Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study of behavior-related digital dieting apps finds different effects of persuasion-related features

A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Information Management·DateAug 18, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smartphones, online music streaming, and traffic fatalities

A cross-sectional study in US traffic fatalities found a significant association between major music album releases and increased traffic fatalities, potentially attributed to distracted driving. The study suggests that online music streaming through smartphones may contribute to this risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 17, 2026

Taking screenshots makes you more likely to forget information

Researchers at Binghamton University found that taking screenshots can degrade memory of information, contrary to the assumption that photos aid recall. They suggest attentional disengagement and cognitive offloading as possible mechanisms behind digital amnesia.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalMemory & Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Screen use and children’s language development from ages 5 to 7 years

A cohort study found that excessive parental smartphone use is associated with slower language development in children, while digital device ownership is linked to lower concurrent language performance. The study highlights the importance of considering screen use in the broader family context when evaluating children's language develo...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 17, 2026

Can your smartphone help predict the next storm?

Research shows that pressure measurements from smartphones can enhance hailstorm forecasts, outperforming traditional weather stations in some cases. The study aims to integrate smartphone data into forecast models for better early warnings and local-scale hazard capture.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 13, 2026
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.

Social media have only partially democratized climate communication

A systematic review reveals that social media has only partially fulfilled its promise to democratize climate change communication. Established actors continue to shape the discussion, while climate-change skeptics gain visibility. This undermines public debate on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2026

1 in 4 teens report using mobile food delivery at school

A national survey of over 1,000 U.S. adolescents found that nearly one-quarter of teens used mobile food delivery services during school hours, with fast foods and sugary beverages being popular options. Researchers raise concerns about the impact on learning environments and healthy nutrition for students.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJul 27, 2026
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.

The digital therapy helping dementia carers

A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2026
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.

Aperture-tuning antenna keeps 5G signals strong across wider frequencies

Researchers developed a compact aperture-adjustable antenna that maintains strong performance across the 57–71 GHz 5G band and improves signal strength by up to 62.2% at both lower and upper-band-edge frequencies. The system achieves data transmission speeds of up to 56 Gb/s, supporting future Beyond 5G and 6G applications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Smartphone apps, wearable trackers helped people with heart disease boost physical activity

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 17, 2026

'Cool Routes' navigator cuts heat exposure on walking trips

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed an online tool called Cool Routes that uses real-time weather forecasts and shade data to find the coolest paths for walkers. The tool has been shown to reduce heat exposure by up to 4.5 degrees, making hot-weather walking less of an ordeal.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

From Verizon to Apple, a hidden texting flaw has finally been patched

A major security vulnerability was discovered, allowing attackers to fake their identity in smartphone text conversations by exploiting the difference between email and text message formats. The issue was patched in Android and Apple smartphones as well as all major wireless carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026
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.

Lifestyle, not age, predicts smart home success for older adults

A recent study reveals that an individual's readiness to adopt smart technology is deeply tied to their specific experience within their home and community. Researchers identified specific clusters within the older population, ranging from tech-ready urbanites to those in more traditional or isolated residential settings.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Aging·TypeSurvey·DateMay 6, 2026

Adaptive mobile health intervention to reduce excess gestational weight gain

A cluster-randomized trial found that an adaptive mobile health intervention effectively reduced the rate of gestational weight gain and total gestational weight gain among pregnant patients with overweight or obesity. The study suggests that technology-based interventions can be a valuable tool in managing excess weight during pregnancy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 20, 2026
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.

Study: People using mobile app breathalyzers changed their drinking behavior

A study found that repeated use of low-cost mobile breathalyzers led to changes in drinking behavior, with heavy drinkers reducing blood-alcohol concentrations. The device's introduction allowed individuals to track their intoxication levels in real-time, enhancing self-awareness and leading to improved decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

FAU study: how unsupervised screen time harms vulnerable preschoolers

A new study from Florida Atlantic University finds that unsupervised screen time during early childhood increases the likelihood of socioemotional difficulties. Preschool- and kindergarten-aged children who spent at least 10-30 minutes alone with devices daily were more likely to experience adjustment problems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 6, 2026
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.

Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic

A new systematic review found that screen time use among children and adolescents has dramatically risen over the past three decades, with a clear increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 60 peer-reviewed studies and found that older children and adolescents reported higher screen time than young...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 2026

Smartphone app can help men last longer in bed

A new smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve sex life and delay ejaculation in men with premature ejaculation. The app, developed by urologists and psychologists, teaches men therapeutic techniques and exercises to manage arousal and control ejaculation.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2026
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.

Predicting brain health with a smartwatch

A UNIGE study shows that connected devices can gather valuable data to help prevent neurological and mental disorders. The study found that AI-analysed data from smartwatch and smartphone data can accurately predict emotional and cognitive fluctuations, with error rates ranging from 5-20%.

SourceUniversité de Genève·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 10, 2026

Study finds teens spend nearly one-third of the school day on smartphones, with frequent checking linked to poorer attention

A new study found that middle and high school students spend nearly one-third of the school day on their smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control. The study also found that students who checked their phones more frequently showed poorer cognitive control, a key skill for learning and academic s...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA·DateMar 9, 2026
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.

