Add BrightSurf on Google Email
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.

Marine animals can hear us swim, kayak and scuba dive

Researchers found that humans generate significant underwater noise when swimming, kayaking, or scuba diving, affecting marine life. Different activities produce distinct sounds, with some being loud enough for animals to detect.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 7, 2018

Whale shark logs longest-recorded trans-Pacific migration

Researchers tracked a female whale shark's 20,142 km migration from eastern Pacific to western Indo-Pacific, the longest recorded migration. The study provides new insights into whale shark migration patterns and conservation efforts.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMarine Biodiversity Records·DateApr 26, 2018

Transparent eel-like soft robot can swim silently underwater

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a soft eel-like robot that can swim silently in salt water using artificial muscles filled with water. The robot's undulating swimming motion is generated by electrical charges that activate the muscles, allowing it to move without making any sound.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

Safety measures could save 250,000 lives a year in low- and middle-income countries

A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified 11 safety measures that could potentially save over 250,000 lives annually in low- and middle-income countries. These interventions include speeding enforcement, formal swimming lessons for young children, and crèches to supervise young children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateApr 18, 2018

Microorganisms can escape from a dead end by swimming

Researchers at Tohoku University have found that microorganisms with cilia can escape from dead ends using a swimming motion. This ability enables them to survive in intricate environments where other organisms may not be able to thrive.

SourceTohoku University·DateMar 22, 2018

'Division of labor' between hemispheres of multicellular spheroidal alga controls light-sensitive movement

Scientists discovered that the anterior region of the alga is more sensitive to calcium ions than the posterior end, allowing for fine-tuned light-responsive motility. This finding advances our understanding of how multicellular organisms evolved to overcome single-celled limitations in photosynthesis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2018

New structure discovered in human sperm tails

Researchers have identified a new structure inside human sperm tails, which is essential for swimming and fertilization. The spiral-shaped feature helps coordinate the movement of motorproteins that propel the sperm forward.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cold open water plunge provides instant pain relief

A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Kids born later in the year can still excel in sport

A new research from the University of Sydney suggests that athletes who delay specialising until later years may be more successful. The study found that younger swimmers were over-represented at lower age categories but relatively older swimmers excelled at higher levels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJan 31, 2018
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.

Cycling does not damage men's sexual or urinary functions

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 11, 2018

Illnesses caused by recreation on the water costs $2.9 billion annually in the US

A US study estimates that 90 million cases of waterborne illnesses occur each year through recreational activities, costing $2.9 billion annually. The most common illnesses are gastrointestinal and respiratory in nature, with adults aged 20-54 experiencing mild illness and children under 10 experiencing moderate illness.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

How bacteria turbocharged their motors

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered how bacteria evolved molecular motors to optimize their swimming. By building a 'family tree' of bacterial motors using 3D imaging and DNA analysis, the team found that sophisticated species had more stators than primitive species, with some having as many as 17 stators.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2018

Study reveals how the midshipman fish sustains its hour-long mating call

The study found that the Pacific midshipman's swimbladder muscles release and pump calcium ions at a much slower rate than those of other fish, allowing it to sustain an hour-long mating call. This low level of calcium release reduces metabolic demands and enables the muscle fibers to contract with sufficient force.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJan 2, 2018

Conservation study uses tiny treadmills to test sea turtle hatchling stamina

A Florida Atlantic University study uses tiny treadmills to simulate disorientation and measures the energy spent by sea turtle hatchlings crawling on beaches. The researchers found that hatchlings expend massive amounts of energy but can still swim well, supporting the importance of lighting ordinances during turtle hatching season.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 19, 2017

Cocktail tests on toxic waste called for

Scientists found that low concentrations of toxic chemicals can affect aquatic creature behavior, including feeding and swimming speed. The study calls for low dose and mixture toxicity testing to assess the impact of complex pollutant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Size doesn't matter -- at least for hammerheads and swimming performance

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that hammerhead sharks use different body movements to swim at the same speed, despite varying head shapes and sizes. The study revealed a double oscillating system in their movement, allowing for increased sensory perception and scanning of the environment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 10, 2017

Controlling movement like a dimmer switch

Researchers have identified a motor pathway in the sea lamprey that regulates swimming speed, which could be relevant to understanding movement disorders. The study suggests that dysfunction of this pathway may contribute to symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2017

Scents and social preference: Neuroscientists ID the roots of attraction

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have unlocked the mechanisms underlying animal kinship attachments and social attraction. The study found that neurotransmitters and microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating these behaviors, including the switching of neurotransmitters in response to olfactory cues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateAug 31, 2017

Pinpointing sources of water pollution with a robotic eel

The Envirobot robot uses chemical, physical and biological sensors to map variations in water conductivity and temperature, detecting heavy metals like mercury. Biological sensors comprising bacteria, crustaceans and fish cells indicate water toxicity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 25, 2017

Stanford researchers discover biological hydraulic system in tuna fins

Researchers have found a unique biological hydraulic system in the median fins of Pacific bluefin and yellowfin tuna, which enables fine adjustment of fin shape and position to generate precise control during swimming and turning maneuvers. This system may enhance design in sailing vessels and autonomous vehicles.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017
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.

