Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study shows forests play greater role in depositing toxic mercury across the globe

Researchers found that 76% of mercury deposition in a Massachusetts forest comes from atmospheric sources, with plants dominating as a source of mercury on land. The study suggests that forests worldwide may be a larger global absorber and collector of gaseous mercury than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

MaxDIA -- taking proteomics to the next level

The new MaxDIA software provides a computational workflow for data-independent acquisition proteomics, combining library-based and library-free approaches. This enables highly sensitive and accurate data analysis for thousands of proteins, opening up new possibilities for medical applications in personalized medicine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 12, 2021

Awareness and use of sick leave

Approximately 8 million US employees used FFCRA emergency sick leave within the first 6-8 months. Unmet sick leave needs tripled during the pandemic, with women exhibiting a higher risk, and college graduates, Asian-Americans, and native-born employees being more likely to know about and use the benefit.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Better pregnancy outcomes linked to reduction of armed conflict in Colombia

A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2021
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.

Study reports on experiences of LGB Vietnam-era veterans

A study of LGB Vietnam-era veterans found that those who identify as LGBTQ+ experience a higher burden of traumatic events, including childhood abuse and assault, which contribute to poor mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early life traumas may interact with military service experiences in complex ways.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateJul 8, 2021

Scientists use artificial intelligence to detect gravitational waves

A team of researchers has developed a new AI framework that allows for accelerated and scalable detection of gravitational waves. The framework, built using NVIDIA GPUs, can process large datasets in real-time, enabling the detection of four binary black hole mergers in under seven minutes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

New characterisation strategy proves promising in high-purity metal separation

Researchers developed a new strategy to characterize polymeric transition metal species in acidic solutions, using ESI-TOF-MS. This method visualized transformation evolutions of vanadium, chromium, tungsten, and molybdenum species, guiding reaction conditions for high-purity metal separation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·DateJul 6, 2021

New data science platform speeds up Python queries

Researchers from Brown University and MIT developed Tuplex, a new data science framework that compiles custom logic written in Python, reducing wait times to seconds. The platform also handles anomalous data by extracting and setting it aside, allowing users to repair anomalies after the program completes.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making citizen science inclusive will require more than rebranding

Researchers argue that boosting equity, diversity, and inclusion in citizen science demands more than just rebranding. They recommend 'centering in the margins' by focusing on underserved areas and overcoming economic barriers to participation. This approach seeks to create a more inclusive and responsive system of knowledge production.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2021

'Lady luck' - Does anthropomorphized luck drive risky financial behavior?

A new study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research posits that increased accessibility to anthropomorphized luck can lead consumers to pursue higher-risk financial behavior. The authors suggest that preferences for riskier options are driven by shared risk perceptions that may engender feelings of security.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 23, 2021

AI system-on-chip runs on solar power

The CSEM innovation enables devices to run independently for over a year, reducing installation and maintenance costs. The system's two-tiered data processing approach drastically reduces power requirement, with most applications using only the first accelerator.

SourceSwiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology - CSEM·DateJun 17, 2021

New in Ethics & Human Research, May-June 2021

A new study reveals that American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are underrepresented in clinical studies, with only 1% of participants from these groups. The authors call for further research to improve ethical inclusion in clinical research.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateJun 16, 2021
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.

Those breakfast foods are fortified for a reason

A new study suggests that skipping breakfast leads to a nutritional gap, with adults who skip morning meals likely missing out on calcium, vitamin C, and fiber. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 American adults and found that those who skipped breakfast had lower intakes of essential nutrients for the entire day.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of The Nutrition Society·DateJun 15, 2021

Nursing shortage affects rural Missourians more, MU study finds

A University of Missouri study found that rural Missouri counties experience nursing shortages at a greater rate than metropolitan counties. The study also identified three rural counties where more than half of the nurses are over 54, nearing retirement.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·DateJun 14, 2021

New research finds 1M deaths in 2017 attributable to fossil fuel combustion

A comprehensive study published in Nature Communications found that more than one million deaths worldwide were attributed to fossil fuel combustion in 2017. The research used a global dataset of air pollution emissions and modeling to identify specific sources of pollution, including coal, energy production, and cookstoves.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2021

Combating maritime litter

A study categorizes existing solutions for combating maritime litter, revealing a need for more developed technologies and integrated approaches. The researchers recommend defining standards for each solution to encourage further development and create a sustainable approach.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 10, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cloud computing expands brain sciences

The Brainlife.io platform uses cloud technologies to democratize neuroscience research, allowing scientists to process, visualize, and manage large amounts of data. The platform provides a suite of web services to support reproducible research, with over 1,600 scientists from around the world accessing it thus far.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2021

Teaching drones to hear screams from catastrophe victims

Researchers have developed a system using an array of microphones and advanced processing techniques that can detect impulsive sounds such as screams on UAVs. The technology has the potential to save lives by helping emergency crews locate survivors in disaster scenarios.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 8, 2021
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.

