Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Many muons: Imaging the underground with help from the cosmos

Researchers at PNNL have created a smaller muon detector that can be used to monitor CO2 movement or leakage underground. The detector uses optical fibers and electronics to count muons passing through it, allowing for the detection of anomalies in density and the creation of images.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 16, 2016

This week from AGU 12/14/2016

New research on Mars suggests that finger-like rock structures could be evidence of ancient microbes, potentially harboring past life. Thousands of geese have died due to toxic waters in Montana's Berkeley Pit, highlighting the spread of heavy metals and acid into groundwater.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 14, 2016
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.

Bring your own (security) disaster

A new study reveals that most IT security managers prefer employees not to bring their own devices to work due to security concerns. The study highlights the risks of BYOD, including viruses, phishing, hacking attacks, identity theft, and corporate espionage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Teaching and Case Studies·DateDec 14, 2016

Water: Finding the normal within the weird

Researchers have figured out a way to study supercooled water in a deeply supercooled range, finding that liquid water can exist all the way down to subzero temperatures. They used a new technique to rapidly heat and cool nanoscale supercooled water films with a laser.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2016

More are positive about HPV vaccine on Twitter than not, Drexel study finds

A Drexel study analyzed nearly 200,000 English-language tweets about the HPV vaccine between 2014 and 2015. The results show that 39% of tweets were positive, while negative sentiments accounted for only 25%. Prevention and protection were popular topics in positive tweets, while side effects dominated negative ones.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 12, 2016

Holy batcave! Personal sighting leads UT's Dinets to new data on spectral bat

Vladimir Dinets finds evidence of spectral bats living in caves and roosting in Utila's secondary forests, adapting to human presence through social media accounts and tourist photos. The discovery reveals the species' potential for longevity and challenges previous assumptions about its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalMammalia·DateDec 12, 2016
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.

Narcissistic individuals use social media to self-promote

A study of 62 studies with over 13,000 individuals found that narcissism correlates with a range of social media behaviors, including the number of friends and selfies posted. Grandiose narcissism positively relates to time spent on social media, while vulnerable narcissism does not show a relationship.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateDec 1, 2016

Study examines effect of privacy controls on Facebook behavior

A recent study published in INFORMS journal Information Systems Research assesses the impact of Facebook's granular privacy controls on user disclosure behavior. Results show that users increased their use of wall posts and decreased their use of private messages after introducing the new controls.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 30, 2016

New Neiman Institute study evaluates national trends in enteral access procedures

A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How social media impacts consumer spending

A study by University at Buffalo School of Management found that social media popularity, even negative posts with high engagement, significantly impacts purchases. Combining social media with traditional TV and email marketing efforts boosts customer spending and cross-buying.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 18, 2016

About 1 million Texans gained health care coverage due to Affordable Care Act

According to a new study by Rice University experts, roughly 6 percentage points of Texas residents have gained health insurance coverage due to the Affordable Care Act, resulting in approximately 1 million Texans gaining coverage. However, despite these gains, 3 million Texans between ages 19 and 64 remain uninsured.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 17, 2016

Real men don't say 'cute'

Using natural language processing, researchers found that people often incorrectly categorize individuals based on gender, age, education level, or political orientation. The study also reveals how multiple stereotypes can affect each other, leading to false conclusions about individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 15, 2016
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.

NIH-led effort examines use of big data for infectious disease surveillance

The NIH-led initiative reviews the use of big data in infectious disease surveillance, combining traditional and non-traditional data sources to provide more accurate and timely information. This approach aims to forecast outbreak sizes and trajectories, enabling better responses to emerging threats.

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 14, 2016
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.

Crowd workers help robot keep conversation fresh

A Disney Research team created an automated method of crowdsourcing multiple lines of dialogue for robots, using a persistent interactive personality that can translate high-level goals into simple narratives. The method was tested in a trivia contest and resulted in 716 unique lines of dialogue.

SourceDisney Research·DateNov 11, 2016

Trump's political success was a triumph of style over substance: UBC research

A UBC study analyzing Trump's speech style and Twitter usage found grandiosity, informal language, and vocal pitch variation as statistical predictors of his success in the Republican primaries. The researchers suggest that these communication styles helped Trump win the nomination despite being shocking to many viewers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 8, 2016
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.

Big data shows people's collective behavior follows strong periodic patterns

New research using big data analysis has found that people's collective behaviour is more predictable than thought, with strong periodic patterns influenced by the weather and seasons. Historical news and social media data revealed cycles in leisure and work activities, diet, diseases, and mental health.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2016

Quality of life in late life can be good

Research by Allina Health LifeCourse reveals that late-life quality of life improves socially but remains emotionally stable, with caregivers playing a crucial role. The study also identifies the need for training and support for family members in caregiving roles.

SourceAllina Health·DateNov 8, 2016

Tropical Storm Meari forecast to intensify

Tropical Storm Meari is forecast to intensify in the western Pacific Ocean, with a high chance of reaching 85 knots (97mph). The storm's organized low-level circulation and favorable environment will contribute to its steady growth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 4, 2016

Fake Tweets, real consequences for the election

A recent study found that 19% of Twitter election-related tweets were created by social robots, distorting the online discussion and potentially polarizing it. The research also highlighted the sophisticated tactics used by 'master puppeteers' to create fake profiles and manipulate public opinion.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFirst Monday·DateNov 4, 2016

Mining digital crumbs helps predict crowds' mobility

Physicists use Flickr data to refine travel models and improve predictions on crowd movements. By combining geolocalisation data with existing theoretical models, they can help urban planners better dimension roads and utilities.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateNov 3, 2016
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.

