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Cigarette damage to unborn children revealed in stem cell study

Researchers used embryonic stem cells to study the effects of maternal smoking on liver tissue, revealing a potent cocktail of chemicals harms foetal organs. The study found that cigarette chemicals damage the liver differently in male and female foetuses.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateMay 30, 2017

Researchers suppress fibrosis chemical signal to block haywire healing

Researchers identified a key protein, SMAD3, that facilitates pro-fibrotic TGF-beta signaling. By blocking this protein, they created a peptide-carrying SNX9 that prevents SMAD3 from entering the nucleus and impacting genes regulated by TGF-beta. This approach may lead to effective treatments for fibrosis-related diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2017

Making brain implants smaller could prolong their lifespan

Researchers at MIT have developed a new brain implant design that uses thin fibers to deliver drugs or electrical stimulation with less damage to the brain. The design reduces scarring, potentially allowing devices to remain in the brain for much longer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Ebola survivors have a 'unique' retinal scar

Researchers found that around 15% of Ebola survivors have distinctive retinal scars, which appear specific to the disease but spare vision. The study also suggests that aqueous fluid analysis can help diagnose Ebola eye disease and enable access to cataract surgery for affected survivors

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

Organ signal find raises hopes of immune disorder treatments

Scientists have discovered two molecules that enhance tissue repair in vital organs, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like asthma and fibrosis. The study found specific signals in the lungs and liver can regulate the immune response, aiding in damage repair.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2017

Flawed forensic science may be hampering identification of human remains

Researchers from Australian National University have found that parturition scars on skeletal remains are not a reliable indicator of childbirth. The technique has been used in police investigations to narrow down identities, but it could lead to complications or delays if incorrectly applied.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateApr 27, 2017

A promising target for kidney fibrosis

A new study published in JCI Insights reveals that increasing SMOC2 levels in the kidney can initiate and continue kidney fibrosis, while reducing SMOC2 levels prevents it. Detecting SMOC2 in urine may help diagnose fibrosis, making it a potential biomarker for early intervention.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 20, 2017

What are common dermatologic features of classic movie villains?

Researchers analyzed top 10 film heroes and villains, finding six villains had facial skin issues, including alopecia and hyperpigmentation. The study suggests unfair portrayals of dermatologic conditions may contribute to prejudice and cultural misunderstandings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 5, 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.

Study points a way to better implantable medical devices

Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital have identified a key signaling molecule that triggers the formation of scar tissue around implantable medical devices. Blocking this molecule prevents scar tissue from forming, extending the lifespan of devices such as glucose sensors, pacemakers, and insulin delivery systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 20, 2017

Topical curcumin gel effective in treating burns and scalds

Research published in BioDiscovery found that topical curcumin gel significantly reduces burn and scald severity, lessens pain, and improves healing with minimal scarring. Dr. Madalene Heng's study suggests curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity is key to its effectiveness.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiscovery·DateMar 14, 2017

Exploring the cause of chronic lung transplant rejection, in a quest to stop it

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that cells from lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) can become activated and promote scarring. The team identified a chain of upstream signals starting with autotaxin, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates collagen production.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skin closure options for cesarean delivery: Glue vs. subcuticular sutures

Researchers compared skin closure methods using glue (Dermabond) versus sutures in a randomized controlled trial. No significant differences were found in wound complications or scar healing between the two groups, suggesting both methods can be safe and successful for skin closure after cesarean delivery.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2017

Unveiling the biology behind nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers at EPFL have identified a key player in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The study found that impaired SUMOylation of nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes NAFLD, highlighting potential new treatments and biomarkers for the disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2017

Using fat to help wounds heal without scars

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery in wound healing by transforming myofibroblasts into fat cells. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dermatology and develop new treatments for conditions such as HIV-related complications and aging skin.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017
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.

For refugees seeking asylum, medical exams are in short supply

A new study highlights the importance of medical evaluations in refugee asylum cases, but notes a shortage of doctors to conduct them. Lawyers say independent, thorough exams can provide corroboration and reveal additional details, strengthening cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·DateNov 29, 2016
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.

