Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Why Clinton and Trump backers don't mix

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that living among people with opposing political viewpoints can affect ability to form close relationships and accept perspectives. The study also suggests that segregating into 'red' and 'blue' states may stifle healthy political discourse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2016

Study finds higher rates of distress and impaired physical health among LGBT populations

A large-scale survey found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking, and smoking compared to heterosexuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners to address the unique health needs of this vulnerable population.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

Public's moral inconsistencies create dilemma for programming driverless cars

A new survey reveals public inconsistencies in prioritizing individual and collective safety in autonomous cars. Participants preferred self-protective vehicles over utilitarian ones, despite valuing the greater good. The findings highlight the need for regulation and challenge programmers to balance ethics and AI development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 23, 2016

Americans spent $30.2 billion out-of-pocket on complementary health approaches

A nationwide survey found that Americans spent $30.2 billion out-of-pocket on complementary health approaches, with the majority spent on visits to practitioners such as chiropractors and massage therapists. The average annual expenditure per user was $435 for low-income families and $590 for high-income families.

SourceNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health·DateJun 22, 2016

Climate scientists are more credible when they practice what they preach

A new study finds that climate scientists who practice what they preach are more credible and have a greater impact on the public. The research suggests that personal behavior plays a significant role in shaping the perception of scientists' credibility, with a carbon footprint being a key factor.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 16, 2016

A conservative environment makes conservatives happier

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that conservatives are happier in a conservative social environment. Life satisfaction depends on time and country, with conservatives generally experiencing more happiness than non-conservatives.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJun 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Americans accept and engage in same-sex behaviors more than ever

A large study found that same-sex sexual experience has doubled, while acceptance of same-sex behavior quadrupled among American adults between 1973 and 2014. These trends are particularly pronounced among younger generations, with Millennials exhibiting greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 1, 2016

The ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. release landmark survey

A landmark survey by the ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. reveals that seven in ten pulmonologists believe hand-held small volume nebulizers are more effective than metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for managing acute exacerbations of COPD, particularly in severe cases. The survey also highlights gaps in physicians' knowledge about tre...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 16, 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.

Is my brand image green or healthy? No need for costly surveys, just ask Twitter!

Researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology analyzed over 200 brands on Twitter, finding that fans of eco-friendly, luxury, and nutrition brands tend to follow environmentally focused accounts, resulting in a positive brand image. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 18, 2016

Consensus on consensus

A research team confirms that 97% of climate scientists agree human-caused climate change, with expertise being the primary factor in this consensus. The study drew from seven independent consensus studies and found a consistent picture with high levels of scientific agreement among climate experts.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2016

Older men who purchase sex do so more frequently as they age

A survey of older American men who frequent sex work websites found that those over 60 paid for sex more frequently as they aged. The study also revealed that these men sought out specific experiences, such as the 'girlfriend experience', and were willing to pay for non-sexual activities with providers.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateApr 6, 2016
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.

Age and mobility predict death better than one's 'molecular clock'

A study published in PLOS ONE found that chronological age was the single best predictor of death in three countries, followed closely by self-reported mobility. Telomere length, previously believed to be a powerful biomarker for aging and mortality, ranked lower than other indicators in predicting mortality.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 6, 2016

Fewer Americans now pray, believe in God

A recent study found that the percentage of Americans who prayed or believed in God reached an all-time low in 2014. The decline was particularly pronounced among young adults, with nearly twice as many saying they did not believe in God as compared to the early 1980s.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSAGE Open·DateMar 21, 2016

Settlement history determines regional development

The study found that local governance institutions and attitudes contribute to frontier-specific effects, including lower levels of law and order and public goods provision. Frontier settlers have developed a strong sense of autonomy, supporting right-wing parties and politicians who prioritize populist and patriotic statements.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalGovernance·DateMar 14, 2016

Study finds kidney transplant donation rates vary widely across Europe

A new survey found significant country-to-country differences in kidney transplant donation rates, varying by up to 35 donors per million population. The variation is attributed to different legal and social standards across Europe, with some countries having more generous organ donation schemes than others.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateMar 12, 2016
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.

Public corruption by officials may not be as rampant as reported

Researchers used objective datasets to examine US public corruption cases from 1986 to 2014. They found that overall corruption convictions are declining and mainly involve low-ranking officials, contrary to public perceptions of a rising trend.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Integrity·DateMar 7, 2016

Around a third of workers fear for jobs and pay, research says

Research shows that 32% of workers feared losing their jobs, while 38% were anxious about pay cuts. The study found that working in the public sector made staff more likely to fear job losses, while being over 35 and working in routine or semi-routine jobs increased fears of worsening working conditions.

SourceSAGE·JournalWorld Allergy Organization Journal·DateMar 1, 2016

Survey: Americans would pay more to support biodiversity

A national survey found that most Americans are willing to pay more taxes to support biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey showed that people value preserving biodiversity for future generations and are willing to pay between $35 to $107 more annually for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sa...

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Resource Economics·DateFeb 29, 2016

'Class ceiling' stops working class actors from getting parts

A study found that only 27% of actors are from working-class backgrounds, while 73% come from middle-class origins. This disparity affects not only income but also opportunities for auditions and roles. Many working-class actors reported struggling with accents and stereotypes, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the industry.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·JournalSociology·DateFeb 28, 2016
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.

