Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fish recognize their prey by electric colors

Elephantnose fish recognize their prey by electric colors, using two types of receptors to determine intensity and shape. They can distinguish between living and dead objects and even recognize specific food sources like mosquito larvae with considerable accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2018

Debunked the effectiveness of glasses for color blind people

Researchers debunked the effectiveness of EnChroma glasses for color blind individuals, showing they do not improve color vision or correct color blindness. The study used 48 volunteers and multiple testing methods, concluding that the glasses' effect is similar to those used for specific activities, such as hunting.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of a simplest mechanism for color detection

Researchers from Osaka City University found a single kind of opsin in a photoreceptor cell achieves UV and visible light discrimination in the fish pineal organ. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that multiple kinds of color opsins are required for color detection.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

Human retinas grown in a dish explain how color vision develops

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully grown human retinas in a dish, providing insights into how cells enable color vision. The study found that thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in determining the fate of these cells, with implications for understanding and potentially treating eye diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

Thyroid hormone regulates development of color vision

Researchers used human retinal tissue grown from stem cells to discover how cone photoreceptors develop, leading to insights into eye diseases like color blindness. Thyroid hormone signaling regulated the growth of blue-detecting cones first, followed by red- and green-detecting ones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018
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.

A 'recipe book' that creates color centers in silicon carbide crystals

A team of researchers has created a systematic method to produce defects with desired optical properties in SiC, enabling its potential use in quantum computing. They discovered three previously unreported signatures and found that producing defects follows a pattern.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 1, 2018

How fruits got their eye-catching colors

New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 2018

Brown researchers teach computers to see optical illusions

Researchers developed a neural-network model that perceives contextual optical illusions like humans, advancing knowledge of human visual system. The model includes feedback connections between neurons, which improve artificial vision by addressing context-dependent weaknesses.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Review·DateSep 21, 2018

Birds categorize colors just like humans do

Zebra finches partition hues from red to orange into two discrete categories, similar to human color perception. The birds' ability to distinguish between colors suggests a cognitive shortcut to reduce ambiguity in decision-making.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 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.

Harmful dyes in lakes, rivers can become colorless with new, sponge-like material

A team at the University of Washington has developed a sustainable method to remove color from dyes in water using a sponge-like material created from wood pulp and palladium. This process can alter the dye structure and change its color to clear, allowing plants to grow normally again.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateAug 1, 2018

Do spiders have a favorite color?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied wolf spiders' color vision, finding they are sensitive to green light but don't have a favorite color. Their eyes adapt to changing seasons, allowing them to see contrast against colored backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJul 31, 2018

Slacking on your savings? Cognitive bias could be to blame

A new study by Cornell University neuroscientists suggests that cognitive bias can be a major obstacle to saving money. The researchers found that people tend to spend more brain power on earning than saving, leading to warped time perception and making it harder to prioritize saving over earning.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Zebrafish's near 360 degree UV-vision knocks stripes off Google Street View

Researchers discovered that zebrafish use a near-360 degree view to detect threatening silhouettes in black-and-white and seek out food by detecting UV light scattering. Their unique four-color vision system is unlike any other vertebrate, with half of their neurons dedicated to eyes that are substantial metabolic investments.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

SF State study finds US Forest Service lands underused by minorities

A San Francisco State University study reveals that many ethnic minorities are not utilizing US national forests and grasslands, despite living nearby. The research highlights the need for improved outreach and understanding of minority groups' needs to promote sustainable use of these public lands.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateMay 31, 2018

Engineers design color-changing compression bandage

A new compression bandage developed by MIT engineers features pressure-sensing photonic fibers that change color in response to pressure. This allows caregivers to gauge the optimal pressure and adjust the bandage accordingly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 29, 2018

What your choice of clothing says about your weight

A new study found that darker and multicolour clothes are preferred by women with higher BMIs, while men with larger BMIs opt for black or white garments. Clothing size is also closely related to BMI and waist circumference.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 24, 2018
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.

New study sheds light on how we perceive color

Researchers at City, University of London found that colour processing cells in the brain are crucial for interpreting colours in natural images, and that transitions between colours do not significantly contribute to perceived colourfulness. The study's findings support the importance of individual colours in determining what we see.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·Journali-Perception·DateMay 15, 2018

Back in black for singletons trying to find love

A new study based on the TV series First Dates found that singles wear more black than red on first dates. Black was associated with increased attractiveness and perceived fashion sense, while red was linked to increased sexual receptivity.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateApr 25, 2018

Which piece resembles your color perception for #theDress image?

