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Simple antiseptic can reduce newborn infections

A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 25, 2026

Survival gap eliminated for Black cord blood recipients with blood cancers, study finds

A retrospective analysis of over 2,600 patients found that Black children were more likely to suffer severe graft-versus-host disease but overall survival rates improved across all racial groups. The study suggests that cord blood transplants are a vital lifeline for many patients and improve care for those without a matched donor.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·DateOct 1, 2024

First cardiac bioimplants for the treatment of patients with myocardial infarction using umbilical cord stem cells

A clinical trial with PeriCord, a new tissue engineering product derived from umbilical cord and pericardium stem cells, confirms its feasibility in repairing damaged heart tissues after a heart attack. The therapy has demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2024
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.

Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers

A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

The Lancet: Deferred clamping of umbilical cord reduces risk of death in premature babies by at least a third, suggest two studies with the most comprehensive analysis to date

Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by at least two minutes can reduce the risk of death in premature babies. The studies included over 10,000 babies from 60 studies and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates for deferred clamping compared to immediate clamping.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

TV shows depicting inaccurate childbirths need safety warnings

Researchers analyzed 48 TV episodes of popular UK programs, finding that midwives and doctors clamping the umbilical cord were shown inaccurately or dramatized in a third of cases. The study highlights the need for safety warnings to inform viewers about outdated practices.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJRSM Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Umbilical cord white blood cells developed to advance cancer treatment

Scientists have developed a platform to enhance the innate ability of white blood cells from umbilical cord blood to treat various types of solid and blood cancers. Pre-clinical studies showed that these cells, known as gamma delta T-cells (GDT), possess antiviral and antitumour properties.

SourceSingHealth·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2023
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 shows impact of vitamin D, thyroid hormones on child development

A retrospective study found associations between vitamin D levels and fine motor development delays, as well as thyroid hormones with cognitive development. Certain metals were also linked to language, cognitive, or motor skill development.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 24, 2023

Water births provide “clear benefits” for healthy mums and their newborns

A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 5, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

An NICU quality-improvement program reduced death or severe brain bleeding in extremely premature infants

A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Researchers reveal pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy of pre-engraftment syndrome

Severe PES is characterized by high fever, rash, diarrhea, and increased transplant-related mortality. A study revealed that monocytes derived from cord blood produce proinflammatory cytokines, leading to PES. Tocilizumab treatment significantly controlled clinical symptoms and reduced mortality in patients with severe PES

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2021
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.

Umbilical cord milking may be linked to higher risk of brain bleeding in preterm infants

A study funded by NIH found that umbilical cord milking may increase the risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants. The study, halted due to safety concerns, compared cord milking to delayed cord clamping and found a higher rate of brain bleeding in the former group.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA·DateNov 19, 2019
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.

Maternal diet during pregnancy may modulate the risk of ADHD symptoms in children

A study by ISGlobal found that a higher omega-6:omega-3 ratio in umbilical cord plasma is associated with an increased risk of ADHD symptoms in children. The research suggests that maternal diet during pregnancy plays a crucial role in shaping the child's brain development and may impact their future health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 28, 2019

Neuroprotective mechanisms of gene and cell therapy of spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Kazan Federal University used gene and cell therapy to treat spinal cord injuries, improving motor functions and tissue structure. The approach, which uses umbilical cord blood cells to transport therapeutic genes, has potential applications for other demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalStem Cells International·DateMar 6, 2018
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.

Extreme preterm infant death or disease may be predicted by biomarker

A new biomarker has been identified that can predict the risk of lung disease and death in extremely preterm infants. The biomarker is related to endothelial mitochondrial function, which can be measured using umbilical cord cells collected at birth.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

UF Health diabetes researchers discover way to expand potent regulatory cells

Researchers at UF Health have found a way to expand and preserve certain cord-blood cells, known as Tregs, which modulate the immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes. This discovery has important implications for patients with the disease and could potentially be used as a treatment or preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 22, 2017

Umbilical cord antiseptic not effective in reducing infant deaths in Africa

A two-year study of over 37,800 live births in Zambia found that chlorhexidine washes did not reduce neonatal mortality, contradicting previous results in south Asia. The study suggests that the treatment may not be effective in lower mortality settings with more facility-based deliveries.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Umbilical cells shed light on how obesity may pass from mother to child

Infants of obese mothers exhibit impaired expression of genes regulating cell energy and metabolism, correlating with higher levels of metabolically deleterious lipids in their blood. This study may pave the way for improved healthcare and early interventions for children at risk of obesity.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 22, 2016

Antidepressant use during pregnancy may lengthen umbilical cord

A new study found that children whose mothers used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy had longer umbilical cords than other newborns. The lengthening of the umbilical cord may indicate increased fetal activity and movement in the uterus.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 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.

