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Study shows Massachusetts response to COVID-19 in nursing homes helped stem infection rate

A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 25, 2020

Test, isolate, communicate: Keys to controlling a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility

A study by West Virginia University found that COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities can be controlled through rapid testing, isolation, and effective communication among staff, residents, and families. Communication played a crucial role in quashing an outbreak at Sundale facility, where only five residents died.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateSep 22, 2020

Young gay men's health care needs not being met

A Rutgers study found that young gay men who experience healthcare discrimination or have providers lacking in knowledge about gay men's health issues are more likely to miss out on screenings and care. Creating safe spaces for disclosure can build trust and improve access to relevant services.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

Immune functions traded in for reproductive success

Researchers found that anglerfishes with permanent attachments lack key immune molecules, leading to a severely blunted immune response. Instead, they rely on improved innate immune facilities to defend themselves against infections.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2020

Patients with substance use disorder discriminated against by post-acute care facilities

A study by Boston Medical Center found that 29% of private post-acute care facilities in Massachusetts explicitly discriminated against hospitalized individuals with opioid use disorder, rejecting their referral for admission. The rejections were often due to a substance use disorder diagnosis or treatment with buprenorphine or methadone.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateJul 16, 2020

Love-hate relationship of solvent and water leads to better biomass breakup

A team of scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass. They identified optimal temperatures for the process, which can aid in the rational design of even more efficient technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2020
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.

Partnerships with health systems can provide support to nursing homes during pandemic

Nursing homes face extreme challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, but partnerships with health systems can support better staffing, virus testing, and data sharing. This collaboration can facilitate reduced hospital readmissions, improved safety of transitions of care, and ultimately improve care for vulnerable populations.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 13, 2020

New study: Publicizing OSHA violations increases compliance

A Duke researcher found that publicizing OSHA violations through press releases leads to a significant improvement in compliance among nearby facilities, with effects persisting up to 31 miles away. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective tool for regulatory agencies to promote safety and health in the workplace.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 toll in nursing homes linked to staffing levels and quality

Residents of long-term care facilities with lower nurse staffing levels and poorer quality scores suffer from higher rates of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Higher nurse staffing ratios are strongly associated with fewer cases and deaths, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 18, 2020

3D-printed system speeds up solar cell testing from hours to minutes

A new 3D-printed system developed by Australian scientists can now analyze 16 sample perovskite-based solar cells simultaneously, significantly speeding up the testing process. The invention enables rapid evaluation of performance and commercial potential of new compounds, accelerating the development process for next-gen solar cells.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalSolar RRL·DateMay 20, 2020

New study finds 2 billion people without proper sanitation at high risk for coronavirus

A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to soap and clean water, increasing their risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. The study highlights the need for long-term solutions to protect against the virus and its devastating impact on public health.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 20, 2020
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.

Egregious emissions

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that a small percentage of industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of toxic pollution year after year. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 facilities across 322 manufacturing industries and found that only 1,116 can be characterized as 'super poll...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020

Grocery depot brings increased traffic to South Bronx

A new study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opening of a FreshDirect warehouse in Mott Haven, Bronx, increased truck and vehicle flow, leading to small increases in air and noise pollution. The researchers estimated increases of 0.06 dBA (noise) and 0.003 µg/m3 (black carbon air pollution).

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Offshore oil and gas platforms release more methane than previously estimated

A new study from the University of Michigan found that offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico emit approximately one-half a teragram of methane each year, comparable to large emitting oil and gas basins. The effective loss rate of produced gas is roughly 2.9%, significantly higher than current inventory estimates.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 13, 2020
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.

Capturing 3D microstructures in real time

Researchers have developed a machine-learning based algorithm for quantitatively characterizing materials with features as small as nanometers. The tool can detect faults and cracks, predict lifetimes under different stresses and strains, and track the evolution of microstructures in real time.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 2, 2020

Renewable energy developments threaten biodiverse areas

Over 2000 renewable energy facilities are built in biodiverse areas, posing a significant threat to plant and animal species globally. The research team urges governments and industries to reconsider locations and prioritize biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 25, 2020

Nature-inspired green energy technology clears important development hurdle

A team of scientists has developed a nature-inspired design for artificial photosynthesis, capable of generating large sources of renewable energy using CO2. The system consists of nanoscale tubes that mimic the structure of living photosynthetic cells, allowing for efficient conversion of sunlight into fuel.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 19, 2020
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.

The arrival of the laptop in the classroom and parental mediation

A study examines family views on eduCAT1x1 programme, finding parents feel unrest managing out-of-school laptop uses, which compete with academic activities. The research suggests the need to coordinate education reforms with family dynamics.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista Complutense de Educación·DateMar 5, 2020

Research reveals best hospital-based methods for reducing readmission rates

A study by Binghamton University researchers found that hospitals can reduce readmission rates by collaborating with certified home healthcare agencies and implementing house-call programs. Facilities with interdisciplinary case-management teams also showed lower readmission rates when an advanced-practice registered nurse was included.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProfessional Case Management·DateMar 3, 2020

Researcher receives grant to study effects of hypersonic shock waves

The researcher will employ real-world materials to study the effect of surface roughness on dynamic behavior of hypersonic shock-wave interactions in a Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube facility. The goal is to aid in the design of next-generation Air Force flight systems, overcoming technical challenges such as extreme heat and pressure loads.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 2, 2020

Researchers overcome the space between protons and neutrons to study heart of matter

Researchers used novel method to access space between protons and neutrons, capturing snapshots of correlations to study nuclear matter. They found that leading theories on interactions describe the strong nuclear force at short distances, with a tensor interaction at close range and a scalar interaction at smaller scales.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 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.

