Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How the body regulates scar tissue growth after heart attacks

Researchers found that a protein called type 5 collagen plays a critical role in regulating the size of scar tissue in the heart. Without it, scarring can lead to increased strain on the remaining heart muscle and higher risks of heart rhythm problems and sudden cardiac death.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·DateJul 3, 2020

How Toxoplasma parasites glide so swiftly (video)

Researchers studied how Toxoplasma parasites move rapidly through tissues using high-resolution imaging and force microscopy. They found that the parasites form specific attachments with collagen fibers, resulting in contractile forces that propel them forward.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 17, 2020

Catch and release: collagen-mediated control of PEDF availability

A study published in PNAS reveals that collagen maturation controls the availability of PEDF, a secreted protein involved in multiple biological functions. Researchers found that PEDF selectively destroys developing vessels by binding to newly synthesized collagen.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A deeper connection to hyaline fibromatosis syndrome

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals the CMG2 protein interacts with collagen VI, regulating its concentration inside cells. In Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome, a mutation prevents CMG2 protein function, leading to collagen VI accumulation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 18, 2020

Stretched beyond the limits

Scientists discovered that collagen produces harmful radicals when stretched, but these are quickly scavenged by nearby aromatic residues. The study suggests that collagen has evolved as a radical sponge to combat damage and may hold promise for improving tissue repair and transplantation in sports medicine.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020

Study shows biocell collagen ingestion reduced signs of UVB-induced photoaging

A new study published in Journal of Functional Foods finds that daily BioCell Collagen ingestion reduces wrinkles, increases skin elasticity, and maintains hyaluronic acid content in humans. The supplement's unique matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid helps combat UVB-induced photoaging.

SourceMWWPR·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateMay 4, 2020

Alport syndrome severity can be predicted by causative protein genotype

A study from Kumamoto University predicts Alport syndrome severity by examining the causative protein genotype, providing a new tool for precision medicine. The researchers developed a system to analyze type IV collagen trimer formation and secretion, which helps identify pathogenic mutations and predict disease severity.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 6, 2020
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.

A tale of shepherds and helices

A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2020

Like patching a flat tire: New fix heals herniated discs

A new two-step technique repairs herniated discs by re-inflating the disc with hyaluronic acid gel and sealing the hole with collagen gel. This method maintains mechanical function and prevents collapse or deterioration, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 11, 2020

Beauty sleep could be real, say body clock biologists

Researchers found that a body clock mechanism boosts collagen production when we're most active, replenishing sacrificial fibrils at night. This discovery sheds light on the extracellular matrix and its role in maintaining body structure, with implications for understanding aging and wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 15, 2020

Team's fabricated corneal tissue allows closer look at how eyes heal

A team of researchers has developed a technique for fabricating tiny strands of collagen called fibrils to facilitate further research on the eye's repair process. The study, funded in part by a $1.8 million NIH grant, aims to improve our understanding of how corneal keratocytes respond to injury and leave scar tissue.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateJan 9, 2020
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.

WSU genetic discovery holds implications for better immunity, longer life

Researchers found that the nervous system controls a worm's skin-like barrier against bacterial infections, challenging traditional views on innate defense. The discovery may have implications for human health and longevity by regulating collagen production, a key protein in maintaining tissue structure.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019

Ancient bone protein reveals which turtles were on the menu in Florida, Caribbean

A study using ancient bone protein analysis identified green turtles as a primary target for human consumption in Florida and the Caribbean thousands of years ago. The technique, collagen fingerprinting, allowed scientists to visualize distinct chemical signatures in collagen that are species-specific.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 4, 2019
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.

