Add BrightSurf on Google Email
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.

Climate change is making our environment 'bluer'

A study confirms that climate change is causing rapid environmental fluctuations, resulting in 'bluer' environments and higher extinction risks for animals. The research links temperature changes to population dynamics, with bluer populations indicating faster oscillations and lower extinction risks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 5, 2011

Engineers create vibrant colors in vertical silicon nanowires

Engineers at Harvard University have discovered that individual, vertical silicon nanowires can display vibrant colors of the spectrum, dependent on their diameter. The finding has potential applications in increasing efficiency and detecting color without filters in nanoscale image sensor devices.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 2, 2011

Reading in 2 colours at the same time

A recent brain imaging study has identified the neural patterns that enable some individuals to perceive two colors at once while reading. The research, published in Cortex, suggests that the same areas of the brain responsible for processing color also support synesthetic experiences.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMar 9, 2011

Are sharks color blind?

Sharks lack color vision due to having only one type of long-wavelength-sensitive cone cell in their retina. This finding may help prevent shark attacks and improve fishing gear design.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 18, 2011
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.

FReD can help explain how a bee sees!

Bees perceive the world differently than humans, with variations in hue that are invisible to us. The Floral Reflectance Database (FReD) provides data on flower colours as seen by bees, addressing existing gaps in records.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2010

Important brain area organized by color and orientation

Researchers found that brain area V4 is divided into separate regions for different colors and orientations, with distinct processing domains for shape and surface properties. This compartmentalization has significant implications for understanding visual object recognition and attention.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 15, 2010

The color of medicine

A survey of over-the-counter medication users found that red and pink tablets are preferred due to their aesthetic appeal. The study suggests that the color of a pill can boost compliance and improve outcomes, and recommends considering aesthetics in pharmaceutical formulation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biotechnology·DateNov 15, 2010

Ecologists get fish eye view of sexual signals

Researchers developed a model to mimic the stickleback's visual system, allowing them to determine what 'colors' the fish see. The results show that females can assess the quantity of carotenoids in males' signals, which is linked to his parenting ability.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smallest U-M logo demonstrates advanced display technology

A University of Michigan professor has developed a new type of color filter made of nano-thin sheets with precisely spaced gratings, trapping and transmitting light of specific colors. The filter acts as a polarizer simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional polarizer layers, making it simpler to manufacture.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2010

Women attracted to men in red, research shows

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that wearing red or being bordered by the color increases a man's attractiveness and sexual desirability among women. The researchers attribute this effect to the cultural association between red and high status, as well as biological roots in human behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 2, 2010

Researchers predict human visual attention using computer intelligence for the first time

A new study used a computer-based model to predict what types of changes people are more likely to notice, revealing that addition or removal of an object is detected more readily than color changes. The findings have potential applications in designing displays for road signs, emergency services, and security.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJun 16, 2010

NASA's Terra satellite keeps eye on Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume

The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of the ash plume from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, drifting south and east over the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The ash plume appeared lighter in color than previous days, indicating a potential decrease in volcanic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 20, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Color it ready -- Webb Telescope instrument now at Goddard

The James Webb Space Telescope's Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument is a key tool for identifying colors and objects in the cosmos. With its micro-electromechanical system, NIRSpec can analyze light from deep space to help scientists determine the age, chemical composition, and distances of faint galaxies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 30, 2010

NYU, U. of Wurzburg scientists shed new light on how retina's hardware is used in color vision

Researchers at NYU and U. of Würzburg identified how photoreceptor cells in the fruit fly Drosophila use distinct spectral sensitivities for color vision and motion detection. Flies with impaired R7 or R8 photoreceptors showed preferences for specific colors, revealing separate channels for color and motion.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

Butterfly vision, wing colors linked, UCI study finds

Researchers found that butterflies with a duplicate gene can see ultraviolet colors and have UV-yellow pigment on their wings, facilitating mate searching and reproduction. This link between vision and wing colors may be an adaptive advantage for these butterfly species.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2010

Chickens 'one-up' humans in ability to see color

Researchers mapped chicken retinas, discovering a complex pattern of color receptors that maximizes their ability to see colors. This superior vision may help birds find mates and feed on colorful fruit, and could lead to insights into treating human genetic disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 2010
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.

