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MoreGrasp: Getting a better grip on things

The MoreGrasp project developed a sensoric grasp neuroprosthesis controlled by thought, enabling users to perform daily activities with ease. The technique uses 'attempted movement' signals, allowing for more precise control and improved learning through brain-computer interface training.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateSep 17, 2018
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.

Sarcolipin tricks muscle cells into using more energy, burning fat

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found sarcolipin increases muscle energy expenditure and fat oxidization by uncoupling calcium ion transporter SERCA activity. This leads to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and fat burning, potentially helping people with obesity and type 2 diabetes

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 11, 2018

Inch by inch, towards a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers have successfully boosted expression of the dystrophin gene to therapeutic levels in large animal models, a crucial step towards developing a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates that CRISPR/Cas9 approaches can improve muscle function and integrity in DMD patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

Spinal muscular atrophy drug may be effective if started later than previously shown

A study published in Neurology suggests that spinal muscular atrophy drug nusinersen may be effective for muscle control even when treatment is started in children seven months and older. The research found significant muscle control improvements in participants, including an 8-year-old child, with some able to sit up without support.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 29, 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.

Head and neck positioning affects concussion risk

Researchers at Stanford University found that head positioning is a more important factor in determining concussion risk than neck tension. Small variations in position can affect the subsequent rotation of the head and increase or decrease concussion risk.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 22, 2018

How do muscles know what time it is?

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered a metabolic network controlled by muscle cell circadian clocks, regulating fat storage and glucose metabolism. The study found that without this internal clock, mice became leaner and had more muscle mass.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 21, 2018

Exercise shown to improve symptoms of patients with chronic kidney disease

A study found that 12 weeks of aerobic and strength-based exercise reduces symptoms and levels of fatigue in patients with chronic kidney disease. Exercise also improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetic control, making it a beneficial treatment option for patients with CKD.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalClinical Kidney Journal·DateAug 16, 2018
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.

Nematode can rebuild muscle and neurons after complete degradation

Researchers discovered that nematodes undergo complete degeneration of muscles and neurons, only to rebuild them in adulthood. This process may hold clues for understanding human neurodegenerative diseases and developing new pest control strategies for soybeans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 16, 2018

Shivering in the cold? Exercise may protect against muscle fatigue

Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that exercise can help people exposed to extreme temperatures protect themselves from muscle fatigue. Exercise builds-up muscle in the limbs, allowing it to shiver longer and maintain core temperature for longer.

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

Scientists design material that can store energy like an eagle's grip

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and University of Cambridge developed auxetic materials with smooth curves, enabling repeated deformations without damage. These materials can be used in energy-efficient gripping tools, re-configurable shape-on-demand materials, and lattices with unique thermal expansion behaviour.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Materials·DateAug 9, 2018

Genetic factors contributing to 'strabismus' -- or misaligned eyes

Researchers discovered a link between the protocadherin 17 gene and abnormal brain-eye muscle connections in zebrafish, which may contribute to strabismus. The study suggests that Pcdh17 protein plays a crucial role in positioning neurons correctly in the brain and extending axons to target muscles.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 7, 2018

Having larger muscles could compensate for poor muscle quality in CKD patients

A new study by the University of Leicester found that larger muscles can compensate for poor muscle quality in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, improving physical function and strength. The research suggests that muscle size is a more important factor than muscle quality in maintaining good physical performance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateAug 6, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neural signature of balance

A study published in eNeuro found a common neural signature of balance maintenance in the healthy brain, which could be used to assess balance in patients with movement disorders. The researchers used EEG and EMG to record electrical activity from the brain and muscles while participants walked or stood on a narrow beam.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 6, 2018

New light shed on relationship between calorie-burning fat and muscle function

Researchers at BIDMC have shown that altering brown fat tissue can significantly impact skeletal muscle function, leading to reduced exercise performance. The findings suggest that myostatin, a hormone normally silenced in brown adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in regulating muscle function.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 2, 2018

Muscle 'switch' may control the benefits of exercise

Researchers discovered a protein called JNK that drives response to exercise, stimulating skeletal muscle growth and endurance adaptation. Inhibition of this pathway may improve response to aerobic capacity training.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2018

Heat therapy boosts mitochondrial function in muscles

A new study found that long-term heat therapy increases mitochondrial function in the muscles by an average of 28 percent. Heat therapy may provide a new treatment option for people with chronic illness or disease who cannot exercise regularly.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 31, 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.

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.