Football boosts bone development in boys

Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 12, 2017

Female fish prefer averagely active lovers

In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 12, 2017

Fish prefer to swim with sporty shoalmates

Research reveals minnows prefer energetic shoalmates due to increased visual stimulation and potential hydrodynamic benefits. Higher metabolic rates in shoal mates may reduce predation risks for following fish.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2017

Meals on the go: The physics of whales' eating habits

Researchers study how baleen whales use crossflow filtration to separate prey from water without contact, shedding light on whale evolution and conservation. The study finds that larger body size enhances this form of filtration, affecting a whale's drag and energy needs.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

Like a slice of pizza, a curvature could give fish fins their strength

Researchers discovered that fish can modulate fin stiffness by applying a u-shaped curvature at the base of their fins, altering force generation on the water. This allows them to swim with varying speeds and maneuverability in different currents. The study's findings could inspire the design of more agile robotic swimmers.

SourceBrown University·JournalInterface·DateMay 31, 2017

Look at Eva, 4 months old and standing

A study published in Frontiers of Psychology found that babies can stand without support as early as 3.6 months old with practice. The research, led by Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, showed that out of 12 children who participated in a 12-week baby swimming course, 11 could stand on their own for more than 15 seconds.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 25, 2017

Genetic mutation trade-offs lead to parallel evolution

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMay 23, 2017

3-D models reveal hidden details of zebrafish behavior

A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017

Swirling swarms of bacteria offer insights on turbulence

Researchers find a mathematical signature of disintegration from order to chaos in swirling bacterial patterns. This discovery links turbulence in biology and physics, shedding light on the dynamics of active fluids.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Plants call 911 to help their neighbors

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 16, 2017

Portland State research shows link between home styles and high water use

A Portland State University study found that affluent neighborhoods with lawns use up to 10 times more water than densely populated areas. The research highlights the importance of water-saving measures in urban planning, suggesting that hardscaping and native plants can reduce water usage.

SourcePortland State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 3, 2017

Fertility can hinge on swimming conditions in the uterus

A Washington State University researcher has found that the uterus in female mice contains enzymes that break down semen, making it less gel-like and easier to swim. The study highlights an underappreciated complication in semen liquefaction and could lead to diagnostic tools for unexplained infertility.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 19, 2017

Is there something up with stinky inflatable pool toys?

Researchers found that common odour compounds like cyclohexanone, isophorone and phenol are present in high concentrations in inflatable pool toys. These chemicals have potential health risks, including irritation and carcinogenic effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2017
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.

How plankton cope with turbulence

Researchers discovered how plankton cope with turbulent layers in the ocean. Plankton cells change their shape from asymmetric to egg-shaped structures, allowing them to swim downwards and avoid damage. This adaptation provides an evolutionary advantage for the population, as only half of the cells are affected by turbulence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2017

The need for speed may contribute to dolphin and whale strandings

Research suggests that dolphins and whales expend more energy when swimming at high speeds, potentially leading to increased risk of strandings. A study by Terrie Williams found that beaked whales using loud sonar use 30.5% more energy than unstartled animals.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 15, 2017

How to monitor urine in pools -- by testing sweetness

Researchers use artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium to estimate urine presence in pools and detect potential health hazards, finding high concentrations in swimmers' urine, exceeding tap water levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMar 1, 2017

New approach to measure fluid drag on the body during swimming

A team at the University of Tsukuba has created a novel approach to measure fluid drag on the body during front-crawl swimming, which overcomes previous limitations. The new method, utilizing load cells and underwater motion analysis, allows for accurate determination of active drag and comparison to passive drag states.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 21, 2017
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.

Simple rule explains complex group swimming patterns

Researchers discovered a strong behavioural rule, the rule of random attraction, that explains how complex patterns of collective movement emerge in zebrafish as they develop from larvae to adults. Younger fish spend less time applying this rule, resulting in fewer schools, while adults do more, leading to group formation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2017
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.

Surprising results found in the swimming mechanism of microorganism-related model

A new study by B. Ubbo Felderhof reveals that even when thrust and drag average out over a period, periodic shape deformations can lead to net motion in microorganisms and animals, improving upon popular explanations of swimming and flying mechanisms. The research provides an important conceptual clarification of flow theory and has po...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 24, 2017

Balance may rely on the timing of movement

Researchers studying zebrafish found that early improvements in balance emerge from growing ability to execute quick swims in response to instability. Zebrafish learn to correct movements and become more stable over time.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

Swimming for science

A team of researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a 3D platform to simulate zebrafish behavior, which can potentially replace animal testing in certain types of research. The model was calibrated on real-life data and allows for rapid simulations that reduce the need for animal subjects.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 12, 2017
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.

Sports that will save your life revealed: New research

A study by University of Sydney found that cycling, swimming, and racquet sports reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Participation in these activities lowered the risk of death from CVD by 56% for racquet sports, 41% for swimmers, and 36% for aerobics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 29, 2016
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.

First direct visualization of archaella's rotation using cross-kymography

A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.

SourceGakushuin University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2016

Spinning semen provides a measurement of fertility

Researchers have developed a method to quantify semen activity based on its spinning motion, providing an objective ranking for artificial insemination. The technique measures the collective rotation of sperm in a semen drop, which is faster and more reliable than current subjective rankings.

SourceImperial College London·JournalInterface·DateOct 14, 2016

Smartphone microscope creates interactive tool for microbiology

The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2016

Great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides to reduce energy expenditure

Researchers found that great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides at approximately 60° roll angles, allowing them to minimize energy expenditure. This unique swimming style enables the sharks to avoid sinking and continue swimming efficiently due to lift forces produced by their dorsal fins.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Immersion pulmonary edema may cause swimming deaths during triathlons

A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found a higher prevalence of heart abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, among triathletes who died during the swim portion of competitions. This suggests a plausible link between immersion pulmonary edema and swimming-related deaths in endurance athletes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateSep 1, 2016