Engineers create a programmable fiber

Engineers at MIT have developed the first digital fiber that can store, analyze, and infer physical activity, revolutionizing textiles for performance monitoring, medical inference, and disease detection. The fiber is thin, flexible, and can be sewn into fabrics without breaking down, opening up new possibilities for fabrics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2021

Let's talk about the elephant in the data

Computer scientists study the role of prior knowledge in machine learning tasks, considering philosophical frameworks that combine elements of rationalism and empiricism. This approach aims to improve the accuracy of complex systems by incorporating human-like reasoning and flexibility.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 3, 2021

THOR: Driving collaboration in heavy-ion collision research

The THOR COST Action has enabled a large collection of papers on hot matter and relativistic heavy-ion collisions, thanks to extensive collaborations between researchers. Through the project, over 300 physicists have improved their methods by exchanging ideas and results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateJun 2, 2021

Precise data for improved coastline protection

Researchers at TUM have conducted comprehensive measurements of sea level rises in the Baltic Sea and North Sea with millimeter accuracy. The new method provides reliable forecasts on sea level trends, enabling planning of protective measures such as flood protection structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 1, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Accurate evaluation of CRISPR genome editing

Researchers developed a novel software tool to quantify potential CRISPR-induced errors, including adverse translocation events that can cause cancer. The tool, CRISPECTOR, analyzes next-generation sequencing data and applies statistical modeling to determine editing activity.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2021

Study shows which North American mammals live most successfully alongside people

Research analyzing camera trap data from across North America found that smaller, faster-reproducing mammals with generalist diets are best equipped to live alongside humans. Conversely, larger species like grizzly bears and lynx tend to avoid more developed areas and are less active when present.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 21, 2021
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.

Preventing the spread of plant pandemics

Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021

Antioxidant protein inside the cell worsens inflammation outside

A new study suggests that DJ-1 protein, which protects against free radicals inside cells, worsens inflammation outside the cell, leading to exacerbated pathologies in ischemic stroke. The researchers identified DJ-1 as a previously unknown inflammatogenic DAMP that may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 20, 2021

New smartphone app predicts vineyard yields earlier, more accurately

A new smartphone app developed by Cornell University engineers can predict grape yields up to 24% more accurately than traditional methods. The app uses computer-vision technology to analyze video footage of grape vines, allowing farmers to secure labor and equipment in advance and reduce profits.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Agronomy·DateMay 20, 2021
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.

European cowslip observations are in full swing

The 'Looking for Cowslips' campaign has started successfully, collecting data on the spring flower Primula veris and its populations across Europe. Over 120,000 cowslip observations have been recorded so far.

SourceEstonian Research Council·DateMay 19, 2021
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.

Artificial Intelligence and drones will help pin down Sosnovsky's hogweed

Researchers at Skoltech have developed an AI-driven drone system to detect and track Sosnovsky's hogweed, a plant causing severe burns and ecosystem damage. The system uses real-time image segmentation on board drones to identify individual plants, increasing localization efficiency by multifold.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·DateMay 11, 2021
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.

Physicists describe new type of aurora

Researchers have found a new feature in the diffuse aurora, where sections of the background-like glow disappear and then reappear after a short period. This phenomenon, dubbed 'diffuse auroral erasers,' has never been mentioned in scientific literature and raises questions about its frequency and potential impact on Earth's climate.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 6, 2021

Lightning flashes increase Earth's atmosphere's cleansing capacity, airborne study shows

A recent airborne study reveals extreme amounts of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals generated by lightning, suggesting a substantial proportion of global atmospheric oxidation. The results could indicate that lightning-generated oxidants are responsible for between 2-16% of the Earth's atmosphere oxidizing capacity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2021

Driving behaviors harbor early signals of dementia

Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalGeriatrics·DateApr 28, 2021
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.

El Niño can help predict cacao harvests up to 2 years in advance

Researchers found that El Niño can accurately predict cacao yields with a high degree of confidence, even 25 months before the harvest. This innovative approach uses machine learning and rigorous data collection to provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 2021

Delayed antibiotic prescribing is safe and effective for most patients

A large analysis of patient data suggests that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups. The study found no significant difference in symptom severity or duration between delayed and immediate antibiotics, but a slight benefit in reducing re-consultation...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 28, 2021

Higher education and brain aging

A study of over 2,000 individuals found that higher education does not influence the pace of brain aging, contradicting previous assumptions. However, educational attainment is linked to improved cognitive outcomes and reduced risk of dementia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Unlocking Australia's biodiversity, one dataset at a time

The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) is a national biodiversity database that provides reliable data for scientists, policy-makers, and environmental planners. It contains nearly 95 million occurrence records of over 111,000 species, showcasing its potential to support the development of science and decision-making.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateApr 22, 2021

C-Path opens access to Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium database

The Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium (D-RSC) database will share individual-level data with qualified researchers to accelerate therapy development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The database includes data from clinical trials and natural history studies, and is fully de-identified to ensure participant anonymity.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·DateApr 22, 2021
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.

Continuing Arecibo's Legacy

The University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Arecibo Observatory and other organizations, has successfully moved telescope data to a secure storage system. This move will ensure the continued discovery and innovation sparked by Arecibo's legacy, making its vast astronomy data accessible for over 50 years.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 21, 2021