18-hour year planet on edge of destruction

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting a star in just over 18 hours, the shortest orbital period ever recorded. The hot Jupiter, NGTS-10b, is perilously close to its sun and may be spiralling towards destruction.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 20, 2020

Demand for drone delivery in e-retail is high, ability to meet that demand low

Researchers find optimal design for 3-drone facilities covering 75% of NYC area and 34% of population, with increasing costs not justified beyond this point. The study suggests drone delivery may be viable in smaller markets with price-sensitive customers under right tech capabilities and regulations.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalTransportation Science·DateJan 29, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

More federal funding needed to increase Americans' active transportation habits

A study found that only a slight increase in walking occurred, while cycling rates remained stagnant, with significant disparities by education level and demographics. The study calls for greater investment in safe bike lanes, sidewalks, and education programs to promote walking and cycling among all age groups.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateJan 14, 2020

Ten not-to-be-missed PPPL stories from 2019 -- plus a triple bonus!

PPPL made significant strides in fusion energy development, including the creation of a supersonic plasma jet that could study stellar bodies light years away. The Laboratory also partnered with Princeton University to study low-temperature plasma and developed an award-winning apprenticeship program for early career technicians.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJan 2, 2020

Parity law improved medicaid acceptance at substance use disorder treatment centers

A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that the 2008 parity law increased Medicaid acceptance rates for substance use disorder treatment centers by more than 10 percentage points. The increase was attributed to an 8.4% boost in 2009, with higher acceptance rates in the Northeast and lower rates in the South and Southeast.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMedical Care·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

As large chains grow to dominate dialysis, patient outcomes decline

Researchers at Duke University found that acquisitions by large, for-profit dialysis companies hurt patient health, survival rates and transplant rates. After acquisition, patients were more likely to be hospitalized, survived lower rates, and had reduced access to life-saving transplants.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateOct 23, 2019

Retired UT extension specialist inducted into National Hall of Fame

John Campbell, a retired UT Extension specialist, was inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents' (NACAA) Hall of Fame for his commitment to community service and effective leadership. He served nine counties as an area farm management specialist and helped develop state-wide programming.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 1, 2019
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.

MSU researchers lead team that observes exotic radioactive decay process

Researchers from MSU and TRIUMF observed a rare nuclear decay in beryllium-11, measuring low-kinetic-energy protons emitted after beta decay. The observation represents a new challenge for understanding exotic nuclei, particularly halo nuclei.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2019

Scientists seek to harness the power of accelerators for environmental remediation

Researchers Fay Hannon and Gianluigi Ciovati design low-energy, compact accelerators to clean wastewater. The technology has the potential to replace existing methods, which can be chemically and energetically intensive. The accelerators may also be used to treat tar sands, hydraulic fracturing fluids, and other industrial byproducts.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateSep 13, 2019

What happens underground influences global nutrient cycles

Researchers at EMSL and JGI selected proposals to study the impact of warming on soil microbial responses, algal photosynthesis, and plant-microbe interactions. The studies aim to understand how underground processes influence global nutrient cycles, with potential implications for climate change feedbacks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 10, 2019

Charge fluctuations, a new property in superconductors

Researchers have identified a new property in superconductors called dynamical charge density fluctuations in cuprates. These fluctuations affect electrical resistance in the 'normal' state above the superconducting critical temperature.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fetching water increases risk of childhood death

A new study reveals that adults fetching water is associated with an increased risk of child death and children collecting water with increased odds of childhood diarrheal disease. Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces maternal and child health risks, including lower child mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 3, 2019
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.

Brookhaven completes LSST's digital sensor array

Brookhaven National Laboratory has completed a 3.2 gigapixel digital sensor array for the LSST camera, enabling the capture of the most complete images of our universe. The team successfully built and shipped the final raft to SLAC, marking the end of a 16-year project.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 19, 2019

Accelerating development of STT-MRAM

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully observed the microscopic chemical bonding state of ultrathin MgO using AR-HAXPES. This breakthrough could lead to improved MgO quality and accelerated development of STT-MRAM, a non-volatile memory with high-performance and low power consumption.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 5, 2019

Goal-oriented rehab improves recovery in older adults

Researchers found that enhanced medical rehabilitation, which incorporates motivation during therapy sessions, leads to a 25% improvement in functional recovery among patients. The approach focuses on specific goals important to individual patients, resulting in better outcomes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 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.

Scientists reproduce the dynamics behind astrophysical shocks

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory reproduced the process behind astrophysical shocks, bridging the gap between laboratory and spacecraft observations. The experiments showed how plasma interactions can cause sudden jumps in pressure and magnetic field strength, accelerating particles to near light speed.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 30, 2019

A hidden truth: Hospital faucets are often home to slime and biofilm

Researchers found that dirty sinks and faucets can splash contaminated water onto patients and healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of faucet design in infection control. The study introduced sink guards as a solution to limit splashing, improving hand hygiene practices.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 26, 2019

Islamic values play a significant role in the travel decisions of Muslim tourists

A new study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that Islamic values play a significant role in Muslim tourists' travel decisions. The research found that Muslim travelers prioritize halal facilities, prayer spaces, and adherence to Sharia law when choosing destinations, driving growth in the global halal tourism market.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·DateJun 24, 2019
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.