Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Atmospheric scientists reveal much of Houston’s ozone exceedance due to air flows from the north

A University of Houston study found that most of Houston's ozone exceedance is due to transported pollutants from the central and northern US, while local photochemistry contributes to elevated ozone production. The research highlights the importance of reducing emissions at the Houston Ship Channel to mitigate future ozone pollution.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateSep 11, 2023

Hobbies linked to lower depression levels among older people

A study led by UCL researchers found that having a hobby is linked to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness, self-reported health, and life satisfaction among people aged 65 and over. The benefits of hobbies were relatively universal across 16 countries on three continents.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Big teeth, bigger data

Researchers developed a modeling system utilizing publicly accessible fishing data to estimate shark catch and mortality rates within eight sanctuary areas. The study found that 286,820 large sharks were caught, with 109,729 dying as a result of capture, highlighting the need for better conservation strategies.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 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.

NASA’s Swift learns a new trick, spots a snacking black hole

Astronomers using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory discovered a black hole repeatedly nibbling on a Sun-like star in a distant galaxy. The object was detected using a new method for analyzing data from the satellite's X-ray Telescope, enabling it to adapt to new areas of astrophysics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 7, 2023

Researchers find Antarctic ice shelves thinner than previously thought

A new study published in the Journal of Glaciology suggests that prior attempts to evaluate the mass of Antarctic ice shelves may have overestimated their thickness. The researchers found that on average, the Antarctic ice shelves are nearly 6% thinner than previously assumed, a difference of about 17 meters.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Glaciology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2023

Two out of three volcanoes are little-known. How to predict their eruptions?

A UNIGE team has developed a method to rapidly obtain valuable information about the structure of volcanoes. By analyzing three key parameters: height, rock thickness, and chemical composition of magma, scientists can identify the active volcanoes most likely to produce large-scale eruptions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGeology·TypeNews article·DateAug 31, 2023
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.

Gestational weight gain increased in Louisiana during the pandemic

A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 29, 2023

‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b

Researchers have confirmed the presence of chromium hydride in the atmosphere of hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-31b using high-resolution spectral observations. This detection opens the possibility of using chromium hydride as a 'thermometer' to determine the temperature and other characteristics of exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The long-term course of severe long COVID

Patients with severe long COVID often struggle with fatigue and exertion intolerance, with recovery rates varying depending on the initial infection's severity. A recent study found that those with ME/CFS experience little to no improvement in symptoms, while some patients in a second group show gradual improvement over time.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Scientists zoom in on the Asian monsoon season using satellite data

Scientists have analyzed satellite data to better understand the pre-monsoon season's microphysical features, including larger rain droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land. Their findings could improve weather prediction and mitigate damage from adverse climate events.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 26, 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.

Gray whales feeding along the Pacific Northwest coast are smaller than their counterparts who travel farther to forage

Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2023

Novel machine-learning method produces detailed population trend maps for 550 bird species

Scientists developed a novel Double Machine Learning approach to model bird population trends, removing confounding factors caused by changing human behavior. The result is detailed trend maps for each species down to an eight-mile radius, providing valuable insights for local conservation efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2023

World’s largest study shows the more you walk, the lower your risk of death, even if you walk fewer than 5,000 steps

The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from any cause, while 2337 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that every 500-1000 extra steps increase health benefits and reduce mortality risk by up to 15%.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

AIBS receives NSF Award to convene discussions on building an integrated, open, FAIR data network

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has been awarded a workshop grant to develop a series of discussions on enabling interdisciplinary and collaborative science through the integration of biological and environmental data. The project aims to build an Integrated, Open, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable ...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateAug 8, 2023
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.

Citizen scientists in support of drying rivers

The DRYRivERS app is a unique open-source project that enables citizen scientists to contribute to the study of flow intermittence in rivers. By logging observations on waterways around the world, users are helping to provide precious information to river managers and advance the science and management of intermittent rivers.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalBioScience·DateAug 8, 2023

Complex-domain neural network advances large-scale coherent imaging

A new complex-domain neural network enhances large-scale coherent imaging by exploiting latent coupling information between amplitude and phase components. The technique reduces exposure time and data volume significantly while maintaining high-quality reconstructions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 27, 2023

Global GPS measurements indicate observable phase of fault slip two hours before large earthquakes

Researchers found evidence of a precursory phase of fault slip occurring two hours before large earthquakes, using global GPS time-series data from nearly 100 major quakes worldwide. The study suggests that many large earthquakes start with a precursory phase of slip or represent the tail end of a longer process.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2023
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.

Genetic variants implicated in autism detected in the general population

A study published in Nature Medicine found that genetic variants associated with autism are present in 4% of those with autism and 1% of the general population. These variants were linked to poorer cognitive performance, lower socioeconomic status, and educational level in undiagnosed individuals.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2023

Supercomputer used to simulate winds that cause clear air turbulence

A research group from Nagoya University simulated clear air turbulence using Japan's fastest supercomputer. They found that wind speed disturbances occur due to the collapse of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability waves, creating turbulence in the absence of visible clouds or other atmospheric disturbances.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

Activating volunteer system increases bystander CPR, AED use and improves survival

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that alerting volunteers can increase bystander CPR and AED use, leading to improved survival rates. The volunteer system increased rates of CPR and defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, giving victims a higher chance of receiving early care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Zeus also plays billiards

A research group led by Kyoto University collected data on gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms, which may help explain the origins of lightning. The team proposes that high-energy particles from space could trigger lightning discharges.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 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.

