Researchers have discovered a new link between gene LLRK2 and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that therapies currently being developed for a small group of patients may benefit everyone with the disease. The study also found that LRRK2 plays a key role in clearing excess alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 25, 2018
A new study analyzed prescription drug coverage policies for treating chronic noncancer pain, finding opportunities for insurers to redesign coverage and improve pain management. The research highlights the need to expand access to opioid alternatives through coverage and reimbursement policies.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 22, 2018
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that many wildlife-vehicle collisions in Ontario can be prevented with cost-effective strategies. The study recommends integrating effective measures into wildlife conflict zones during major road work, which could save millions in taxpayer money and insurance costs.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateJun 21, 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.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that private insurers deny coverage for life-saving hepatitis C drugs at a rate of 52.4%, while Medicaid and Medicare deny treatment at 34.5% and 14.7% respectively. The high denial rates may be due to varying restrictions on reimbursements among states.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateJun 7, 2018
A new UBC study found that disasters with significant human toll strengthen religious faith, while those with mostly economic damage do not. For every one per cent increase in injured people due to a climate disaster, attendance at religious services rises by four per cent.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·DateJun 5, 2018
A study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who saw a physical therapist first had significantly lower rates of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services, and emergency department visits. They also had lower out-of-pocket costs and a higher probability of hospitalization in some cases.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 22, 2018
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that most insurance companies have not considered a changing climate in their practices. Insurers are failing to adjust premiums and coverage as extreme weather events increase in severity, frequency, and unpredictability.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBritish Journal of Management·DateMay 15, 2018
Crowdfunding campaigns for unproven stem cell interventions often convey misleading information about treatment efficacy and risks. The study analyzed 408 campaigns, finding that 44% made definitive claims, while 36 mentions of low-risk interventions were reported.
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.
The FraudBuster approach uses proactive risk prediction at the underwriting stage to identify unprofitable drivers who are likely fraudulent risks. This novel method can help insurers reduce fraud in high-risk markets, such as the automobile insurance market.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateApr 16, 2018
The study highlights how natural disasters can disrupt industries and regions, causing significant economic losses. Intersectoral and interregional linkages contribute to these losses, which can be up to 50-70% of standard estimates for major metropolitan areas.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateApr 11, 2018
A global scientific review finds that systemic pesticides like neonicotinoids are not as effective as once thought and can be replaced by alternative pest-management strategies. The study identifies diverse approaches, including ecological corridors, crop rotation, and biocontrol, to reduce environmental harm.
SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 26, 2018
A study found that delivering infused chemotherapy in a physician office resulted in lower healthcare expenditures for commercial health insurers. The study analyzed data from over 283,000 patients who received infused chemotherapy between 2004 and 2014. Delivering chemotherapy at a physician office was associated with lower spending c...
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study of nearly 3 million births found the ACA's dependent coverage provision led to increased use of prenatal care, higher private insurance payments for births, and a modest decline in preterm births. However, it did not affect cesarean delivery rates or low birth weight.
The study found that ACA's Medicaid expansion led to significant increases in insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of patients receiving timely and optimal care for five common surgical conditions. This improvement was particularly notable for patients with serious surgical conditions such as appendicitis or aortic aneurysm.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that just 11% of California's community-based pharmacies offer birth control services, with most charging a fee for the service. The legislation aims to make it easier for women to access contraception without seeing a doctor first.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 12, 2017
Living in a household with a prescription opioid user may increase the risk of prescription opioid use by other household members. According to a study published in JAMA Network, the one-year risk of prescription opioid use was an absolute 0.71 percent higher among people in households where another person had an opioid prescription.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2017
A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateNov 22, 2017
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.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is considering adopting 'accountable care organisations' (ACOs), a US healthcare model that aims to improve care coordination and reduce costs. Experts warn that this change would be a major overhaul of the NHS without proper public consultation.
In Tanzania, consumers are willing to pay up to 7% for mobile money services that provide theft insurance against street robberies and home burglaries. The study found that people prefer to store cash in mobile wallets for short periods, with costs ranging from 1.52% per kilometer or 0.8% per day.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateNov 13, 2017
A groundbreaking study found that clot removal may be beneficial for some stroke patients even if they arrive beyond the 6-hour treatment window. Researchers used brain imaging and clinical criteria to select patients, showing significant benefit in nearly half of those treated with endovascular therapy.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2017
A recent study found that foreign-born adults are significantly less likely to report health-related impediments to working and apply for disability benefits. This is due to various factors such as greater longevity, lower rates of chronic disease, and strong social supports.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDemography·DateNov 6, 2017
Researchers adapted an Integrative Medical Group Visit approach to address chronic pain, fatigue, and depression in low-income Spanish-speaking Latinos. The program combined complementary and integrative medicine, medical group visits, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, showing significant benefits.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017
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.
