Add BrightSurf on Google Email

You want fries with that? Don't go there

A new Dartmouth study suggests that chronic dieters overeat when their brain regions that balance impulsive behavior and self-control are disrupted. This depletion reduces a person's ability to engage in self-control by reducing connectivity between brain regions involved in cognitive control and rewards.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 9, 2013

Do food blogs serve as a source of nutritionally balanced recipes?

A study analyzing 6 popular food blogs found that vegetarian entrees were lower in calories and saturated fat, while overall recipes were acceptable in calories but excessive in sodium. Nutrition educators and dietitians can work with bloggers to promote healthier recipes online.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 7, 2013
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.

Lower education levels linked to unhealthy diets

Research found that adults with lower education levels consumed more sugar- and fat-rich foods than those with higher education levels. They also expended more energy through physical activity, which may explain their higher food intake.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2013

Stress eaters may compensate by eating less when times are good

A new study suggests that stress eaters show dynamic patterns of eating behavior, with 'munchers' eating more after being stressed but less when pleased, while 'skippers' do the reverse. This challenges the idea that stress eaters need to regulate their eating habits to prevent weight gain.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 31, 2013

Obesity: A new appetite-increasing mechanism discovered

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism behind hyperphagia in obese patients, where specific antibodies stabilize ghrelin, leading to increased appetite. This discovery opens new opportunities for designing treatments targeting this mechanism to reduce excessive food intake.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2013
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.

Peer pressure can influence food choices at restaurants

A University of Illinois study found that when groups eat together at a restaurant and must state their food choice aloud, they tend to select items from the same menu categories. This phenomenon suggests that people want to fit in with their peers rather than exhibit variety-seeking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 25, 2013

Portion size -- the science & the responsibility deal

A new review reveals that simply reducing portion sizes is not an easy solution to reducing energy intakes, as consumers prioritize factors like packaging and cost over nutrition. Professor Benton highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach addressing various factors affecting energy intake and expenditure.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2013

Debit cards deduct nutrition from school lunches

A study by Cornell researchers found that schools using debit card payment systems serve lower nutrition and higher calorie meals, as students tend to overspend. This can lead to a greater intake of unhealthy food items like candy, cheeseburgers, and fries.

SourceCornell University·JournalObesity·DateOct 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Food addiction a step closer to formal diagnostic status -- or not?

The concept of food addiction is being debated as a potential mental disorder, with some studies suggesting that certain obese individuals exhibit addictive-like behavior towards food. However, more evidence is needed to support inclusion in the DSM, and experts caution against over-diagnosing disorders.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 7, 2013

Research shows 'advergames' promote unhealthy foods for kids

A Michigan State University study found that advergames on food marketer websites often promote high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium products. These games can be engaging and fun for children, but they also contribute to unhealthy diets and a less-than-active lifestyle.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateOct 7, 2013

How Instagram can ruin your dinner

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that overexposure to food imagery on Instagram and other platforms increases satiation, leading to a decrease in enjoyment with repeated consumption. This phenomenon, known as sensory boredom, can result in people becoming tired of certain tastes without even eating the food.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2013

UNC scientists identify brain circuitry that triggers overeating

Researchers pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating behavior in mice, suggesting a neurological basis for obesity and eating disorders. The study highlights a potential target for drug treatments to correct malfunctioning brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2013

Food technologies deliver global public health solutions

Innovative food ingredients showcase significant health benefits, including reduced sodium intake and improved bowel health. Studies demonstrate the potential impact of sodium reduction technology and added fibre on reducing hypertension and increasing calcium absorption.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·DateSep 16, 2013
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.

Edible coatings for ready-to-eat fresh fruits and vegetables

Researchers have developed edible films to keep produce fresh for longer periods, improving food safety and convenience. The technology uses invisible, colorless, odorless coatings made from natural materials like carnauba wax and vitamin C to prevent spoilage and discoloration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2013

Kids' fast food ads emphasize giveaways more than food

Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2013

The bitter and the sweet: Fruit flies reveal a new interaction between the 2

A new study reveals an unexpected role for a protein in the integration of opposing attractive and aversive gustatory stimuli in fruit flies. The findings demonstrate that the protein inhibits the activity of sugar-activated receptors when bitter compounds are present, reducing attraction to sugars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateAug 21, 2013

Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners

Researchers found that genetic variations in two bitter taste receptor genes can explain differences in the perception of artificial sweeteners like Ace K. Additionally, studies on stevia extracts revealed that RebD is perceived as less bitter than RebA, suggesting potential opportunities for developing new sweeteners.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Senses·DateAug 20, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Is sous vide cooking safe?

Scientists from Norwich BioScience Institute have gathered data to assess the hazards of lower temperature cooking in sous vide, filling a knowledge gap. They propose a way forward to ensure consistent and effective safety assessments, commensurate with any risk to public health.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·DateAug 7, 2013

Diets of pregnant women contain harmful, hidden toxins

A recent study found that pregnant Hispanic women in California consume high levels of toxins such as methylmercury from tuna and PCBs from farmed salmon, which can cause birth defects and developmental delays. The researchers also highlighted the dangers of tap water and caffeine consumption during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNutrition Journal·DateAug 6, 2013

Illinois scientists put cancer-fighting power back into frozen broccoli

Researchers at University of Illinois find way to boost health benefits of frozen broccoli by sprinkling it with daikon radish, a process that preserves sulforaphane's cancer-fighting properties even when cooked. The discovery aims to make frozen broccoli as nutritious as fresh.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 6, 2013

Sleep deprivation linked to junk food cravings

A new UC Berkeley study reveals that sleep-deprived brains prefer unhealthy snacks and junk foods over whole grains and leafy greens. The researchers found impaired activity in the frontal lobe but increased activity in deeper brain centers that respond to rewards.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2013
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.