Skin color gives clues to health

The study found that rosier skin appears healthier due to increased blood flow, while golden or 'yellow-toned' skin may indicate higher antioxidant levels from a healthy diet. This discovery suggests that nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving the most desirable complexion.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateNov 16, 2009

Study shows that color plays musical chairs in the brain

Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that the brain can latch onto color and assign it to a different object, even when the original object's color is lost. The study used binocular rivalry technique to show how colors bind to objects in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 1, 2009

Monitoring water through a snake's eyes

A new system developed by Prof. Abraham Katzir can detect contaminants in water supply in real time, providing early warning to authorities. The system uses special fibers that can distinguish between pure and contaminated water using the invisible infrared spectrum.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Applied Spectroscopy·DateMay 12, 2009
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.

MIT: Jeremy Nathans to deliver Scolnick Prize lecture

Jeremy Nathans receives the Scolnick Prize for his groundbreaking work on color vision, brain development, and retinal disease. His research has led to significant insights into human blindness and the basis for many forms of color blindness.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·DateApr 23, 2009

Optical illusions: Variety makes us perceive smaller quantities

A study by Joseph P. Redden and Stephen J. Hoch found that variety in optical illusions leads to underestimation of quantity, causing individuals to pour more when faced with a mix of items. This perception affects food portions and may contribute to overeating.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 31, 2009

Red in the face

A study published in PLoS ONE found that people perceive a healthy appearance when looking at faces with more oxygen-rich blood and less pale undertones. Physically fit individuals tend to have healthier-looking skin due to increased blood vessels and higher oxygen levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 31, 2009

Elephant shark genome sequence leads to discovery of color perception in deep-sea fish

A research team from Singapore and London has discovered that the elephant shark, a primitive deep-sea fish, possesses three cone pigments for color vision similar to humans. The finding suggests that gene duplication played a crucial role in this process, which may provide valuable insights into human genome evolution.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 17, 2009

Poly wants a pigment

Researchers found that carotenoids may improve male sperm quality, promote healthy offspring development, and enhance color vision in birds. They also propose a positive fitness feedback loop where high carotenoid accumulation improves an individual's state and mate selection.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 13, 2009
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.

Why domestic animals changed coat

A recent study reveals that humans have actively selected for rare genetic mutations to change the coat color of domestic animals, such as pigs and dogs. This process has been ongoing for thousands of years, eliminating alternative explanations for coat color changes within domestic populations.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 15, 2009

Men are red, women are green, Brown researcher finds

A Brown University researcher has discovered that men tend to have more reddish skin and greenish skin is more common for women. The finding has important implications in cognitive science research and potential industry applications in facial recognition technology and advertising.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2008
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.

Seeing color in 'blindsight'

Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to restore some experience of color in a patient with 'blindsight', a condition where people don't consciously see but can detect objects. The breakthrough suggests that even damaged parts of the brain, like V1, are not essential for visual awareness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2008

An accurate speedometer for astronomy

Scientists use frequency comb to determine starlight color with high accuracy, allowing them to measure velocity changes of astronomical bodies with precision. This method could help search for Earth-like planets and test universe expansion acceleration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 2008

Key advance toward 'micro-spacecraft'

Researchers have developed a new temperature-regulating film that can be applied to micro-spacecraft, allowing them to withstand extreme heat and cold in space. This breakthrough technology has the potential to enable cheaper and more efficient satellite launches, opening up new applications for communications and defense.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2008
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.

How carrots help us see the color orange

Researchers used different hues of orange and yellow on various objects to examine color perception and constancy. Participants redefined colors based on their knowledge of object colors, not just the hue.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2008

Standards set for energy-conserving LED lighting

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the US, detailing color specifications and test methods for LED lamps and light fixtures. These standards aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve color rendering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 26, 2008

Circadian math: 1 plus 1 doesn't always equal 2

A new study reveals that short-wavelength light, like natural blue sky light, is highly effective at stimulating the human circadian system. Exposure to multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously can result in less total stimulation compared to viewing individual colors separately, a phenomenon known as spectral opponency.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateJun 6, 2008

New research shows consistency in synaesthetic experiences

Researchers found that synesthetes share specific grapheme-color combinations and that these pairings are influenced by language use. The study also discovered a relationship between color saturation and linguistic frequency.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 29, 2008
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.

