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Mathematical biologist Erika Camacho receives 2019 AAAS Mentor Award

Erika Camacho, an associate professor at Arizona State University, received the 2019 AAAS Mentor Award for guiding hundreds of underrepresented Ph.D. students to completion. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling for biology and sociology, and she has also mentored over 600 undergraduates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Putting yourself in their shoes may make you less open to their beliefs

Researchers found that taking someone else's perspective can make people less open to their opposing views, particularly when values are incongruent. In contrast, simply generating arguments for the other side without engaging in perspective-taking was effective in increasing receptiveness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 4, 2019

New strategy expands the benefits of Internet-delivered CBT

Researchers developed an adaptive treatment strategy to identify patients at risk of treatment failure in Internet-delivered CBT. The study found that adjusting the treatment to accommodate individual needs can significantly improve outcomes for those at high risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 30, 2019

Identifying factors that influence mercury levels in tuna

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that body size and sea-surface temperature are primary factors affecting methylmercury levels in tuna. The researchers developed a model to predict mercury levels, which worked well for most regions but underestimated levels in certain areas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

The FASEB Journal: Alternations in gut microbiota in pregnancy and lactation

A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that maternal gut microbiota changes significantly during pregnancy and lactation. Coriobacteriaceae and Escherichia bacteria increase gradually over gestational time, while short-chain fatty acids production increases during lactation.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 17, 2019

Carrots or candy bars? Context shapes choice of healthy foods

Research from Duke University suggests that context plays a significant role in food choices, with nearby indulgent treats leading to healthier options. The study found that when paired with unhealthy snacks, healthy foods became more appealing.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 9, 2019

'Environmentally friendly' flame retardant could degrade into less safe compounds

Researchers found that a promising eco-friendly flame retardant, polymeric flame retardant (polyFR), can break down into potentially hazardous substances when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light. The degradation process yields small, brominated compounds with the potential to cause toxic effects on organisms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 9, 2019
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.

Myth of Mona Lisa's magical gaze debunked

Researchers from Bielefeld University found that the Mona Lisa's gaze is not aimed at viewers, contrary to popular belief. The 'Mona Lisa Effect' is actually an illusion of being looked at, triggered by the viewer's perception of direction.

SourceBielefeld University·Journali-Perception·DateJan 8, 2019

Should researchers engineer a spicy tomato?

Gene-editing techniques may enable mass-producing capsaicinoids in tomatoes, which have nutritional and antibiotic properties. Researchers aim to develop commercial applications for these compounds.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJan 7, 2019

Our social judgments reveal a tension between morals and statistics

People tend to criticize others for using statistics to make judgments, yet they apply the same statistical approach when making their own judgments. The study found that participants viewed others' statistically-based judgments as unfair, inaccurate, and unintelligent.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 2, 2019
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.

The joy of giving lasts longer than the joy of getting

A study published in Psychological Science found that participants' happiness did not decline when they repeatedly gave gifts to others, unlike when they received identical gifts. The researchers suggest that giving may help maintain social connection and belonging, leading to a slower adaptation to happiness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 20, 2018

Unrelated events are linked in memory when they happen close together

A recent study found that people constantly record information about the order of events, even if they are unrelated, and use this order to help search memory. The researchers used real-world data from news stories to demonstrate that temporal proximity acts as a tether connecting memories for different events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 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.

Saving species with better monitoring

Dr. Easton R. White analyzes 822 vertebrate species populations, demonstrating substantial problems with current sampling approaches. He argues that properly statistically powered methods will provide a truer representation of population health.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 12, 2018

Most people overestimate total number of US gun owners

A study by University of Kansas professors finds that most people overestimate the number of US gun owners, with 75% of respondents estimating more than 50% own firearms. This overestimation could influence gun policy attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitics &amp Policy·DateDec 10, 2018

Gender bias sways how we perceive competence in faces

Research reveals a significant gender bias in how we perceive competence in faces, with masculine faces being rated as more competent. The study used a computational model to alter face stimuli and found that participants perceived more competent faces as more confident and masculine.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The FASEB Journal: Mice display altered immune system following spaceflight

Researchers found that mice exposed to weightlessness during a 30-day spaceflight displayed altered immune systems, with impaired B lymphocyte production and persistent effects after return to Earth. The study suggests potential concerns for astronauts' health and highlights the need for countermeasures.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 6, 2018

Monitoring species: Are we looking long enough?