Researchers surprised at the unexpected hardness of gallium nitride

Researchers at Lehigh University found gallium nitride has a wear rate approaching that of diamonds, making it suitable for touch screens, space vehicles and RF MEMS. The material's tribological properties have been studied extensively but virtually no studies were done on its resistance to mechanical wear.

SourceLehigh University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 28, 2016

A terrible rift

Researchers have discovered a giant scar beneath the Midwest using a network of seismometers. The Midcontinent Rift, which spans across the region, was formed when the core of North America nearly ripped apart millions of years ago.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateOct 3, 2016

Stopping scars before they form

Researchers have identified a potential treatment for severe scarring by inhibiting an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, which enables collagen to crosslink and form scar tissue. The compounds, tested in a 'scar-in-a-jar' model, show promise in restoring normal tissue architecture.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016
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.

Novel technology may prevent burn scars

Researchers at Tel Aviv and Harvard Universities developed a method to control collagen-cell proliferation that produces scarring, using short pulsed electric fields. This technique, called partial irreversible electroporation (pIRE), reduces scar area by 57.9% in animal models.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 8, 2016

Alcohol abuse drug can be repurposed to treat a blinding disorder

Researchers identified a gene driving scarring in conjunctival tissue, linked to mucous membrane pemphigoid, a common cause of blinding conjunctivitis. Disulfiram treatment effectively reduced inflammation and prevented scarring in mouse models and human cells.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 4, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A 'bridge' of carbon between nerve tissues

Scientists have created a high-tech material that connects neurons in vitro and is compatible with living organisms in vivo. The 'carbon sponge' stimulates growth of nerve fibers and enables functional connections between different neural populations.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2016

Intervening during scar process could help cardiac patients, reviewers say

A review paper published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery suggests targeting non-muscle cells in the heart responsible for cardiac scarring could lead to new treatments for heart disease. Scientists aim to utilize natural reparative processes of fibroblasts to modify scar tissue properties.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateJun 24, 2016

The Lancet Neurology: Scientists discover unique pattern of hidden brain damage in male soldiers exposed to high explosive blasts

Researchers found a distinctive pattern of injury in the brains of deceased military personnel who survived high explosive attacks, suggesting a link between blast exposure and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study's findings highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 9, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Combination of cells and genes repairs damaged heart tissues in animal models of MI

Researchers have discovered a combination of cells and genes that can repair damaged heart tissues in animal models of myocardial infarction. The study found that different biological treatments target various aspects of cardiac function and scarring, with some showing significant improvements in contractile function and angiogenesis.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 1, 2016

Three-dimensional imaging of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A new imaging method reveals that IPF foci are complex structures with diverse shapes and sizes, forming at discrete sites of lung injury. This breakthrough may help researchers comprehend the relationship between fibroblastic foci and disease progression in IPF patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 21, 2016

Advanced 3-D imaging technique applied for the first time to deadly lung disease

Researchers at the University of Southampton have successfully applied advanced 3D imaging technology to study Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue samples. The study found that active scarring in IPF progresses in multiple individual sites rather than a large 'wave', offering new hope for targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 21, 2016
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.

Promising new blood test is first of its kind to detect liver scarring

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a DNA-based blood test that can detect liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in patients with NAFLD. This breakthrough test measures epigenetic markers to stratify patients into mild or severe liver scarring, offering an early diagnosis and potentially improving patient outcomes.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGut·DateApr 8, 2016

New role identified for scars at the site of injured spinal cord

A recent mouse study reveals that scar-forming cells called astrocytes are required for repair and regrowth following spinal cord injury. The research supports axon growth through astrocyte scars, challenging the long-held idea that scars hinder neuronal regrowth.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2016

Fossil discovery suggests size poor predictor of maturity in ancient reptiles

New research on Asilisaurus fossils reveals that early dinosaurs grew at a faster rate than previously thought and didn't follow the expected pattern of size being a predictor of maturity. The study found that muscle scars on fossil bones were more related to growth patterns than sex differences.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateApr 5, 2016

Spinal cord regeneration might actually be helped by glial scar tissue

Researchers at UCLA found that nerve cells regrow better when glial scarring is left intact, challenging the assumption that scars impede regeneration. The study revealed that glial scars can actually stimulate axon growth and regeneration, leading to new approaches for repairing spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2016
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.

