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A solution to a hairy problem in forensic science

Scientists at NIST have developed a single-step method to dissolve hair proteins, allowing for quantitative analysis and comparison of protein molecules from two hairs. This new technique removes the major obstacle of working with durable hair, making it a valuable tool for forensic investigation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateNov 6, 2019
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.

Mapping millet genetics

Researchers have generated genetic resources for three different varieties of millets, which can lead to the development of new crop varieties. The study's findings uncover tiny differences in DNA sequences that may be connected to characteristics like drought tolerance and growth rate.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateOct 23, 2019

How roots grow hair

A team of researchers has identified a key regulator of root hair growth in plants, revealing a new mechanism for controlling this process. The discovery, made using 'smoke detectors' from fire-following seeds, shows promise for improving crop yields and drought resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019

The making of 'Fancy Mouse'

A study published in Communications Biology reveals that the genetic mutation responsible for black pigmentation in nonagouti mice is caused by the insertion of a retrovirus β4 into VL30. Researchers found that this mutation originated from East Asian mice related to Japanese fancy mice.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 27, 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.

Effects of pollution on hair fibers

Researchers analyzed human hair fibers from polluted areas in China and found increased degradation with higher PAH levels. Exposure to UV radiation further damaged contaminated fibers, suggesting a toxic combination.

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

Diet of traditional Native foods revealed in hair samples

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition has linked specific chemical signatures in human hair to a diet of traditional Yup'ik foods. The researchers found that changes in nitrogen isotope ratios along the hair strand correlated with increased consumption of traditional foods like fish and marine mammals.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJul 24, 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.

No escape for mosquitoes

Researchers discovered that the Venus flytrap's tactile sensors respond to minute pressure stimuli, converting them into electrical signals that cause the trap to close. The plant has evolved smaller traps to detect the smaller forces generated by lightweight mosquitoes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 8, 2019

Students chowing down tuna in dining halls are unaware of mercury exposure risks

A UC Santa Cruz study found that many college students are unaware of the mercury exposure risks associated with eating large amounts of tuna. Students reported consuming up to 20 servings of tuna per week, exceeding recommended levels and potentially causing neurological damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2019

Dogs mirror owner's stress

A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

A polar-bear-inspired material for heat insulation

Researchers created a synthetic insulator mimicking polar bear hair's structure, which traps heat and is lightweight and water-resistant. The new material has exceptional stretchiness, making it suitable for aerospace applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJun 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What's your attitude about body hair removal?

A new study by UNLV researchers found that women are more likely than men to remove pubic hair in non-Western cultures, citing hygiene concerns as a primary motive. In contrast, Western societies tend to shave or wax due to the influence of pornography and product marketing.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCross-Cultural Research·DateJun 3, 2019

Trace metal exposure among pregnant women living near fracking wells in Canada

A pilot study found pregnant women living near fracking wells in northeastern British Columbia had higher concentrations of barium, aluminium, strontium and manganese in their hair and urine compared to the general population. The study suggests that exposure to these metals could be linked to health risks for mothers and children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMay 23, 2019

How to program materials

Ali Gooneie simulates atoms and molecules to explain material properties like smooth surfaces, flexibility, heat-conductivity, and insulation. His research uses the finite element method to predict macroscopic properties of composite materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability·DateMay 21, 2019

BU finds tight pants and pubic-hair removal increase risk of vulvodynia

A Boston University School of Medicine study found that wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants four or more times a week doubles the risk of vulvodynia, while removing hair from the mons pubis nearly triples it. The condition affects an estimated 16% of women over their lifetimes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·DateMay 9, 2019

Filaments and fibres three times finer than a human hair

Researchers at the University of Seville developed a method to produce high-filament thin polymer fibres, opening doors for industrial-scale production and various applications in material science. The filaments have diameters as small as 50 micrometres and show great elasticity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalACS Omega·DateApr 29, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A bald gene find­ing

