Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Teenagers aren't as lonely in lockdown if interacting positively online

A recent study of over 700 Peruvian adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown found that teenagers who interacted positively online reported less loneliness and better well-being. The quality of their online interactions, such as chatting with friends and relatives, was a key factor in reducing loneliness.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

School day structure could benefit children’s health

A study of rural schoolchildren found that behaviors leading to obesity decreased on school days compared to non-school days, while activity levels increased. The researchers recommend structured programs or schedules for children on non-school days to combat obesogenic behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalChildhood Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021

Goldilocks was right! No one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids’ health

Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2021

Helping families exposed to intimate partner violence

Researchers create strengths-based intervention to enhance daily interactions between caregivers and children exposed to IPV. The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) project aims to reduce long-lasting effects of trauma on families.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 31, 2021

CHOP researchers find bystander CPR with rescue breathing leads to better outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that bystander CPR using only chest compression has similar outcomes to not using CPR at all for infants experiencing cardiac arrest. In contrast, children who received CPR with rescue breathing had nearly 1.5 times better neurological outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 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.

HSE researchers compared expressive and receptive language abilities of Russian-speaking children with ASD for the first time

Researchers from HSE Centre for Language and Brain compared expressive and receptive language abilities in Russian-speaking children with ASD. The study shows that there is no single expressive-receptive language pattern in children with ASD, but the difference depends on linguistic level.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateAug 27, 2021

COVID-19 in children with cancer: Severe disease and disrupted treatment

A recent study found that 20% of children with cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed severe infections, compared to 1-6% in general pediatric patients. The Global Registry of COVID-19 and Childhood Cancer also showed that cancer care was disrupted, with 56% of patients having modified treatment and 45% having chemotherapy withheld.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2021

Science-backed tips for maximizing play time with kids

Research highlights six core pillars of learning: active, engaged, meaningful, socially interactive, iterative, and joyful. Experts offer practical advice on transforming everyday spaces into playful learning environments that support children's growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 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.

Exposure to tobacco smoke in early life is associated with accelerated biological ageing

A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 25, 2021

Mount Sinai study identifies significant inequalities among low-risk births, finds higher rates of unexpected complications for Black and Hispanic infants

A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 24, 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.

Health­care mu­si­cians can up­lift fam­i­lies with pre­ma­ture in­fants dur­ing in­ten­sive care, re­search sug­gests

Research suggests that healthcare musicians can help families cope with premature infants in intensive care by creating an intimate atmosphere and improving their relationship. Music practitioners work collaboratively with medical staff to provide emotional support and create a sense of calm during difficult times.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2021

Empathy training could cut crime figures

Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychology Crime and Law·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 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.

Black students disproportionately disciplined with suspensions and detentions in elementary school

A study of over 11,000 elementary school students found Black children are 3.5 times more likely to receive detentions or suspensions than their white peers, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. This disparity suggests individual biases and systemic racism may be contributing to the findings.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2021

17-year study of children associates poverty with smaller, slower-growing subcortical regions

A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 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.

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2021

The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalIRB Ethics and Human Research·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Youth, the pandemic and a global mental health crisis

A new study found that depression and anxiety symptoms have doubled in children and adolescents globally during the pandemic. The study recommends prioritizing recovery planning now to mitigate sustained mental health effects.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Brain structure in premature babies linked to emotional processing in preschool

New research published in eNeuro found that premature babies' brain connections at birth can predict their future emotional and social development. The study discovered a link between the strength of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract involved in emotional regulation, and emotion moderation skills in preschoolers.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 9, 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.

Study identifies link between sedative and PTSS in children

A four-year cohort study identified a significant link between midazolam exposure and elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms in children. Symptoms were found to be persistent for up to 12 months, highlighting the need for early intervention and psychosocial support.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian Critical Care·DateAug 8, 2021

Learning foreign languages can affect the processing of music in the brain

A study found that learning foreign languages can enhance the processing of musically relevant sounds, particularly pitch processing, in Chinese elementary school pupils. The research suggests a close link between musical and linguistic brain functions in developing brains.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2021

Rise in childhood short-sightedness may be linked to pandemic, suggests Hong Kong study

A Hong Kong study suggests a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in childhood short-sightedness, with children spending less time outdoors and more time on screens. The study found that around 1 in 5 children developed short-sightedness during the pandemic, compared to around 1 in 3 over three years.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2021
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.

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

PCORI approves $254 million to fund 28 new research studies addressing urgent health problems

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateJul 28, 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
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.

Improving access to mental health services in low-income communities

Researchers identified effective strategies for improving referral systems and accessing pediatric mental health care for low-income families. A key finding is that a warm handoff between primary care physicians and mental health providers can build trust and lead to successful outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalChild & Youth Care Forum·DateJul 20, 2021

When money's tight, parents talk less to kids; could this explain the word gap?

