Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Community action not enough to reduce problem drinking and related harms

A cluster randomized controlled trial in 20 communities found no significant difference in alcohol-related harms between intervention and control groups, despite reported reductions in self-reported average weekly consumption of alcohol. The study suggests that community action alone may not be sufficient to reduce problem drinking and...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 11, 2014
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.

Volcanoes helped species survive ice ages

Researchers found that species near volcanoes were more likely to survive past ice ages due to the heat and steam from volcanic activity. This discovery could inform conservation efforts in icy regions as humans continue to impact the environment.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2014

Gillian and Hadi spell double tropical trouble around Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Gillian made its first landfall in the northwestern coast of the York Peninsula, while Tropical Cyclone Hadi lingered off the eastern coast. Gillian is expected to re-emerge in the Gulf of Carpentaria and make a second landfall near the Northern Territory/Queensland border.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 10, 2014

These aren't the voids you're looking for

Researchers found delicate strings of galaxies in previously thought-empty voids, revealing a new type of structure called 'tendrils'. This discovery suggests that voids might be smaller than initially believed, challenging our understanding of the universe's organization.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 9, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA satellites see double tropical trouble for Queensland, Australia

Two tropical low pressure systems, System 96P and System 98P, are developing in the Coral Sea and northern Gulf of Carpentaria, respectively. These storms have strengthened, with sustained winds reported on Willis Island, and are expected to make landfall near Queensland's eastern coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 7, 2014

New center for space environmemt management announced in Australia

The Australian National University-led Cooperative Research Centre for Space Environment Management will track space debris, improve predictions of space debris orbits, and predict potential collisions in space. The center aims to reduce the rate of debris proliferation and remove debris using ground-based lasers.

SourceAustralian National University·DateMar 6, 2014

ANU astronomers to help clean up space junk

A new Cooperative Research Centre will use lasers to track and remove space debris in low orbits around the Earth. The initiative aims to reduce collision risks for satellites, space stations, and spacecraft.

SourceAustralian National University·DateMar 6, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Eskitis Institute leading a renaissance in natural drug discovery

The Eskitis Institute is working with the Queensland Compound Library and Nature Bank to discover new natural compounds that could be developed into life-saving drugs. The collaboration has led to significant advancements in high-throughput screening of natural product fractions, resulting in the discovery of more useful compounds.

SourceGriffith University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateMar 5, 2014

Discovery in France of the New Guinea flatworm

The New Guinea flatworm, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species, has been found in France for the first time. The flatworm was identified by molecular analysis and is capable of consuming European snails and other soil-dwelling species.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 4, 2014

New fast and furious black hole found

Astronomers have found a new superpowered small black hole named MQ1 in galaxy M83, which is classed as a microquasar with jets that heat and sweep away surrounding gas. The discovery sheds light on early universe evolution and provides insight into the growth of quasars.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalScience·DateFeb 27, 2014

Color of passion: Orange underbellies of female lizards signal fertility

Research reveals that female lizards' bright orange patches on their underbellies signal peak fertility to males, attracting them with showy behavior. Males also exhibit aggressive behavior towards pregnant females, which can be deterred by the females' display of bright orange color.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 27, 2014

Bushfires continue to plague Victoria, Australia

Despite progress in extinguishing the Morwell fire, officials warn of weeks of firefighting ahead due to hot and dry conditions. The Snowy River Complex fire has burned over 500 square miles, with many bushfires considered under control but still posing a threat.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 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.

Extreme weather decides distribution of insects

Researchers found that insect distribution is primarily defined by their tolerance to extreme temperatures, not average temperature changes. This knowledge helped model the expected shift in distributions due to climate change, with some species predicted to disappear entirely in a few decades.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Evolution stuck in slime for a billion years

Researchers in Tasmania reveal ancient conditions that stifled evolution for a billion years, but then oxygen levels surged, triggering the 'Cambrian explosion of life'. The study uses a new technique to analyze ancient seafloor rocks, shedding light on the emergence of life and its impact on Earth.

SourceScience in Public·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 18, 2014

Australian state has higher rate of hypothermia deaths than Sweden

Research from University of Adelaide reveals South Australia has a higher rate of hypothermia deaths than Sweden, with elderly women indoors being the main victims. The study attributes this to poor heating and insulation, as well as lack of social interaction and multiple underlying medical conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Genetic discovery to keep crops disease-free

Researchers at Curtin University have found a way to breed disease-resistant wheat, reducing yield loss due to Yellow Spot and other diseases. This new technology allows for improved disease resistance without affecting yields or increasing costs.

SourceCurtin University·JournalPlant Pathology·DateFeb 10, 2014

New maps reveal locations of species at risk as climate changes

The study provides critical information for targeting conservation efforts and highlights the need for urgent action to protect biodiversity. Climate change is expected to force plants and animals to adapt or migrate to track their ideal climate, with some species facing significant challenges in finding new habitats.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateFeb 9, 2014

Fires in Victoria, Australia, Feb. 6, 2014

Hot and dry conditions in Victoria sparked a rash of bushfires in the Snowy River National Park area, with fires spanning over 27,000 acres. Authorities are warning residents of another potential fire season this weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2014
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.

One NASA image, 2 Australian tropical lows: Fletcher and 95S

Two low-pressure areas, System 94P (Fletcher) and 95S, were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite over Australia. Fletcher remains in the Gulf of Carpentaria with disorganized convection, while System 95S develops near Darwin with heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 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.

