Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Brain stimulation can boost math learning in people with weaker neural connections

A study published in PLOS Biology found that mild electrically stimulating certain neural networks can improve math learning in individuals with weaker connections. The researchers used brain stimulation and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure connection strength between brain regions associated with math learning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2025

Study in India shows kids use different math skills at work vs. school

A new study shows Indian students who work in retail markets perform poorly on school-type math problems, while those still enrolled in school do better on marketplace math. This contrast highlights a need to address the skills gap between academic and applied math, with experts suggesting different approaches for each group

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2025

Joining the dots: Mathematicians solve hot coloring problem

Researchers have successfully solved a problem in graph theory that has attracted attention from within the field. The team's research involves packing coloring, which deals with labelling parts of a graph to comply with certain rules and avoid specific conflicts.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Graph Theory·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 18, 2023
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.

Board games are boosting math ability in young children

A systematic review of research on board games found that they significantly improve math skills in children aged three to nine years. The studies showed that playing number-based board games regularly enhances counting, addition, and recognizing numbers.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·DateJul 7, 2023

Brandon Levin wins NSF CAREER Award

Brandon Levin, an assistant professor of mathematics at Rice University, has won a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award to pursue his research on major unsolved problems in number theory. He aims to build theoretical bridges between arithmetic world and representation theory.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 27, 2023

Entangled photons tailor-made

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully generated up to 14 entangled photons using a single atom, enabling efficient creation of quantum computer building blocks. This breakthrough could facilitate scalable measurement-based quantum computing and enable secure data transmission over greater distances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching

A new study at the University of Missouri found that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching, as teachers who demonstrate 'soft' skills like kindness and compassion tend to use high-impact teaching practices. Students who feel cared for by their teacher are more motivated to learn and engaged in the classroom.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2022

Four collaborative research centres at Goethe University receiving funding

Goethe University is involved in four collaborative research centres funded by the German Research Foundation, including TRR 326 on uniformized structures and TRR 1039 on lipid signalling in health and disease. The centres aim to explore complex geometric spaces and develop innovative ways to diagnose and treat diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

A mathematician's journey in Edo Japan

Historical documents reveal that mathematician Mitsuyoshi Yoshida was invited by the Kumamoto clan to stay in Kumamoto from Kyoto between 1636 and 1637. He brought cutting-edge knowledge of arithmetic systems, civil engineering, and hydraulic technologies. The documents also show that he will be paid for his services, including rice pr...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the Mathematical Society of Japan·DateMar 24, 2021

Sorting complicated knots

Researchers from IBS Center for Geometry and Physics introduce a new mathematical operation to catalog Legendrian singular knots, crucial for understanding complex 3D spaces like our universe. The study aims to explore the fascinating possibilities of 3D spaces and provide a tentative list of all possible shapes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Symplectic Geometry·DateJul 6, 2017

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 2, 2017

Sedentary lifestyle may impair academic performance in boys

A new study from Finland found that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to poorer reading skills in the first three school years of 6-8 year old boys. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time may improve academic achievement in boys.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateNov 30, 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.

Gamble on your opponent's gaze if you want to win

Researchers found that players with high-value hands glance right, while those with low-value hands glance left. This suggests that gaze patterns can be used to infer hand value, potentially helping blackjack players make better decisions.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 21, 2016

High levels of physical activity linked to better academic performance in boys

A Finnish study found that higher levels of physical activity during recess are associated with better reading skills, while participation in organized sports is linked to higher arithmetic test scores. Boys who spent more time engaging in activities like reading and writing on their leisure time also showed better reading skills.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2014

Intuitive number games boost children's math performance

Researchers found that practicing intuitive numerical exercises can enhance children's ability to solve math problems. Children who practiced evaluating the number of objects performed better on arithmetic tests immediately afterward than those who evaluated other qualities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCognition·DateJan 29, 2014

Poor motor performance linked to poor academic skills in the first school years

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that children with poor motor performance at the start of school tend to have poorer reading and arithmetic skills than their peers. The study suggests that motor performance and movement skills are more important for academic success during the first years of school.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 28, 2013

Practice at 'guesstimating' can speed up math ability

Research at Duke University found that practice in estimating and comparing quantities can improve math abilities, particularly for symbolic math skills. The study tested adult volunteers before and after training sessions, showing significant improvement in math test scores compared to a control group.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 7, 2013
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.