Conservation efforts rely heavily on estimates of animal populations, but monitoring periods are often short due to funding cycles and experimental time frames. Research by Easton R. White suggests that 72% of species require at least 10 years of continuous monitoring for high statistical power.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2018

People and plants: Working together for the planet

The new journal explores the unbreakable bond between people and plants, highlighting its impact on societies, cultures, and ecosystems. It aims to publish emerging plant science with societal relevance, covering six themes: plant conservation, genomics applications, diversity, global change, natural assets, and their interconnections.

SourceNew Phytologist Foundation·DateDec 5, 2018

Science: High pressure orders electrons

High-pressure induced long-range charge order competing with superconductivity has been found in a high-temperature cuprate superconductor. The study provides new insights into the behavior of correlated electrons and mechanisms yielding to high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2018
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.

Can predictive analytics help banks, consumers avoid overdraft issues? New study says, yes

A recent study found that data and predictive analytics can help address the issue of bank overdraft fees, which are a significant source of revenue for banks. The researchers developed policy simulations to show that alternative pricing strategies can increase bank revenue while improving consumer welfare.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateDec 3, 2018

Touch can produce detailed, lasting memories

A study published in Psychological Science found that exploring objects through touch generates durable memories, even when participants don't intend to memorize details. Participants recalled objects with high accuracy after just one week, challenging existing cognitive and neural models of memory storage.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 27, 2018
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.

Lung disease in middle age may be a risk factor for dementia later in life

Research found that lung disease, including restrictive and obstructive conditions, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that low lung function was linked to an increased risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 26, 2018

Retailers can manipulate consumer regret to beat competitors

A new study by University of California - Riverside researchers finds that retailers can survive the entry of everyday low price retailers into a highly competitive market by controlling product availability and consumer regret. The results explain why markdown pricing remains ubiquitous despite its simplicity and marketing advantages.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 20, 2018

Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value

Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

Older adults' abstract reasoning ability predicts depressive symptoms over time

A longitudinal study of 1,091 Scottish adults aged 70-79 found that decreased abstract reasoning ability was linked to worsening depressive symptoms over time. Lower cognitive function at each assessment was associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting a potential causal relationship.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 14, 2018

Using the plant microbiome to restore native grasslands

Researchers argue that reintroducing native microbiomes can accelerate succession and increase plant diversity in restored communities. The study also highlights the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in maintaining these relationships.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 14, 2018

The illusion of multitasking boosts performance

Researchers found that participants who believed they were multitasking transcribed more words per second and scored better on comprehension quizzes. The study suggests that our perception of multitasking can influence how well we engage with tasks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2018
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.

Need to mail mosquitoes? Pack them up nice and snug

Researchers at New Mexico State University have developed an optimal protocol for shipping and handling mosquitoes for population control methods. Tightly packing mosquitoes at a rate of about 240 per cubic centimeter resulted in the highest survival rates.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateNov 7, 2018

Despite government claims, orangutan populations have not increased

Scientists criticize Indonesia's method of assessing management impacts on wildlife trends, highlighting a mismatch between government reports and independent data. Orangutans are facing serious threats from deforestation and killing, with populations declining by at least 25% over the past decade.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2018

Identifying a piranha by its bark

Scientists have discovered that different piranha species can be identified by the pattern of their barks, which could lead to more efficient conservation efforts. The study's findings suggest that passive acoustic monitoring may be a useful tool for studying piranha behavior in the wild.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 5, 2018

