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Hands on: Crafting ultrathin color coatings

Scientists have developed a technique to coat metallic objects with an extremely thin layer of semiconductor, producing vibrant optical effects on paper and other flexible materials. The ultrathin coatings can produce bright, solid colors using the same two metals, applied with only a few atoms' difference in thickness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 22, 2014
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.

Team develops 'cool' new method for probing how molecules fold

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and UC San Diego create microfluidic device to rapidly heat and cool biomolecules, allowing for the observation of rapid folding events. This breakthrough enables the study of normal and abnormal biomolecules, including those implicated in human diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014

Women don't run?

A Pitt study published in the American Journal of Political Science found that women are more 'election averse' than men, volunteering to lead groups but less likely to compete in elections. Women's lower willingness to run for office is attributed to factors such as election costs and the potential for negative campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateDec 12, 2014

New partnership to further commercialization of graphene

The UK's National Physical Laboratory and the University of Manchester are collaborating to speed up the application of graphene, accelerating its commercialization through accurate metrology and characterisation. This partnership aims to establish a Joint Centre of Excellence and make the UK a leading authority on graphene standards.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateNov 12, 2014

Ghost illusion created in the lab

Researchers at EPFL successfully recreated the ghost illusion in the laboratory by altering sensorimotor brain signals. This phenomenon is common to many cultures and can be observed in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 2014
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.

Genetic factors behind surviving or dying from Ebola shown in mouse study

A new mouse model reveals that genetic factors play a significant role in the severity of Ebola disease. Research suggests that certain genetic lines of mice are more resistant to the virus, while others are highly susceptible to severe illness and death. The findings could lead to rapid development of candidate therapeutics and vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 30, 2014

Nanosafety research: The quest for the gold standard

Poorly executed nanosafety experiments have led to a lack of new knowledge, with most projects being irreproducible due to inadequate particle characterization. The 'NanoScreen' programme aims to address this issue by providing pre-validated methods for lab experiments using standardized test materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2014

Helping general electric upgrade the US power grid

Researchers at General Electric and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have collaborated on designing a plasma-based power switch, which could contribute to the US power grid's advancement and reliability. The switch utilizes a compact, low-cost design, potentially reducing utility bills and enhancing grid efficiency.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 28, 2014

Postcards from the plasma edge

Researchers improved plasma performance by applying lithium coatings, but the mechanism behind this improvement remains unclear. A new laboratory experiment found that temperature affects lithium's ability to retain deuterium particles, with oxygen exposure improving retention at lower temperatures.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 28, 2014
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.

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.

In a battle of brains, bigger isn't always better

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists discovered that rats and mice exhibit comparable cognitive abilities, particularly in adaptive decision-making tasks. The study's findings suggest that genetic tools for mice could accelerate research on complex behaviors and learning.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Biochemists solve 'address problem' in cells that leads to lethal kidney disease

Researchers identified a compound called dequalinium chloride (DECA) that can prevent a metabolic enzyme from going to the wrong location within a cell. This prevents primary hyperoxaluria 1 (PH1), a rare and deadly genetic kidney disease, by ensuring the enzyme goes to its proper destination.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gambling with confidence: Are you sure about that?

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a brain region in rats responsible for their confidence in decisions. The study used rats to test decision-making and found that a specific region of the orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in measuring confidence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateSep 18, 2014

Worldwide study demonstrates accuracy of genetic analyses

A comprehensive study led by Mayo Clinic in 12 countries validates the accuracy of RNA genomic sequencing techniques and laboratories. The research establishes best practices for laboratories to ensure reproducible results, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions based on genomic data.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 12, 2014

Buckyballs and diamondoids join forces in tiny electronic gadget

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a molecule that conducts electricity in one direction, paving the way for shrinking chip components down to the size of molecules. The hybrid molecule, known as buckydiamondoid, was made by combining carbon spheres (buckyballs) with tiny diamond cages (diamondoids).

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2014
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.

Researchers define a spontaneous retinal neovascular mouse model

A novel mutant mouse model, NRV2, has been developed to study retinal neovascularization, a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. The researchers found that NRV2 mice show spontaneous retinal depigmentation and neovascularization, which mimic the early clinical stages of RAP disease in humans.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Key to speed? Elite sprinters are unlike other athletes -- deliver forceful punch to ground

Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that elite sprinters use a unique gait feature to maximize speed, delivering a firm and rapid punch to the ground upon contact. The study, which compared data from competitive sprinters to other fast-running athletes, suggests that there is only one way to achieve high speeds.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 26, 2014

Researchers find security flaws in backscatter X-ray scanners

A team of researchers found significant security vulnerabilities in full-body backscatter X-ray scanners used at US airports between 2009 and 2013. They demonstrated how attackers could conceal firearms and explosives using low-tech techniques, showcasing the need for rigorous testing and independent evaluation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 20, 2014

More than just X and Y: A new genetic basis for sex determination

Researchers discovered a subset of microRNAs that regulate sex differences in fruit flies, with implications for understanding human developmental defects and disease. The study found that these small RNA molecules orchestrate complex genetic programs that shape the structures distinguishing males and females.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenetics·DateAug 18, 2014

On the edge of graphene

Researchers discovered graphene devices have different electronic properties at edges and centers. Edge conduction was found to be p-type, while the center exhibited n-type electron conduction. These findings offer insights into developing graphene nanoribbon devices and studying edge photocurrents.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2014
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.

