Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Stemming the spread of misinformation on social media

Researchers found that priming people to consider accuracy makes them more adept at recognizing truth from falsehoods, even if they don't think about it directly. By subtly nudging the brain to consider accuracy, individuals can improve their choices about what to share on social media.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2020

Study gauges how Kansans get information on COVID-19, which sources they trust

A University of Kansas study found that Kansans tend to rely on multiple sources for reliable COVID-19 information, with a preference for local authorities and distrust of social media. Information from government briefings, search engines, and national newspapers were among the most trusted sources.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalKansas Journal of Medicine·DateJun 30, 2020

Twitter data research reveals more about what patients think about statins

Researchers analyzed over 11,000 Twitter posts to understand patient attitudes towards statins, finding that people perceive themselves as protected from harm while taking preventative medications. This study may inform public health messages and improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smile! Photos converted into 3D from any mobile device

Researchers at Facebook have developed an end-to-end system that converts 2D photos into 3D images, requiring no advanced photographic skills or equipment. The new technology provides seamless real-time conversion, robust enough to work on almost any photo, and generates results in seconds.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 25, 2020

Looking for better customer engagement value? Be more strategic on social media

A new study by University of Vaasa researchers highlights the importance of strategic social media use in creating customer engagement value. The study identifies four distinct social media marketing strategies: social commerce, content, monitoring, and CRM, which can foster collaborative conversations and enhance customer relationships.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJun 25, 2020

Twitter posts reveal polarization in Congress on COVID-19

A new analysis of Twitter posts by members of the US Congress reveals rapid politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic, with polarization increasing over time. The study found that Democrats sent significantly more tweets about COVID-19 than Republicans, and their tweets were more likely to discuss public health and safety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2020
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.

Polarized tweets reveal deep divisions in congressional COVID-19 messaging

A study analyzing congressional tweets reveals deep divisions in COVID-19 messaging along party lines, with Democrats discussing the crisis more frequently and using different word choices than Republicans. The analysis found a stark contrast between Democratic and Republican communication on Twitter during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2020

Meet the superusers who hold together health social media

Research identifies highly motivated, altruistic individuals as key players in online health communities, supporting the management of long-term conditions. These superusers face difficulties but demonstrate autonomy and a desire to help others, highlighting their importance in healthcare.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 24, 2020

Examining media coverage of protests worldwide

A new study examines how mainstream media covers protests, finding that negative coverage is often more prevalent in anti-status quo events. The research suggests that journalists should focus on the substance of a protest rather than its violence or spectacle.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournalism Studies·DateJun 24, 2020
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.

Teens' technology use and mental health: New report released

The report identifies gaps in understanding how teens support each other through digital media during times of stress and isolation. It highlights the need to move beyond simplistic questions about social media's impact on mental health and instead consider specific forms of engagement that amplify or mitigate risks.

SourceConnected Learning Lab·DateJun 23, 2020

Ideologically extreme Facebook users spread the most fake news

A study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that Facebook users who are ideologically extreme, lacking trust in conventional media and one another, post misinformation more often. About 1% of users at the far ideological extremes were responsible for sharing nearly half of the fake news on the platform.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateJun 23, 2020
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.

Simple interventions can help people spot false headlines

A study by researchers from Princeton University found that simple digital-media literacy outreach can help people distinguish between mainstream and false news headlines. The intervention improved accuracy by 26.5% in the US and 17.5% in India, with effects lasting several weeks.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Even without concussion, athletes in contact sports may have brain changes

Researchers found subtle brain changes in female college rugby players, including microstructural changes in white matter and differences in brain connectivity. The study suggests that repetitive impacts from playing a contact sport can affect the brain, even without a diagnosed concussion.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 17, 2020

Candidates who use humor on Twitter may find the joke is on them

A new study from Ohio State University found that using humor on social media can lead to a decrease in credibility and support for candidates. Participants who viewed humorous tweets were more likely to rate the candidate as less credible and less likely to vote for them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication Research Reports·DateJun 15, 2020

Loneliness alters your brain's social network

Research reveals that loneliness affects the brain's map of social connections, with lonelier individuals having a less distinct neural representation of their relationships. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine participants' brain activity while thinking about different social categories.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2020

From clickbait to transparency: Reimagining the online world

Researchers propose interventions from behavioral science perspectives to empower users in online environments, such as nudging and boosting, to make informed decisions. The study identifies the need for more transparent algorithms and context-based feedback to counter echo chambers and promote critical thinking.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 15, 2020
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.

Treatment gap between men and women for stroke may have narrowed

A recent meta-analysis found that the treatment gap between men and women for stroke has narrowed to 13%, with most studies showing differences of less than 1% in thrombolysis treatment rates. The study suggests that additional research is needed to understand why a gap persists and whether it continues to decrease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 10, 2020
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.

Cannabis in Michigan: New report documents trends before recreational legalization

A comprehensive new report by the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center documents cannabis trends in Michigan, including increased use among Michiganders, revenue generated for the state, and growing public health concerns related to cannabis use disorder, motor vehicle crashes and emergency department visits. The report prov...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJun 4, 2020

Does using marijuana affect a person's risk of stroke?

A new study has found no link between recent cannabis use and an increased or decreased risk of ischemic stroke. Despite previous studies with conflicting results, researchers adjusted for various factors and found no association between marijuana use and stroke risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 3, 2020

Clinical trials in the era of digital engagement: A SWOG call to action

The SWOG Cancer Research Network is sparking discussion and creating consensus on how cancer clinical trial stakeholders can best interact on social platforms. The growing role of social media in raising awareness about trials and boosting accrual highlights both promises and challenges, including legal, ethical, and logistical hurdles.

