A series of energy price increases across the Middle East and North Africa indicates a shift away from subsidies as a means of legitimacy for autocratic regimes. The reforms aim to streamline patronage structures, allowing regimes to maintain control while reducing their reliance on oil rents.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that social networking site Instagram's recommendation algorithms amplify homophily, making women less visible and reducing their popularity. The algorithms, which turn loose on a network with homophily, effectively make women less visible.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 20, 2018
A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 19, 2018
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.
New research found that men under 50 who smoked had an increased risk of stroke, with the risk increasing as the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The study revealed that even light smokers were 46% more likely to have a stroke than non-smokers, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking to reduce stroke risk.
A new study shows that rapid expansion of British Columbia's Take Home Naloxone program significantly reduced opioid overdose deaths. Between January 1 and October 31, 2016, the program prevented 226 deaths or 26% of all possible overdose-related deaths in that time period.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateApr 18, 2018
A team of researchers and botanists collaborated with Twitter to identify a globally imperiled plant species, Heuchera alba. They found seven new populations, expanding the species' range beyond previously known small populations in Virginia and West Virginia.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed an algorithm to identify fake users on multiple social networks with high accuracy. The method uses machine-learning algorithms to detect improbable links between users, outperforming other anomaly detection methods.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalSocial Network Analysis and Mining·DateApr 17, 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 NSLS-II's Hard X-ray Nanoprobe has demonstrated capabilities to observe materials down to 10 nanometers, enabling scientists to visualize single molecules. This technology will enable the study of various materials properties simultaneously.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Futures·DateApr 17, 2018
Researchers found an association between certain risk-related terms on Google Trends and subsequent syphilis trends reported to the CDC. The Twitter-based model predicted state-level trends in syphilis with 90% accuracy, allowing for early warning systems to be developed.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEpidemiology·DateApr 16, 2018
A new RAND Corporation report reveals Russia's sophisticated social media campaign targeting the Baltics, Ukraine, and nearby states. The report recommends strengthening tracking, blocking, and tagging of Russian propaganda, offering alternative media, and developing compelling arguments to align populations with Western values.
A new study published in PeerJ found that scientists who communicate their research through social media, particularly Twitter, tend to receive more citations. This positive correlation suggests that science communication can help increase the reach of scientific discoveries.
Researchers propose causal chains as an approach to understanding interplay between social and ecological spheres. These chains identify ordered sequences of effects on how a system responds to perturbations, with implications for policy and management.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 11, 2018
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.
Researchers have developed a technique to analyze old proteins on historical artifacts, providing insight into past lifestyles and medical conditions. This method, using chromatography resins, can identify biomarkers like morphine and kidney disease indicators, shedding light on the lives of those who created or used these items.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 11, 2018
A new study published in NeuroRegulation found that smartphone overuse is associated with higher levels of loneliness, anxiety and depression. The study suggests strategies such as turning off push notifications, scheduling focused work periods and engaging in face-to-face interactions to combat digital addiction.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalNeuroRegulation·DateApr 11, 2018
A study of a billion Twitter posts found that users with darker skin tones modified emojis more often to express their identity, while users with light skin were less likely to make changes. The results also showed that darker skin tones were underrepresented globally, but still widely used.
A study analyzing online messages about implanted cardiac defibrillators found that about 25% of the advice was inappropriate and six percent was controversial. The research highlights the need for clinicians to ensure patients receive accurate information outside of doctor's offices, particularly when it comes to complex decisions.
A new tool called Squadbox, developed by MIT CSAIL, enables people who have been targeted by online harassment to coordinate a squad of friends to filter messages and shield themselves from abusive content. The 'friend-sourcing' approach aims to augment human support with tools in a meaningful way.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateApr 5, 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.
A recent study found that early trend propagators on Twitter are less responsive to advertising messages compared to those who embrace the trend later. This means marketers should rethink their strategies when targeting this group.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 3, 2018
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 28, 2018
A study found that most healthcare professionals lack knowledge and understanding of recommended obesity treatments, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. The results suggest that additional obesity training is needed among health care professionals to improve patient care management, communication, and behavior change.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalObesity·DateMar 23, 2018
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.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that an intervention using hip hop music increased stroke awareness for economically-disadvantaged children and their parents. The program improved knowledge of stroke symptoms among children from 2% to 57% right after the intervention.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that social networking sites create awareness for gift-worthy occasions and inspire people to give more gifts. Online gift exchanges on Facebook were found to be reciprocal, with most givers reporting having received a gift in the past.
