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Declines in racial disparities in COVID mortality in 2021 were largely driven by increases in white mortality and changing pandemic geography

A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Income inequality may not be reliable predictor when it comes to population health outcomes, new URI study shows

A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of Health Population and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

An embarrassment of riches

Researchers found that Indigenous populations with limited food availability have slower brain aging, while industrialized populations experience faster cognitive decline. Beyond a certain point, excessive energy gain from food intake is associated with smaller brain volumes and faster aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2023
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.

Pregnancy-related deaths spiked for second consecutive year during COVID-19

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals a 104% increase in pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native people, with rates nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. The Delta and Omicron variants contributed to the worsening burden of mortality, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023
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.

To promote exercise, planners must look beyond cities

Researchers from Cornell University recommend that planners in suburban and rural communities focus on promoting recreational programs, expanding transportation options, and creating safer environments to help an aging population get more exercise. The study found that demographic factors, such as minority populations and lower incomes...

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2023

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

Association of rurality with risk of heart failure

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that rurality is associated with a higher risk of heart failure among predominantly low-income individuals in the southeastern United States. The inequity highlights the need for targeted primary prevention efforts for rural populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Risk of developing heart failure much higher in rural areas vs. urban

A large NIH-supported study found that adults living in rural areas have a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure than those in urban areas. Rural-dwelling Black men face the greatest risk, with a 34% increased risk compared to urban counterparts.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Heart failure risk higher in rural areas

A large observational study found that heart failure risk is 19% higher for adults living in rural areas of the US compared to urban areas, with a significant disparity in Black men. The study highlights race- and sex-based inequities in heart failure risk, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent heart failure.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Inequities, research gaps in ophthalmology

A review of 75 publications found significant knowledge gaps on health inequities affecting the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups, including American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating barriers to clinical studies and medical trainee recruitment in under-resourced areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2022

Tailored approach makes inroads in rural firearm safe storage

A new study presents early data from an online prevention strategy aimed at reducing the risk of firearm injury and death in rural areas. The effort tailors messages about safe firearm storage and teen firearm suicide to a rural audience, with strong engagement reported by 86% of parents.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Power to the people must include the people

A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2022
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.

Study identifies mental health disparities in rural schools

A recent study by Washington State University found that rural public schools are less likely to provide mental health services compared to urban schools, with only 38.3% offering treatment. Rural schools also reported lower funding and lack of access to qualified professionals as barriers to providing these services.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022
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.

Rural health education center in Illinois gets $6.5M

The University of Illinois Chicago's National Center for Rural Health Professions has received $6.5 million over five years to fund the Illinois Area Health Education Centers Network, addressing critical health workforce needs in rural and underserved communities. The program provides training opportunities for high school and college ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 3, 2022

Telehealth makes hearing health care more equitable

Digital health technology enables quality healthcare access regardless of location, monitoring individuals exposed to excessive noise or ototoxic medication. Researchers explore how telehealth can facilitate the prevention of permanent hearing loss and close the gap on hearing health disparities.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateSep 20, 2022

NIH launches $8 million prize competition to reduce maternal deaths in regions that lack maternity care

The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateSep 15, 2022

Millions of farmers put their faith in God when making decisions

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that religiosity significantly affects the risk preferences of small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. Farmers who believe in a higher power are more willing to take risks, with approximately 26% believing God determines their success as farmers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAgricultural Economics·DateSep 13, 2022

New study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA

A new study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA, with significant disparities seen in male and younger patients. The study found that reductions in mortality rates in urban areas were mainly limited to female and older patients, while outcomes worsened for male and younger indiv...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 10, 2022
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.

Growth of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners helped offset drop in psychiatrists treating Medicare patients

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 3 mental health prescriber visits to Medicare patients were provided by PMHNPs, a significant rise from 2011-2019. The growth of PMHNPs helped offset the decline of psychiatrists treating Medicare patients, resulting in a 12% decrease in mental health specialist visits instead of a 30% drop.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Meth use drives overdose epidemic in rural U.S. communities

A new study reveals that methamphetamine use is widespread in rural America, driving overdoses and deaths. The research found that people using both methamphetamine and opioids had a significantly higher risk of nonfatal overdose, with 22% reporting an overdose in the past six months.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022
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.

Disparities in United States COVID-19 vaccine distribution

A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals health care facilities serving diverse populations were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. The findings highlight inequities in vaccine distribution, contradicting national policy goals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 28, 2022

Food stamp work requirements increase mental health care use

A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJul 28, 2022

Evaluating a new model for funding rural healthcare in Pennsylvania

A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Native Americans face disproportionate travel burden for cancer treatment

A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalValue in Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Anti-Asian hate tweets during COVID-19

A University of Utah-led study found a surge in anti-Asian hate language on Twitter between January and March 2020, with clusters of hateful tweets spreading across the US. The researchers identified 15 geographic regions where anti-Asian hate was statistically higher than expected.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Project RED reduces hospital readmissions for patients with depressive symptoms

The study found that the adapted version of the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) Program, RED for Depression (RED-D), reduced hospital readmissions among patients with depressive symptoms by 48% and 70% at 30- and 90-day marks. The program included post-discharge depression treatment and transition support.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 25, 2022
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.

People in rural communities face cultural, structural and individual barriers to health care

A systematic review of qualitative studies found that rural patients experience significant challenges in accessing health care services for chronic conditions. Cultural, structural, and individual factors influence these experiences, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve access to care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

MU grant will help nurses boost confidence in COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Missouri has received a grant to help nurses discuss COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy with their communities. The project will equip nursing students with knowledge and confidence to promote public health through effective communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateApr 11, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers find patterns of handgun carrying among youth in rural areas, building foundation for injury prevention

A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022

Study shows how rural transgender youth are resilient, resistant to oppression

A new study from the University of Kansas found that rural transgender youths use resilience and resistance strategies to cope with discrimination and hostility. These strategies include affirming themselves, maintaining authenticity, resisting oppressive narratives, and taking action to defend their rights.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalYouth·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 28, 2022

290 million new city dwellers benefit China's climate balance

Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 21, 2022
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.

Study examines connection between availability of healthy food options, health

A study found that supermarkets provide the healthiest assortment of foods, followed by grocery stores, while convenience stores have lower availability and higher prices for fruits and vegetables. The research has important implications for regions with high obesity rates and limited access to healthy food options.

SourcePenn State·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateFeb 17, 2022

Social support may lower American Indians’ risk of cardiovascular disease, death

A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Most workers experience multiple, interconnected vulnerabilities to COVID-19

A study of 2,800 US workers found that clusters of financial, mental health, and healthcare access vulnerabilities contribute to COVID-19-related disparities. Essential workers experienced more financial vulnerability, while women had worse mental health, and rural residents faced greater healthcare access barriers.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Rural residents tend to hold fatalistic beliefs and perceive more cancer-related information overload than urban residents

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that rural residents are more likely to think fatally about cancer and feel information overload compared to urban adults. Lower education levels were associated with increased fatalism and information overload.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJan 28, 2022
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.

There’s no longer one rural America – could there be five?

Researchers in Ohio identified five distinct types of rural communities, each with unique characteristics and attracting different demographics. The study found that rural areas near metropolitan cities are experiencing growth, while more remote areas are losing residents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Land Use Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

K-12 experience, population density among factors that support rural ‘brain gain’

Researchers found that college graduates between 34 and 43 years old are more likely to return to their hometowns if they had a strong attachment to their public K-12 schools. The study also revealed that rural communities with lower population densities and fewer postsecondary degree holders were more attractive to returning graduates.

SourceIowa State University·JournalRural Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2022
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.