Today’s Solutions: November 23, 2024

With scientists in need of more data about the warming of our oceans, a US-based nonprofit has come up with a nifty solution: giving data-collecting “smart” surfboard fins to surfers.

Surfboards typically have fins to improve stability. By including sensors into the fins, now it’s possible for surfers to collect a range of data while catching waves, including temperature and location. Part of the reason Smartfins are a powerful tool is that they can collect data in choppy coastal waters where it’s difficult to operate conventional sensors.

“This is enormously beneficial for researchers,” said Bresnahan. “No scientist would be able to do a whole lot with a temperature time series without their locations.”

The team hopes to include pH detectors and optical sensors soon too. While the Smartfins are providing extremely valuable information for ocean scientists, the Smartfin project still relies on donations, which means it’s not looking to become a mass-market product anytime soon, project creator Andy Stern told Science Magazine. Yet the desire to help protect a much-loved resource is motivating surfers to get involved in data collection.

“If doing what I love and being where I love to be can contribute toward scientific research with the ultimate goal of ocean conservation, then I’m stoked to be doing it,” says David Walden, Smartfin project participant.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

6 ways to take back your motivation

Uncertainty about the future, being distant from friends, challenges with mental and physical health, and constantly staying in the same environment have all been ...

Read More

Three types of plants that will thrive in your kitchen

There’s nothing like a little indoor greenery to brighten up your home, especially if you live in an apartment where there’s no space for ...

Read More

5 Surprising myths about vitamin D

In the article we wrote about the telltale signs that your body needs more vitamin D, we pointed out that around 42 percent of ...

Read More

An “exercise pill” could be in our reach

Exercise is necessary for maintaining physical and mental health, and improving our quality and length of life. But for people who find it difficult ...

Read More