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How cats and dogs are consuming and processing parabens

Researchers found that pets consuming parabens through their diet have increased exposure to diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease. The study analyzed commercial pet food and urine samples from dogs and cats, revealing high concentrations of methyl paraben and its metabolite in both food and urine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 7, 2018

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection

Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 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.

Sample storage method could improve health care in resource-limited regions

Scientists have developed a new sample storage method that uses tiny metal-organic hybrid structures to encapsulate and protect disease indicators from blood and urine samples. This technique has been shown to retain more than 85% of biomarkers for kidney damage, comparable to refrigeration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 28, 2018

Simple urine test could measure how much our body has aged

Researchers found a substance indicating oxidative damage increases in urine as people get older, potentially providing a method to measure biological age. The study measured 8-oxoGsn levels in human urine samples from Chinese residents aged 2-90 years old, finding an age-dependent increase in urinary 8-oxoGsn.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 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 create functioning kidney tissue

Scientists at the University of Manchester successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism that is able to produce urine. The new structures contain most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons, including proximal tubules and Bowman's capsule, and have been linked to the vasculature of mice.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 9, 2018

Waterborne cues and predator detection

Scientists discovered that specific metabolites in blue crab urine suppress mud crab foraging by 60% and 67%, respectively. This finding has significant implications for understanding chemically mediated interactions in marine ecosystems.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

'Hide or get eaten,' urine chemicals tell mud crabs

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified two urinary chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, that trigger a warning response in mud crabs when exposed to blue crab urine. This finding has implications for understanding ecological balances in marine ecosystems and informing better management of fisheries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

Development of a nanowire device to detect cancer with a urine test

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel medical device that can efficiently capture extracellular vesicles in urine, potentially leading to early diagnosis of cancer. The device surpasses existing methods and shows promise for non-invasive testing, including a simple urine test.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 26, 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.

How the kidneys produce concentrated urine

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center find GRHL2 protein crucial for concentrating urine and maintaining salt levels in the kidneys. Genetically modified mice lacking GRHL2 produce more diluted urine, highlighting its importance for regulating body fluids.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 13, 2017

Exposure to benzene during pregnancy: a pilot study raises concerns in British Columbia

A pilot study in northeastern British Columbia detected high concentrations of muconic acid, a degradation product of benzene, in the urine of pregnant women. The median concentration was approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general Canadian population, raising concerns about the health impacts of living near fracking sites.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironment International·DateNov 13, 2017

Pregnant women should be tested more than once for the presence of Zika

A new Brazilian study found that pregnant women with confirmed Zika diagnosis should be tested multiple times due to the intermittent presence of the virus in their urine. The study detected Zika virus in some women's urine for up to seven months after previous tests indicated a non-existent viral load.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 1, 2017

Speedy urine test for amphetamines sends results via app

Researchers have developed a wireless sensor and smartphone app that can detect amphetamines in human urine in seconds, with unprecedented sensitivity and low risk of false-positive results. The prototype device is portable enough to be worn as a bracelet and costs around $50 to produce.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateSep 28, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Improving detection of a 'date rape' drug

Researchers identified a potential biomarker, glycolate, that could stay in urine up to 20 hours after GHB ingestion. This finding could lead to tests with greater detection windows and less sample manipulation required.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 9, 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.

Viral ARIs in infants may lead to recurrent childhood wheezing

Researchers found that viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in infants may lead to oxidative stress and recurrent wheezing in early childhood. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, and measuring it in urine samples during a viral ARI may predict the development of recurrent wheeze.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2017

Symptoms of cystitis probably caused by bacterial infection, even when tests are negative

A new study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection found that almost all women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) had evidence of bacterial infection, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. This suggests that traditional urine testing may not be necessary for women with UTI symptoms.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

Mission Control for the body's salt and water supplies

Researchers found that consuming more salt led to reduced water intake and conserved body water by triggering a mechanism in the kidneys. The study suggests that urea plays a crucial role in maintaining proper water balance and challenges previous assumptions about its function.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

'Sniffing' urine to detect prostate cancer could prevent unnecessary biopsies

Researchers have identified a set of molecules in urine that are present in 90% of prostate cancer patients but not in healthy individuals. This discovery could lead to the development of a non-invasive test for early detection of prostate cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Case Western Reserve University researchers turn urine into research tools

Case Western Reserve University researchers have developed a breakthrough technique to create durable stem cells directly from urine, providing an ethically sound and clinically relevant model for studying Down syndrome. The new method represents a significant improvement in induced pluripotent stem cell technology.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 28, 2017

Marathon running may cause short-term kidney injury

A recent Yale-led study found that marathon running can cause short-term kidney injury in runners, with 82% of participants showing signs of Stage 1 Acute Kidney Injury after the event. The researchers attribute this to sustained rises in core body temperature, dehydration, and decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS

Researchers have identified a protein in urine samples as a potential biomarker for ALS, allowing for monitoring disease progression and assessing therapy effectiveness. Studies found patients with higher levels of the protein survived longer, suggesting it could be used to predict disease outcome.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2017

How to monitor urine in pools -- by testing sweetness

Researchers use artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium to estimate urine presence in pools and detect potential health hazards, finding high concentrations in swimmers' urine, exceeding tap water levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMar 1, 2017
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.

