Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Deaton designated as SRA International Distinguished Faculty

Andrea Deaton, University of Oklahoma administrator, has been designated as a Society of Research Administrators International Distinguished Faculty. She is recognized for her exemplary teaching, scholarship, and practice in research management and administration.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateOct 10, 2017
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.

Reducing bullying the Finnish way -- in the United States

Researchers tested the KiVa program to reduce bullying and victimization in US schools. Results showed significant reductions in bullying, but implementation was limited by factors such as teacher burnout and lack of resources. Improving teachers' workloads and reducing burnout may lead to better outcomes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateOct 3, 2017

Study finds new program reduces absenteeism in primary schools

A pilot program in five North Carolina schools reduced absenteeism among first- and second-grade students by an average of 10%. The Early Truancy Prevention Program, which involved teachers visiting homes to establish a positive connection with parents and students, showed strong evidence of effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers use Wikipedia to give AI context clues

By leveraging Wikipedia's vast language database, researchers created a method to equip artificial intelligence agents with common-sense knowledge about object interactions. The team achieved promising results in text-based adventure games, improving the agent's performance on 12 out of 16 games.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateSep 19, 2017

Automated feedback: The new science of grading STEM papers

Researchers at Wake Forest University are testing the effectiveness of SAWHET, an automated lab report feedback system, to improve scientific writing in STEM students. The study aims to enhance explanation of research to the public and receive a $280k NSF grant.

SourceWake Forest University·DateSep 13, 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.

Little known theory could hold key to sporting success

A new study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior found that Perceptual Control Theory can significantly improve performance in sports and other activities. The theory argues that teaching people what to do is less effective than teaching them how to picture the desired outcome.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Motor Behavior·DateAug 31, 2017

Patient plays saxophone while surgeons remove brain tumor

Researchers used advanced brain mapping techniques to preserve musician's musical ability during surgery. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds new light on how music is processed in the brain and its importance for individuals like Dan Fabbio, who relies on music as his livelihood.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 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.

Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them

A new study finds that acknowledging and understanding the role of mythical creatures in local cultures can have a positive impact on conservation. In Madagascar, for example, spiritual beliefs surrounding magical animals are linked to local taboos that protect endangered species like the radiated tortoise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOryx·DateAug 24, 2017

$5 million from state will transform K-12 history education

The University of California, Davis, will develop online teaching and learning resources for K-12 history-social science curriculum, fostering better understanding of California's history and improving student literacy. The program, Teaching California, aims to provide accessible and engaging resources for teachers and students.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 21, 2017
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.

Belief in neuromyths is extremely common

A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 10, 2017

Nation's Top Mathematics educators honored for 2017

The Mathematical Association of America has honored top math educators for their effective teaching methods and impact on undergraduate education. The Henry L. Alder Awards recognized Steven Klee and Mary Beisiegel for their exceptional teaching and mentoring skills.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJul 26, 2017
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.

Teaching without training

A recent study found that 40% of new secondary science teachers teach mostly or entirely out of field, with 64% having at least one out-of-field course in their first five years. This can lead to constrained teaching and rote memorization rather than in-depth learning

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateJul 19, 2017

Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017
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.

Yoga more risky for causing musculoskeletal pain than you might think

A study by University of Sydney researchers found that yoga can cause musculoskeletal pain in 10% of participants and exacerbate existing injuries up to 21%. The study's findings suggest that yoga is not as safe as previously thought, with an injury rate comparable to other sports.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies·DateJun 27, 2017

Starting school young can put child wellbeing at risk

A study by the University of Exeter found that children starting school early are more likely to develop poorer mental health, with a 'tipping point' effect for vulnerable children. The research suggests that teachers should be aware of this issue and provide support to mitigate its impact.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJun 21, 2017

New approach to teaching music improvisation enhances creativity

A process-oriented teaching approach to improvisation in music is proposed, focusing on developing cognitive processes that enhance creativity. This approach encourages students to think about their creative processes and self-assess their experiences, leading to improved improvisational skills.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Positive engagement in preschool key to developmental gains

A new study found that children's individual engagement in preschool classrooms, including with teachers, peers, and tasks, is crucial to their learning and development. Positive engagement was linked to improved literacy skills, language, and self-regulatory skills, while negative engagement hindered school readiness.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 20, 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.

