Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Dragged along by micro-swimmers

Researchers have developed a new model for micro-swimmer-based transport, which shows that a swarm of micro-swimmers can transport particles more efficiently than traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that this phenomenon could be useful in biological applications, such as delivering drugs to specific locations in the body.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

NIST's emberometer could gauge threat of wildfire-spreading embers

The NIST-developed emberometer uses digital cameras to track embers in mid-air and reconstruct their 3D shapes. This tool helps researchers understand the behavior of embers, which can aid in developing better protection for structures during wildfires.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalExperiments in Fluids·DateAug 18, 2021

Deletion of single gene promotes growth of functional lymphatic valves

A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Revisiting rangely: New mechanistic model uncovers earthquake processes at Colorado oil field

Earthquakes generated by controlled fluid injection at the Rangely oil field were caused by destabilizing fault pore pressure changes, according to a new mechanistic model. The study revisits data from the decades-old project in light of increased seismicity due to fluid injection.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021
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.

The movement of small water droplets is controlled by means of a magnet

Scientists have developed a paramagnetic ring that encapsulates water droplets under a magnetic field, enabling precise manipulation. The ring, made of an oil-based ferrofluid, forms spontaneously around the droplet and can be moved remotely by changing the magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Finding the cause of a fatal problem in rocket engine combustors

Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

How a unique sponge 'goes with the flow' could improve man-made structures

A collaboration has created a first-ever simulation of the deep-sea Venus basket sponge, revealing its ability to withstand dynamic forces and create nutrient-rich vortex within its body cavity. The structure of the sponge is optimized for fluid flow, reducing drag and facilitating feeding and reproduction.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2021
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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists find way to navigate a heavy uphill climb

Researchers at New York University have found a way for heavy motorized objects to navigate steep inclines by exploiting density imbalances and hydrodynamic effects. This breakthrough enhances understanding of gravitaxis and has implications for engineering and pharmaceutical development.

SourceNew York University·JournalSoft Matter·DateJul 14, 2021

Simulating microswimmers in nematic fluids

The study reveals that microswimmers propel themselves through nematic liquid crystals with non-random trajectories to minimize elastic energy. The speed of a microswimmer varies depending on whether it pushes or pulls the surrounding fluid, and becomes slower when pushing with a stronger force.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 13, 2021

Protein appears to prevent tumor cells from spreading via blood vessels

Researchers identified a specialized protein called TRPM7 that regulates the key step in cancer metastasis by sensing fluid flow and stopping cells from entering the bloodstream. Artificially increasing TRPM7 expression in tumor cells may help stop intravasation and ultimately metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new understanding of patterns in fluid flow

An international team has discovered a persistent pattern formation dynamics in viscous fingering, a phenomenon relevant to oil recovery and spreading of groundwater. The study's findings show that the pattern is different from classical radial and rectilinear forms.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 5, 2021

Butterfly effect can double travel of virus-laden droplets

Researchers found that small pockets of virus-laden air can detach from an exhaled breath and travel in a ballistic manner, reaching large distances. This phenomenon is known as the butterfly effect, where miniscule initial variations are amplified by turbulence.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Does bubble cascade form only in a glass of Guinness beer?

Scientists from Osaka University have solved the physics of Guinness' cascading flow, a phenomenon that affects the texture of nitrogenated stout beer. The research has significant implications for industries such as pharmaceutical production and city water purification.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 22, 2021

A new 'twist' to break viscoelastic liquid bridges

Researchers discover that twisting liquid bridges breaks them more effectively than stretching, reducing contamination and speeding up the dispensing process. The 'edge fracture' mechanism is identified as the underlying cause of this phenomenon.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021
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.

Wider applications for Vortex Fluidic Device

Researchers have discovered the VFD's capabilities in controlling chemical reactivity, materials processing, and probing self-organised systems. The device has shown promise in synthesizing various compounds and could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production methods.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateJun 7, 2021

Clues from soured milk reveal how gold veins form

Researchers find that hyper-enriched gold deposits form like soured milk, with butterfat particles clumping together to form a jelly. This process explains the rapid formation of these rare and valuable deposits, solving a decades-old scientific puzzle.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021

Origins of life researchers develop a new ecological biosignature

A team led by Santa Fe Institute Professor Chris Kempes has developed a new ecological biosignature based on mathematical patterns in elemental ratios. This approach may help scientists detect life in systems that don't resemble Earth's conditions.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateMay 20, 2021

