Add BrightSurf on Google Email
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.

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

To baby brains, language is language, whether signed or spoken

Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

A UBC study found that children living in areas with high greenspace exposure showed better overall development than peers with less access. Greenspaces reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and noise on children's health and development.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

National study aims to document relationship between language and cognition in childhood language disorders

Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 20, 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.

Epilepsy research reveals unknown trigger for seizures

Researchers found that somatostatin interneurons can cause seizures when they go haywire, disrupting the brain's balance. The study identified a rare epilepsy syndrome and developed mouse models to understand the neurological dysfunction, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJNeurosci·DateOct 20, 2021

In your face: Children’s expressions tell the story of poor sleep

A new study found that changes in children's facial expressions of emotion after sleep restriction predict more social problems concurrently and over time. Emotional expression plays a crucial role in social communication, and poor sleep quality takes a toll on this aspect.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAffective Science·DateOct 19, 2021

Breastfeeding linked to lower risk of type 1 diabetes

Research by Karolinska Institutet suggests that longer breastfeeding and later introduction to gluten may reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study analyzed 5,935 articles and found a significant protective effect against the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 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.

NIH award advances the study of young and developing brains

Researchers at UC San Diego will document brain development from birth through early childhood, focusing on environmental factors and mental disorders. The HBCD study aims to optimize brain imaging technologies and predict future behavioral problems.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 14, 2021

I’m not a little kid anymore! 10-year-old children act like adults, giving more credit to the opinion of adults who have previously endorsed their ideas.

A study published in Royal Society Open Science found that 10-year-old children follow social norms and reciprocate consideration from adults. Children of this age tend to behave more like adults, giving weight to adults' opinions if they are credited, whereas younger children trust their own decisions independently of adult behavior.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Troubling birth findings show importance of timely flu vaccination

New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 13, 2021

Exposure to childhood adversity is linked to early mortality and associated with nearly half a million annual US deaths

A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 12, 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.

Researchers find more severely COVID-19 infected mothers more likely to have preterm birth

A study by researchers at Wayne State University found a dose-response relationship between SARS-CoV-2 severity and the risk of preterm birth, with severely infected mothers more likely to experience early birth. The study also linked severe COVID-19 infection to an increased risk of preeclampsia.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021
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.

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

At-risk teens may face increased online threats

Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Mount Sinai opens The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center

The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center at Mount Sinai offers cutting-edge treatments for children with disabilities, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The center features state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary team of experts providing comprehensive care to children from birth to age 21.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 4, 2021
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.

Helping teens with disabilities prevent and treat depression, anxiety

Researchers at UIC will evaluate the effectiveness of integrated behavioral health care coordination on mental health outcomes for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study aims to identify better care coordination models to reduce barriers to access to behavioral health care for this vulnerable population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 1, 2021

New research from Children’s Hospital Colorado shows dual therapy upon diagnosis of MIS-C improves cardiac outcomes

A recent study found that pediatric patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) who received initial IVIG plus Infliximab had improved cardiac outcomes, reduced need for additional therapies, and faster resolution of inflammation. The updated care pathway recommends this intensified therapy for all MIS-C patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

Science backs nature as key to children’s health

A massive review of nearly 300 studies found strong associations between greenspaces near homes and schools and improved physical activity and mental health outcomes in kids. Exposure to nature, particularly for disadvantaged populations, offers greater health benefits by counteracting poverty's toxic effects.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 29, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Let babies play! Study shows free play may help infants learn and develop

Researchers found that infants spend most of their time playing with household objects, suggesting that everyday learning and development occur through spontaneous object interactions. This challenges traditional views of infant behavior as flighty and distractible.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

Extra spacing can boost children’s reading speed

A new study from Anglia Ruskin University found that increasing space between letters can improve reading speed for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. Dyslexic children showed a 13% increase in reading speed, while non-dyslexic children saw a 5% improvement.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Fathers’ type of debt matters for teenagers’ mental health

A Rutgers University study found that teenagers whose fathers are behind on paying child support suffer from more behavioral problems than those with other types of parental debt. Child support debt can lead to negative consequences for adolescent outcomes, including increased conflict and reduced physical and mental health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

Using off-the-shelf technology, researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute provide accessibility in diagnosing autism

A team of researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute developed a new method to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a single 2D camera. The Computer Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI) method provides greater access to patients and shows accurate assessment with 2D technology.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 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.

