Add BrightSurf on Google Email

First real-time observation of the chaos within 3D liquid crystals

Researchers created a 3D nematic system using bacteriophage virus particles and microtubules to study the motion of defects in real-time. They found excitations in 3D nematics were primarily disclination lines and loops that can nucleate, shrink, open and merge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

How a magnet could help boost understanding of superconductivity

Physicists at Rutgers University have discovered that applying a magnetic field can create a 'quantum critical point' in certain materials, leading to infinite quantum fluctuations and the formation of superconductors. This finding provides important clues for developing room temperature superconductors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateMar 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.

Illinois study shows universally positive effect of cover crops on soil microbiome

A new global analysis shows cover crops universally improve soil microbiome health, increasing microbial abundance, activity, and diversity. Factors such as climate, termination method, and tillage regime also impact the benefits of cover cropping on soil microbes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateFeb 27, 2020

Dolphins gather in female family groups

A new study shows that female dolphins in southern Australia form social clusters with mothers' groups, while maintaining loose bonds with same-sex individuals. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine sanctuaries and regulate aquaculture and fishing practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 10, 2020

New research confirms lingering mood benefit of psychedelics

A recent Yale study found that people who recently used psychedelics report sustained improvements in mood and feelings of social connectedness. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 festival attendees, confirms previous laboratory research indicating psychedelic substances enhance mental well-being.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biodiverse forests better at storing carbon for long periods, says study

A new study found that diverse natural forests with multiple tree species are more reliable and stable at absorbing and storing carbon than plantations dominated by just a few tree species. Natural forests showed higher stability of carbon capture across years, particularly in dry conditions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 6, 2020

Little reason for moral panicking after #MeToo

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that most people agree on what is considered acceptable behavior at work, but emphasizes the importance of clarifying boundaries and addressing stereotypical thinking to effectively reduce sexual harassment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateDec 18, 2019
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.

Love, lies and money: Study introduces, defines and measures financial infidelity

Researchers introduce the concept of financial infidelity, defined as engaging in a financial behavior expected to elicit disapproval and intentionally failing to disclose it. The study's findings reveal that consumers prone to financial infidelity exhibit stronger preferences for secretive purchase options and concealing their actions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 3, 2019

Cybershoppers make better buying decisions on PCs than phones -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that consumers make more accurate purchasing decisions using desktop computers compared to smartphones. The researchers discovered that mobile-friendly websites reduce information output and require more searching, whereas PC-based sites provide a clearer shopping experience.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateNov 21, 2019

Smart buildings face challenges but have plenty of potential

Researchers identified 120 publications on occupant-centric control (OCC), but only 42 studies included field implementation. OCC's reliance on data raises technological and privacy issues, including secure data storage and whole-building approaches.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 20, 2019

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019
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 to make online recommendations work better

A new study in the Journal of Marketing finds that user-based framing outperforms item-based framing in online recommendations, providing customers with a sense of taste matching beyond product attributes. This approach increases click-through rates and can be adapted at little cost to maximize return on recommender systems.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 2, 2019

Controversial insecticides shown to threaten survival of wild birds

New research at the University of Saskatchewan reveals that neonicotinoid pesticides can cause weight loss and delayed migration in wild birds, threatening their survival. Birds exposed to these insecticides suffered significant negative consequences, including appetite suppression and longer stopover times.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2019

'Planting water' is possible -- against aridity and droughts

A mathematical model, EcH2o-iso, was developed to reflect the complex interplay between vegetation, soil, and water regimes. The model shows that certain types of vegetation can increase evaporation or promote groundwater recharge.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalHydrological Processes·DateSep 11, 2019
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.

UTA study shows how consumers rely on price to determine quality of products

A UTA study finds that consumers rely on price to judge product quality when local identity is important, suggesting marketers can use this understanding to shape price perceptions. The study also recommends using local flavors and ingredients in products for rural areas where local identity is strong.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 5, 2019

A new way to measure how water moves

Researchers developed a new method to measure pore structure and water flow in soil, providing more accurate estimates of contaminant movement. This approach has implications for efficient resource use and understanding environmental toxins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 29, 2019

Patient charges mean young people visit doctor less

A study published in the European Journal of Health Economics found that young adults in Sweden reduce their primary care visits by 7% when they turn 20 and start paying SEK 100 for each visit. Women from low-income groups are most affected, with a 14% decrease in visits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Studying animal cognition in the wild

Observational fieldwork provides valuable insights into evolutionary function, conditions for cognitive skill employment, and brain plasticity. Janmaat's five-step guideline guides scholars in studying cognition in wild animals through a suite of behaviours and statistical models.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateAug 20, 2019

App allows inspectors to find gas pump skimmers faster

Researchers developed an app called Bluetana that uses Bluetooth signature detection to identify gas pump skimmers. It has been shown to discover more skimmers and have a lower false positive rate than existing apps, allowing inspectors to quickly locate the devices without manual inspections.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 14, 2019

CSU team uncovers potential for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Colorado livestock

A team at Colorado State University discovered that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, a primary vector for West Nile virus, can transmit Rift Valley fever virus to livestock and humans in Colorado. The researchers found that these mosquitoes feed on both humans and livestock, making them a significant threat for potential outbreak.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateAug 12, 2019

To get customers to buy more in the future, help them buy a gift

A study found that customers who buy gifts for others spend 63% more in the year following the purchase, increasing their frequency and cross-buying. Gift design characteristics like assistance during the gift process and branded wrapping can enhance the effect.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 30, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study: Sizzling Southwest summers can cause pavement burns in seconds

