Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UBC Okanagan study determines psychedelic mushroom microdoses can improve mood, mental-health

A UBC Okanagan study published in Nature-Scientific Reports found that regular small amounts of psilocybin improved mood, mental health, and psychomotor ability in participants. Microdosing was associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly among those over 55.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2022

Long term high-fat diet expands waistline and shrinks brain

A long-term high-fat diet has been shown to cause significant weight gain and metabolic disorders in mice, leading to anxiety, depression, and worsening Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a clear link between chronic obesity and diabetes with cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMetabolic Brain Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
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.

Death of a family member may increase heart failure mortality risk

Grieving a close family member can significantly increase stress levels, contributing to poor prognosis in heart failure patients. The study found that bereavement was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly after death of a child or spouse/partner.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC Heart Failure·DateJul 6, 2022

Helping teens channel stress, grow in resilience

A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022
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.

Gardening can cultivate better mental health

A study by University of Florida researchers found that gardening lowered stress, anxiety, and depression in healthy women attending twice-weekly gardening classes. The participants experienced similar improvements in mental health as those in art-making sessions, with gardeners reporting slightly less anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2022

Study highlights heavy mental health burden of COVID-19 for ‘shielders’

A new study by University of Bath psychologists highlights a significant rise in health anxiety among those who shielded at home, growing with time spent indoors. This contrasts with the general population, where anxiety decreased over time, indicating a pressing need for increased psychological support for 'shielders'.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The yin and yang of empathy

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that social ties can have a bipolar effect on relationships, with positive interactions strengthened by negative ones. Cognitive flexibility may help mitigate the dark side of social ties, such as empathic distress and stigma-related anxiety.

SourceKyoto University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

Training virtually can reduce psychosocial stress and anxiety

Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 17, 2022

Armed Forces Personnel who are injured in combat at greater risk of poor mental health

New research from King's College London found that members of the British Armed Forces who were physically injured while fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to experience poor mental health, including depression and PTSD. The study also suggests that the type of injury sustained can influence the overall outcome.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women feel less stressed on weekends

A recent Binghamton University study found that women experience reduced stress levels on weekends due to increased downtime. The research also discovered that physically fit individuals relax faster and can benefit from incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 8, 2022

Immune protein may drive alcoholism relapse

A new study by Scripps Research scientists reveals that the immune protein CSF1 may contribute to feelings of anxiety during alcohol withdrawal, leading to relapse. The discovery suggests that targeting CSF1 could be a good strategy for treating alcohol use disorder.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2022
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.

Nearly one-third of adolescents do not feel safe at school

A large international study found that 31.4% of adolescents in 13 European and Asian countries reported feeling unsafe at school. The study highlighted the need for strategies to provide educational environments where all students can feel protected, regardless of their background.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateJun 6, 2022

Team sports linked to fewer mental health difficulties for kids

A large-scale study found that team sport participation is associated with lower mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. In contrast, exclusive individual sport participation may lead to greater mental health issues. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 US kids and adolescents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022

Community-engagement preventive intervention promotes mental health of Bhutanese families in Western Massachusetts

A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2022
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.

The mindful way to manage stress among elite athletes

A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

COVID-19: Small study suggests maternal psychological distress during the pandemic may be associated with altered fetal brain development

A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMay 26, 2022

Early days of COVID-19 pandemic brought increased anxiety for some cancer survivors

A recent study found that previous therapy interventions, including ACT, did not spare cancer survivors from increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that anxiety symptoms worsened over time, with participants who received ACT intervention performing worse than those who received usual care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2022
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.

Hospices vary widely in prescribing of “comfort kit” medications

A new study reveals massive variations in hospice medication prescriptions, with treatment agency being the primary factor. Patients in agencies with high prescription rates were up to 50 times more likely to receive benzodiazepines or antipsychotics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2022

Pharmacists at higher risk of suicide than general population, study finds

A recent study published in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association found that pharmacists are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, with a rate of 20 per 100,000 pharmacists versus 12 per 100,000 in the general population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·DateMay 13, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Two years after infection, half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom, follow-up study suggests

A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Nature helps mental health, research says—but only for rich, white people?

A new study analyzing 174 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of nature on human well-being found that participants were overwhelmingly white and from high-income countries. The research highlights a diversity problem in the field, which threatens its ability to make universal scientific claims.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalCurrent Research in Environmental Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Social media break improves mental health – new study

A new study published in Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking found that taking a one-week break from social media can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing, depression and anxiety. Participants who took a break reported improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety compared to those who continued using social media.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 5, 2022

Study shows COVID-19 increased anxiety and symptoms for asthma sufferers

A new study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology shows that COVID-19 has increased anxiety and asthma symptoms among adults with asthma, while reducing food allergy-specific anxiety for parents of children with food allergies.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 5, 2022
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.

A ‘factory reset’ for the brain cures anxiety, drinking behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Study finds deep divide on mental health impact of COVID-19

A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMay 4, 2022

Shielding children from food insecurity – no protection from psychological problems

A large-scale Canadian study found that shielding children from food insecurity only reduces the risk of mood disorders in youth, but has no significant impact on anxiety disorders or overall mental health. The study also suggests that adults' mental health is improved when they can shield their children from food insecurity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateMay 4, 2022
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.

Mental illness plays havoc with the mind as well as the heart

Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBioMedical Engineering OnLine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

New study challenges stereotypes surrounding mental illness

Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Loneliness leads to higher risk of future unemployment, study finds

A new study published in BMC Public Health found that people who reported feeling lonely often were significantly more likely to encounter unemployment later. The research also confirmed previous findings that the reverse is true – people who were unemployed were more likely to experience loneliness later.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 27, 2022

Mental health of college students is getting worse

A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

Neuronal plasticity in chronic pain-induced anxiety revealed

Chronic pain causes maladaptive emotional states and is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Researchers identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice, finding that restoring its activity attenuates anxiety.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

Study: Economic burden of PTSD `staggering’

A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
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.

Pandemic redeployment caused stress to nurses - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of redeployed nurses felt stressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many reported strong motivation to help, driven by a sense of duty and care for patients. The research highlights the need for comprehensive resilience strategies in healthcare services.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2022

Children with migration backgrounds less likely to receive recommended psychiatric treatment, Swedish study shows

A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Fewer smartphones, more well-being

A study of 619 participants found that reducing smartphone use by one hour daily or complete abstinence for a week led to positive effects on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. These benefits lasted longer in the reduced-use group, suggesting an optimal daily usage time may exist.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Applied·DateApr 20, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A new online program has been shown to improve health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors. The study found that participants who received access to the program had higher scores on health-related quality of life and reported fewer problems with personal care and daily activities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

A drug that cures alcoholism may be the next anti-anxiety medication

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022
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.

Structural racism and pandemic stressors associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals

A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 13, 2022

Women in England had predominantly negative experiences of childbirth during pandemic in 2020, survey finds

A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022