Questions answered with the pupils of your eyes

Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Plants do sums to get through the night

Plants perform accurate arithmetic division to adjust their rate of starch consumption, using internal clocks and molecular signals. This calculation helps them prevent starvation and make efficient use of food, with the goal of boosting crop yield.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·DateJun 23, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hebrew University researchers show how we can do math problems unconsciously

Researchers at Hebrew University have found that people can read and solve complex mathematical problems without being consciously aware of them. Using a technique called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS), the team showed that participants could complete arithmetic tasks more quickly when they were unconsciously presented with equations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012

Short booms still annoying: Scientists study how mid-level noise bursts lasting less than a second affect the concentration of arithmetic-solving test subjects

Researchers from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln played quarter-second-long white noise clips to test subjects working on arithmetic problems. The researchers found that louder noises caused lower performance and higher levels of annoyance, with sound level ranges affecting participants' perceptions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 18, 2012

Math ability requires crosstalk in the brain

A new study reveals that strong communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain predicts math performance. The research suggests a possible route to aiding individuals with dyscalculia by enhancing parietal connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 29, 2012
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.

Boys' impulsiveness may result in better math ability, say MU researchers

A University of Missouri study found that boys showed a preference for faster but more error-prone approaches to solving arithmetic problems. While girls excelled in accuracy earlier on, boys surpassed them by the end of sixth grade due to their willingness to take risks and recall answers from memory.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJul 27, 2012

Internationality still important in research training groups program

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has approved a new International Research Training Group to strengthen early career support for researchers in Germany. The program, focusing on arithmetic algebraic geometry and complex geometry, aims to combine expertise from Humboldt University of Berlin, Leiden University, and Amsterdam University.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateMay 16, 2012

Girls' verbal skills make them better at arithmetic

A new study reveals girls outperform boys in arithmetic, with superior verbal skills as the key factor. Girls excel in tasks like simple subtraction and complex multiplication, while also demonstrating better language skills.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 23, 2012
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.

Children find their own way to solve arithmetic problems

Research suggests that children with learning difficulties can develop an understanding of arithmetic by using their own intuitive strategies such as number blocks and drawings. This approach has been shown to benefit nearly all pupils, including those with learning difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalBritish Journal of Special Education·DateNov 8, 2010

Data presentation and consumer confidence

A recent study found that data presented in frequency format elicits higher confidence and more accurate conclusions in consumers. In contrast, percentages appear easier for consumers to understand, but may lead to averaging errors. The results have practical implications for regulators trying to discourage smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2010
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.

Monkeys can perform mental addition

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys can perform mental arithmetic, solving problems with accuracy and speed similar to those of college students. The study suggests that basic arithmetic may be part of our shared evolutionary past.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 17, 2007

Mental math dependant on language

Bilinguals prefer their first taught language for mental arithmetic activities due to skills acquired, according to Texas A&M University research. This finding has significant educational implications, particularly in areas with high concentrations of bilingual populations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalRevista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics·DateOct 11, 2001
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.

The Human Capacity For Mathematics

Researchers confirm two-mode theory of mathematical thinking, locating it in the brain. Bilingual volunteers show sharp language-dependent lag in exact calculations, but not in estimates. The findings may lead to new teaching methods for children who struggle with numbers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 1999

NCAA Conference Creates Schedule Using New Algorithm

A new scheduling system for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) uses algorithms to generate over 300 million possible schedules before arriving at a single optimal solution. The system provides numerous benefits, including ensuring fair matchups, convenient fan attendance, and rest time for athletes.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateMar 3, 1998
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.