Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Is there a digital hood?

A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

Fruit flies adjust their courtship song based on distance

Researchers discovered that male fruit flies adjust the amplitude of their courtship song based on distance from females, conserving energy and competing more effectively. This complex behavior sheds light on social interactions across the animal kingdom.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 3, 2016

Recent studies show value of technology and in-person communications

Recent studies suggest that technology can have positive effects on social connections and mental well-being, but these benefits often fall short of those provided by in-person interactions. Research has shown that face-to-face communication is more effective at creating a positive mood and reducing stress than text messaging.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 29, 2016

Octopuses shed their asocial reputation

Researchers discovered that octopuses use body language to communicate during disputes, with darker colors associated with aggression. The species Octopus tetricus was found to be highly interactive, with more than 186 recorded interactions in a single location.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2016
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.

The importance of children at play

Research highlights the importance of interactive peer play in preschool for Latino children from low-income households, showcasing their strengths rather than deficits. The study found that these children displayed high levels of positive learning behaviors and social engagement during play.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 20, 2016

Chimp friendships are based on trust

A study found that chimpanzees extend trust selectively to their closest friends, showing similar characteristics to human friendships. The researchers observed interactions among 15 chimps over 5 months and used a modified trust game to assess their behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 14, 2016
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.

No two faces are the same

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the causes of congenital face blindness can be traced back to an early stage in the perceptual process. People with this condition are unable to use facial features to identify others, but their brains respond differently when shown a face.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why bartenders have to ignore some signals

A new study at Bielefeld University investigates how a robotic bartender can understand human communication and serve drinks socially appropriately. Participants played the role of robotic bartenders, making decisions based on sensor data, to find that ignoring some data can be beneficial.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 25, 2015

Sharing economy can help financial struggles

A QUT research found that sharing economy model could be developed to support people experiencing financial hardship by providing essential services like food relief. Clients who interacted with each other at the centre appreciated social value and gained useful knowledge, while stigma attached to seeking help was reduced.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateNov 23, 2015

Overweight men just as likely as overweight women to face discrimination

A new study by Rice University and the University of North Carolina, Charlotte found that overweight men experience subtle yet statistically significant interpersonal discrimination in employment settings. This bias can impact their chances of getting hired or being treated fairly as customers.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 16, 2015
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.

Better business is linked up

A recent study examines the use of LinkedIn for professional development, finding adults are receptive to sharing knowledge and meeting professionals. However, negative experiences such as unwanted advertisements and unsolicited invitations were also reported.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments·DateOct 26, 2015

Dynamic social-network analysis reveals animal social behaviors

A new dynamic social-network analysis tool has revealed that the two species have vastly different community structures, with zebras forming large, stable groups and onagers forming smaller, more transient groups. This study provides insights into the adaptive value of these behaviors in response to different environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2015
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.

Study: Children with autism benefit from theater-based program

A Vanderbilt study found significant differences in social ability among children with autism who participated in a 10-week theatre-based program compared to those who did not. The program improved social cognition, interaction, and communication skills, including face recognition and group play.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateSep 30, 2015

The citizen and the embryo: Birth weight affects social trust, Danish study shows

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that low birth weight is associated with low levels of social trust in adulthood, while high birth weight is linked to high levels of trust. The researchers suggest that factors linked to the embryonic stage, such as nutrition and environment, may play a role in shaping adult behavior.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 28, 2015
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.

Mental math helps monk parakeets find their place in pecking order

A study by the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis found that monk parakeets develop an understanding of rank after about a week of interactions. They use social feedback to refine their behavior, avoiding fights with higher-ranked birds while targeting those closely matched in rank.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

Mental math helps monk parakeets find their place in pecking order

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that monk parakeets use a complex system of mental math to determine their place in the pecking order. By analyzing aggression patterns, researchers discovered that birds can infer rank based on chains of interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

The more the merrier for animals that synchronize their behavior

Researchers discovered that larger groups of animals synchronize their behavior, with social interactions playing a key role. The study found that even without external cues, internal mechanisms are regulated by social presence, leading to increased synchronization in group settings.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 1, 2015

Male elephant seals use 'voice recognition' to identify rivals, study finds

Researchers found that male elephant seals recognize and respond differently to the distinctive calls of their rivals, using this 'voice recognition' to avoid physical confrontations. This unique communication system allows males to conserve energy and reduce conflicts during breeding season.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 12, 2015
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.

How to digitally stoke that old-time auction fever

Researchers found that auctions with intense time pressure and social competition lead to higher bids due to emotional arousal. Ascending auctions were more rewarding for participants than descending ones.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 28, 2015
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.

Doing good deeds helps socially anxious people relax

A study published in Motivation and Emotion found that performing acts of kindness can help socially anxious individuals reduce their desire to avoid social situations. This intervention showed a greater reduction in patients' avoidance goals compared to those only exposed to social interactions without engaging in good deeds.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateJul 1, 2015

How do toddlers use tablets?

