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Crash of Russian rocket destroys Montana's first satellite

The first satellite built in Montana, MEROPE, was destroyed when a Soviet-era intercontinental ballistic missile it was riding on crashed in Kazakhstan. The launch failure occurred just 13 minutes after liftoff and resulted in the loss of nearly 100 MSU students' hard work.

SourceMontana State University·DateJul 27, 2006

JRRD tipsheet: Focus on spinal cord injury, gait, stroke, power mobility and more

The JRRD tipsheet focuses on the latest research and best practices for managing spinal cord injury, gait disorders, stroke recovery, and power mobility. Studies investigate functional electrical stimulation for controlling seated posture, terrain's impact on gait characteristics, and the effect of restricted spinal motion on gait.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 17, 2006

Research expedition braves world's worst weather

A research team, led by Yoshitomi Okura, is returning to Mount McKinley for the fifth time to collect data on the mountain's extreme winds. The team is equipped with two anemometers, a standard and ultrasonic device, to measure wind speed and sensor accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateJun 21, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Landmark study on diabetic foot infection published

The study found that nearly 9 in 10 amputations performed are instigated by an infection. Poor circulation was not the primary cause of amputation but rather determined its level, highlighting the importance of preventing infection to prevent severe outcomes.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 1, 2006

Penn State to recycle tires into roads

Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies is recycling 500,000 discarded tires into road fill, reducing sediment pollution and mosquito breeding grounds. The project uses bailed tires to fill degraded dirt roads, incorporating drainage structures to prevent water runoff.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 7, 2006
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.

New Cassini image shows "A" ring contains more debris than once thought

A new Cassini image shows the A ring contains more debris than previously reported, indicating a higher opacity of up to 35 percent. The particles in the ring are trapped in ever-changing clusters that are regularly torn apart and reassembled by gravitational forces.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2006

Vol. 42, No. 5 JRRD tipsheet: Focus on spinal cord injury and prosthetics

Researchers have made significant advancements in managing chronic pain in spinal cord injury patients. Studies show that specific pain patterns are stable over time, while others can be improved through treatment. Additionally, virtual reality systems have been shown to provide natural movement control and flexibility for balance trai...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMar 24, 2006

Polar melting may raise sea level sooner than expected

New research suggests that polar melting could accelerate global sea level rise by at least 20 feet, exceeding previous predictions. The study links Arctic and Antarctic melting during the Last Interglaciation, indicating a potential future sea level rise of four-to-six meters.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2006
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.

Candy on the desk is candy in the mouth, study finds

A study by Cornell University found that women eat more candy when it's visible and convenient, but underestimate their intake. The study suggests that making healthy foods less visible and inconvenient may help reduce overconsumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2006

Snows of Kilimanjaro disappearing, glacial ice loss increasing

The ice fields on Kilimanjaro are losing up to 50% of their surface area in just five years, with the northern ice field expected to disappear within two years. This rapid melting threatens local water supplies, which rely on glacier meltwater and precipitation from surrounding rainforests.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 13, 2006

The Valentine's Day candy dish

A study by Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink found that women eat significantly more Hershey Kisses when they are in clear containers on their desks, but fewer when they are six feet away. This suggests that the temptation factor plays a role in overeating, and that making food less visible can lead to reduced consumption.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 9, 2006

Anti-adhesive layers leave no hope for insects

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and University of Hohenheim investigate the effect of two-layered crystalline wax on insect attachment. The upper layer contaminates insects' feet, while the lower layer reduces contact area between feet and substrate, resulting in slippery zone that traps insects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 13, 2006
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.

A FASTT first from the Office of Naval Research

The Office of Naval Research has successfully tested a fast scramjet, reaching speeds of Mach 5.5 and demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost flight test techniques at hypersonic speeds. The engine, powered by liquid fuel, offers a safer alternative to other designs, making it suitable for shipboard use.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 29, 2005

Tiny pikas seem to be on march toward extinction in Great Basin

Climate change and human activities are pushing tiny pikas to higher elevations, leaving them with limited habitat options. The animals' distribution has diminished significantly over the past 40,000 years, with many populations now isolated on separated mountain ranges.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateDec 29, 2005
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.

Alaska's Columbia Glacier continues on disintegration course

The glacier has reached the midpoint of its projected retreat, with a shrinking length of 9 miles since 1980. The glacier's rapid retreat is attributed to complex physical processes and warming trends, resulting in an annual discharge of nearly 2 cubic miles of ice into the Prince William Sound.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 7, 2005

Watch your step when the going gets rough

Researchers monitored the accuracy with which subjects could step onto a target, finding that vision was blocked only after the foot had left the floor. This suggests that people use visual information to adjust their footfall while their foot is moving forwards.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateDec 2, 2005

Two landmark papers on amputation prevention in diabetes unveiled

Two landmark papers unveiled significant breakthroughs in preventing amputations in diabetes patients. Novel Negative Pressure Wound Therapy technology has been shown to simplify complex wounds, while powerful antibiotics have demonstrated comparable efficacy when administered once daily.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 29, 2005
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.

