Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The Obamas and the new politics of race

Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateJun 5, 2012
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.

Dollars and sense: Why are some people morally against tax?

A new study explores the moral ideas behind tax aversion in America, finding that middle-class feelings of exploitation drive hostility towards taxation. Respondents associate income tax with a violation of the moral principle that hard work should be rewarded.

SourceWiley·JournalSymbolic Interaction·DateMay 23, 2012

'Losing yourself' in a fictional character can affect your real life

Researchers at Ohio State University found that experience-taking, feeling emotions and thoughts of a character as one's own, can lead to real changes in readers' lives. In experiments, people who identified with characters who overcame obstacles or experienced prejudice showed improved attitudes and behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 7, 2012

Voters overrate favorite candidates

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2012

Hand counts of votes may cause errors, says new Rice University study

A new study from Rice University and Clemson University found that hand counting of votes can result in error rates of up to 2 percent, emphasizing the importance of well-specified manual auditing procedures. The research also showed that division of labor among group counting members can help reduce errors.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 2, 2012
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.

Republicans and democrats less divided than commonly thought

A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.

SourceSAGE·DateJan 27, 2012

Where you vote may influence how you vote, Baylor University researchers find

A Baylor University study finds that people who vote near churches report more conservative attitudes and negativity toward non-Christians. This suggests that the location of polling places can shape voter behavior and may impact election results. The study's findings have implications for how our surroundings influence our attitudes.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateJan 19, 2012

1 in 4 ministers were not affiliated with their party when they assumed their role

A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Ciencia Política·DateDec 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The protest vote prevails when a landslide victory is expected

Moderate voters tend to cast protest votes to express discontent, whereas extreme left and right voters rarely do. The study reveals that protest voters show their unhappiness by voting for a party further from their preference, aiming to influence the other party's direction.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPublic Choice·DateNov 18, 2011

Study finds voters concerned with privacy in US elections

A Brigham Young University study found that voters who go against the neighborhood norm have less confidence in ballot privacy, with 30% less confidence. Election officials' shift to new voting technology has increased concerns among some voters about privacy.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateNov 3, 2011
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.

Study: Delays in video calls may not always hurt communication

Researchers found that a one-second delay in video calls can actually help participants communicate better when discussing emotionally charged topics. The delay forces people to make more effort to follow each other, reducing frustration and improving accuracy in reading emotions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateOct 10, 2011

The 'silent majority' agrees with me, voters believe

A new study found that Dutch voters tend to think people who don't cast a ballot support their own party. This phenomenon allows voters and politicians to exaggerate the influence or size of their own party. The researchers suggest that this occurs due to social validation and a desire to promote one's party's success.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 20, 2011
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.

Is smartphone technology the future of US elections?

Researchers evaluate the usability of mobile voting systems on smartphones, finding that participants with smartphone experience complete tasks more accurately. The study suggests designing mobile voting systems to accommodate inexperienced voters' mental models to increase usability and accuracy.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateSep 12, 2011

English language ads better reach Latino audience

A recent study published in American Political Research found that English language ads had a greater impact on Latino voter turnout compared to Spanish language ads. The study also showed that English language materials drew in a broader voter demographic and were effective across all levels of Latino voters.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateAug 19, 2011

People tend to exaggerate influence of political ads on others

A study by Penn State researchers found that people who view negative political ads perceive the ads as having a greater influence on others than themselves. The experiment showed that both supporters and opponents of a presidential candidate believe the ads affect others more than they are affected by them.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Political Marketing·DateAug 1, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Face value

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that low-information voters are most influenced by candidate appearances, with the effect being stronger among those who watch a lot of television. The study found a nearly 5% increase in votes for candidates with a 10-point advantage in appearance ratings among uninformed voters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Talking 'green' can help candidates win votes, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University study found that Democratic and Independent voters support candidates who take a 'green' position on climate change, while Republican voters remain unaffected. The results suggest that taking a 'green' stance can be a cost-free strategy for candidates of either party.

SourceStanford University·DateJul 5, 2011
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.

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.

Political wins celebrated with porn, says Rutgers-Camden Researcher

A Rutgers-Camden psychologist studied how internet users celebrated political wins with visits to porn sites, finding a significant link between male testosterone levels and vicarious winning. The research used Google trends data and estimated that 90% of porn use is attributed to men.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateApr 19, 2011

Quality health care delivery key election issue, says CMAJ

CMAJ states that Canada's federal election should prioritize quality health care delivery over sustainability. The six aspects of high-quality care include safety, effectiveness, patient-centred care, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national electronic health record system is vital to ensuring quality care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 6, 2011
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.

Web use doesn't encourage belief in political rumors, but e-mail does

A new study by Ohio State University researcher R. Kelly Garrett found that using the internet generally doesn't make people more likely to believe political rumors, but e-mail does. E-mails from friends and family are more likely to be believed than online sources like websites and blogs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateMar 7, 2011

Political narratives on race, southern identity influence national elections

Researchers found that Republican and Democratic narratives about the American South shaped the way Americans view themselves. Dr. Christina Moss argues that these narratives effectively marginalized African-Americans by defining regional identity in terms of white voters' control over power.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSouthern Communication Journal·DateMar 7, 2011

Study links physical activity to political participation

A study published in Psychological Science found that states with higher physical activity rates tend to have higher voter turnout. Researchers created an 'action-tendency index' using data on exercise, diabetes rates, and other factors, which roughly matched voter turnout in the 2004 election.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 1, 2011
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.

