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When rhinos fly: Upside down the right way for transport

Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2021

Marine heatwaves becoming more intense, more frequent

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that the ocean's surface layer is becoming shallower, making it easier to warm and increasing the likelihood of extreme marine heatwaves. This thinning can lead to drastic swings in ocean temperatures, threatening sensitive marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJan 28, 2021
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.

Masks not enough to stop COVID-19's spread without distancing

Researchers tested mask materials' effectiveness in blocking droplets carrying coronavirus. While masks blocked most droplets, distances under 6 feet still allowed many to escape, posing a risk of illness. Masks can offer protection but not complete protection when combined with distancing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 22, 2020

Invention may get Army quadcopters to move faster

Researchers have invented a hinge that allows large Army quadrotors to climb higher in seconds, improving agility and control authority. The innovation reduces thrust response time by 30%, enabling quadtors to reach the rooftop of a two-story building in as little as two seconds.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 16, 2020

AI-based 'OxyGAN' is a robust, effective method to measure tissue oxygen levels

Researchers have developed an AI-based algorithm called OxyGAN to accurately measure tissue oxygenation from single snapshots. This approach uses a conditional generative adversarial network to learn realistic output images and determine correct reconstructions for given input data, demonstrating robustness in measuring oxygen levels.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateDec 1, 2020
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.

Antarctica yields oldest fossils of giant birds with 21-foot wingspans

Fossils found in Antarctica reveal the largest individuals of an extinct group of seabirds, which lived for up to 60 million years, dwarfing today's largest bird. The discovery sheds light on bird evolution and highlights the diversity of Antarctic birds during a warmer climate 50 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2020

OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 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.

The deep sea is slowly warming

Researchers found a warming trend in the deep sea, with temperature fluctuations detectable at depths of up to 4,757 meters. The increase in temperatures is consistent with global climate change, but more research is needed to understand its causes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 13, 2020

New species of aquatic mice discovered, cousins of one of the world's rarest mammals

Researchers have verified the closest cousins of a semi-aquatic mouse thought to be extinct, including two new species discovered through DNA analysis and physical trait comparisons. The findings reveal that these mice are long-legged, use their whiskers to hunt aquatic insects, and have unusually large brains.

SourceField Museum·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 8, 2020

Body size of the extinct Megalodon indeed off the charts in the shark world

A new study finds that Megalodon's estimated body length of up to 15 meters exceeds the general size limit for non-planktivorous sharks, which typically reach 7 meters. The research proposes live-bearing reproductive strategy and cannibalistic egg-eating behavior as possible causes for gigantism in lamniform sharks.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 5, 2020

UAlberta researchers find way to speed up nerve regrowth for trauma patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a way to accelerate nerve regrowth in trauma patients by three to five times, leading to better outcomes. The treatment, known as conditioning electrical stimulation (CES), involves electrically stimulating nerves before surgery, causing them to regenerate faster.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 19, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New model connects respiratory droplet physics with spread of Covid-19

Researchers developed a new mathematical model that incorporates environmental factors into predicting respiratory virus transmission, highlighting the importance of weather conditions on droplet spread. The model suggests that social distancing measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission without masks in humid climates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 20, 2020

Seeing is believing: Effectiveness of facemasks

Researchers used flow visualization to test various facemask types and found that well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric were most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Uncovered emulated coughs traveled significantly farther than the recommended 6-foot distancing guideline.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 30, 2020

3D printed insoles offers new hope for patients with diabetes

Researchers from Staffordshire University found that optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly reduce plantar pressure, leading to ulcers and painful complications. The study used made-to-measure 3D-printed insoles to change the stiffness of the sole, finding a clear relationship between BMI and optimal stiffness.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalGait & Posture·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

These flexible feet help robots walk faster

Researchers created flexible feet using coffee grounds and structures inspired by nature, allowing robots to walk up to 40% faster and grip better on various terrains. The new design outperforms traditional robot feet in adapting to natural environments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJun 1, 2020

A sole mate to prevent diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers developed a device that circulates cool water into pressure-relieving insoles to reduce foot temperature and diminish the risk of tissue breakdown. The device, TAPMARI, was tested in eight volunteers and showed promising results, potentially preventing thousands of amputations worldwide.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery·DateMay 21, 2020
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.

