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Deep learning improves lens design

Researchers developed DeepLens design method based on curriculum learning to optimize complex lens designs. The approach considers key parameters like resolution, aperture, and field of view, providing optimal solutions without human intervention.

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.

Baby chicks learn faster due to mother’s color

A recent study published in iScience found that newborn chicks are predisposed to learn quicker based on the colour of their mother. The research team discovered a colour-dependent bias in learning speed, with chicks exposed to a deep blue mother learning faster than those raised by mothers with other colours.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The AI paradox: Building creativity to protect against AI

A new machine-learning model is providing teachers with access to high-quality, fit-for-purpose creativity tests that can score assessments in a fraction of the time and cost. The algorithm marks a test in a single millisecond, saving teachers thousands of hours.

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.

GPT-4, Google Gemini fall short in breast imaging classification

A new study found that GPT-4 and Google Gemini performed poorly in breast imaging classification, with a high percentage of discordant assignments that could impact patient management. The researchers emphasize the need for regulation of these large language models in high-level medical scenarios.

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.

Older males out-compete young males when it comes to extra-marital breeding

A study found that when adult male blue tits were absent, young males had higher success rates in fathering offspring outside of their breeding pair. Young males' poor performance was due to competition with older males, not lack of experience. In the absence of adult males, 33% of young males fathered at least one extra-pair offspring.

Dogs provide new insights into aging and cognition

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.

New study suggests ECG-AI can detect cardiovascular disease risks sooner

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine suggests that ECG-AI can flag some risks years sooner than current risk calculator equations by identifying signs of coronary artery disease, such as calcification and blockages. The technology has the potential to save more lives by identifying people who do not know they have coronary disease.

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.

Children’s IQs not diminished by concussion

A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that pediatric concussions do not impact intelligence or IQ levels. The research, which combined data from two cohort studies in Canada and the US, found no significant difference in IQ scores between children with concussion and those with orthopedic injuries.

Those who are smarter live longer

Researchers found that both higher cognitive abilities and exploratory behavior are linked to longer life expectancy in wild gray mouse lemurs. Animals with better cognitive performance and physical condition tended to have longer lifespans.

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

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.

Is artificial intelligence better at assessing heart health?

A new study published in Nature finds that artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human sonographers in accurately assessing cardiac function from echocardiogram studies. The research, conducted at the Smidt Heart Institute, demonstrates AI's potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of heart evaluations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Virtual reality games can be used as a tool in personnel assessment

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that virtual reality gamers completed tasks faster with higher levels of general intelligence and processing capacity. The results suggest VR games can be used as a tool for predicting job performance, bridging the gap between research and practice.

AI can help optimize CT scan X-ray radiation dose

Researchers developed AI models based on UNet and MobileNet architectures to analyze standardized abnormalities in CT images, accurately identifying object presence and confidence. These models achieved an absolute percentage error of less than 5 percent, comparable to human professionals.

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.

AI chatbot ChatGPT mirrors its users to appear intelligent

Researchers explore how AI language models like ChatGPT understand and respond to user input, mirroring their users' intelligence. The Reverse Turing Test reveals that chatbots reflect the intelligence level of their interviewers, incorporating their biases into responses.

ChatGPT can (almost) pass the US Medical Licensing Exam

A study published in PLOS Digital Health found that ChatGPT scored between 52.4% and 75.0% on the USMLE exams, exceeding the passing threshold of approximately 60%. The model demonstrated high concordance rates and produced significant insights for most responses.

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

Brain area necessary for fluid intelligence identified

A new study has mapped the parts of the brain that support fluid intelligence, a key feature of human cognition. The research found that patients with damage to the right frontal regions performed poorly in tasks requiring problem-solving and reasoning.

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.

AI fails to pass radiology qualifying examination

A recent study found that AI failed to pass a radiology qualifying examination, with an average accuracy of 79.5%. However, the researchers suggest that further training and revision could lead to improved results.

Study: Network neuroscience theory best predictor of intelligence

A new analysis offers the clearest picture yet of how various brain regions and neural networks contribute to a person's problem-solving ability. The network neuroscience theory, which posits that intelligence emerges from the global architecture of the brain, outperformed other theories in predicting general intelligence.

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.

Novel AI blood test detects liver cancer

A new AI-powered blood test, DELFI, has been developed to detect liver cancer with high accuracy. The test detected over 80% of liver cancers in a study of 724 individuals, with an overall sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 98%.

Musical tests can detect mental deterioration in old age

Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

Video games can help boost children’s intelligence

A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.

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.

Machine learning may predict where need for COVID tests is greatest

Researchers at West Virginia University are using machine learning and geographic information systems to identify areas with low COVID-vaccine uptake. They aim to pinpoint counties with increased risk of outbreaks, predict where testing is most crucial, and develop targeted interventions to increase testing rates. By acknowledging comm...

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.

Why robots need reflexes - interview

The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.

High emotional intelligence 'can help to identify fake news'

Research at the University of Strathclyde found that people with high emotional intelligence are more likely to identify fake news correctly. Participants who scored highly in emotional intelligence tests made fewer errors and were more discerning in their assessment of veracity.

Using artificial intelligence to hunt for breast cancer

The E-Morph test uses artificial intelligence to identify substances that can have oestrogen-like effects on breast cells. This method has the potential to replace animal experiments currently required for detecting hormone-like effects.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Air pollution poses risk to thinking skills in later life, a study says

A study published by the University of Edinburgh found that exposure to air pollution in childhood is associated with a decline in thinking skills up to 60 years later. The research used historical data to estimate exposure levels and analyzed the relationship between air pollution and cognitive change throughout life.

Cognitive performance - Better than our predecessors

A new study using chess game data shows that cognitive capacity increases steadily until around the middle of the fourth decade before plateauing. Modern 30-year-olds exhibit a higher level of cognitive ability than those born 100 years ago at the same age.

Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health

A 12-week exercise regimen improved physical fitness in active-duty airmen, with added benefits from consuming a nutrient-enriched beverage. The study found significant gains in strength, endurance, mobility, and stability, as well as enhanced cognitive function, including better episodic memory and fluid intelligence.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

What is your risk from smoking? Your network knows!

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people, smokers and non-smokers alike, were often inaccurate in their answers to questions about smoking's health effects. However, when participants discussed their ideas with others, especially in a networked setting, they became more accurate in their assessments.

Students do better in school when they can understand, manage emotions

A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 160 studies involving 42,000 students from 27 countries reveals that emotionally intelligent students tend to achieve better academic performance. Higher emotional intelligence is linked to improved grades, achievement test scores, and social relationships with teachers, peers, and family.

IQ test for artificial intelligence systems

Researchers are developing a framework to assess the 'intelligence' of AI systems by grading them on problem-solving skills and adaptability. The AIQ test will evaluate systems based on accuracy, time taken, and data requirements.