Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Your postal code may influence your health: McMaster University

Researchers linked health factors like access to public transit, grocery store variety, and food prices to major diseases. The study found significant differences in environmental factors across Canada's provinces, urban-rural communities, and regions.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCities & Health·DateDec 18, 2018

A fire-breathing dragon helps fight ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings

Researchers used the NIST Dragon to simulate ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings, revealing ignition occurred within 90 seconds and flames penetrated completely through the roofing assembly. The study's findings will help Japanese fire services develop effective counter measures and mitigate damage from large outdoor fires.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Tiny tech tracks hummingbirds at urban feeders

A study led by the University of California, Davis tracked over 230 Anna's and Allen's hummingbirds around urban feeders, providing insights into their interactions and health. The research found that females stayed longer at feeders than males and males overlapped their visits with other males more frequently than with other females.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2018

Marshall University study finds differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels in newborns

A Marshall University study found significant differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels between urban and rural newborns. Copper and molybdenum were higher in urban samples, while no marked differences occurred for other elements. The study suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to toxins and neonatal outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Loss of small habitats and biodiversity

Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

New algorithm provides a more detailed look at urban heat islands

A new algorithm developed by Yale Ph.D. student TC Chakraborty creates a more comprehensive and consistent estimate of urban heat islands worldwide. The Global Surface UHI Explorer map uses urban agglomerations instead of administrative city boundaries, providing surface UHI intensity estimates for over 10,000 urban clusters.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateDec 7, 2018
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.

Rural youth with mild head injuries face higher medical costs but get less care

A study by Washington State University found that rural children with mild traumatic brain injuries receive less care and have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to urban youth. This disparity is attributed to limited access to specialized services and a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, leading to longer tra...

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 3, 2018

Vaping no boost to quit rates in smokers, study suggests

A new Ohio State University study of 617 tobacco users found that vaping did not boost quit rates, and dual users were no more likely to stop smoking. Researchers say the results suggest that for heavy smokers, tried-and-true methods like medication and nicotine replacement are still the best approach.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 20, 2018

Your heart hates air pollution; portable filters could help

Researchers found that using low-cost portable air purifiers at home significantly lowered urban seniors' fine particulate matter exposure and blood pressure. The study showed a 40% reduction in air pollutant exposure and an average of 3.4 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 13, 2018

The long-term effects of alcohol demand on retail alcohol markets

This study examined the impact of neighborhood characteristics on the growth of alcohol outlets from 2000 to 2013 in 53 California cities. It found that lower-income areas with larger populations and higher incomes experienced greater growth in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalSpatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology·DateOct 29, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The urban training intervention increases physical activity in COPD patients

A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 5, 2018

City-dwelling blue tits may lay bigger eggs because of what they eat

A study found that city-dwelling blue tits lay larger eggs than forest-dwelling birds, likely due to the urban environment's higher calcium availability. The researchers also observed a trade-off between egg size and clutch number, with urban birds producing fewer but larger eggs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateOct 2, 2018

Social equity, carbon emissions, and job accessibility

Increasing job accessibility can reduce carbon emissions and social inequities, but tradeoffs between these outcomes exist. Low-income residents often lack benefits from increased job accessibility, exacerbating existing social and environmental disparities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

Democrat/Republican divide is worst it's ever been

A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Networks·DateOct 1, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

In the battle of cats vs. rats, the rats are winning

Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 27, 2018

Air pollution affects thyroid development in fetuses, USC research finds

USC research reveals that air pollution alters thyroid development in fetuses, increasing the risk of health impacts later in life. Thyroid hormone levels were found to increase with exposure to particulate matter, highlighting a potential link between air pollution and fetal growth and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 2018
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.

Drones, ride sharers could team up for package delivery

Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a system that combines drones with existing ride-sharing vehicles to provide synergetic delivery service. The goal is to reduce delivery costs by solving the complex problem of the 'last mile' of delivery, which accounts for 50% of all delivery costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateSep 11, 2018

Study identifies key features of interventions to help patients in need find jobs

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital examines health-care interventions to support patients seeking work and identifies key features of successful interventions. These include multidisciplinary teams, packages of services, one-on-one tailored services, comprehensive views of social needs, and communication with employers.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 10, 2018

Using telemedicine to increase life expectancy

A study published in The Lancet found that telemedical interventional management reduced unplanned hospitalizations by 44% and increased life expectancy for patients with heart failure. Patients who received remote patient management interventions also showed significant reductions in all-cause mortality, regardless of their location.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2018

Components of heart healthy diet may differ from what was previously thought

A new study suggests that a heart-healthy diet may consist of foods previously thought to be detrimental, such as dairy products and meat. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 people across five continents, found that consuming these foods was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2018
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.

