Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Priming, shaping and polishing: In search of a HIV vaccine

Researchers are exploring 'priming, shaping, and polishing' techniques to develop an HIV vaccine targeting rare immune cells that produce broad-neutralizing antibodies. The Amsterdam UMC-led project aims to create an effective vaccine for low- and middle-income countries with a €4.5m grant.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·DateJan 15, 2024

Early primates likely lived in pairs

A recent study suggests that many nocturnal Strepsirrhines live in pairs of males and females, challenging the long-held assumption that these primates are solitary. Researchers found that pair-living was the most common social organization among ancestors 70 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Evolution of tuberculosis – in new light

Recent studies published in the Tuberculosis journal reveal the earliest confirmed presence of tuberculosis' causative agents in human remains, pushing the timeline back by tens of thousands of years. Researchers have also discovered evidence of TB infection in Neanderthal specimens from Hungary, dating back over 32,000 years.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTuberculosis·DateDec 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CAMH develops potential new drug treatment for multiple sclerosis

A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 2023

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

How ‘listening’ to archaeological sites could shed light on the past

Researchers used psychoacoustics to analyze sound frequencies and clarity at the ancient Greek sanctuary of Zeus, revealing that hillside spectators could hear sounds from the hippodrome. The method provides a unique perspective on ancient societies' organization and activity, but its results should be interpreted with caution.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023
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.

Texas A&M professor published in leading history journal

Dr. Sonia Hernández's recent publication in the Journal of American History explores the complex histories of violence, gender, and power dynamics along the US-Mexican border region from 1900-1913. Her research centers on the testimonies of Mexican-origin women, shedding light on complicated gendered negotiations with state agents.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of American History·DateNov 14, 2023

Brain-computer interface restores control of home devices for Johns Hopkins patient with ALS

A brain-computer interface (BCI) has been successfully used to restore control of home devices for a patient with ALS, allowing the individual to navigate a communication board and smart devices without recalibration. The BCI device was implanted on the surface of the brain areas responsible for speech and upper limb function, enabling...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAdvanced Science·DateOct 25, 2023

Three's company in burrows

Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.

SourceKyoto University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Purdue team examines bio-impact of toxic chemical cocktails in the environment

Purdue University scientists examine the bio-impact of toxic chemical cocktails in the environment, finding reduced growth in tadpoles exposed to PFAS mixtures. The study highlights the need for research on mixture toxicity in aquatic organisms, as each chemical interacts with others in complex ways.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
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.

Genome study reveals 30 years of Darwin’s finch evolution

An international team sequenced nearly 4,000 Darwin's finches' genomes to understand evolutionary change in natural populations. The results showed that only a few genetic loci explain variation in the beak of the finch, with genes transferring between species contributing to adaptation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2023

A nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves

Scientists have developed a nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves, harnessing the electrical anisotropy of two conductive oxides. This approach produces signals comparable to commercial terahertz sources and offers a high terahertz conversion efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 14, 2023

Psilocybin – a promising therapy for treatment-resistant depression?

Research suggests that psilocybin can lead to lasting reductions in depression symptoms by increasing openness to experience and promoting brain network flexibility. Clinical trials have demonstrated positive effects of psilocybin in treating psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 7, 2023
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.

ARS scientists and research partners work on developing field diagnostic kit for Lebbeck mealybug with a safer alternative

Researchers found a 5% sodium hydroxide solution successfully turns live Lebbeck mealybug specimens green, identical to the 10% potassium hydroxide solution. The new alternative is less corrosive, more water soluble and less expensive.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Applied Entomology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Thrush nightingales, territoriality and testosterone

The study found that rising testosterone levels trigger full song development and territorial behavior in thrush nightingales. Full songsters were never found to settle close to each other, while plastic songsters settled close to both full and plastic songsters, indicating a connection between song and territoriality.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2023

How local communities depend on the ivory palm tree in coastal Ecuador

The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Resource Economics Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

UIC leads field study on home, water safety after Ohio chemical spill

A University of Illinois Chicago-led study investigates the aftermath of the East Palestine chemical spill, collecting data on residents' experiences and communication from authorities about water quality. The project aims to improve disaster response and provide new findings on the relationship between people and critical infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 2, 2023
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.

