Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Recreational fisheries pose threat to skittish sea turtles

Researchers found that recreational scallop harvesting disrupts native sea turtle behavior, causing them to change their distribution and habitat use. The study suggests that reducing boat density and implementing measures to avoid turtle collisions could minimize ecological damage.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalOryx·DateJul 31, 2018

Do spiders have a favorite color?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied wolf spiders' color vision, finding they are sensitive to green light but don't have a favorite color. Their eyes adapt to changing seasons, allowing them to see contrast against colored backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJul 31, 2018
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.

A 'fingerprint' for anthropogenic climate change in a new place

Researchers have identified a human 'fingerprint' in the troposphere, indicating significant effects of anthropogenic climate change on seasonal temperature cycles. The study used satellite data for nearly 40 years to isolate the signals of human activity from natural variability.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows plants in Africa 'green up' ahead of rainy season

Researchers found that over 80% of natural vegetation began growing in response to pre-rain green-up signals, with woodlands leading the way. The study challenges traditional assumptions about rainfall's role in African plant growth and highlights the need for further research into environmental cues driving this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 2, 2018

NASA looks at Daniel's concentrated center

Tropical Storm Daniel formed on June 23 and strengthened into a tropical storm by June 25. NASA's analysis showed a small area of strong thunderstorms around the storm's center, indicating potential for heavy rainfall due to cold cloud tops.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 25, 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.

Infrared NASA imagery shows Hurricane Aletta strengthening

Hurricane Aletta strengthened after passing over NASA's Aqua satellite on June 7, with coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to intensify to Category 4 status before weakening begins this weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2018

Dogs can detect agricultural diseases early

Researchers found that dogs can effectively sniff out infected avocado trees well in advance, providing a potential solution to the devastating impact of laurel wilt disease on the industry. The study's results show that dogs can detect agricultural diseases like laurel wilt with high accuracy, even in harsh weather conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJun 8, 2018

Flu virus is protected by mucus when airborne, regardless of humidity

A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech found that mucus and airway secretions protect the flu virus when it becomes airborne, regardless of humidity levels. The study refutes previous findings that suggested the virus degrades and is inactivated at higher humidity levels.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 7, 2018

The key triggers of the costly 2017 wildfire season

The 2017 US wildfire season was exacerbated by a series of extreme events, including a wet winter, hot summer, and dry fall. Climate change likely played a role in fueling the fires, while human activity contributed to ignition, with nearly 90% of wildfires sparked by people.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFire·DateJun 5, 2018

Assessment of biomarkers of subconcussive head trauma

A study found that serum NF-L concentrations showed promise as a biomarker for brain injury due to repetitive subconcussive head impacts, but further research is needed. The researchers also observed fluctuations in tau protein concentrations, which did not show significant differences between starters and nonstarters.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMay 29, 2018
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.

Bold lizards of all sizes have higher mating success

Researchers found that boldness in male and female yellow-spotted monitor lizards was associated with higher mating success. However, this boldness came with a cost: exposed individuals were at a higher risk of being eaten by predators during the wet season.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosphere·DateMay 24, 2018

NBA stars on losing teams follow fewer teammates on social media

A study by University of Cincinnati professor Jeremy Koster found that NBA stars on losing teams are less likely to follow teammates on Twitter compared to those on winning teams. This suggests that elite performers may distance themselves from their teammates in an attempt to escape responsibility for poor performance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2018

Less water, same Texas cotton

Researchers identify best irrigation methods for cotton in water-limited situations, challenging common assumption that producers should irrigate early and often. By reducing watering after plant emergence, yields and fiber quality can be maintained or even improved.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 16, 2018

Hungry, hungry hippos

A new study by UC Santa Barbara community ecologist Keenan Stears examines how hippos shape the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. The research found that high-density hippo pools with excess nutrients cause dissolved oxygen levels to decline, leading to a decline in fish diversity and abundance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Influence of hippopotamus on watersheds

Researchers found that high hippopotamus densities increased eutrophication and biodiversity loss in river pools during the dry season. However, no changes were observed in water chemistry or biodiversity during the wet season, highlighting human influence on watershed ecology.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bats go quiet during fall mating season

Hoary bats exhibit unusual silent behavior during their fall mating season, potentially to avoid eavesdropping from competitors and mates. The study suggests that this 'inconspicuous echolocation' may provide an advantage in the mating game but poses a deadly risk when encountering obstacles like wind turbines.

SourceWake Forest University·DateMay 2, 2018

For high school baseball pitchers, extra throws on game day add up but go uncounted

Researchers found that nearly half of a pitcher's total throws are unaccounted for in teams' pitch counts. This can lead to excessive pitching and increased risk of elbow and shoulder injuries. The study suggests that counting all pitches, including warm-ups and bullpen activity, can help reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

Stress hormones spike as the temperature rises

A new study found higher cortisol levels in medical students during the summer months than in winter. The research contradicts traditional notions of increased stress in winter and relaxed ease in summer.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 25, 2018

'Rip Van Winkle' plants hide underground for up to 20 years

A new study reveals that at least 114 plant species from around the world are capable of prolonged dormancy as adult plants, enabling them to survive through difficult times. This behaviour allows them to overcome short-term disadvantages and extend their lives.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 19, 2018
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.