Learning how things fall apart

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to study bonding failures in materials, revealing the crucial role of moisture in setting the stage for failure. The findings could lead to the design of more durable composites and prediction of their strength under specific conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

F1000Research brings static research figures to life

The article introduces a proof-of-concept figure that generates data 'on the fly' when an online article is viewed. Readers can select parameters to alter the generated figure, allowing for self-evaluation of the data. This innovation aims to improve transparency and reproducibility in scientific publishing.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateJul 30, 2014

Rossi Foundation pledges $1M for JAX neurobehavioral research center

The Jackson Laboratory will establish a new Neurobehavioral Biometry Center with a $1 million pledge from the Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation. The Center aims to accelerate research in neurological and neurobehavioral disorders by assessing behavior related to disease characteristics and therapy responses.

SourceJackson Laboratory·DateJul 30, 2014
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.

MIPT-based researcher models Titan's atmosphere

A researcher from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology has developed a reliable mathematical model of Titan's atmosphere, which matches the latest data surprisingly well. The model takes into account various chemical reactions between neutral molecules and ions in the upper layers of Titan's atmosphere.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIcarus·DateJul 23, 2014

Ultrafast X-ray laser sheds new light on fundamental ultrafast dynamics

Researchers used an ultrafast optical laser and X-ray pulses to study the movement of electrons between atoms in exploding molecules. They observed that electrons can jump over surprisingly long distances, up to 10 times the length of the original molecule, shedding new light on microscopic dynamics.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2014

In development, it's all about the timing

A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a gene called LIN-42 that controls the timing of events during development, governing a broad range of events throughout growth and behavior. The study provides insight into how species evolve without creating new genes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 17, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sierra Leone samples: Ebola evidence in West Africa in 2006

Researchers analyzed clinical samples from suspected Lassa fever cases in Sierra Leone and found nearly 9% tested positive for Ebola virus. The study demonstrates that Ebola has been circulating in the region since at least 2006.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 14, 2014

Advances in mollusk parasite culturing methods drives research

Researchers found that advances in parasite purification and culture methodologies significantly increased publication rates by 3-10 fold, leading to new molecular tools and resources. This study provides a side-by-side comparison of the publication records for four major genera of protozoan parasites affecting mollusks.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2014

Laboratory models suggest that stretching forces shaped Jupiter moon's surface

Researchers used physical analog models to simulate Ganymede's geologic structures, finding that stretching forces created characteristic patterns of ridges and troughs. The study suggests that a process involving crustal breaks due to large amounts of extension is the primary mechanism for forming these features.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2014
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.

USAMRIID research sheds light on how deadly lassa virus infects cells

Scientists have discovered that Lassa virus uses a two-step process to enter cells, involving the transport of the virus to a lysosome and the binding to an interior cell receptor called LAMP1. This finding could lead to new approaches for preventing the disease.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2014

Lab monitoring tests not always ordered per recommendations

A study found that lab monitoring tests are not always ordered as recommended, with factors such as specialist status, age, and general health influencing the use of these tests. The research suggests that interventions to improve laboratory monitoring should focus on areas with the greatest potential for improvement.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 26, 2014

Pew awards research funding to 10 Latin American scientists

The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded research funding to 10 Latin American scientists through its Biomedical Sciences program. The fellowship provides flexible funding and networking opportunities to help early-career scientists develop skills and connections that will aid them in becoming scientific leaders in their home countries.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 24, 2014

Scientists take first dip into water's mysterious 'no-man's land'

Researchers have made the first structural observations of liquid water at temperatures as low as minus 51 degrees Fahrenheit, revealing new insights into its molecular structure and behavior. This study opens a new window for exploring liquid water in extreme conditions, which is relevant to global ocean currents, climate, and biology.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2014
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.

Study: Commuting times stay constant even as distances change

A new study by MIT researchers shows that commuting times are generally independent of distance traveled, as long as commuters have access to various transportation options. This is demonstrated through the use of mobile phone data across five locations on four continents.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2014

Faster DNA sleuthing saves critically ill boy

A 14-year-old boy's rapid recovery from brain-inflaming encephalitis thanks to next-generation sequencing techniques. The innovative approach, developed at UCSF, enables quick diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, revolutionizing clinical laboratory practices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2014
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.

There's more than one way to silence a cricket

Researchers report that Hawaiian crickets have lost their songs due to a natural defense mechanism against parasitoid flies. The silent crickets avoid the deadly flies and still mate by positioning themselves near singing males, showcasing convergent evolution in action.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 29, 2014

Suspect strep throat? Re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 28, 2014

Intermediaries increase corruption

A recent study published in Experimental Economics found that intermediaries significantly increase corruption, regardless of their level of involvement. The researchers designed a laboratory experiment to test the impact of intermediaries on corrupt behavior, and their results confirm this suspicion.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalExperimental Economics·DateMay 26, 2014

Male infertility: It's all about the package

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called Chd5 that plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling during sperm development. The team found that Chd5 is essential for maintaining the genetic information of male fertility, and its absence can lead to infertility and increased risk of disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014
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.