'Perfect' food for 'perfect' prawns

Australian researchers have developed a food additive that can be used to improve the growth rate, health and sustainability of farmed prawns. The Novacq feed additive has been shown to promote faster growth, reduce reliance on wild fishery resources and produce high-quality products.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 1, 2013

Study: Taxing sugary beverages not a clear cut strategy to reduce obesity

A recent study found that taxing sugary beverages can lead to reduced calorie intake, but the health benefits are offset by consumers substituting other unhealthy foods. Lower-income households may reap some benefits from reduced sugary beverage consumption, but also face higher costs due to taxes.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 30, 2013
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.

To savor the flavor, perform a short ritual first

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that rituals we perform before eating, even seemingly insignificant ones, can change our perception of food. The researchers found that short, fabricated rituals can produce real effects on the taste and enjoyment of food.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Personality may predict if you like spicy foods

A study of 184 participants suggests that individuals with a higher level of sensation-seeking tend to prefer spicy foods. Those who score above the mean on the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking liked spicy meals consistently as the burn increased, while those below the mean rapidly disliked them.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·DateJul 17, 2013

Dip, dip, hooray -- Kids eat more veggies with flavored dips

Researchers found that pairing vegetables with flavored dips increased acceptance among children, with 64% finding veggies yummy when paired, compared to 31%. The dip's flavor and type played a significant role in kids' willingness to try vegetables.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 9, 2013
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.

Infants' food linked to higher, lower Type 1 diabetes risk

Researchers found that introducing solid foods before 4 months increases Type 1 diabetes risk, while breast-feeding reduces it. The study suggests parents wait until after 4 months and introduce solid foods by 6 months or soon after with breastfeeding to lower the risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 9, 2013

One man's tall is another man's small

A study from Cornell University found that food portion labels significantly influence how much people eat and spend. When served identical portions, individuals consumed more when labeled as 'Regular' and were willing to pay more for the same size.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalHealth Economics·DateJun 24, 2013

Pleasure response from chocolate: You can see it in the eyes

Researchers found that electrical signals in the retina spiked high in response to chocolate, similar to those seen with methylphenidate, indicating increased dopamine release. This technique could be useful for studying food addiction and obesity prevention if validated through additional studies.

SourceDrexel University·JournalObesity·DateJun 24, 2013

Scientists find new biomarker to measure sugar consumption

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have discovered a novel biomarker that can accurately measure long-term sugar intake from a single blood or hair sample. This breakthrough tool is distinct in corn and sugar cane, which are sources of nearly all sugars found in sugar-sweetened beverages.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 18, 2013

Why is it easier to lose 2-4 pounds rather than 3 pounds?

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to pursue goals when they set flexible, high-low range goals. This flexibility increases the challenge of the goal while also making it attainable, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and higher reengagement rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2013
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.

Age-related smelling loss significantly worse in African-Americans

Research reveals African-Americans have a greater decline in their sense of smell as they age, which can lead to impaired nutrition and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that racial disparities in olfactory function cannot be explained by social, environmental or medical factors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateJun 12, 2013

NYC-style cap on soda size would target the overweight, not the poor

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that restricting large sugar-sweetened beverages in food service establishments would primarily affect overweight individuals, including teenagers. The proposed restrictions aim to reduce obesity, which is linked to excess calories from sugary drinks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2013

Parents with heavy TV viewing more likely to feed children junk food

A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that parents with heavy TV viewing are more likely to feed their children junk food. Food-secure families' preschoolers have a distorted view of healthy food, and this link is very strong among these households.

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateJun 6, 2013

Neighborhood features could prevent obesity

A five-year longitudinal study found that living in neighborhoods with healthier food environments significantly reduces the risk of obesity. The study, conducted across six US cities, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults and found that healthy food options and walkability are key predictors of lower obesity rates.

SourceDrexel University·JournalObesity·DateJun 4, 2013
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.

More TV time equals higher consumption of sweetened beverages among children

A Swedish study of over 1,700 children found that more TV time was associated with increased consumption of sweetened beverages. Children who watched more TV were 50% more likely to drink these beverages regularly. The study suggests that TV programs and parental norms may play a role in shaping children's beverage habits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateJun 3, 2013

Alleviating hunger in the US -- researcher says, it's a SNAP

A University of Illinois researcher advocates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a cornerstone in reducing food insecurity. Improvements are needed to increase participation and benefits, particularly for those at lower ends of the benefit structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMay 22, 2013
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.

Body mass index of low income African-Americans linked to proximity of fast food restaurants

Researchers found that living closer to a fast food restaurant was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) among low-income African-American adults. The study controlled for factors such as household income, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors to determine the relationship between fast food density and BMI.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 16, 2013

Could eating peppers prevent Parkinson's?

Research suggests that eating foods containing edible Solanaceae, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's. The study found a strong association between increased consumption of these foods and decreased risk of Parkinson's, with peppers displaying the strongest association.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMay 9, 2013

Nutritional quality at fast-food restaurants still needs improvement

A new study finds that fast food restaurant menus have only modestly increased nutritious offerings over a 14-year period, with most restaurants failing to meet optimal nutritional quality scores. Despite some improvements, the overall nutritional quality score remains below that of the average American diet.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 7, 2013
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.

The biology behind binge eating

A study by Michigan State University scientists discovered sex differences in binge eating rates among female and male rats, suggesting biological factors contribute to eating disorder prevalence. The study's findings have implications for understanding risk factors and mechanisms in humans.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMay 1, 2013

Reflections on chevaline

A recent horse meat detection incident in European food products led to concerns in the US. The incident involved tiny amounts of horse meat mistakenly added to beef products due to equipment issues. The American Chemical Society discusses the issue and its implications for the US market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 1, 2013
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.