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Academic freedom on the decline

The Academic Freedom Index 2022 reveals that academic freedom has decreased substantially in nineteen countries and territories, affecting nearly two in five people worldwide. This decline affects some of the world's most academically advanced nations, including Mexico, Poland, and the USA.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateMar 3, 2022

Smart windows can significantly reduce indoor pathogens

Researchers found that smart windows with dynamic tinting can completely disinfect surfaces within 24 hours, reducing bacterial growth rates and viability. In contrast, traditional windows with blinds blocked almost all daylight, promoting contamination on glass, plastic, and fabric surfaces.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalLife Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New device advances commercial viability of solar fuels

A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Racial disparities and facility access in mammography recovery after COVID-19 closures

A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

New index tracks US state progress on promoting the health and well-being of older populations for the first time

A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateNov 23, 2021
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.

Private education in lower-income countries is having limited impact on learning

A study of over 560,000 children in India, Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda found that private education made little difference in learning outcomes, with gains largely attributed to more advantaged backgrounds. The researchers suggest that private schools may be drawing support away from state education without significantly improving stan...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalComparative Education Review·DateNov 22, 2021

Rural COVID patients in ICUs at higher risk of dying than urban counterparts, according to WVU researcher

A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateNov 11, 2021
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 deepest dive into the Earth's soil

The University of Idaho's Deep Soil Ecotron facility will be a game-changer for understanding soil ecosystems, allowing researchers to conduct experiments at unprecedented depths. By studying deep soils, scientists can better understand how organisms respond to global environmental change and improve carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 12, 2021

$18M NSF grant to build national semiconductor fabrication facility

The University of Arkansas will receive funding to build a unique production facility for silicon carbide integrated circuits, filling a void in US production. The open-access facility will provide opportunities for prototyping and device design, training the next generation of semiconductor researchers and engineers.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateOct 5, 2021

How to catch a perfect wave: Scientists take a closer look inside the perfect fluid

Researchers have discovered a new technique to locate the diffusion wake's signal in the quark-gluon plasma, a subatomic soup that flowed like a friction-free fluid after the Big Bang. This breakthrough may help scientists understand how matter emerged from this perfect fluid.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2021

Inequalities in education continued during second period of school closures

A new study found that school closures exacerbated existing inequalities in education, with disadvantaged families spending less time on learning at home. Despite increased home lessons, the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged families remained, with single-parent families showing a narrowing of the gap.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·TypeSurvey·DateAug 12, 2021

ICE violated internal medical standards, potentially contributing to deaths

A USC analysis found that ICE violated its own medical care standards in 78% of cases, often ignoring warning signs of critical illness. Many deaths were preceded by delayed or inappropriate care, and researchers recommend improved reporting, independent reviews, and rehabilitation for facilities with recurrent violations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2021
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.

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

How two California hospitals prevented the spread of a deadly fungal infection during the pandemic

Two California hospitals, Scripps Memorial and UCLA Health, detail their proactive responses to stop the spread of Candida auris. They implemented aggressive measures, including isolating patients, working with public health departments, and using effective disinfectants, to prevent transmission and successfully contain the outbreak.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 29, 2021

Indigenous people travel long distances to give birth compared with non-Indigenous people

A new study published in CMAJ found that Indigenous mothers are 23% more likely to travel 200 km or more to give birth compared to non-Indigenous women. The disparity is attributed to a lack of birthing facilities and providers near rural Indigenous communities, reflecting colonial policies prioritizing non-Indigenous settlements.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2021

An unprecedented survey of the 'nurseries' where stars are born

A team of researchers has conducted the first systematic survey of stellar nurseries, charting over 100,000 nurseries in 90 nearby galaxies. The study reveals that these nurseries are surprisingly diverse across galaxies, live only a relatively short time, and are not very efficient at making stars.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 8, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers identify facilitators for rehabilitation care for people with spatial neglect

A recent qualitative study identified facilitators for rehabilitation care of individuals with spatial neglect, including the importance of family support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous treatment. Experts also highlighted the need for therapists to engage patients and their families in therapy to improve outcomes.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·DateMay 24, 2021

Electrons riding a double wave

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid accelerator that uses both plasma acceleration and electron bunches to accelerate particles to high energies. The new technology has the potential to shrink existing accelerators by up to 1000 times, making them more compact and cost-effective.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2021
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.

Organic meat less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, study suggests

A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 12, 2021

Six out of every 10 teachers believe that changing the design of the classroom is key to improving learning

A recent study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 6 out of 10 teachers believe changing the classroom design is crucial for improving learning. The researchers emphasized the need for flexible spaces that prioritize physical and psychological well-being, allowing students to take an active role in their learning. Additionall...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalLearning Environments Research·DateApr 29, 2021

New pulsed magnet reveals a new state of matter in Kondo insulator

Researchers have discovered an exotic new state of matter in the Kondo insulator ytterbium dodecaboride, which exhibits properties of both metals and insulators. The study used a newly developed 75-tesla duplex magnet to suppress insulating properties and measure quantum oscillations.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 19, 2021
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.

