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Making protected areas pay biodiversity dividends

A new essay proposes revising protected area categories to reflect biodiversity outcomes, with potential huge implications for preserving the earth's rapidly diminishing biodiversity. The change aims to make significant gains in biodiversity conservation and stanch species loss, habitat destruction, and ecosystem services degradation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2008

New method ranks quality of scientific journals by field

A Northwestern University team developed a mathematical method to rank scientific journals according to quality. The rankings will help scientists identify high-impact research papers and facilitate evaluations of researchers' work. The study analyzed citation data from nearly 23 million papers across 200 academic fields.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Global malaria map

A global malaria risk map has been released, revealing high-risk areas and providing estimates of people living in low-risk zones. The map identifies regions where existing control strategies can be used to eliminate P. falciparum transmission, potentially reducing deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Substance abuse in Somali combatants; and more

A study in PLOS Medicine found that Somali combatants' excessive use of khat, a stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, is prevalent across southern and central Somalia. The study also revealed high levels of cannabis and other drug use among combatants, posing significant challenges for post-conflict reintegration programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 10, 2007

Determining cause of death in developing countries

Researchers developed new methods for estimating mortality fractions using vital registration data in Mexico, and a validation strategy for verbal autopsy data combining previous methods in China. These advancements improve health planning and prioritization in low-resource settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 20, 2007

Health professionals responding to ethnic diversity

A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

Strengthening the reporting of observational research

The STROBE Initiative recommends a 22-item checklist for accurate and complete report of observational studies. The guidelines enhance the assessment of study strengths and weaknesses, as well as its generalizability. By following these recommendations, researchers can improve the quality of their work.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 15, 2007

Racial categories in medical practice and research

Experts discuss the pitfalls of racial profiling in medical research and practice, highlighting the importance of using race as a proxy for biological difference. Racial categories are social and historical, not biological or attributive, making them imprecise markers of genotypic and socio-cultural determinants of variation in health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 24, 2007
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.

HIV therapy in pregnancy-data support WHO recommendations

A observational cohort study from Côte d'Ivoire found that antiretroviral therapy according to WHO recommendations prevents mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study's findings support the WHO's guidelines for preventing perinatal and postnatal HIV transmission in West Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 20, 2007

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Research suggests that congenital diaphragmatic hernia does not disrupt pulmonary surfactant maturation in human fetuses, contrary to previous findings. The study provides new insights into the development of this complex condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 30, 2007

Preventing fractures in men -- Making the most of limited flu vaccine stocks

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that men who participate in sports or vigorous physical activity are less likely to suffer from osteoporotic fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 men and found that those with higher levels of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of fractures. By taking exercise, ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 18, 2007

Anti-inflammatory drugs interact with HRT, and more

Researchers found that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may counteract the heart-protective effect of hormone replacement therapy in women. Current use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack than non-use, but NSAID use negated this benefit.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007
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.

Italian doctors get their information on medicines from drug company sales reps

In Italy, general practitioners receive frequent visits from drug sales reps, who provide information that doctors often consider reliable. A national continuing medical education program aims to disseminate independent, unbiased evidence through Clinical Evidence, a compendium of the best available research on treating common conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007
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.

Loperamide therapy for acute diarrhea in children

A systematic review of 13 trials involving over 900 children found that loperamide should not be given to children under 3 years old or with bloody diarrhoea. However, in other children, the drug may be useful in treating acute diarrhea. The risks outweigh the benefits in high-risk situations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 26, 2007

What do we know about asthma in Africa?

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has significantly increased in Ghana between 1993 and 2003. According to a study, the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm and atopy doubled over this period, posing concerns for public health in West Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007
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.