Students of all races & ethnicities benefit from ethnically diverse middle schools

A new study found that students in ethnically diverse middle schools report better self-reported well-being and views on race, particularly when exposed to different ethnic groups in their academic classes. The researchers emphasized the importance of class placement to reap the social benefits of school diversity.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 20, 2017

Close failing banks before they cost US billions of dollars, says study

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University researchers proposes a new capital ratio that would allow regulators to close insolvent banks earlier, potentially saving $18.5 billion in closure costs. The proposed ratio, called the nonperforming asset coverage ratio, could prevent regulators from granting forbearance to insolvent banks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Banking & Finance·DateJun 19, 2017

Transgender actors effective in teaching new doctors to provide respectful care

A study published in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education found that transgender actors can effectively teach new doctors to provide sensitive care. The researchers used standardized patients, including a transgender actress, to assess residents' communication skills and patient satisfaction. The results showed that the training a...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 15, 2017

How to educate future therapists more effectively

A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 15, 2017
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.

New face-aging technique could boost search for missing people

A new face-aging technique uses sparse partial least squares to create photographic-quality images of faces at different ages. The method, developed by University of Bradford researchers, has been shown to be more accurate than existing techniques and could improve search efforts for missing people.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateJun 14, 2017

MIT researchers refine yardstick for measuring schools

A new study by MIT economists refines the measurement of school quality using a novel approach to Value-Added Models. By leveraging random assignment of students to schools, they found that conventional VAMs underestimate improvement at some schools but provide a ballpark figure for others.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJun 14, 2017

Climate change misconceptions common among teachers, study finds

A new study found that many US secondary school science teachers possess several climate change misconceptions, similar to the general public. The survey of 220 teachers in Florida and Puerto Rico revealed notable errors regarding greenhouse gas emissions and scientific experiments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science and Mathematics Education·DateJun 7, 2017

In utero tobacco exposure can lead to executive function issues in adolescents

A new study found that even brief exposure to tobacco during pregnancy can lead to long-term negative impacts on executive function in adolescents. The study controlled for demographics and other substance exposures, showing a strong association between tobacco exposure and impaired executive functioning.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 1, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Laptops and tablets in the classroom: How to integrate electronic devices in the university

A study by the University of Seville found that laptop users tend to be older students with experience in pre-university education, while tablet users are typically younger females. The researchers warn of a potential 'Trojan horse' effect of devices on academic engagement, and emphasize the need for universities to invest in mobile le...

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 26, 2017

The 'ideal' teacher? It's all in your mind

A Concordia study found that 'best' and 'worst' teachers are often praised for contrasting qualities, highlighting the importance of individual educational values. The research also discovered gender biases in teaching perceptions, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateMay 25, 2017

'Authentic' teachers are better at engaging with their students

Authentic teaching style is positively received by students, characterized by approachability, passion, attentiveness and care. This style involves conversing with students before and after class, sharing personal experiences and displaying humanity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCommunication Education·DateMay 25, 2017

Improve evolution education by teaching genetics first

A large controlled trial found that teaching genetics first significantly improved students' test scores on evolution, especially for foundation classes. The study suggests that priming students with genetics information before teaching evolution can lead to better understanding of this complex concept.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

Mortality rates lower at major teaching hospitals

A recent study analyzing over 21 million Medicare discharges found that admission to a major teaching hospital was linked to a lower overall 30-day risk of death compared to nonteaching hospitals. The study, published in JAMA, also revealed differences in mortality rates among smaller and larger teaching hospitals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 23, 2017

Mindfulness takes practice

A new study from Aarhus University found that mindfulness practice at home is related to reduced stress, pain, and better well-being. Although the 45-minute daily home practice may seem short, it still has a statistically significant positive impact on participants.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateMay 22, 2017

Teacher racial bias matters more for students of color

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that teacher racial bias affects students' grades and academic expectations, particularly for Black students, who face a significant gap in perceptions of class difficulty compared to White peers.

SourceNew York University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Are we educating educators about academic integrity?

