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Who's happy? How long we look at happy faces is in our genes

A new study has found that variations in the CNR1 gene are associated with longer gaze durations when looking at happy faces. This discovery sheds light on the neural basis of social behavior and may have implications for understanding autism spectrum conditions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateJun 28, 2011
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.

Oxytocin promises hope in Prader-Willi syndrome

Researchers found that oxytocin improved trust, mood, and reduced disruptive behavior in Prader-Willi syndrome patients. The hormone, which plays a key role in social interactions and empathy, showed promise as a potential treatment for the condition.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalOrphanet Journal of Rare Diseases·DateJun 23, 2011

After 55 years, surgery restores sight

A patient who was blind in his right eye for 55 years had functional vision restored after surgery at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. The treatment involved monoclonal antibody therapy and retinal reattachment surgery, successfully improving the patient's vision to a distance of five meters.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Medical Case Reports·DateJun 16, 2011

Examining the brain as a neural information super-highway

Researchers used internet traffic modeling to study brain networks, revealing that timing patterns of information emission are indicative of info flow. This method can be applied to study neurological development, aging, and disease, indicating a potential new approach in neuroscience.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 2, 2011
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.

C-reactive protein levels predict breast cancer survival rates

Researchers found that increasing CRP levels resulted in increasingly poor prognosis, with a five-year survival rate decreasing from 90% to 74% and deaths from breast cancer increasing from 11% to 20%. Elevated CRP at diagnosis remained predictive of overall survival rates even after excluding patients with suspected bacterial infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJun 2, 2011

A mammoth task -- sorting out mammoth evolution

Researchers found nearly indistinguishable mitochondrial genomes between two species, suggesting possible interbreeding. The study's lead author believes the individual could be a hybrid of both species, challenging traditional views on North American mammoth evolution.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 30, 2011

Springer launches new open access journal with Korean research society

The new journal will be fully sponsored by the Korea-based Future Technology Research Association International (FTRA) and cover multifaceted aspects of human-centric computing technology and information sciences. All research results will be freely available online under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman-centric Computing and Information Sciences·DateMay 24, 2011

Small insects attacks and kill amphibians much bigger than themselves

Researchers from Tel-Aviv University discovered that ground beetles of the genus Epomis prey on live amphibians at night, contrary to their daytime sheltering behavior. The study found that two species of Epomis beetles attack different amphibian species, with only one species preying on a particular species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Herbal remedies offer hope as the new antibiotics

Researchers found that extracts from six Indian wild plants effectively killed bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida. These natural remedies offer hope against resistant species, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnnals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials·DateMay 19, 2011

The traditional remedy bitter cumin is a great source antioxidant plant phenols

Researchers found that bitter cumin seeds are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which can mop up free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity is correlated with the total phenol content of the seeds, suggesting that multiple phenolic compounds may be responsible for its effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateMay 19, 2011

CSI: Infection

Geographic profiling successfully located the sources of disease outbreaks in London and Cairo, revealing breeding habitats of mosquito Anopheles sergentii. This method shows great promise as a component of policy relating to control of various infectious diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Health Geographics·DateMay 17, 2011
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.

Next generation gamers: Computer games aid recovery from stroke

Researchers found that computer simulations and cutting-edge techniques used by the film industry can restore lost hand and arm function in stroke victims. The study showed significant improvements in patients who played Plasma Pong, Hammer Task, Virtual Piano, and Hummingbird Hunt games.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMay 15, 2011

New SpringerOpen journal from the Chinese Academy of Sciences

The Kunming Institute of Botany, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Springer are launching a new fully sponsored open access journal called Natural Products and Bioprospecting. This journal aims to serve as an international forum for essential research on natural products and their applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalNatural Products and Bioprospecting·DateMay 9, 2011

Henry Ford Hospital study: Open-access colonoscopy is safe

A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that nurse-driven, open-access colonoscopy programs are as effective and safe as traditional consultations with a gastroenterologist. The study compared outcomes of 15,901 patients in an open-access program to 6,861 patients who received outpatient consultation prior to screening.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateMay 9, 2011

Zombie ants have fungus on the brain

Researchers investigated zombie ants in Thailand's rainforest, finding they were manipulated by the fungus into dying at optimal conditions for reproduction. The fungus causes muscle atrophy, central nervous system damage, and 'lock jaw', forcing infected ants to bite leaves to release spores.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMay 8, 2011

Ancestors of land plants revealed

New research reveals that conjugating green algae, such as Spirogyra, are the closest living relatives to land plants, contrary to the previously accepted theory. The study analyzed genetic divergence in 129 genes from 40 different green plant taxa and found significant evidence supporting this new finding.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 17, 2011
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.

