Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study sheds new light on behavior called joint attention

Researchers investigated how to measure joint attention in young infants who cannot yet talk. The study revealed low agreement among raters in assigning looks from infants to their mothers, challenging the idea that quality of infant looks can be reliably distinguished as a marker of joint attention.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2021

Closeness with dads may play special role in how kids weather adolescence

New research at Penn State found that close, supportive relationships with parents, especially dads, can help stave off certain adjustment problems during adolescence. The study showed that father-adolescent intimacy was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and weight concerns across most of adolescence.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2021

What makes a market transaction morally repugnant?

Researchers found five aspects underlie feelings of repugnance: moral outrage, regulation desire, monetary value translation, exploitation concern, and seller risk exposure. Transactions triggering strong repugnance often require policy interventions to protect vulnerable individuals or address unknown risks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalCognition·DateJul 22, 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.

High daily screen time linked to cognitive, behavioral problems in children born extremely preterm

A recent study funded by NIH found that excessive daily screen time is associated with cognitive and behavioral issues in extremely preterm children. Children who spent more than two hours on screens per day had lower IQ scores and poorer problem-solving skills compared to their peers.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 15, 2021

Can leukemia in children with Down syndrome be prevented?

Princess Margaret Scientists reveal a new target that suggests it can potentially prevent leukemia in children with Down syndrome. The study mapped out where and how leukemia begins and develops in infants with Down syndrome, paving the way for future prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

Monkeys also learn to communicate

In a behavioral study on common marmosets, researchers found that the infantile development of vocalizations includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. This phase is critical for human language development, influenced by social interactions with parents.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 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.

Breakthrough study shows defining traits are forged the moment we're born

A breakthrough study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that individual brain networks develop within the first month of life, predicting unique infant temperament traits. Researchers found greater connectivity between frontal and parietal regions linked to improved behavioral regulation in infants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 9, 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.

Open, expressive family life may reduce social deprivation effects among adopted children

A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that open, expressive family life can moderate the effects of pre-adoption adversity on adopted children's cognitive ability and development. In contrast, rule-driven households with conflict may increase the risk for behavioral problems.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPediatric Research·DateMay 28, 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

Influence of anesthetics of neonatal rat brain

Researchers investigated anesthetics' influence on neonatal rat brains, using optical intrinsic signal imaging and non-invasive monitoring. Urethane was found to alter cortical rhythms dose-dependently, while isoflurane showed limited effects.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 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.

Eating habits change only slightly after gestational diabetes diagnosis, NIH study suggests

A study suggests that pregnant women with gestational diabetes made only modest dietary changes, including a reduction in juice consumption and an increase in artificially sweetened beverages. Disparities were found in certain groups, such as Hispanic women and those with obesity or lower education levels.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 19, 2021

Advances in medical imaging enable visualization of white matter tracts in fetuses

Researchers visualized and studied white matter pathways in human brains developing in the womb using advanced medical imaging. The study provides a detailed understanding of normal developmental trajectories of white matter tracts, which will help inform treatment strategies for diseases affecting preterm infants.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2021

Southern African dinosaur had irregular growth

A new study found that Massospondylus carinatus, a medium-sized southern African dinosaur, had growth variations from year to year. The dinosaur's growth directly responded to environmental conditions, with significant increases in good years and minimal growth in bad years.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 11, 2021
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.

The origin of reproductive organs

A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 6, 2021

Polarization and mobilization on social media affect infection figures

A study published in Applied Network Science found that polarization and mobilization on social media can affect infection figures, particularly in the USA. The research suggests that politicized information dissemination can exacerbate the incidence of infection, especially when opposing measures are not consistently followed.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalApplied Network Science·DateMay 4, 2021
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.

Skeletal defects may be ameliorated after immobility in the womb

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin found that skeletal defects caused by lack of movement in the womb can be partially recovered after movement resumes. The study used chicken embryos and suggests that this finding may also apply to humans.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateApr 23, 2021

Outside factors may help children develop internal control

A new theory suggests that external cues and environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of executive function, which is responsible for controlling behavior. The research team aims to provide practical guidance for childcare providers and parents.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateApr 5, 2021
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.

Keep pace: Walking with a partner is great but might slow you down

A new study found that couples tend to decrease their walking speed when together, especially when holding hands. This decrease in speed can negate some of the health benefits associated with walking alone at a faster pace. On the other hand, older adults who are more active tend to maintain their gait speed.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGait & Posture·DateApr 2, 2021

Illinois youth opioid use linked with other substance misuse, mental health issues

A new study from the University of Illinois found that Illinois high school students who use opioids are also more likely to engage in other forms of substance misuse, have mental health concerns, and experience bullying. The researchers analyzed data from over 230,000 students and identified three main profiles of individuals reportin...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMar 18, 2021
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.

