Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fostered flamingos just as friendly

Researchers found that fostered flamingo chicks formed stable social ties and behaved like parent-reared birds after rejoining their species. The study provides valuable insights into the success of fostering for conservation breeding programs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·DateApr 8, 2021
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.

(Re)Shaping cities to combat inequality

Research from the Complexity Science Hub found that urban planning can directly influence social network formation and socio-economic equality. Towns with evenly distributed social networks tend to have lower economic inequality, while those with fragmented networks exhibit higher disparities.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

SUTD develops new model of influence maximization

Researchers from SUTD developed a correlation-robust model of influence maximization, which assumes hidden correlations in influencers' behavior are detrimental to the company's interest. This model has computational benefits over traditional independent cascade models and can be used by practitioners to enhance network robustness.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateJan 12, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For vampire bats, social distancing while sick comes naturally

Researchers found that vampire bats with activated immune systems and feeling sick interacted with fewer bats, spent less time near others, and were less well-connected to the social network. This behavior helps reduce the spread of disease in highly social animals like vampire bats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateOct 27, 2020

AI methods of analyzing social networks find new cell types in tissue

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new AI-based method for analyzing gene activity in tissues using graph neural networks. This approach enables the detection of new cell types and intra- or intercellular functions without prior knowledge of expected cell types, greatly expanding our understanding of cellular behavior.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFEBS Journal·DateOct 19, 2020

Same-gender couples interact better than heterosexual couples

A new UC Riverside study found that same-gender couples have higher-quality interactions both inside and outside their relationships compared to heterosexual couples. The study also showed that women in male-dominated relationships tend to have the largest social networks, while men with men have smaller ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 7, 2020

Changing ties that naturally bind

A collaborative research group from Kyoto University investigates how animals balance information sharing with disease risk to form social networks. They propose an integrative framework that incorporates deleterious forms of social transmission, like infectious diseases.

SourceKyoto University·DateAug 25, 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.

Trust is key to effectiveness in virtual communities, researchers find

A team of researchers from Italy has proposed a new metric to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual groups. By analyzing interaction data from two Italian-based social networks, they found that trust plays a crucial role in forming cohesive and productive groups.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 19, 2020

Drexel study: Measuring social networks of young adults with autism

Researchers developed a method to analyze social networks of autistic youth, showing how interpersonal relationships and resources can impact adult outcomes. The study found that social connections and support from family members are crucial for autistic young adults' quality of life and independence.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateAug 17, 2020

Social networks can support academic success

Researchers found that friendship with high-achievers has a positive impact on students' academic performance, while befriending underachievers can lead to a drop in grades. The study analyzed the social networks of 117 first-year students and used stochastic actor-based modeling to address the dynamics of social group members' behavior.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 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.

Obesity linked to social ties in older women, more so than in men

Research found that women with fewer social connections are more likely to be obese, while men with larger networks are less likely. The study suggests that healthcare providers should consider social activities as part of obesity treatment for non-partnered older women.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2020

Towards prosperous public goods with freedom of choice

Research suggests that giving individuals the freedom to choose preferred public goods significantly increases participation rates, fostering conditional cooperation and leading to more wealth generated for players. Local circumstances are found to be more important than global social network characteristics in driving this effect.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2020

Suicide reporting guidelines and social media

A study analyzed 664 news articles about suicide posted on a social network between 2018 and 2019. The findings suggest that adherence to suicide reporting guidelines may benefit individual health as well as reader engagement, with US-based publications being less likely to adhere to the guidelines.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Popular doesn't mean influential among Cambodian farmers

Researchers found that providing less popular farmers with new information and technologies leads to wider community adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study suggests that relying on prominent farmers may not be effective in spreading sustainable practices.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateJun 18, 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.

Loneliness alters your brain's social network

Research reveals that loneliness affects the brain's map of social connections, with lonelier individuals having a less distinct neural representation of their relationships. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine participants' brain activity while thinking about different social categories.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2020

A clique away from more efficient networks

Researchers developed a framework using graph theory to optimize digital communication networks, finding cliques within them for efficient data transmission and improvement in throughput by up to 30%. This approach has far-reaching implications for future networks, including the internet of things with larger volumes of data.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 14, 2020

Human presence weakens social relationships of giraffes

The study reveals that human presence disrupts the complex social structures of Masai giraffe populations, leading to weaker relationship strengths and exclusive social associations. Giraffes living near humans have reduced social interactions and are more likely to encounter livestock and predators.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 9, 2020

Twitter fight: Birds use social networks to pick opponents wisely

Monk parakeets seem to understand where they fit in a dominance hierarchy and pick their fights accordingly, improving or maintaining their status. This ability helps animals make aggression decisions by processing different types of information.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology·DateJun 9, 2020

Study questions benefits of social networks to disaster response

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that social networks actually worsen decision-making in emergency situations, leading to delayed evacuations and the spread of misinformation. The research suggests that communication within groups does not improve decision-making as expected.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 28, 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.

'McDonaldization' based analysis of Russian social networks

A study found that Russian social media platforms like Facebook and VKontakte exhibit characteristics of McDonaldization, a form of rationality that prioritizes efficiency and profit over human values. This process can lead to the displacement of individuals from meaningful relationships and the loss of personal autonomy.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalRUDN Journal of Sociology·DateMar 27, 2020

Study shows widely used machine learning methods don't work as claimed

Researchers demonstrated mathematically that low-dimensional embeddings fail to capture important properties of social networks and other complex networks. This flaw leads to significant structural aspects being lost in the embedding process, resulting in inaccurate predictions and recommendations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
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.