Research published in BMC Public Health found an association between increased social media time and reduced wellbeing in later adolescence among girls. However, the study did not find a similar association for boys.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 19, 2018
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.
A study found that 4.9% of Medicare beneficiaries lack a personal physician, scoring lower on measures of healthcare quality and experiencing poorer mental health. Encouraging regular doctors for these patients may improve continuity and care.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 16, 2018
Researchers investigated how people curate their social image on the web using game theory. They found that people are willing to pay to filter out unfavorable information from their online profiles.
SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateMar 15, 2018
A recent study by researchers sheds light on the hidden health risks of elevated lead levels in private wells. The team found that even newer, 'lead-free' pipes can contain a small amount of lead that leaches into water, posing a risk to those consuming it.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 14, 2018
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.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki are using artificial intelligence to monitor and combat illegal wildlife trade on social media. Machine learning algorithms can automatically identify species, classify sentiment, and process visual content to aid law enforcement and conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 12, 2018
Fake news is a real problem that requires serious research to solve, according to a paper by Filippo Menczer and colleagues. The authors estimate that automated social media accounts spread misinformation across 60 million on Facebook and up to 48 million on Twitter.
SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018
A new MIT study found that false news travels more rapidly and deeply on Twitter than real news, with false statements retweeted up to 70% more often. Researchers attribute the phenomenon to human psychology, suggesting that novelty drives the spread of falsity.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018
A new MIT study found that false news spreads widely and easily on Twitter, traveling farther and faster than the truth. Contrary to conventional wisdom, humans play a key role in spreading false news, with falsehoods being 70% more likely to be retweeted.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018
Researchers found that watching others perform a skill increases perceived ability, even if actual performance doesn't improve. Overconfidence can be detrimental, especially when attempting skills without sufficient practice.
SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 8, 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.
A study analyzing Twitter data from 2006 to 2017 found that false information diffused significantly farther and faster than true news, reaching up to 100,000 people. The top 1% of false-news cascades spread even more widely, with political news being the most virulent.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018
A recent study suggests that offering basic password guidance can significantly improve account security. Researchers found that those who received more detailed support and feedback were up to 10 times more likely to create stronger passwords. The study highlights the importance of effective guidance in promoting end-user security.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalComputers & Security·DateFeb 28, 2018
Scientists have developed a way to write graphene patterns onto virtually any surface, including food, using a new laser technique. This technology could enable edible electronics that track food origin, storage, and safety, as well as detect harmful organisms like E. coli.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 28, 2018
The detergent industry is innovating to keep up with evolving market demands as consumers invest in upgraded products. Manufacturers are now considering e-commerce and sustainable packaging options, such as lighter and leak-proof formulations for long-distance shipping.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.
A preliminary study found that a strict gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of pain in people with gluten neuropathy, with those on the diet scoring higher on mental health assessments. The study involved 60 participants and showed an association between a self-reported gluten-free diet and less pain.
A study suggests that frequent exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with a stronger link observed in men exposed for more than 50% of their working life. The research, published in the American Academy of Neurology's meeting program, found no associations among women, highlighting the...
A study found that commonly used ICU risk scores can be adapted to provide continuous updates on the severity of illness in critically ill patients. The scores, including APACHE, SOFA, and DRS, showed good accuracy in predicting mortality risk and were more responsive to changes in patient condition.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2018
A study found that seeing more exercise-related posts from friends can make people concerned about their own weight and body image. However, for some individuals, these posts can also motivate them to exercise and feel better about it.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalHealth Communication·DateFeb 22, 2018
Researchers analyzed over 540,000 tweets to find nearly 80% of them were duplicates or re-tweets originating from bot accounts. The study found that right-wing internet activists used social bots to spread nationalistic content and boosted Abe's election campaign.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalBig Data·DateFeb 20, 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.
Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of low-income participants had never visited a farmers market, highlighting a need for increased awareness. A novel internet-based social marketing strategy, Healthy Roots for You, was tested to increase awareness and encourage future use among low-income residents.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Public Health Research·DateFeb 20, 2018
Researchers found less people tweet per capita from larger cities compared to smaller ones, but identified a group of prolific tweeters who serve as information broadcasters for larger cities. This study challenges previous results and provides new insights into urban pace of life and social media behavior.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalSAGE Open·DateFeb 20, 2018
Research found that corporate social responsibility efforts during and after disasters build strong relationships with consumers if they appear altruistic on social media. Users who frequently use social media to find information during crises are more likely to trust companies engaged in CSR efforts.
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.
Researchers found that analyzing Twitter conversations about Zika and other public health crises can provide accurate insights into community attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. This method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone-based polling, which can be slow and expensive.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJMIR Public Health and Surveillance·DateFeb 20, 2018
Research suggests that social media use is correlated with slightly better school grades, particularly when used to discuss school-related topics. However, excessive social media use while studying can lead to poorer performance.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateFeb 19, 2018
A new online game aims to provide general immunity against fake news by simulating the techniques and motivations behind its spread. Players engage with fake news sites, Twitter bots, and conspiracy theories to build their critical thinking skills.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Risk Research·DateFeb 19, 2018
A Drexel University study explores how social media platforms like Facebook facilitate healing for women who experience pregnancy loss and stigmatized disclosures. Researchers found that sharing personal stories online reduces stigma, builds support networks, and promotes emotional well-being.
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.
Penn State professor Conrad Tucker is using social media data to predict catastrophic events and identify fake news. His project aims to create algorithms that increase the reliability of publicly available sources.
Early introduction of peanuts into the diet may prevent the development of peanut allergy in high-risk infants. Oral immunotherapy is a promising approach to allergen desensitization for children with known peanut allergies, increasing threshold amounts before experiencing reactions by at least 25 times.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Nurse Practitioner·DateFeb 15, 2018
New studies highlight key differences in stroke risk factors, treatment, and outcomes between men and women. Fluctuations in hormone levels, pregnancy-related complications, and treatment disparities affect women disproportionately.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateFeb 8, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
One hundred high school students from 28 states have been named winners in the third year of PBS' and Stand Up To Cancer's Emperor Science Award program. The recipients will work with a university scientist on a multi-week cancer research project, receive a Google Chromebook computer, and a $1,500 stipend.
A new study found that individuals who think further into the future tend to avoid risks, but this is not related to investment behavior. Instead, those with longer future-sightedness are more likely to choose waiting for future rewards.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers developed a social emotion mining computer model that predicts the right ordering among six Facebook emoticons in terms of votes. The new robust label ranking model outperforms existing solutions and can help social media managers and advertisers analyze their content more accurately.
A new study reveals that northern permafrost soils store nearly twice as much mercury as all other soils, the ocean, and the atmosphere combined. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the global mercury cycle and potential environmental consequences of thawing permafrost.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018
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.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Instagram users are drawn to social news and entertainment content, but less likely to engage with political or controversial images. Researchers identified strategies for increasing engagement with audiences, including presenting news images in aesthetically pleasing ways.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVisual Communication Quarterly·DateFeb 1, 2018
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has received a $11.1 million gift from the Henrietta B. and Frederick H. Bugher Foundation to fund targeted research in hemorrhagic stroke. The centers will employ precision medicine, data analysis, and core collaborative research to prevent and treat this type of stroke.
Young people in care benefit from social media by maintaining healthy birth family relationships and friendships, making new connections, and easing transitions. Social media provides emotional support, increased self-esteem, and mental well-being, helping reduce stigma and shame associated with being in care.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe British Journal of Social Work·DateFeb 1, 2018
Researchers identified four personas shaping teenagers' online behavior: the Lurker who avoids peer drama on social media, the Geek who shares anonymous content, the Internet Celebrity who values visibility, and the Victim who suffers from personal exposure and shame.
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.
Researchers developed a new theory identifying key individuals spreading news and viruses in epidemics by analyzing message transmission dynamics. The study predicts the influence of spreaders in networks, enabling efficient immunization strategies and identifying influential actors.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 29, 2018
Researchers found that Asian Americans are more likely to experience severe ischemic strokes and have poorer functional recovery compared to whites. The study highlights the need for more focused research and different treatment strategies for Asian Americans.