Study explores how environmental exposures before conception may impact fetal development

A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests older age and alcohol consumption before conception may alter a specific gene's epigenetic marks, impacting human egg development. The study provides valuable insights into environmental factors affecting gene regulation through epigenetics and imprinting.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2021

Brain organoids grown in lab mature much like infant brains

Researchers have grown human stem cell-derived organoids in a lab dish that matured in sync with the timeline of human development, replicating key aspects of normal human development. The study provides a framework for assessing how well in vitro models model in vivo development and function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2021

Global mapping projects aid humanitarian organisations

A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that over 60 million buildings and four million roads were added to OpenStreetMap between 2008 and 2020, primarily in low- and medium-human development regions. However, these areas still account for only a small percentage of mapped data due to socio-economic and demographic factors.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Citizens versus the internet

The article highlights four major challenges in the online world: manipulative choice architectures, personalized information, false and misleading information, and distracting environments. To address these challenges, researchers propose interventions such as boosting tools, self-nudging, and media literacy education.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateFeb 12, 2021

'Hidden biological link' among autism genes revealed in study

A new study by UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley scientists has identified a crucial biological link between autism risk genes and the process of prenatal neurogenesis. The research also highlights the protective role of estrogen in preventing disruption to this process, which can steer the brain on a normal course of development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2021

Ensuring healthy family mealtimes is important - and complicated

A new study from the University of Illinois highlights the complexities of healthy family mealtimes, identifying three distinct family profiles with varying levels of food security and mealtime organization. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple aspects of family risk patterns to promote healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAppetite·DateFeb 4, 2021

Pace of prehistoric human innovation could be revealed by 'linguistic thermometer'

Researchers developed a powerful tool to map language development and human innovation over thousands of years, including pre-history. The 'linguistic thermometer' uses statistical physics to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of language, revealing how languages change over time.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJan 27, 2021

Stimulating brain pathways shows origins of human language and memory

Researchers found strong links between auditory cortex information in humans and primates, suggesting an evolutionary process dating back at least 25 million years. The study provides new insights into the origins of human language and memory, highlighting a previously unseen ancestral brain highway system.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human egg cells are imperfect surprisingly often

A study published in American Journal of Human Genetics found that more than 7% of human oocytes have exchangeless chromosome pairs, indicating a high level of meiotic recombination failure. The research suggests that these errors are common and not affected by maternal age.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 10, 2020

New program for African American couples leads to stronger relationships, improved health

A recent study found that a new program for African American couples can lead to stronger relationships and improved health outcomes. The program, Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF), uses a cognitive behavioral approach to improve couple interaction patterns and ways of thinking.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Forming beliefs in a world of filter bubbles

Researchers found that people tend to stick to their original estimate or adopt the nearest peer's estimate, compromising only when peers are not in close agreement. This 'egocentric discounting' effect is influenced by the consistency of others' beliefs with one's own, leading to prioritization of confirmation over conflicting views.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·DateNov 25, 2020

Face masks slow spread of COVID-19; types of masks, length of use matter

Researchers found that face masks made of hybrid polymer materials can filter particles efficiently while cooling the face. Consistent mask-wearing by at least 70% of the public could lead to the eradication of COVID-19 if efficient masks are used, according to epidemiological studies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 24, 2020

New molecular atlases reveal how human cells grow and develop

Researchers at UW Medicine created two cell atlases that map gene expression and chromatin accessibility in human development, providing unprecedented data for understanding cell differentiation. The atlases identify 77 main cell types and approximately 650 cell subtypes, shedding light on the regulatory 'grammar' of the cell.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Monster tumors' could offer new glimpse at human development

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified 20 cell types in teratomas, which could offer insights into human development and tissue engineering. The team also developed a method to 'molecularly sculpt' teratomas to be enriched in specific lineages.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateNov 4, 2020

Marriage or not? Rituals help dating couples decide relationship future

A University of Illinois study found that rituals in dating relationships can magnify normative experiences and provide a preview into family life and couple life. Rituals have the power to bond individuals and serve as diagnostic tools for where the relationship is going.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 15, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Artificial intelligence in art: a simple tool or creative genius?

A study by MIT and Max Planck Institute found that people perceive AI as creative genius or tool depending on information presented. The researchers manipulated language to change degree of humanization, influencing recognition and responsibility assigned to humans behind AI systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournaliScience·DateSep 30, 2020

UCLA-led team of scientists discovers why we need sleep

A UCLA-led team of scientists found that sleep changes its purpose at around 2-and-a-half years old, shifting from brain-building during REM sleep to brain-maintenance and repair afterwards. This transition is crucial for clearing damaged genes and proteins from neurons, preventing serious illness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2020
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.

Momentum of unprecedented Chilean uprising stalled by COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the Chilean uprising's potential for reform, as protests have been stymied by fear of the virus and its economic consequences. The regime may gain a new lease on life, but the question remains whether mass mobilization can regroup and win reforms.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNew Labor Forum·DateSep 17, 2020

Colors evoke similar feelings around the world

A comprehensive survey found similar color-emotion associations worldwide, with red linked to both love and anger globally. National peculiarities were observed, such as white being associated with sadness in China and purple with mourning in Greece. Climate may also influence these associations.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 10, 2020