A new Yale study finds that Medicare plans place few restrictions on the coverage of prescription opioids, despite federal guidelines recommending such restrictions. The researchers highlighted an untapped opportunity for Medicare formularies to limit opioid prescribing, citing a modest increase in opiate coverage between 2006 and 2015.
SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 9, 2017
A recent study from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy found that social and cultural factors are playing a significant role in determining when patients receive opioid prescriptions. Patients with publicly funded insurance, those in the U.S. South, and Hispanic patients were more likely to be prescribed opioids.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBehavior Modification·DateSep 27, 2017
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that only 30.9% of patients prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors ever received therapy, largely due to copay costs and prior authorization processes. Patients with governmental insurance and those filled at specialty pharmacies were more likely to be approved.
Emergency room patients prescribed opioids are less likely to become long-term users, with prescriptions exceeding 7 days decreasing by 84-91% in ER settings. This study suggests that adherence to CDC guidelines may contribute to reduced opioid misuse.
SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 26, 2017
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.
Agricultural insurance can have a range of unintended ecological and social consequences, including declining biodiversity and soil quality. Insured farmers may adopt riskier cultivation strategies, leading to further environmental problems.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateSep 25, 2017
Professor Matthias Scherer and his team at TUM discovered new facts about Gumbel's life, including his statistical analyzes of court proceedings and newspaper articles. The researchers found that 326 out of 354 political murders by right-wing factions went unpunished, highlighting Gumbel's pioneering work in modern data journalism.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalExtremes·DateSep 19, 2017
A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that popular fitness trackers have security weaknesses that can compromise users' personal data. The team discovered vulnerabilities in communication procedures and demonstrated how to intercept messages and bypass encryption systems.
Middle-aged Americans face dental health issues due to lack of care and insurance coverage. Despite the importance of preventive care, many opt for delayed or no care due to cost and fear of the dentist.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateSep 7, 2017
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 new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that ACA marketplace plans offer significantly fewer mental health providers than primary care, highlighting the need for better regulation and incentives. The study suggests that narrower network design and lower reimbursement rates may contribute to this disparity.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 5, 2017
A new study across Austria, England, and Romania finds that both public and private schemes can improve risk reduction behaviors and reduce losses in future disasters. The study suggests that insurers and governments need to better coordinate their efforts to design efficient, socially just, and politically feasible solutions.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateAug 21, 2017
Researchers found that age and tumor type are key factors in initial denial, with cancers outside brain/spine denied 4.5 times more frequently. Despite this, 97% of cases were overturned on appeal, highlighting the need to streamline the appeals process.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateAug 7, 2017
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.
A new study published in Radiology found that insurance coverage for CT colonography significantly increases the likelihood of screening for colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients under age 65, showed a 48% greater chance of screening among those with insurance coverage.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 11, 2017
A large-scale analysis found that non-Medicare patients accounted for nearly half of all short-term readmissions, while psychiatric disease and substance abuse were the most common diagnoses among non-elderly patients. Medicaid patients had very high rates of short-term readmissions across all age groups.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2017
Research reveals that insured patients struggle to secure appointments with psychiatrists, highlighting the challenges of accessing behavioral health care. The study estimates that a patient may need to call seven to ten psychiatrists to find an available appointment, underscoring the need for improved access to mental health services.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017
States that expanded Medicaid coverage saw a 2.5% increase in emergency department visits per 1,000 people after 2014, while uninsured ER visits decreased by 5.3%. The study found larger impacts on states with higher childless adult populations.
SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A comprehensive medical weight-loss program showed no significant difference in one-year weight loss outcomes between patients with insurance coverage and those who paid out of pocket. However, insurance-covered patients had slightly lower dropout rates compared to self-paid individuals.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalObesity·DateMay 25, 2017
The study found that low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas experienced significant improvements in medical care and health after gaining insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. They reported reduced out-of-pocket spending, improved access to primary care and preventive services, and better self-reported health. Additio...