A novel algorithm has been proposed to simulate the color appearance of objects under chromatic illuminants, addressing the fundamental question of human color perception. The algorithm successfully simulated differences in color appearance for #theDress image, which sparked debate over its colors online.

SourceTohoku University·Journali-Perception·DateMar 22, 2018

Why do some people 'hear' silent flashes?

Researchers found that visually-evoked auditory response (vEAR) is more common than other types of synaesthesia, affecting up to 21% of the population. The study suggests a connection between vEAR and physiological factors such as raised cortical excitability in the brain.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCortex·DateMar 20, 2018

At first blush, you look happy -- or sad, or angry

A groundbreaking study found that people can correctly identify others' feelings up to 75% of the time by analyzing subtle changes in blood flow color around the nose, eyebrows, cheeks, or chin. Computer algorithms developed from the research accurately recognize human emotion via face color with up to 90% accuracy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 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 the color-changing hogfish 'sees' with its skin

Researchers at Duke University discovered that hogfish sense light with their skin, which differs from eye-based vision. The skin's unique ability allows it to detect changes in brightness or wavelength, such as moving shadows or light fluctuations, enabling the fish to adapt its color pattern accordingly.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateMar 12, 2018

Dual frequency comb generated on a single chip using a single laser

Researchers miniaturized dual-frequency combs on a single chip using a single laser, enabling real-time sensing and spectroscopy in field environments. The device can detect a broad range of chemicals with high precision, paving the way for commercialization in the future.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2018

Squid skin could be the solution to camouflage material

New research by Northeastern University scientists isolates pigment granules from squid skin to create ultra-thin films with rich colors. These materials could be used for adaptive coloration and camouflage applications.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateFeb 27, 2018

Facial attraction: Red-fronted lemurs recognize photos of their own species

Red-fronted lemurs demonstrate an ability to recognize individuals of their own species from photographs, with females showing a stronger response than males. The animals' capacity for cross-modal recognition suggests that they use both sight and smell to differentiate between conspecifics and heterospecifics.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Printable, colorful camouflage with polymers

Researchers develop polymers that can change colors like structural color in nature, enabling smart decorations and anti-counterfeiting measures. The new materials use inkjet printing technology to produce a wide range of colors, including blue, green, orange, and red.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 7, 2018
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.

Little understood cell helps mice see color

Scientists discovered a complex color vision circuit in mice involving the M5 cell, which may process color information and lead to new treatments for humans. This finding expands our understanding of color vision and its relationship with other types of vision.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeuron·DateDec 14, 2017

Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis

Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2017

The stacked color sensor

Researchers have developed a stacked color sensor using perovskites, which improves colour recognition and light sensitivity. This allows for more accurate image capture and enables the creation of smaller pixel sizes, potentially leading to higher spatial resolution in various analysis technologies.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateNov 16, 2017

Better, bolder printing with silicon nanostructures

Researchers have found a way to expand the printable color spectrum with a novel nanostructure system that broadens colors while maintaining high resolution. The new silicon nanostructures can print an art piece with a 121% expanded color gamut, higher color saturation and resolution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 8, 2017

Research letter examines evolving standards of beauty

A new study compares celebrities from People magazine's World's Most Beautiful lists in 1990 and 2017, revealing increased representation of darker skin types and older age groups. The researchers found that traditional beauty standards are evolving as people become more exposed to diverse cultures and media influences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 11, 2017
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.

Analyzing the language of color

Research across over 100 languages reveals a consistent pattern of language divide towards warmer and cooler colors. The findings suggest that human languages prioritize labeling warm colors consistently due to their prevalence in foreground scenes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Green light for ultra-fine display colors

Scientists have made a breakthrough in producing ultra-pure green light for high-resolution displays, exceeding 97-99% of the Rec.2020 standard. The new technology uses simple room-temperature processes and inexpensive materials, paving the way for low-cost industrial production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2017

Discovery of dynamic seasonal changes in color perception

Research on Medaka fish reveals dynamic seasonal changes in color perception, with variations in behavior, light response, and gene expression. This phenomenon may not be limited to Medaka and could be widely observed in various animals, including humans.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2017
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.