How the brain responds to the sudden sound of silent danger

A novel neural circuit has been discovered in rats that responds to the sound of silence, triggering defense responses. The study found that a specific combination of brain regions, including those involved in sound processing and emotional responses, are necessary for rats to freeze in response to silent danger.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 12, 2020

Phalangeal curvature in chimpanzees and hominins

A study examines phalangeal curvature in a human-raised chimpanzee, revealing similar curvature to wild chimps but not humans. Genetic factors, not mechanical loading, are the main drivers of this curvature in chimpanzees and likely other arboreal primates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Foot feathering birds flock genetically together

Researchers found that genetic variants at Tbx5 and Pitx1 contribute to foot feathering in both chickens and pigeons. A 17,000 base-pair long deletion near Pitx1 removes the same exact region in both species, indicating similar mutations and molecular pathways.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 28, 2020

Foot feathering in domesticated breeds of pigeons and chickens use same gene regulatory networks

Researchers found that regulatory mutations in TBX5 and PITX1 genes cause foot feathering in both domesticated breeds of chickens and pigeons. This study demonstrates a remarkable convergence in the evolution of this trait across species, suggesting that favored mutations have been spread through strong phenotypic selection.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 28, 2020

Well-engineered 'watercourts' stored live fish, fueling Florida's Calusa kingdom

The Calusa kingdom relied primarily on fishing due to the watercourts, which were built around A.D. 1300 and served as short-term holding pens for fish before consumption or preservation. The structure's design required an understanding of daily and seasonal tides, hydrology, and the biology of various fish species.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Whole body ownership is not just the sum of each part of the body

A study published in Scientific Reports found that observing scrambled body stimuli while moving the whole body produces a sense of possession of specific body parts, but not the entire body. Spatial arrangement plays a crucial role in creating an illusion of whole-body ownership.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 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.

Study finds gorillas display territorial behavior

A new study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge has found that gorillas recognize and respect 'ownership' of specific regions, influencing their movement patterns and behavior. The discovery provides important clues for understanding human evolution and social cooperation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

These feet were made for walking

Researchers discovered that the transverse arch (TA) contributes significantly to the stiffness of the human foot, with half of its stiffness attributed to this structure. The study's findings have implications for understanding flatfoot disorder and the design of robotic feet.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 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.

Mathematician identifies new tricks for the old arch in our foot

The study found that the transverse arch is a bigger source of foot stiffness than previously thought, and it may have evolved to become human-like over 3.5 million years ago. The researchers used mechanical mimics and fossil record analysis to support their findings.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

First glimpse of body's 'steering wheel' joint sparks hope

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the subtalar joint, revealing its mechanics and potential for improved design of joint replacements. The study used standing CT scans and digital volume correlation to analyze the joint's motion under full weight-bearing.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2020

Himalayan glacier shows evidence of start of Industrial Revolution

A study found high levels of toxic metals in a Himalayan glacier dating back to the late 18th century, indicating human activity's impact on the atmosphere began during the Industrial Revolution. The research suggests that coal emissions from Europe traveled over 6,400 miles to contaminate the glacier.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 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.

Can sea star movement inspire better robots?

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering discovered how sea stars synchronize their motion through a global directionality command and localized responses to stimuli. This decentralized nervous system can inspire more efficient robotics systems with hierarchical learning and communication.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 8, 2020

Maximizing bike-share ridership: New research says it's all about location

A new study found that nearly 80% of bike-share usage comes from areas within 1,000 feet of stations, and a 10% increase in bike availability increases ridership by more than 12%. Increasing bike availability is key to maximizing bike-share ridership.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 6, 2020

Poor sight causes people to overstep the mark

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that people with impaired vision lifted their lead foot higher but less quickly over obstacles, increasing their risk of falls. This pronounced gait also led to increased anxiety and decreased stability, highlighting the need for better vision correction and care.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2019

Koalas climb like apes but bound on the ground like marsupials

Researchers have discovered that koalas move like marsupials on the ground but employ primate-like strategies when climbing through trees. Koalas exhibit a similar gait pattern to primates, with diagonally opposed hand and foot in contact with branches for stability.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 17, 2019
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.