Breakthrough could lead to early detection of pregnancy complications

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model for studying uterine fluid in the lab without invasive monitoring or experimentation during active pregnancies. The discovery paves the way for precision medicine approaches to maintaining healthy pregnancies and detecting potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2021

Hidden within African diamonds, a billion-plus years of deep-earth history

Researchers have discovered a way to date fluid-bearing diamonds, revealing three distinct periods of diamond formation spanning over 2 billion years. The study provides insights into the evolution of the deep earth and continents, with potential implications for our understanding of planetary history.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smashing the COVID curve

Research reveals that testing limits make timing crucial for lockdown effectiveness, with marginal differences between success and failure, and super-exponential growth causing rapid increases in infections.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2021

Geoscientists find that shallow wastewater injection drives deep earthquakes in Texas

Researchers found that shallow wastewater injection is linked to widespread deep earthquake activity in the Delaware Basin. The study used data analytics and computer modeling to mimic fluid extraction from shale reservoirs and identified a causal link between deep stress increases and shallow fluid injection. This finding has signific...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in April

The latest Geology articles publish research on shocked zircon, the Holocene Sonoran Desert, Himalayan collision dynamics, and more. Recent studies reveal nonlinear fault damage zones, a history of the Larsen C Ice Shelf reconstructed from sediment cores, and evidence for slow titanium diffusion in quartz.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 29, 2021

Living foams

A team of researchers has developed a computational framework that captures cell interactions and their impact on embryonic tissue dynamics. They found that dynamic forces and tension fluctuations are responsible for the fluid state of tissues during development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 12, 2021
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.

FSU engineering researchers visualize the motion of vortices in superfluid turbulence

Researchers at Florida State University have visualized the motion of vortices in superfluid helium-4, a quantum fluid that exists at extremely low temperatures. The study revealed that as vortex tubes appeared, they moved randomly and rapidly away from their starting point, exhibiting superdiffusion.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2021

Great tits change their traditions for the better

Researchers found that populations of great tits can switch from one behavior to a more efficient alternative when group members are replaced with new birds. Fluid social groups were more likely to adopt the new behavior, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 6, 2021

Fourth generation of e-cigarettes is not harmless

A UC Riverside study analyzed fourth-generation electronic cigarette pod atomizer design features, identifying toxic elements such as nickel, chromium, and iron. The findings suggest that these elements may accumulate in the environment and contribute to chemical pollution, highlighting the need for further research on e-cigarette safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2021

2021 INS Standards highlight anti-reflux technology for needleless connectors

The 2021 INF Standards of Practice expanded its guidance on needleless connectors to include anti-reflux technology, which causes the least amount of blood reflux. Anti-reflux needleless connectors can prevent catheter occlusions, failure, and infections by automatically eliminating unintentional blood reflux.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Infusion Nursing·DateMar 18, 2021
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.

Confined magnetic colloidal system for controllable fluid transport

A new paradigm of liquid gating technology is presented, confining magnetic colloids in a porous matrix to probe mechanical properties in real-time. The system shows controllable fluid transport behavior, enabling applications such as dynamic and preprogrammed fluid transport, remote drug release, and microfluidic logic.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 12, 2021

CUHK physicists discover new route to active matter self-organisation

The CUHK research team found that viscoelasticity can be harnessed to control active matter's self-organisation, enabling the creation of self-driven devices. The discovery has implications for soft robotics, tissue engineering, and microbial physiology, as well as the dispersal of biofilms and gut microbiome.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2021
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.

Selective concentration of cationic species

A research team at POSTECH created a novel type of multiscale-porous anion exchange membrane to concentrate only cationic samples. This breakthrough allows for the easy fabrication of a cation-selective electrokinetic concentrator, streamlining manufacturing processes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 18, 2021

Scientists create flexible biocompatible cilia that can be controlled by a magnet

Researchers developed a template-free technique to fabricate flexible cilia mimicking biological functions, with applications in transporting substances into cells or directing fluids. The cilia's motion can be controlled by a magnet, and their length can be varied from 10 to 100 microns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 9, 2021

