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Study suggests quality initiatives needed to reduce repeat lipid testing

A study analyzing 35,191 patients with coronary heart disease found that about one-third of those who achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals underwent repeat lipid testing. This may result in significant healthcare resource overuse and waste, estimated to cost around $203,990 annually in one VA network.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 1, 2013
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.

Stress: It should never be ignored!

A study of 7268 participants found that individuals who reported stress affecting their health were twice as likely to have or die from a heart attack. The researchers suggest that patients' perceptions of stress impact on their health can be an accurate predictor of coronary disease.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 27, 2013

Huge falls in diabetes mortality in UK and Canada since mid-1990s

Diabetes-related mortality in UK and Canada has declined significantly since the mid-1990s, with a narrowing of the gap in mortality risk between those with and without diabetes. The excess risk of mortality for diabetic patients decreased over time, with notable reductions in all age groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 26, 2013

New test assesses gestational diabetes risk early in pregnancy

A new test can identify pregnant women at risk of developing gestational diabetes by measuring biomarker levels during the first trimester. Women with elevated levels of the soluble (pro)renin receptor were more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2013
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.

Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women

A recent study found that calcium supplements, especially those containing up to 1,000 mg per day, can lower the risk of death among women. The benefit was seen regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2013

Study finds COPD is over-diagnosed among uninsured patients

A study of 80 patients found that 42.5% had no obstruction, 23% had reversible obstruction, and only 35% had non-reversible obstruction, suggesting widespread misdiagnosis of COPD. The study highlights the importance of spirometry in confirming diagnosis and reducing unnecessary medical expenses.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2013

Researchers identify a potential new risk for sleep apnea: Asthma

Researchers have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma. The study, which followed 1,500 participants over eight years, found that patients with asthma were 1.70 times more likely to develop sleep apnea. Childhood-onset asthma was associated with an even stronger link to sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 19, 2013
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.

Sugar-sweetened beverages associated with increased kidney stone risk

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of developing kidney stones. On the other hand, beverages like coffee, tea, and orange juice are associated with a lower risk of stone formation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 15, 2013

Air pollution increases risk of insulin resistance in children

A new study published in Diabetologia found that growing up in areas with high air pollution increases the risk of insulin resistance in children. The research used data from two prospective German birth cohort studies and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and increased levels of insulin resistance.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 9, 2013
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.

Air pollution and hardening of arteries

Long-term exposure to air pollution may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Fine particulate air pollution was found to be associated with faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Posture provides clue for future disability

Researchers found a strong association between spinal posture and dependency in activities of daily living (ADL), with those in the highest quartiles having 3.47 times higher risk of dependence. Spinal measurements were taken using a computer-assisted noninvasive device, and data from 804 participants aged 65+ were analyzed.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateApr 8, 2013

Heart failure doesn't discriminate

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 2, 2013
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.

AAN issues updated sports concussion guideline

The AAN has released an evidence-based guideline for evaluating and managing athletes with suspected concussions. The new guideline emphasizes that any athlete suspected of experiencing a concussion should immediately be removed from play, and recommends concussion and return to play assessments be done individually. Athletes under hig...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 18, 2013

Encouraging early results for redesigned Sapien valve

The redesigned Sapien XT valve demonstrated low 30-day death and stroke rates, with an all-cause mortality rate of 3.5% for the new device and 5.1% for the original model. Stroke rates were also significantly lower in both groups.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 10, 2013

Ultrasound reveals autism risk at birth

A new study found that low-birth-weight newborns with enlarged ventricles on an ultrasound are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life. The research suggests that an early brain abnormality may indicate a higher risk of developing autism.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 25, 2013
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 suggests reduced lung function in infancy associated with wheeze later

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that reduced lung function in infancy is associated with wheezing beyond childhood. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 18, suggests that early airway function and later exposures such as smoking may contribute to the development of obstructive respiratory diseases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2013

Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy

Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 12, 2013

Study confirms recurrence of small-for-gestational-age pregnancies

A large cohort study found that women who had small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants in their first pregnancy have a strongly increased risk of SGA in their second pregnancy. The study analyzed data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry and found that 23.2% of women with a previous SGA baby went on to have an SGA infant in their sub...

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2013

Permanent stress can cause type 2 diabetes in men

A large population-based cohort study of 7,500 men in Sweden found that permanent stress increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study showed that men who reported permanent stress had a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with no or periodic stress.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2013
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.

Finding out how today's teens tick

The UK government has invested £3.5 million in the Millennium Cohort Study to track the lives of 19,000 children born in 2000-01 as they enter adolescence. The study aims to understand risk behaviors, educational choices, and social relationships among teens.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 1, 2013

Chronic kidney disease increases risk of death for both women and men

A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher risk of death and end-stage renal disease for both women and men. The study analyzed data from over 2 million participants worldwide, including a diverse population of women making up 54% of the cohort.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateJan 30, 2013
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.

