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Diabetes medication may protect against a common cause of blindness

A new study published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that taking metformin, a common diabetes medication, can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that patients who took metformin had half as many cases of AMD compared to those who did not.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateOct 28, 2018

Root extract of Chinese medicinal plant makes worms to live longer

A root extract of Fallopia multiflora has been shown to extend the lifetime of nematodes by almost 19% and protect them from oxidative stress. The primary component of the extract, similar in structure to resveratrol, activates sirtuins that control ageing.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPlants·DateOct 8, 2018

A new model takes oxidative stress to heart

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model of heart failure that allows for the specific study of oxidative stress using chemogenetics. The approach enables researchers to activate or inactivate reactive oxygen species in the heart, leading to advanced cardiac dysfunction.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 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.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance plant salinity tolerance

Researchers found that inoculation of rice plants with Brevibacterium linens RS16 improved photosynthetic traits and reduced volatile emissions in response to salt stress. This non-invasive approach enhances plant salinity tolerance, offering a potential solution for crop productivity under saline conditions.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 19, 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.

Why house sparrows lay both big and small eggs

Research found that bigger eggs are advantageous in rainy weather, while smaller eggs are better suited for hot temperatures. House sparrows compensate for variable egg sizes by laying varying egg sizes within the same clutch.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateAug 9, 2018

Injectable trace minerals improve oxidative stress after aflatoxin challenge in dairy cows

A new study found that injectable trace minerals alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in lactating Holstein cows exposed to aflatoxin. The researchers discovered that the minerals increased liver concentrations of selenium and iron and boosted serum glutathione peroxidase activity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 30, 2018

Plant-based products are not lowering blood pressure

Researchers at UH College of Pharmacy discovered that Angiotensin 1-7, a peptide found in humans, can relieve oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure. This finding offers a potential alternative to current medication with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 16, 2018

Chemicals associated with oxidative stress may be essential to development

A recent study suggests that some level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be essential to health and development, contrary to the common assumption that they are harmful. The research, led by Purdue University's Daniel Suter, found that inhibiting an enzyme producing ROS in zebrafish embryos resulted in developmental complications.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 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.

Antioxidant benefits of sleep

Researchers found that short-sleeping fruit fly mutants are sensitive to acute oxidative stress, supporting the idea that sleep defends against oxidative damage. The study suggests a bi-directional relationship between sleep and oxidative stress, with sleep helping to reduce oxidative stress and vice versa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 12, 2018

Cell damage caused by the pesticide DDT is palliated

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have discovered that a selenium-enriched diet can partially repair cell damage caused by the pesticide DDT in mice. The study found that selenium stimulates antioxidant defenses in cells, preventing oxidative stress and damage similar to cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateMay 24, 2018

Novel antioxidant makes old blood vessels seem young again

Researchers found that taking a mitochondrial-specific antioxidant supplement improved blood vessel dilation by 42%, making them appear younger. The improvement was due to reduced oxidative stress and associated with a 13% reduction in heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 19, 2018

Performing under pressure: Modeling oxidation in high-stress materials

A new model considers three stages of oxidation and predicts that heavy loads compress alloys, absorbing less oxygen, while stresses pull them apart, allowing more oxygen to infiltrate. The team's framework matches data in microelectromechanical devices, aiming to improve device performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 17, 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.

Three genes essential for cells to tell time

A recent study by University of Tokyo scientists has identified the Ask genes as crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and responding to cellular stress. The research found that cells lacking these genes are impaired in their ability to adapt to daily changes in environmental conditions, leading to disruptions in sleep-wake cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

JHU scientists discover how extremophiles flourish in stressful environments

Researchers discovered that small noncoding RNAs orchestrate the resilience of Haloarchaea to oxidative stress by degrading messenger RNA and silencing transposons. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how other species, like humans, resist damage from oxidative stress.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 2, 2018

E-cigarette flavors are toxic to white blood cells, warn scientists

New research found that e-cigarette flavoring chemicals can cause significant inflammation in monocytes, a type of white blood cell, and many compounds are toxic. Mixing flavors is more damaging than vaping just one, with cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery flavors being the worst offenders.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 30, 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.

Novel technique explains herbicide's link to Parkinson's disease

Scientists used a novel gene editing technique to uncover the genetic basis of paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease. The study identified three genes - POR, ATP7A and SLC45A4 - that confer resistance to paraquat, suggesting these genes may be responsible for the toxicity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

House sparrow decline linked to air pollution and poor diet

A Spanish research team found that urban house sparrows suffer from more stress due to toxic effects of air pollution and unhealthy diets compared to their country counterparts. This could have health implications for people living in cities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 3, 2017
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.

