely to experience miracles. The study analyzed data from a Pew Research Center survey of 15,400 respondents from 16 countries and found no relationship between education level and the likelihood of experiencing a miracle.

SourceBaylor University·JournalReview of Religious Research·DateAug 18, 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.

NIH study suggests opioid use linked to pregnancy loss, lower chance of conception

A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalEpidemiology·DateAug 18, 2020

UIC study examines high schoolers' accuracy in classification of their peers

A new study published in Social Psychology Quarterly explores how high school students categorize their peers into groups based on physical appearance. The research found correlations between these groupings and aspects of mental health, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, social status, and risk-taking behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateAug 17, 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 genomic atlas of the developing human brain

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a comprehensive region-specific atlas of regulatory regions linked to human embryonic brain development. The study identified 19,000 potential genetic variants critical to brain development, providing a valuable tool for probing underlying biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2020

NIH-funded study links endometriosis to DNA changes

Research funded by the NIH has linked endometriosis to DNA changes, particularly in methylation patterns that can alter gene activity. The findings may inform new ways to diagnose and treat this condition affecting up to 10% of U.S. women.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 17, 2020

Human embryo-like model created from human stem cells

Researchers developed a new model to study early human development using human embryonic stem cells, allowing them to observe the formation of the body plan and potentially reveal causes of birth defects and diseases. The model, called gastruloids, resembles an embryo at around 18-21 days old.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2020

Doubts about the Nerja cave art having been done by neanderthals

A study by University of Córdoba researchers questions the Neanderthal origin of Spanish rock art in the Nerja Cave. They propose a new method for dating Paleolithic art that considers multiple measuring systems, potentially leading to a revised timeline for human artistic development.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 2, 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.

Genetic cause of difference in sexual development uncovered

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute identified a genetic cause of testicular tissue developing in people with female chromosomes. They found that mutations affecting the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) gene lead to an imbalance that favors male testis development.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

Using self-nudging to make better choices

Researchers describe four categories of self-nudging tools: reminders and prompts, framing decisions in a certain way, reducing accessibility of harmful options, and using social pressure. This behavioral science technique can help individuals negotiate internal conflicts and reach long-term goals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·DateMay 11, 2020

A new approach to measuring inequalities in development

Researchers from IIASA and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology used the Human Life Indicator to measure progress in development, finding it easier to calculate and interpret than the Human Development Index. The new approach can provide a clearer idea of regional inequalities, helping policymakers design means to bridge gaps.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 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.

Shin & Borup receive funding for webinar series about online teaching

Researchers Joan Kang Shin and Jered Borup developed a three-webinar series and wrote three blogs to support English teachers worldwide in remote learning. The webinars, recorded and posted on National Geographic Learning's website, focused on engaging students and building a supportive classroom environment.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateApr 17, 2020

Genes sow seeds of neuropsychiatric diseases before birth, in early childhood

A new study by Yale University researchers found that genetic variations can trigger functional changes in the brain before birth, during early childhood, and later in life. The study analyzed DNA and RNA data from 176 tissue samples across various developmental stages, revealing age-specific effects of genetic variants on brain function.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Reconstructing the clock of human development

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully reconstructed the human segmentation clock using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a key focus of embryonic development research. The study reveals novel genetic components and oscillation patterns of the clock, which controls the formation of organs and tissues.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 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.

Researchers develop language test for people with Fragile X syndrome

A new test measures expressive language skills in individuals with Fragile X syndrome, helping increase participation in clinical studies aimed at improving intellectual and cognitive functioning. The test's reliability and validity were demonstrated through consistent scores across multiple administrations.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateMar 24, 2020

After statewide teacher evaluation reform, low-rated teachers leave struggling schools: Study finds

A recent study by New York University found that statewide teacher evaluation reform is associated with increased turnover of lower-performing instructors, particularly in urban districts and low-performing schools. The research suggests that these reforms can help retain more effective teachers for longer periods.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 23, 2020

The first Cell Atlas for the human Thymus

Researchers have created a comprehensive map of human thymus cells, identifying over 50 different cell states that change in abundance throughout life. This atlas has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of T cell development and inform new clinical applications, including therapies for immune-related diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 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.

Antioxidant supplements do not improve male fertility, NIH study suggests

A new NIH study found that antioxidant supplements did not improve semen quality or pregnancy and live birth rates in men with infertility. The Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility Trial (MOXI) reported no statistically significant differences between the placebo and antioxidant groups.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 28, 2020

Homicide is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Louisiana

A study by Tulane University found that homicide was a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana. The researchers estimated that for every 100,000 pregnant or postpartum women, there were 12.9 homicide deaths, outnumbering deaths from any single obstetric cause.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 3, 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.

Pinpointing rare disease mutations

Researchers developed a new database of gene essentiality, providing insight into the causes of rare childhood diseases. The study identifies new mutations likely responsible for these conditions and offers a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Organoids open window into development of human forebrain

Brain region-specific organoids reveal transcriptional signatures of neuropsychiatric disorders and allow researchers to study chromatin accessibility and gene expression in specific cells over critical developmental stages. The development of the human forebrain is a complex process guided by epigenetic gene regulation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

Professors create free research-backed games to train your brain

New York University professors created three digital games to train cognitive skills, which have proven effective through research studies. The games, including Gwakkamolé, CrushStations, and All You Can ET, improve executive functions like memory, inhibition, and working memory.

SourceNew York University·DateJan 16, 2020

Mitinori Saitou earns the ISSCR Momentum Award

Dr. Mitinori Saitou has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding mammalian germ cell development and reproduction in vitro. His work has enabled the generation of functional gametes from pluripotent stem cells and improved germ-cell technology.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 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.

