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Allergy is the price we pay for our immunity to parasites

A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology identifies molecular similarities between environmental allergens and parasitic worm proteins, suggesting that allergy is a flawed immune response. The research provides tools for predicting protein molecules that may cause allergic reactions and could lead to new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

Scientists call for unified initiative to advance microbiome research

A group of 17 US scientists has formed the Unified Microbiome Initiative to coordinate microbial research and inform funding recommendations. The initiative aims to integrate research objectives across disciplines to better understand the role of microbes in human health and ecological systems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2015

WSU partners to develop new anti-inflammatory drug

Researchers at WSU will collaborate with Botanisol to study TAI-LCx, a newly identified active component of turmeric, and develop better means to isolate it. Early research showed TAI-LCx to be effective at reducing inflammation using biologic pathways different from NSAIDs.

SourceWashington State University·DateOct 27, 2015
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.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center introduces MyICU

MyICU provides a two-way communication platform for patients and family members to access important information, share updates, and request meetings with the care team. The app also includes a journal section where patients can record personal and medical information after discharge, facilitating healing and recovery.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2015

Renewed hope for the brain-injured

Scientists at SDSU's CSNE are working on a brain chip that reroutes neural signals around injured nerves, allowing for the restoration of motor function. The center has received renewed funding from the National Science Foundation to further develop this technology.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateOct 26, 2015

Shaken baby prevention effort reduces crying-related calls to nurse advice line

A statewide shaken baby prevention effort implemented in 2007 reduced crying-related calls to a nurse advice line by 20% for children under 3 months and 12% for those ages 3-12 months. However, the study found no association between the intervention and state-level rates of abusive head trauma.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 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.

Case Western Reserve receives $2 million for smoking cessation research

The study aims to investigate a combination approach to help patients stop smoking, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. A randomized trial will be conducted in eight clinics serving over 25,000 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of pairing Teachable Moment Communication Process with Ask-Advise-Connec...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 20, 2015

Rutgers Genetics Research Center awarded $6 million federal grant

Rutgers Genetics Research Center has been awarded a five-year grant to provide comprehensive stem-cell related services, including iPSC derivation and quality control. The new grant will enhance access to high-quality stem cells for researchers investigating Parkinson's, ALS, and Huntington's diseases.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 20, 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.

Alcohol and first sexual experience: Risks for young women

A study of 228 young women found that alcohol-involved first experiences were more likely to occur outside relationships, with less planning and higher risk of assault. Young women who used alcohol during their first sex were three times more likely to be victims of incapacitated rape.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateOct 15, 2015

UI Cancer Center, Governors State to address cancer disparities in south suburbs

The UI Cancer Center and Governors State University have received a joint grant to conduct community-based research on reducing cancer-related health disparities in the region's south suburbs. The program will provide training for GSU junior faculty and support minority undergraduate and graduate students in health disparities research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 13, 2015
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.

DNA coils, uncoils, and writhes to drive cell activity

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine studied tiny DNA minicircles containing only 336 base pairs to understand biologically active DNA. They found that the coiling caused many different shapes, including sharp bends and figure-8s, and showed how these structures facilitate DNA interactions with proteins and anticancer drugs.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2015

NSF grant funds purchase of new high-performance computer

The University of Houston will acquire a new high-performance computer with accelerators, benefiting at least 23 research groups across diverse departments. The grant also offers training opportunities for students to learn programming skills and utilize the new technology.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Proteins with ALS, cancer role do not assume a regular shape

A new study reveals that FUS proteins do not assume a regular shape but instead form dynamic droplets with RNA, which are crucial for organizing genetic material. This finding challenges the assumption that preventing FUS-related diseases like ALS and cancer can be achieved by targeting its static forms.

SourceBrown University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 8, 2015

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation to receive ASTRO Survivor Circle grant

The ThriveWell Cancer Foundation will receive an $8,500 grant from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to support its Patient Assistance Program. The program provides financial and transportation assistance to low-income cancer patients in San Antonio.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 7, 2015

Emergency department visit provides opportunity to reduce underage drinking

A five-year trial found that emergency department-based brief interventions significantly reduced underage drinking and related consequences among patients aged 14-20. The study suggests that a single-session intervention can play a role in decreasing underage drinking among youth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 7, 2015
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.