Drinking during pregnancy increases risk of premature birth

Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateApr 10, 2011

Climate change and evolution of Cross River gorillas

Cross River gorillas diverged from Western lowland gorillas about 17,800 years ago during the Pleistocene era. The two subspecies continued to interbreed intermittently due to successive rounds of climate change.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 31, 2011

Paid access to journal articles not a significant barrier for scientists

A new study in The FASEB Journal found that free access to scientific journal articles does not increase their citations, contradicting the widely-held 'open access citation advantage' theory. The research suggests that open access articles are seen by more readers but not cited more frequently.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 30, 2011

Next steps to making open access a global reality

Two articles in PLOS Medicine emphasize the importance of addressing issues that restrict open access to information in developing countries. Experts propose improvements to journal quality assessment standards and increased collaboration between publishers, authors, and readers from these regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 29, 2011
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.

New online resource on Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine

The BCG World Atlas offers detailed information on current and past vaccination policies across over 180 countries. This database aims to improve the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) by providing useful resources for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011

Can non-medical factors trigger sick leave?

A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more frequent in the days leading up to sick leave. Individuals with minor ailments were also more likely to report sick when they expected a stressful workday ahead, highlighting the impact of work environment on behavior when ill.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 22, 2011
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.

Prozac reorganizes brain plasticity

Research on Prozac reveals it can reorganize brain plasticity by altering neuronal cell activity and connections in the hippocampus. This changes may contribute to anxiety symptoms experienced by some patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Brain·DateMar 15, 2011

Social class makes no difference to water contamination risk

Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 15, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Pre-baby blues' due to lack of support from partner

A Norwegian study found that women unhappy with their relationships were more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. A good relationship, on the other hand, served as a buffer against everyday stresses, helping women cope better with work-related issues, financial problems, or moving house.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 13, 2011

Optical illusions show vision in a new light

Researchers used two well-known optical illusions to study how the brain assesses relative size, revealing that environmental clues affect perception after three-dimensional image processing. The Ponzo illusion was found to hold true regardless of eye use or presentation order.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2011

Thrill-seeking females work hard for their next fix

A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences found that female rats are more likely to develop cocaine addiction due to their heightened motivation and impulsivity. Researchers also discovered that the likelihood of drug abuse increases with an individual's sex, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateMar 10, 2011

How education can save your life

A new study reveals that education is inversely correlated with high blood pressure, with educated individuals experiencing a significant decrease in blood pressure over time. The research also found that higher levels of education are associated with lower BMI, smoking rates, and alcohol consumption.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2011

Macavity wasn't there! How absent reoviruses kill cancer

New research shows reovirus-infected cancer cells release pro-inflammatory proteins that recruit and activate white blood cells, killing cancer. A cellular signalling protein, Ras, is abnormally activated in many cancers, providing a window of opportunity for reovirus infection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateFeb 20, 2011
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.

Relatives of melanoma patients ignore their skin cancer risk

A new study found that young people with a family history of melanoma are still ignoring sun safety advice, despite being aware of the risks. The research showed that younger women in particular viewed tanning as healthy and were less likely to use sunscreen.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2011

Research predicts future evolution of flu viruses

Researchers developed a new approach to predict which flu strain will be prevalent in a given year by tracking pairs of genetic changes. This method offers insights into epistasis, where mutations interact with each other to affect the virus's fitness. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can gain early warnings of emerging muta...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 17, 2011

Recognizing gibbons from their regional accents

Researchers used acoustic analysis and genetic diversity to identify gibbons from their regional accents, showing a high degree of similarity between species within the same location. The study suggests that gibbon songs are adapted to forest environments, with distinct patterns in each region.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 6, 2011