Students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate with short-form video; sleep suffers, but not grades, study finds

A study found that college students with lower self-control and habitual use of short-form videos experience poorer sleep health and higher stress, but not diminished academic performance. Researchers suggest that institutions of higher learning and society can help by providing holistic mental health and student health outreach services.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026

Ensuring smartphones have not been tampered with

Researchers created a database of smartphone signal fingerprints to confirm devices have not been altered. The method uses electromagnetic waves emitted by smartphones and compares them to a trusted database, identifying deviations that indicate tampering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 24, 2026

Demonstration of massive connectivity for the 6G era

Researchers at NICT successfully demonstrated simultaneous communications with 10 devices using a hybrid signal processing method combining quantum annealing and classical computing. This breakthrough addresses the massive connectivity requirements of 6G networks, enabling real-time detection for up to 60,000 possible signal combinations.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

Tech companies need to unite and make device security easier for users

Researchers say tech companies need to adopt user-centered approaches to create authentication systems that are secure by design. They call for more inclusive and consistent methods, avoiding one-size-fits-all models that burden users with complex security rules.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalComputers & Security·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 10, 2026

Porto Summit drives critical cooperation on submarine cable resilience

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has reaffirmed the need for critical cooperation on submarine cable resilience, with a focus on shortening repair times and supporting underserved regions. The Porto Summit Declaration and recommendations aim to bolster international cooperation across governments and industries.

SourceInternational Telecommunication Union·DateFeb 3, 2026
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.

Tracker to help manage Long COVID energy levels created by researchers

A team of researchers at Lancaster University has created a digital platform called 'Pace Me' to help people with Long COVID manage their energy levels. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the intervention was safe and well-received, but did not outperform standard care in reducing symptoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2026

Digital media breaks can improve well-being

A new study finds that short-term digital disconnection improves well-being, with participants reporting more positive effects and feeling more energetic. However, these changes are relatively small and tend to dissipate after two to three hours.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCommunication Research·DateJan 20, 2026

The sky is full of secrets: Glaring vulnerabilities discovered in satellite communications

Researchers found that nearly half of geostationary satellite communications are not encrypted, putting sensitive data such as cellular texts, voice calls, and military information at risk. The study led to immediate action from companies like T-Mobile, Walmart, and KPU Telecom, which enabled encryption in response to the findings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2026

WhatsApp data show: We often deceive ourselves

A study by Bielefeld University used anonymized WhatsApp metadata to show that personalized feedback can help people understand their communication habits. Many participants adjusted their views on response speed and chat participation after seeing data-based visualizations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026
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.

Mobile technology revolutionizes the diagnosis of sleep apnea after a stroke

A new smartphone-based system can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in stroke patients, identifying 67% of those with moderate to severe apnea. The portable tool uses sensors and digital biomarkers to monitor breathing, oxygenation, and body position during the night.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Study: Teens use cellphones for an hour a day at school

A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that US adolescents spend more than an hour per day using their cellphones during school hours. Social media apps account for the largest share of use. The study's lead author notes that objective smartphone data provides a clearer picture of actual use.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Smartphone use during school hours by US youth

This study found that US youth spent more than an hour using smartphones during school hours, primarily for social media use. Objective findings from a large sample confirm previous self-report studies, highlighting the need for responsible smartphone use among adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 5, 2026

Price of a bot army revealed across hundreds of online platforms worldwide – from TikTok to Amazon

A new analysis using COTSI data reveals that verifying fake accounts for use in the US and UK is almost as cheap as in Russia, while Japan and Australia have high prices due to SIM costs and photo ID rules. The average price of SMS verification for an online platform was $0.26 in the US and $0.10 in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025
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.

Controlled laboratory study finds no evidence of stress or brain activity changes related to 5G exposure

Researchers conducted two triple-blind human studies using real 5G signals in the 26 GHz band, finding no measurable biological effects on stress responses or brain electrical activity. Cortisol and alpha-amylase levels remained stable across all sampling points, indicating no acute biological changes related to stress.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 10, 2025

Using smartphones to improve disaster search and rescue

Researchers use smartphone microphones to detect sound waves that can penetrate through rubble, helping locate trapped victims. The method achieved an error of 5.04 degrees away from the hypothetical victim in a field test on a disaster training site.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2025

Space shuttle lessons: Backtracks can create breakthroughs

A study by Francisco Polidoro Jr. found that NASA's space shuttle design process used a meandering knowledge-building approach, combining oscillation and accumulation to create breakthroughs. This process can be applied to other fields, such as pharmaceuticals, where temporary setbacks can lead to new discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalResearch Policy·DateDec 4, 2025

First Nations Australians twice as likely to be digitally excluded: report

The Mapping the Digital Gap report found that three in four First Nations people living in remote communities are digitally excluded, facing barriers to accessing and using online services. Despite an 8.7 point improvement in digital ability for First Nations people in very remote communities, the gap remains significant.

SourceRMIT University·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2025

Smartphone sharing demands a new approach to cybersecurity

A study by Griffith University researchers reveals that smartphone sharing is a growing issue, with 20% of identity theft perpetrators being current or former intimate partners. The study argues that one-user/one-device threat models are inadequate for addressing interpersonal cybersecurity risks.

SourceGriffith University·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 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.

Texts as effective as live video for depression therapy

A new study suggests that message-based psychotherapy is as effective as live video therapy for treating depression. The research found that patients improved at similar rates regardless of the format used.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2025