Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Arctic amplification: New research reveals how surface types play a role

The study examines the impact of surface type on Arctic amplification, finding that ice-retreat regions experience the strongest warming and largest seasonal contrast. The seasonal energy transfer mechanism and changes in effective thermal inertia also contribute to the seasonality of AA.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 8, 2023

How is sleep affected by changing clocks and seasons?

A study published in Neurology found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time was associated with a brief increase in sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In contrast, the transition from standard time to daylight saving time did not show any association with sleep problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 3, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate change could drive more Zika and dengue epidemics and longer transmission seasons in Brazil, with a new model predicting Zika's R0 increasing up to 2.7

A new model predicts that climate change will lead to longer transmission seasons for Zika and dengue diseases in Brazil. The study found that warming temperatures could increase the basic reproduction number (R0) of Zika by up to 2.7, leading to more frequent epidemics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 27, 2023

Warming climate will affect streamflow in the northeast

A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2023

Light pollution may extend mosquitoes’ biting season

A study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts the winter dormancy period of mosquitoes, causing them to bite humans and animals longer into the fall. This delay in diapause may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInsects·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

The hidden role of food in urban conflicts in Central America

Research explores the complex relationship between droughts, food security, and conflict in Central America. The study finds that decreases in water availability play a major role in conflict insurgences, while stable conditions of peace are more influenced by favorable socio-economic conditions.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Water·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 6, 2023
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.

White-tailed deer blood kills bacteria that causes Lyme disease

A new study published in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases demonstrates that the serum of white-tailed deer blood is lethal to the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The researchers hope this discovery may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

U.S. birds’ Eastern, Western behavior patterns are polar opposites

A study from Ohio State University reveals stark differences in avian functional diversity between the US East and West. Functional diversity patterns are highest in the West during breeding season, while in the East they are lowest despite high species richness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023
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.

Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 28, 2023

Pakistan streamflow timing will become three times faster by end of century

Climate change is disrupting Pakistan's natural system, making it challenging to predict future changes. A recent study found that streamflow timing in the country's four major rivers will decrease significantly, with a range of -5 to -20 days in the near future.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateFeb 27, 2023

Effort to help pollinators shows successes, limitations

A three-year effort to conserve bee populations showed positive effects, with increased bee abundance and diversity in studied areas. However, quality of the habitat played a key role in these positive effects, and its impact on maintenance over time was also significant.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Passerine bird takes advantage of human settlements

Daurian redstarts move their nests closer to human settlements when cuckoos are around to protect against brood parasitism. This strategy has been observed in a population of Daurian redstarts in northeastern China, illustrating how urbanization affects interspecific interactions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Humans don't hibernate, but we still need more winter sleep

Researchers found that patients undergoing polysomnographies experienced longer REM sleep in winter than summer, but less deep sleep in autumn. The study suggests that humans may need more winter sleep to adapt to seasonal changes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 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.

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

Sowing the seeds of fruitful labor

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the brown lemur is responsible for regenerating large fruit trees in Madagascar's Ankarafantsika National Park. The study shows that lemur seed dispersal can lead to a 1.5% survival rate of seeds, contributing significantly to forest diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Lured by bright colors: Wild bee queens face death in commercial hives

Researchers at Cornell University found that wild bumblebee queens are being killed in commercial hives due to their attractive colors and smells. The study used queen excluders to test the hypothesis that these hyper-attractive cues are attracting usurping wild queens, leading to their deaths.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2023

A changing flood recipe for Las Vegas

Researchers from DRI and partners find that urbanization and climate change are changing the timing and intensity of flood risk in Las Vegas. Flood intensity has increased since the mid-20th century, with an abrupt shift occurring in the mid-1990s.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeNews article·DateJan 18, 2023

Climate change presents a mismatch for songbirds’ breeding season

A study found that climate change threatens reproductive success of songbirds in California's Central Valley due to increasing rainfall and extreme heat. The researchers analyzed data from the Nestbox Highway project, which showed a decline in bird fitness amidst extreme precipitation or temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 17, 2023
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.

Early humans: Annual cycles in tooth enamel provide insights into life histories

Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from Homo erectus and great apes to reveal annual cycles in tooth enamel, providing insights into their diets and seasonal food supplies. The study shows that humans and great apes had distinct dietary patterns, with humans exhibiting less pronounced peaks and lower Sr/Ca values.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Researchers propose a more effective method to predict floods

A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Lower risk of alcohol disorders in top footballers but only from 1960s onwards

A nationwide cohort study in Sweden found that elite male football players have a lower risk of alcohol and drug related disorders compared to the general population. This protective effect was seen only for those who first played in the 1960s and later, while players from earlier eras had similar risks as men from the general population.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 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.