People neglect who they really are when predicting their own future happiness

A new study found that people's personalities play a significant role in determining their future emotional reactions, contrary to predictions made about external events. Positive individuals tend to be more accurate in forecasting their own happiness due to their natural disposition.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 12, 2011

UT professors find mixing business with politics pays off

A study by UT professors found that firms engaging in corporate political activities enjoy a 20% higher performance. However, the researchers express concern that this increased activity constrains natural market forces and is undesirable.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Management·DateNov 11, 2010
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.

Prospective voters and the new health care law

A comprehensive review of national opinion polls shows that prospective voters have divergent views on the future of health reform legislation, mirroring Congressional leaders' positions. Nearly three-fourths of registered Democrats support the law, while 80% of Republicans oppose it.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 27, 2010

Television drove viewers to the Web to explore Obama-Muslim rumors

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that television coverage significantly influenced public interest in the Obama-Muslim rumor, leading to increased online searches. Newspaper coverage had little effect, as articles effectively dispelled the rumor and reduced online searches.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateSep 27, 2010
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.

Divisive primaries help challengers and hurt incumbents

A study found that divisive primaries held after mid-April negatively impact incumbent general election performance, particularly those held close to the election. Challengers struggle to recover from primary battles due to limited time and resources.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateSep 23, 2010

Few white voters upset about Obama victory despite lingering racism

A University of Florida study found that only a third of respondents were upset by racial sentiments, while two-thirds took pride in a black candidate's ability to win the nomination and presidency. The study suggests that racism is still present but not as significant a factor in politics as it might be in other areas.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Forum·DateSep 13, 2010

Which politicians do voters blame for the down economy?

A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateAug 17, 2010

Presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates

A new study finds that presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates among voters. In states where the majority supported the winner, suicide rates decreased, but more dramatically in states where the majority supported the loser, with a 4.6% lower rate for males and 5.3% for females.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateAug 16, 2010

Good and bad in the hands of politicians

Researchers found that right-handers favor their dominant hand for positive ideas and non-dominant hand for negative thoughts. Conversely, left-handers use their left hand for positive expressions and right hand for negative ones. These findings suggest people link 'good' with the side of their body they can use most fluently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2010
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.

New technology will make election voting more efficient

The new system integrates optical scanning, data processing, and encryption with manual ballot paper writing, ensuring total vote-counting accuracy. It also allows voters to verify their vote without revealing how they voted.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMay 26, 2010

Major step ahead for cryptography

A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 25, 2010

Unique map shows general election results in new light

Researchers at the University of Sheffield created a unique map showing General Election results based on population data. The map provides an alternative perspective by reflecting where people live in the country, enabling a better understanding of voting preferences and population density.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMay 11, 2010
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.

Study: Local newspapers keep politicians accountable

A recent study found that local newspapers have a significant impact on electoral accountability by providing voters with crucial information about their representatives. In areas where members of Congress receive extensive coverage in local newspapers, voters are more informed and representatives tend to be more constituent-centered.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMay 7, 2010

A report card on DFID: The Lancet calls for a post-election independent review to protect its successes and fix its problems

The Lancet Editorial praises DFID's global health successes, including education and undernutrition strategies, but criticizes intragovernmental tensions and fragmentation of responsibilities. The publication calls for a post-election independent review to address these issues and ensure the department's continued success.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 18, 2010

Political corruption has impact on social trust

A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMar 2, 2010
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.

Expert predicts possible shift in senior voting bloc

A recent study found that older voters may not necessarily favor Republicans in future presidential elections. Factors such as partisan leanings, candidate ages, and racial identities are thought to influence seniors' voting choices. In contrast, baby boomers entering the old age category may have different political preferences.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateNov 3, 2009

EMBO welcomes 66 leading life scientists as members

EMBO has elected 66 top-life scientists with expertise in various molecular biology fields, including evolutionary and computational biology. The new members come from 16 countries and include 15 female researchers recognized for their contributions to life science research.

SourceEMBO·DateOct 20, 2009
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.

Presidential election outcome changed voters' testosterone

A study by researchers at Duke University and the University of Michigan found that men who voted for McCain or Barr experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after the election results were announced. In contrast, Obama voters showed stable testosterone levels. The study suggests that vicarious participation in elections c...

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2009

Democrats seen as the 'undeserving rich' face rejection by party voters

A recent study reveals that white working-class voters in the US reject Democratic candidates despite disliking Republican policies due to an 'appropriate' attitude toward personal wealth. This framework, marked by down-to-earth qualities and a perception of moral fiber, is more important than economic interests.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSociological Forum·DateSep 11, 2009

If you're happy, then we know it

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 24, 2009
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.

Professional lobbyists: Pragmatic operatives or just another partisan resource?

A new study by Gregory Koger and Jennifer Nicoll Victor found that professional lobbyists in Washington, DC are highly partisan, giving most of their campaign donations to one preferred political party. The research analyzed over 1,200 lobbyists and found that only 6.3% gave at least 40% of their donations to both parties.

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·JournalPS Political Science & Politics·DateJul 20, 2009

Doctors angry about BNP campaign tactics

A letter to The Lancet criticizes the British National Party's use of a white doctor in their election campaign, which could have influenced voters and damaged relationships with ethnic minority patients. The authors argue that doctors' neutrality should not be used to promote political parties.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 16, 2009