Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Kids and screen time: Signs your child might be addicted

A recent study found that how children use devices, not hours spent on them, is the strongest predictor of emotional or social problems. Warning signs include interfering with daily activities, conflict, and unhealthy media habits leading to relationship, conduct, and emotional issues.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateDec 1, 2017
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.

ERC Consolidator Grants: 630 million euro from the EU to 329 top researchers

The European Research Council has awarded €630 million in Consolidator Grants to 329 top researchers across Europe, creating an estimated 2,000 jobs and funding research projects in physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The grants are aimed at boosting the EU's scientific excellence and competitiveness.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateNov 28, 2017

Five Brookhaven Lab scientists named 2017 American Physical Society Fellows

Brookhaven Lab scientists Anatoly Frenkel, Morgan May, Rachid Nouicer, Eric Stach, and Peter Steinberg were elected 2017 American Physical Society Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics. The fellows were recognized for their innovative research in materials physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, including discoveri...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 22, 2017

Math gets real in strong, lightweight structures

Rice researchers successfully printed complex schwarzite structures with computer algorithms and 3-D printers, showcasing their strength, lightness, and durability. The discovery may lead to high-load-bearing components for buildings, cars, and aircraft, as well as nanoscale electronic devices and battery components.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

LEDs light the way for better drug therapies

A new technique using blue LED lights and catalysts reduces the time to create radioactive molecules from months to hours, accelerating the arrival of new drugs to the marketplace. This innovation has the potential to bring medicines to patients much faster than before.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2017

Building better silk

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create reconstituted silk that is more than twice as stiff as its natural counterpart. The material has potential applications in medical sutures, scaffolding for new skin or other biomaterials, and sensing devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2017

Bonobos help strangers without being asked

Researchers studied wild-born bonobos at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that bonobos will help strangers get food even when there is no immediate payback. This behavior is linked to a basic form of empathy called emotional contagion, which suggests that bonobos are also contagious with yawning.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

Relocating bus stops would cut riders' pollution exposure, UCLA study finds

Researchers at UCLA discovered that moving bus stops away from busy intersections can significantly reduce the amount of pollution bus riders are exposed to. By relocating stops 120 feet away from intersections, pollutant concentrations decrease sharply with distance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

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.

Creating a better RNA switch

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a powerful RNA switch that can activate genes thousands of times better than nature, providing precise control over gene expression. This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, metabolic engineering, and regulating RNA networks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2017

Terahertz spectroscopy goes nano

Researchers at Brown University have improved the resolution of laser terahertz emission microscopy (LTEM) to 20 nanometers, enabling detailed imaging of individual nanostructures. This technique can be used to study a wide variety of materials, including semiconductors and perovskite solar cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 19, 2017

New Amazon threat? Deforestation from mining

A comprehensive study found that mining operations in Brazil are destroying a significant portion of the Amazon forest, with 90% of deforestation occurring outside mine lease boundaries. The research suggests that mining is now a substantial cause of Amazon forest loss, warranting action.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Understanding the coevolving web of life as a network

A new study explores the coevolving web of life as a network, revealing counterintuitive results on direct and indirect effects within large webs of interacting species. The findings suggest that strong coevolutionary selection between partners increases the importance of indirect effects on overall evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017
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.

First atomic structure from UTSW's cryo-EM facility

Researchers solved the structure of mouse TRPML1 ion channel using UT Southwestern's cryo-EM facility, a breakthrough that may aid in treating mucolipidosis type IV, a rare neurodegenerative disease. The study utilizes a novel sample preparation technique and cutting-edge software to reveal atomic-level details of the protein.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2017

Oregon team identifies universality and specificity in protein motions

A team of researchers at the University of Oregon has identified a universal pattern in protein motion, which could help pinpoint where proteins bind to other molecules. The study found that protein motion is governed by random energy fluctuations and a critical hydrogen-bonding network.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 12, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$23 million in new funding for Dunlap Institute astronomers

The Dunlap Institute has received $23 million in funding to develop innovative astronomical technology, including a radio astronomy data centre and an infrared spectrograph. These projects will position Canada at the forefront of next-generation astronomy research.

SourceDunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics·DateOct 12, 2017

Rice U. lab surprised by ultraflat magnets

Researchers at Rice University created ultraflat magnets with magnetic properties by adding rhenium to two-dimensional materials, expanding possibilities for spintronic devices. The discovery was made using chemical vapor deposition and doping techniques.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 11, 2017
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.

Oregon study finds that microbial dispersal impacts animal guts

A recent Oregon study with zebrafish found that transmitted microbes lead to similar gut microbiomes, selecting for particular microbes that are good at moving from fish to fish. This suggests the movement of microbes may drive microbiome variation and could impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2017

New machine evaluates soybean at harvest for quality

Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateOct 3, 2017

Unexpected findings uncover new understanding of gene expression

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the enzymatic function of the fly enzyme Trr may not be as crucial as previously thought, suggesting alternative explanations for its role in cancer development. The study found that knocking out Trr's catalytic activity did not affect flies' viability or gene expression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 2, 2017
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.

In plain sight

Human brains tend to miss objects that are mis-scaled, even when they're in view. Researchers found this phenomenon in eye-tracking studies, but not in computer vision algorithms like deep neural networks. This study aims to better understand human visual search strategies and improve computer vision.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 26, 2017
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.

