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What does it take to thrive in cities, if you’re a bird?

Research reveals that urban bird species are generally smaller, less territorial, and have greater ability to fly long distances. They also have broader dietary and habitat niches, lay more eggs at a time, live longer, and inhabit wider elevations compared to other species.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2023
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.

Abundance of urban honeybees adversely impacts wild bee populations, according to new Concordia research

A new Concordia University study found that the rapid growth of urban honeybee-keeping is adversely affecting nearby wild bee populations. The researchers compared bee population data collected from sites around Montreal in 2013 and 2020, finding a decline in wild bee species richness associated with increasing honeybee abundance.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPeerJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2023

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases risk for flu

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateApr 19, 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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Most plastic eaten by city vultures comes straight from food outlets

Researchers found that black and turkey vultures ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover and higher densities of commercial food providers. They may eat plastic thinking it's nutritious bone fragments or intentionally to collect bulk for vomiting up indigestible parts of carrion.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2023

Study shows families making choices that perpetuate segregation in city with school choice policy

Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalUrban Education·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 10, 2023

Study shows involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness may cause significant spikes in mortality, overdoses and hospitalizations

A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increasing education opportunities for girls could help reduce preventable deaths in children under five

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that maternal education, especially secondary education, significantly reduces under-five mortality rates in both rural and urban areas of India. The study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey and discovered a protective effect of maternal education on child mortality.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalHealth & Place·DateMar 24, 2023

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
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.

Patients with high blood pressure who partnered with community health workers more likely to achieve blood pressure control

Researchers found that community health worker partnerships led to significant improvements in blood pressure control among South Asian patients, who face unique social and cultural barriers to healthcare. After six months, 68% of treatment group participants had controlled blood pressure, compared to 42% of the control group.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 23, 2023

Passerine bird takes advantage of human settlements

Daurian redstarts move their nests closer to human settlements when cuckoos are around to protect against brood parasitism. This strategy has been observed in a population of Daurian redstarts in northeastern China, illustrating how urbanization affects interspecific interactions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Urban birds prefer native trees

A long-term study from Lund University in Sweden found that native trees are preferred by urban birds due to their availability of resources. Non-native trees lack an evolutionary history with the local ecosystem and have fewer insects, leading to a shortage of food for insectivorous birds.

SourceLund University·JournalOecologia·DateFeb 13, 2023

Resilience to HIV-related stigma may be key to ending the AIDS epidemic

A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

US neighborhood walkability influences physical activity, BMI levels

A new study found that people in highly walkable neighborhoods are more likely to engage in adequate physical activity and have lower BMIs, but the association differs among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The study highlights persistent inequities in physical activity due to systemic racism and policy barriers.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObesity·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2023

THE LANCET: Planting more trees could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures in cities by a third, modelling study suggests

A modelling study suggests that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures by a third. The study found that tree cover reduced urban temperatures by an average of 0.4 degrees during the summer, resulting in 6,700 premature deaths attributable to hotter urban temperatures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 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.

Genomic methods aid study of Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak

A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 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

Urban lizards share genomic markers not found in forest-dwellers

Researchers found parallel genomic signatures in urban Anolis cristatellus lizards, which also exhibit physical differences such as longer limbs and larger toe pads. These adaptations enable the lizards to thrive in cities.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2023
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.

Town and country: Urban and rural differences in Mpox vaccination and testing

A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateDec 19, 2022

Warm days are contributing to gun violence surge across the US

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Washington School of Social Work found a consistent relationship between higher temperatures and higher risk of shootings in 100 of the country's most populated cities. Nearly seven percent of shootings can be attributed to above-average daily temperatures.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

Precise solar observations fed millions in ancient Mexico

The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022

How selfish genes succeed

A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

World’s first open access dashboard revealed Tempe, Ariz. neighborhood-level trends of COVID-19 from wastewater-based epidemiology

The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 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.

Why those sounds from your upstairs neighbor are so annoying #ASA183

A team of researchers conducted laboratory experiments and online surveys to study the perceived annoyance of impact sounds. They found that thudding sounds created by people walking barefoot are not captured by current standardized performance metrics, which may lead to improved guidance for architects and building code developers.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 6, 2022

Monkeypox vaccine modelling study provides road map for vaccination

A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 28, 2022

Great Britain’s city centers ranked on “greenness”

A new study ranks Great Britain's city centers based on their green attributes, including tree cover, vegetation, and parks, revealing disparities in urban biodiversity and human health. The top five cities are located in southern England, while the bottom five relate to industrial areas in northern Britain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2022
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: Pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts, yet increased focus on initiatives

A new study from the University of Kansas found that while the pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts in some cases, it also increased focus on certain types of initiatives. Nearly half of cities reported negative effects on program implementation, but 75% said sustainability staffing was not affected.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalState and Local Government Review·TypeSurvey·DateNov 8, 2022

ASU leads $25M project to develop Southwest urban integrated field laboratory

The ASU-led SW-IFL aims to understand complex relationships between extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supply on vulnerable urban subpopulations. The integrated field laboratory will combine high-resolution data, advanced computer modeling, and community engagement to create regionally specific predictive tools.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 7, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

HRSA funding will result in collaborative effort between schools

The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 31, 2022

CPR education in public housing communities may improve cardiac arrest survival

A new study suggests that CPR education programs tailored to public housing communities can significantly improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The research found that more than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Vienna and Copenhagen occurred in these communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to train ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2022

Walkable neighborhoods may pave way to less cardiovascular risk

Neighborhood walkability is associated with lower cardiovascular disease burden and risk, according to two preliminary studies. The analysis found that even after considering other factors, walkability alone was linked to a 0.1% decrease in cardiovascular disease for each one-point increase in walkability score.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Avoiding extinction: Some Asian animals found thriving near humans

Researchers found four species – tigers, elephants, wild boars, and clouded leopards – showing increased populations in areas with human infrastructure. However, deforestation still impacted some species, particularly clouded leopards.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022
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.

In the transition to high school, eighth graders who move to a new building were less delinquent than peers who stayed in the same setting

A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 20, 2022

Study shows how urban environment influences physical activity in COPD patients

The study found that higher population density was associated with fewer steps taken by patients, more sedentary time, and worse exercise capacity. Longer pedestrian street lengths were associated with more steps and less sedentary time, while steeper terrain was linked to greater exercise capacity.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2022

CityAccessMap: Addressing urban inequalities with open-source data

The CityAccessMap tool assesses urban infrastructure distribution and identifies areas for improvement, helping policymakers address socio-economic disparities. Disadvantaged communities face lower access to urban services, which can hinder social mobility and exacerbate inequalities.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 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.

Urban trees rooted in redlining and environmental injustice

A University of Maryland-led study finds that street trees in Baltimore reflect the city's history of institutionalized racism but also modern reparation efforts. Researchers discovered that green neighborhoods have more diverse tree communities and larger, older trees, while redlined areas have less diverse tree species.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcology·TypeCase study·DateOct 5, 2022

Risk of urban tree falls is influenced by building height and neighborhood age, Brazilian study shows

A Brazilian study of 26,616 tree falls in São Paulo found that building height and neighborhood age are key factors influencing the risk of tree failure. Sidewalk width and tree height were also found to be significant variables. The research provides valuable insights for urban planning and tree management in the city.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateSep 29, 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.