More IVF babies born after egg collection in summer rather than in autumn

Researchers found a 30% higher likelihood of live births when eggs were collected in summer rather than autumn. They also discovered that bright sunshine on the day of egg collection increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023

Invitation to the 2023 International Venus Observation Campaign

The 2023 International Venus Observation Campaign aims to characterize the planet's atmosphere near the cloud-top level from three locations in the solar system. Key findings include the discovery of unknown UV absorbers in the upper clouds, which will be studied using data from JAXA's Akatsuki orbiter and ground-based telescopes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·DateJun 29, 2023

WVU faculty, students contribute to cosmic breakthrough uncovering evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves

Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2023
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.

Scientists use exotic stars to tune into hum from cosmic symphony

Researchers have found evidence for gravitational waves oscillating with periods of years to decades, consistent with slowly undulating waves passing through the Galaxy. The signal was observed using a collection of cosmic clocks called pulsars, which are ultra-dense remnants of massive stars' cores.

SourceNorth American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Scientists find evidence for slow-rolling sea of gravitational waves

The NANOGrav team has detected a collective hum of gravitational waves from merging supermassive black holes, providing evidence for a background undulation in spacetime. The signal is thought to be generated by huge black holes at galaxy centers, producing low-frequency gravitational waves that oscillate slowly over years and decades.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 28, 2023

Researchers’ warning on childhood vaccination target

A third of under-fives attending Paediatric Emergency Departments have unmet vaccination need, with tetanus and MMR vaccination coverage levels below target. Researchers call for catch-up campaigns to reach this vulnerable group.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Local loss of species may often be underestimated

A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023
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.

Self-esteem of kids with short stature tied to social supports, not height

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 12, 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.

Webb Telescope finds towering plume of water escaping from Saturn moon

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a massive plume of water vapor on Saturn's moon Enceladus, stretching over 6,000 miles. This finding has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth, as it suggests that Enceladus may have the necessary ingredients for habitability.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023

A telescope’s last view

Astronomers at MIT and University of Wisconsin have discovered two validated planets, K2-416 b and K2-417 b, in Kepler's last week of high-quality data. The third planet candidate, EPIC 246251988 b, orbits its star every 10 days and is slightly farther away from Earth than the other two.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 30, 2023

Identifying the bee’s knees of bumble bee diets

A new study has identified the preferred flower species of Midwest bumble bees, revealing that these social bees have more discerning dietary preferences than expected. The research found that common flower species like milkweed and thistles are favored by bumble bees, while others, such as alsike clover and black-eyed Susan, are ignored.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2023

Study linking mucus plugs and COPD mortality could help save lives

A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2023
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.

Study shows how machine learning can identify social grooming behavior from acceleration signals in wild baboons

Researchers tracked social grooming behavior in wild baboons using collars-mounted accelerometers, identifying and quantifying giving and receiving grooming with high accuracy. The study's findings have important implications for the study of social behavior in animals, particularly non-human primates.

SourceSwansea University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2023

A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

A study by Ohio State University researchers found Steenstrup Glacier in Greenland is retreating at an unprecedented rate, with a 5-mile retreat and quadrupled velocity between 2018 and 2021. The glacier's rapid change reveals that even long-term stable glaciers are susceptible to sudden and rapid retreat due to warming waters.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Projection of China’s future runoff based on the CMIP6 mid-high warming scenarios

This study uses the EDCFM method to downscale and bias-correct six CMIP6 GCMs for China's hydrological applications. The results indicate that SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios will bring increased volatility in precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff. Multi-year average annual values are projected to increase under these scenarios.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateApr 18, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Critical observations of sinking coasts

A team led by Virginia Tech's Manoochehr Shirzaei has developed high-resolution digital maps to monitor land subsidence and sea-level rise, revealing vulnerable areas along the Atlantic East Coast. The data supports flood risk management and informs climate change projections, helping to refine models for hurricanes and storms.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 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.

Galaxy changes classification as jet changes direction

Astronomers have discovered a galaxy with a unique activity in its core, leading to a reclassification as a giant radio galaxy. The PBC J2333.9-2343 galaxy has a blazar at its center with jets that changed direction drastically by up to 90 degrees.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 21, 2023

Forest growing season in eastern U.S. has increased by a month

A new study has found that the growing period of hardwood forests in eastern North America has increased by an average of one month over the past century as temperatures have steadily risen. The research used data from Ohio farmer Thomas Mikesell's comprehensive dataset and compared it to present-day observations, revealing a clear con...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 2023

Millions of galaxies emerge in new simulated images from NASA's Roman

Scientists have created a synthetic survey that showcases what can be expected from the Roman Space Telescope’s future observations. The simulation contains 33 million galaxies and 200,000 foreground stars, helping scientists plan observing strategies and test data analysis methods.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 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.

Alaska study compares ground motion, magnitude estimates from satellite and seismic records

A study by Revathy Parameswaran and colleagues compared ground motion and magnitude estimates from satellite and seismic records for the 2021 Chignik earthquake. The researchers found that GNSS and strong-motion acceleration seismic data can be used interchangeably or jointly for rapid magnitude or ground motion estimation.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Satellites observe speed-up of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula

A new study using satellite images found that glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula are flowing up to 22% faster during summer months due to warmer ocean waters and melting snow. This speed-up, driven by reduced friction between ice sheets and underlying rock, poses a significant threat to global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

1st observational evidence linking black holes to dark energy

A team of researchers has discovered evidence of 'cosmological coupling' between black holes and the universe's expanding energy. By studying supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies, they found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years, matching predictions for black holes that cosmologically couple with vacuum energy.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023
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.

How does biodiversity change globally? Detecting accurate trends may be currently unfeasible

A global picture of local species richness trends is hindered by incomplete and biased data, with regional imbalances leading to a distorted impression. The study advocates for prioritizing local assessments and standardized monitoring programs to address measurement errors and spatial biases.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2023