Bugged out by climate change

Research tracked changes in Arctic arthropod populations in response to warming temperatures, finding more plant-eating and parasitic insects, and fewer detritivores. The study suggests that water availability will play a key role in determining which bug species can thrive in a warming Arctic.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018

Climate and peatland initiation

Peatland initiation coincided with warming and increased precipitation, forming globally important carbon sinks. The study's findings have implications for future changes in peatland distribution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

The Sahara Desert is expanding

A new UMD study reveals the Sahara Desert has expanded by 10% since 1920, primarily driven by human-caused climate change. The research also suggests other deserts may be expanding, posing significant implications for global food security and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 29, 2018
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.

Ragweed casts shade on soy production

Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 28, 2018

A football coach's overconfidence has a positive impact on the team's result

Researchers found that a football coach's extreme overconfidence has a positive influence on the team's result. The study analyzed the behavior of coaches in the Russian Football Premier League and concluded that high levels of charisma associated with overconfidence can motivate players, leading to better team performance.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateMar 27, 2018

Eastern Mediterranean summer will be two months longer by end of 21st century

The eastern Mediterranean region will experience a significant change in seasonal duration, with summer lasting six months and winter only two, by the end of this century. Climate changes are expected to cut winter by half, posing major challenges for regional ecosystems and human health.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateMar 14, 2018

More homes built near wild lands leading to greater wildfire risk

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that homebuilding near wild areas since 1990 has greatly increased homes at risk from wildfires, leading to higher costs in fighting fires. The study found that the wildland-urban interface, where homes and wild vegetation meet, has grown rapidly across the US.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

Ratings rise over time because they feel easier to make

Researchers found that increased experience with ratings makes the process easier, resulting in upward trends and rating inflation. This effect emerges across different tasks, including grading, dancing, and evaluating photos or short stories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

Studies examine trends in pain medication use

Two studies found that acetaminophen use increases during cold/flu season, with a 24% increase in high-dose intake. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic in France, but its use can lead to liver harm if not taken correctly.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 8, 2018

New study takes the guesswork out of selecting and seeding teams for 'March Madness'

A new study has developed an automated approach to select and seed teams for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments, providing an objective and unbiased starting point. The algorithm achieved high accuracy rates, matching 24 of 38 top teams in seeding and 89.6% being within two seeds of committee rankings.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInterfaces·DateMar 7, 2018

Why people experience seasonal skin changes

A new study reveals that seasonal skin changes are caused by climatic and humidity fluctuations, which affect the skin's barrier function. The research suggests that individuals should protect their skin with emollients in winter and sunscreen in summer to manage skin disorders such as eczema.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 7, 2018

Reality television played a key role in taking Trump from apprentice to president

Researchers found that viewers' parasocial bonds with Trump formed through his reality TV shows contributed to his election, making voters more likely to like him and believe his promises. The study suggests that this phenomenon can explain the surprise of many Trump voters who crossed party lines.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 6, 2018

Soccer success study kicks goals

The study found that top-performing soccer teams exhibit greater total sprint distance, possession in the opponent's half, and entry passes in the final third of the field. This suggests that ball possession is a key determinant of success in soccer.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Football associated with heart changes, increased cardiovascular risk

Studies reveal that football players face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life due to structural changes in the heart. College and professional players showed significant changes in cardiac structure and function, including enlargement of the aortic root and increased systolic blood pressure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2018

Scientists monitor crop photosynthesis, performance using invisible light

Researchers deployed 12-foot metal poles with sensors to capture sun-induced fluorescence, allowing them to rapidly monitor crop photosynthetic performance. This technology has the potential to transform phenotyping into an efficient, automated process.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateFeb 27, 2018
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.

A lightning-based nowcast-warning approach to predict short-duration rainfall

Scientists developed a lightning-based approach to predict short-duration rainfall, using sharp increasing rates of lightning flashes to provide early warnings. The new method was tested over the Beijing Metropolitan Region and showed encouraging model performance, with successful early warnings for 67.8% of moderate and 87.0% of inten...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Research·DateFeb 8, 2018

UK regional weather forecasts could be improved using jet stream data

New research from the University of Lincoln found that jet stream changes are significantly associated with UK regional rainfall and temperatures. The study suggests that using predictions of jet stream changes can produce more accurate seasonal weather forecasts on a smaller, regional scale.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJan 30, 2018
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.

Emperor penguins may shorten record fast by snacking

Researchers found that emperor penguins from colonies close to the sea-ice edge can dive before laying eggs, suggesting shorter fasts compared to inland birds. They also observed these penguins feeding during pre-nuptial activities.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

NASA sees Tropical Depression 01W come together

Tropical Depression 01W formed just west of the Philippines on January 2, 2018, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The depression is forecast to strengthen and make landfall in Vietnam, impacting the South China Sea region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 2, 2018

Tics are common in famous boys choir

A new study found that 35% of young singers in an elite choir exhibited tics during a performance. This discovery may indicate a relation between ticcing and exceptional motor skills, potentially leading to a reevaluation of the perception of tics as a disorder.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateDec 20, 2017
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.

Northeast farmers weigh warming climate, drenched fields

Farmers in the Northeast are adapting to longer growing seasons and warmer climate conditions, but may face financial losses due to delayed planting and increased disease problems. The region has seen a 71% increase in extreme precipitation events, which can lead to crop failures and reduced yields.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 14, 2017
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.

Fighting the flu, year after year

Researchers highlight the challenges of preparing seasonal influenza vaccines in eggs, citing reduced effectiveness rates of 40-60 percent. They also emphasize the need for targeted research on manufacturing strategies and vaccine antigens to improve vaccine efficacy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2017