Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Embalming study 'rewrites' chapter in Egyptian history

A study published in PLOS ONE found evidence of ancient Egyptian mummification practices dating back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4500-3350 BC. The discovery suggests that early Egyptians may have used natural products to preserve bodies, laying the groundwork for later Pharaonic mummification techniques.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014

Little penguins forage together

Researchers found that 70% of little penguins' foraging tracks were associated with other penguins and 40% exhibited synchronized diving. These behaviors suggest group foraging and synchronization of underwater movements in little penguins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bones from nearly 50 ancient flying reptiles discovered

A team of scientists discovered the bones of 49 ancient flying reptiles from a new species of pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii, in southern Brazil. The bones revealed features such as a bony expansion and rounded depressions on the skull, suggesting this species may have been gregarious and able to fly at a young age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014

Centralizing stroke services can reduce deaths and time in hospital

A study found that centralizing acute stroke services in urban areas can lead to significant reductions in mortality and length of hospital stay, particularly among patients with ischemic strokes. This approach resulted in a total annual saving of over 8,000 hospital days in London and Manchester.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 5, 2014
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.

Training schemes help jobless men feel better about themselves

UK government's active labor market programs increase life satisfaction, happiness, and feelings of life worth among the unemployed, particularly men. These work-oriented programs replicate the paid work environment through features like time structure, social activity, and routine, leading to greater psychosocial resilience.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateAug 5, 2014

Deep-sea octopus has longest-known egg-brooding period

A deep-sea octopus has been found to protect and nourish its eggs for an astonishing 53 months, with 160 eggs hatching almost 4.5 years later. This record-breaking brooding period highlights the importance of parental care in producing well-developed offspring in challenging environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2014

NASA's IceCube no longer on ice

NASA has chosen a team at Goddard Space Flight Center to build its first Earth science-related CubeSat mission, known as IceCube. The tiny payload will test a new submillimeter-wave receiver that could help advance scientists' understanding of ice clouds and their role in climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 30, 2014

ORNL study reveals new characteristics of complex oxide surfaces

Researchers at ORNL used microscopy and data processing to study the surface of a perovskite manganite, revealing a Jahn-Teller distortion caused by oxygen atoms. This finding could improve our understanding of sensitive applications like solid fuel cells and oxygen sensors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2014
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.

July/August 2014 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A recent study in Iowa found that nearly all adolescents aged 11-16 had ridden an ATV, with most engaging in risky behaviors like riding daily or weekly and not wearing helmets. The authors conclude that prevention efforts should be prioritized to reduce the risk of pediatric ATV crashes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2014

Contradictory findings about the effect of the full moon on sleep

A Swedish study found that the full moon affects sleep patterns, with subjects averaging 20 minutes less sleep and more trouble falling asleep during this phase. However, other research has yielded mixed results, with some studies showing no correlation between lunar phases and human sleep.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2014

Research could lead to dramatic energy savings at data farms

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a wireless network on a computer chip that can reduce energy consumption in data farms. The technology allows for wireless links between cores, resulting in less energy loss and higher data transfer speed.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACM Journal on Emerging Technologies in Computing Systems·DateJul 2, 2014

'Bone-house wasp' uses dead ants to protect their nest

A new species of spider wasp, the Bone-house Wasp, uses dead ants as a unique nest-protection strategy, resulting in lower parasitism rates. The study found that this behavior is likely linked to chemical cues emanating from the dead ants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2014
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.

Walking the rocks: GSA Today article studies undergraduate field education

Researchers found that 89.5% of respondents believe fieldwork should be a required part of undergraduate education, but nearly two-thirds think traditional focus on bedrock mapping is unnecessary. The study calls for academia-industry dialogue and further research to test the value of field education.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJun 26, 2014
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.

'Big data' technique improves monitoring of kidney transplant patients

A new data analysis technique uses big data to predict poor kidney function after transplant, allowing doctors to intervene earlier and improve recovery periods. The study analyzed blood samples from 18 patients before and after transplants, revealing vital clues in molecular level data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 26, 2014

Collaborative learning -- for robots

Researchers from MIT developed an algorithm that allows distributed agents, such as robots, to collect data and analyze it independently. The algorithm outperformed a standard algorithm that works on aggregated data in experiments involving several different data sets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 25, 2014
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.

Finding elusive emperor penguins

A team of scientists found two emperor penguin colonies near the Mertz Glacier in East Antarctica, with a total of 7,400 breeding pairs. The study used both satellite imaging and ground surveys to monitor population trends and habitat changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Study suggests prayer can build unity in diverse organizations

Researchers found that interfaith group prayers serve as a 'bridging cultural practice' in diverse organizations, promoting shared identities and unity. The study's findings suggest that embracing diversity and incorporating meaningful collective practices can lead to greater organizational effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 24, 2014

New anti-homosexuality laws threaten health as well as liberties

The article highlights the dangers of new anti-homosexuality laws that restrict freedoms, healthcare access, and create a climate of fear. These laws can lead to increased rates of HIV transmission, torture, and murder of LGBTQ+ activists, underscoring the need for continued research and support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 24, 2014

Study finds minimum payment warnings nudge credit card payments up AND down

A study by Boston College Marketing Professor Linda Salisbury found that minimum payment warnings had little impact on repayment decisions, but showing a three-year payoff time frame with accompanying lower interest costs led to both positive and negative effects. Some consumers were encouraged to pay more, while others were nudged tow...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 23, 2014
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.

