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Harnessing computers to create a sustainable future

A new research network, CompSustNet, aims to develop computational solutions for creating a sustainable future. Researchers from multiple institutions will collaborate on complex issues like smart electrical grids and renewable energy management.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJan 8, 2016
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.

Project to engineer cells that compute awarded $10M NSF grant

Researchers at Boston University aim to advance synthetic biology by creating a toolbox of carefully measured and catalogued biological parts. The project will use computing engineering principles to develop an open-source repository of biological pieces that can be used to engineer organisms with predictable results.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·DateJan 7, 2016

Kessler Foundation and NJIT secure $5M grant to study wearable robots

A joint team from Kessler Foundation and NJIT is developing new applications for wearable robotic exoskeleton devices to improve mobility and enable safer, more independent functioning for people with spinal cord injuries, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and stroke. Researchers are also evaluating the efficacy of existing robots for resto...

SourceKessler Foundation·DateJan 7, 2016

NSF commits $30 million to expand the frontiers of computing

The NSF is investing $30 million in three Expeditions in Computing projects that aim to explore the frontiers of theoretical computer science, synthetic biology and computational sustainability. The grants will support large-scale research teams working on formal methods for software development, a novel toolkit for computational bio-d...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 7, 2016
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.

TTUHSC researcher receives NIH grant for vaccine

A $3.82 million NIH grant will prepare the Schistosomiasis Vaccine (SchistoShield) for human clinical trials, aiming to reduce infections in millions worldwide. The vaccine has potential impact on up to one billion people and is part of a broader research effort with over $11.5 million in total funding.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateJan 6, 2016

During Great Recession employees drank less on the job, but more afterwards

A study found that employed individuals reduced their alcohol use at work but increased their consumption after work and excessive drinking during the Great Recession. Middle-aged workers were more likely to drink during this period due to increased financial and family stress.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateJan 5, 2016
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.

Critical clues on cartilage

A team of researchers has shed new light on the relationships between cartilage structure and function, revealing microdomains that behave differently from surrounding tissue. This discovery paves the way for more effective treatments of meniscus tears and osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 4, 2016

Racial bias may be conveyed by doctors' body language

A study found that doctors give less compassionate nonverbal cues to black patients compared to white patients, potentially leading to miscommunication and mistrust. The researchers suggest that physicians be aware of their verbal and nonverbal communication to build trust with black patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJan 4, 2016

Could bug-busting viruses control food poisoning?

Scientists are exploring the potential of bacteriophages, which target specific bacteria, to prevent and treat intestinal illnesses like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in children. The research aims to develop a new approach for treating food poisoning in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJan 4, 2016

New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation

A new study reveals that random mutations can give rise to novel genes, leading to the evolution of new molecular functions. The researchers identified thousands of human-specific genes and found that certain macaque genome elements are less present than expected.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 31, 2015
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.

CWRU professor to build much desired chemical imager

Case Western Reserve University Professor Ozan Akkus is building a souped-up Raman microscope into FastRAM, which can provide images of materials in seconds to minutes instead of hours. The new device would allow researchers to analyze dynamic processes like chemical reactions as they occur.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 28, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High drowsy driving crash risk on daytime commute after night work

New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that nearly 40% of shift workers who participated in a test drive after a night shift were involved in a near-crash event. The study demonstrated an increased risk of drowsy driving related motor vehicle crashes, especially during the daytime commute.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Montefiore and Einstein receive NIH cancer research training grant

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care has received a $1.18 million NIH grant to train surgical residents as researcher-surgeons, focusing on tumor microenvironment and novel targets. The program aims to equip future surgeon-scientists with the skills needed to succeed in cancer research.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateDec 16, 2015
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.

Diversity in medical research is a long way off, study shows

A new analysis found that despite federal efforts to diversify clinical research, the number of studies including minorities remains low, and scientists from minority communities are less likely to receive funding. This lack of diversity poses a significant risk to understanding and addressing health disparities in the US population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 15, 2015
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.

