A recent study published in Current Biology suggests that surfers using illuminated boards may be safer from shark attacks than those without lighting. Conducted by biologist Laura Ryan from Macquarie University, the research indicates that underwater lights distort the silhouette of surfboards, making them less appealing to sharks, which often mistake them for prey like seals. Experiments in South Africa’s Mossel Bay, a known shark habitat, showed that brighter lights were more effective in repelling sharks. Ryan plans to develop prototypes for surfboards and kayaks to enhance their safety.