Americans' support for science remains strong

A large majority of Americans (80%) agree that scientific research needs government funding, but many believe the country spends too little on it. Meanwhile, most respondents trust scientists, with high confidence levels in their leadership.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 13, 2016

Rise in marijuana use not as high as previously reported

A new study found that marijuana use among US adults increased by about 20% over the last decade, but problems related to the drug remained steady. The study's findings contradict previous reports of a doubling in marijuana use and its associated disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2016

Women more sensitive to irksome behavior than men

A recent study by Michigan State University suggests women are more likely to get irked at irritating behavior exhibited by acquaintances and partners. Women's heightened social awareness may contribute to their increased sensitivity to annoyance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 2, 2016
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.

New tool for gauging public opinion reveals skepticism of climate engineering

A new decision pathway survey has shed light on public concerns about climate engineering technologies. Most people find the risks of these technologies more likely than their benefits, with those concerned about climate change supporting geoengineering policies and investments in renewable resources. However, those least concerned are...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

High corporate taxes incentivize corporate debt

Multinational companies with high corporate taxes take on less debt than those with lower tax rates, according to a new study. The research suggests that higher corporate taxes distort economic activity and lead to reduced debt levels, contrary to previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 27, 2016
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.

Why you should never use the term 'the mentally ill'

Researchers found that people showed less tolerance toward those referred to as 'the mentally ill' compared to 'people with mental illness.' The study involved college students, non-student adults, and professional counselors, showing that language choice can influence attitudes towards mental health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJan 26, 2016

How face-to-face still beats Facebook

A University of Oxford study published in Royal Society Open Science found that online social media groups are constrained to around 150-200 people, similar to offline networks. Regular Facebook users averaged 155 and 183 friends, respectively, with women having more connections than men.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 19, 2016

Racial makeup of labor markets affects who gets job leads

Researchers found that workers in majority-white labor markets are more likely to receive unsolicited job leads through social networks and informal approaches. The flow of job leads changes based on the race of people doing the same job, suggesting a preference for white workers.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Currents·DateJan 13, 2016

Quiet quasar has apparently eaten its fill

Astronomers discovered a distant quasar that has apparently run out of gas, leading to a significant decrease in its brightness. The quasar, SDSS J1011+5442, was found to have consumed all the glowing-hot gas in its vicinity, causing it to dim drastically.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

BU study: Effects of obesity on death rates understated in prior research

A new Boston University study found that most obesity research relying on one-time measures of body mass index (BMI) overlooks the health impacts of weight change over time. The researchers argue that using 'weight histories' in studies clarifies the risks of obesity and shows they are much higher than appreciated.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016
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.

Drug use trends remain stable or decline among teens

The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey found decreasing use of illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids and heroin, among teens. Marijuana use remained stable, but perception of its harms continued to decline. Prescription opioid abuse and tobacco product use also decreased, while e-cigarette use remained a concern.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateDec 16, 2015

Rudeness at work is contagious

Research at Lund University finds that 75% of employees experience rudeness, leading to stronger social support and increased risk of bullying; training for staff and managers is key to addressing unpleasant behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalBioMed Research International·DateDec 4, 2015
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.

More than half of 'children' misperceive or reject parents' political party affiliations

A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that more than half of children in the US either misperceive or reject their parents' political party affiliations. The study suggests that parent-child communication and social support do not necessarily lead to accurate transmission of political values.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 19, 2015

Couples who have sex weekly are happiest

Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found no significant link between frequent sex and happiness after one sexual encounter per week. Instead, maintaining an intimate connection with a partner is key to overall happiness.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 18, 2015

How voters would accept higher gas tax

A new study by Michigan State University sociologists found that Americans are more likely to accept a higher gas tax if the revenue is used for energy-efficient transportation, road and bridge repairs, or refunded to taxpayers. The survey of over 3,000 participants showed that an average increase of 51-53 cents per gallon could be acc...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateNov 10, 2015

'Missing' data complicate picture of where patients choose to die

A systematic review of 61 studies found that when missing preferences are included, the majority of those questioned preferred to die at home. However, the large amount of missing data makes it unclear whether home is where most participants with cancer or other conditions preferred to die.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 10, 2015
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.

Signs point to imminent public health workforce exit

A new study reveals that 38% of state public health workers plan to leave the workforce by 2020, with those aged 25-40, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with fewer than 10 years of experience being most likely to exit. The study also highlights pay disparities between different groups in the public health sector.

SourceAssociation of State and Territorial Health Officials·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateOct 28, 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.

Teens value results of genetic tests to inform future life decisions

A survey of 282 adolescents aged 12-18 found that most prefer to know secondary genetic findings, even if not medically actionable until adulthood. The main reasons cited were future planning and reducing anxiety, with some respondents expressing concern about introducing stress in their family.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 9, 2015
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.

If it's not a norm, why practice female genital cutting?

New research questions prevailing theory on female genital cutting as a social norm, finding no correlation between community norms and cutting practices. Alternative forces like sexual fidelity benefits may sustain the practice, highlighting the need for more effective policy interventions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Obamacare saps enthusiasm for government health-care spending

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Obamacare led to a decline in support for government health-care spending among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Before the law's passage, about two-thirds of independents and Republicans supported increased health spending, but this dropped significantly after its enactment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSociological Science·DateSep 21, 2015
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 better look at religion's influence on political attitudes

University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 15, 2015