Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Say cheese! Why a toothy smile makes it easier for you to be identified

A study by researchers at the University of York found that smiling images are more easily matched to other images of the same person and distinguished from similar-looking identities. The team's research suggests replacing neutral expressions with open mouth smiles can improve face matching accuracy.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateJun 19, 2018

Invasive species of coral boasts amazing capacity for regeneration

Researchers in Brazil have discovered that sun coral can regenerate at a faster rate as water temperature increases, making it a formidable invasive species. The study's findings suggest that the genus Tubastraea, which comprises seven species, including two invasive ones, can thrive in various marine environments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJun 5, 2018

Brood parasitism in fish

The cuckoo catfish has evolved a clever method to smuggle its eggs into cichlids' nests, exploiting their brood care behavior. Cichlids from Lake Tanganyika have learned to defend themselves against the parasite's trick, but those without 'evolutionary experience' are vulnerable to its strategy.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 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.

Vapers and non-smokers have the same flourishing gut flora

A study by Newcastle University found that vaping has the same beneficial gut bacteria as non-smokers, whereas smoking is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and colitis. The research also discovered a decrease in beneficial Bacteroides bacteria in smokers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 30, 2018

Babies make the link between vocal and facial emotion

Researchers from UNIGE found that six-month-old babies can differentiate between happiness and anger based on voices and facial expressions. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that babies look longer at an angry face with a happy voice than at a neutral face or one expressing anger.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018

Student class engagement soars when they use personal data to learn

A Brigham Young University study found that students who analyzed their own microbiome data spent 31% more time on coursework and reported increased confidence in scientific reasoning abilities. This approach may increase student engagement in science education, inspiring lifelong learning.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018
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.

Visual recognition: Seeing the world through the eyes of rodents

A new study reveals that rodents possess advanced object recognition strategies, comparable to those of primates. The research demonstrates the existence of rodent-specific recognition methods based on specific features and their spatial relationships.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2018

Is your smile male or female?

Researchers at the University of Bradford have developed an AI system that can automatically assign gender based on a smile. The system uses dynamic movement analysis to distinguish between men and women, finding that women's smiles are more expansive than men's.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalThe Visual Computer·DateMar 14, 2018

The Forsyth Institute expands key human microbiome database

The expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD) now contains 772 species, providing a wealth of information for researchers studying oral health and overall wellness. The database's expansion will facilitate work on fighting infectious diseases and better understanding human health and disease.

SourceForsyth Institute·DateMar 6, 2018
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.

Dogs mouth-lick to communicate with angry humans

Researchers found that dogs exhibit mouth-licking behavior in response to visually perceived anger, suggesting a form of communication with humans. The study suggests that domestication may have selected this behavioral trait, indicating dogs' potential understanding of emotional information.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateNov 28, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The mouth may act as a hub for intestinal disease-causing bacteria

Research suggests that mouth bacteria can contribute to conditions like IBD, UC, and Crohn's disease by triggering severe inflammation in susceptible individuals. The study found that saliva samples from patients with these diseases contain Klebsiella bacteria, which can colonize the intestine and exacerbate symptoms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2017

New technology uses mouth gestures to interact in virtual reality

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new framework that interprets mouth gestures as a medium for interaction within virtual reality in real-time. The system achieved high correct recognition rates and was tested on a group of graduate students using a head-mounted display.

SourceBinghamton University·DateOct 5, 2017

Mouth clicks used in human echolocation captured in unprecedented detail

A new study provides in-depth analysis of human mouth clicks used in echolocation, revealing brief and focused clicks with distinct acoustic patterns. The findings enable the creation of virtual human echolocators, allowing researchers to investigate object features without impractical measurements.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 31, 2017

NASA finds heavy rainfall in intensifying Tropical Storm Harvey

Tropical Storm Harvey is intensifying with heavy rainfall, forecast to bring life-threatening flooding and strong winds to the middle Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts rain accumulations of 12-20 inches in some areas, with totals exceeding 30 inches in isolated regions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Does your name match your face?

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people's names are associated with specific face shapes, influencing voting decisions. Candidates with congruent names received an average of 10 more percentage points in their elections than those with incongruent names.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 8, 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

By the numbers: What are the most attractive female lips?

A new study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that the most attractive female lips have a 53.5% increase in surface area and an ideal upper to lower lip ratio of 1:2. This guideline aims to help achieve optimal outcomes in lip augmentation procedures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateFeb 16, 2017

How whale nerves survive huge stretching during feeding

Researchers have discovered that whale nerves utilize two levels of waviness to package their highly extensible nerves, reducing strain when stretched or bent. This unique structure enables the nerves to recoil without sustaining damage during feeding lunges.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bag-like sea creature was humans' oldest known ancestor

A microscopic, bag-like sea creature called Saccorhytus, discovered in China, is believed to be the earliest known step on an evolutionary path that led to humans. Its primitive features, including a large mouth and absence of an anus, have provided new insights into human evolution.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2017

Discovering the origin of mouth and anus

A Norwegian ground-breaking study reveals that the mouth and anus do not originate from a common blastopore as previously thought. The research suggests that the formation of either organ is a consequence of how each embryo is organized during early development.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 20, 2016

Rhythm of breathing affects memory and fear

Scientists found that breathing rhythm affects memory and fear by synchronizing activity in the human brain. Inhaling through the nose heightens memory and response to fearful stimuli, while mouth breathing eliminates these effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 6, 2016

What role does mouth shape play for echolocating bats?

