Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New molecular tool identifies sugar-protein attachments

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed EXoO, a new molecular tool that decodes where specific sugars are attached to proteins. The study successfully identified new markers for cancers and other diseases by mapping O-glycan sites on human blood, tumors, and immune cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateDec 6, 2018

Study counts the high cost of infidelity for swift parrots

A study led by Australian National University found swift parrots experience love triangles, sneaky sex, and increased fighting among males as the ratio of females to males increases. The introduction of sugar gliders has led to a chronic shortage of females, resulting in fewer babies being born.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateDec 4, 2018
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.

Affordable health care means better access to diabetes prevention, management

A study by OHSU researchers found that patients with diabetes or prediabetes in states with Medicaid expansion programs had better access to healthcare services, including preventive screenings and medication. This increase was particularly notable for patients with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateNov 13, 2018

Otago study calls for sugar tax

A New Zealand study suggests that sugary drinks contribute to an obesogenic environment, leading people to make unhealthy food choices. The researchers recommend implementing a sugar tax to encourage industry reformulation and individual responsibility for healthy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 8, 2018

Food for thought

The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2018

Neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion to number of births

Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateOct 31, 2018

Colectomy associated with increased risk of diabetes

Researchers found a link between colectomy and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, analyzing data from over 46,000 patients, suggests the colon plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateOct 31, 2018
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.

Hard cider, with a shot of sugar

Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

Not enough fruits, vegetables grown to feed the planet, U of G study reveals

A University of Guelph study found that global agriculture is overproducing grains, fats, and sugars while insufficiently producing fruits and vegetables. Adopting a more nutritious diet would require significant changes to the food system, including reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based protein production.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New allergy vaccine for hay fever shows promising results

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new vaccine for hay fever that targets specific sugar molecules to improve vaccination efficacy. The vaccine has been tested on mice and in vitro tests, showing potential for increased effectiveness and reduced treatment time.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 26, 2018

'Hoppy' beer without exploding bottles and too much alcohol

Researchers have identified the biochemical basis of unintended consequences in dry-hopping beer production, including high alcohol content and pressure issues. By understanding the effects of hops on fermentation, brewers can better control beer quality and safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 19, 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.

How the forest copes with the summer heat

A University of Basel study reveals that native forest trees can adapt to extreme drought by closing their pores, preventing damage and reducing water loss. Despite this, researchers caution that prolonged dry spells could weaken trees and make them more susceptible to insect infestations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 29, 2018

Gut bacteria provide key to making universal blood (video)

Researchers have discovered a new family of enzymes in the human gut microbiome that can remove red blood cell antigens, enabling the conversion of type A and B blood into universal O-type blood. These enzymes are 30 times more effective than previously studied candidates, paving the way for potential clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2018

Researchers assemble 'library of sugars'

Researchers have created a comprehensive library of sugar structures using genetically engineered cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors. This tool allows for the examination of specific sulfation patterns and GAG modifications, holding promise for drug development and disease research.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 14, 2018
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.

Shivering in the cold? Exercise may protect against muscle fatigue

Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that exercise can help people exposed to extreme temperatures protect themselves from muscle fatigue. Exercise builds-up muscle in the limbs, allowing it to shiver longer and maintain core temperature for longer.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 14, 2018

Scientists discover how to protect yeast from damage in biofuel production

Researchers have identified two changes to a single gene that can make yeast tolerate pretreatment chemicals used in biofuel production. The modified yeast can survive and ferment alongside amounts of toxic ionic liquids, increasing efficiency by up to 70%. This breakthrough could revolutionize the biofuel industry.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGenetics·DateAug 9, 2018

Ketogenic diets may lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests ketogenic diets may cause an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in the early stage of the diet, particularly through insulin resistance. The study found that fatty acids from a ketogenic diet can have signaling roles in the brain.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 8, 2018
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.

The starch risk to teeth

A systematic review of 33 studies found that more processed starches increase the risk of cavities due to their breakdown into sugars in the mouth. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, may offer protection against gum disease and a lower risk of oral cancer.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 6, 2018

Plants can tell the time using sugars

A study discovered that plants regulate their internal 'circadian clock' using sugars from photosynthesis to stay in tune with day and night cycles. This process enables plants to match their activities to the time of day, crucial for growth, flower opening, and energy reserve management.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2018

Relationship between amount and frequency of sugars intake by children

A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research found a strong correlation between the amount and frequency of sugars intake among children. Reducing consumption frequency leads to decreased amount consumed, highlighting the importance of balanced diet habits for oral health.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

