Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Physics reveals the optimal roof ratios for energy efficiency

Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

KTU researchers explore using soil for heat storage

KTU researchers have discovered an innovative solution to store excess heat underground, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency. The ground-based heat accumulator stores heat in the soil, making it available when demand peaks, and can even reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalSustainability·DateApr 2, 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.

New study sheds light on risks from residential heat and energy burdens in Miami

A new study reveals that many residents in Miami-Dade County face dual challenges of dangerously hot homes and unaffordable cooling costs, driving health and well-being risks. The research identifies four pathways explaining which households are burdened by poor building or air conditioner quality, low income, or household factors.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalOne Earth·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2025

Relax, I'm cool

Researchers at Kyoto University develop thermomajorization theory to unify different distance measures, eliminating ambiguities in previous studies. The approach reveals the Mpemba effect is not restricted to specific temperature ranges, but can emerge across a wide spectrum of thermal conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2025

Illinois study: Extreme heat impacts dairy production, small farms most vulnerable

A new study from the University of Illinois explores how heat stress affects US dairy production, finding a 1% decline in annual milk yield due to high heat and humidity. Small farms are hit harder than large farms, with yields declining by 1.6% annually.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

A dive into erythritol slurry and its potential for waste heat recovery

Researchers from Shinshu University investigated erythritol slurry as a promising heat transfer medium for thermal storage and transport. Their findings could help guide the design of industrial waste heat recovery systems, advancing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.

SourceShinshu University·JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A hot droplet can bounce across a cool pan, too

Researchers discovered that hot and burning droplets can bounce off cool surfaces due to the formation of an invisible air cushion. This phenomenon has potential applications in slowing fire spread and improving engine efficiency.

SourceCell Press·JournalNewton·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

​New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

Researchers have developed a new technology that can turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that exceeds the physical limit of Planck's law. The breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing industries by increasing power generation without high temperature heat sources or expensive materials.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 17, 2025

Turning car and helicopter exhaust into thermoelectric energy

Researchers have developed a compact thermoelectric generator system that efficiently converts exhaust waste heat from high-speed vehicles into electricity. The prototype achieved an output power of 40 Watts, with enhanced efficiency under high airflow conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 11, 2025

Role of barrier films in maintaining the stability of perovskite solar cells

A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSolar Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New insights into acoustic bubbles give boost to future applications

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have found key indicators for assessing chemical activity and temperature of active bubbles generated by ultrasonic waves. The study provides new insights into the relationship between bubble temperature and chemical activity, enabling more precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 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

Revolutionizing heat management with high-performance cerium oxide thermal switches

A research team at Hokkaido University developed novel cerium oxide-based thermal switches, surpassing prior benchmarks with high efficiency and sustainability. The switches feature a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switches, offering broad applications in industries such as electronics cooling and renewable energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2025

Geothermal aquifers offer green potential but quality checks required

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalGeothermics·TypeCase study·DateDec 20, 2024

Plasma heating efficiency in fusion devices boosted by metal screens

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a technique to prevent unwanted waves that siphon off needed energy, increasing the efficiency of fusion reactions. Positioning a metal grate at a slight angle enhances heat put into the plasma and reduces slow modes, leading to more powerful and efficient fusion heating.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateDec 19, 2024
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.

Towards smart cities: Integrating ground source heat pump systems with energy piles

The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

Breakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality

A QUT-led research team developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that converts body heat into power, enabling sustainable energy for wearable electronics. The technology also offers efficient cooling methods for chips, potentially improving smartphone and computer performance.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at UVA confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, providing a breakthrough in understanding thermal conductivity. The validation of Matthiessen's rule paves the way for refining materials that interconnect circuits in advanced computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Thermal circuits: modulation of heat flow by means of electric fields

Researchers at CiQUS developed a new technique to create thermal circuits in certain oxides, enabling localized control of heat flow. By applying electric fields, they reduced thermal conductivity by up to 50% in micrometric regions, paving the way for efficient heat management in microelectronics.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2024
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.

ISS National Lab publication highlights groundbreaking physical science research in space

Researchers on the ISS National Lab have leveraged microgravity to study fundamental physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics. These discoveries hold potential for advances in pharmaceuticals, energy production, materials manufacturing, and more.

SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·JournalGravitational and Space Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

Quantum mechanism identified as a key to accelerating ocean temperatures

Researchers identify a quantum mechanism as key to accelerating ocean temperatures, which current climate models fail to predict. The study proposes a new paradigm that factors in non-thermal energy, suggesting a revised approach to understanding ocean thermal stability and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Physics Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024
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.