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

The spintronics technology revolution could be just a hopfion away

Researchers have successfully demonstrated and observed 3D hopfions emerging from skyrmions at the nanoscale, a major breakthrough in realizing high-density, high-speed, low-power magnetic memory devices. The discovery could lead to significant advancements in spintronics technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2021

National Science Foundation funds creation of research observatory at Gakona

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will establish a new research observatory in Gakona, Alaska, to explore the upper atmosphere and geospace environment. The observatory will use instruments such as the Ionospheric Research Instrument and lidar to study space weather and its effects on Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateApr 6, 2021
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.

Shining a healing light on the brain

Scientists have developed a new treatment that uses wireless modulation of neurons with X-rays to treat brain disorders. The treatment involves injecting nanoparticles that light up when exposed to X-rays, eliminating the need for invasive brain surgery.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 24, 2021

New studies in indigenous languages

Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateMar 18, 2021

Patients value staff dedication most when evaluating substance use treatment facilities

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to analyze online reviews of substance use treatment facilities, finding that staff dedication and professionalism were key qualities that drove patient satisfaction. The study identified 16 recurring themes in reviews, with 'dedicated staff' and '...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Immigrants in ICE detention face high risks in COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that 42% of detained immigrants had chronic conditions and faced disrupted healthcare upon entering facilities. The study highlights the need for government action to reduce reliance on immigration detention, citing concerns over COVID-19 infection risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateMar 15, 2021

Assessing regulatory fairness through machine learning

A new study by Stanford researchers examines how machine learning techniques influence which communities are targeted for compliance efforts, revealing key elements of algorithmic design that impact environmental justice. The analysis highlights the need for explicit decision-making in environmental federalism.

SourceStanford University·DateMar 8, 2021

First images of muon beams

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new imaging technique that can assess the quality of high-energy muon beams. This innovation allows for better understanding and control of these beams in various applications such as non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and cancer radiotherapy.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2021

Change of course on the journey to the island of stability

Researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung investigate flerovium, element 114, and find it lacks a predicted 'magic' shell structure. This challenges the search for the island of stability in element 114 and shifts focus to heavier elements.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 26, 2021
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.

NSF awards Lehigh University $5.3M to renew NHERI experimental facility

The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University a $5.3 million grant to renew the NHERI Experimental Facility for another five years. The facility will provide unique experimental resources and data management for studying the effects of natural hazards on civil infrastructure, enabling researchers to develop transformati...

SourceLehigh University·DateJan 26, 2021

Do simulations represent the real world at the atomic scale?

A team of researchers developed a new validation protocol to confirm the accuracy of computer simulations at the atomic scale. They compared high-resolution X-ray reflectivity measurements with simulated results, providing insights into the complexities of solid-liquid interfaces.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJan 19, 2021

Study identifies amenities parents want in public parks

A survey by North Carolina State University researchers found that parents from diverse backgrounds prioritize park safety, green spaces, and amenities like playgrounds. The study aimed to pinpoint the most attractive park features for parents of different races and ethnicities in low-income communities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateDec 21, 2020

Hawai'i researchers kept the data flowing during crisis response on K?lauea

During the 2018 eruption of K?lauea Volcano, Hawaiian researchers leveraged pre-assembled stations with virtual machines to continue monitoring data despite instrument destruction and network failures. This enabled quick deployment and rerouting of data to scientists and decision-makers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Supercomputer simulations could unlock mystery of Moon's formation

Researchers ran supercomputer simulations to track material from the early Earth and a Mars-sized planet, Theia, after their collision. Simulations produced an orbiting body that could potentially evolve into a Moon-like object.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 3, 2020

American Vacuum Society honors Jefferson Lab accelerator scientist

Marcy Stutzman, a Jefferson Lab staff scientist, has been named a Fellow of the American Vacuum Society for her work on producing ultra-high vacuum environments. She contributes to the smooth operation of the lab's primary particle accelerator by ensuring high-quality equipment and maintaining a contamination-free environment.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateDec 1, 2020

Healthcare accessibility in sub-Saharan Africa

The study estimates that sub-Saharan Africa requires approximately 2.5 million additional hospital beds by 2030. Countries in the region must prioritize facility expansion and new construction to address growing population needs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Towards accessible healthcare for all in sub-Saharan Africa

The study analyzes healthcare accessibility in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies a strategy to efficiently abate inequalities. Researchers estimate that ~6,200 new facilities need to be built by 2030 to meet universal healthcare targets.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
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.

Safe ultraviolet light could be used to sterilise high-risk COVID-19 environments

Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a new method to disinfect air in hospitals and long-term care facilities using far-ultraviolet C lighting, increasing disinfection rates by 50-85%. The technology is safer than traditional UVC lighting and could provide an alternative solution to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

SourceCranfield University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2020
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.

Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Nursing home residents with cognitive impairment more likely to be admitted to hospital

A study from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that nursing home residents with cognitive impairment are more likely to be admitted to the hospital after an emergency department visit. The factors most associated with discharge back to the facility were falls, trauma or fracture, bleeding, and pain.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 19, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities

Researchers examined asymptomatic and presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities across the US, revealing significant variation in case counts by county. The study highlights the importance of considering local COVID-19 prevalence when evaluating infection control strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2020
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.

How to catch fire

Researchers at the University of Virginia are working on a project to improve the durability and efficiency of air-breathing hypersonic engines. Using advanced laser techniques, they aim to capture snapshots of gas-phase combustion reactions in supersonic environments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 12, 2020