Add BrightSurf on Google Email

In shaky times, focus on past successes, if overly anxious, depressed

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that individuals with clinical anxiety and/or depression have difficulty making sound judgments when faced with changing circumstances. Emotionally resilient people, on the other hand, are better equipped to adapt to these changes by focusing on their past successes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 22, 2020

The power of validation in helping people stay positive

A new study from Ohio State University found that validating someone's negative emotions can help foster a positive outlook. Participants who were validated showed protected and sustained positive emotions, while those who were invalidated experienced declines in positivity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Access to nature important for mental health during Covid lockdowns

A study of 6,769 people from 77 countries found that those under strict lockdowns were more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Access to outdoor spaces and views of nature reduced symptoms during lockdowns, particularly in areas where people were not allowed to visit parks.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 11, 2020

Maternal anxiety affects the fetal brain

A study by Children's National Hospital researchers found that maternal anxiety during pregnancy can alter neural connectivity in the womb. Fetuses of anxious mothers showed stronger connections between the brainstem and sensorimotor areas, while those with lower anxiety had weaker connections between executive cognitive functions.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 7, 2020

Rap music increasingly mixes in mental health metaphors

A study found that rap songs referencing mental health more than doubled between 1998 and 2018, a trend that could shape the conversation around mental health for young listeners. Most artists referenced love and environmental issues as stressors, using metaphors like 'pushed to the edge' or 'fighting my demons',

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 7, 2020
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.

Common neural circuit and potential target for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020

Young people's anxiety levels doubled during first COVID-19 lockdown, says study

A new study found that young people's anxiety levels increased significantly during the first COVID-19 lockdown, doubling from 13% to 24%, and remained high even after restrictions were eased. The study highlights the need for mental health support and interventions to address emerging inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 24, 2020

Anxiety associated with faster Alzheimer's disease onset

A new study finds that anxiety is independently associated with cognitive decline and a faster progression to Alzheimer's disease, even in patients without genetic risk factors or brain volume loss. The researchers recommend screening for anxiety disorders in elderly individuals to potentially slow cognitive decline.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 24, 2020

'Alarming' COVID-19 study shows 80% of respondents report significant symptoms of depression

A national survey of over 1,000 young US adults finds alarming levels of loneliness associated with significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of providing access to psychological help and promoting social connectedness to address these problems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Psychoactive Drugs·DateNov 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teeth grinding and facial pain increase due to coronavirus stress and anxiety

A Tel Aviv University study found that 50% of Israeli women experience excessive teeth grinding and/or facial muscle pain due to coronavirus stress and anxiety. The study also revealed a higher prevalence of these symptoms among middle-aged women, with 35-55-year-olds suffering most.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateNov 16, 2020

The future's uncertain - but noradrenaline can help us adapt

A new study found that noradrenaline helps us adapt to uncertain situations by allowing rapid learning and adjusting our behavior. In contrast, Propranolol blocks the action of noradrenaline, making people more reliant on past experiences in the face of uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2020

Significant psychological toll from New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown

The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2020

Green prescriptions could undermine the benefits of spending time in nature

A recent study suggests that formal 'green prescriptions' to spend time in nature for people with mental health conditions may actually undermine some of the benefits. Research found that visits were associated with emotional and wellbeing benefits when done by choice, but not when pressured by others.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention

A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Divide and conquer: a new formula to minimize 'mathemaphobia'

A new study by the University of South Australia aims to break the cycle of maths anxiety by building student confidence in maths. The research shows that boosting student confidence can counteract negative emotions and lead to better maths achievement.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Education·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2020

COVID-19 anxiety linked to body image issues

A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 22, 2020
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.

Brain injury survivors and their caregivers can benefit from a resiliency program

A resiliency program for brain injury survivors and their caregivers has shown clinically significant improvement in emotional distress. The program, Recovering Together, achieved measurable reductions in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress among individuals with acute neurologic illness and their caregivers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2020

Alcohol use changed right after COVID-19 lockdown

A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2020
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-related stress leads to less employee engagement

A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress leads to lower employee engagement, but a supportive boss can make a positive difference. Servant leaders who prioritize employees' emotional needs and well-being help reduce stress and increase pro-social behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 12, 2020

The effects of oxytocin on social anxiety depend on location, location, location

A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2020

Reactions to perceived broken promises lead to workplace stress for police officers

A study by the University of Birmingham found that police officers experience stress and anxiety when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The researchers also discovered that fairness and self-efficacy play a crucial role in mediating this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·DateOct 5, 2020

A putative mechanism that switches brain pathology from anxiety to depression discovered

Researchers discovered a novel brain mechanism that links anxiety and depression, showing unique cellular mechanisms activate as one pathology progresses into another. The 'switch' involves astrocytes and cytoskeletal mechanisms, which may be targeted for new classes of psychotropic drugs.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2020
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.