Not too big, not too small: Goldilocks analogy found in maze navigation

Researchers at OIST created a tiny setup with two microscopic cylinders to study fluid path selection around obstacles. The results revealed that the central gap size determines the fluid's choice between three available paths, offering insights into fluid transport in real-world systems.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dairy product purchasing differs in households with and without children

Research from Purdue University and Oklahoma State University found that households purchasing food for children tend to buy more dairy products, including fluid milk and yogurt. This study provides insights into consumer behavior and can inform product marketing efforts and stakeholder decisions in the dairy industry.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·DateJan 15, 2021

Rice model offers help for new hips

The study incorporates fluid dynamics and roughness of joint surfaces to evaluate artificial hips, aiming to advance the design of more robust prostheses. The model could help clinicians personalize hip joints for patients depending on gender, weight, age, and gait variations.

SourceRice University·JournalBiotribology·DateJan 11, 2021

Unicellular protists' fluid flow engineering

Researchers investigated the flagellar arrangements of 15 unicellular species, revealing their impact on swimming speed and fluid flow architecture. Dinoflagellates were found to excel in both feeding and stealth behaviors due to their unique flagellar arrangement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Ferrofluid surface simulations go more than skin deep

Researchers at KAUST have developed a computational algorithm to simulate ferrofluid behavior, enabling more accurate predictions of the liquid's response to a magnet. By simulating only the surface layer of the ferrofluid, they were able to reduce computational complexity and accurately reproduce complex spike patterns.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJan 10, 2021
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.

Birmingham research paves the way for new anti-fibrotic therapy for glaucoma

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified a potential new treatment for open angle glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 70 million people worldwide. ILB has been shown to normalise matrix deposition and lower intraocular pressure in a pre-clinical model, paving the way for anti-fibrotic therapies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateJan 7, 2021

Sweetened beverage sales bounced back quickly after Cook County tax repealed

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that sweetened beverage sales rebounded quickly after the Cook County tax was repealed. Despite a significant decrease in consumption during the tax's four-month period, sales returned to pre-tax levels, suggesting that price point alone drove down demand.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 4, 2021

Shifting gears toward chemical machines

Pittsburgh engineers build a two-dimensional sheet that spontaneously transforms into a three-dimensional gear, performing sustained work without external power. The innovation enables the development of self-powered machines for resource-poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·DateDec 18, 2020

Enhancing machine-learning capabilities in oil and gas production

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an advanced evaluation system that can interpret reservoir conditions in real-time using physics-enhanced machine-learning algorithms. This system will enable oil and gas operators to make data-driven decisions quickly, maximizing production in areas with positive responses to fracturi...

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 17, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Two, six, many

Researchers at Heidelberg University observed a phase transition with six atoms, showing signatures of a superfluid state. This finding reveals the emergence of collective behavior in microscopic systems.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2020

Characterising complex flows in 2D bubble swarms

In 2D simulations, researchers found that the pseudo-turbulence relationship changes within larger-scale flows in less viscous fluids. The team discovered an inverse energy cascade and a different mathematical relationship between flow energy and frequency.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Experimental study on the viscoelastic flow mixing in microfluidics

Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University, Harvard University, and Guangzhou University investigated viscoelastic flow mixing in microfluidics. They found that viscoelastic fluids exhibit transiently unstable flow patterns compared to Newtonian fluids, resulting in increased mixing.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateDec 3, 2020

Physicists capture the sound of a "perfect" fluid

MIT physicists create a perfect fluid in the laboratory, capturing its sound waves to measure viscosity. The results confirm that strongly interacting fermion gas behaves as a perfect fluid, with properties applicable to studying neutron stars and the early universe's plasma.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020

Extraction of largely-unexplored bodily fluid could be a new source of biomarkers

Researchers developed a microneedle-based technique to extract dermal interstitial fluid, which could provide valuable information for routine clinical monitoring and diagnostic testing. The study found that ISF contains unique compounds not found in blood samples, offering potential insights into skin exposure to products and pesticides.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 25, 2020
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.

Simple new testing method aims to improve time-release drugs

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a simple, inexpensive way to measure drug dissolution that addresses shortcomings of existing methods. The technique uses a vibrating tube sensor to monitor the weight of individual pellets as they dissolve, providing accurate and continuous measurements.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

Researchers have discovered that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can swell immediately after an injury or stroke, leading to a more efficient clearance of toxic proteins from the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into health and disease, as well as novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020