Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Stanford study reveals new biomolecule

GlycoRNA is a small ribbon of ribonucleic acid (RNA) with sugar molecules, appearing ubiquitously in and on cells. Its discovery suggests the existence of unknown biomolecular pathways and associations with autoimmune diseases.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2021
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.

Low levels of a simple sugar -- A new biomarker for severe MS?

Researchers have discovered that low levels of N-acetylglucosamine are associated with progressive MS, clinical disability and neurodegeneration. The simple sugar may serve as a biomarker and promote myelin repair, offering potential new avenues for treating the disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 12, 2021

A sweet solution to hard brain implants

Researchers at McGill University developed a novel approach using silicone and sugar to create the softest brain implant yet. The new implants have shown reduced inflammation and higher neuronal density compared to traditional hard implants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMay 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Research shows how a sugary diet early in life could mean memory trouble later

Research shows a direct connection between particular bacteria in the gut and impaired brain function, with sugar consumption impairing memory associated with the hippocampus. The study also found that transplanting specific gut bacteria without sugar consumption can replicate memory impairments in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 31, 2021

Sugar not so nice for your child's brain development

Research found that daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during adolescence impairs learning and memory tasks in adulthood. The bacteria Parabacteroides in the gut microbiome plays a key role in this process, even when not associated with sugar consumption.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 31, 2021
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.

Time needed to sequence key molecules could be reduced from years to minutes

Researchers have developed a novel method for rapid and accurate glycan sequencing, reducing the time required from years to minutes. The technique utilizes a nanopore device and machine-learning software to identify sugar chains based on electrical signals generated as they pass through a tiny hole.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Creamy or gritty?

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara found that fruit flies use a mechanosensory channel called TMEM63 to detect the gritty texture of their food. This discovery sheds light on how animals perceive food and may have implications for human taste perception.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2021

Food for thought: New maps reveal how brains are kept nourished

Scientists have created detailed maps of brain blood vessel clusters, revealing that small blood vessels compensate for varying energy requirements. The study provides novel insights into the distribution of oxygen and sugar to different brain regions, shedding light on how brains are kept nourished.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateMar 2, 2021

Edible holograms could someday decorate foods

Researchers have developed a laser-based method to print nanostructured holograms on dried corn syrup films, enabling edible hologram decoration for foods. The holograms can also indicate sugar content or ensure food safety, making them a promising innovation in the food industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.

Shelf-stable vaccines avoid waste, expand access

Researchers developed a new manufacturing platform using freeze-dried components that can quickly make vaccines on demand. The platform eliminates the need for complex supply chains and refrigeration, making it ideal for low-resource settings. This innovation has the potential to expand access to life-saving medications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 3, 2021

Insulin can be stored out of refrigeration in hot settings!

A study by MSF and UNIGE found that insulin can be stored at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 37°C for four weeks without losing its potency or efficacy. This breakthrough allows people with diabetes to manage their condition independently, reducing the need for daily hospital visits.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scientists make sustainable polymer from sugars in wood

Researchers at the University of Bath developed a sustainable polymer using xylose, with applications in polyurethane, bio-medicine, and batteries. The polymer's properties can be easily controlled to make it flexible or crystalline.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 11, 2021

The health risk raised by ultra-processed foods

A large-scale Italian study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a 26% increased risk of death and a 58% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that industrial processing itself may be the main culprit, rather than added sugars.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2020

Can water saving traits help wine survive climate change?

Researchers found that grapevines from hot and dry regions have water-saving traits that conserve water and extend the growing season. These traits could help vines cope with climate change, but may also limit future photosynthesis and sugar production.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateDec 17, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Leaf microbiomes are a neighborhood affair in northern forests

A study published in Ecological Monographs reveals that sugar maple leaf microbiomes change along the transition from coniferous to deciduous forests. The findings show that southern sugar maples have similar microbiomes, while northern trees host bacterial communities resembling those of other dominant species.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 3, 2020

Better diabetes treatment: New insulin molecule can self-regulate blood sugar

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new insulin molecule that can sense blood sugar levels and release insulin accordingly. This innovative approach aims to reduce the frequency of injections and monitoring required by people with type 1 diabetes, improving their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 3, 2020
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.

Sugar work: U-M study finds sugar remodels molecular memory in fruit flies

A high-sugar diet reprograms taste cells in fruit flies, leaving a lasting molecular memory that affects future eating behavior. The researchers found that the molecular memory is persistent even after switching to healthy diets, leading to changes in gene expression that impact sweet taste perception.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2020

Sugar-coated viral proteins hijack and hitch a ride out of cells

Researchers have discovered a potential broad-spectrum anti-viral drug target by identifying how encapsulated viruses hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in cells. This approach offers an attractive alternative to developing individual drugs for each virus, with the same compound targeting multiple viruses.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2020
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.