How clear speech equates to clear memory

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that listeners who heard sentences spoken in a clear style did better on memory recall tasks than those who heard them spoken in a conversational manner. The researchers suggest that clearly produced speech may be an efficient way to convey information and improve retention.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 5, 2018

New epilepsy warning device could save thousands of lives

A new high-tech bracelet, Nightwatch, detects 85% of all severe night-time epilepsy seizures and can save thousands of lives. The device recognizes key characteristics of severe attacks and sends wireless alerts to carers or nurses.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

First discovery of adventive populations of Trissolcus japonicus

Scientists discovered Trissolcus japonicus, a parasitoid wasp, in European apple orchards, which could help control the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. The wasp was found to be highly effective in reducing stink bug densities below economic thresholds.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Pest Science·DateNov 2, 2018

Voters' preexisting opinions shift to align with political party positions

A longitudinal study of voters in New Zealand found that participants tended to shift their opinions to align with those of their preferred political party. Strong supporters of a party were more likely to change their opinions over time, while those whose opinions were already aligned with the party position were less likely to shift.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 2, 2018

The FASEB Journal: Young plasma restores aged livers

A recent study found that young plasma has a protective effect on liver damage caused by ischemia reperfusion injury in experimental animals. The study's results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of blood from young animals to prevent age-related phenomena.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 1, 2018

People link body shapes with personality traits

A study published in Psychological Science found that people infer a wide range of personality traits from physical body features. Heavier bodies were associated with negative traits, while lighter bodies had more positive traits. The researchers developed 140 realistic body models to analyze these associations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 1, 2018

Tracking Aedes aegypti across the ages with vector genomics

Researchers track Aedes aegypti's evolution and spread using genomic techniques, revealing its historical traversal of slave trade routes and beyond. The study provides insights into the domesticated mosquito species' role in spreading diseases like yellow fever, dengue, and Zika.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 31, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Why polarized politicians can represent citizens best

A new study published in The Journal of Politics found that enacting campaign finance reform to reduce polarization would likely degrade representation quality. Citizens tend to prefer representatives with matching issue views, regardless of ideology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateOct 30, 2018

Consequences-focused cognitive training may promote healthier habits

A series of studies suggests that showing people the consequences of their unhealthy behaviors may be more effective than retraining mental associations. Participants who had a health-related goal internalized the relationship between foods and consequences, leading to positive automatic evaluations and actual eating behavior changes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2018

Binary bias distorts how we integrate information

Research found that people have a tendency to dichotomize data distributions and ignore differences in the degree to which instances differ from an explicit or inferred midpoint. This binary bias influences how people interpret sequences of information across various contexts and graphical displays.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 25, 2018

Fighting mosquitoes in your backyard with scientists' help

Researchers at Rutgers University develop a citizen-led mosquito control approach that mobilizes neighbors to address local problems with scientific guidance. The program, called Citizen Action through Science (Citizen AcTS), resulted in a significant reduction of invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes in targeted areas.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2018
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.

How people power can track alien species -- Study

A new study published in Nature journal Scientific Data highlights the role of citizen scientists in tracking the spread of invasive species. The UK Ladybird Survey mapped 48,510 observations of the harlequin ladybird over a decade, showing its rapid spread across England and Wales.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 24, 2018

Distinct systems for recognizing, navigating places

A neuroimaging study identifies two brain regions sensitive to visual scenes that respond differently to tasks involving place recognition and navigation. The results suggest a more multifaceted human visual system, with potential applications in computer vision systems and recovery from brain injuries.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2018
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.

Number of Veterans Affairs facilities offering acupuncture growing rapidly

The number of Veterans Affairs facilities offering acupuncture has increased from 42% to 88% in the past 7 years, according to a recent study. Acupuncture is being recognized as an effective component of chronic pain management and other areas of care in the VHA.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateOct 16, 2018

PPR virus poses threat to conservation

The PPR virus poses a significant threat to conservation efforts, with mass mortality events in critically endangered species like the Mongolian saiga. This highlights the urgent need for explicit inclusion of wildlife protection in the global eradication campaign.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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