Quantum-inspired design boosts efficiency of heat-to-electricity conversion

Rice engineers create a new thermal emitter that achieves efficiencies of over 60% despite practical design constraints, opening possibilities for more sustainable industrial processes and renewable energy growth. The technology could inform the development of grid-scale alternative storage solutions and power space applications.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Nanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Tapping excess heat from a camp stove for charging power #ASA187

Scientists have created a thermoacoustic engine that converts thermal energy into acoustic energy, which can be transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. The device has the potential to generate power ranging from tens to thousands of watts and could be used for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 20, 2024

Thermochemical tech shows promising path for building heat

Thermochemical materials show potential for load flexibility in building heating systems, enabling reduced electrical requirements and load shifting. The technology's performance is significantly impacted by humidity levels, making indoor air a key factor in its integration.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024
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.

How humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’

A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Review of thermal design of SiC power module for motor drive in electrical vehicle application

The paper reviews thermal design of SiC power modules for motor drives in electric vehicles, focusing on optimizing irregular Pinfin structures and collaborative design with DC bus capacitors and motors. Irregular Pinfin arrangements can enhance heat transfer efficiency and reduce pressure drops compared to regular layouts.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 5, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Tiny gold radiators fry bacteria on implants

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology presents a technology that can destroy bacteria on implants using gold nanorods and near-infrared light. The method heats up the gold rods, killing bacteria without damaging surrounding tissue.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

UVA engineering professor secures federal small business grant to improve heat management in advanced microelectronics

Professor Patrick E. Hopkins of UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science has secured a $289,830 Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop a precise tool for measuring heat movement in microchips. The technology will enhance cooling and prevent overheating in next-generation devices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 25, 2024
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.

Thermophotovoltaics demonstrate economic promise

Researchers analyzed a thermophotovoltaic system paired with phase-change materials for energy storage and found slight reductions in costs. The study identified key factors affecting TPV system costs, highlighting the need for future research to improve adoption and efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateOct 24, 2024

Breakthrough toward solving electronics overheating problem

Researchers developed a novel approach to regulate temperature based on gold structure concentration, improving spin wave transfer efficiency. This innovation has promising potential for future applications using spin waves and addresses the persistent issue of heat generation in electronic devices.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalMatter·DateOct 21, 2024

Rewriting the future: New molecules reversibly change with light and heat

Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized aza-diarylethenes that exhibit both photoswitching and thermal switching properties. These new molecules can be used as rewritable recording mediums, written with light or heat, and erased with visible light.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

Older adults appear less emotionally affected by heat

A WSU-led study found that older adults tend to experience more discomfort in high heat, but it doesn't affect their mood as much as younger adults. Emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and moderated by age.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBMC Psychology·DateOct 15, 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.

CityUHK researchers develop next-generation radiative cooling technology

Next-generation passive radiative cooling technology offers an electricity- and refrigerant-free cooling solution, potentially reducing surface temperature by at least 2°C. The innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads, and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateOct 14, 2024

Squid-inspired fabric for temperature-controlled clothing

Researchers developed a heat-adjusting material inspired by squid skin, allowing for user-adjusted warmth and breathability. The fabric is breathable, washable, and can be integrated into flexible clothing, making it suitable for cold weather applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateOct 1, 2024
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.

Cool roofs could have saved lives during London’s hottest summer

A new study estimates that cool roofs could have saved up to 249 lives in London during the 2018 record-setting hot summer. If widely adopted, cool roofs would reduce the city's ambient temperature by about 0.8 degrees C on average.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2024

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

New organic thermoelectric device that can harvest energy at room temperature

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new organic thermoelectric device that can generate power from ambient temperature. The device, composed of copper phthalocyanine and fullerenes, achieved an open-circuit voltage of 384 mV and a short-circuit current density of 1.1 μA/cm².

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Revolutionizing thermoelectric technology: Hourglass-shaped materials achieve a 360% efficiency boost

Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 16, 2024

PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat

Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. This innovative clothing uses soft actuators to trap a layer of air and increase thermal resistance, reducing heat stress and discomfort in high-temperature environments.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024
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.

Revolutionary loop heat pipe transports 10 kW of waste heat — No electricity required

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a loop heat pipe that can transport up to 10 kW of waste heat without electricity, surpassing previous records. This technology has significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the electric vehicle industry where it can reduce the need for electrical power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateAug 1, 2024

Heat exposure can affect hormones

Research highlights the need for further study on the impact of sustained heat exposure on hormone release and action. Heat exposure is associated with decreased fertility, increased risks of pregnancy complications and menopause symptoms, as well as worsened conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeCase study·DateJul 30, 2024

Why do you keep your house so cold? Science says: Ask your parents

A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

How to avoid wasting huge amounts of energy

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a technology that can harness surplus heat from industrial processes to produce drinking water and generate electricity. The technology, called membrane distillation, uses thermal osmosis to separate water from impurities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalDesalination·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024
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.

Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock

Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.

SourceScience Communications·JournalGeothermal Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

Heat-switch device boosts lunar rover longevity in harsh Moon climate

A new heat-switch device developed by Nagoya University's team enhances lunar-roving vehicles' operational lifespan under harsh Moon conditions. The innovative technology reduces power consumption while maintaining efficient daytime cooling performance and nighttime insulation, making it a critical component for future lunar missions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateJun 6, 2024