Mexican free-tailed bats have specialized facial muscles that aid their ability to manipulate the acoustic projection pattern of their sonar pulse emissions. The unique muscles enable the bats to adjust the shape of their mouth cavity, creating a wide-angle beam or a narrow beam with varying degrees of aperture.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 28, 2016

For chimps, mothers matter

Researchers found that chimpanzees copy their mothers' grooming styles, including high-arm grooming, which is not closely associated with group identity or social relationships. The study suggests a strong maternal influence on chimp behavior, with young chimps learning the behavior from their mothers and continuing it into adulthood.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2016
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.

Thorny devils tap damp sand to slake thirst

Researchers discovered that thorny devils can extract significant quantities of water from soggy sand, but not enough from dew. The lizards' skin is covered with microscopic channels that take up water by capillary action, allowing them to drink without licking water.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 2, 2016

Unraveling the jaw-dropping goblin shark

Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed footage of goblin sharks capturing prey using a high-speed jaw projection, called 'slingshot feeding', which propels the jaws at speeds of up to 3.1 meters per second. This adaptation allows the shark to compensate for its slow swimming speed in deep-sea environments where food is scarce.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2016

The tortoise and the hare and deep geologic time

Researchers directly measure real-time rock cracking and model sun-driven thermal stresses. They conclude that slow cracking by daily solar forces represents the majority of rock breakdown over deep geologic time. Rare events like freezing contribute to rapid crack growth, but only briefly surpassing the 'tortoise' effect.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJul 14, 2016

Fish can recognize human faces, new research shows

Researchers found that archerfish can distinguish between up to 44 new faces, demonstrating impressive visual recognition capabilities. The study suggests that simple brains may be capable of complex tasks like facial recognition.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2016
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.

Reef system with 10,000 km2 found at the Amazon River mouth

A vast reef system spanning 10,000 km2 has been discovered at the Amazon River mouth, contradicting long-held assumptions about reef development. The ecosystem thrives under a plume layer due to chemosynthesizing microorganisms, supporting complex biodiversity in low light conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sao Paulo Scientific Outreach Unit·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 2, 2016

Scientists discover new reef system at mouth of Amazon River

A new reef system has been found at the mouth of the Amazon River, providing scientists with a wider view of the reef community and its variation. The discovery offers insights into how the reef community changes as it moves north along the shelf break in response to seasonal light exposure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2016
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 study adds key piece to autism puzzle

A new study using eye-tracker technology shows that children with autism spectrum disorder fixate longer on a speaker's mouth rather than the eyes when the conversation turns emotional. The findings could affect speech therapy treatment, as children with ASD may miss social cues in facial expressions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateApr 4, 2016

Inside the mouth of a hydra

A study published in Biophysical Journal illustrates the biomechanics of Hydra's mouth opening process, revealing that cells stretch and deform to accommodate the widening of its mouth. The researchers found that radially oriented fibers contract to stretch the cells apart, similar to muscle contraction.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 8, 2016

UC San Diego biophysicists discover how hydra opens its mouth

Researchers tracked individual cells in Hydra to reveal the mechanism behind its mouth opening, which involves dramatic elastic deformations of epithelial cells. The findings solve a long-standing puzzle on how Hydra feeds and offer insights into tissue formation and patterning in simple organisms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 8, 2016
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.

Sneezing produces complex fluid cascade, not a simple spray

Researchers at MIT used high-speed imaging to capture the intricate process of sneezing, revealing a paint-like pattern of fluid fragmentation. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding disease transmission and identifying super-spreaders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalExperiments in Fluids·DateFeb 10, 2016

Forsyth scientists map mouth microbes

Researchers at Forsyth Institute use a new imaging technique to visualize bacteria in dental plaque, revealing the formation of 'hedgehog' structures that suggest functional roles within the community. This study provides critical insights into how mouth microbes interact and will help understand their role in health and disease.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2016

3-D printing aids in understanding food enjoyment

Researchers used a 3D printed model of the human airway to study how airflow affects the transfer of volatile particles from the back of the mouth to the nasal cavity. They found that slow, steady breathing optimizes the delivery of these particles, leading to better food enjoyment.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 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.

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.

Hair ice mystery solved

A team of scientists in Germany and Switzerland have identified the fungus Exidiopsis effusa as the cause of hair ice. The researchers found that the fungus enables the ice to form thin hairs, which are stabilized by a recrystallisation inhibitor provided by the fungus.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 22, 2015

Bass use body's swimming muscles to suck in food

Researchers at Brown University found that largemouth bass use their swimming muscles to generate suction power for feeding. The study revealed that up to 95% of the power required for suction comes from the swimming muscles, not the mouth bones.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

Cosmetic lip surgery may ease facial paralysis, small study suggests

A cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances lip appearance could also ease facial paralysis symptoms, according to a small study. Researchers found significant improvements in patients with facial paralysis and muscular dystrophy after receiving hyaluronic acid injections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJun 18, 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.

Campaign increases mouth and throat cancer screenings among low-income rural Floridians

A five-month media campaign in Florida's poorest counties increased black men's awareness of mouth and throat cancer, leading to a 13% rise in first-time screenings. The campaign, designed by UF Health researchers, aimed to reverse the health inequity faced by black men, who have lower survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 14, 2015

Man trumps dog: Earlier assumption about BPA exposure confirmed

A new human study confirms that oral BPA exposure does not lead to high levels in the blood, contradicting earlier assumptions made by a dog study. The study found that the body inactivates most BPA molecules and eliminates them within 24 hours, with no evidence of accumulation.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateJan 27, 2015

Scientists' unique system of oral vaccine delivery to address global health threats

Researchers have successfully developed an oral vaccine delivery system using Streptococcus mitis to induce mucosal immune responses in the mouth and beyond. This innovative approach has potential to protect against diseases such as tuberculosis, AIDS, and intestinal infections, making it a promising tool for global health threats.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalMicrobes and Infection·DateDec 15, 2014