New urine test can quickly detect whether a person has a healthy diet

A new urine test can quickly detect whether a person has a healthy diet by measuring biological markers created by the breakdown of foods. The test provides an instant indicator of whether a person is eating healthily, promising to revolutionize the way we assess diet quality.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 12, 2017

Protein in urine linked to increased risk of memory problems, dementia

A meta-analysis published in Neurology found that people with protein in their urine are 35% more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Chronic kidney disease shares many risk factors with dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 14, 2016

Study identifies why some people can smell asparagus in urine

A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2016
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.

Researchers reveal new test for cocaine in urine and oral fluid

Researchers at the University of Surrey have created a new diagnostic test for cocaine in urine and oral fluid, enabling sensitive and accurate detection. The compact mass spectrometer-based test offers quantitative data on cocaine levels, potentially revolutionizing scenarios requiring rapid drug testing.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateNov 21, 2016

Multinational study finds high rates of acute kidney injury in children admitted to ICUs

A multinational study found that nearly one-fourth of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units worldwide develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death. The study also revealed that severe AKI is associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, highlighting the...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2016

New metabolomic screening method detects multiple inborn errors of metabolism in urine

Researchers have developed a new metabolomics-based screening approach that can identify multiple different inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) in a single urine sample. This method has the potential to detect numerous IEMs, which were previously detected in various bodily fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 3, 2016
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.

Nuclear CSI: Noninvasive procedure could identify criminal nuclear activity

Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a noninvasive procedure to identify individuals exposed to uranium within one year using hair and nail samples. The technique can also distinguish between natural and manmade sources of uranium, offering a significant advantage in detecting nuclear smuggling threats.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2016

Weethinking the role of bacteria in incontinence

A new study from Oregon Health and Science University suggests that the type of bacteria present in the urinary tract may play a role in general health conditions like Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI). Women with UUI tend to have fewer diverse bacterial communities, while those with lower diversity experience more severe symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateOct 7, 2016

Increasing stocking rate may not lead to greater nitrogen leaching on dairy farms

A new study in New Zealand found that higher stocking rates per grazing area led to less nitrogen leached to groundwater, contradicting the notion that more cows result in increased leaching. The experiment showed a decline in NO3-N leached per hectare with increasing stocking rate and decreasing nitrogen intake and output per cow.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateSep 8, 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.

Urinary markers may indicate kidney injury in preterm infants

A new study found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) have higher levels of certain proteins in their urine compared to healthy infants. This could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for AKI in newborns, which is a common complication in premature infants and can predict poor clinical outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 28, 2016

Acute kidney injury identifiable in preterm infants

A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 28, 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.

Research will help GPs diagnose urinary tract infections in children

Researchers have developed a technique to help GPs and nurses identify young children most likely to have a UTI, enabling non-invasive urine sampling. The symptoms-and-signs-based clinical rule is superior to routine clinician diagnosis, reducing the need for unnecessary tests and increasing accurate diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 11, 2016

Female bonobos send mixed messages to males

A study of wild female bonobos found that their sexual swellings are unreliable signals of fertility, allowing females to manipulate mate choice. The findings suggest that male bonobos may not be able to successfully compete over females due to the variability in swelling patterns.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 6, 2016
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.

Urine tests not reliable for dehydration in older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that urine tests are not reliable for detecting dehydration in older adults. The researchers tested 383 participants over 65 and found that urine tests were too low to be useful, missing some dehydrated individuals and incorrectly identifying others.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 24, 2016

Making virus sensors cheap and simple: New method detects single viruses in urine

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to rapidly detect single viruses in urine, including Ebola, Zika, and HIV. The technique is highly selective and can be used with urine straight from a person or animal, unlike other methods that require higher concentrations or purification.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Finding Zika one paper disc at a time

Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a novel, inexpensive method for detecting the Zika virus that could help slow its spread. The system uses a simple modular workflow comprising three steps: amplification, detection, and strain identification.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell·DateMay 6, 2016

Searching for signs of disease in spit

Researchers have discovered unique molecular signatures, known as saliva fingerprints, which may be used to detect diseases in a non-invasive and stress-free manner. These signatures are distinct from those found in urine samples and remain relatively stable despite dietary variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 4, 2016
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.

Why bearcats smell like buttered popcorn

A new study finds that binturongs release a popcorn-like aroma from their urine, containing the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, to mark territories and attract mates. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 33 binturongs and identified 29 chemical compounds, with 2-AP being present in every sample.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 13, 2016