Texting changes the way we walk

A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJan 22, 2014

Physicist honored by the Australian Academy of Science

Professor Geoff Pryde from Griffith University's Centre for Quantum Dynamics has been recognized for his pioneering contributions to quantum information science, including the first entangling optical quantum computer logic gate and fundamental experimental studies of quantum entanglement.

SourceGriffith University·DateJan 21, 2014
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.

Get used to heat waves: Extreme El Nino events to double

Scientists predict a doubling of extreme El Nino events as the world warms, leading to increased heat waves and droughts. The research found that the eastern Pacific Ocean will warm, causing massive changes in global rainfall patterns.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 19, 2014

NASA tracks soggy System 94S over Western Australia

NASA's Terra satellite tracked System 94S, a tropical low, moving inland from the Northern Territory into Western Australia. The system brought heavy rainfall to the region, exceeding 50mm at Sturt Creek in the Interior Region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 17, 2014

NASA satellite imagery shows some punch left in System 94S

System 94S continues to track over Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with NASA's Aqua satellite detecting powerful thunderstorms northwest of the low-pressure center. Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for the region, with some storms potentially producing heavy rain rates.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 16, 2014

Fires in South Australia Jan. 16, 2014

Severe bushfires swept across South Australia, driven by record-breaking heat and strong winds. Firefighters struggled to control complex fires in rural areas, aided by additional water bombers from Queensland and Victoria.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 16, 2014

Special yeast reduce alcohol, improve wine

Researchers identified a special yeast, Metschnikowia pulcherrima AWRI1149, that can produce wine with reduced ethanol concentration. Sequential inoculation of this yeast with Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in an alcohol content reduction of up to 1.6%.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 16, 2014
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.

NASA sees system 94S still trying to organize near Darwin

System 94S continues to develop over the Northern Territory of Australia, with strong central convection and spiral bands of thunderstorms pushed west by moderate to strong vertical wind shear. The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the affected areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 15, 2014

Do cultural differences determine outcome of our activities?

A study by Hebrew University researchers and international colleagues found that different cultural approaches to tasks like pottery-throwing didn't produce distinct outcomes. Instead, most hand positions were culture-specific while vessel shapes remained largely unified across cultures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 14, 2014
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.

Safe havens revealed for biodiversity in a changed climate

A team of researchers from Curtin University has developed an approach to identify potential refugia in declining rainfall environments, essential for conservation efforts. They found that areas with great water run-off below granite outcrops and deeper soil may provide safe havens for biodiversity.

SourceCurtin University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2014

New test could simplify the diagnosis of coeliac disease

A new blood test has been developed to diagnose coeliac disease, providing a rapid and accurate result within 24 hours. The test measures T cell response to gluten after three days of consumption, showing high predictive value for coeliac disease diagnosis.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateJan 13, 2014

Iconic Australasian trees found as fossils in South America

Paleobotanists discover complete fossil remains of Agathis trees from Australia to South America across Antarctica, revealing its vast range and adaptability. The findings provide insights into climate change's impact on the tree's distribution.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 9, 2014

First dinosaurs identified from Saudi Arabia

International team uncovers first record of dinosaurs from Saudi Arabia, featuring a sauropod and carnivorous theropod species. The discovery sheds light on the region's rare dinosaur fossil record.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 7, 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.

Coral Centre awarded 7 years of funding

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies has been awarded $28m for research on sustainable coral reef management. The centre will focus on understanding the interaction between coral reefs and people, with a goal to foster their sustainable use.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateDec 23, 2013

What the past tells us about modern sea-level rise

Researchers used geological evidence to derive a natural background pattern of sea-level rise. Based on this, they found that modern sea-level rise is fast but within the 'natural range', with only half of observed changes expected by natural standards.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 12, 2013

Scientists map food security and self-provision of major cities

Several major cities have been mapped for their food security and self-provisioning, revealing varying degrees of dependence on national and global markets. Cities like Tokyo and Canberra struggle to feed themselves due to population growth and climate change, while Copenhagen's stable population has increased its local production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGlobal Food Security·DateDec 12, 2013

Professor Len Harrison wins JDRF Australia Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Len Harrison has been awarded the JDRF Australia Lifetime Research Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on improving treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. His research aims to prevent or delay the onset of the disease, bringing hope for better therapies and treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Overcoming linguistic taboos: Lessons from Australia

Researchers found that kinship inflections evolved as a means to avoid restricted personal names, providing a practical solution for person recognition. The study provides insight into language evolution by examining the use of linguistic structures in social interaction.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateDec 11, 2013

Silver Banksia plants excel at phosphate saving

The Silver Banksia plant genus has developed a strategy to cope with phosphorus scarcity by reducing ribosomal RNA in their cells, saving phosphorus and water. By optimizing phosphate use, Proteaceae plants outperform Arabidopsis thaliana in photosynthetic efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateDec 10, 2013

NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize

The remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia have been spotted in the Northern Territory, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data revealing strong thunderstorms and potential heavy rains. The low-pressure system is expected to move slowly south before turning west towards the Timor Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 26, 2013
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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Alessia make landfall near Darwin

Tropical Cyclone Alessia made landfall in northern Australia as a weak storm, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing mostly light rain and moderate rainfall. The cyclone dissipated quickly after crossing the Northern Territory coast, causing no damages or significant impacts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2013