Wrinkled 'super pea' could be added to foods to reduce diabetes risk

A new study suggests that incorporating wrinkled 'super peas' into foods, such as whole pea seeds or flour, could help tackle the global type 2 diabetes epidemic by preventing 'sugar spikes'. The research found that consuming these peas resulted in a more stable increase in blood sugar levels compared to regular peas.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Food·DateOct 26, 2020

Repairing the photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco

The study elucidated how Rubisco activase works, revealing that it grabs the N-terminal tail of Rubisco and releases inhibitory sugar molecules using ATP energy. This dual function enables Rca to recruit into carboxysomes, where CO2 is generated, making photosynthesis more efficient.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateOct 20, 2020

Salt-based mosquito-control products are ineffective, study shows

A new study finds that salt-based mosquito-control products have no effect on killing adult mosquitoes, despite claims of its effectiveness. The researchers tested nine species of mosquito and found no evidence that ingestion of salt water kills the insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateOct 20, 2020

Prebiotic chemistry - In the beginning, there was sugar

Researchers have discovered a reaction pathway that forms sugars in the absence of water, using minerals as catalysts. This finding provides a plausible explanation for the formation of sugars under extraterrestrial settings.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2020
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.

Perforated bone tissue from too little sugar

Researchers found that too little sugar can lead to more bone-eating cells in people with bone marrow cancer. A special type of sugar water was shown to reduce perforations and cancer growth in mice with bone marrow cancer. Further animal experiments are needed to develop a treatment for humans.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBlood·DateOct 9, 2020

Ants adapt tool use to avoid drowning

Researchers observed black imported fire ants using sand to draw liquid food out of containers when faced with drowning risk. The ants' tool-making skill reduced drowning risk and provided a larger space for collecting sugar water.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateOct 8, 2020

Bacterial cellulose degradation system could give boost to biofuels production

Researchers from Japan's Institute for Molecular Science have described a bacterial cellulose degradation system in detail, revealing its similarities and differences with the fungal system. The study found that the bacterial system exhibits higher processivity, enabling faster cellulose degradation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 8, 2020
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.

Consuming sugary beverages while breastfeeding affects cognitive development in children

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming sugary beverages during breastfeeding can lead to poorer cognitive development in children nearly two years later. Moms who reported greater consumption of these beverages had children with lower cognitive development scores.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 6, 2020

Can your diet help protect the environment?

A new study suggests that shifting American diets to increase vegetable and nut intake while decreasing red meat and added sugar consumption could reduce environmental degradation by 28-38%. This approach would also improve health outcomes, making it a win-win for the environment and human health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateOct 6, 2020

Targeting our second brain to fight diabetes

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a link between the brain and intestinal bacteria that plays a crucial role in regulating sugar levels in the blood. The study found that a particular lipid acts on the gut 'second brain' to restore communication and reduce diabetes risk.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalGut·DateOct 6, 2020

Location, location, location

A new Danish study from the University of Southern Denmark found that athletes can cycle longer by placing their glycogen close to force-producing structures in muscle cells. This discovery challenges traditional views on carbohydrate storage and its impact on endurance performance.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 5, 2020

Enhancing blood sugar control boosts brain health for people with type 2 diabetes

Controlling blood sugar levels boosts cognitive function, including thinking, learning, and remembering. However, more weight loss and exercise only improve executive function skills, while verbal learning and memory decline. Effective management of type 2 diabetes is crucial to offset its negative effects on brain health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 2, 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.

Your neighborhood may raise your risk of chronic kidney disease

A study by researchers at Drexel University found that residents in low-socioeconomic neighborhoods are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Poor neighborhood walkability was also associated with poor blood sugar control and blood pressure management.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateSep 23, 2020

Sugar promotes sperm longevity in pig reproductive tract

A University of Illinois study identifies a naturally occurring sugar called glycans that slows sperm maturation in pigs, allowing for extended sperm storage time. The discovery has potential applications in fertility testing and AI success rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 17, 2020

Sex cells have a sweet tooth, and they pass it on to the brain

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discover that changes in sex cells' nutritional requirements make female flies crave sugar, affecting their food choice and fertility. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism by which metabolism controls feeding behaviour, potentially relevant to human fertility.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 31, 2020
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.

Exploring the sustainability of the Indian sugar industry

A national biofuel policy encouraging sugarcane juice production may make India's water and energy resources more sustainable. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded due to policies that incentivize production, reducing resources for micronutrient-rich foods.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 3, 2020
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.

Study calls for review of rice and sugar in food subsidy programme

A new study found that subsidized rice and sugar may not improve long-term nutritional outcomes for children in India. The Public Distribution System aims to provide essential nutrients, but the research suggests that limited value foods like rice and sugar may perpetuate unhealthy dietary patterns.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateJul 21, 2020

Rats' brain activity reveals their alcohol preference

Rats' brain activity shows that individual preferences for alcohol vary based on how the brain interprets it as a reward. The orbitofrontal cortex stores reward value and regulates reward seeking, with malfunctioning linked to drug use disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 13, 2020

Ultrafast insulin formulation may enable faster management of blood sugar in diabetes

A new ultra-rapid insulin formulation, UFAL, reached peak activity in pigs with diabetes twice as fast as Humalog, a commercially available option. This could lead to faster quality-of-life improvements for diabetic patients by allowing quicker blood sugar level management during mealtimes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Laser-welded sugar: Sweet way to 3D-print blood vessels

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

Researchers have successfully engineered T-cells to target a variety of solid-tumor cancer cells in humans and mice using CAR-T therapy. The new approach broadens the potential targets by recognizing proteins with short sugar chains attached, which are often mutated in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020