Rainbow colors reveal cell history

Researchers developed a method to trace the history of beta-cells in zebrafish, revealing dynamic sub-populations with different developmental histories. These findings have implications for understanding diabetes progression and developing effective strategies for beta-cell regeneration and protection.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

An effective way to eliminate atrazine and its by-products in surface water

A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a hybrid process called photo-electro-Fenton (PEF) in removing low concentrations of atrazine and its by-products from surface water. The study showed that over 99% of atrazine was eliminated after just 15 minutes of treatment.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalWater Research·DateSep 18, 2017

Physicists offer explanation for diverse galaxy rotations

A team of physicists led by Hai-Bo Yu propose a new theory that dark matter particles strongly collide with each other in the inner halo of galaxies, explaining diverse galactic rotation curves. This self-interacting dark matter model thermalizes the inner halo, tying ordinary and dark matter distributions together.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2017
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.

Keychain detector could catch food allergens before it's too late

Researchers developed a $40 portable allergen-detection system called iEAT, which can detect five common allergens in under 10 minutes. The device extracts allergens from food and uses an electronic keychain reader to sense and transmit results wirelessly.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 6, 2017

USDA invests $12.6 million to train future ag science professionals

The USDA has invested $12.6 million in funding doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for agricultural science research and education. The program aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled professionals to tackle pressing food system issues, including plant health, production, and animal welfare.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateSep 1, 2017

Evolutionary arms 'chase'

A recent study challenged the conventional view of coevolution between plants and herbivores, suggesting that plants' defensive traits, rather than their genetic relationships, are key factors in determining which species herbivores target. This new paradigm proposes that herbivores may 'chase' or switch hosts based on the plant's defe...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

City College researchers produce smart fabric to neutralize nerve gas

Researchers have created a smart fabric that can detect and neutralize nerve gas, with the ability to absorb up to 7g of toxin per gram of Cu. The fabric uses copper-based nanoparticles to break down nerve gas surrogates, making it a potential tool for detecting chemical warfare agents.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNanoscale Horizons·DateAug 16, 2017

Boron nitride foam soaks up carbon dioxide

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that can absorb up to 340% of its weight in carbon dioxide, making it a promising solution for capturing greenhouse gases. The boron nitride foam is highly porous and can be tuned for specific applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 16, 2017

UMass Amherst geoscientist awarded international lectureship

Hydrogeologist David Boutt has been named the Birdsall-Dreiss Distinguished Lecturer for 2018 by the Geological Society of America's Hydrogeology Division. He will give a 12-month national and international speaking tour, including stops in Asia, Europe, and South America.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 11, 2017

New CubeSat propulsion system uses water as propellant

A new micropropulsion system for CubeSats uses an innovative design of tiny nozzles that release precise bursts of water vapor to maneuver the spacecraft. The FEMTA thruster technology demonstrates a thrust-to-power ratio of 230 micronewtons per watt, making it a viable method for attitude control of CubeSats.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 7, 2017

Sticky when wet: Strong adhesive for wound healing

Researchers have created a super-strong adhesive that binds to tissues with strength comparable to cartilage, even when wet. The adhesive uses a double-layered hydrogel design with positively-charged polymers to create a strong bond.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017
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.

Ultracold molecules hold promise for quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have successfully created a platform to store and process quantum information using ultracold molecules, which can retain their information for hundreds of times longer than previously achieved. The breakthrough could enable thousands of quantum computations in sequence within a second of coherence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

CCNY physicists master unexplored electron property

Researchers have successfully manipulated the 'valley' property in electrons using light, a crucial step towards realizing valleytronics technology. This breakthrough has potential applications in logic gates and is a major advancement in the field of materials science.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2017
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.

The oldest 'bad boy' in the world

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena reconstructed a 300 million-year-old beetle from Australia, shedding new light on the earliest developments in beetles. The 'Bad Boy' exhibits an unorthodox mix of ancestral and modern characteristics, challenging traditional beetle classification.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJul 24, 2017

Cornell researchers uncover fresh role for nitric oxide

A new study by Cornell University chemists reveals a critical step in the nitrification process where nitric oxide acts as a chemical prelude to nitrite. This discovery could lead to more efficient fertilization practices and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2017

Climate change: Biodiversity rescues biodiversity in a warmer world

Researchers found that climate warming can both increase and decrease biodiversity, with higher diversity providing a buffer against environmental changes. In a study, warming meadows led to more nematode species, but those species were also more similar to each other, limiting the 'insurance' effect of increased diversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2017

Research makes robots better at following spoken instructions

Researchers at Brown University developed a new system that enables robots to follow spoken instructions, regardless of their level of abstraction. The system uses language grounding and hierarchical planning algorithms to analyze the specificity of commands, resulting in dramatic speed-ups in performance.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

Using the stairs just got easier with energy-recycling steps

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed energy-recycling stairs that store energy during descent and return it during ascent, easing the impact on knees and ankles. The device reduces knee impact by 37% and ankle stress by 26%, making it easier for people to use stairs without compromising their mobility.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017

Computing takes the prize

Nobuo Sato received a $10,000 grant to apply his knowledge of Quantum Chromodynamics to understand the protons and neutrons in everyday matter. His calculations involve parton distribution functions and transverse momentum distributions.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

Making waves

Researchers at IST Austria and Nvidia introduce a novel representation of waves that improves visual detail and user control while reducing computing cost. The method allows for more versatile and physically plausible simulations with minimal extra work.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 3, 2017

Incremental discovery may one day lead to photosynthetic breakthrough

Researchers discovered that CP12 regulates enzymes GAPDH and PRK, allowing plants to respond to changing light levels. Removing all three forms of the protein results in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and smaller plant yield.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 29, 2017
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.