Eating bright-colored fruits and vegetables may prevent or delay ALS

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that diets high in carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene and lutein, were linked to reduced risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers also discovered that individuals with higher intake of antioxidants had a lower ALS risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 29, 2013

Groundwater fate and climate change

Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 25, 2013

Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower risk of ER- breast cancer

A study of 20 cohort studies found that high fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer. The results suggest that increasing vegetable consumption may help lower ER- breast cancer risk, which accounts for only 15-20% of breast cancers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 2013

Panel recommends changing name of common disorder in women

The NIH panel suggests renaming PCOS due to its association with ovarian cysts, which is neither necessary nor sufficient to diagnose the condition. The new name will enhance recognition of the disorder and facilitate expansion of research support.

SourceNIH/Office of Disease Prevention·DateJan 23, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Vaginal delivery is the safest option for women with pelvic girdle pain

Women with severe pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy should opt for vaginal delivery over caesarean section to avoid increased risk of persistent pain. The study found a significant association between planned or emergency caesarean sections and severe pelvic girdle syndrome six months after delivery.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 17, 2013

Attempts to correct 'death panel' myth may backfire

A study published in Medical Care suggests that attempting to correct false beliefs about health care reform can backfire among individuals with positive views of Sarah Palin and high levels of political knowledge. The researchers found that more aggressive fact-checking increased misperceptions and opposition to the Affordable Care Ac...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 16, 2013
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.

Italian immigrants live longer

Italian immigrants from Switzerland have a significantly lower mortality risk compared to native-born Swiss, largely due to the 'healthy migrant effect'. However, subsequent generations born in Switzerland show a higher risk of mortality, likely due to lifestyle differences.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 7, 2013

Testicular cancer risk tripled in boys whose testes fail to descend

A recent analysis of data published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that boys whose testes fail to descend at birth are almost three times as likely to develop testicular cancer. The condition affects around 6% of male births and has been linked to a higher risk of developing the disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 28, 2012
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.

Chronic kidney disease increases risk of death at all ages

A new study published in JAMA found that chronic kidney disease and its complications are associated with a higher risk of death regardless of age. Both low kidney function and high albuminuria were independently linked to mortality and end-stage renal disease, according to the findings.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateOct 31, 2012

Solar power is contagious

A Yale University study found that residents in areas with existing solar installations are more likely to adopt the technology, with a 54% increase in adoption when the installed base grows by 10%. The visibility of panels and word-of-mouth also play a role in larger installations.

SourceYale University·JournalMarketing Science·DateOct 18, 2012

Prenatal mercury exposure may be associated with risk of ADHD-related behaviors

A study of children in Massachusetts found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure is associated with a higher risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors. Conversely, fish consumption during pregnancy appears to be protective, particularly for impulsive/hyperactive behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 8, 2012

Benzodiazepine use and dementia in the over 65s

A comparative analysis of elderly individuals found that benzodiazepine use was associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. The study recommends limiting prescriptions to periods of a few weeks and ensuring proper use to mitigate potential adverse effects.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 5, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New study links caffeinated coffee to vision loss

A new study links heavy caffeinated coffee consumption to an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma, the leading cause of secondary glaucoma worldwide. Women with a family history of glaucoma are also at higher risk.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 3, 2012

Study uncovers racial disparities in diabetic complications among underinsured

A recent study found that African American diabetic patients experienced higher rates of end-stage renal failure but lower rates of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke compared to white diabetic patients. The study also showed female diabetic patients had lower rates of complications than male patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2012

Getting CLOSER to cohort studies

The UK Cohorts and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resource (CLOSER) aims to maximize the use, value, and impact of nine leading longitudinal studies. By strengthening links between these studies, researchers can make better use of rich data on people's lives, gathered over many years in the UK.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 1, 2012
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.

Vigorous physical activity associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors in youth

A Canadian study found that vigorous physical activity is associated with reduced body mass index z score, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and increased cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. The study included 605 youth aged 12.1 years and found that performing more than seven minutes of vigorous PA daily was linked to lowe...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 10, 2012

Why retire later?

A University of Michigan study proposes eliminating social security payroll taxes starting at age 55 to encourage workers to stay on the job. This would result in a 10.6% increase in take-home pay and a 1.5-year extension of working life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 28, 2012

Thinner diabetics face higher death rate

New-onset diabetes in normal-weight adults is associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to overweight/obese individuals. The study found that older adults and non-white participants are more likely to experience normal-weight diabetes, highlighting the need for targeted health screenings.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 7, 2012