Add BrightSurf on Google Email

In anti-piracy work, blocking websites more effective when multiple sites are targeted

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that blocking multiple channels of access to pirated content is crucial for effective anti-piracy policies. Blocking a single site in 2012 led to increased piracy, while blocking 19 sites in 2013 and 53 sites in 2014 resulted in decreased piracy and increased use of legal subscription sites.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJun 2, 2020

Using electrical stimulus to regulate genes

Researchers at ETH Zurich create implant that uses electrical signals to stimulate insulin production in diabetic mice, offering potential breakthrough for real-time glycemic control. The system is designed to be connected to the internet and controlled via an app, paving the way for a more integrated approach to diabetes management.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 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.

Daily Internet use is linked to social isolation

A new study published in Ageing and Society found that daily internet use is associated with higher levels of social isolation among older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 4,492 adults in England, suggests that occasional internet users may have a better balance between online and offline contacts.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAgeing and Society·DateMay 19, 2020

Intent defined optical network for intelligent operation and maintenance

Researchers developed an intent-defined optical network (IDON) with artificial intelligence-based automated operation and maintenance to address the challenges of manual configuration. IDON achieves intent-oriented configuration conversion, adaptive generation and optimization strategies, and closed-loop intent-guaranteed operations, d...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateMay 19, 2020

Children don't know how to get proper nutrition information online

A new study found that children's lack of digital health literacy can lead to misinterpretation of nutrition information and adoption of adult recommendations. Researchers recruited 25 children aged 9-11 who struggled to find credible sources and accurately determine portion sizes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 6, 2020

Internet searches for unproven COVID-19 therapies in US

Researchers found a significant increase in internet searches for unproven COVID-19 treatments, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, following public endorsements. The study highlights the need for critical evaluation of online health information during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

Protecting yourself from the latest internet sex crime

A new study sheds light on the lesser-known internet crime of sextortion, which poses a threat to adults and minors. The research highlights the importance of protecting the public from online criminals and calls for increasing awareness and changing legislation to include other forms of internet-based sexual abuse crimes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateApr 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Students often do not question online information

A study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that students have difficulty evaluating online sources, with most relying on irrelevant information. Critical online reasoning skills are essential for learning in the 21st century, yet few training approaches exist to foster these skills.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateApr 14, 2020

Cybersecurity, tech infrastructure requires international trust

Researchers highlight the importance of trust in fostering international cooperation in cybersecurity and tech infrastructure. Incident response teams from the US and Europe collaborate with Russian counterparts to prevent sabotage and maintain grid security.

SourceCornell University·JournalTechnology and Culture·DateApr 13, 2020

Towards an unhackable quantum internet

Harvard and MIT researchers have developed a prototype quantum node that can correct for signal loss, paving the way for a practical quantum internet. The breakthrough enables secure communication over long distances using entangled particles, making it impossible for eavesdroppers to intercept messages.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 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.

ACM publishes new journal on the Internet of Things

The ACM Transactions on Internet of Things (TIOT) journal chronicles the transformative development of the IoT. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including low-power wireless networking, embedded systems, data analytics, and security, with a strong emphasis on experimental validation.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·JournalACM Transactions on Internet of Things·DateMar 5, 2020

Researchers identify novel cybersecurity approach to protect Army systems

A team of researchers has identified a novel cybersecurity approach called SymTCP to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of protection against attacks on Army systems. The approach uses symbolic execution to explore the state of TCP implementation and identify ways to reach critical points in the code.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMar 4, 2020

We can make predictions about relationships - but is this necessary?

German and Canadian psychologists have developed a predictive model for relationship longevity, identifying key features that indicate a successful or unsuccessful partnership. Couples who start with similar needs and maintain individual independence tend to stay together longest, while those with differing happiness levels are more li...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 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.

Rice boosts 'internet of things' security -- again

Rice University engineers have introduced a technique to make security for the 'internet of things' more than 14,000 times better than current state-of-the-art defenses. The new strategy leverages power regulators to obfuscate information leaked by encryption circuits.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 18, 2020

Making the internet more energy efficient through systemic optimization

The study proposes smart data chip circuits that consume up to 10 times less energy than conventional chips. Researchers also developed an optimisation algorithm to control fibre optic communications at the network level, reducing energy consumption by up to 70%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Feds back Rice computer scientist's security strategy

Ang Chen, a Rice University assistant professor, has been awarded a $550,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a new security strategy for future networks. His proposal, Poise, aims to make security an equally important goal as connectivity in the next-generation internet.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 10, 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.

Plugging into a 6G future with users at the center

Researchers are exploring a human-centric approach for 6G communications, emphasizing the need for secure, affordable, and accessible networks that protect users' mental and physical health. The technology will also require innovative solutions such as decentralized blockchain networks and artificial intelligence to enhance performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 7, 2020

Cybercrime: Internet erodes teenage impulse controls

A new study by Flinders University finds that teenagers' online impulsivity is a significant risk factor for cybercrime. The internet's blurring of social boundaries encourages thrill-seeking behavior, which can lead to digital piracy, pornography, and hacking. The researchers suggest that policy interventions should take into account ...

SourceFlinders University·JournalEuropean Journal of Criminology·DateJan 21, 2020

US is polarizing faster than other democracies, study finds

A new study by Brown University researchers finds that US political polarization has grown rapidly over the past 40 years, surpassing other developed democracies. The research suggests that factors such as racial division, party sorting, and partisan cable news may be driving this trend.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 21, 2020

Internet use reduces study skills in university students

Research at Swansea University and the University of Milan found that students with high levels of internet addiction are less motivated to engage in studies, more anxious about tests, and experience increased loneliness. This excessive internet use impairs study skills and motivation.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·DateJan 17, 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.

