Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Experiencing record-breaking heat days affects perception of weather trends

A new study finds that experiencing record-breaking heat days increases perceptions that the weather is getting hotter, but has little effect on beliefs in climate change. Record-heat days can drive changes in the general perception that the weather is worsening, regardless of season or media coverage.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2023

Stuck to the subway: less privileged people have fewer possibilities to adapt their mobility behaviour to heat

A new study by PIK researchers reveals that less privileged people in NYC face limitations in adapting their mobility behavior to heat, leading to increased health risks. The analysis of mobility data from 438 NYC subway stations shows that those already at higher risk have the fewest options to adjust their behavior.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 9, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hot weather hits productivity – even in air-conditioned factories

A study by the University of Exeter found that hot weather reduces workers' productivity even in climate-controlled factories. Productivity dropped by 0.83% for every 1°C increase in outdoor temperature, resulting in a worker producing 22.6 to 33.4 fewer wafers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateOct 4, 2023

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Researchers monitor thermal runaway of lithium-ion cells using optical fibers

A team of researchers has created an optical fiber sensor that can detect thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, providing early warning and improving safety. The sensor measures internal temperature and pressure during the thermal runaway process, enabling battery safety assessment and warning.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2023

Elevated temperatures and climate change may contribute to rising drug and alcohol disorders

Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Heat extremes in the soil are underestimated

Research finds soil heat extremes are underestimated and intensifying climate change effects, with a stronger trend in the soil than in the air. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in these extreme temperatures, particularly in forests where trees can reduce evaporation losses.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2023

Mussels able to adjust heart rate to cope with marine heatwaves

A new study found that mussels can adjust their heart rate and clearance rate in response to elevated temperatures, showing they can persist and recover from marine heatwaves. This ability may help maintain normal functioning of the circulatory system and benefit other organisms in coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMarine Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Scientists call for a tree planting drive to help tackle heatwaves

Researchers from the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research found that nature-based locations can cool urban areas by up to 3°C during heatwaves. The team recommends planting trees in public spaces, especially around schools, to help tackle the urban heat island effect.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 18, 2023
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.

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.

Some like it hot

Researchers from Kyoto University have demonstrated the thermal quantum Mpemba effect in a wide range of initial conditions, where hotter quantum systems cool faster than initially colder ones. The team used a quantum dot connected to a heat bath and observed anomalous thermal relaxation at later times.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 29, 2023

Enhanced chemical weathering: A solution to the climate crisis?

Researchers discovered that blending crushed rock with arable soil could help reduce global temperatures. The process, known as enhanced chemical weathering, works by releasing calcium and magnesium from rocks, which bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and prevent its release back into the atmosphere.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 29, 2023

‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b

Researchers have confirmed the presence of chromium hydride in the atmosphere of hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-31b using high-resolution spectral observations. This detection opens the possibility of using chromium hydride as a 'thermometer' to determine the temperature and other characteristics of exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more deadly

Research reveals that heatwaves like the 2003 European heatwave could become the new norm, with increased mortality risks, especially for the elderly and poor. Ideal temperature ranges vary by location, and climate models predict a significant increase in heat-related deaths in coming years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Insights from past warming: Enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene

A study found an enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene, with a nationally averaged enhancement of 2.44°C or 9% for the multimodel mean. The change was closely related to seasonal contrast variation of surface energy fluxes, mainly due to net shortwave radiation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 25, 2023

New test chamber created to find better ways to keep people cool

Researchers at Washington State University developed a 60 square-foot solar-powered test chamber to evaluate passive cooling systems. The chamber can simulate extreme conditions and is expected to reduce energy demand for mechanical air conditioning, which contributes to global warming.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnergies·DateAug 22, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Extreme heat may hasten cognitive decline in vulnerable populations

A new study found that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can worsen cognitive health, particularly among Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,500 U.S. adults ages 52 and older, finding a link between high heat exposure and faster cognitive decline in these groups.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 15, 2023

When electrons slowly vanish during cooling

In certain metals, phase transitions occur gradually due to exotic laws of quantum mechanics, allowing new insights into the quantum world. Researchers at the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich have directly observed this effect, enabling a better understanding of critical slowing down in fermions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory restores cold sensation in amputees’ phantom limbs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory developed a wearable thin-film thermoelectric cooler that enables amputees to perceive temperature sensations in their phantom limbs. The technology has practical applications for improved prostheses, haptics, and pain management.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2023

New research method determines health impacts of heat and air quality

A new research method has determined the health impacts of heat and air quality, finding that even moderate temperature increases can lead to increased hospital visits and death for vulnerable populations. The study aims to help municipalities make informed decisions about climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 27, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Unveiling synchronization preferences of quantum thermal machines

The study reveals that quantum thermal machines exhibit distinct synchronization behavior, with cooperation and competition emerging among different components. The researchers found that cooperation manifests in harmony-like synchrony, while competition thrives in chaotic conditions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 17, 2023
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.