Researchers found that pavement burns account for a significant number of burn-related injuries, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Temperatures above 95 degrees significantly increase the risk of pavement burns, with the risk increasing exponentially as temperatures exceed 105 degrees.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateJul 26, 2019

Buying local? Higher price means higher quality in consumers' minds

Research from Indiana University Kelley School of Business suggests that marketers can use local identity to shape consumers' price perceptions and behavior. Local products are often preferred over national brands due to perceived quality, while global brands may be favored in low-price categories.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 23, 2019

Moral concerns override desire to profit from finding a lost wallet

A global experiment involving 40 countries found that citizens were more likely to report lost wallets with money than without, with a significant increase in returns for larger sums. The study suggests that people prioritize honesty over personal gain, even when no one is watching.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2019

The hidden secrets of creating a viral YouTube ad

Researchers found that creating a viral YouTube ad requires arousing strong emotion through captivating plots, surprising endings, and authentic characters. Ads placed at the end of the video and between 1.2 to 1.7 minutes in length are also more likely to be shared.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 7, 2019
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.

People recycle more when they know what recyclable waste becomes

Researchers from Penn State University and Boston College found that promoting recyclable waste transformation increases recycling rates. Consumers who saw product transformation messages recycled up to 87.7% of their waste, compared to 19% for those without such messages.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 16, 2019

Study shows birds use social cues to make decisions

Researchers found that Zebra Finches preferentially visit nests with large broods, based on chick calls, and not visual cues. This study provides the first evidence that wild birds can use calls from chicks as a social signal to infer breeding success.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateMay 2, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Butterfly numbers down by two-thirds

Research team discovers significant decline in butterfly species near intensively cultivated fields, with fewer than half the number of species found in nature preserves. The study emphasizes the urgent need for ecologically sustainable cultivation methods to mitigate this impact.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 20, 2019

Batmobile with cruise control

Scientists at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research investigate energy requirements and travel speeds of migrating Nathusius' bats. Bats are found to travel at the speed where their range reaches a maximum, enabling them to cover long distances with minimal energy expenditure.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Studying species interactions using remote camera traps

Researchers developed a framework to detect species interactions using camera trap data, highlighting the need for standardized data collection and collaboration. The study found that many records are needed to produce trustworthy results, but standardization can achieve this by combining datasets from multiple studies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateFeb 22, 2019
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.

Believing in yourself can backfire when investing in equity crowdfunded ventures

A new study from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that amateur investors with high self-efficacy are prone to crowd bias and herding behaviors, leading to poorer investment decisions. The researchers suggest that online training courses could help mitigate these risks and improve the equity crowdfunding landscape.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateFeb 21, 2019
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.

Anemones are friends to fish

A study by University of Delaware researchers reveals that larger-bodied fish, like juveniles, associate with anemones for protection, while smaller species partner with them throughout their lives. This mutualistic relationship is driven by predation and helps fish avoid predators in ocean reefs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 29, 2019
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.

Mammal-like milk provisioning and parental care discovered in jumping spider

A recent study reveals that a species of jumping spider provides milk to its offspring, similar to mammalian lactation. The researchers observed that the mother continued to care for her young even after they could forage for themselves, resulting in a high adult survival rate and normal body size.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

Sex in a world of fear: Scared rodents produce more offspring

A team of biologists found that rodent mothers produce litters with about fifty percent more pups when exposed to chemicals from frightened males. This study bridges the proximate and ultimate explanations of small mammal behavioral responses, showing how fear drives reproductive compensation in response to predation.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2018

Hungry ticks work harder to find you

Researchers found that starving ticks have higher activity levels and increased questing behavior to find a meal. Their metabolism speeds up by 100% after three months without food, preparing them for an imminent meal.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

European workers fail to maintain water balance

A study by the Pan-European Heat-Shield project found that 7 out of 10 European workers suffer from dehydration due to failure to maintain water balance, negatively impacting cognitive function and motor performance. This threatens both safety and productivity in various occupations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2018

Journalism study evaluates emotions on the job

A QUT research study reveals that female journalists report more emotional investment and management strategies compared to their male counterparts. Visual journalists often suppress or enhance their emotional displays while dealing with editorial decisions, and only a few participants have access to formal support.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournalism·DateOct 22, 2018

Illinois study pioneers humane feline research facility

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a unique study environment for cats to advance science and test an injectable contraceptive vaccine. The hybrid facility, dual-licensed as a USDA research facility and animal shelter, provided enriching conditions with furniture, toys, and outdoor enclosure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateAug 21, 2018
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.

Microscale superlubricity could pave way for future improved electromechanical devices

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Tsinghua University have discovered microscale superlubricity, achieving ultra-low friction and wear between dissimilar materials under high loads. This breakthrough has enormous implications for computer hard discs and ball bearings, leading to potential energy savings and wear prevention.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 1, 2018

Kissing bugs kiss their hiding spots goodbye, thanks to tiny radio transmitters

Researchers successfully attached miniature radio transmitters to kissing bugs in Texas, tracking their movements and revealing average distance traveled of 12.5 feet. The study opens the door for more in-depth studies into kissing bugs' movements and potential impact on Chagas disease.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 9, 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.

How 'eavesdropping' African herbivores respond to each other's alarm calls

A new study reveals that African savanna herbivores can extract useful information from alarm calls of other species, particularly those with similar predators. The research found that herbivores respond strongly to alarm calls from vulnerable species, but also exhibit an independent effect of acoustic similarity.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJul 4, 2018