Running research: Heel-toe or toe-heel?

A comprehensive review of 53 studies found no evidence that changing a runner's strike pattern reduces injury risk or improves performance. Running on the front of feet may make runners less efficient in the short term.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalSports Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Two-legged robot mimics human balance while running and jumping

Researchers at MIT and University of Illinois develop method to control balance in two-legged, teleoperated robot. The approach enables humanoid robots to exert force or push against something without falling, paving the way for high-impact tasks in challenging environments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 30, 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.

Communicating uncertainty about climate change

A new Stanford study found that expressing uncertainty about climate change predictions increases public trust in scientists, but acknowledging unknown factors can undermine credibility. When climate scientists include best-case and worst-case scenarios, Americans are more trusting and accepting of their statements.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 17, 2019

World's fastest ant hits recording breaking speed of 855mm/s

Researchers have discovered that Saharan silver ants can reach speeds of up to 0.855m/s, making them the fastest ants ever recorded. The team found that the ants' unique footwork, including a gallop-like movement and coordinated leg swings, allows them to navigate their desert habitat efficiently.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 16, 2019

Virtual walking system for re-experiencing the journey of another person

A Japanese research team developed a virtual walking system that records a person's walk and replays it to another user, creating an illusion of walking. The system uses pre-recorded oscillating optic flow and synchronous foot vibrations to induce sensations of self-motion, walking, leg action, and telepresence.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·Journali-Perception·DateOct 16, 2019

How skin cells from foot soles could help relieve amputees of stump injury

Researchers at Imperial College London aim to re-engineer stump skin using the tough properties of foot sole skin to reduce rubbing and pain from prosthetics. They found that thicker collagen fibers and different types of keratin are key factors in protecting sole skin from ulcers and blisters.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2019

Fun run

A University of California - Santa Barbara mechanical engineer's simple running hack uses a light resistance band to increase efficiency by approximately 6.4%. The device optimizes the work needed to swing legs, reducing energy required during each impact with the ground and allowing for shorter strides.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

The deeper these octopuses live, the wartier their skin

Researchers discovered that warty and smooth-skinned octopuses from different depths are the same species. The deeper they live, the bumpier their skin and smaller their bodies. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, indicating that environmental factors, such as food availability, influence the animals' appearance.

SourceField Museum·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateOct 8, 2019

How to keep cool in a blackout during a heatwave

Researchers found that applying normal tap water to the chest, arms, back, legs, and face with a sponge lowered cardiovascular strain and halved dehydration rates compared to just drinking water. Immersing feet in water was also effective, but not as effective as self-dousing.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJAMA·DateOct 8, 2019

Leg amputees feel and use the prosthesis as a real limb

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a neuroprosthetic system that allows leg amputees to feel sensations from the prosthesis, giving them a sense of control and confidence while walking. The system involves tiny electrodes implanted in the nerve, allowing the brain to perceive the prosthesis as an extension of the body.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 2, 2019

Why are there no animals with three legs?

A graduate student's essay explores why there are no animals with three legs, citing the challenges of stability and balance. Thomson notes that tripod stances and three-limbed movement exist in some animals, but the evolutionary pressures favor bilateral symmetry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBioEssays·DateOct 1, 2019
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.

Walking speed may predict return to work in young stroke survivors

Young stroke survivors who can walk faster than 3 feet per second are more likely to return to work, with those walking almost 6 feet per second showing significant improvement. The study highlights the potential of walking speed as a reliable tool for clinicians to predict return to work and guide rehabilitation.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 26, 2019