Tropical depression morphs into Meari in 1 day

Meari intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm in one day, now located 295 miles north of Yap and 500 miles west of Guam. Its maximum sustained winds are at 40 mph, and it is expected to turn west and northwest over the next few days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2016

Women have a remarkable variety of orgasmic experiences

A new review by Concordia research reveals that women can experience orgasms through multiple sensory inputs, including the external clitoris, internal vagina, and non-genital areas. The study challenges traditional notions of a single 'whole' orgasm and highlights the diversity of female arousal experiences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSocioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology·DateNov 1, 2016

Social media proves effective as a tool for antimicrobial stewardship

A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine found that social media platforms can effectively inform young physicians about proper antibiotic use, improving their knowledge and behavior. The strategy successfully directed medical residents to relevant clinical pathways, resulting in a significant increase in correct usage.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Social media photos priceless for natural resources research

Researchers found that geotagged social media photos on Instagram, Flickr, and Panoramio provide valuable data for predictive models to guide land use decisions worldwide. The study shows that landscapes with mountainous areas, rivers, lakes, and population centers are most valued by society.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Live long and... Facebook?

A study of 12 million Facebook users found that using the platform is associated with living longer, particularly for those who maintain real-world social ties. Moderate online activity complements offline interactions, while excessive online time is linked to a higher risk of mortality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Want to exercise more? Get yourself some competition

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that competition significantly motivates people to exercise more than friendly support. The study, which recruited nearly 800 Penn students, showed that attendance rates were 90% higher in competitive groups compared to a control group. Meanwhile, team support actually led to lower ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Facebook updates could help understand -- and potentially treat -- mental health disorders

Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggest that social networks like Facebook can provide valuable data to improve knowledge of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The study proposes using Facebook data to detect early signs of mental illness and potentially even offer support and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2016
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.

Entire Himalayan arc can produce large earthquakes

A new study confirms that the entire 2,400-kilometer Himalayan mountain range is seismogenic and can produce large earthquakes. Researchers discovered a major earthquake in Bhutan in 1714 using historical records and geologic data, shedding light on the region's potential for natural hazards.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 26, 2016

New UTSA study describes method to detect dishonesty online

A new study by UTSA researcher Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo describes a method to detect people using multiple online accounts to spread propaganda. The algorithm analyzes writing samples and detects whether one person or multiple people are responsible for the posts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalConcurrency and Computation Practice and Experience·DateOct 24, 2016

Study examines suicides publicized on social media and teens' ER visits

A Canadian study found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior among teenagers starting in June 2011, but not among younger children. The research suggests that this trend cannot be attributed to social media publicity surrounding the cyberbullying death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

'That pizza was #delish!' What do Tweets say about our health?

A study analyzing over 80 million Twitter messages found that communities expressing positive sentiments about healthy foods were more likely to be healthier overall. Tweets about fast food restaurants, on the other hand, were often associated with poorer neighborhoods and larger households.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 17, 2016

New study reveals how scientists use social media

A new study surveyed 587 scientists on their attitudes towards social media, revealing that most see benefits in using Twitter for communication and sharing research within the scholarly community. Despite professional benefits, relatively few academic scientists currently use these tools.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 12, 2016
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.

Aberrant Tau proteins put neuronal networks to sleep

Researchers have identified a new target for treating neurodegenerative diseases: Rolofylline, which alleviates learning and memory deficits in mice with aberrant Tau proteins. The drug re-establishes neuronal activity despite pathological Tau aggregates.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2016

Concentrating on the social billions

Researchers have found that frequent users of online social media do not experience decreased attention spans or sociability compared to occasional users. The study suggests that modern communication tools do not interfere with primal instincts, such as long-term attitudes and concentration.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments·DateOct 7, 2016

What Twitter behavior accompanies mental health crises?

A new study found two types of heightened Twitter discussions related to mental health, including expected increases before planned events and unexpected spikes following unanticipated events. Social media could be a valuable avenue for public health information on mental health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 6, 2016

Coolness, control and community draw people to Pinterest

A new study by Penn State researchers found that Pinterest users are drawn to the platform's unique features, including easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive navigation. The study also revealed that users pin content to express their interests and creativity.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Media + Society·DateOct 5, 2016
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.

Simpler strategies to promote physical activity as good as social media feedback

Researchers found that providing tips and personalized feedback was just as effective as access to online social networking sites in promoting physical activity. Interventions were most effective among participants with low initial physical activity levels, suggesting a need for stronger reinforcers to motivate population-wide changes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Fact-checking Senate campaign ads just got easier

A new website developed at Duke University, iCheck, lets visitors evaluate claims about congressional voting records more critically. The site integrates data from multiple sources and allows users to explore how claims hold up under different parameters.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 3, 2016

What's nature worth? Count the selfies

A University of Vermont-led team analyzed over 7,000 geotagged photos to calculate the economic impact of conserved lands on tourism in Vermont. The study found that these lands contributed significantly to the state's tourism industry between 2007-2014.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2016
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.

Introducing diversity in online language analysis

Researchers created the largest data set for studying African-American English from online communication, analyzing 59 million tweets. They found that current NLP tools poorly identify African-American English as 'not English', implying worse information access for texts authored by African-Americans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 7, 2016
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.

Friends help friends on Facebook feel better

A Carnegie Mellon University and Facebook study found that personalized interactions on Facebook can significantly boost users' psychological well-being, even surpassing major life events. Sixty comments from close friends were associated with substantial increases in users' happiness and satisfaction with life.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 6, 2016

Rumor patterns on social media during emergencies -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that over two-thirds of rumors shared during Operation Brother's Keeper were true, and that journalists and emergency personnel played a significant role in spreading them. The research proposes specific lessons for first responders, including actively searching for rumors a...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateSep 6, 2016