Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Tangled seaweed inspires one-size-fits-all cleaners for ocean microplastics

Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Dynamic gel helps scientists grow organs more reliably in the lab

Scientists at UCSF created a new material that enables more predictable organoid growth, allowing for better study of disease and potential tissue replacement. The dynamic gel, invented by Zev Gartner, mimics the body's soft environment and enables precise 3D printing of stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 10, 2026

Prussian Blue breaks out of its cubic mold after 300 years

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have successfully synthesized Prussian Blue with an octahedral morphology by using a specialized solvent. The new crystal shape enhances electrochemical reactivity and stable performance in sodium-ion hybrid capacitors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 10, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are sewage spills and coastal winds contributing to airborne microplastics?

Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2025
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.

Food packaging is a source of micro- and nanoplastics in food

A new research article analyzes 103 scientific studies on microplastics and nanoplastics from food packaging, revealing that normal use of FCAs is a source of MNPs in food. The study highlights the need for harmonized testing and reporting framework to inform policy decisions.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·Journalnpj Science of Food·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 24, 2025

Two-step method to prevent biofilm regrowth is a SLAM dunk

A new study presents a two-step method to effectively dismantle bacterial biofilms and prevent regrowth. By using self-locomotive antibacterial microbubblers (SLAM) followed by a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, researchers were able to prevent the regrowth of biofilms on surfaces, including medical instruments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 22, 2025

Innovative smart window technology balances heat and visibility control

A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2025

Magnetically controlled kirigami surfaces move objects: no grasping needed

The researchers created a 'metasheet' with an elastic polymer and embedded magnetic microparticles that can move like a wave when controlled by a magnetic field. This technology has potential for use in confined spaces, allowing objects to be lifted and moved without physical contact.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024
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.

NTU Singapore scientists apply ancient construction methods to help fabricate modern microparticles

Researchers use tongue and groove technique inspired by ancient East Asian wooden structures to create advanced ceramic microparticles with unprecedented complexity and precision. These particles can be used in various applications across microelectronics, aerospace, energy, and medical engineering.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024
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.

Rice bioengineers awarded $3.4M for project to end polio

Researchers at Rice University have developed a time-release technology called PULSED that could help protect against poliomyelitis in combination vaccines. The technology would allow poliovirus-like particles to be released from microparticles after a few days, ensuring full vaccination efficacy.

SourceRice University·DateOct 9, 2024

MIT engineers create a chip-based tractor beam for biological particles

Researchers create a miniature, chip-based 'tractor beam' that can capture and manipulate cells at distances of over a hundred times further away from the chip surface. This technology has the potential to revolutionize biologists and clinicians' ability to study DNA, classify cells, and investigate disease mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2024

Immunotherapy for gum disease? Study in mice shows promise

A new study published in PNAS suggests that delivering microparticles containing CCL2 directly to the gums can inhibit bone loss and speed up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease. The therapy modulates the immune response, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2024

Bee antidote to deadly pesticides shows promise

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 11, 2024
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.

Dissolvable microneedle patch enables local delivery of immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules for periodontal tissue regeneration

Researchers developed a dissolvable microneedle patch to deliver immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules, such as azithromycin, to treat periodontitis. The patch demonstrated therapeutic outcomes by suppressing bacterial growth and modulating immune responses in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMed-X·DateAug 8, 2024

3D thymic-like hydrogels for T-cell differentiation

A new study published in GEN Biotechnology describes the establishment of a 3D hydrogel-based platform for producing functional T-cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The platform was engineered with key thymic components to direct T-cell development, producing cytokine-producing T-cells.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGEN Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Researchers show it’s possible to teach old magnetic cilia new tricks

Researchers have developed a method to create and repurpose artificial hairs with magnetic properties, enabling the control of motion at room temperature. The technique involves programming and reprogramming the magnetization of the magnetic particles in the cilia, allowing for changes in their behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
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.

An ink for 3D-printing flexible devices without mechanical joints

EPFL researchers develop DNGEs, 3D-printable double network granular elastomers that can vary their mechanical properties. These inks enable the creation of flexible devices with locally changing properties, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical joints.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Say hello to biodegradable microplastics

New research from University of California San Diego and Algenesis shows that their plant-based polymers can break down in under seven months, even at the microplastic level. This discovery offers a sustainable solution to the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Utilizing active microparticles for artificial intelligence

Physicists at Leipzig University have developed a neural network that uses active colloidal particles for artificial intelligence. The system reduces noise and increases efficiency in calculations by utilizing past states of the reservoir.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023
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.