NIH gives SLU $2.2 million to design a cure for Hepatitis B

SLU scientist John Tavis has received a $2.2 million NIH grant to develop a cure for the hepatitis B virus. His team aims to create a combination therapy that can kill the virus, which causes chronic infection and liver damage in millions of people worldwide.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateDec 14, 2015

£14 million funding for major long-term science studies

Three high-value research projects will receive £13.9M in funding to develop cheap and effective vaccines for poultry, create self-fertilising plants and breed elite lines of wheat. The projects are led by world-leading researchers and will address major scientific challenges with five years of funding.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateDec 10, 2015

Using public surveillance to study insect vectors of Chagas disease in Texas

In Texas, a citizen science program utilizing public surveillance tracked the distribution and infection prevalence of triatomine insects, showing 63% infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The study suggests that citizen collections are a valid way to document insect distribution, providing a unique sample for disease vector studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 10, 2015
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.

UK and Chinese scientists join forces to combat city pollution

A £5.5m research project aims to tackle air pollution in Beijing, which poses a serious threat to human health, particularly among China's 500 million urban residents. The five four-year projects will investigate the concentrations and sources of urban air pollution, its effects on health, and potential solutions.

SourceNatural Environment Research Council·DateDec 7, 2015

NIH funds development of robots to improve health, quality of life

The National Institutes of Health is funding the development of three innovative robots to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The robots, including a smart-walker for elderly mobility and a hand-worn device for visually impaired grasping objects, aim to enhance independence and quality of life.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateDec 3, 2015
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.

Blood levels of Ebola virus are predictive of death

Researchers found that Ebola virus blood levels are strong predictors of fatality, with case fatality ratios increasing with viremia levels. The study used laboratory and clinical data from 699 patients to model the association between viremia and CFR.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 1, 2015

Prestigious medical training awards announced

The University of Warwick has been awarded funding for 15 PhD studentships in quantitative cellular dynamics, molecular microbiology, and anti-microbial resistance. The partnership with the Medical Research Council will provide a strong interdisciplinary training programme to produce future leaders in biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateNov 26, 2015
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.

Whale sharks in Gulf of Mexico swim near the surface, take deep dives

Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Wisconsin scientists grow functional vocal cord tissue in the lab

University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists successfully grew functional vocal cord tissue in the laboratory using bioengineering techniques. The tissue was able to transmit sound and showed similar characteristics to native tissue, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Research reveals connections between social science and high fashion

A University of Cincinnati professor examines how casting agents with anthropological training navigate conservative views in the fashion industry. Her research reveals that these individuals often turn to creative outlets like documentaries and blogs, highlighting the evolving role of anthropology in understanding professionals.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 17, 2015

Brushing up peptides boosts their potential as drugs

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a simple way to send peptides into cells and tissues. The new method uses a densely packed brush to protect peptides from digestion and enhance their ability to enter cells without altering their biological function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 16, 2015

Despite health law's bow to prevention, US public health funding is dropping: AJPH study

Researchers find per capita public health spending declining from $281 in 2008 to $256 in 2014, reflecting a $40.2 billion loss to disease prevention and related programs. This decline reflects the nation's 'dangerously out of balance' healthcare system, where more is spent treating disease than preventing it.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 12, 2015

New 'short-crested lizard' found in Montana

A new short-crested lizard, Probrachylophosaurus bergei, has been found in Montana, exhibiting an intermediate nasal crest between non-crested ancestors and larger crests of adult Brachylophosaurus. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dinosaur species and sheds light on the transitional forms between different groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2015
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.

Circadian clock controls insulin and blood sugar in pancreas

A new Northwestern Medicine study has identified thousands of genetic pathways that regulate insulin production and blood sugar control in the pancreas, which could lead to new therapies for children and adults with diabetes. The researchers created a detailed map of genes controlled by the circadian clock's transcription factors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2015

Study explores nicotine patch to treat memory loss

A $9.4 million grant is being used to test a transdermal nicotine patch for improving memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI affects millions of people worldwide and is the stage between normal aging and dementia when others notice mild memory problems.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateNov 5, 2015
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.

NIH awards 2 Georgia State biologists $2.4 million

Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular health. The team aims to develop new therapies targeting damaged mitochondria to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateNov 2, 2015
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.