Next generation ALS drug silences inherited form of the disease in animal models

Researchers have discovered a second-generation drug that can silence the gene responsible for inherited ALS by injecting it into rodents. The new version of the drug is more effective at reducing SOD1 protein production and delaying disease progression. It may be ready for early-stage clinical trials.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2018

Test to save patients from invasive open biopsies

Researchers developed a diagnostic test using needle biopsies to detect malignant hyperthermia, a fatal genetic condition caused by muscle protein mutations. The new test is less invasive and can be performed on children, providing potential early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Elastic slingshot powers snipefish feeding

Researchers discovered that snipefish use an elastic-boosted head flick to capture prey at unprecedented speed, with the fastest recorded events occurring in just two milliseconds. This mechanism allows the fish to pivot their heads rapidly and bring their mouth up close to the prey.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 23, 2018

SF State study compares athlete and truck driver, identical twins

Researchers studied identical 52-year-old twins with different fitness paths, revealing the importance of exercise in maintaining overall health. The athletic twin exhibited better cardiovascular and pulmonary health, as well as greater muscle strength and endurance, highlighting the benefits of regular physical activity.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 20, 2018

Mayo Clinic researchers uncover methods to quantify the yips and golfer's cramp

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a neurological cause for the yips in golfers, which can be measured using quantitative methods. The study found that five out of 27 golfers had a neurologic cause for their condition, with greater acceleration of wrist and arm movement and more variability in wrist acceleration and rotation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 19, 2018

Intensive care patients' muscles unable to use fats for energy

A new study found that intensive care patients are unable to effectively use fats for energy, contributing to significant muscle loss. This inability is likely due to widespread muscle inflammation in the early days of intensive care, making nutrition and exercise programmes less effective.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThorax·DateJul 12, 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.

Alternative splicing is crucial to muscle mass maintenance

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that alternative splicing is essential for maintaining adult muscle mass. Knocking out genes Rbfox1 and Rbfox2 in skeletal muscles led to rapid loss of muscle mass within four weeks. The study highlights the critical role of alternative splicing in adult muscle maintenance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 10, 2018

It takes a village...

Researchers identify myofibroblasts as key players in activating nucleus movement, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders. The discovery could improve understanding of muscle differentiation, functionality, and regeneration.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 9, 2018

Machine learning to assist in building muscle

Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict biological age of muscles and estimate the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors driving muscle aging. The study identified tissue-specific biomarkers of aging, which can be used to track the effectiveness of interventions.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJul 5, 2018
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.

The tricks to playing extra time in the World Cup

A study by University of Huddersfield researchers suggests that carbohydrate gels and caffeine-infused chewing gum can help teams perform better in extra time. The five-minute window before extra time begins is crucial, but teams may also need to develop better nutritional strategies.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 5, 2018

The neuroscience of human vocal pitch

A study published in Cell found that a specific region of the brain's frontal lobe controls vocal pitch, enabling humans to convey meaning through speech and language. By examining neural activity and using brain sensors, researchers identified increased activity in this region when participants altered their voice pitch.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 28, 2018

'Music of speech' linked to brain area unique to humans

A new study by UC San Francisco scientists reveals the brain area responsible for controlling vocal pitch in humans. The dorsal laryngeal motor cortex is found to govern the 'music' of speech, enabling flexible control over pitch fluctuations during speech.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJun 28, 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.

There is more going on in myotonic dystrophy type 1 than just alternative splicing

A team of researchers has developed a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy type 1, revealing multiple mechanisms beyond alternative splicing. The study found a clear association between specific signaling pathways and muscle loss, as well as the upregulation of protein AMPK-alpha and the reduction of PDGFR-beta signaling activity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 26, 2018

A dual-therapy approach to boost motor recovery after a stroke

Researchers have developed a dual-therapy approach that combines brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation to boost motor recovery in stroke victims. The study found significant improvements in arm mobility among patients who received the treatment, with some scores exceeding twice those of control group patients.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Controlling robots with brainwaves and hand gestures

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system that allows people to control robots using brainwaves and hand gestures. The system uses EEG and EMG feedback to detect errors and correct robot mistakes on multi-choice problems, enabling more natural human-robot interactions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

When muscles weaken with age

Researchers discover a causal relationship between inflammatory responses in aging nerves and degenerative aging processes. The team found that reducing macrophage activity improves nerve structure and function, increasing mobility and quality of life for those affected by age-related muscle weakness.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJun 15, 2018

Girls with high level of vitamin D have stronger muscles

A new study has found that girls with high vitamin D levels have stronger muscles than those with low levels. The association was not found in boys, and researchers are unsure why girls benefit more from vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important source of muscle strength, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2018
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.

Football training in school greatly improves girls' fitness and health

In-school football training has been shown to improve the physical fitness and health of schoolgirls aged 10-12, including those with no prior experience. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, improvements in muscle strength and balance, and enhanced jumping performance.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 7, 2018

FASEB Journal: Caloric intake and muscle mass at high altitude

Researchers found that prolonged exposure to high altitude and underfeeding leads to an inability to build muscle mass, a phenomenon mainly observed in older adults. The study highlights the importance of maintaining caloric balance at high altitudes, particularly among unaccustomed lowlanders.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 7, 2018
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.

Study reveals brain activity patterns underlying fluent speech

A new study by UC San Francisco scientists reveals how complex articulatory movements are coordinated in the brain during fluent speech. The research found that brain regions responsible for producing speech are organized according to physical needs of the vocal tract, not just linguistic features like phonemes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2018

Surgical technique improves sensation, control of prosthetic limb

Researchers have developed a novel approach to limb amputation that preserves dynamic muscle relationships, enabling patients to feel the movement of their prosthetic limbs. This new paradigm, called the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), has been successfully implemented in a human patient with below-knee amputation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 2018