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Lehigh University researchers make sand that flows uphill

Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

New and improved bioink to enhance 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs

Scientists at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a new bioink that enhances the formation of mature skeletal muscle tissue from muscle precursor cells, increasing efficiency and potential therapies for muscle loss or injury. The bioink's sustained delivery of IGF-1 promotes muscle regeneration and repair.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

HKU Engineering team uses diamond microparticles to create high security anti-counterfeit labels

A team of researchers developed a pioneering technological solution using diamond-based anti-counterfeiting labels with unique Physically Unclonable Functions. The labels can be scanned using a phone, making them highly suitable for commercial products, and are extremely tough and cheap to produce.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

Poop and prey help researchers estimate that gray whales off Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day

Researchers estimate that gray whales off the Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day, primarily from zooplankton and fish. The study suggests that these high loads of microfibers may be affecting the health and behavior of the whales, with potential consequences for their populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2023

Cutting boards can produce microparticles when chopping veggies, study shows

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 1, 2023

A sticky colloidal sciences question now solved

Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have used in situ confocal microscopy to study colloidal gels. They found that different local particle arrangements uniquely modulated the properties of the gel, with tetrahedra arresting motion and pentagonal bipyramid clusters imparting solidity.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

A backpack full of multiple sclerosis therapy

A cell therapy using myeloid cells bound to drug delivery microparticles reduces disease burden in a preclinical multiple sclerosis model. The therapy partially reverses hind limb paralysis and improves motor functions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Mint flavor makes vape juice more toxic, damaging to lungs

Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalRespiratory Research·DateApr 10, 2023

Closed loop for circular economy: new polymer recycling strategy ensures both high stability and complete recyclability

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.

SourceShinshu University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Breathing is going to get tougher

A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 28, 2023
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.

Virus plus microplastics equal double whammy for fish health

A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Researchers Identify blood panel to predict placenta accreta

Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Microparticles could help prevent vitamin A deficiency

Researchers have developed a way to encapsulate vitamin A in a protective polymer, preventing its breakdown during cooking or storage. The technology has shown similar bioavailability when consumed as bread fortified with encapsulated vitamin A compared to eating vitamin A on its own.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Desert dust collected from glacier ice helps document climate change

A new study documents past changes in Earth's climate system by analyzing dust composition in samples collected from different areas and depths of the same glacier. The findings suggest that a complete dust record could offer more secrets than scientists realize, hinting at potential long-term perspectives on the Central Asian dust cycle.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeosciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

An easier way to remove medical devices

Researchers at MIT have created biomedical devices made from aluminum that can be disintegrated by exposing them to a liquid metal called eutectic gallium-indium. This process could eliminate the need for surgical or endoscopic procedures to remove medical devices, such as staples and stents.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 8, 2022

Tiny particles work together to do big things

Researchers at MIT designed simple microparticles that can collectively generate complex behavior, generating a beating clock that can power tiny robotic devices. The particles use a simple chemical reaction to interact with each other and create an oscillatory electrical signal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2022
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.

Microparticles with feeling

A new method called sensPIV has been developed to measure both flow and oxygen concentrations simultaneously at the smallest scales. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how corals generate flows, increasing oxygen transport, and has potential applications in life sciences, microfluidics, and medicine.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Antioxidant derived from unripe acerola can replace synthetic additive banned in several countries

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a natural antioxidant from unripe acerola, replacing banned synthetic additive TBHQ. The antioxidant microparticles were found to be effective in a range of applications, including food products and cosmetics, without affecting color, flavor or odor.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFuture Foods·DateMay 18, 2022
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.

Deep learning algorithms assist in identifying microplastics in human body

A study has developed a method using dark-field microscopy and deep learning algorithms to identify microplastics in human cells, achieving an accuracy of 93% for 1-micron polystyrene particles. The technique has the potential to screen microplastics in various samples, reducing time-consuming data acquisition and processing steps.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

Concentration of microparticles in lakes reflect nearby human activity and land use

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021
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.