How skin cells from foot soles could help relieve amputees of stump injury

Researchers at Imperial College London aim to re-engineer stump skin using the tough properties of foot sole skin to reduce rubbing and pain from prosthetics. They found that thicker collagen fibers and different types of keratin are key factors in protecting sole skin from ulcers and blisters.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2019

Collagen fibers encourage cell streaming through balancing act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that collagen fiber length can affect how cells move collectively, with longer fibers supporting streaming out of colonies and elongating cells. The study suggests that a balance between aggressiveness and cooperation is crucial for cell movement.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateOct 1, 2019

Preserving old bones with modern technology

A team of researchers has developed a method to screen bone samples for collagen using near-infrared spectrometry, reducing the need to destroy valuable remains. This breakthrough could enable scientists to analyze ancient DNA and gain insights into human history.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 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.

Paper trail leads to heart valve discoveries

Researchers create paper-based structures that mimic aortic valves, allowing them to study how calcifying diseases slow or stop hearts from functioning. The device helps understand the chemical transactions in heart disease and may eventually lead to non-invasive medication.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 5, 2019

3D printing the human heart

A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has developed a new technique to 3D bioprint tissue scaffolds out of collagen, allowing them to overcome challenges associated with existing methods and achieve unprecedented resolution and fidelity. The technique, known as Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019
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.

3D printing new parts for our broken hearts

Researchers have developed a new 3D bioprinting technique using rapid changes in pH to create complex collagen-based cardiac structures. The method, called FRESH v2.0, can print tissue architectures up to 10 micrometers resolution and accurately reproduce patient-specific anatomical structures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Researchers survey immune molecules found inside mycetoma lesions

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases investigated the expression levels of two immune proteins, interleukin-17 and matrix metalloprotein-9, in mycetoma grains. The researchers found that these molecules are present in specific zones of the grains and correspond with disease duration and lesion size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 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.

GW pilot study finds collagen to be effective in wound closure

A GW pilot study found topical collagen powder to be as effective as primary closure for punch biopsy wound treatment and possibly superior in early cosmetic outcomes. The study showed that wounds treated with collagen healed at least as well as those treated with primary closure.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Drugs in Dermatology·DateJul 8, 2019

Confining cell-killing treatments to tumors

Researchers develop a technique to confine cytokine treatments to tumors by attaching a collagen-binding protein called lumican. The treatment improves survival rates in mice when combined with immunotherapies, while eliminating toxicity associated with cytokines alone.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 26, 2019

Engineers 3D print flexible mesh for ankle and knee braces

Researchers created a pliable, 3D-printed mesh material that can be tailored to support soft tissues like muscles and tendons. The mesh was successfully tested on human ankles, increasing stiffness during inversion while leaving it unaffected in other directions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 20, 2019

Worm study sparks hope for slowing muscle decline

A recent study published in the FASEB Journal has found that inhibiting various stages of mitochondrial dysfunction can suppress muscle atrophy. Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to model human muscle diseases and showed that experimental drugs could prevent muscle decline caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 7, 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.

Shaking up the sloth family tree

New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019

Collagen fibres grow like a sunflower

Researchers at Universite Paris-sud studied how collagen fibrils form complex tissues. They found that the fibers grow in a unique, parabolic profile, with a constant diameter throughout growth, similar to a sunflower's florets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 13, 2019

New device could help minimize scarring in cosmetic surgery

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new device that can ascertain the orientation of skin tension lines, crucial for wound-healing post-surgery. The device directly measures skin tension direction with high accuracy, making it more reliable than existing methods.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Breast cancer cells rely on pyruvate to expand in new tissues

A new study by Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt and her PhD student Ilaria Elia found that breast cancer cells require pyruvate to reshape the lung environment and create a pro-tumor niche. In contrast, normal bone cells rely on glutamine for this process.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2019

New materials could 'drive wound healing' by harnessing natural healing methods

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new molecule called TrAPs that interact with the body's natural repair systems to drive healing. The technique mimics nature and can be tailored to release specific therapeutic proteins based on cell type, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 7, 2019
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.