Optimizing airport flight patterns take a toll on human health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 15, 2018

Need a job? Get a tattoo

A new study from the University of Miami Business School and the University of Western Australia found that discriminating against workers with tattoos puts hiring managers at a disadvantage. The study surveyed over 2,000 subjects and found that visible tattoos are not linked to individual employment, wages, or earnings discrimination.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalHuman Relations·DateAug 9, 2018

Study finds Medicaid expansion boosts employment

A new study from the University of Kansas found that individuals with disabilities are significantly more likely to be employed in states with expanded Medicaid coverage. In these states, the percentage of individuals with disabilities reporting employment or self-employment increased from 41.3% in 2013 to 47% in 2017, while those not ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

New study reveals Ulsan is exposed to yearlong toxic fine dust

A new study led by Professor Sung-Deuk Choi found that Ulsan, South Korea, is affected by toxic substances in fine dust particles throughout the year. The study analyzed PAHs concentrations in air samples and showed that even in summer, when fine dust concentration is lowest, PAHs remain present.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2018

New study finds 93 million people vulnerable to death from snakebites

A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation identifies communities at risk of dying from snakebites. The analysis reveals regions and nations with limited access to treatment and healthcare, highlighting the need for greater measures to support countries in implementing snakebite prevention and treatment programs.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 12, 2018

Speaking up for patient safety

A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Living in greener neighborhoods is associated with slower cognitive decline in elderly

A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 11, 2018

Stormwater ponds not a major source of greenhouse gas emissions

A new study by Duke University found that urban stormwater ponds do not release significant amounts of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The research, which analyzed sediment samples from 64 ponds in eight cities, concluded that these ponds are unlikely to be important sources of climate change emissions.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcosphere·DateJul 9, 2018

Urban greenways can reduce neighborhood carbon emissions

A new study by UBC researchers reveals that urban greenways can significantly reduce daily car travel distances and resulting carbon emissions. Participants living within 300 meters of Vancouver's Comox-Helmcken Greenway showed an 18% decrease in car travel, while those farther away experienced increased motorized travel.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateJul 5, 2018

Pelvic exams do not help diagnose STDs in adolescent girls, study says

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that pelvic exams lack reliability and provide little new information for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescent females. The study's authors argue that rapid urine STD testing provides a more accurate and less invasive way to diagnose these diseases.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 3, 2018
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.

Food insecurity has greater impact on disadvantaged children

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that food insecurity has a greater impact on behavior problems and poor cognitive outcomes in vulnerable children, particularly those born to single mothers living in urban neighborhoods.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 26, 2018

Nature programs could put a spring in your step

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that watching short films set in natural environments can improve body appreciation, while urban settings have no effect. This suggests a potential low-cost solution for promoting healthier body image, especially for those with limited access to real natural environments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJun 18, 2018

Breathing better may be an added benefit of biodiversity

A study of nearly 50,000 New Zealand children found that greener neighborhoods are less likely to develop asthma, while low plant diversity is associated with a higher risk. Biodiversity conservation may provide concrete health benefits beyond its ecological significance.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 12, 2018
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.

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.

Researchers may be underestimating roadkill numbers

A new study reveals that the removal of roadkill by urban scavengers is a significant factor in underestimating roadkill numbers, particularly for small animals. The study found that scavengers such as crows, gulls, and foxes play an under-appreciated role in removing carcasses from roads.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Urban Ecology·DateMay 14, 2018
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.

Isotopic evidence for enhanced fossil fuel sources of aerosol ammonium in the urban atmosphere

A new chemical method is used to determine nitrogen stable isotope composition at natural abundance for ammonium, revealing source dependence of isotopic abundance in urban Beijing. Fossil fuel emissions are found to be a significant source of aerosol ammonium, accounting for 37-52% of initial ammonia concentrations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMay 11, 2018

Stay safe, take the bus

A Montreal study reveals that bus travel is significantly safer than car travel, with four times fewer injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The study's findings suggest that permanent speed-reducing structures and public transit are key to reducing road injuries.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 8, 2018
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.

Gentrification draws more whites to minority neighborhoods

A new USC study shows that gentrifying neighborhoods become more white, with minority communities changing racial makeup in 18-30% of cases. Most ascending neighborhoods primarily black or Hispanic become mixed-race, while whites become the majority in only 11% of these areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalUrban Affairs Review·DateMay 1, 2018

Stress response and urban upbringing

A study of 40 healthy male participants found that those raised in urban areas without pets exhibited heightened immune activation and inflammation after psychosocial stress. This suggests a potential link between urban upbringing and increased vulnerability to stress-associated physical and mental disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

Understanding barriers to mental health care for urban black men who experience trauma

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores how injured black men in Philadelphia perceived their psychological symptoms after injury and the factors that guided their decisions to seek professional mental health help. The study found that despite suffering from severe psychological symptoms, very few ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalEthnicity and Health·DateApr 12, 2018
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.

Rats, cats, and people trade-off as main course for mosquitoes in Baltimore, Md.

In a study on Baltimore neighborhoods, researchers found that mosquito bites vary by socioeconomic status, with rats being the primary blood meal source in lower-income areas. Humans and cats are also bitten, but proportionally more frequently in higher-income neighborhoods due to human behavior.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateApr 9, 2018

The link between urban design and childhood obesity

Research by INRS professor Tracie A. Barnett found that children living in more walkable neighborhoods have smaller waist measurements and lower BMI levels. The study suggests that infrastructure designed to encourage walking can help reduce childhood obesity.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 29, 2018

Cutting carbon emissions sooner could save 153 million lives

A new study projects that cutting carbon emissions sooner could avoid up to 153 million premature deaths globally, with the greatest gains in Asia and Africa. Cities like Kolkata and Delhi, India, could see up to 4.4 million projected saved lives.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 19, 2018
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.