Contraceptives and the poor; plus new findings on cryptococcosis

Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Early life family structure and microbially induced cancer risk and more

A 28-year study of Japanese-American men found that growing up in a large family or being born later in the family increased the risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma. The results suggest that early-life social environment plays a significant role in microbially induced malignancies expressed decades later.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 15, 2007

Erythrocyte G protein as a novel target for malarial chemotherapy

Researchers discovered that propranolol decreases erythrocyte G protein activity and inhibits blood-stage malarial parasite growth in red blood cells. The study suggests using propranolol in combination with existing antimalarials to reduce treatment doses, providing a novel antimalarial target and potential treatment strategy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 25, 2006

Involvement of the amygdala in systemic lupus erythematosus

Research shows that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have anti-NMDA receptor antibodies may experience amygdala damage, leading to altered emotional responses. The study suggests a link between the immune system and brain function in SLE.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 18, 2006
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.

High levels of blindness in southern Sudan following years of war

A survey in southern Sudan found a high prevalence of blindness, with 4% of the population affected. The main causes were cataract and trachoma, with trachoma being more common than expected. Trachoma can be prevented with improved living conditions, hygiene, and early treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 18, 2006

Social medicine in the 21st century

A unique study published in PLoS Medicine found significant differences in street-based drug use patterns between African American and white men, with implications for tailored interventions. The research highlights the importance of understanding cultural backgrounds and motivations to improve patient access and adherence to care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 23, 2006

Routine HIV testing widely supported in Botswana

A cross-sectional study of 1,268 adults in Botswana found that routine HIV testing is widely accepted and may reduce barriers to testing. The authors emphasize the importance of informed consent and human rights safeguards to protect individuals from discrimination and violence related to testing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

Free access to science speeds its use

A natural experiment found that open-access articles in PNAS gained a significant citation advantage over non-OA articles, being twice as likely to be cited within 4-10 months and almost three times more likely between 10-16 months after publication. The study suggests that open access accelerates the dissemination of scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 15, 2006

Sir Roger Penrose receives 2006 JPBM Communications Award

Sir Roger Penrose has received the 2006 JPBM Communications Award for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics. His influential books, such as "The Emperor's New Mind" and "The Road to Reality", have made mathematical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateJan 13, 2006
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.

UCSD physicist proposes new way to rank scientists' output

A new method to rank scientific output has been proposed by a UCSD physicist, using the h-index to estimate a scientist's cumulative research contributions. The h-index is derived from citation counts and provides a single number that can be used to compare relative ranks within a discipline.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2005

Discrimination against individuals with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

A study of Nigerian healthcare professionals found discriminatory attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS, including refusal to care for or admit them. The authors highlight inadequate education and resource shortages as contributing factors, and call for targeted interventions to address these issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 18, 2005

Latin America shows rapid rise in published science and engineering articles

The new NSF report reveals that Latin American countries have made significant strides in publishing science and engineering articles. From 1988-2001, Brazil's output quadrupled and Mexico's more than tripled, while Argentina and Chile produced the most scientific articles per capita. The region's growing influence is reflected in the ...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 21, 2004
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.

No systemic racial profiling by N.C. troopers

A study conducted by NC State University researchers found that while there is no systemic racial profiling by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, individual troopers and patrol patterns contribute to disparities in traffic citations. The study suggests that factors such as accident rates, demographic composition, and driving behavior p...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateFeb 11, 2004

Three scientists to receive Presidential Enrico Fermi Award

Two researchers, Bahcall and Davis, will share an award for their groundbreaking work on neutrino physics, a field that revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Dr. Sack will receive an award for his crucial role in ensuring the reliability of nuclear weapons, thereby contributing to national security.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateOct 9, 2003
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.

Bringing students back from Web to scholarly sources

A Cornell University library sciences study found that instructors setting minimal bibliographic guidelines for research led to a return of citation levels to pre-Internet era. Students now obtain references from original sources like government papers and legal documents more easily online.

SourceCornell University·JournalPortal·DateFeb 3, 2003

Mathematician receives distinguished writing award

Ezra A. Brown, professor of mathematics at Virginia Tech, received the George Pólya Award for his article 'Square Roots from 1;24,51,10 to Dan Shanks' published in College Mathematics Journal in March 1999. The award recognizes excellence in mathematical exposition.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCollege Mathematics Journal·DateAug 21, 2000