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Early treatment for leg ulcers leads to better outcomes for patients

A clinical trial led by Imperial College London researchers found that early surgical treatment of leg ulcers reduces the risk of recurrence and improves healing times compared to current methods. The study suggests revising guidelines to include earlier assessment and surgery, potentially saving the NHS £100 million per year.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

Flies and mosquitoes beware, here comes the slingshot spider

Researchers at Georgia Tech study slingshot spider's ability to store energy in its web, achieving acceleration of 1,300 m/s2 and forces of over 130 Gs. The spider uses a latch mechanism to release the web and launch itself towards prey.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 17, 2020

PAD patients with depression had worse recovery, women twice as likely to be depressed

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that PAD patients with depressive symptoms have a poorer recovery rate. Women are twice as likely to be depressed than men. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening and treatment into chronic disease management for optimal outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brace yourself for these results

Researchers at McMaster University isolated genes that cause some people to gain muscle while others don't through a novel experiment. A set of 141 genes regulates skeletal muscle growth, and isolating these genes may help target lifestyle and drug therapies to prevent muscle loss in older individuals.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

35-second scan could pick the next sporting champion

A new study uses a $7500 3D portable whole-body scanner to measure athletes' shape and composition, comparing it with X-rays, MRIs, and manual tests. The technique shows promise in identifying talent earlier and refining training to improve performance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMeasurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science·DateAug 3, 2020

Dangerous blood clots form in leg arteries of COVID-19 patients

Researchers found COVID-19 patients with symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the lower extremities had larger clots and higher rates of amputation and death. In contrast, those with only leg symptoms were more likely to avoid amputation or death.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 16, 2020
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.

The injury rate of dominant leg of soccer players is identical with the non-dominant one

A recent study published in Sports Medicine - Open reveals that professional soccer players experience asymptomatic cartilage and meniscus damages in their knee joints, regardless of age or career duration. The dominant leg's condition is identical to the non-dominant one, with certain tissue changes more common in experienced athletes.

SourceSechenov University·JournalSports Medicine - Open·DateJun 22, 2020

Shining like a diamond: A new species of diamond frog from northern Madagascar

A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJun 16, 2020
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.

T. rex was a champion walker, super-efficient at lower speeds

Research finds giant T. rex relied on low-energy walking due to their massive size, contrary to previous focus on running speeds for theropod dinosaurs. The study analyzed limb proportions, body mass, and gaits of over 70 species, suggesting a trade-off between speed and efficiency in theropods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2020

T. rex's long legs were made for marathon walking

A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that long legs evolved among the biggest dinosaurs to help them conserve energy and go the distance while searching for prey. The study found that larger dinosaur species with longer legs needed less energy to move, giving them an advantage in terms of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 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.

Higher thrombus risk in men with obesity in adolescence

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that men with a history of obesity in their late teens are more at risk of developing blood clots (venous thromboembolism) in adulthood. The risk increases progressively, with severe obesity associated with a nearly fivefold higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Spider combs tame unruly nanofibers (video)

Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 22, 2020

Mapping movement

Researchers have uncovered neural mechanisms that govern complex motor sequences in fruit flies, revealing the importance of spatial comparisons in decision-making. The findings could lend insight into pathologies such as Parkinson's Disease and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 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.

Scientists finally figure out how millipedes actually do it

Researchers have figured out how millipedes mate by using high-tech imaging techniques and blacklights that make the different tissues glow. The findings show that the male's gonopods insert sperm into the female's vulvae through tiny claws, while the female's vulvae seal up with a gooey secretion to trap the sperm.

SourceField Museum·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateFeb 13, 2020

Researchers regrow damaged nerves with polymer and protein

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created a biodegradable nerve guide that can regenerate long sections of damaged nerves without stem cells or donor nerves. The technology has been tested in monkeys and shown promising results, including restored nerve conduction and replenished Schwann cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 22, 2020

Locomotion in late Miocene hominoid

The Oreopithecus bambolii skeleton reveals that this late Miocene hominoid was not optimized for efficient 2-leg walking or climbing like living great apes. The species lacked key adaptations, such as pelvic stabilization and trunk stability during bipedal gait.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 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.

Researchers discover how ant species uses abdomen for extra power during jumps

A study published in Integrative Organismal Biology reveals that ants like Gigantiops destructor use their abdomens to add speed and power to their jumps, enabling them to travel faster through leaf litter habitats. This unique behavior allows the ants to navigate complex forest floors with greater ease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

Scurrying roaches help researchers steady staggering robots

Biomechanics researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used cockroaches' sprints to develop a method for assessing and improving robot locomotion. The new approach focuses on phase-coupling oscillations, allowing it to work with both insect and robotic systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

How maggots leap without legs

Researchers discovered that Asphondylia maggots use microscopic hairs to latch onto surfaces, forming a temporary leg to launch themselves into the air. This unique mechanism allows them to catapult themselves up to 121mm in just a few seconds, saving energy compared to crawling.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

Box-sized sensor brings portable, noninvasive fluid monitoring to the bedside

A portable, noninvasive fluid monitoring device has been developed using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, providing accurate measurements of leg fluid buildup in patients with end-stage kidney disease. The device's portability and ease-of-use could enable clinicians to track fluid buildup at the bedside, improving patient care.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

Long live the long-limbed African chicken

Researchers found that African chickens have longer, meatier legs due to selective breeding, but are losing diversity as commercial birds are introduced. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional breeds and their unique characteristics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateJul 16, 2019
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.