The Internet of Things by satellite will become increasingly accessible

Researchers have developed algorithms that limit control information without affecting network performance, enabling IoT via satellite to become more efficient and accessible. This is crucial for applications like smart farming and home automation, where wireless communication between machines is essential.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalInternational Journal of Satellite Communications and Networking·DateDec 19, 2019

'TransMap' will ensure reliable and efficient transportation networks

Researchers at the University of Arkansas are developing a new data-driven map, TransMap, with $1.5 million funding from the US Department of Transportation. The system will utilize the Internet of Things to provide real-time, interactive maps and geospatial data for transportation infrastructure planning.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateDec 10, 2019
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.

UCLouvain strengthens connectivity of 1 in 8 of world's smartphones

UCLouvain's research developed Multipath TCP to support expanding global internet traffic, improving Wi-Fi and mobile network switching. The protocol is used by 800 million iPhones and has won international awards, enhancing connectivity in rural areas and offering a win-win for subscribers and telecom operators.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·DateNov 18, 2019

Design flaw could open Bluetooth devices to hacking

New research from Ohio State University finds a fundamental flaw in Bluetooth Low Energy devices' communication with mobile apps, leaving them vulnerable to fingerprinting attacks and unauthorized access. The study identified over 5,800 Bluetooth devices, with 94.6% of them able to be 'fingerprinted' and 7.4% vulnerable to hacking.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

New chip for waking up small wireless devices could extend battery life

A new power-saving chip developed by UC San Diego engineers significantly reduces the need to replace batteries in IoT devices and wearables. The wake-up receiver wakes up devices only when necessary, allowing for reduced power use and increased battery life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateNov 12, 2019

Free Internet access should be a basic human right -- study

A new study argues that free internet access is essential for protecting fundamental human rights, particularly in developing countries. The research highlights the importance of universal access to enable billions of people to lead 'minimally decent lives'.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Applied Philosophy·DateNov 11, 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.

UTSA study warns of security gaps in smart light bulbs

A new study by UTSA researchers reveals that popular smart light brands have significant security holes, including infrared capabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The study warns that smart bulbs could become a prime target for hackers, posing a risk to consumers' personal information.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 23, 2019

Artificial intelligence system gives fashion advice

A University of Texas at Austin team developed an AI system named Fashion++ that analyzes outfits and suggests tweaks for a more fashionable look. The tool uses visual recognition systems to consider color, pattern, texture, and shape, offering alternative outfits to users.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateOct 23, 2019

Americans' interest in CBD eclipses nearly all other health products or topics

A new study by UC San Diego health scientists found that 6.4 million Americans search for CBD online every month, surpassing interest in acupuncture, apple cider vinegar, and other health products. The study analyzed Google search queries from 2004 to 2019 and forecasts a 180% increase in searches for 2019.

SourceElevated Science Communications·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 23, 2019

Escapism: A powerful predictor of internet gaming disorder among video gamers

A recent study found that both professional esports players and recreational video game players are at risk of developing internet gaming disorder when they use gaming as a means of escapism. The study, which surveyed over 4,300 gamers, suggests that escapist tendencies can be a common predictor of gaming disorder in both groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalComprehensive Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2019

Dictators' love-hate relationship with digital communication technology

A new book examines how autocratic regimes use digital technology to suppress and control information, while also identifying opportunities for protest movements to mobilize online. Researchers found that higher internet penetration can reduce protest occurrence, but online channels can spread mobilization quickly once established.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateOct 15, 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.

Swimming toward an 'internet of health'?

The authors propose an 'internet of health' where wearable sensors provide non-intrusive data on a person's health, correlated with environmental factors. This could lead to early disease prevention and personalized medicine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 2, 2019

How cities can leverage citizen data while protecting privacy

MIT researchers analyzed 380,000 government service requests to find a way for cities to preserve citizen privacy while improving efficiency. They identified model cities that maximized both privacy and efficiency, suggesting similar methodologies for worldwide evaluation of government services.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 25, 2019

Decoding how kids get into hacking

Researchers found that predictors of juvenile delinquency, such as low self-control, are common factors for both boys and girls. For girls, peer associations played a significant role in hacking behavior, while for boys, time spent playing video games was associated with hacking. The study highlights the importance of parents understan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateSep 19, 2019
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.

Predictable esports: Amateurs and professionals sit differently in a chair

A team of scientists from Skoltech and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology studied the movements of 19 esports players, including professionals and amateurs. The results show that machine learning methods can accurately predict a player's skill level in 77% of cases, with professional players moving more than beginners.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateSep 13, 2019
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 can be valuable tool for people with undiagnosed rare disorders

Researchers found that self-diagnosis using the internet can lead to successful diagnoses of rare inherited conditions like autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). The study received over 665 referrals from 1996 to 2017, with positive genetic testing results in 27% of cases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019
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.

Why companies should not give their customers discounts after service failures

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing found that price-based recovery incentives after service failures are negatively associated with the likelihood of subscribers renewing their contracts at the end of the contract period. The researchers propose several ways subscription-based service providers can reduce the negative ef...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 25, 2019

The origin and future of spam and other online intrusions

A new paper by Emilio Ferrara explores the complex history of digital spam, from its origins in confidence tricks to sophisticated AI-powered manipulations. With social media bots and deepfakes posing significant threats, experts warn of an escalating 'arms race' against spammers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 25, 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
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.