A recent study found a gene variant in the SGK3 gene causing hairlessness in Scottish Deerhounds. The defect results in puppies born with thin fur that loses all their hair in weeks. This discovery may also provide insights into human non-hormonal baldness, as the SGK3 gene is also associated with early hair loss and baldness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalHuman Genetics·DateApr 1, 2019

Solving a hairy forensic problem

Researchers developed a new method to distinguish between drug ingestion and external contamination of hair by analyzing single hairs from volunteers. The team found that splitting the hair lengthwise increased sensitivity for zolpidem detection, allowing them to separate ingestion from contamination.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 27, 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.

'Star Wars' characters' costumes reflect shift from power to romance

A study examines how costume changes in Star Wars female leads Padmé and Leia parallel shifts in their positions of power and romantic relationships. The researchers argue that these changes contribute to the objectification of women through costume design, highlighting the importance of considering the portrayal of women in media.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFashion and Textiles·DateFeb 25, 2019

Who's listening? Mosquitos can hear up to 10 meters away

Researchers at Cornell University found that mosquitoes can detect sound waves from distances of up to 10 meters, including human speech and the buzzing of female mosquitoes in flight. This discovery could lead to the development of more sensitive directional microphones and hearing aids.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Women who wear Muslim garments in court are viewed as more credible witnesses

A study by Lancaster University and Memorial University found that women who wear the hijab or niqab while testifying in court are perceived as more credible than uncovered women. The researchers suggest several possible explanations for this bias, including the idea that religious garments signal honesty and dispel common rape myths.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCanadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement·DateFeb 1, 2019

Mechanism helps explain the ear's exquisite sensitivity

A gel-like structure in the inner ear moves according to a sound's frequency, allowing detection of faint sounds Researchers at MIT found that the size and arrangement of pores within the tectorial membrane make it highly selective, amplifying middle frequencies while reducing high and low tones

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 16, 2019
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.

Mass spectrometry sheds new light on thallium poisoning cold case

Researchers used mass spectrometry to analyze Zhu Ling's hair samples and establish a timeline of her thallium poisoning. The study found that Ling was exposed to multiple doses of thallium, with increasing frequency and concentration, over a period of four months.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalForensic Science International·DateDec 13, 2018

Hair colour gene study sheds new light on roots of redheads' locks

A study of 350,000 people has identified eight genetic differences associated with red hair, revealing new insights into its inheritance. The research also uncovered over 200 genetic variations linked to blonde and brunette traits, including those related to hair texture and growth patterns.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2018

The age of puberty for Danish children appears to continue to fall

A new Danish study from Aarhus University found that girls' pubertal milestones, such as breast development and acne, are occurring 3 months earlier than those of their mothers. Boys also reached several puberty benchmarks 6 months to a year earlier than in previous studies

SourceAarhus University·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateNov 26, 2018

Plant root hairs form outward due to shank hardening

Plant root hairs grow long by suppressing lateral cell expansion due to PI(3,5)P2 regulation. This allows for increased surface area absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. The discovery sheds light on plant cell morphogenesis and could lead to the development of more efficient nutrient-absorbing plants.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

Eczema drug restores hair growth in patient with longstanding alopecia

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital report significant hair regrowth in a 13-year-old patient with total alopecia and eczema after treatment with dupilumab. The drug's mechanism of targeting an immune system pathway overactive in eczema may also induce hair growth in other alopecia patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 10, 2018

Measuring the nanoworld

A global study standardizes FRET measurement technology to pinpoint molecular distances at the nanoscale. This breakthrough enhances understanding of molecular machines and processes that underpin life.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 4, 2018
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.

