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Simple, cost effective treatment following failed back surgery shows promise

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed a simplified procedure called SEAL to remove scar tissue and adhesions that contribute to post-surgical low back pain. The study found short-to-moderate term pain relief in 74% of patients, with over 40% experiencing greater than 50% pain relief after three years.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPain Medicine·DateOct 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Being older helps skin heal with less scarring, and now researchers know why

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers identified a rare example where being older improves tissue function, leading to reduced scar formation. The key factor is a compound called stromal cell-derived-factor-1 (SDF1), which is secreted in the bloodstream and is more abundant in younger individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 2018

Skin wounds in older mice are less likely to scar

Researchers discovered that older mice exhibit increased tissue regeneration and decreased scar formation in skin wounds. The findings were confirmed in human studies, suggesting that aging suppresses the circulating factor SDF1, which promotes scar formation. The study's authors hope to develop a drug to prevent scarring in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 25, 2018

Cosmetically smoothing over visible facial scars

A novel cosmetic product has shown promise in covering facial scars, with patients reporting improved satisfaction with their appearance. The treatment's effectiveness varies depending on the location and degree of scarring, but the results suggest a potential long-term solution for those affected.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Prosthodontic Research·DateSep 18, 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.

3D virtual simulation gets to the 'heart' of irregular heartbeats

Researchers developed 3D personalized computational models of patients' hearts to accurately identify arrhythmia locations. The models correctly predicted treatment targets and reduced ablated tissue areas in some cases. Clinical trials demonstrated the feasibility of integrating simulation predictions into routine procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 12, 2018

Study provides an early recipe for rewiring spinal cords

Researchers have found a way to overcome the barrier that prevents damaged neurons from regrowing after spinal cord injury. By turning back the neurons' clocks and reactivating growth patterns, they were able to reconnect severed spinal cord nerves and induce new axons to regrow across the scarred tissue.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2018

Nerve fibers regrow through scar tissue after spinal cord injury in rodents

Scientists have discovered a three-pronged treatment that stimulates axon growth through scar tissue in rodents, potentially leading to therapies for humans. The approach triggers axon growth and transmission across damaged tissue, opening doors to restoring connections in people with spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

Mechanism of fibrosis development discovered

IPF is associated with increased extracellular vesicles that relay WNT5A signals to lung cells, leading to scarring and impaired lung function. The study proposes a pharmacological biomarker and therapeutic approach to address this disease.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 10, 2018

NASA scientist reveals details of icy Greenland's heated geologic past

A NASA scientist has mapped the heat escaping from beneath Greenland's ice sheet, revealing a thermal track that records the movement of a continent through Earth's history. This heat map exposes a diagonal scar of warm, dense rock below the surface, created by a mantle plume that has fueled volcanic eruptions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 1, 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.

New study offers hope of recovery from spinal cord injury

A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that an intravenous injection of a potent enzyme can reduce inflammation and scarring that prevent neuronal regeneration after spinal cord injury. The treatment aims to lower levels of glutamate, released in toxic quantities after trauma, to moderate the damage and enable neuronal cells to survive.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJul 25, 2018

Why internal scars won't stop growing

A new Northwestern Medicine study identified a trigger for some fibrotic diseases and an experimental compound to treat it. The compound, T53, reversed abnormality in three different mouse models of fibrosis, suggesting a novel approach to treat the disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Low vitamin D levels associated with scarring lung disease

Researchers found that lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of early signs of interstitial lung disease, a condition that can lead to progressive lung damage. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to larger volumes of damaged lung tissue and abnormalities on full lung scans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 19, 2018

New nanoparticles help to detect serious scarring of wounds

Scientists have developed a new technique using nanoparticles called NanoFlares to quickly and accurately predict excessive scarring. The method involves applying the nanoparticles to closed wounds and using a fluorescence microscope to detect signals given out by the nanoparticles' interaction with target biomarkers.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 4, 2018

Lung-on-a-chip simulates pulmonary fibrosis

A new biotechnology, lung-on-a-chip, has been developed to simulate pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease. This innovation could streamline the drug-testing process, making it quicker and less expensive.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2018

Explanation for puzzling quantum oscillations has been found

Researchers introduce 'quantum many-body scar' concept to explain unexpected periodic oscillations in interacting atoms. The phenomenon alters our understanding of possible dynamics in many-body quantum systems, providing a new perspective on equilibrium state.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2018

Study provides further insight into how Ebola affects the eye

A new study identifies specific characteristics of Ebola retinal lesions, providing clues on how the virus travels to the retina and causes damage. Researchers found unique retinal scars in 15% of Ebola survivors with reported eye symptoms after recovery.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 15, 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.

Deeper understanding of quantum chaos may be the key to quantum computers

A new theory explains the behavior of individual atoms in a recent experiment, revealing the existence of 'quantum many-body scars' that could help create robust quantum dynamics. This phenomenon is crucial for keeping atoms in a quantum state, which is necessary for processing and storing information in quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 14, 2018

Heartbeat out of sync

Researchers developed a method to improve electrical transmission in the heart by introducing the Connexin 43 gene into cells forming the infarct scar. Mice with overexpressed Cx43 showed reduced cardiac arrhythmias compared to control animals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 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.