Umbilical cells help eye's neurons connect

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that umbilical cord tissue-derived cells produce molecules that promote the growth, connection, and survival of retinal neurons. The study identifies thrombospondins as key players in this process, with potential therapeutic applications for degenerative eye diseases.

SourceDuke University·DateNov 24, 2015

Umbilical cord 'milking' improves blood flow in preterm infants

A technique called cord milking increases blood flow from the umbilical cord to the infant's circulatory system, improving blood pressure and red blood cell levels in preterm infants delivered by Cesarean section. This study found benefits only in Cesarean-delivered infants, while vaginal births showed no difference.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 29, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

Umbilical cord cells outperform bone marrow cells in repairing damaged hearts

Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that Human Umbilical Cord PeriVascular Cells (HUCPVCs) are more effective than bone marrow cells in restoring heart function after a heart attack. The study demonstrates that HUCPVC cell therapy is twice as effective at repairing damage to heart tissue than no treatment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCell Transplantation·DateNov 15, 2012

Blood vessel forming potential of stem cells from human placenta and umbilical cord blood

Researchers found that human placenta-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are more proliferative and better at forming new blood vessels than those derived from umbilical cord blood. The study, published in Cell Medicine, suggests that the placenta could be an abundant source of ECFCs for therapeutic use.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Medicine·DateJul 19, 2012

Chlorhexidine umbilical cord care can save newborn lives

A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that chlorhexidine umbilical cord cleaning can save lives, with a 20% reduction in mortality rates. The simple, safe, and inexpensive intervention has the potential to avert an estimated half a million neonatal deaths per year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 7, 2012
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.

Umbilical cord cells may treat arthritis

Researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis. The study suggests a new potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, which currently has limited long-term drug-free remission options.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 15, 2010

University of Colorado gets federal award for Cord Blood Bank

The University of Colorado Cord Blood Bank has received a $6.3 million grant to collect and bank umbilical cord blood from minority groups, increasing genetic diversity and matching rates for minority patients. The bank will support an additional 5,000 cord blood units and expand collections to Arizona.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateOct 6, 2010

Umbilical cord blood not suitable for assessing allergy risk

Researchers found that approximately half of increased umbilical cord IgE levels were due to maternal IgE transfer. This discovery challenges the use of umbilical cord blood for assessing allergy risk in infants.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 5, 2010
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.

Do we clamp the umbilical cord too soon?

USF researchers recommend delaying umbilical cord clamping to increase the transfer of stem cells, which may help prevent anemia and other health problems in newborns. The study suggests that this delay can be beneficial for pre-term infants and those born in areas with limited access to healthcare.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateMay 24, 2010

Umbilical cord could be new source of plentiful stem cells, say Pitt researchers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that umbilical cord tissue contains a plentiful supply of stem cells that could be used to treat various muscle and bone disorders. The study reveals that these cells can be easily harvested from the tissue, expanded in number, and are remarkably stable.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology·DateDec 17, 2009

Umbilical cord blood may help build new heart valves

Researchers have successfully grown human-like tissue in the lab using umbilical cord blood stem cells to create functional heart valves. The tissue-engineered valves exhibited properties similar to those of natural human valves, including collagen and elastin production.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 10, 2008
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.

Stem cells from umbilical cord used in the treatment of hepatic diseases

Researchers have found that human umbilical cord blood cells can improve liver damage and function in rats with hepatitis. The study provides an alternative to bone marrow transplants for hepatic regenerative medicine, offering hope for patients suffering from terminal hepatic failure.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2008

New technology enhances therapeutic potential of cord blood stem cells

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center present pre-clinical data on a CD26 Inhibitor that increases the efficiency and responsiveness of umbilical cord blood for bone marrow transplants. The technology may improve treatment outcomes for blood cancer patients who require stem cell transplantation.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateJun 6, 2008

Umbilical cord blood cell therapy in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy significantly reduced amyloid-β and β-amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment modulates the immune system by suppressing CD40-CD40L activity, offering potential for targeting inflammatory responses associated with degenerative conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMar 26, 2008
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.