Substance in hair may be a marker for alcohol consumption

A new study found that measuring ethyl sulphate in hair can assess alcohol consumption and detect a wider time frame of drinking behavior. Researchers successfully applied this method to patients with alcohol use disorders, highlighting the potential of hair as a non-invasive testing matrix.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug Testing and Analysis·DateJun 20, 2018

How blackcurrants could help end bad (for the planet) hair days

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new technology to extract anthocyanins from blackcurrant fruit waste for use in renewable dyes. The resulting hair dye is non-toxic, water-soluble and provides great colour results with minimal potential risks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 29, 2018

Blackcurrant dye could make hair coloring safer, more sustainable

Researchers developed a natural, non-toxic hair dye from blackcurrant skins that is as durable as conventional dyes and retains color through multiple washings. The dye's anthocyanin-based formula shows promise in addressing environmental concerns and potential health risks associated with traditional hair coloring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 29, 2018
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.

Hair products for black women contain mix of hazardous ingredients

A new report by Silent Spring Institute finds that dozens of hazardous chemicals are present in hair products marketed at Black women, including hormone-disrupting chemicals and fragrance chemicals. The study highlights the need for better disclosure of ingredients and encourages manufacturers to develop safer products.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 25, 2018

Study identifies more than a hundred new genes that determine hair color

A team of scientists discovered 124 genes involved in determining human hair color variation, explaining a substantial fraction of hair color variation and heritability. The new findings have implications for conditions linked to pigmentation, such as skin, testicular, prostate, and ovarian cancers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 16, 2018

A new use for graphene: Making better hair dyes

Researchers have developed a graphene-based hair dye that adheres to the surface of hair, forming a coating resistant to at least 30 washes without chemicals. This coating also dissipates static electricity, eliminating flyaways.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateMar 15, 2018
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.

Experts issue recommendations to manage unwanted hair growth in women

The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline examines causes and treatments for hirsutism, a condition where women experience unwanted hair growth. The guideline recommends testing for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other underlying health problems in all women with unwanted dark or coarse hair.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2018

Fur real: Scientists improve computer rendering of animal fur

Researchers at UC San Diego and UC Berkeley developed a method that dramatically improves the simulation of fur in computers, using subsurface scattering to mimic how light interacts with fur fibers. The new algorithm is 10 times faster than existing models and produces more realistic simulations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 21, 2018
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.

New images reveal how the ear's sensory hairs take shape

Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a molecule called Daple that helps construct and align the sensory hair bundles in the inner ear. These bundles are crucial for detecting sound, motion, and spatial orientation.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2018

Hairy tongues help bats drink up

Researchers at MIT developed a mathematical model to describe the relationship between hairy surface dimensions, dipping speed, and fluid properties. The model predicts optimal fluid entrainment for hairy-tongued nectar feeders like bats, honeybees, and possums.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateFeb 7, 2018

Designing the next generation of hair dyes

Researchers created the largest publicly available chemical database of hair dye substances to develop new, safer hair colors. The database reveals promising approaches for reducing allergic reactions and cancer risk associated with permanent hair dyes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 16, 2018

Plant defense following the iron-maiden principle

Scientists at Bonn University have found that plants use minute spines of extremely hard calcium phosphate to defend against herbivorous insects, such as aphids. This unique biomineral is widespread in plant species and can deter many types of insects from damaging the plants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPlanta·DateDec 20, 2017
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.

Prior exposure to smoking may affect infants' respiratory health

A Pediatric Pulmonology study of 376 infants found that increasing hair nicotine levels were associated with prior parent-reported smoking exposure and potential increased risks of wheeze and asthma. Higher levels of hair nicotine were also linked to smoking in pregnancy, although associations at older ages were non-significant.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateDec 6, 2017

Long-haired microbes named after Canadian band Rush

New species of microbes named Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti are found in termites' guts and have long flagella resembling Geddy Lee's hair. The microbes also exhibit rhythmic movements, prompting researchers to name them after Rush musicians.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Russian scientist determined the normal content of boron in the human body

A Russian researcher and his colleagues have determined the normal range of boron in human tissues, revealing its importance in metabolism. The study found that men and women have different dietary balances but similar boron functions, suggesting a gender-independent metabolism.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology·DateNov 16, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.