Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Want to increase resiliency in kids? Teach creativity

A study found that teaching children literary techniques such as perspective-shifting, counter-factual thinking and causal thinking improved their ability to solve problems and come up with creative solutions. The training increased their sense of self-efficacy and helped them develop a second plan when things didn't go as expected.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Creativity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

A healthy diet, reading, and doing sports promote reasoning skills in children

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that improved overall diet quality and increased time spent in reading and organised sports enhanced reasoning skills among children over two school years. Children with healthier eating habits showed greater cognitive development than their peers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 17, 2023

The dynamics of innovation efficiency and firm competition: implications for product design and market diversity

A study found that leading firms adopt predatory strategies to move toward competitors, intensifying price competition and increasing profits despite counter-intuitive price reductions. This approach can lead to reduced product diversity and technology gaps in the market.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 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.

AI voice coach shows promise in depression, anxiety treatment

A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 17, 2023

Solving computationally complex problems with probabilistic computing

Researchers demonstrate probabilistic computing's capabilities by simulating networks of stochastic nanodevices to solve specific NP problems. The simulations agree with theoretical solutions, indicating the potential for scaling up this approach.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 28, 2023

Americans’ IQ scores are lower in some areas, higher in one

A new study found evidence of a reverse 'Flynn effect' in the US, with declines in verbal reasoning, matrix reasoning, and letter/number series scores, but an increase in 3D rotation scores. The study suggests that changing values and motivation may be contributing factors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIntelligence·DateMar 19, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Young children develop better learning skills when taught by teachers of the same ethnicity, national US study suggests

A new national US study suggests that young children who are taught by a teacher of the same ethnicity as themselves develop better learning and problem-solving skills by the age of seven. The effect was most pronounced in Black and Latinx children, with improved working memory and reading achievement scores.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateMar 17, 2023

How brains synchronize during cooperative tasks

Researchers employed computer vision to extract social behaviors and linked them to brain synchronization patterns in a novel approach. During cooperative play, brain synchronization was strongest when participants shared gaze, while individual play showed increased within-brain synchronization.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Cockatoos know to bring along multiple tools when they fish for cashews

In a controlled experiment, researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos recognize when multiple tools are required to extract seeds from a fruit. The birds were able to adapt their tool use depending on the situation and transport the tools as a set on an as-needed basis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

MU researcher studies childhood obesity prevention programs in rural schools

A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJBI Evidence Synthesis·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 9, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Size of X-Ray beams successfully evaluated with mathematics

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new method to evaluate X-ray microbeam diameter using mathematical analysis, outperforming conventional methods. The uniform evaluation method is expected to be widely adopted as an international standard.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalX-Ray Spectrometry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Digital technology can assist toddlers with problem solving

Research from the University of Houston suggests that digital technology can enhance learning in young children by leveraging mind-wandering moments. When toddlers exhibit attentiveness and persistence while playing educational apps on an iPad, it leads to positive creative problem-solving skills and improved learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Intelligence·DateJan 17, 2023

Dog breeds differ from each other in their cognitive traits

A study of 13 dog breeds found breed differences in cognitive traits like social cognition, problem-solving ability, and inhibitory control. The results suggest that different breeds excel in specific tasks, highlighting the complexity of canine cognition.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Do mood fluctuations impact confidence in decision-making?

Researchers found no correlation between daily mood and confidence markers, but mood-related states and confidence level fluctuated at different time scales. Mood changes occurred faster than confidence level changes.

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalCognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023
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.

Multidisciplinary, cross-border collaboration and stable levels of funding extend knowledge of the oceans

Researchers analyzed 300 oceanographic projects funded by FAPESP, revealing a shift from USP to other institutions. FAPESP's support for long-term projects and collaborative research has significantly increased knowledge of Brazilian oceans. Deep-sea research remains a gap to be filled, requiring further collaboration and funding.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiota Neotropica·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 4, 2023

Brain area necessary for fluid intelligence identified

A new study has mapped the parts of the brain that support fluid intelligence, a key feature of human cognition. The research found that patients with damage to the right frontal regions performed poorly in tasks requiring problem-solving and reasoning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 2022
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.

Correcting peers is key in small-group learning

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that students who understand their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to ask for clarification and correct misinformation in small groups are more successful. The study identified seven types of metacognitive statements or questions associated with higher-quality reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateSep 26, 2022

Gifted dogs are more playful

Researchers found that gifted word learners, a rare breed of dogs capable of learning multiple toy names, exhibit even higher levels of playfulness than typical border collies. The study suggests a correlation between playfulness and giftedness in learning object verbal labels.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 15, 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.

Is brain fog limited to humans?

A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.

SourceHamilton College·JournalCell·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 8, 2022

Children compensate lack of concentration through creativity

A study by Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that children use spontaneous strategy changes and broader attentional focus to achieve better results, similar to adults. This broadens the understanding of learning behavior in children.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2022
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.

Who benefits from brain training and why?

A joint UC Riverside and UC Irvine study found that people who show near transfer in brain training are more likely to experience far transfer, meaning improved focus and problem-solving skills. The research suggests that working memory training can be effective for certain individuals, but its impact on fluid intelligence remains deba...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Study shows program improves teaching skills, students' word problem solving

A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 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

DWI for detection of locally recurrent pancreatic cancer

Adding diffusion-weighted MRI to conventional MRI enhances the differentiation of locally recurrent tumor and post-surgical fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resection. The study found higher sensitivity with DWI, facilitating earlier detection of recurrences.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2022
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.