SourceSWOG·DateJun 3, 2020

Swing voters, swing stocks, swing users

Scientists develop a general technique for identifying pivotal components, which can tip the scales in group decision-making. The approach is applied to various systems, including voting, Twitter and financial markets.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

Exploring the use of 'stretchable' words in social media

A study analyzing 100 billion tweets identified thousands of stretched words, including 'ha', 'awesome', and 'goal'. The researchers developed tools to measure stretch and balance, which could aid in natural language processing, search engines, and spam filters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2020

Biomarkers may help us understand recovery time after concussion

A blood test using neurofilament light chain may predict recovery time after concussion, especially for those with multiple concussions. High levels of the biomarker are associated with severe symptoms like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression years later.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

How exposure to negative feedback in influences goal-directed consumer behaviors

A new study finds that exposure to negative feedback motivates consumers to pursue proving goals, such as demonstrating competence, but reduces motivation for enjoyment goals, like having fun. This phenomenon suggests a complex relationship between self-esteem threats, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMay 26, 2020

How social media platforms can contribute to dehumanizing people

A recent study published in Social Media + Society found that social media discourse on Facebook can normalize hatred and dehumanization of certain groups. The researchers identified three stages of conflict escalation: threat, distortion, and rigidification, which can lead to the erosion of empathy and human connection.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial Media + Society·DateMay 20, 2020

Online romance scams: A modern form of fraud

Online romance scams have spread in Western societies, preying on women and middle-aged individuals with higher anxiety levels. Victims often experience double trauma from financial loss and emotional attachment, leading to shame upon discovery.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalClinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health·DateMay 15, 2020

Bizarre new species discovered... on Twitter

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen's Natural History Museum of Denmark have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus on American millipedes, found via a shared photo on Twitter. The newly discovered fungus, Troglomyces twitteri, is part of the Laboulbeniales order and has never been documented before.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMycoKeys·DateMay 15, 2020
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.

New map reveals distrust in health expertise is winning hearts and minds online

Researchers found that communities doubting establishment health guidance are more effective than government agencies at engaging undecided individuals on Facebook. Anti-vaccination communities offer diverse narratives that can appeal to a broader audience, while pro-vaccination communities focus on established public health benefits.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Using self-nudging to make better choices

Researchers describe four categories of self-nudging tools: reminders and prompts, framing decisions in a certain way, reducing accessibility of harmful options, and using social pressure. This behavioral science technique can help individuals negotiate internal conflicts and reach long-term goals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Eurovision voting points to more than just musical tastes

New research from the University of Stirling and University of Glasgow reveals that Eurovision voting patterns can indicate the likelihood and nature of business exchanges across borders. The study found correlations between voting bias and levels of foreign direct investment, migration movements, and cross-border mergers.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 11, 2020

GW survey evaluates influence of social media in attracting patients

A recent GW survey found that only 25% of young adults consider social media a key factor in choosing a dermatologist. Dermatologists can still leverage social media for patient engagement and education, but it should be used alongside other methods to recruit new patients.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Drugs in Dermatology·DateMay 7, 2020

Twitter -- not just pointless babble

The new book Twitter - A Biography explores the journey of Twitter from its inception to its current status as a global platform for news, political messages, and crisis communication. Professors Jean Burgess and Nancy Baym argue that Twitter's original social value has been lost amidst noise of antagonistic debate and self-promotion.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 7, 2020

Fluorescent technique brings aging polymers to light

A new fluorescent technique allows researchers to visualize the aging process of polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in 3D. The method detects faster polymer aging when exposed to higher temperatures, providing insights into the degradation of polymers over time.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 6, 2020
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.

Does posting edited self photos on social media increase risk of eating disorders?

A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that posting edited photos on Instagram increases weight and shape concerns in college students. Digitally editing pictures before posting also contributed to greater anxiety and urges to restrict food intake and exercise compared to not posting photos.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMay 6, 2020

Editing selfies is counter productive: Study

A study by Flinders University found that extended selfie editing time correlates with increased facial dissatisfaction and negative emotions among women. This suggests that excessive self-editing can lead to feelings of disingenuousness online.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·DateMay 5, 2020

TACC COVID-19 Twitter dataset enables social science research about pandemic

The TACC COVID-19 Twitter dataset enables researchers to analyze social media communications and identify trends in pandemic responses. The dataset, which contains over 40 million tweets, can be used for topic modeling, entity analysis, and event detection, facilitating discoveries about the spread of misinformation and racist messaging.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 4, 2020
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.

Software flaws often first reported on social media networks, PNNL researchers find

Research shows that software vulnerabilities are more likely to be discussed on social media before being reported on official databases, highlighting the potential for early warning systems. The study also found that nearly all commercial codebases contain at least one vulnerability, with an average of 64 vulnerabilities per codebase.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2020

Media bias with corporate social irresponsibility events

A new study found that media outlets prioritize popular brands over misconduct, with liberal media reporting more frequently than conservative media. Media partnerships with offending companies also lead to reduced reporting of CSI events.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 29, 2020

AAN updates recommendation on closure of common heart defect after stroke

The American Academy of Neurology recommends considering PFO closure for some people under age 60 who have had a stroke without other possible causes identified, to reduce the risk of future strokes better than medication alone. The procedure can safely be performed for those with no other higher risk cause of stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 29, 2020
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.

Predicting regional well-being from tweets

Researchers analyzed 1.53 billion geotagged tweets to assess regional well-being, revealing inconsistent results with surveys. By removing misleading words like 'LOL' or 'good', well-being predictions improved significantly.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020
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.

COVID-19: The downside of social distancing

A team of researchers argues that social distancing is at odds with human nature, which naturally seeks social contact in times of danger. This contradiction poses a significant challenge to public health and policy-making.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 24, 2020