EU funding to support chronic lung disease research

The FRESH AIR project will adapt and test innovative ways to implement evidence-based practice in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease. Researchers from Plymouth University will use experience gained from previous projects involving pulmonary rehabilitation clinics and smoking cessation programmes.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateOct 5, 2015

Grant supports research on most common tumor in women

Northwestern Medicine researchers aim to develop new treatments for uterine fibroids using novel targets and pathways. The NIH grant supports projects focused on progesterone effects, nuclear receptors, and AKT pathway modification.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 1, 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.

NIH awards Einstein $2.9 million for child sleep research

Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine will partner with Head Start to promote healthy sleep among preschoolers, aiming to improve social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The study's goal is to embed 'sleep health literacy' into early childhood education policy.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateSep 30, 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.

Many nonprofit academic leaders and professors serve on for-profit health-care company boards, Pitt analysis reveals

A Pitt analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. for-profit health care company board positions are held by individuals with an academic affiliation. These board members receive significant compensation and often hold substantial company stock, potentially leading to conflicts of interest with their academic duties.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 29, 2015

Grants fund efforts by UC Santa Cruz scientists to fight deadly bat disease

Researchers at UCSC are conducting field trials of two strategies to protect bats from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat populations in eastern North America. The team aims to understand how some populations are surviving and develop effective treatments to improve their chances of survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateSep 29, 2015
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.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards NARSAD Young Investigator grants

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $13.3 million in NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to 191 promising young scientists working on groundbreaking neurobiological research to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.

SourceBrain & Behavior Research Foundation·DateSep 24, 2015

The life and times of domesticated cheese-making fungi

Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Towards a cure for type 1 diabetes: Major funding boost for Garvan researcher

A/Prof Shane Grey's team aims to make significant improvements in islet transplantation therapy, making it a clinically realistic option for more individuals with type 1 diabetes. They focus on calming the immune response of patients to islet transplantation, which could lead to treated individuals living drug-free in the long term.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·DateSep 23, 2015
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.

Push to dramatically broaden access to nanotech equipment in the Triangle

The Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network aims to increase innovation by making nanotechnology accessible to faculty, students, businesses, and educators across the Triangle and nation. The initiative provides graduate students with peer-to-peer training opportunities and 'Nano-Nights' programs for grades 7-12 classrooms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateSep 17, 2015

Undiagnosed Diseases Network launches online application portal

The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) has launched an online patient application portal called the UDN Gateway. The new system streamlines the application process and allows patients to be matched with top diagnostic teams and advanced diagnostic tools, aiming to improve diagnosis and care for those with undiagnosed diseases.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 16, 2015
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.

Can mindfulness help patients stay in treatment?

Researchers at Brown University are conducting a five-year study on mindfulness and patient treatment adherence, funded by a $4.7 million NIH grant. The study aims to determine whether mindfulness interventions can influence self-regulation related to medical regimen adherence, with the goal of improving health outcomes.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 16, 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.

Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence and frequency

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Equity gap

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that women are nearly 13% less likely to be full professors than their male peers with identical age, experience, and research productivity. Despite efforts to increase equity, the proportion of women at this rank has remained unchanged since 1980.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateSep 15, 2015

Researchers identify gene that determines bone density and fracture risk

Researchers have identified a genetic variant regulating bone mineral density and fracture risk, which could lead to interventions that prevent fractures in older adults. The study found that the engrailed homeobox-1 gene plays a central role in regulating bone density.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2015
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.

$5.67 million grant helps researchers identify early signs of Alzheimer's

A new Michigan State University study aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease among Latinos and Hispanics, potentially delaying or preventing its onset. The $5.67 million grant will gather health data from nearly 7,000 middle-aged and older adults, with the goal of differentiating mild cognitive impairment from normal aging.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 10, 2015

Needed: Soft robots to solve hard problems

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are exploring the use of soft robots in various fields, including medicine and disaster response. The goal is to develop intelligent surgical assistants that can help surgeons perform more effective manipulation during surgery.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 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.