Study identifies new molecular target for treating deadly lung disease IPF

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular target, FOXF1, that slows or stops idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in preclinical laboratory tests. The study found that FOXF1 inhibits IPF disease process by regulating genes involved in lung scarring and inflammation.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

Developmental scars

Scientists create LINNAEUS technique to map cellular lineage, enabling identification of rare and unknown cell types. The method reveals connections between cells and allows for construction of lineage trees, providing insights into developmental processes and disease mechanisms.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 9, 2018

Liver study offers insights into hard-to-treat diseases

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a cell process called senescence as a contributing factor to bile duct disease and liver failure. The study found that blocking chemical messages sent by cells during senescence restores liver function in mice, pointing towards new treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2018

Promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a mechanism that blocks nerve fiber regeneration in spinal cord injuries, leading to permanent functional deficits. By inhibiting scar formation, they found improved functional recovery in mice, offering new hope for treating this devastating condition.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateMar 1, 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.

'Botox' improves appearance of facial scars in reconstructive surgery

A clinical trial found that Botox injections can improve facial surgical scars by producing narrower and flatter scars. The study used a split-scar design, with half of the patient's face treated with Botox and the other half with a placebo, and found significant improvements in scar appearance six months later.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 28, 2018

UA study: Brain liquefaction after stroke is toxic to surviving brain

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered that brain liquefaction after a stroke can be toxic, slowly leaking into the remaining healthy portion of the brain and potentially causing harm. The study suggests that this toxic fluid may contribute to dementia after stroke.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 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.

Patients and doctors often disagree in evaluation of surgical scarring

Researchers found patients and doctors disagree on surgical scarring evaluation 28% of the time, with patients focusing on depth and physicians on coloration and texture. This highlights the need for better assessment methods and improved preoperative counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateFeb 1, 2018

Statins to help prevent scar tissue in the eye?

A Finnish study found that statin medication reduces risk of repeated surgery after vitrectomy for retinal detachment, likely due to reduced inflammation and scar tissue formation. Statins show promise in preventing scar tissue in eye health, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 18, 2018
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.

Deadly heart rhythm halted by noninvasive radiation therapy

Researchers at WashU Medicine used noninvasive radiation therapy to treat five patients with ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in arrhythmia events, with some patients experiencing no episodes over the course of a year.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 13, 2017

Scientists discover new way to help nerve regeneration in spinal cord injury

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has successfully transplanted genetically modified olfactory ensheathing cells that secrete a treatment enzyme, promoting nerve regrowth in rodent models of spinal cord injury. This approach may potentially lead to improved recovery and functional restoration for individuals with sev...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2017

Endogenous protein reverses scarring in the lungs

Researchers discovered that RAGE protein plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage and healing tissue in the lungs. Treatment with RAGE protein reversed scarring and restored functionality in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. The study provides new insights into molecular therapy for lung damage and offers potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 27, 2017
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.

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.

Heart failure therapy hope as drug blocks deadly muscle scarring

A new experimental drug has been found to block deadly muscle scarring that contributes to chronic heart failure and skeletal muscle disorders. The treatment targets alpha V integrins on scar-forming cells, reducing scarring even when the process has already started.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2017

NASA satellite highlights burn scars in British Columbia

British Columbia has been severely impacted by forest fires, with large portions of the landscape decimated by fire. The NASA's Aqua satellite provides a clear visual representation of the extent of the damage through its natural color and false color images.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 2017

Study explores the biology of mending a broken heart

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that blocking a molecular pathway can stop or slow cardiac fibrosis, organ enlargement, and preserve heart function. The study provides new insights into what causes cardiac fibrosis and opens the potential for finding new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2017
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.

MDI Biological Laboratory study finds immune system is critical to regeneration

A new study by James Godwin found that macrophages are essential for heart regeneration in salamanders, suggesting a potential solution to the human disease. The research has significant implications for regenerative medicine and may lead to the development of drug therapies to promote scar-free healing.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateSep 20, 2017

Better understanding of 'one of the most complex organs' for better lung treatments

A study published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified two distinct cell types in the lungs, one promoting regeneration and the other forming scar tissue. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 7, 2017

Nanoparticles limit damage in spinal cord injury

A biodegradable nanoparticle injection after a spinal cord injury prevents inflammation and scarring that inhibits repair. Mice with the treatment were able to walk better than those without, suggesting a potential new approach for human spinal cord injury treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

Afforestation with non-native trees alters island soils

A recent study from Guam found that non-native Acacia trees alter the soil chemistry and root-zone nutrient budgets, causing collateral ecosystem deviations. The results contribute to ongoing global discussions about afforestation for revegetating tropical degraded habitats.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalJournal of Coastal Zone Management·DateAug 6, 2017

Imaging of Scar Tissue Formation

Researchers have created a new gadolinium-based probe for noninvasive monitoring of lung fibrogenesis, which can lead to scarring. The probe targets allysine, an amino acid indicative of active collagen cross-linking, and displays high target selectivity in both test tube and real mouse models.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 19, 2017
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.