Play ball! (It’s good for you)

A new study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that boys who participate in sports in early childhood are less likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms later. The study also found that boys who exhibit higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms during middle childhood are subseq...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Number diagnosed with autism jumps 787% in two decades, study shows

The number of autism diagnoses in England has skyrocketed by 787% over the past two decades, driven primarily by increased recognition and improved diagnosis for females. Researchers analyzed GP records and found that the greatest rises were among adults, with females making up most of the increase.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

When it comes to communication skills—maybe we’re born with it?

A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.

SourceBoston University·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2021

Hopkins Med news update

Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 23, 2021
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.

Researchers define chain of events leading to dangerous intestinal disorder in preemies

A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team has provided a definitive view of the biological process leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous inflammatory disease that can destroy a premature infant's intestinal lining. The loss of enteric glia leads to intestinal dysmotility, which is a key factor in NEC's genesis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 23, 2021

New research explores how visually impaired babies perceive the world

A new study published in Current Biology reveals that visually impaired babies primarily use touch to respond to stimuli, while sighted babies rely more on auditory cues. The research suggests that both senses will be crucial in designing tools to aid their development.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Parental alienation, partner abuse: Two sides of same coin, says CSU social psychologist

A new study by CSU social psychologist Jennifer Harman finds that parental alienating behaviors closely resemble coercively controlling violence, intimate terrorism, and battery. The research highlights power imbalances in families affected by parental alienation, emphasizing the need to treat it similarly to other forms of abuse.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 16, 2021

Childhood maltreatment alters the HOA-axis activity in early stages of life

A study published in Psychological Medicine confirms that childhood maltreatment disrupts HPA-axis activity, leading to altered stress regulation and increased risk of mental disorders. The study found a dose-response relationship between the severity of maltreatment experiences and HPA-axis dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2021

Six stages of engagement in ADHD treatment revealed in new, diverse study

Researchers at Boston Medical Center have identified six stages of engagement in ADHD treatment, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers for racial and ethnic minority families. The study provides a comprehensive framework that can help healthcare systems better match the needs of children with ADHD and their families.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 16, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Atmosphere and caring teachers at special schools more important to parents of children with SEN than educational standards, study shows

A study found that parents prioritize atmosphere and teacher approach over academic standards when selecting a special school for their child. High-quality inclusive education provision means a sense of belonging, social acceptance, and individualized curriculum. Only a minority reported experiencing 'hard choice' due to limited options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 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.

Subthreshold depression in adolescents can be successfully treated with psychological interventions

A new study found that psychological interventions can have a significant effect on the treatment of subthreshold depression in adolescents. The meta-analysis showed that approximately eight adolescents need to be treated to see one more positive outcome than no treatment, with moderate effects size.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

New DNA-based test on the horizon for children with solid tumors

A new DNA-based test using whole genome sequencing can identify tumour-specific markers to measure cancer levels in children's bodies. This technology has the potential to detect minimal residual disease and change treatment outcomes.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateSep 13, 2021
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.

Eyeglasses for school kids boosts academic performance

A three-year clinical study found that students who received eyeglasses through a school-based program scored higher on reading and math tests. The students who struggled the most academically showed the greatest improvement, with gains equivalent to two to four months of additional education.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021
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.

Kids hospitalised with chronic illness up to three times more likely to fall behind at school

A large-scale study of over 300,000 children in Australia found that those hospitalised with chronic illnesses were at a significantly higher risk of poor academic performance. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlights the need for additional support for these students.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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