Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Obesity drug has no effect on baby birthweights, study finds

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that treating obese pregnant women with the diabetes drug metformin does not reduce their babies' birth weights. Despite this, the treatment did help lower blood sugar levels in mothers-to-be and markers linked to pre-eclampsia and premature births.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rare neurons enable mental flexibility

Researchers at OIST have confirmed that specific cholinergic interneurons play a key role in maintaining behavioral flexibility by inhibiting old rules and encouraging exploration. Rats with damaged neurons had difficulty adapting to rule changes, highlighting the importance of these neurons in decision-making.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 23, 2015
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.

Hormone that differentiates sugar, diet sweeteners could exist in humans

A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 11, 2015

Rubber is produced using renewable raw materials

Biosyncaucho produces an alternative compound using renewable resources, addressing the shortage of 1,3-butadiene and its associated environmental impact. The technology has the potential to provide economically viable and greener alternatives for various industries.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateMay 21, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Food industry achieved only baby steps to improve nutritional quality of foods advertised to kids

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the food industry's self-regulation program has achieved little improvement in the nutritional quality of foods advertised to children. Despite promises to promote healthier options, most advertised products still fall into the poorest nutritional category.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 8, 2015

Penn researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces

Penn researchers have developed a novel model of artificial membranes with programmable surfaces, allowing for precise control over glycan structures. This breakthrough enables the study of membrane-sugar-protein interactions, which are crucial for understanding diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2015

Blood markers could help predict outcome of infant heart surgery

Researchers analyzed metabolites in the blood of children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart disease and found a link between certain molecules and clinical outcome. The presence of ketone bodies correlated with better outcomes, while other metabolites such as citrate, lactate, and alanine were associated with poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMay 6, 2015
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.

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2015

Joslin research finds gastric band and weight management therapies offer similar benefits

A clinical trial by Joslin Diabetes Center found that adjustable gastric band surgery and intensive group-based medical diabetes and weight management program achieved similar improvements in controlling blood sugar levels after one year. Participants experienced significant weight loss and better quality of life with both approaches.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2015

Sugary drinks boost risk factors for heart disease, study shows

A recent study found that sugary drinks increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young, healthy adults. The research demonstrated a direct correlation between the amount of added sugar consumed and increased risk factors, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Methane monitoring method reveals high levels in Pennsylvania stream

Researchers at Penn State and USGS use a new stream-based monitoring system to detect high levels of methane in Sugar Run stream, consistent with what would be found in shale gas. The findings show that stream monitoring is an effective method for assessing the environmental impact of extracting natural gas using fracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 31, 2015

Healthy diet reduces risk of cardiovascular disease by a third in over-40s

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that healthy middle-aged and older adults can reduce their risk of heart disease by adapting to current UK dietary guidelines. The trial revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 18, 2015
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.

Sweet nanoparticles target stroke

Scientists have discovered a combination of fullerene derivatives and glucosamine that reduces cell damage and inflammation after a stroke. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for cerebrovascular accidents.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateMar 12, 2015

Discovery demystifies origin of life phenomenon

Tianbo Liu finds that molecules with electrical charge self-recognize left-handed and right-handed pairs to form large assemblies, simplifying the mystery of homochirality. This discovery emphasizes nature's simplicity in creating life.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2015

CT scanning shows why tilting trees produce better biofuel

A team of researchers used micro-CT scans to explore why making willow trees grow at an angle can vastly improve their biofuel yields. Tilted willows respond by producing a sugar-rich, gelatinous fibre that helps them stay upright.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateMar 11, 2015
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.

Biofuel proteomics

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute used proteomics to analyze switchgrass, a promising fuel crop candidate, and identified 1,750 unique proteins. This study demonstrates the potential of proteomics in optimizing biofuel production from switchgrass.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPROTEOMICS·DateMar 9, 2015

Metabolic path to improved biofuel production

Researchers introduced new metabolic pathways into yeast to efficiently ferment xylose and hemicellulose from plant cell walls. This allows for biofuel production without harsh pre-treatments or expensive enzymes, overcoming existing bottlenecks in fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 4, 2015

Step change for screening could boost biofuels

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateMar 3, 2015
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.

Novel pretreatment could cut biofuel costs by 30 percent or more

A new pretreatment process called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) reduces the need for enzymes in biofuel production by up to 90%, cutting costs by 30% or more. This technology also extracts up to 90% of lignin from biomass, paving the way for additional high-value chemicals and fuels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChemSusChem·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Hydrogel baits offer novel way to manage invasive ants

Researchers found that hydrogels saturated with thiamethoxam dissolved in sugar water reduced the Argentine ant population by 94% in two weeks. The use of hydrogel baits offers an inexpensive, easy-to-apply alternative to traditional pesticides, reducing environmental costs and selectively targeting invasive ants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata·DateFeb 18, 2015

Coral reef symbiosis: Paying rent with sugar and fat

Researchers discovered how coral-dwelling microalgae harness nutrients from seawater and transport them to corals through a complex process. The findings provide new insights into the impact of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems, highlighting the importance of this symbiotic relationship.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalmBio·DateFeb 10, 2015

Oranges versus orange juice: Which one might be better for your health?