Rates of prediabetes have tripled over past decade in England

Rates of prediabetes have tripled over the past decade in England, affecting over a third of adults. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds and black and minority ethnicities are disproportionately affected, with up to one in 10 progressing to diabetes annually.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 9, 2014

A new methodology developed to monitor traffic flow

A new methodology has been developed to monitor traffic flow by applying curve statistics to analyze traffic data, enabling the detection of changes in traffic patterns. The results reveal that holiday periods and shopping hours have a significant impact on traffic flow.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Feeding increases coral transplant survival

A study published in PLOS ONE found that feeding juvenile corals prior to transplantation significantly improved their survival rates. Coral recruits fed with a higher amount of food grew faster and larger than unfed corals, leading to higher post-transplantation survivorship.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 2014

Modeling and simulation in the big data era

The big data era presents both challenges and opportunities for modeling and simulation, as it requires adapting to novel research thinking and methods. The paper highlights the need for exploratory research combining simulation-based engineering and science to develop a new simulation paradigm.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 3, 2014
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.

Meek male and fighting female scorpions

Female bark scorpions exhibit poor sprinting ability but rapidly sting in response to simulated threats. In contrast, male scorpions have superior sprinting ability and longer legs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

Cod bones reveal 13th century origin of global fish trade

Researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 cod bones from 95 excavations in and around London, identifying a sudden change in the origin of the fish during the early 13th century. This shift indicates the onset of a large-scale import trade, revolutionizing the local fishing industry.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAntiquity·DateMay 27, 2014

JILA study finds crowding has big effects on biomolecules

Researchers found that crowding leads to a dramatic increase in RNA folding rate, while unfolding rate remains relatively stable. This could have profound effects on biochemical pathways and cellular behavior.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2014
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.

E-cigarette awareness goes up, as (apparently) so does skepticism

A national survey found that 77% of adults are aware of e-cigarettes, up from 16% five years ago. However, the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes decreased slightly, from 84 to 65 percent. The study also found no correlation between awareness and intention to quit smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 15, 2014
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.

First diplodocid sauropod from South America found

A new sauropod dinosaur species, Leinkupal laticauda, has been discovered in Argentina, shedding light on the survival of Diplodocidae in South America. The fossil findings suggest that the extinction event at the end of the Jurassic or beginning of the Cretaceous period may not have been global.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2014

Kessler Foundation expert authors article on social enterprise business models

The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research shows smartphone sensors leave trackable fingerprints

Research by University of Illinois engineers reveals that smartphone sensors can be used to identify individual devices, raising concerns about user tracking and security. The study found that imperfections in the manufacturing process create unique fingerprints on each sensor, which can be used to track a device's activities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateApr 28, 2014

WSU innovation improves drowsy driver detection

Researchers at WSU Spokane developed a new way to detect drivers about to nod off, using steering wheel movements. The technology offers an inexpensive alternative to video-based systems, providing a more reliable solution for detecting fatigue.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 23, 2014

UV-radiation data to help ecological research

Researchers have processed NASA UV-B radiation data to study its influence on organisms. The dataset provides six variables, including annual averages and seasonal patterns, to help scientists analyze the effects of UV-B radiation on animal and plant species.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 22, 2014
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.

Clean air: Fewer sources for self-cleaning

A research group from Jülich has found that nitrous acid (HONO) is not a net source of hydroxyl radicals, which are central to the air's self-cleaning capacity. The discovery was made using air measurements recorded by a Zeppelin NT during the EU PEGASOS project.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

Family ties in the language jungle

Max Planck researchers found that Carabayo shares similarities with extinct Yurí and Tikuna languages, suggesting a genetic link between the three. The study provides evidence of linguistic family ties in the region.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 16, 2014

New study from Harvard identifies transgender health disparities

A new study published in LGBT Health found that transgender individuals face significant healthcare disparities, including higher rates of substance abuse and HIV infection. The study highlights the need for improved data collection and analysis to address these issues and provide better care for this underserved population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·DateApr 15, 2014
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.

When it comes to underage sex trafficking, pimps may not be the problem

Researchers analyze largest dataset of US minors working in the sex trade, finding that pimps initiate only 8.1% and control even fewer. Most young sex workers stay due to economic challenges, such as homelessness and restricted education opportunities.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 15, 2014

Spike in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths may be linked to 30-day survival measurement

A study analyzing national hospital data found a significant increase in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths at the 30-day mark, suggesting an unintended consequence of prioritizing this measurement. The researchers suggest that emphasizing 30-day survival as a key metric may lead to delayed end-of-life decisions and unnecessary treat...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateApr 9, 2014