Analysis of US cellphone data finds areas with low social distancing levels, driven by demographic factors such as population density. The study suggests encouraging voluntary distancing could be an effective alternative to government restrictions, reducing disease spread.
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 semi-automatic phone triage system designed to help people with chest discomfort during out-of-hours periods has been found to be unsafe and unreliable. The system underestimated the severity of more than a quarter of patients with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for input from nurses to ensure accurate assessment.
A study using anonymous mobile phone location data found correlations between increased travel and higher COVID-19 infection rates in US states after stay-at-home mandates were enacted. The findings suggest that mobility patterns can be an indicator of the spread of the virus.
Researchers used publicly available cell phone location data to analyze activity across up to 2,740 counties in the US. They found that counties with a greater decline in workplace cell phone activity showed lower COVID-19 infection rates, suggesting this data can be used to estimate growth rates and inform decision-making.
Researchers analyzed anonymous county-level cell phone location data and incidence of COVID-19 in over 2,500 US counties between January and May 2020. The study found that changes in cell phone activity were associated with COVID-19 incidence, suggesting that anonymized cell phone location data can help public health officials monitor ...
A study published in PNAS examines how travel duration affects disease transmission in Namibia from 2010 to 2014. The researchers found that longer trips were associated with increased disease transmission in low-density areas.
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.
Researchers create tiny communication networks that allow electronics to eavesdrop on cells and alter their behavior. These systems could enable applications such as wearable devices for bacterial infections and capsules for tracking blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a security gap in the LTE mobile network, enabling eavesdropping on calls. The vulnerability affected 80% of radio cells across Germany, but has been fixed by manufacturers and mobile phone providers.
A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.
This study assesses telemedicine unreadiness among older adults in the US, using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The results show that a significant proportion of older adults are unprepared to access video or telephone telemedicine due to disability or technology inexperience.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a new model for positioning tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) to improve cellular phone and internet networks. The study shows that TUAVs can outperform free-flying UAVs in most scenarios with longer tethers.
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.
A new Medicaid payment model in Oregon reduced imaging services by 42%, allowing clinics to redirect resources towards more valuable patient care. The alternative payment model provided clinics with flexibility to reduce low-value services and explore new forms of care.
Before state-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, individuals in the US reduced their movement, which was strongly correlated with a decline in COVID-19 case growth. This suggests that social distancing played a crucial role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Residents in high-hit US counties reduced daily trips by 35-65% before states implemented stay-at-home orders, slowing virus spread. Social distancing played a crucial role in reducing case growth rates and mitigating the pandemic.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of researchers has developed a method to identify crowded areas with high viral transmission rates using data from existing wireless networks. This technique could help regions manage risks and prevent future outbreaks, while protecting user privacy.
Access to mobile phones is linked to improved health outcomes, including lower infant and maternal mortality rates. Mobile phones also enable women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including the use of modern contraceptive methods.
A new study found that looking at your phone during a meeting is akin to snubbing your interlocutor, with viewers rating distracted members lower in competence. Manager policies on technology use also impact perceptions, with clear policies leading to higher ratings.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that government-imposed restrictions on consumption can have unintended consequences for conservatives. The research showed that conservatives increased mobile phone usage in vehicles after a law was enacted, and were more likely to purchase unhealthy foods and view e-cigarettes more ...
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.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that halogenated flame retardants from old TVs can be transferred to hands, cell phones, and indoor air, posing a health risk. Frequent handwashing is essential to reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals.
A recent study found that cell phones and shoes harbor distinct communities of microbes, with shoes displaying greater diversity. The research also uncovered a substantial proportion of 'microbial dark matter' groups, previously unexplored in lab settings.
Scientists at CNIC discover a system providing cells with positional information about their location in developing organs. The study shows that malfunctioning of this system causes congenital malformations and may explain the effects of thalidomide, a drug inducing limb defects.
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.
Research using 113,620 women's data found mobile phone ownership increased household decision-making power and HIV knowledge. Worldwide mobile phone adoption also linked to decreased gender inequality and mortality rates.
A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.
A Flinders University academic challenges traditional arguments that Chinese written characters hinder its global adoption. Dr Jeffrey Gil presents four arguments supporting the possibility of Chinese becoming a global language, citing technological advancements and historical precedents.
Researchers provide guidance on effective serious illness communication over video or telephone during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also report cases of pulmonary arterial thrombosis in COVID-19 patients with fatal outcomes, highlighting the need for improved understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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 at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a non-contact method for detecting the state of charge and defects in lithium-ion batteries. The technique uses atomic magnetometers to measure the magnetic field around battery cells, enabling fast and high-throughput measurements.
University of Utah engineer Massood Tabib-Azar has developed a portable, reusable test for COVID-19 that works with cellphones. The sensor uses just a drop of saliva and can produce results in a minute, and is designed to be reused multiple times by destroying the previous sample.
A new mobile phone app is being tested to help smallholder farmers in Pakistan and Madagascar manage their land effectively. The system uses a paper strip to analyse soil nutrients and recommends levels of fertiliser to use.
A new photosensitizer compound created by West Virginia University researchers has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of solar panels and other technologies. The compound, made from zirconium, can convert light into electrical energy, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for renewable energy.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that a large number of mobile phone apps contain 'backdoor secrets', allowing hackers to access private data or block content. The team evaluated 150,000 apps and discovered that 12,706 contained hidden behaviors, posing a significant risk to users.
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.