Scientists found that oranges are packed with nutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help lower cancer risk and cardiovascular disease. However, juicing oranges may slightly lower nutrient levels but significantly improve their bioaccessibility.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 21, 2015

Insights into a rare genetic disease

Research at RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center reveals ENGase enzyme responsible for protein degradation in absence of NGLY1. Studies show that inhibition of ENGase activity may serve as therapeutic target for patients with NGLY1 mutation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Liquids and glasses relax, too. But not like you thought.

Researchers at NIST discover two environments for molecules in liquids and glasses, shedding light on molecular-level processes that affect protein stability. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for designing optimal sugar coatings to preserve proteins' structure intact.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2015
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.

'Imaginary meal' tricks the body into losing weight

Researchers at Salk Institute develop a new compound called fexaramine that effectively stops weight gain, lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels in mice. The pill tricks the body into thinking it has consumed calories, causing it to burn fat without altering appetite.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 5, 2015

Consumer purchases of cakes, cookies and pies have decreased by 24 percent

Despite efforts to reformulate RTE GBDs, nutritional content remains unchanged, but overall consumer purchases have declined by 24%. The study highlights the need for public health officials and manufacturers to work together to shift consumer purchases towards healthier products.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 22, 2014

Do caffeine's effects differ with or without sugar?

A study found that caffeine's effects differ when consumed with or without sugar, causing varied physiological responses among individuals. The research measured heart rate and carbon dioxide production before and after consuming sugar, caffeine, or both.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateDec 16, 2014

Friendly bacteria are protective against malaria

Research team led by Miguel Soares discovered that specific bacterial components in the human gut microbiota can trigger a natural defense mechanism against malaria. High levels of circulating anti-alpha-gal antibodies induced by vaccination are highly protective against malaria transmission.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

High-sugar diet in fathers can lead to obese offspring

A study found that high sugar diets in male fruit flies can cause obesity in their offspring through epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Researchers also discovered a similar system regulating obesity susceptibility in mice and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Exercise regimens offer little benefit for 1 in 5 people with type 2 diabetes

A new review finds that genetic variation may prevent some individuals with type 2 diabetes from benefiting from supervised exercise regimens. The study suggests that targeted interventions and treatments could help those who do not respond to exercise, offering a potential new approach for managing the condition.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2014

New school meal requirements: More harm than good?

The new regulations, while improving some aspects of school meals, may not address the root issue of processed carbohydrates and added sugars. Researchers recommend expanding requirements to limit added sugars and processed foods to ensure carbohydrate quality.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 18, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study suggests home cooking is a main ingredient in a healthier diet

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggests that people who cook meals at home tend to eat healthier and consume fewer calories. Those who frequently cook at home also tend to rely less on frozen foods and fast food, even when eating out.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateNov 17, 2014

Biochemistry detective work: Algae at night

Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 10, 2014
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.

Study: Maple syrup production declines after big seed year

New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.

SourceHarvard University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateNov 3, 2014

Weight gain study suggests polyunsaturated oil healthier option

Researchers found that eating muffins made with polyunsaturated oils improved blood cholesterol profiles and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who ate muffins with saturated oils experienced increased bad cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 15, 2014

Sugar linked to memory problems in adolescent rats

Adolescent rats fed sugar-sweetened beverages experienced memory problems and brain inflammation, becoming pre-diabetic. The study highlights the impact of dietary influences during critical periods of development on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHippocampus·DateOct 7, 2014

On the scent of a wine's bouquet

Scientists have identified two enzymes responsible for the formation of terpenes, which contribute to a wine's bouquet. The study could lead to the development of new grape varieties with improved aromas.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateOct 2, 2014
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.

Playing tag with sugars in the cornfield

Researchers found that caterpillars of fall armyworm and two other Spodoptera species deploy a gut enzyme to attach a sugar to the toxic free DIMBOA, rendering it non-reactive to plant enzyme. This detoxification strategy explains the success of these pest insects in overcoming maize defenses.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 25, 2014

X-rays unlock a protein's SWEET side

Researchers at Stanford University have unlocked the structure of SWEETs, proteins that enable sugar molecules to cross cell membranes. The discovery, made possible by X-ray analysis, could lead to breakthroughs in diabetes treatment and crop improvement.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2014
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.

Airlock-like transport protein structure discovered

Researchers have elucidated the atomic structures of sugar transporters, revealing an 'airlock-like' mechanism that moves sugars in multiple stages. This discovery is crucial for understanding diseases like diabetes and improving crop yields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2014

Taking aim at added sugars to improve Americans' health

Scientists and policymakers debate ways to curb sugar consumption amid growing health concerns. Despite reduced sugar intake over the past 15 years, Americans still consume excessive amounts, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 27, 2014