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that parents may talk less to their kids when experiencing financial scarcity, contributing to the 'word gap' in vocabulary. Researchers found that parents who described recent experiences of resource insecurity spoke fewer words to their children during laboratory observ...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 19, 2021

Autism can be detected during toddlerhood using a brief questionnaire

A study published in The BMJ Paediatrics Open found that the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) can detect autism at 18-30 months, but not all children who will be diagnosed later. The Q-CHAT shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of autism.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·DateJul 16, 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.

Study: Impulsiveness tied to faster eating in children, can lead to obesity

A new study by the University at Buffalo and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children who eat faster are more likely to be impulsive and experience frustration. The research also suggests that kids who respond well to food cues exhibit more self-control and a lower risk of obesity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateJul 7, 2021

KidneyCure announces 2021 grant recipients

The American Society of Nephrology and KidneyCure support a diverse group of researchers advancing kidney disease knowledge. Investigators funded by KidneyCure are making significant contributions in areas impacting millions of people living with kidney diseases.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateJul 1, 2021

How children integrate information

Researchers developed a computational cognitive model to explain how children integrate information during word learning. The model simulates what should happen when different information sources are combined in a rational way, and its predictions align well with real-world data.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2021

Thinking in 3D improves mathematical skills

Researchers at the University of Basel found a strong correlation between early spatial skills and mathematical abilities in primary school. The study analyzed data from nearly 600 children and ruled out socio-economic status and language ability as factors affecting math performance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJun 30, 2021
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.

Understanding black youth suicide: Steps toward prevention

Research highlights the need to reexamine assumptions about suicide in Black youth due to rising rates of suicidal behavior. The study calls for a 'ground zero' approach, focusing on theory development, understanding developmental trajectories, and engaging trusted community organizations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 28, 2021

Researchers outline specific patterns in reading in Russian

Psycholinguists investigated how reading in Russian varies among different groups of readers. Adult native speakers exhibit a 'fluent' pattern, while second-graders show an 'intermediate' process due to local lexical difficulties. Bilingual heritage speakers also follow this pattern, despite having acquired Russian early.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalReading Research Quarterly·DateJun 23, 2021
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.

New research finds GCSE results linked to child's enjoyment of school aged six

Research found that school enjoyment at age six is strongly linked to GCSE achievement at age 16, even after considering socioeconomic background and cognitive ability. Pupils who reported enjoying school scored an average of 14.4 more points, equivalent to a three-grade increase across all GCSEs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Science Learning·DateJun 21, 2021

Researchers find human infant brains, bodies are active during new sleep stage

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that human infants exhibit increased twitching during quiet sleep, which is synchronized with brain oscillations called sleep spindles. This discovery suggests that babies are learning about their bodies through twitching during a previously thought to be inactive period.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Children cannot understand sadness and happiness in people wearing facemasks

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children aged 3-5 years old can only recognize happiness and sadness on 40% of occasions when wearing facemasks. This limitation highlights the challenges of social interaction for young children during the pandemic.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 10, 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.

Brain alterations detected in obese children

Research reveals brain changes in obese children, similar to those seen in OCD and Prader-Willi syndrome, causing obsession with food and anxiety. The study suggests a multidisciplinary approach is needed for treatment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 9, 2021

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Outstanding education scholarship

Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 8, 2021

Mortality and social support

A study of US adults found that those who received more social support than they gave had a higher mortality risk. Individuals who gave excessive social support also exhibited a higher risk of death.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021

Bacteria are connected to how babies experience fear

A new study from Michigan State University found that infants' gut microbiomes are associated with their fear responses, which can be indicators of future mental health. The researchers discovered that specific features of the gut microbiome, such as uneven balances of bacteria, were linked to stronger fear reactions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2021

Obrusnikova honored

Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 3, 2021

Kids who sleep with their pet still get a good night's rest: Concordia research

A new study by Concordia researchers found that children who share a bed with their pets have indistinguishable sleep quality compared to those who sleep alone. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 children, discovered that frequent pet-sharing was associated with higher perceived sleep quality, particularly among adolescents.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSleep Health·DateJun 2, 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.

Scientists say active early learning shapes the adult brain

Researchers used structural brain imaging to detect developmental effects of linguistic and cognitive stimulation on infant brains. They found that high-quality educational experiences in early childhood were associated with increased brain size, particularly in males.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJun 1, 2021

Head injury and concussion in toddlers: Early detection of symptoms is vital

Researchers have developed an observational tool to assess children up to 5 years old with a concussion. The new tool catalogues known symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, and irritability, and allows for tracking of physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes over time.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJun 1, 2021