Rapidly accelerating glaciers may increase how fast the sea level rises

Scientists studying the Helheim glacier in Greenland found it has sped up from 70 feet per day to nearly 110 feet per day, thinning by over 130 feet since 2001. This accelerated melting could have dramatic implications for climate models and increase sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 14, 2005

Research helps identify precursors to foot disease in diabetes patients

A study identified measurable differences in the skin of diabetes patients, particularly those with peripheral neuropathy, before ulcerative foot disease develops. The findings also showed reduced energy reserves in foot muscles, highlighting microcirculatory changes as a major factor.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 11, 2005

Hairy feet stick better to wet ceilings

Geckos' hairy feet exhibit an extreme adhesive ability due to a 'dry' system that uses water. The researchers found that increased air humidity strengthens the capillary forces between spatulae and substrates, enabling geckos to stick better on wet ceilings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2005
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Explaining why the Millennium Bridge wobbled

The Millennium Bridge's wobble was caused by a sudden synchronization of pedestrians' footsteps, which became unstable as more people joined in. Researchers found that only around 160 people were needed to trigger this phenomenon, which could be used to inform future bridge designs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2005

I think, therefore I fall

A woman's fear of falling led to a psychological disorder affecting her ability to walk, but treatment helped improve her bearing and mobility. After discovering the condition was not physically related, she began walking again after six months of physical therapy and reduced medication.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCognitive and Behavioral Neurology·DateOct 7, 2005

Penguin chicks exposed to human visitors experience spike in stress hormone

Researchers found that newly hatched magellanic penguin chicks in breeding grounds with large numbers of human visitors show a significant spike in stress-related hormone levels. As the chicks grew older, their behavior towards humans changed, with those in tourist areas becoming more tolerant but still exhibiting caution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 27, 2005

Hybrid grass may prove to be valuable fuel source

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that hybrid grass Miscanthus can produce more biomass than switchgrass, with greater rates of photosynthesis and no net effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The crop is also remarkably efficient and easy to grow, making it a promising renewable energy source.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 27, 2005
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.

Carbon nanotubes made to stick like a gecko's foot

Researchers have developed a method to create densely packed carbon nanotube carpets with an artificial gecko foot-like grip, 200 times stronger than natural geckos. This breakthrough enables the development of dry adhesives for microelectronics, robotics, and other fields.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 15, 2005

Volcanoes inner workings disclosed when the Earth moved

Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2005

NRL measures record wave during Hurricane Ivan

During NRL's Slope to Shelf Energetics and Exchange Dynamics field experiment, six current profiler moorings deployed on the continental shelf directly measured large waves up to 27.7 meters high during Hurricane Ivan. The measurements provide valuable data for assessing potential impacts of energetic storm waves on offshore structures.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2005
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.

Bacteria feed on smelly breath (and feet)

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found methylotrophic bacteria present in the mouths of healthy volunteers and those with gum disease, but no association between bacterial levels and bad breath. The discovery may lead to a natural way of reducing smelly breath and feet.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2005

MIT-Williams team catches rare light show

The MIT-Williams team successfully observed the occultation of a star by Charon, Pluto's moon, using multiple telescopes in Chile. The data will help determine Charon's radius and whether it has an atmosphere, with implications for understanding the moon's composition and potential habitability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 20, 2005

Foot in mouth: Breaking the rules of social behavior

Researchers found that individuals with lower inhibitory ability were more prone to socially inappropriate behavior, even in low-pressure situations. The study suggests that our ability to suppress true feelings is disrupted under demanding conditions, affecting social etiquette and potentially career advancement.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 18, 2005

Foot in mouth: Breaking the rules of social behavior

Research suggests people with poor inhibitory ability are more likely to behave inappropriately, even when trying to follow social norms. Inhibitory ability is disrupted under demanding conditions, affecting individuals' ability to suppress true feelings.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 12, 2005

Measuring a monster

The study highlights the catastrophic effects of the December 26, 2004 tsunami on Banda Aceh and Lohknga in Indonesia. Water reached 9 meters at the shoreline and over 15 meters inland, with wave-driven sea water inundating areas up to 25 meters above sea level.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2005
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.