Iowa State University engineers develop a closed-form solution for the inverse chirp z-transform, enabling efficient computation on the unit circle and lifting restrictions of existing algorithms. The algorithm achieves high accuracy with 64-bit floating-point numbers and operates in O(n log n) time.
Researchers investigated how users choose their mobile phone PINs and found that six-digit PINs do not provide more security than four-digit ones. The study also showed that Apple's blacklist could be optimized and would make sense on Android devices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University launch a project to study the effects of microgravity on human heart tissues. The team sends heart muscle tissues on tissue chips to the ISS for observation, with the goal of understanding aging and developing treatments for heart disease.
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 research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.
Researchers have developed an improved mobile phone app, QUiPP v2, to determine the risk of preterm birth in women. The app helps doctors identify women at high risk and offer timely interventions to prevent complications and improve survival rates for newborns.
Ultrasonic waves can activate Siri and Google without phone owners' knowledge, as demonstrated by Washington University researchers. The team tested 17 phone models and found that all but two were vulnerable to such attacks.
A Univision News poll by Cornell University finds that Bernie Sanders leads among Latino voters in Nevada with 33% support, followed by Joe Biden at 22%. The survey also shows significant concerns over health care and racism among Latinos, with four out of five disapproving of President Trump.
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 discovered a vulnerability in LTE that enables attackers to impersonate mobile phone users, booking fee-based services and accessing sensitive information.
A new Yale School of Public Health study found that genetic variations in specific genes are associated with increased thyroid cancer risk among cell phone users. Researchers analyzed over 900 people and identified 10 SNPs that appear to increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
A systematic review from George Washington University finds that telehealth interventions can lead to improved health outcomes in low-risk obstetrics, family planning, and gynecologic conditions. Text messaging and remote monitoring are identified as key components of effective telehealth interventions.
The first major literary work developed as an app, The Canterbury Tales features a 45-minute audio performance of the General Prologue, along with digitized original manuscripts. New research reveals previously unknown information about the tales' characters and context.
A study by Lancaster University has highlighted the need for a national review of support services for male survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The research reveals long waiting lists, limited face-to-face counseling options, and a 'post-code lottery' in accessing support.
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.
Researchers have developed an ultra-thin and ultra-flexible electronic material that could be printed and rolled out like newspaper. The new conductive sheet is 100 times thinner than existing touchscreen materials and so pliable it can be rolled up like a tube.
A new study examined how dispatched call information influences police officer decisions to use deadly force. Inaccurate information about a subject's presence of a weapon was associated with an increased likelihood of shootings of unarmed subjects.
A recent study has provided new insights into the early development of PTSD, revealing that it proceeds along two independent tracks. The research, which tracked symptoms over 30 days after a traumatic event, suggests potential interventions to prevent its development and proposes different treatment approaches for fear-based and depre...
A new system allows thousands of patients in rural Africa to provide anonymous feedback on their care using a basic USSD tool. The results showed promising outcomes, with users enthusiastic about empowering themselves to communicate their experiences.
A new study from Ohio State University found that people tend to misremember numerical statistics on controversial issues to align with their existing beliefs. When presented with accurate data, participants often flip or distort the numbers to match their preconceptions, even when they're correct.
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 study published in Environmental Research suggests that cell towers should be placed at least 500 meters away from schools, hospitals, and sleeping areas to reduce health risks. The existing laws in the US, however, do not consider environmental effects when siting cell towers.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel receiver that overcomes obstacles in terahertz radiation, enabling record-breaking transmission speeds of 30 gigabits per second. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation 6G cellular network technology and various other applications.
Researchers at UFABC in Brazil developed a glycerol fuel cell powered by niobium, promising to replace batteries in small devices and power electric vehicles. The technology reduces the need for fossil fuels and offers a sustainable energy solution.
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.
A study of 180 gunshot wound survivors found that they experienced negative outcomes in terms of employment, alcohol and substance use, and mental health compared to the general population. Nearly half of the survivors screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A team of researchers from EPFL and MIT used mobile phone location data to study the spread of dengue fever in Singapore. Their findings showed that even low levels of mobility can cause an epidemic to spread, emphasizing the need for effective spatial distribution models.
The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.
Researchers developed a paper-based sensor that can detect iron levels in fortified food products with high accuracy and reliability. The sensor uses a cellphone app to analyze the color change, providing a simple and affordable solution for monitoring nutrient content.
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.
Researchers at Brown University have developed Portal-ble, an augmented reality system that turns smartphones into portals for interacting with virtual objects. The system uses infrared sensors to track hand movements and enable users to pick up, turn, stack, or drop objects.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new algorithm to solve the inverse chirp z-transform (ICZT), a problem that had gone unsolved for 50 years. The algorithm has been tested for numerical accuracy and shows promising results in terms of computational complexity.
In a study published in eLife, researchers found that outer hair cells adjust the sensitivity of neighboring inner hair cells to sound levels rather than amplifying them. This discovery could lead to better interventions to protect hearing and develop new ways to prevent hearing loss.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new study found that mobile technology alters how people view the outside world based on battery life and charging points. Battery icons shape daily activities and user identities, with full batteries linked to feelings of positivity and control, while low batteries induce anxiety and discomfort. The research reveals a strong social ...
A nurse-led follow-up service has improved patient care for those with early-stage lung cancer by increasing clinic capacity, reducing waiting times, and ensuring continuity of care. The service also promotes junior medical training and is well-received by patients and the multidisciplinary team.
The NIST team used cesium atoms to receive digital bits in phase shifting format, receiving up to 5 megabits of data per second. The atom-based system showed decent accuracy with an error vector magnitude (EVM) below 10 percent.