Duct tape evidence holds up in court using innovative method from WVU forensic scientists

Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2023

Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth as much as sixfold

Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Soil Science·DateAug 1, 2023

WVU forensics lab cracks case on newer, ‘greener’ gunshot residue

Researchers at WVU's forensic lab discovered how organic and inorganic compounds in gunshot residue differ in their persistence on surfaces and transfer. This breakthrough allows crime scene investigators to distinguish between 'greener' and traditional ammunition, enabling faster and more informed decisions at crime scenes.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2023
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.

Early birds of the future: earlier, but still too late?

A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023

Virginia Tech study reveals reason hellbenders are disappearing

A Virginia Tech study found that hellbender fathers are more likely to eat their eggs in deforested areas, leading to a drastic increase in filial cannibalism. The research suggests that protecting and re-establishing forest cover around streams is crucial for the species' survival.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023

Wind farm noise exposure doesn’t wake people up from their slumber more than road traffic noise

A study by Flinders University researchers found that short exposure to wind farm and road traffic noise triggers a small increase in waking from slumber, fragmenting sleep patterns. However, wind farm noise wasn't more disruptive to sleep than road traffic, which was slightly more disruptive at higher audio levels.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeCase study·DateJun 25, 2023

New study focuses on ways to boost organic sweetpotato yields

Researchers from the University of Arkansas found that organic sweetpotato growers can improve yields by selecting top-performing cultivars and using winter cover crops. The study also showed benefits for conventional production systems, as limited herbicides are available for weed management in sweetpotatoes.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
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.

Bridging the gap between lab and field studies in soil microbiology research

Soil microbiology research increasingly relies on big data, with experiments moving from labs to fields. Discrepancies between lab and field studies impact policies due to inconsistent results. Bridging the gap requires interdisciplinary collaboration to improve upscaling of soil microbiology research.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 10, 2023

Recent study on how to get people to share a corporate post

A recent study by Sara Valentini and colleagues at Bocconi University found that consistency between online content and the values associated with a brand increases rebroadcasting frequency. Posts containing price promotions also perform well when aligned with the brand's identity, with followers being 109% more likely to share them.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateApr 26, 2023

Perfume component helps lure male moth pests

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that adding nonanal, a chemical used in perfumes, to a pheromone blend increases its effectiveness in mimicking female fall armyworm calls. The discovery could help farmers detect and control fall armyworm populations more effectively.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPest Management Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023

FAU developed AUTOHOLO shows potential as red tide warning system

Researchers have developed a novel autonomous, submersible, 3D holographic microscope and imaging system to study marine particles and plankton in their natural environment. The AUTOHOLO system achieved 90% accuracy in detecting red tide blooms at varying concentrations, enabling near real-time monitoring and tracking of bloom phases.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023
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.

New study counts the environmental cost of managing Japanese knotweed

A Swansea University research study has evaluated the long-term environmental impacts of different Japanese knotweed management methods. The study found that glyphosate-based foliar spray control is the most sustainable approach, using the least materials and having the lowest economic costs.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Newly discovered virus can kill resistant bacteria

Scientists have discovered a new virus that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The virus, named Fyn8, was found in local creeks near the University of Southern Denmark campus and has been fully sequenced.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New evolutionary insights from stepping outside the lab

Researchers used unconventional methods to study fruit fly phenotypes, finding that loss of epigenetic mark led to changes in behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and offspring production. This knowledge can aid in predicting ecological patterns of change in wild animal populations.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Biosensors change the way water contamination is detected

Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a new biosensor device that accurately detects toxic levels of fluoride in water, allowing for easy use outside of a lab. The device has been field-tested in rural Kenya, showing excellent accuracy and usability results.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journalnpj Clean Water·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023
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.