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 17, 2017
A randomized controlled trial found that endovascular treatment was effective in reducing disability among patients treated within 6 to 24 hours after a stroke. The study showed that nearly half of patients who received endovascular therapy had a good outcome at 90 days, compared to only 13% of those treated with clot-busting drugs alone.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 16, 2017
A new microinsurance plan for California earthquakes aims to provide financial support to residents who fall into a 'payout zone' after an earthquake. The plan, developed by Kate Stillwell, uses data on seismic shaking intensity to create a payout zone defined by census blocks and shaking intensities.
A study found that the 2006 Massachusetts health reform led to a significant increase in surgical intervention for thyroid cancer, particularly among nonwhite patients. The researchers discovered a 26% rise in thyroidectomy rates and a 22% increase in neck dissections among these patients compared to those with private insurance.
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.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that women with insurance coverage for IVF were more likely to attempt the procedure again and had a higher probability of live birth compared to those who self-paid. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, included 1,572 women and observed them through four cycles.
Flood insurance is becoming unaffordable for many NYC households, with 33% projected to struggle financially if updated FIRM rates are adopted. The RAND Corporation study proposes affordable programs, including means-tested financial assistance and grants, to mitigate this burden.
A telephone-delivered collaborative care program improved health-related quality of life and anxiety symptoms in primary care patients compared to usual care. The intervention also produced significant improvements in mood symptoms, with African-Americans and men reporting the greatest levels of improvement.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017
A study published in JAMA found significant price differences between what insurance companies pay for knee and hip implants versus the average selling prices paid by hospitals. The analysis estimated cumulative payment discrepancies of $225.3 million for total knee replacements and $199.7 million for total hip replacements.
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 study of 28 commercial physician-rating websites found that patients can struggle to find relevant reviews due to poor search functionality and limited information about physicians.
A new study maps where US patients appear more ill than they are, highlighting the impact of diagnostic intensity on population health. Researchers found that areas with more aggressive medical practices tend to have higher health scores, while less aggressive areas have lower scores.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2017
A new study reveals that nearly one in four people who seek emergency care for eye problems have mild conditions, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, that don't require emergency treatment. The researchers recommend ways to reduce inappropriate ER visits, including telemedicine and after-hours appointments.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 15, 2017
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.
The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.
A study published in Health Affairs found that Medicare Advantage plans are paying more for patients with higher risk scores, despite no evidence of increased illness. The payment method could result in overpayments of $200 billion over the next decade.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 6, 2017
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that smaller and more focused insurers are earning profits in the new healthcare market. The researchers attribute their success to their experience managing Medicaid programs, where they developed products targeting low-income consumers.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017
A recent study by New York University researchers found that Asian immigrants have lower rates of dental service utilization compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study, which analyzed data from the National Health Interview Surveys, identified acculturation and family income level as key factors affecting dental care use among Asian im...
SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017
A new study by University of Stirling researcher Dr Isaac Tabner suggests that households should carefully consider the costs of renting versus buying a home. The research highlights that even during favorable economic conditions, households may need to own their home for several years before buying becomes financially more advantageous.
SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·DateJan 12, 2017
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.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with increased insurance coverage and improvements in asthma treatment, BMI screening, pap testing, and blood pressure control. Care quality also improved on seven measures, including care for asthma, pap testing, and hypertension, particularly among Hispanics.
SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2017
A systematic review of authoritative guidelines on sugar intake found that many recommendations are based on low-quality evidence. The review suggests that public health officials and consumers should be aware of these limitations when considering dietary sugar guidelines.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 19, 2016
A recent study has found that the frequency of US tornado outbreaks is increasing, but the trend does not resemble those expected under global warming. Instead, researchers attribute the rise to trends in storm relative helicity, a factor not previously linked to climate change.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016
A study found that patients who checked procedure prices were more likely to choose lower-priced facilities, especially for imaging services and sleep studies. Searching for price information was also associated with lower adjusted total spending for these procedures.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2016
A multidisciplinary team will study how motor and linguistic speech information is encoded in the brain to develop specific treatments for speech disorders. The researchers aim to understand which neuronal activity in the subthalamic nucleus is responsible for different aspects of speech.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateOct 13, 2016
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.
Economist Christopher Smallwood argues that private top-up insurance could prevent declining healthcare standards in the NHS. He proposes a French-style scheme where treatment costs are covered by the state and individuals make contributions for minor treatments.