CityU awarded invention: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

A research team at CityU developed a multifunctional composite polymer coating with both radiative and non-radiative cooling capacity, enhancing heat dissipation in wearable electronics. The cooling interface achieved temperature drops of over 56°C, improving the performance of skin electronic devices.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Unveiling the secrets of liquid iron under extreme conditions

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have made a breakthrough in measuring liquid iron's resistivity under extreme conditions. They achieved this using new techniques involving diamond anvil cells and powerful lasers, allowing for measurements at pressures up to 135 GPa and temperatures over 6680 K.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Discovery of white dwarf pulsar sheds light on star evolution

Scientists have discovered a rare type of white dwarf pulsar, shedding light on stellar evolution and the origin of strong magnetic fields. The newly detected pulsar, J1912-4410, has a size similar to Earth but a mass at least as large as the Sun.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 15, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Preserving forests to protect deep soil from warming

A decade-long study reveals that warmer temperatures lead to significant loss of organic compounds in deep forest soils, affecting carbon sequestration. This finding has implications for natural carbon sinks and soil management practices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Octopuses rewire their brains to adapt to seasonal temperature shifts

Researchers found that two-spot octopuses produce different neural proteins under warm versus cool conditions by editing their RNA. This rewiring likely protects their brains and may be used widely amongst octopuses and squid. Temperature-sensitive RNA editing occurs rapidly, with significant changes occurring within days.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

Masters of acclimation: Octopuses adjust to cold by editing their RNA

Researchers have discovered that octopuses and cephalopods use RNA editing to rapidly respond to environmental temperature changes. By tweaking their protein function, these animals can acclimate to cold water, but not rapid changes. The study reveals a unique mechanism of genetic adaptation in these species.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023
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.

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.

UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team delves into a heated debate about humidity

A UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team highlights a dispute between physiologists and epidemiologists about the role of humidity in heat stress. The authors argue that humid conditions exacerbate heat-related illnesses, particularly in tropical nations, and call for more accurate models to predict future health impacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 31, 2023

A detailed map of Urban Heat Islands

The study provides a detailed map of Urban Heat Islands in Turin, Italy, identifying the population's risk and vulnerable areas. The researchers used an interdisciplinary approach to assess the heat-health nexus, considering factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, health conditions, and environmental context.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalUrban Climate·DateMay 26, 2023

Increasing heat likely a major factor in human migration

A recent study found that high temperatures are a significant factor in human migration, causing heat-related illnesses and death. The research also highlights the vulnerability of marginalized communities to temperature extremes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 24, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Strategic city planning can help reduce urban heat island effect

Researchers found that tree coverage and high-albedo pavement significantly reduced mean radiant temperatures, improving thermal comfort levels in urban areas. The study suggests incorporating trees and pavement design elements into city planning to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

SourcePenn State·JournalBuildings·DateMay 23, 2023

Temperature of solar flares helps understand nature of solar plasma

Researchers used simulations to analyze the Lyman Continuum spectrum in dozens of simulated solar flares, confirming its connection to plasma temperature. The study found that analysis of this spectrum can be used for diagnosis of the solar plasma during solar storms.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 16, 2023
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.

Study finds carrying pollen heats up bumble bees, raises new climate change questions

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that carrying pollen increases the body temperature of bumble bees, potentially putting them at risk due to rising environmental temperatures. The research has significant implications for bumble bee populations and ecosystems, particularly in areas experiencing climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023

The impact of thermal drawdown-induced alterations in rock thermal properties on heat recovery

A team of researchers from Peking University found that temperature-dependent rock thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity affect the long-term thermal performance of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The study showed that increased thermal conductivity improves thermal conduction, while decreased specific heat capacity impair...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Pollen production could impact climate change by helping clouds form

Researchers found that ragweed and ryegrass emit more subpollen particles than previously thought, which can boost cloud formation and contribute to climate change. Whole pollen grains also facilitate cloud growth, but SPPs are poor ice-nucleating sites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2023

Galactic bubbles are more complex than imagined, researchers say

Researchers at Ohio State University found that the shells of galactic bubbles are more complex than previously thought, with unexpected temperature and chemical properties. The study suggests that these bubbles were formed by intense star-formation activity rather than supermassive black hole activity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 8, 2023
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.

Solving computationally complex problems with probabilistic computing

Researchers demonstrate probabilistic computing's capabilities by simulating networks of stochastic nanodevices to solve specific NP problems. The simulations agree with theoretical solutions, indicating the potential for scaling up this approach.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 28, 2023

Humidity may increase heat risk in urban climates

A new study led by Yale University scientists found that urban humid heat increases the risk of heat stress in urban climates. In the Global South, this effect can lead to two to six extra dangerous heat-stress days per summer.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2023
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.