A study found that academic integrity is not a core concept taught to academics in UK Higher Education, despite its central importance. Researchers recommend including academic integrity as a core concept in learning and teaching to prevent it from being seen as a standalone disciplinary concept.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education·DateMay 17, 2017

Men sing about dating and sex more often than women

Research analyzing popular song lyrics across five decades reveals men singing about romantic love and sex more frequently, while female artists focus on love. The study highlights gender-based differences in sexuality and stereotyping, with women's bodies being objectified more often than men's.

SourceSpringer·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateMay 17, 2017

Learning styles -- A once hot debate redshifts

A recent study of 114 academics in the UK found that while 58% believe Learning Styles is beneficial, only 33% use it. The study also revealed that most faculty consider the approach fundamentally flawed and prefer evidence-based techniques instead. Promoting these effective methods could be a more productive focus for education research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 11, 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.

Do red Smarties make you happier? 'Live the trial' class debunks the myth

A mock randomized control trial across three countries found that eating red Smarties had no effect on participants' levels of happiness. This study debunks the common assumption that red is associated with feelings of happiness and demonstrates how complex scientific concepts can be made engaging through hands-on learning.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Public Health·DateMay 10, 2017

How Pokémon GO can help students build stronger communication skills

A study by Emily Howell at Iowa State University suggests that playing Pokémon GO can enhance students' writing and research skills. By incorporating different modes of communication, such as gestures and visuals, the game provides a unique platform for students to practice multimodal text and develop their communication skills.

SourceIowa State University·JournalThe Reading Teacher·DateMay 9, 2017

Elementary school: Early English language lessons less effective than expected

Children who start learning English in the first grade achieve poorer results in this subject than children whose first English lesson isn't until the third grade. This is because early English-language lessons take place at a time when deep immersion would be necessary to achieve sustainable effects.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalLanguage Learning·DateMay 8, 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.

The digitization of medical knowledge

A study published in PLOS ONE found that tablet-based, multimedia-enhanced training significantly improved internal medicine exam performance. The integrated program combined theoretical training with clinical practice, utilizing digital media and learning materials to enhance knowledge acquisition.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2017

Lessons in inhumanity

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that Nazi-era physicians were required to study medical ethics in German medical schools, with a focus on the 'people's body' over individual health. This challenges the notion of medical ethics as a universal construct.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2017

Does my algorithm work? There's no shortcut for community detection

A new paper in Science Advances challenges the approach of using metadata to validate community detection algorithms, showing that this method introduces biases and limits algorithm diversity. Researchers propose two new statistical approaches to explore deeper patterns within network data.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 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.

Woods named 2017 Minnie Stevens Piper professor

Bob Woods, a UTA mechanical engineering professor, has been named a 2017 Piper Professor. He is the 10th UTA professor to receive this honor, which recognizes outstanding college professors across Texas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 2, 2017

Children with reading and spelling difficulties lag behind their peers despite special education

A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that children with reading and spelling difficulties (RSD) lag far behind their peers in the first two school years, despite receiving special education. The study suggests that teachers may need additional training to effectively support these students.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·DateApr 25, 2017

AERA to live-stream 31 Annual Meeting Sessions

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) will live-stream 31 Annual Meeting sessions, featuring prominent scholars and policy experts. Key topics include educating immigrant students, the role of education in politically tumultuous times, and data collection ethics. The free livestreams are open to registration.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·DateApr 21, 2017

Kristin Umland receives 2017 AMS Impact Award

Kristin Umland receives the 2017 AMS Impact Award for her work on illustrating mathematics standards and creating professional development resources. Her efforts have improved math education for millions of teachers and students across the US.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 18, 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.

Virtual microscopy: New online resource for educators & researchers

A new database, Virtual Microscopy Database, launches to provide high-quality images of human body structures, making it easier for educators and researchers to access and use digital microscopic images. This resource is expected to benefit schools in the developing world by reducing the need to purchase microscopes and glass slides.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 17, 2017

From the science of learning to the art of teaching

A $4.6-million grant will investigate how students and teachers implement principles from the science of learning in educational settings. The project aims to provide students with tools to learn effectively on their own, regardless of career path.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 7, 2017