Baby, you can drive my song

The Expression Synthesis Project (ESP) interface, devised by Elaine Chew, allows users to control musical performance using familiar driving metaphors. By analyzing the structure of a piece of music, ESP creates a virtual 'road' that guides the user's decisions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 2, 2005

New underwater volcano found near Samoa

Scientists have discovered a new underwater volcano near Samoa, dubbed Nafanua, which has rapidly formed since its last expedition in May 2001. The volcano's growth rate averages eight inches per day, and researchers found an unusual biological community of eels inhabiting the area.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateMay 26, 2005

Researchers discover underwater volcano

Scientists have uncovered a submarine volcano growing in the summit crater of another larger underwater volcano, Vailulu'u. A unique hydrothermal community of hundreds of slithering eels was found surrounding the eruption site.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 25, 2005

Small glaciers in Northern California buck

Researchers found that small glaciers in Northern California are remaining stable due to higher precipitation rates. This anomaly highlights the need for further study on glacier behavior and provides insight into climate variability over thousands of years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMay 5, 2005
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 lobster flock to lobster feast?

Scientists have made a serendipitous discovery that lobster larvae are settling on open water fish cages in Puerto Rico by the thousands. This finding has led to a new program aimed at making large-scale spiny lobster culture commercially feasible, which could address limited availability and high value of the species.

SourceHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institution·DateMar 16, 2005

Scientists solve mystery of Meteor Crater's missing melted rocks

Researchers have discovered that a meteorite traveling at a slower velocity than previously thought formed Meteor Crater. The study reveals that atmospheric drag slowed down the fragments, causing them to crumble and slow more, resulting in little to no melting of the surrounding rocks.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2005

Pioneering PET/CT research widens applications of imaging for diabetic foot

Researchers used PET/CT to diagnose foot infections in diabetics by detecting glucose uptake with labeled radiotracer 18F-FDG. This approach facilitated better localization of infection and structural changes in bone and soft tissues, showing promise for more accurate diagnoses.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 7, 2005

Hydrogen and methane provide raw energy for life at 'Lost City'

Scientists discover unique organisms living in alkaline fluids with high levels of methane and hydrogen, unlike those found in black-smoker vents. The Lost City vent field may provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2005
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.

Muon opportunists: Detecting the unseen with natural probes

Researchers are exploring muon radiography to detect hidden burial chambers in the Pyramid of the Sun, track volcanic eruption potential, and identify illicit nuclear materials. The method involves tracking muons passing through objects, allowing for non-invasive detection with minimal radiation exposure.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 19, 2005

Robots walk with close-to-human efficiency

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues have built robots that mimic the human gait, consuming energy comparable to a human walker. The robots use simple control programs, suggesting that steady-state human walking might require only simple control as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2005

Teams build robots that walk like humans

Three independent teams, including MIT, have developed walking robots that mimic human gait and control. The MIT robot, called Toddler, uses a learning program to adapt to terrain in under 20 minutes. The robots' efficiency and potential applications for robotic prostheses and understanding the human motor system are significant.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2005

Murder, eyewitness identification and the limits of human vision

A new study examines the relationship between distance and detail in human visual perception, finding that blurriness is equivalent to distance from the viewer. The research has implications for eyewitness testimony, including a case where a witness identified suspects from 450 feet away, leading to a new trial.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 14, 2005
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.

Rebuilding wounded veterans: Annual review of limb loss & prosthetics research

New classification system improves elastomeric liner prescription, while telerehabilitation and pressure casting streamline wound management. Studies also explore shoe choice impact on residual limb damage and develop novel knee prosthesis for increased stability.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJan 21, 2005

Hummingbirds lose power at high altitudes

Researchers found that hummingbirds' lifting ability declines with altitude, leaving less reserve power for quick bursts of flight. The study also revealed a clear correlation between power margin and elevation, with birds dominating territories at lower elevations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2004
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.

Ice cores disagree on origin of White River ash deposit

Researchers drilled a complete 460-meter core through the ice to bedrock, capturing a climatological record preserved in the ice. The discovery of layers of non-volcanic pebbles and lack of ash layer contradict the current interpretation that Mount Churchill was the source of White River Ash deposits.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 14, 2004

Seismosaur cut down to size

A team of paleontologists has reestimated Seismosaurus's length to 110 feet, bringing it within range of the blue whale. The new estimate was achieved by scaling up a smaller Diplodocus dinosaur and comparing its caudal vertebrae.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateNov 5, 2004
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.

People cause more soil erosion than all natural processes

Researchers found that human activities, mainly agriculture and construction, cause more soil erosion than all natural processes combined. This situation is particularly critical due to the rapid growth of the Earth's population and widespread land use.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 3, 2004

Cow's claw benefits from cushioned floor

Joan Somers' research found that cows on straw yards had significantly healthier claws and better walking patterns than those on concrete floors. The study highlighted the importance of comfortable bedding spaces, dry stalls, balanced rations, and regular claw care in improving dairy cow welfare.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 2004

Prosthethic legs: Shoe selection, socket liners, physical activity

Researchers explore how prosthetic legs can be tailored to improve mobility and comfort for amputees. Studies examine the impact of different shoes, sock liners, and physical activities on residual limb soft tissue damage and overall health outcomes.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateSep 10, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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