Evidence of a human segmentation clock reveals how an embryo's vertebrae tick

A team of researchers has developed a laboratory model for vertebral development, allowing them to study the human segmentation clock and its role in forming the spinal column. The model reveals that the clock controls the periodic activation of molecular signaling pathways, leading to the formation of vertebrae.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2020

Cellular clock regulating human spine development

Scientists have unveiled the first lab-dish models of human spine development, providing evidence of the segmentation clock in humans. The models allow for the study of early spine development and could lead to new treatments for conditions such as congenital scoliosis.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 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.

Regan, Baker and Weiss receive funding for traineeship

Kelley Regan, Pamela Baker, and Margaret Weiss received a $20,600 grant to support a dynamic coaching outreach program in special education. The project aims to enhance the training experiences for teachers using technology in varied ways.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateDec 6, 2019

How extreme environmental conditions affect the human brain

Researchers found changes to the dentate gyrus, an area of the hippocampus responsible for spatial thinking and memory, in participants who spent 14 months in Antarctica. Cognition tests showed effects on both spatial abilities and selective attention.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2019

Living in ethnic enclaves may improve pregnancy outcomes for Asian/Pacific islanders

Women living in ethnic enclaves have lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and infant small size. Access to culturally relevant healthcare resources, traditional diets, and social networks contribute to improved health outcomes.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateNov 20, 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.

From childhood cancer to mapping human development

Professor Muzlifah Haniffa has made significant contributions to biomedical science, including mapping the maternal-fetal interface and discovering new immune cells in the skin. Her work aims to improve understanding of health and disease, particularly in childhood kidney cancer.

SourceAcademy of Medical Sciences (UK)·DateNov 18, 2019

Unlocking the black box of embryonic development

A team of international scientists has developed a new method for culturing primate embryos in the lab, allowing them to study early developmental processes for the first time. The breakthrough provides valuable insight into embryonic development and potentially informs approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 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.

Common chemical linked to rare birth defect in mice

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers links piperonyl butoxide, a common insecticide synergist, to stunted forebrain development and facial abnormalities in mice. The chemical's interference with the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway suggests a potential link to rare human birth defects like holoprosencephaly.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 23, 2019

'Brain in a dish' models advance studies of neural development and disease

Recent advances using lab-grown brain organoids have improved understanding of human brain development and diseases. However, questions remain about how well these brain models mirror the complexity of the cortex. Studies show that organoids can reproduce a rich diversity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, but fail to capture ...

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2019

How human brain development diverged from great apes

Researchers analyzed human and chimpanzee cerebral organoids to understand dynamic gene expression and regulation in early brain development. They identified human-specific gene expression patterns and developmental differences in the adult prefrontal cortex.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2019

Scientists link hormone production in baby wallabies how some girls are born with 'male' genitalia

Researchers discovered an alternative pathway for testosterone production that contributes to the development of male characteristics in human girls with a genetic disorder. The study found this pathway is present and active during fetal development and plays a key role in shaping external genitalia in newborns with CAH.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2019
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.

Buttons and flies help Hopkins solve longtime DNA mystery

Biologists study flies to understand how chromosomes fold up in microscopic cells, finding that certain regions 'button' together easily while others don't. This discovery lays the foundation for better understanding human development and gene expression, particularly in cases of genetic anomalies leading to disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 10, 2019

UT human development specialist recognized with National Excellence in Extension Award

Matthew Devereaux, a UT human development specialist, has been honored with the National Excellence in Extension Award for his visionary leadership and innovative programming that positively develops youth in afterschool settings. His research on social-emotional learning programs has shown significant gains in student grades and stand...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 9, 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.

250-million-year-old evolutionary remnants seen in muscles of human embryos

A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that atavistic limb muscles, lost in adult humans, are formed during early human development and then disappear. These muscles are present in many limbed animals but are absent in adults. The study uses high-quality 3D images to analyze the development of human arm and leg muscles.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 1, 2019

Motion perception of large objects gets worse during infant development

Research suggests that infants under 6 months can detect the motion of large objects more accurately than small ones, whereas adults struggle with this task. This phenomenon is attributed to surround suppression, which weakens in older children and adults, allowing them to see smaller motions better.

SourceChuo University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2019

Human developmental clock mimicked in a dish

Researchers create a 'clock in a dish' to study human developmental timing, replicating a genetic mutation linked to spondylocostal dysotosis. This breakthrough provides insight into the hard-wired timing within cells and may accelerate cell development for clinical benefit.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 29, 2019

Intelligence and practice in skill development

A study of 90 Austrian chess players found that both intelligence and practice positively influenced skill level. More intelligent players acquired skills more quickly and retained them longer with the same amount of practice.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019
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.

Many North American indigenous youth experience symptoms of depression during adolescence

A new study found that many Indigenous North American youth experience depressive symptoms during adolescence, with risk factors including discrimination and early puberty. The study identified four developmental patterns of depressive symptoms, with nearly 33% of participants meeting criteria for alcohol-use disorder.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 31, 2019

Pottery related to unknown culture was found in Ecuador

Archaeologists unearthed shards of ceramic vessels at Real Alto site in Ecuador, which date back to the formative period and coincide with Valdivia culture. The findings suggest a new archaeological culture existed simultaneously with Valdivia on the Pacific coast of Ecuador.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalAntiquity·DateJul 24, 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.

NIH scientists link genetics to risk of high blood pressure among blacks

Researchers found 17 variants of the ARMC5 gene linked to high blood pressure among blacks, including one 'protective' variant associated with lower blood pressure. The study suggests ARMC5 may play a role in regulating blood pressure in blacks and could be related to primary aldosteronism.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 3, 2019