A team of University of Iowa researchers analyzed over 200 YouTube videos to understand toddler tablet use. They found that by age two, most children can moderate their ability to use a tablet, while younger toddlers require more guidance.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateJun 18, 2015
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 majority rules when baboons vote with their feet

A new study found that individual baboons can contribute to a troop's collective movement and that decision-making is largely a shared process. The majority rule suggests that the subgroup with the most initiators determines the direction of movement, reducing conflict in complex societies.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015

Infants' superior perception linked to later autism symptoms

Researchers have discovered that infants with superior perception skills are more likely to develop autism symptoms later in life. The study found that enhanced visual searching ability at 9 months old predicted more emergent autism symptoms at 15 months and 2 years of age.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 11, 2015

Social networking against cancer

Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateJun 4, 2015

Going my way? We think so, if we really want to get there, NYU study finds

A New York University study found that when people are highly committed to a goal, they are more likely to assume others share the same objective. In contrast, when individuals have already achieved their goals, there is no relationship between goal commitment and perceived similarity.

SourceNew York University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateMay 18, 2015

Study finds those who believe in pure evil support more harsh criminal punishments

A Kansas State University study found that individuals with a strong belief in pure evil are more likely to support harsh sentences, including life in prison without parole and the death penalty. This belief overrides stereotypes about the offender's character, suggesting that perceived retribution and demonization play a significant r...

SourceKansas State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 14, 2015
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.

Game played in sync increases children's perceived similarity, closeness

A new study shows that playing a synchronized game on a computer increased children's sense of similarity and closeness immediately after the activity. The findings suggest that time-based synchronized activities, including in music, dance and sports, could be useful tools in bringing children closer together.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015
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.

Extraversion may be less common than we think

A study by Daniel C. Feiler and Adam M. Kleinbaum found a 'network extraversion bias' in the emerging social networks of MBA students, where extraverts are over-represented. The effect is more pronounced in the networks of socially outgoing people, suggesting that introverts may be better socially calibrated.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 6, 2015

Crowdsourced tool for depression

A new peer-to-peer networking tool has been developed to build online support communities and practice therapeutic techniques for depression. The tool, called Panoply, yielded better outcomes in training subjects to use cognitive reappraisal and improving mood in those with severe symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 30, 2015

Understanding loneliness through science

The special section reviews current scientific research on loneliness, exploring its biological, genetic, social, and behavioral aspects. Studies demonstrate a link between social isolation, loneliness, and mortality, as well as the effectiveness of various interventions to prevent or mitigate loneliness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 12, 2015

It's sound -- Bristol Pound encourages community unity

Research on the Bristol Pound found it fosters social bonds by shaping interactions and feelings of trust among users, promoting local business support and community cohesion. The study's findings have implications for designing future payment systems that prioritize social connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMar 11, 2015
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.

Sexism -- it's in his smile

A study by Jin Goh and Judith Hall found that men who display benevolent sexism are perceived as more approachable, warmer, and friendlier, while those with hostile sexism are less friendly. The researchers also discovered that men with benevolent sexism use positive emotional words and are more patient, despite appearing harmless.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 9, 2015

Shake it off? Not so easy for people with depression, new brain research suggests

A new study found that people with depression release less of a natural pain and stress-reducing chemical called natural opioids when rejected, prolonging the pain of social rejection. In contrast, they experience relatively better feelings when someone they're interested in likes them back, but only momentarily.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 27, 2015

Newly discovered neurons predict the cooperative behavior of others

Researchers have identified a set of neurons in the frontal brain region that predict an opponent's cooperation in strategic decision-making tasks. This discovery sheds light on the neuronal basis of cooperative interactions and may lead to new treatments for autism and antisocial personality disorder.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Looking for love? Use Reddit to give Cupid tech support

Users of popular dating services OKCupid and Tinder rely on Reddit to learn tips and strategies for online dating, including how to cheat the system and avoid common pitfalls such as trolling and catfishing. The study highlights the importance of social norms and effective matchmaking techniques in online dating.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Babies can identify complex social situations and react accordingly

Research shows that 13-month-old babies can comprehend complex social interactions by using their understanding of others' perspectives and social evaluation skills. They exhibit reactions to different scenarios, including friendly and hit-witnessed characters, indicating the beginnings of assigning meaning to social situations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Simple strategies lead to improvements in 1 year-olds at risk for autism

Researchers found that a parent-coaching intervention called Adapted Responsive Teaching (ART) can significantly improve the outcomes of one-year-old children at risk for autism. The study, published in Autism Research and Treatment, compared ART to early intervention and monitoring, showing promising results.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAutism Research and Treatment·DateFeb 3, 2015

Penn professor shows how 'spontaneous' social norms emerge

A new study led by Penn's Damon Centola reveals that social conventions can emerge spontaneously, with no centralized leader or media source, through the normal interactions of people in social networks. The research used a web-based game to test how large populations come to consensus, and found that random mixing allowed for the emer...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2015

Reducing work-family conflicts in the workplace helps people to sleep better

A new report published in Sleep Health found that reducing work-family conflicts in the workplace can lead to better sleep outcomes. Workers who participated in an intervention aimed at reducing conflict slept an hour more each week and reported greater sleep sufficiency compared to those who did not participate.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalSleep Health·DateJan 26, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Uncovering complex network structures in nature

Researchers discover that most typical networks are robust to both random and deliberate attacks, contrary to previous thought. They propose a simple method to explore the mathematical space of all interesting networks with a particular node degree distribution.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 9, 2014

Does your boss find you proactive ... or pushy?

Employees who take personal initiative but lack social acumen may be seen as troublemakers. A study found that proactive behavior is only beneficial if combined with social skills and sensitivity to favorable opportunities. Employers are looking for employees with both personal initiative and political skill.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Management·DateDec 3, 2014