Chocolate is a 'super fruit'

New research published in Chemistry Central Journal reveals that chocolate contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than fruit juice. Dark chocolate and cocoa have been found to have a higher antioxidant capacity and greater total flavanol content, making them a healthier alternative.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateFeb 6, 2011

Rural underage binge drinkers put their health at risk

A study of over 44,000 15 and 16 year olds in Germany found that rural teenagers are more likely to engage in binge drinking than their urban counterparts. Binge drinking has serious social and health consequences, including increased risk of accidents, unsafe sexual behavior, and long-term brain damage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 6, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Casualties of war: Wounded veterans more likely to die of coronary heart disease

A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that wounded veterans are more likely to die from coronary heart disease due to war-time stress. The research, conducted by Dr. Seppo Nikkari and his team, surveyed 55-year-old Finnish WW2 veterans and found a significant correlation between physical trauma and an increased risk of CHD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 26, 2011

Fighting the fight for healthy teeth

New research reveals that odontoblast cells in teeth orchestrate an immune response to protect against bacteria-induced decay. The cells produce proteins that down-regulate inflammation, protecting the underlying pulp from damage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Immunology·DateJan 23, 2011

Creating simplicity: How music fools the ear

Researchers used music compression algorithms to study brain response to complex and simple sounds. They found that enduring musical masterpieces tend to have high compressibility, suggesting our brains respond to simple patterns. This theory may lead composers to create music with simpler data structures for greater appeal.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJan 19, 2011
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.

How much sex is enough?

Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that polygamous mice produce more fertile offspring due to increased sperm competitiveness. After 12 generations of competitive selection, polygamous males outperformed monogamous males in both paternity and fertility rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 19, 2011

Big breakfast bunkum

A new study published in Nutrition Journal found that consuming a large breakfast does not lead to increased calorie burn throughout the day. In fact, researchers discovered that individuals who had bigger breakfasts tended to consume fewer calories during lunch and dinner, offsetting the extra calories consumed at breakfast.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJan 16, 2011

Humans helped vultures colonize the Canary Islands

Genetic comparison reveals Egyptian vulture population in Canary Islands was established around 2500 years ago, matching human colonization date. Human activity led to divergent evolution and demographic expansion of vultures, assisted in their adaptation to new environment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 12, 2010

The double-edged sword of dominance

Research finds that dominant animals in primate societies have higher parasite loads due to suppressed immune systems. Frequent aggression and contact with other animals may contribute to the risk of infection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBioPsychoSocial Medicine·DateDec 8, 2010
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.

Peer pressure can keep you healthy

A study of 3610 Australian women found that social norms play a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. Women who surrounded themselves with friends who engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to adopt similar habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateDec 6, 2010

Color test predicts response to hypnotherapy

Researchers found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who chose a positive color on a color chart were nine times more likely to respond to hypnotherapy. The study suggests the use of this test as a predictor for responders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateDec 6, 2010
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.

Allotment gardeners reap healthy rewards

A study found that allotment gardeners, especially those over 60, exhibit increased levels of physical activity and better overall health compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research also suggests that having an allotment can promote healthy aging and lifestyle habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateNov 22, 2010

Males more considerate than imagined

Researchers found that plugged females mated just as often and were more attractive than unplugged ones. Plugging improved female fitness by increasing egg production, suggesting a male's act may be beneficial to its partner. The study reveals new insights into the reproductive behavior of nematode worms.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateNov 1, 2010

Bicarbonate adds fizz to players' tennis performance

A randomized, controlled trial found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation maintained service and forehand ground stroke consistency in tennis players after a simulated match. The study showed no decline in skilled tennis performance in players who received the supplement.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateOct 25, 2010
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.

New evidence of the power of open access

New evidence supports the power of open access in increasing citation impact for higher-quality research. The study found that mandatory and self-selected open access articles have similar citation impacts, contradicting the self-selection bias hypothesis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 18, 2010

Western diet exacerbates sepsis

A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateOct 18, 2010