Catching up to climate change by tracking big-picture patterns

By analyzing satellite imagery and tracking net primary productivity, researchers aim to predict how ecosystems will respond to climate change. Their model suggests that the rate at which ecosystems adapt to changing conditions is a critical component to reducing uncertainty about future projections.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

How a policy to address a groundwater shortage inadvertently increase air pollution in northern India

A government policy that pushed back the sowing of rice in northwest India led to a delay in harvests and agricultural burning, exacerbating air pollution. Without this delay, cities like New Delhi would have seen an average of 11-21% less smoke-related air pollution between 2008 and 2019.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateDec 15, 2022

Precise solar observations fed millions in ancient Mexico

The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022

Climate archives under the magnifying glass

A new analytical method has been developed to map climatic and environmental processes at high temporal resolution, revealing an abrupt intensification of seasonality in the tropical ocean during the last period of global climate change. This provides evidence of how global climate changes affect local, seasonal temperature variations.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Warming climate spurs harmful oxygen loss in lakes

Rondaxe Lake's experience is just one of thousands worldwide as lakes lose oxygen due to warming, leading to conditions like hypoxia and anoxia. This phenomenon, exacerbated by seasonal stratification, threatens aquatic life and ecosystems.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 6, 2022

Itchy eyes and a runny nose? It could be climate change

Researchers at Rutgers University simulated climate change's impact on allergenic pollens, finding significant increases in airborne pollen loads by 2050. The study predicts earlier start times and longer durations for pollen seasons across the US, with notable regional shifts.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

Doubling in proportion of male professional footballers’ hamstring injuries and lay-off days over past 20 years

The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Forest wildflowers and their overstory trees are changing with climate, but not always keeping pace

Research found that North American wildflower timing is more sensitive to warmer temperatures than surrounding tree growth, threatening the flower's ability to grow. In contrast, European and Asian forests show a synchronized shift in tree and wildflower phenology, potentially leading to increased light for wildflowers.

SourceHolden Forests & Gardens·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 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.

Lowest pollen counts occur between 4:00 a.m. and noon

A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that pollen levels are lowest during early morning hours, with lower counts occurring between 4:00 a.m. and noon. This information can help individuals with pollen allergies plan their outdoor activities accordingly.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Waikīkī Beach studies reveal complex drivers of changing shoreline

Researchers used drones to monitor Waikīkī Beach, finding that wave energy from south swells and trade-wind generated waves drive erosion and accretion. The studies provide insights into beach behavior and help inform management of the coastline for ecological, societal, and economic sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 2, 2022
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.

Daylight hours impact opioid receptor levels in brown fat

A new study at the Turku PET Centre discovered that shorter daylight hours increase opioid receptor levels in brown fat of rats. This complements previous findings on day length modulating opioid receptor levels in brain emotional circuits.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateOct 7, 2022

As winters warm, nutrient pollution threatens 40% of US

As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 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.

Rainy days on track to double in the Arctic by 2100

A new study predicts that the frequency of rainy days in the Arctic could roughly double by 2100 as a result of rapid warming. This shift is expected to increase permafrost melt and speed up the loss of sea ice cover, with far-reaching consequences for Arctic ecology and Indigenous communities.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateOct 3, 2022

Study suggests La Niña winters could keep on coming

A new study suggests that climate change is favoring La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that temperature patterns at the ocean's surface have changed, with the Pacific off South America cooling and the western Pacific warming more than elsewhere. This has led to a strengthened temperature difference between the ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 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.

Scientists unearth another brain-shrinking mammal

A new study reveals that European moles reduce their brains by 11% in winter and regrow them by 4% in summer to conserve energy. This phenomenon, known as Dehnel's phenomenon, is driven by cold conditions rather than food shortage alone.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

HPV vaccinations before, during pandemic

Researchers found that HPV vaccination rates rose significantly during the pandemic, particularly among younger children and adolescents. The study suggests that the increased vaccination rates may be attributed to changes in healthcare access and scheduling.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 19, 2022

Could more of Earth’s surface host life?

A new study suggests that Earth's habitability could increase if Jupiter's orbit becomes more eccentric, leading to parts of the surface warming up and becoming habitable for multiple life forms. The researchers also found that this change in Jupiter's orbit could have implications for the search for habitable planets around other stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2022

Fall is best time to clean nest boxes for barn owls

Research from the University of California - Davis recommends cleaning nest boxes in fall months to avoid disturbing American barn owl breeding pairs. Land managers can install nest box networks to attract barn owls and benefit agricultural operations by controlling pests.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 7, 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.

How changes in length of day change the brain and subsequent behavior

Scientists at UC San Diego have illuminated the role of key neurons that alter function in response to seasonal changes in light exposure. The study found that neurons change expression of neurotransmitters in response to day length stimuli, triggering behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 6, 2022

Turning over a new leaf: Local mountain climate is affected by leaf area ratio

A Japanese research group discovered that the leaf area index of mixed-forests influences seasonal changes in the formation of a nocturnal cold-air pool at a small mountain basin. The study found that weakening of the nighttime temperature inversion occurred during leaf expansion, while strengthening occurred after leaf fall.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the Meteorological Society of Japan Ser II·DateSep 5, 2022

Missing grizzly bear toes results in call to change practices

A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 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.

Mandated headgear may lower concussion risk among high school lacrosse players

Researchers found a lower concussion rate in Florida, where headgear was mandated, compared to states without. The rate was 0.39 concussions/1000 athlete exposures with mandatory headgear, vs 0.44 without. This suggests that headgear may be worth considering for high schools and other levels of play.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

Nitrous oxide emissions from Corn Belt soils spike when soils freeze, thaw

Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022
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.

Drought increases microbe-laden dust landing in Sierras

Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 9, 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.