Using environmental DNA for to survey the populations of endangered species

Scientists from Okayama University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey the distribution and population density of the endangered bitterling fish in Japan. They found that eDNA concentrations vary according to the downstream channel distance, providing a reference for conservation surveys.

SourceOkayama University·JournalLandscape and Ecological Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How salmon feed flowers & flourishing ecosystems: Study

Researchers found that salmon carcasses can cause wildflowers to grow bigger and produce more seeds, shedding light on the impact of climate change on rivers and streams. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, extends previous knowledge about nitrogen isotopes and their connection to plant growth.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Job-education mismatch reduces earnings of Russians by up to 14%

A study found that nearly half of Russian university graduates with higher education do not work in their field of study, resulting in a salary reduction of 7-14%. The researchers discovered that those who studied general fields like pedagogy and IT are more likely to experience horizontal mismatch.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Education and Work·DateDec 15, 2022
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.

Aging | Organotypic cultures as aging associated disease models

Researchers highlight recent progress in organotypic models, which offer a balance between the accessibility and control of in vitro context. These models have been used to study various aging-related phenotypes, including skin, gut, and skeletal muscle, providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2022

Reliance on moose as prey led to rare coyote attack on human

Researchers analyzed coyote diets and movement in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to determine why a lone hiker was attacked. The study found that coyotes relied on moose due to resource scarcity, adapting their behavior to exploit this unusually large food source.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 12, 2022

Trail section resurfaced using volcanic ash in Oregon

A quarter-mile segment of the Klamath Geo Trail was successfully resurfaced using volcanic ash from Mount Mazama, demonstrating its potential as a more sustainable and locally sourced pozzolan. The surface treatment improved firmness and stability, making it accessible to people with mobility devices.

SourcePortland State University·DateDec 9, 2022
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.

Researchers studied whether machine learning can predict knee injuries - the largest data set ever collected in the field

Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Studies of autism tend to exclude women, researchers find

Researchers found that a common autism screening test consistently excludes more women than men from research studies, creating a 'leaky pipeline' for diagnosis and treatment. This bias is attributed to the test's origins in male-dominated samples, which may not accurately capture female phenotypes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAutism Research·DateSep 8, 2022

These baboons borrowed a third of their genes from their cousins

A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya found that most carry traces of hybridization in their DNA, with about a third of their genetic makeup coming from another species. However, new genetic evidence reveals that some borrowed genes came at a cost, affecting the hybrids' survival and reproduction.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022
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.

Novel solar cell architecture performs well under real-world constraints

Researchers developed a hot-carrier multijunction solar cell that maintains high conversion efficiency with nonoptimal materials, expanding the scope of candidate designs. The novel architecture showed superior resilience to design imperfections, widening the range of suitable materials and operating conditions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The effects on ecosystems of reduced pesticide use

A new project led by INRS will assess how living organisms respond to reduced pesticide use, focusing on soil and water health. The study aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of reducing pesticide use in sustainable farming.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMay 6, 2022

Park rangers use butterflies to take planet’s pulse in a biodiversity hotspot

Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMay 2, 2022

People around the world like the same kinds of smell

A study published in Current Biology found that people share similar odour preferences regardless of cultural background. The researchers discovered that the structure of the odour molecule determines whether a smell is considered pleasant or not.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Popular male dolphins produce more offspring

A recent study led by the University of Zurich found that well-integrated male dolphins with strong social bonds to many alliance partners produce the most offspring. The researchers analyzed 30 years of behavioral data from 85 male dolphins and used genetic data to conduct paternity analyses for more than 400 dolphins.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022

Survey of pollinators

The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateMar 21, 2022
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.

UF study shows how climate change can worsen impact of invasive plants

A new UF study found that climate change intensifies the negative effects of invasive plants on longleaf pine trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. The experiment showed that trees under stress from both drought and invasive cogongrass were least likely to survive after fire.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022