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Deep meditation may alter gut microbes for better health

A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 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.

Financial strain and material deprivation linked to increased child behavioural difficulties More nuanced measures of economic hardship required to help address cost-of-living crisis and its effects on children

A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeCase study·DateJan 13, 2023

Managing emotions better could prevent pathological ageing

Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Aging·TypeNews article·DateJan 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How we learn from being wrong can lead to anxiety

A new study at the University of Miami investigated how student expectations of exam grades impact individuals' moods and outlooks. Researchers found that optimistic students learn more from positive surprises, while consistently pessimistic students predict lower scores despite slight improvements.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 10, 2023

Feeling depressed? Performing acts of kindness may help

A study conducted at Ohio State University found that performing acts of kindness led to improvements in life satisfaction and reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. The intervention was more effective than other therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, in making participants feel more connected to others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 10, 2023

Treatment for combat-related PTSD advances with method shown to be fast, effective

A new study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that treatment for combat-related PTSD can be both fast and effective, with clinically significant reductions in symptoms in over 60% of patients. Long-term remission was observed in more than 50% after three weeks of outpatient therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023
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.

Mired in silence

A UC Riverside study found that farmworkers in the Eastern Coachella Valley lack information and means to advocate for better public health due to language barriers, job insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. The study highlights disproportionate respiratory illness affecting Latinx children living near the Salton Sea.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 22, 2022

Drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily may double risk of heart death in people with severe hypertension

A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 21, 2022

Suicidal teens and other kids in mental health crisis languish in ERs, study finds

A recent study found that 1 in 5 children and teens who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises will still be there after 12 hours. Another 1 in 13 will remain after a full day, with over 60% being suicidal or having self-harmed.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 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.

Santa should phase out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings

Experts, including a pediatrician, suggest phasing out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings due to its damaging effects on children's health and the environment. They propose alternative gifts, such as recycled or plant-based options, to foster friendships and combat anxiety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2022

Patients with treatment resistant depression at higher risk of death

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that patients with treatment-resistant depression have a 23% higher risk of death, as well as significantly more outpatient care and hospitalization days. The researchers emphasize the importance of identifying patients at risk of developing treatment-resistant depression to improve their ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2022

First-wave COVID-19 linked to long-term depressive symptoms

A study found that those who had COVID-19 in early 2020 were more likely to experience clinically meaningful levels of anxiety after 13 months. The researchers also identified possible reasons for the increased risk, including pre-existing mental health conditions and lifestyle factors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2022

FSU research links common sweetener with anxiety

Researchers at Florida State University have found that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that aspartame's effects extend up to two generations from exposure, affecting male mice and their offspring.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 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.

Some surprisingly good news about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that a strong majority of those diagnosed with COPD were in excellent mental health. 87% of older Canadians with COPD had no mental illness, highlighting the importance of social support and interventions to promote well-being.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2022

University of Cincinnati study examines medication hesitancy to treat childhood anxiety disorders

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Immune system irregularities found in women with postpartum mood disorders

Researchers found that women experiencing prolonged mental health issues after childbirth had genetic evidence of higher immune system defense mechanism activation. The study also identified reduced antiviral immune response genes, which may offer protection from pathogens.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology·DateDec 5, 2022
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.

Dual-energy CT metrics for differentiating adrenal adenomas

For adrenal lesions evaluated by single-phase dual-energy CT, fat fraction had significantly higher sensitivity than virtual noncontrast attenuation at both clinically optimal threshold and traditional ≤10 HU threshold. Fat fraction-derived metrics can help definitively diagnose incidental adrenal lesions as adenomas.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 1, 2022
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.