One e-cigarette may lead to adrenaline changes in nonsmokers' hearts

A new study found that exposure to e-cigarettes with nicotine increases cardiac adrenaline levels, as indicated by abnormal heart rate variability. This increase is associated with a higher risk of death in people with known cardiac disease and those without, suggesting that e-cigarettes may not be safe for nonsmokers.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 20, 2017
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.

Air pollution linked to cardiovascular disease; air purifiers may lessen impact

A study published by the American Heart Association found that exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter increased stress hormone levels and negative metabolic changes in healthy young adults. Air purifiers reduced these effects, with significant benefits seen in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and biomarkers of inflammation.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 14, 2017

New malaria analysis method reveals disease severity in minutes

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a novel method to assess malaria progression using RBC deformability, which can indicate hemin-induced oxidative stress. This simple microfluidic device can determine RBC rigidity in minutes, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateAug 10, 2017

Rush hour pollution may be more dangerous than you think

A Duke University study reveals that rush hour commutes may be more hazardous to human health than previously thought. The levels of particulate matter and chemicals causing oxidative stress found in car cabins were twice as high as roadside sensors, posing a significant risk to drivers' health.

SourceDuke University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJul 21, 2017

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Zinc supply affects cardiac health

Research by TUM found that low zinc levels can affect the heart's ability to deal with oxidative stress, leading to increased risk of heart disease. Zinc deficiency was also linked to upregulation of genes responsible for programmed cell death.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 18, 2017
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.

As cells age, the fat content within them shifts

Researchers found that as cells age, their fat content changes and lipid-related genes become more actively expressed. Lipid triacylglycerols may help the body cope with oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateJan 19, 2017

Newly revealed amino acid function could be used to boost antioxidant levels

A Japanese research team has found that 2-aminobutyric acid (2-AB) can effectively increase glutathione levels in the body, a major antioxidant component. The study suggests that 2-AB could be used as a biomarker for early detection of oxidative stress and potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart failure.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 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.

MRI scans detect 'brain rust' in schizophrenia

Researchers used MRI measurements to detect higher levels of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals and those with bipolar disorder. The study suggests that oxidation imbalance may contribute to the development and progression of schizophrenia.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 6, 2016

Oxidative stress induces senescence in cultured RPE cell

Researchers induced oxidative stress in cultured RPE cells to explore the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress led to cell senescence and proliferation inhibition, highlighting its potential role in AMD progression. The study suggests antioxidants may be a new treatment approach for AMD intervention.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Neurology Journal·DateNov 14, 2016
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.

Can early life exposure to pollutants predispose for disease?

A study by UMass Amherst researcher Alicia Timme-Laragy investigates the link between early life pollutant exposure and future diabetes risk. The researchers will expose zebrafish embryos to toxic chemicals, aiming to understand how environmental contaminants affect pancreas development.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Beware of antioxidants, warns scientific review

Antioxidant supplements have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions due to their impact on oxygen radicals. However, the review suggests that targeting specific sources of oxygen molecules may be a more effective approach.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Pain medicine helps preserve vision in model of inherited retinal degeneration

A pain medicine has been shown to preserve vision in a model of severe retinal degeneration by activating a receptor vital to a healthy retina. The drug (+)-pentazocine enables the survival of cone cells, allowing detailed color vision to remain intact.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 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.

Altered purine metabolism linked to depression

People with major depressive disorder may have altered purine metabolism, with higher levels of xanthine and lower inosine and guanosine. This dysregulation may be the body's compensatory mechanism to combat increased oxidative stress caused by depression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 17, 2016

Can sesame-based ingredients reduce oxidative stress?

A systematic review published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that consuming sesame-based ingredients can increase antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress in individuals with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Sesame oil has also been shown to prevent atherosclerosis in preclinical studies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateMay 17, 2016

Common nanoparticle has subtle effects on oxidative stress genes

Researchers found that six genes, including four from a peroxiredoxin family, were affected by titanium dioxide nanoparticles in human HeLa cells and monkey kidney cells. The effect was seen after 24-hour exposure, with changes of about 50% in enzyme expression.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateMay 9, 2016

Why is visceral fat worse than subcutaneous fat?

A study published in Nature Communications found that visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic disease and insulin resistance. Researchers identified the regulatory molecule TRIP-Br2 as a key player in this process, which could lead to potential therapeutic agents against obesity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 2016