Scientists find color vision system independent of motion detection

A new study by NYU and University of Würzburg researchers found that color vision does not contribute to motion detection in fruit flies, challenging previous assumptions. The findings suggest two separate functional pathways for color and motion processing.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2008

Mystery behind the strongest creature in the world

Researchers studied the beetle's shell using advanced imaging techniques to understand its color-changing property. The study found that the light interferes with the structure to produce the green color, and when water penetrates, it destroys the interference phenomenon leading to a black coloration.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 11, 2008
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.

MIT gel changes color on demand

The team developed a structured gel with tunable optical properties that can rapidly change color in fractions of a second. The gel's color shift is limited to one dimension due to its one-dimensional periodic stack structure, resulting in a dramatic improvement over earlier color-changing gels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 21, 2007

Brightness and darkness as perceptual dimensions

A new study suggests that achromatic colors exist in a two-dimensional (2-D) color space composed of brightness and darkness dimensions. This model generalizes to the chromatic dimensions of color perception, indicating six perceptual dimensions rather than the conventional three.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 18, 2007

The aye-ayes have it: The preservation of color vision in a creature of the night

Researchers found that the genes responsible for color vision in aye-ayes are fully functional, contradicting the long-held theory that nocturnal mammals lose color vision over time. The study sheds light on the evolution of color vision and highlights the importance of examining rare and endangered species.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 4, 2007
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.

Seeing colors -- New study sheds light on sensory system quirk

Researchers used the Stroop task to test grapheme-color synesthetes, finding that opponent incongruent colors made it difficult for them to respond quickly. However, memories of objects associated with those same colors were not affected by color change. These findings suggest that synesthetic colors are perceived in a realistic way.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 24, 2007

Color is in the eye of the beholder

A recent study examines the remarkable two-tone color of pumpkin seed oil using imaging and CIE chromaticity coordinates. The observed color shift from red to green is attributed to changes in oil layer thickness and unique human retina cell characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 3, 2007

Genetic studies endow mice with new color vision

Researchers successfully engineered mice to see colors beyond the normal range by introducing a single human gene that codes for a light sensor. This breakthrough demonstrates the flexibility of the mammalian brain in processing sensory information, opening new avenues for understanding the evolution of color vision.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2007

Making mice with enhanced color vision

Researchers created mice with both human and mouse visual receptors, allowing them to distinguish between previously indistinguishable colors. This breakthrough suggests the brain can adapt to new sensory information quickly, challenging the idea that early primates developed trichromatic vision gradually over time.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2007

More than meets the tongue

A recent study by JoAndrea Hoegg and Joseph W. Alba found that the color of a drink can significantly affect how it tastes, with tint dominating taste perception over other attributes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 12, 2007
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.

Three-dimensional, miniature endoscope opens new diagnostic possibilities

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new type of miniature endoscope that produces high-definition, three-dimensional images. This technology, called spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE), allows for the creation of detailed images of areas previously inaccessible to medical diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2006

Color names: More universal than you might think

Researchers found that people from preindustrial societies consistently classify colors into eight categories: red, green, yellow-or-orange, blue, purple, brown, pink, and grue. The study used data from the World Color Survey to analyze color names across 110 languages, revealing a universal framework for color perception.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2006

Giant pandas see in color

New research at Georgia Tech and Zoo Atlanta shows that giant pandas can discriminate between colors and various shades of gray. The study found that both pandas were able to choose the correct colored pipe in tests, indicating they have some sort of color vision.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateOct 13, 2006
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.

Multitasking is no problem, but double talk overwhelms us

Researchers found that humans can learn complex structures simultaneously from multiple sources, such as tones and colors or speech. However, performance drops when two sets of sequences are from the same perceptual class of stimuli, like two sets of speech stimuli.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 25, 2006

True colors are in the brain of the beholder

A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVision Research·DateAug 8, 2006

Zebra finch males prefer females with exaggerated maternal traits

Researchers found that zebra finch males prefer females with beaks more extremely colored than their mothers', demonstrating a 'peak shift' effect. This suggests that sexual imprinting drives the evolution of skewed mating preferences and exaggerated traits in birds.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 5, 2006

Cuttlefish masters of disguise despite colorblindness

Researchers found cuttlefish can detect contrast differences of at least 15%, suggesting they use intensity matching for camouflage. The study's findings shed light on the complex visual processing of these cephalopods, an ideal model for studying camouflage.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalVision Research·DateApr 18, 2006
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.