Five key factors affect physical activity in multi-ethnic older adults

A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalGeriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2022

Overweight women most likely to suffer long Covid

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that overweight women are more likely to experience symptoms of long Covid. The research also shows that people with long Covid are much more likely to need additional and lasting NHS care than those who make a swift recovery.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2022

Drug used for sleep disorders is linked to higher risk of overdose in teens, young adults

A new study by Rutgers researchers found that young people treated for sleep disorders with benzodiazepines like Xanax may be at a higher risk of overdose. The study examined over 90,000 newly prescribed benzodiazepine patients and found an increased risk of overdose compared to other prescription sleep medications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

Blood pressure highly likely to cause neurotic personality trait

Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Caregivers’ coping strategies tied to anxiety, depression and quality of life

A study published in Blood Advances reveals that caregivers of patients undergoing a stem cell transplant who use approach-oriented coping strategies such as positive reframing and acceptance have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. These strategies can help caregivers fulfill their role while protecting their mental health.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateNov 18, 2022

Corporal punishment affects brain activity, anxiety, and depression

A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 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.

In utero exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety symptoms in adolescents

Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalDepression·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Gradual increase in daily activity with psychological therapies can improve mental health for cancer patients and survivors

A systematic review found significant effects on anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and social impairment in cancer patients who combined behavioural graded activity with psychological therapies. The effects remained significant after a period of one to three months.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 15, 2022
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.

Lack of computer access linked to poorer mental health in young people during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateNov 13, 2022

Diverse mechanisms underlie associations between sleep and anxiety

Recent studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms that connect sleep and anxiety, highlighting the importance of sleep in regulating stress responses. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress, while also exacerbating mental distress.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 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.

Treating mood disorders with psychoactive drugs

Researchers are investigating the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of psilocybin and cannabis to improve treatment options for mental illnesses. The findings suggest that these compounds may offer new avenues for symptom relief in a range of mental health conditions.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2022

How pregnancy changes the parental brain

New research reveals profound effects of pregnancy on maternal brain physiology, mood, and behavior. Maternal mental health conditions like depression and anxiety affect 20% of new mothers in the US, with untreated cases having long-term negative impacts.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2022

In study of almost 20,000 sub-Saharan adolescents, loneliness, hunger, anxiety and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation, while having peer and parental support were associated with a decreased likelihood

A study of nearly 20,000 sub-Saharan adolescents found that loneliness, hunger, anxiety, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. In contrast, those with peer and parental support had a decreased likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2022

New Psychological Science findings link local prejudice to police militarization, offer hope for fostering belief in science

Recent research suggests that racial prejudice within communities predicts the militarization of local police departments. In contrast, communicating scientific consensus appears to be an effective way to change factual beliefs about contested science topics. Additionally, studies have found that happy people tend to overestimate their...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 8, 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.

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

Teens with COVID-19 knowledge reported better well-being

A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateNov 2, 2022

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 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.

Study: how early fears play role in future anxiety, depression

A longitudinal imaging study found that early risk factors, such as inhibited behavior and blunted ventral striatum activity, are associated with later depression. Inhibited children who showed reduced brain activity in response to rewards were more likely to develop depression in young adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2022

Tracking mental health over the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 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.

Anxiety disorders had no effect on vaccine hesitancy

A new study by the University of Waterloo found that individuals with anxiety disorders are not more hesitant to get vaccinated than those without. Instead, discomfort with uncertainty is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy in both anxious and non-anxious individuals.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateOct 24, 2022

Patients waiting for urgent surgery in A&E feel calmer and experience less pain if given a music pillow

Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022
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.

Just part of a larger picture

Researchers found a moderate increase in anxiety and depression among the general population during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on mental health varied significantly by population after that period.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2022

How do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateOct 17, 2022

1.3 million American adults with diabetes ration their insulin due to cost; younger adults and the uninsured are most likely to ration

A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022
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.

Talk therapy could improve mental health of people with dementia

A new study by UCL researchers found that talking therapies on the NHS can improve the mental health of people with dementia, with 63% experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The therapy proved clinically beneficial, even though response rates were lower than those without dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2022

Clinical psychologists and their patients need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, says Concordia researcher

Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 11, 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.