Internet gaming youth not more prone to psychiatric disorders

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found no connection between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychiatric problems in children. In contrast, children with IGD symptoms showed lower anxiety levels two years later, potentially due to social interactions or gaming as a distraction.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2020

5G wireless may lead to inaccurate weather forecasts

A Rutgers study suggests that 5G wireless networks may impact the accuracy of weather forecasts. The study found that even low levels of 5G radiation can affect precipitation and temperature predictions by up to 0.9 millimeters and 2.34 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

SourceRutgers University·DateSep 24, 2020

Job security, finances strongly related to increased anxiety during pandemic

Research at University of Connecticut reveals that job insecurity and financial concerns significantly contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms in employed individuals. The study also highlights the importance of employers supporting employee mental health by recognizing and addressing these concerns.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020
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.

The overlap between fear and anxiety brain circuits

New research reveals that fear and anxiety are constructed from a shared set of core neural building blocks. The study's findings suggest that the brain regions long thought to be responsible for each emotion are actually equally sensitive to certain and uncertain threats.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 21, 2020

How does chronic stress induce bone loss?

A central neural circuit in the forebrain to the hypothalamus mediates chronic stress-induced bone loss via the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Isolation significantly increases anxiety levels, inducing bone loss in human subjects.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 11, 2020

COVID-stress may be hard to beat even with exercise

Research from Washington State University found that COVID-19 stress and anxiety can persist despite increased physical activity. The study of twins revealed no significant impact of exercise on handling stress and anxiety in the short term, suggesting other factors may be at play.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 2020
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.

Thyroid inflammation linked to anxiety disorders

A recent study has found a significant link between thyroid inflammation and anxiety disorders. Patients with anxiety were found to have thyroid gland inflammation that could be reduced by taking ibuprofen, suggesting that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of anxiety.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateSep 6, 2020

Gamifying interventions may improve mental health

A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fear of missing out impacts people of all ages

A recent study found that FoMO is linked to loneliness, low self-esteem, and low self-compassion, not social media use. Researchers suggest addressing negative self-perceptions by practicing self-compassion and focusing on real connections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 26, 2020

Having a doctor who shares the race of their patients may ease pain

New research suggests that Black patients experience less pain and anxiety when treated by a physician of their own race. Racial/ethnic concordance between doctor and patient influences physical responses to pain, with Black patients showing reduced bodily responses when paired with same-race doctors.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Stress overload and pain common among patients with traumatic brain injury

Researchers report that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and supporting patients' social connections to improve outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateAug 18, 2020

Yoga shown to improve anxiety, study shows

A new study found that yoga significantly improved symptoms for those with generalized anxiety disorder, but not as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. Yoga was more effective than stress management, with 54% of participants experiencing improved symptoms compared to 33% in the control group.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2020
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.

How anxiety--and hope--can drive new product adoption

Researchers found that strong anxiety about outcomes from new products can enhance consequential adoption intentions and actual adoption, especially when combined with strong hope. This effect is due to action planning, which boosts perceived control over outcomes and leads to increased product satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 12, 2020

Study pinpoints five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers

A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2020

Predicting the quality of romantic relationships

A machine-learning approach analyzing 2,413 measures from 11,196 couples identified key predictors of relationship quality. Life satisfaction and emotional health were strong individual characteristics associated with relationship quality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
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.

Front-line physicians stressed and anxious at work and home

A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

New insights into anxiety

Researchers at the University of Trento mapped anxiety types differently in human brain, finding stable traits associated with negative thoughts and transient brain activity linked to state anxiety. The study aims to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments targeting chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020
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.

Tech sector job interviews assess anxiety, not software skills

Technical interviews in the software engineering sector test performance anxiety rather than coding skills, eliminating well-qualified candidates. Researchers found that half as many participants excelled in private interviews without on-the-spot explanations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJul 14, 2020

COVID-19 may attack patients' central nervous system

Researchers found that depression, anxiety, and loss of smell were strongly associated with COVID-19. The study suggests that psychological distress could be a sign of the virus's impact on the brain, potentially due to its entry through the olfactory tract.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 14, 2020

How fear transforms into anxiety

A University of New Mexico research team has identified brain-wide neural correlates of the transition from fear to anxiety, shedding new light on the brain's response to fearful events and why some people don't easily recover. The study found that vulnerability to anxiety correlates with elevated activity in specific regions of the br...

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·DateJul 9, 2020

Insufficient sleep harms children's mental health

A University of Houston study found that insufficient sleep alters children's emotional health, particularly in response to positive emotions. The research highlights the importance of assessing and prioritizing healthy sleep habits for emotionally vulnerable children.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2020

Life-hack: Rituals spell anxiety relief

Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 30, 2020
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.

Study asks who's playing 'hard-to-get' and who's attracted by the ploy

A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women and people with insecure attachment styles tend to play hard-to-get more, while men pursue them. The researchers also discovered that avoidant individuals tend to use hard-to-get strategies as a self-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 30, 2020

Unexpected mental illnesses found in a spectrum of a rare genetic disorder

Researchers discovered a range of co-existing conditions in patients with fragile X syndrome and premutation disorder. Lower FMRP levels are associated with emotional processing issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, and psychotic features. The study calls for more research on psychosis and FMRP levels, as well as greater awareness...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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