Collagen nanofibrils in mammalian tissues get stronger with exercise

Researchers found that collagen fibrils in mammalian tissues become stronger and tougher when repeatedly stretched and relaxed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding tissue mechanics and designing better biocompatible materials for wound healing and tissue growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateDec 13, 2018

Link between autoimmune, heart disease explained in mice

Studies in mice with psoriasis-like conditions found that stiff blood vessel walls trapped cholesterol, promoting plaques and increasing cardiovascular risk. Neutralizing a specific immune cell type reduced collagen density and cholesterol deposits, suggesting a preventable link between autoimmune diseases and heart disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2018

Researchers pinpoint ideal protein to help seniors rebuild lost muscle

A new study from McMaster University reveals that whey protein is the most effective protein source for seniors to rebuild lost muscle, with minimal impact on lean muscle loss. In contrast, collagen peptides showed no benefits in mitigating muscle loss.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 9, 2018
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.

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.

Revealing the remarkable nanostructure of human bone

The study reveals that bone's mineral crystals have a hierarchical structure integrated into the larger-scale skeleton, with 12 levels of hierarchy. The combination of mineral and protein forms continuous networks to provide strength essential for functional bones. This breakthrough builds on previous studies and sheds light on the uni...

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 2018

New cellular insights in bone development

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

Newfound 'organ' had been missed by standard method for visualizing anatomy

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown feature of human anatomy, revealing layers of the body as interconnected, fluid-filled compartments. This discovery has significant implications for understanding organ function, disease progression, and the development of new diagnostic tools.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 27, 2018

News from Molecular & Cellular Proteomics

Researchers studying a rare skin disorder called DEB found that loss of collagen VII affected the cellular microenvironment, leading to abnormal mRNA and protein turnover. Meanwhile, another study used novel proteomics to characterize changes in O-GlcNAc modification sites on proteins involved in T cell activation.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMar 12, 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.

A highly sensitive and multi-analytical system for hereditary kidney disease

Researchers from Kumamoto University have established a highly sensitive system to assess Col4 functionality, enabling the screening of therapeutic drug candidates. The detection system reduces labor and time costs compared to conventional methods, making it possible to analyze multiple compounds simultaneously.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2018

More realistic and accurate organs-on-chips

Researchers created a new type of microfluidic device using collagen-based membranes to mimic the growth of human intestinal cells. The results showed that colon cells grown on the collagen membrane were more viable and differentiated compared to those in other devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 7, 2018
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.

A nanophenomenon that triggers the bone-repair process

Scientists at ICN2 have found that bone's mineral component exhibits flexoelectricity, which triggers the bone repair process. This effect is localized to the tip of microfractures and signals to osteoblasts where damage needs repair.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 19, 2018
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.

Understanding how fish grow their hearts could help humans, professor finds

A University of Guelph professor has identified a protein that enables fish to adjust the size of their hearts in response to changing temperatures. This finding may lead to new insights into preventing or treating cardiac fibrosis, a condition where the heart builds up scar tissue after injury.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 16, 2017

Study reveals ways in which cells feel their surroundings

A new study led by Princeton University researchers finds that cells must move around and change shape to gain a meaningful understanding of their environment. The typical cell's environment is highly varied in stiffness or flexibility, making it difficult for the cell to determine its surroundings through mechanosensing.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2017
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.

Engineers examine chemo-mechanics of heart defect

Scientists discovered that changes in mechanical behavior and gene signaling play a crucial role in the development of heart defects, with LOX-deficient mice exhibiting protection against aneurysms. The research provides new insights into the chemo-mechanics of heart defects and its potential applications for disease prevention.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology·DateJun 28, 2017

Implant infections could be banished thanks to scaffold breakthrough

A team from Ireland developed a collagen scaffold loaded with an antibiotic to prevent bacterial biofilm formation, successfully targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discovery marks a significant step forward in combating implant infections, which can cause long hospitalization periods and additional surgeries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateJun 19, 2017