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Sparse, small, but diverse neural connections help make perception reliable, efficient

Researchers mapped every thalamic synapse on 15 neurons in layer 2/3 of the visual cortex in mice and found that despite being weak and sparse, they are reliable and efficient representatives of information. The diversity of thalamic inputs underlies these advantages, allowing a small population of neurons to assemble the overall picture.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Frog forelimbs may be adapted for love and war as well as jumping

Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History found that frog forelimbs are not just for jumping, but also for fighting and grasping mates during reproduction. The fused radius and ulna bones provide strength and weight reduction, while also increasing stress on the tendon connecting to the bone.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateAug 29, 2022

For checking blood pressure at home, basic cuffs are just as good as standard devices

A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2022
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.

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 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.

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Human skin has evolved to allow maximum durability and flexibility

Researchers at Binghamton University have discovered that human skin's unique structure allows it to maximize both durability and flexibility. The team created artificial skin membranes that mimicked the structure of mammalian skin, testing their puncture toughness and deformability.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSoft Matter·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

New graphite based rapid sensor chip for real-time theophylline monitoring

Researchers developed a disposable electrochemical sensor using graphite-based molecularly imprinted polymers to detect theophylline levels. The sensor can identify low concentrations of theophylline (2.5 μg/mL) in whole blood within 3 seconds, enabling real-time monitoring and potential overdose prevention.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

Loss of neurons, not lack of sleep, makes Alzheimer’s patients drowsy

A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

Why do we lose muscle mass when physical activity levels decline?

Researchers at Kobe University discover that immobilization induces loss of muscle mass by disrupting calcium levels and triggering the KLF15-IL-6 pathway. This finding may lead to the development of a treatment for muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, which affects aging societies.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022
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.

Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Revealing the secrets of ground beetle wing casings

A team from The University of Tsukuba used microscopy techniques to analyze the microstructure of the ground beetle's wing casing, revealing a unique helical structure that creates optical effects. This finding has significant implications for the development of new biomimetic materials with enhanced performance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMicron·DateOct 5, 2021

Contrary to expectations, study finds primate neurons have fewer synapses than mice in visual cortex

Researchers at University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory found that primate neurons receive two to five times fewer excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections than similar mouse neurons. The study suggests that metabolic costs may drive larger neural networks to be sparser, as seen in primates versus mouse neurons.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 14, 2021
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.

Now how did that get up there?

Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Elsevier donates original drawings of the Pernkopf Anatomy Atlas to the MedUni Vienna

The Medical University of Vienna has received the original drawings and materials of the famous Pernkopf Atlas of Anatomy from Elsevier, along with funding for digitization and cataloguing. The donation supports historical reappraisal of the atlas's creation, which used models from executed victims of Nazi justice.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateFeb 23, 2021

Fonts in campaign communications have liberal or conservative leanings

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that individuals perceive fonts to have political attributes, with serif fonts viewed as more conservative and sans-serif fonts leaning liberal. The study suggests that font choices can convey ideology through letterforms, with implications for political campaign professionals.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunication Studies·DateJan 24, 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.

UC San Diego researchers explain the mechanism of asexual reproduction in flatworms

Researchers have discovered that planarian fission occurs in three stages: waist formation, pulsation, and rupture. This process is crucial for the regeneration of missing structures, allowing flatworms to reproduce asexually and potentially giving rise to diversity in populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2017
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.

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.

URI professor warns: TV viewing likely to make you fear sickness

A recent study published in Mass Communication & Society found that TV viewing can lead to increased concern about personal health and reduce satisfaction with life. People who watch more TV are more likely to believe they are at risk for health problems, even if the shows are fictional, and may become disillusioned with life as a result.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateSep 30, 2010
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.

New study: The kitchen-counter diet

A new study found that keeping serving dishes off the table can lead to a reduction in food consumption, with participants eating 20% fewer calories. The strategy can also be used to encourage healthier food choices, such as choosing fruits and vegetables over processed snacks.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateApr 26, 2010

IADR reinstates Isaac Schour Memorial Award

The IADR has reinstated the Isaac Schour Memorial Award, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding scientific contributions in anatomic sciences. The award will be funded at the same level as other IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and will consist of a $2,000 prize and a plaque.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJun 15, 2006