Better keep the instructions

Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about human problem-solving abilities, revealing that many people fail to adapt a sophisticated strategy. A new study suggests that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to rely on an inefficient approach, even when faced with complex problems.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Immersive VR: Empowering kids to survive in fire, flood, and war

A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Educational Computing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
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.

Anyone can be trained to be creative, researchers say

Researchers developed a new method to train people to be creative by making up stories that imagine alternative worlds, shift perspective, and generate unexpected actions. The narrative approach helps individuals tap into their innate creativity, rather than relying on divergent thinking techniques that focus on problem-solving.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 14, 2022

Positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching

A new study at the University of Missouri found that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching, as teachers who demonstrate 'soft' skills like kindness and compassion tend to use high-impact teaching practices. Students who feel cared for by their teacher are more motivated to learn and engaged in the classroom.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2022

Golfing cockatoos reveal ability to use combined tools

Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 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.

UNH research amidst COVID-19 finds leadership style may impact crisis outcomes

Researchers found that global leaders with a rational, problem-solving approach had fewer country-wide infections, while charismatic leaders were associated with higher infection rates. The study suggests that leadership style can significantly impact public health outcomes during crises.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateDec 16, 2021

Emotional intelligence proves significant to remote leadership in a crisis

New research from The University of Toledo finds that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence experience lower levels of concern for leading remotely. Leaders with high self-perception can avoid being emotionally hijacked and provide clarity of purpose during crisis situations.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Leadership & Organizational Studies·TypeSurvey·DateNov 22, 2021

New finding offers promise in researching depression together with obesity

Problem-solving therapy led to short-term changes in the amygdala, a key region for emotion regulation, in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The study suggests that neural target changes at two months predicted improved behavioral outcomes after 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Study: Ignoring black peers leads whites to poor decisions

A study by University of Texas at Dallas researcher Dr. Sheen S. Levine found that white Americans are prone to making poor decisions when they ignore their Black peers. When given the opportunity to witness Black peers' accomplishments, however, the racial attention deficit subsides, suggesting a remedy for diversity efforts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021
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.

Problems in thinking and attention linked to COVID-19 infection

Research found that COVID-19 patients with more severe symptoms scored lower on reasoning and problem-solving tasks. Cognitive deficits were greatest in those receiving mechanical ventilation, similar to average decline seen over a decade of ageing.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Cracking the code of crack propagation in rubberlike materials

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have identified the origin of a phenomenon that occurs when rubber materials under stress rapidly break. Their simplified step-loading model replicates the non-monotonic mechanical behavior observed in these materials, shedding light on the velocity jump phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJul 30, 2021

Factors influencing relationship satisfaction

A study analyzing data from 1,104 married couples found that both spouses' enduring qualities, such as neuroticism and attachment styles, predict changes in relationship satisfaction. Stress moderated the effect of these qualities on behavior and satisfaction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Elephants solve problems with personality

Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateJun 25, 2021
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.

Urban squirrels, how much are we disturbing you?

Research finds that urban squirrels' success rates increase with repeated solving of a novel food-extraction task, suggesting adaptability to urban stressors. The study also reveals that direct human disturbance is a major stressor, while green coverage and squirrel population size have less impact on problem-solving performance.

SourceHokkaido University·DateMar 30, 2021

Can't solve a riddle? The answer might lie in knowing what doesn't work

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that people's brains have parallel learning systems for avoiding bad options and finding good ones. The research suggests that being able to 'turn down the volume' on irrelevant signals is critical to complex problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCognitive Science·DateMar 4, 2021
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.

Study finds no gender discrimination when leaders use confident language

A study published in Management Science found that participants followed advice given by male and female leaders at similar rates, regardless of the leader's assertiveness. The researchers recruited 1,000 people to play a game, where they received advice from either a male or female leader with varying levels of assertive language. The...

SourceWashington State University·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 18, 2021

UIC researcher to test voice-activated AI to manage mental health symptoms

A novel approach is being tested to deliver care to those with moderate depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence. Researchers at UIC are developing a voice-enabled, AI virtual agent named Lumen to deliver Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to patients with moderate, untreated depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 15, 2020

How franchisors can use contract ambiguity to their advantage

A new study explores how franchisors can use contract ambiguity to minimize litigation and improve joint problem-solving with franchisees. The research finds that ambigous contracts lead to a 7% increase in franchisor net income, as well as enhanced collaboration and deterrence of franchisee-initiated lawsuits.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 1, 2020
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.

Study examines consequences of workplace bullying

Research reveals workplace bullying can lead to health-related problems and behavioral issues in victims, including high avoidance coping strategies and moral disengagement. The study identifies five groups of victims based on exposure to bullying types and associated consequences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 16, 2019

Solving 21st-century problems requires skills that few are trained in, scientists find

A new scientific report highlights the importance of collaborative problem-solving skills for tackling modern problems. The research team identifies key cognitive and social components of CPS and emphasizes the need for evidence-based standards and curricula in education to develop these skills.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateDec 3, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.