LGBT health improves when friends are just like them

A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Aging reveals that having a large social network consisting of people who share one's sexual identity can significantly reduce harmful effects of discrimination on health. This finding underscores the importance of considering a person's background in their overall well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 5, 2020

Professor works to reduce fake news dissemination

Etesami aims to develop a platform that simulates human behavior in dynamic social networks like Facebook or Twitter. By analyzing data from these simulations, his team plans to build a richer model to predict and control the spread of false news.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2020

Exploring a genome's 3D organization through a social network lens

Computational biologists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new algorithm, MOCHI, to identify communities within the cell nucleus. The algorithm uses spatial arrangement and genetic interactions to subdivide interwoven nuclear components into groups.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

University of Montana researchers study how birds retweet news

Researchers at the University of Montana studied how black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches encode information in their calls, revealing that they can distinguish between direct and indirect threats. The study suggests that birds are capable of sophisticated decision-making and avoiding spreading false information.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 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.

How human social structures emerge

Researchers developed mathematical models to understand what conditions produced traditional community structures and conventions around the world. Simulated family groups with shared traits naturally grouped together into distinct cultural groups, leading to the emergence of incest taboos and direct or generalized exchange kinship str...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 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.

Bound by blood

A study by researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that vampire bats form lasting social bonds, even when released back into the wild. The bats' social networks were tracked using miniaturized computers weighing less than a penny, showing daily changes in their relationships.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Assigning workers to new networks boosts sustainability

Researchers at Michigan State University found that positioning employees in different units enables them to learn from innovative colleagues and adopt new skills. This approach promotes organizational learning for sustainability without the need for top-down hierarchy or extensive training.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganization & Environment·DateOct 17, 2019
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.

How do social networks shape political decision-making?

New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

Social network interventions can lead to potential health benefits

A systematic review and meta-analysis of social network interventions found significant effects on various health behaviors and outcomes, including sexual health, alcohol misuse, wellbeing, and smoking cessation. The study suggests that social network approaches can be a promising tool for improving health behaviors and outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019
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.

Ethnic networks help refugees integrate into the host country's economy

A recent study by Stanford University and ETH Zurich found that refugees living in areas with larger numbers of people who share their background are more likely to be employed. The study revealed a 2% boost in employment for every 10% increase in the size of ethnic networks. Refugees, especially women, benefit most from proximity to m...

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

Seeking new physics, scientists borrow from social networks

MIT physicists develop technique to analyze open data from particle colliders, creating a geometric map of events based on degree of similarity, allowing them to quickly spot potential new physics. The researchers use an algorithm inspired by computer vision techniques to calculate the distance between point clouds in collision data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 29, 2019

Depressed by Facebook and the like

Researchers found a positive correlation between passive Facebook use and depressive symptoms in individuals with an increased need for social comparisons. Long-term use of social networks can also lead to lower self-esteem and greater depressive tendencies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·DateJul 18, 2019

Internet communities can teach amateurs to build personalized governments

A study on Minecraft communities reveals that amateur gamers develop essential leadership and governance skills, creating effective self-governance systems. The research demonstrates the transferability of these skills to real-world environments, highlighting the potential for internet communities to shape healthier democracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2019
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.

Your circle of friends, not your Fitbit, is more predictive of your health

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that social network structure is a significant predictor of health, happiness, and stress levels. By analyzing data from participants' Fitbits and survey responses, researchers found a strong correlation between social network characteristics and individual wellness states.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2019

Game theory highlights power of local reporting in vaccine decisions

Computational modeling reveals that vaccination success increases with access to local information about disease prevalence, rather than relying solely on global data. This suggests a need for strategic dissemination of detailed incidence data to inform individual vaccination decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 23, 2019

Social networks and suicide prevention

Depression and mental health problems are spreading through close social networks, with traditional face-to-face contacts unraveling. Experts advocate for 'social prescribing' to engage patients in positive activities within their networks to combat rising suicide rates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2019

Why language technology can't handle Game of Thrones (yet)

Researchers evaluated four state-of-the-art tools for recognizing names in text and found solutions to boost accuracy from 7% to 90%. They also extracted social networks from novels to explore differences in story structure. The study highlights the challenges faced by NLP tools in handling names in popular fiction.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateApr 18, 2019

The whisper room: Moderates on Twitter are losing their voice

A study by MU researcher Michael Kearney found that moderate users are avoiding politics on Twitter, potentially creating a void in the middle. This amplifies the existing trend of partisan users forming highly partisan networks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNew Media & Society·DateApr 3, 2019
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.

Electronic 'word of mouth' useful in detecting, predicting fashion trends

Researchers found that social media hashtags can detect and predict fashion trends by analyzing relationships between users, sentiment, and ideas. By searching for relevant tweets during Paris Fashion Week, they established associations between keywords such as hand embroidery and haute couture.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal·DateFeb 26, 2019

Women, your inner circle may be key to gaining leadership roles

A study by the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University found that women who maintain a female-dominated inner circle are more likely to gain leadership roles. The research, which analyzed over 700 former graduate students, showed that having strong ties to other women improves job placement levels for women in male-dominat...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2019

Social networks, gender, and job placement

Researchers found that male students' social connections influence leadership positions, while female students need both high network centrality and same-gender support to succeed.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019
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.

The long-range ties that bind and the social wormholes that connect them

Researchers have discovered strong, long-range social ties that bridge vast gaps in social networks, providing high-bandwidth shortcuts. These 'wormholes' can spread information and ideas, including potentially unhealthy ones, across extreme network distances.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 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.

Study shows importance of personal social networks on neurological outcomes

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2018