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New paper lays out agenda for the next generation of biodiversity research

A new paper from University of British Columbia expert Dr. Mary O'Connor emphasizes the need to consider feedbacks in biodiversity research and policy making to mitigate negative consequences for humans. The authors propose building national and global biodiversity observatories to monitor ecosystems and human activities, enabling data...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 14, 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.

Neandertal and Denisovan blood groups deciphered

Researchers analyzed Neandertal and Denisovan genomes to identify blood groups, confirming their African origin and Eurasian dispersal. The study also found evidence of low genetic diversity and possible demographic fragility, shedding light on the disappearance of Neandertals.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Human exploitation of Caribbean shark communities

A study analyzed fossil dermal denticles from ancient coral reefs and modern reefs to estimate Caribbean shark abundance before and after human settlement. The results show a significant decline in shark populations, with fast-swimming species facing the greatest losses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Trust among corvids

Researchers found that Siberian jays exclusively trust warning calls from members of their own group, ignoring those from neighboring territories. This social knowledge mechanism may have played a role in the diversification of human languages and dialects.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Team from UHN, CAMH identify unique characteristics of human neurons

Researchers used live human cortical tissue to identify functionally important features that make human neurons unique, revealing a massive amount of diversity among human neocortical pyramidal cells. The team found distinct electrophysiological features between neurons located at different layers in the human neocortex.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2021

Factors that may predict next pandemic

A new study by the University of Sydney suggests that climate change and environmental pressure are key factors in predicting the emergence of pandemics. The researchers found a link between higher human population density, forest coverage, and disease diversity, particularly in countries with larger land areas and more dense populations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMar 29, 2021
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.

Eleven human genomes in nine days

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed an efficient de novo human genome assembly algorithm using the Shasta toolkit, achieving high accuracy and scalability. The algorithm can assemble a complete human genome in under six hours and costs around $70, paving the way for pangenome research to represent true human diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 4, 2020

ASHG honors Rick Guidotti with ASHG Advocacy Award

Rick Guidotti, founder of POSITIVE EXPOSURE, receives ASHG Advocacy Award for his innovative use of visual arts to celebrate human diversity. He has promoted genetics awareness, funding for biomedical research, and integrating genetics into health systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 2019

Snowball the dancing cockatoo has many moves

Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

ASHG launches Human Genetics Scholars Initiative

The Human Genetics Scholars Initiative aims to increase workforce diversity in human genetics research by providing intensive mentoring, skill-building, and community-building opportunities. The program will support up to 240 diverse young researchers over five years.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateApr 10, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New study shows human impact erodes chimpanzee behavioral diversity

A recent study found that high levels of human impact on chimpanzee habitats lead to a significant reduction in behavioral diversity. The researchers analyzed data from 144 social groups across Africa and found that behaviors such as tool use, nut consumption, and thermoregulation were lost at sites with high human disturbance.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2019

Human impacts erode behavioral diversity in chimpanzees

Research on 144 chimpanzee groups found that high levels of human impact significantly reduce behavioral diversity, including the loss of unique tools and hunting behaviors. The study suggests population size and social learning play key roles in maintaining cultural traits.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2019
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.

Chimpanzees lose their behavioral and cultural diversity

Researchers found that chimpanzee behavioral diversity is reduced by 88% in areas with high human impact, indicating a loss of cultural traditions and social learning opportunities. This study highlights the need to protect animal behavioral diversity as part of biodiversity conservation efforts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2019

Identifying major transitions in human cultural evolution

Researchers identify major transitions in human cultural evolution using computational methods and large cross-cultural datasets. The study reveals the complex processes underlying our cultural histories, including changes from small kin-based groups to colossal nation states.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

No longer lost in translation

Researchers developed a new approach to model human immune variation, identifying gene markers that correlate with human disease outcomes. The study found that accounting for immune diversity is critical for predicting disease outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

Discovering what shapes language diversity

A team of international researchers used a form of simulation modeling to study the processes shaping language diversity patterns in Australia. They found strong evidence that rainfall and limits to group size shaped both the total number of languages and the geographic patterns of language diversity on the continent. This study provid...

SourceColorado State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 10, 2017
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.

Autism and human evolutionary success

A recent study suggests that individuals with autism may have played an important role in their social groups due to their exceptional memory skills and heightened perception. Collaborative morality, which emerged around 100,000 years ago, allowed for the acceptance and respect of people with autistic traits.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTime and Mind·DateNov 15, 2016

Removing race from human genetic research

A team of scientists, including Michael Yudell, Dorothy Roberts, and Sarah Tishkoff, recommend phasing out race from genetic research due to its lack of clear-cut genetic boundaries. Instead, they propose using terms like 'ancestry' or 'population' to describe grouping for studies.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Gender diversity in the boardroom key for LGBT friendly firms

A study published by SAGE in Human Relations found that diversity in the boardroom is key to advancing LGBT-inclusive policies. Firms with a higher percentage of women on the board are more likely to adopt a broad range of LGBT-friendly policies and practices.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateFeb 3, 2016

Ancient fossils reveal diversity in the body structure of human ancestors

New research has found significant differences in the body structure of early human ancestors, including facial features and skeletal traits. The discovery of a 1.9 million-year-old pelvis and femur fossil reveals greater diversity in the human family tree than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 9, 2015
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.

Bacterial colonies evolve amazing diversity

Researchers tracked bacterial colonies using experimental tools to observe massive phenotypic diversification in aging Escherichia coli colonies. They found diverse metabolic capacities, stress resistance, and improved biofilm production among survivors of senescent colonies.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJun 30, 2014

News media reinforce sexual exploitation stereotypes

Research from the University of British Columbia found that Canadian print news articles frequently use words that legitimize sexual exploitation and portray victims as 'business' or 'trade'. The study suggests improvements are needed for accurate reporting to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality·DateNov 12, 2013

I think step to the left, you think step to the east

A study reveals cultural variations in spatial relationships, with nomadic hunter-gatherers remembering body movements differently than Westerners. German children followed a consistent pattern, while Hai||om children adapted their movements based on direction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 14, 2009
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.

Krauss awarded $1.2 million to document endangered languages

A team of linguists, led by Professor Michael Krauss, will document 11 endangered languages in Alaska using a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The project aims to preserve the Atuuan dialect, Southern Tsimshian, and other critically endangered languages.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateFeb 25, 2008

Big Mac: The whole world on your plate

Researchers examined over 7,000 plant species in the human diet, finding that humans consume a remarkably high number of plant families. A study of a McDonald's Big Mac meal revealed approximately 20 different species and ingredients originating from around the world.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 4, 2008

RAND study finds path to diversity success varies

Companies recognized for diversity may prioritize surface-level recruiting over comprehensive programs, while those in top human resources departments focus on work environment improvements. Researchers found that diversity initiatives are more effective when driven by business goals, such as boosting productivity and profitability.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateJan 23, 2008
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.

Pathogens shape evolution of humans' most diverse genes

A new study reveals that pathogens play a significant role in shaping the evolution of human's most diverse genes, specifically those encoding Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) proteins. High HLA diversity is found to correlate with high pathogen diversity, particularly for certain types of HLA genes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

Human Genome project leaves much of human variation unsampled

The Human Genome project has a limited representation of global genetic diversity due to an inadequate sample size from sub-Saharan Africa. This exclusion ignores the worldwide genetic variation and evolutionary history of the human species, according to anthropologist Todd R Disotell.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 5, 2000
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.