Tailored protein binding opens possibilities for nerve, tissue treatments

Biomedical engineers at the University of Toronto have identified an up-and-coming technique called affinity-controlled release, which allows proteins to stay at treatment sites for longer periods. This technology has potential applications in treating a range of medical conditions, including diabetes and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2016

Penn professor urges physicians to help victims of torture seeking asylum

Medical evaluations of torture victims can significantly impact asylum-granting decisions, with success rates doubling when combined with legal support. Physicians are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive evaluations and advocate for human rights.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Gene identified that helps wound healing

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a human gene product called MG53 that regulates wound healing and may control scarring. This discovery could help heal open wounds, decrease recovery time after surgery and reduce the spread of infections.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 2, 2016

New material with built-in vitamin A may reduce scarring

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new biodegradable material that can reduce scarring in blood vessels, potentially preventing deadly blockages. Early tests show the material can reduce cell migration by 57 percent.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJan 27, 2016
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.

Encapsulated human islet cells can normalize blood sugar levels in mice

Scientists successfully implanted encapsulated insulin-producing human stem cell-derived islet cells into mouse models of diabetes, maintaining long-term blood glucose control without immunosuppression. The study uses chemically-tweaked gel capsules that resist scar tissue buildup, a major hurdle in previous research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 25, 2016

Newfound strength in regenerative medicine

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have discovered that cyclic mechanical stimulation can improve muscle regeneration and reduce scarring, opening doors for new non-biologic therapies. The study used murine models of muscle injury and found a two-and-a-half-fold improvement in muscle regeneration with both magnetized gel and robotic cuf...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016

Fighting liver fibrosis, the wound that never heals

The Salk Institute has identified a drug called JQ1 that prevents and reverses liver fibrosis in animals, a condition that replaces normal liver cells with scar tissue until the organ no longer works. This discovery may also treat fibrosis in other organs such as the lung, pancreas, and kidney.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2015
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.

Study examines prevalence of 'silent' heart attacks in population

A study published in JAMA Network found that nearly 8% of the population has myocardial scars, indicating a 'silent' heart attack. The majority (78%) of these scars were undetected by electrocardiography or clinical evaluation, highlighting the need for improved detection methods.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2015

Researchers identify a new culprit behind fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a new molecule involved in the development of fibrosis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffening of skin tissue. High levels of this molecule, fibulin-5, were found to contribute to increased skin tissue inflammation and stiffening.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2015

Texas A&M biologists zero in on 2-protein 2-step trigger for deadly scar-tissue loop

Researchers have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called lumican as a key player in the development of excessive scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The study suggests that lumican triggers a vicious cycle when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha, leading to increased production of scar tissue.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2015

The Alaska fire season -- before and after

The 2015 Alaska fire season has surpassed 5 million acres burned, ranking No. 3 on record, and currently 768 fires are active across the state. The annual seasonal rain pattern is expected to help diminish fire activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2015
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.

Closer to a treatment for the 'asthma of the esophagus'

Researchers discovered MIF, a molecule involved in EoE, which can be targeted for therapy. The study suggests a novel approach to treating this hard-to-treat food allergy, offering hope for patients with difficulty swallowing.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 31, 2015

Trauma experiences change the brain even in those without PTSD

Research by University of Oxford scientists found that trauma can change the brain even in those without PTSD, with potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment. The study identified specific brain network imbalances and suggests a spectrum of traumatic effect on the brain.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateAug 4, 2015
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.

New strategies against rare, fatal lung syndrome

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a molecular mechanism behind pulmonary fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome patients. They propose two therapeutic strategies: manipulating CHI3L1 and CRTH2 proteins to slow down scarring.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015