Nanotechnology gives green energy a green color

Researchers in the Netherlands have created efficient green solar panels using soft imprint lithography, which scatter green light and maintain a 10% power reduction. The technology has potential to widen solar panel use as an architectural design element.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 15, 2017

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Animal coloration research: On the threshold of a new era

Recent technological advances enable researchers to study animal coloration more comprehensively. The authors of a review article highlight recent progress and set out key questions for the future, shedding light on evolutionary processes and the intricacies of function.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

Animals have it all over us when it comes to color

Animals use color in diverse ways, including for reproduction and predator-prey interactions, with species-specific purposes in mind. Mantis shrimp have four times as many colour receptors as humans, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Technique enables printable and rewritable color images

Scientists at Rice University have created a method for printing and rewriting color images by utilizing structural colors, which are determined by the selective reflections of certain colors at specific angles. The technique uses a single, colorless ink and can generate high-resolution images with excellent durability.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 1, 2017

Holograms taken to new dimension

Researchers have developed a new technology to create inexpensive full-color 2-D and 3-D holograms that are far more realistic, brighter and can be viewed at wider angles than current holograms. The applications for this technology could be wide-ranging, from currency and identification badges to amusement rides and advertisements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

News laser design offers more inexpensive multi-color output

A Northwestern University study has engineered a cost-effective laser design that outputs multi-color lasing, offering potential benefits in optical fibers, medical imaging, and sensing applications. The new technology allows for stable multi-modal nanoscale lasing with fine control over color and intensity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 11, 2017
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.

Seeing the colored light: Bee brains open way for better cameras

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for processing color information in honeybees, which could improve color constancy in imaging systems. The study found that the bees' ocelli contain two color receptors that can detect ambient light color, allowing them to discount naturally colored illumination and perceive true colors.

SourceRMIT University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

When gold turns invisible

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a gold compound that turns invisible when ground into a fine powder, emitting only infrared light. The substance's unique property has significant implications for bioimaging and the creation of invisible security inks.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 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.

Study of sleep apps finds room for improvement

A study of 35 popular phone-based sleep apps found that most help users set sleep-related goals and track their sleep patterns, but few provide general information about sleep or its benefits. The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in the development of these apps to educate users about the importance of sleep.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateApr 12, 2017

Mapping food color regulations in the EU and the US

A new study reviews EU and US food colouring legislation to find ways to reduce regulatory barriers to international trade. Key findings include differing rules on colour additives, labelling requirements, and natural vs synthetic colours.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateApr 12, 2017
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.

Why don't Americans have a name for the color 'light blue?'

Researchers found that Japan has unique color terms like 'mizu' and 'kon', while the US uses words like 'teal' and 'lavender'. The study reveals differences in color language between modern societies, highlighting the evolution of color terminology through interaction.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Vision·DateMar 28, 2017

Frogs have unique ability to see color in the dark

Researchers discovered frogs can distinguish color in extreme darkness, making it crucial for finding escape routes. Frogs use their color vision to select food in low-light conditions, unlike humans.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 28, 2017

Flat lens opens a broad world of color

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed the first flat lens that works across a continuous bandwidth of colors, from blue to green. This breakthrough enables new applications in imaging, spectroscopy, and sensing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Novel liquid crystal could triple sharpness of today's televisions

Researchers developed a new blue-phase liquid crystal that can enable televisions and computer screens to pack more pixels into the same space while reducing power consumption. The material can achieve a resolution density of up to 1500 pixels per inch, which triples the sharpness of today's TVs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateFeb 1, 2017

Jumping spiders court in color

Two groups of jumping spiders, Habronattus and Maratus, have evolved rare color vision to see reds, yellows and oranges. They use different mechanisms, with Habronattus employing a red filter and Maratus relying on ultraviolet, blue and green sensitive cells.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 25, 2017

How turtles and crocodiles lost parietal eye and differing color vision adaptations

Scientists have traced back 200 million years of eye evolution in turtles and crocodiles, discovering that their adaptations led to the loss of color vision. Turtles developed reduced color vision for freshwater habitats, while crocodiles adapted for dim light.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 8, 2016
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.

Female lemurs with color vision provide advantages for their group

Researchers found that trichromat females have higher body mass indices and increased infant survival rates among their group members. This suggests a selective advantage for trichromatic females in providing nutrition and care to their offspring during times of food scarcity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2016