Add BrightSurf on Google Email

NSF awards Carnegie Mellon's Jacobo Bielak

Jacobo Bielak has been awarded $1.6 million from the NSF PetaApps program to develop advanced earthquake computer simulations that can improve disaster planning and preparation. The new grant will enable the creation of three-dimensional models simulating how earthquakes impact buildings, bridges, and other critical urban infrastructures.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJan 15, 2008
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.

Staying active and drinking moderately is the key to a long life

Research found that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol and are physically active have a lower risk of death from heart disease than those who don’t drink or exercise. Moderate drinkers and regular exercisers had significantly lower risks compared to non-drinkers and inactive individuals.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 8, 2008
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.

Chemotherapy and tamoxifen reduce risk of second breast cancer

Breast cancer patients who received tamoxifen or chemotherapy had a reduced risk of developing a second cancer in the other breast. Chemotherapy was associated with a 43% risk reduction, lasting up to 10 years, while tamoxifen use resulted in a 34% risk reduction that persisted for five years.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 25, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Putting risk in perspective: Do people make better decisions when they understand average risk?

A new survey from Michigan Medicine suggests that when women are told their risk of breast cancer is above average, they're more likely to take a hypothetical pill and overestimate its benefits. The study highlights the importance of considering individual risk information when making medical decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 13, 2007

Cholesterol-lowering drugs and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke

Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a bleeding in the brain. The study found that people taking these medications after a stroke were more likely to experience a second stroke involving blood clots.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 12, 2007
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.

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.

Visual field loss primary component in risk of falls for older adults

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science found that visual field loss is the primary component increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Mobility training may help reduce this risk by improving postural stability and mobility.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 29, 2007

Drug that lowers blood pressure might help prevent Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that valsartan, an antihypertensive medication, reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in mouse brains, a key feature of Alzheimer's. The study suggests that treating high blood pressure with certain medications may help prevent or slow the progression of AD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2007
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.

Media availability: low-fat dietary pattern may lower risk of ovarian cancer

Researchers found that a low-fat dietary pattern reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 40% in healthy postmenopausal women. The study followed 48,835 women for an average of 8.1 years and found no effect during the first four years due to the slow development of preventive benefits.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 9, 2007
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.

UMass Medical School study identifies the best weight-loss plans for heart health

A new study by UMass Medical School researchers found that certain popular weight-loss plans significantly outperform others in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The Ornish, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest due to their emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateOct 1, 2007

Preventing or reducing enlarged heart decreases risk of heart failure

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that preventing or reducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) decreases the risk of heart failure in high-blood-pressure patients. The study, led by Dr. Peter Okin, demonstrated a significant reduction in heart failure risk among patients with reduced LVH levels.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 12, 2007
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.

Red wine compound shown to prevent prostate cancer

Researchers at UAB found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, reduces prostate cancer risk by 87% in male mice. The study also showed that resveratrol slows tumor growth in less-serious forms of prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateAug 31, 2007

Stanford study highlights cost-effective method of lowering heart disease risks

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that a case-management approach helped lower heart disease risks by approximately 10 percent among a diverse group of patients, making it a cost-effective way to improve patient outcomes. The study also showed significant benefits for patients with chronic conditions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateAug 20, 2007
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.

Can hemp help the everglades?

A four-year study found that sunn hemp cover crop significantly reduces contamination levels of atrazine and its products in groundwater. The use of sunn hemp can help mitigate the risk of groundwater contamination in Southern Florida, where soil and water conditions indicate potential for leaching from atrazine-based herbicides.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 6, 2007
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.

Progesterone injections do not prevent preterm birth in twin pregnancies

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly progesterone injections did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women pregnant with twins. In contrast, previous research showed that these injections reduced additional preterm births by one-third in women whose previous babies were born prematurely.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2007

Prevent smoking to reduce risk of erectile dysfunction

A Tulane University study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a significant association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction. The research suggests that quitting smoking may help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, with estimated 22.7% of cases potentially attributable to cigarette smoking.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 27, 2007

Magnetic tape analysis 'sees' tampering in detail

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has improved a real-time magnetic microscopy system to analyze magnetic audio and video tapes with four times the resolution previously available. This faster and more accurate system reduces risk of contaminating tapes and offers enhanced forensic capabilities.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 20, 2007
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.

FDA finds no strong link between tomatoes and reduced cancer risk

The FDA review found no strong association between eating tomatoes and decreased cancer risk, but some limited evidence for associations with prostate, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The agency allowed qualified health claims for these four cancers, citing very limited and preliminary scientific research.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007
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.

Smoking associated with lower Parkinson's disease risk

A pooled analysis of data from previous studies suggests that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. Current and long-term smokers had the lowest risk, while those who quit smoking up to 25 years prior to diagnosis also showed a significant decrease in risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJul 9, 2007

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 3, 2007, issue

Researchers found that dietary counseling leads to a 6% weight loss after one year, but dieters return to baseline weight after five years. Studies also showed high-dose cholesterol-lowering medication reduces cardiovascular risk in older and younger patients, and beta-blockers decrease plaque buildup in artery walls.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 2007
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.

Benefits of school-based fitness programs fade after summer

A study of middle school students found that physical fitness gains made during the school year were lost after summer break. The study suggests that exercise interventions should be sustained throughout the year to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 4, 2007

Folic acid supplementation lowers stroke risk

A meta-analysis of eight trials found folic acid supplementation lowers the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, reducing stroke risk by an average of 18%. The study also revealed greater reductions in risk when treatment lasted over 36 months or reduced homocysteine levels by more than 20%.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 31, 2007

Passengers, not just mobile phones, contribute to road accidents

A new study by Research Australia found that carrying passengers increases the likelihood of a crash by 60% compared to using a mobile phone while driving. The risk is lower than mobile phone use but higher due to the prevalence of passenger transport.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMay 22, 2007

Probiotics could prevent necrotising enterocolitis in premature babies

Researchers found that probiotics reduced the risk of necrotising enterocolitis in premature babies by 64% and the risk of death by 53%. The study also showed a significant reduction in sepsis risk and an average delay of three days in achieving full feeds. Further trials are needed to confirm these results.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 10, 2007
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.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs reduce risk of stroke, heart attack

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as atorvastatin, reduced the risk of stroke by 4% for every 10% decrease in LDL 'bad' cholesterol. The study also showed a 7% reduction in heart attack risk. Participants with higher HDL 'good' cholesterol levels had an added protection against str...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMay 2, 2007
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.

Exercise may lower risk for Parkinson's disease

Research found that individuals with moderate to vigorous exercise levels were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those with low activity levels. The study of over 143,000 people suggested a potential benefit of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of this debilitating condition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 23, 2007

U of M study shows physical activity reduces risk of hypertension in young adults

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that young adults who engage in regular physical activity have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure within 15 years. The research found that participants who exercised five times a week and expended 300 calories per session experienced a significant reduction in hypertension risk.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 12, 2007
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.