Spiders risk everything for love

A study published in Behavioural Processes found that wolf spider's display of courtship behavior can make them an easy target for birds. Females prioritize males with symmetrical tufts on their forelegs and robust leg fur, which indicate overall health and immune competence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateJun 20, 2019

New 'king' of fossils discovered in Australia

A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJun 13, 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.

Clinical trial at IU School of Medicine improves treatment of genetic rickets

A new clinical trial at IU School of Medicine shows that Burosumab significantly alleviates symptoms of X-linked hypophosphatemia, a phosphate-wasting disease causing rickets and osteomalacia. The study found substantial healing in 72% of children treated with Burosumab versus 6% in the conventional therapy group.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 17, 2019

How to combine 'leg day' with running

James Cook University scientists found that ignoring recovery between endurance and resistance training can impair endurance development. The team suggests prioritizing recovery periods and adjusting training variables such as intensity and volume to minimize fatigue between modes of training.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSports Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Glowing millipede genitalia help scientists tell species apart

Researchers at the Field Museum used UV light to reveal differences in millipede genitals, enabling them to identify eight separate species, four fewer than previously recognized. The discovery has implications for environmental monitoring and understanding climate change.

SourceField Museum·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 18, 2019

Improved procedure for cancer-related erectile dysfunction

Researchers have modified a minimally invasive technique to help men regain erectile function lost after prostate cancer surgery. The 'end-to-side' nerve grafting procedure has shown promising results, restoring erectile function in 71% of patients with significant improvements in quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 12, 2019
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.

Is adenosine the missing link in restless leg syndrome?

A study identified a common mechanism implicating adenosine in RLS symptoms, including periodic limb movements and enhanced arousal. Targeting the downregulation of the adenosine A1 receptor may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RLS.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research·DateApr 3, 2019

Fireflies, heart beats, and the science of sync

Researchers at Caltech have experimentally demonstrated how a simple network of identical synchronized nanomachines can give rise to out-of-sync, complex states. This knowledge may lead to new tools for controlling these networks, such as developing new defibrillators for shocking the heart back into rhythm.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2019

New cell-sized micro robots might make incredible journeys

Researchers have developed a nanofabrication technique to create bug-shaped robots that are wirelessly powered and able to survive in harsh environments. The robots are tiny enough to be injected through an ordinary hypodermic needle and can be controlled using laser power or other energy sources.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 7, 2019

Can a nerve injury trigger ALS?

Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 20, 2019

Our genes affect where fat is stored in our bodies

A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic factors play a significant role in determining where fat is stored in the body. The researchers identified nearly 100 genes that affect distribution of adipose tissue to different compartments, with women showing stronger associations than men.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 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.

Performance enhancer: Sports compression stockings a winning advantage

A study by James Cook University found that sports compression stockings positively influenced agility and lower limb muscular endurance in female soccer players. The findings confirmed a protective effect with compression stockings, which may be crucial for performance in soccer matches.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·DateDec 19, 2018

Fitness instructors' comments shape women's body satisfaction

A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·DateDec 13, 2018

Pulsed radiofrequency relieves acute back pain and sciatica

A study found that pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) is an effective treatment option for patients with acute lower back pain from lumbar disk herniation. pRF was superior to steroid injections in reducing inflammation and symptoms, resulting in faster pain relief and improved quality of life.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2018

Drop your weapons!

A study by Ummat Somjee and colleagues found that male leaf-footed bugs invest more in their large hind legs than females do, which are used as weapons in male-male duels. The team measured energy use of live bugs with and without hind legs to calculate the hidden energetic cost of maintaining these structures.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateNov 15, 2018

Breakthrough in treatment of restless legs syndrome

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), identifying the nerve cells responsible for involuntary leg movements. By targeting these nerve cells, new drug treatments may be effective in preventing RLS symptoms.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateNov 14, 2018
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.

Breakthrough neurotechnology for treating paralysis

A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Ledumahadi mafube -- South Africa's new jurassic giant

Ledumahadi mafube, a 12-tonne giant plant-eater, was the largest land animal alive when it lived nearly 200 million years ago. The new species' fossil reveals insights into its evolution and geographic history.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Robots may need lizard-like tails for 'off-road' travel

Researchers analyzed the motion of lizards to develop new insights into bipedal locomotion. The study found that some species run bipedally sooner than expected, thanks to tail movement, which could improve obstacle negotiation for robots.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 25, 2018
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.

Fly mating choices may help explain variation across species

Researchers at the University of Stirling investigate how female dance flies use sexual ornaments to attract mates, finding that females deceive males by inflating their appearance to increase food rewards. This discovery sheds light on the role of sexual selection in creating diversity among species.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateSep 19, 2018

Long-term success of ACL reconstruction is connected to way you move post-surgery

Researchers found that people who report lingering symptoms after ACL surgery tend to overload or underload their injured leg, leading to cartilage damage. The study suggests that restoring proper movement mechanics through physical therapy and strength training may improve chances of avoiding osteoarthritis.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 18, 2018
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.

How do fruit flies grow legs? Solving a molecular mystery

A team of neuroscientists at Columbia University has figured out how to tease apart the many roles EGFR plays in the body. They report their findings in PLOS Genetics, solving a long-standing question about EGFR signaling and development. The study sheds light on the link between EGFR and disease, offering clues for diseases like cancer.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 27, 2018