Mice study implicates fat as obesity cause

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a high-fat diet was the sole driver of weight gain in mice, with no significant impact from carbohydrates or protein. The researchers believe that fat uniquely stimulates the brain's reward centers, leading to increased calorie intake.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 13, 2018

Healthy diet reduces asthma symptoms

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 11, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Stop antibiotics before resistance 'tipping point'

New evidence suggests that reducing antibiotic course length can reduce the risk of resistance. Microbial communities can reach a tipping point when exposed to antibiotics, leading to an irreversible shift towards drug resistance. Stopping treatment too soon may not prevent resistance from occurring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 10, 2018

Sleeping sickness: Pathogens camouflage themselves with sugar

African trypanosomes confuse immune defense with sugar chains on surface proteins, increasing pathogenic properties. Scientists discover binding sites for sugars in multiple VSGs, hindering antibody binding and immune response.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 9, 2018

The impact of the sugar tax in Chile: A bittersweet success?

A new study reveals that Chile's sugar tax led to a significant decrease in the purchase volume of sugary soft drinks, particularly among high socioeconomic groups. However, the reduction was statistically insignificant for low-income groups, suggesting that further evaluations are needed to address socioeconomic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 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.

Are you really you when you're hungry?

A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that hunger can lead to emotional states like anger, but only when certain context and self-awareness factors are present. Participants who were more aware of their hunger feelings were less likely to become hangry.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateJun 11, 2018

American toddlers consume too much added sugar

A new study reveals that American toddlers aged 19-23 months consume an average of over 7 teaspoons of added sugar per day, with 60% consuming it before their first birthday. This excessive sugar intake is linked to various health risks and may influence food preferences later in life.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 10, 2018
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.

'Miracle treatment' long-term success for babies with diabetes

A decade-long study has shown that sulphonylurea tablets are a safe and effective treatment option for babies with neonatal diabetes, providing excellent blood sugar control over the long-term. The treatment has been hailed as a 'miracle cure' by patients and their families, offering improved quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 4, 2018

Health labels may deter people from buying sugary drinks

Participants were 36% less likely to purchase sugary drinks with graphic warnings, while those with Health Star Ratings were 20% less likely. Healthier options were also chosen more frequently when Health Star Ratings were displayed.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 24, 2018

3D printed sugar offers sweet solution for tissue engineering, device manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a 3D printer that creates delicate networks of hardened isomalt sugar structures, which can be used to grow cells and tissue, or create microfluidic devices. The structures' ability to precisely control mechanical properties makes them ideal for biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 23, 2018
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.

Nanomedicine -- Targeting cancer cells with sugars

Cancer cells express specific sugar receptors that can be targeted for better drug delivery. Researchers are developing nanocarrier formulations to accumulate in tumor sites and minimize side effects.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 14, 2018

What gives bees their sweet tooth?

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that bees' taste neurons fire intense signals for up to 10 seconds when they encounter a sweet substance. This prolonged activation allows the bee to remain feeding at the same sugar source, making it more efficient for the colony.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 10, 2018

Surprising discovery: Sweet tooth gene connected with less body fat

Research found that a genetic variation in FGF21 is associated with lower body fat percentage and increased blood pressure. The study of over 450,000 individuals suggests that people with this genetic predisposition tend to consume more sugar than others.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 11, 2018
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.

Scientists develop sugar-coated nanosheets to selectively target pathogens

Researchers have developed a process for creating ultrathin, self-assembling sheets of synthetic materials that can function like designer flypaper in selectively binding with viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The sugar-coated nanosheets are made from bio-inspired polymers known as peptoids and can effectively mimic cell surfaces.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 29, 2018

Gas hydrate research: Advanced knowledge and new technologies

The SUGAR project has expanded knowledge of gas hydrates in the seafloor and developed technologies for environmental monitoring. Companies from Germany have successfully tested methane extraction from submarine hydrate deposits, with interest from Asian countries like Japan and China.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateMar 23, 2018

Insects could help us find new yeasts for big business

Scientists propose a new strategy using insect-yeast ecology to inform the search for industrially relevant yeasts. Insects are drawn to yeasts due to their sugar presence, and these mutualistic relationships can lead to yeast deposition in new environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 21, 2018
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.

ACP recommends less intensive blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends less intensive blood sugar control targets for most patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming for an A1C range of 7-8% rather than 6.5-7%. This approach prioritizes symptom management over intensive treatment to balance benefits and harms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2018

The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 1, 2018

Researchers challenge claims that sugar industry shifted blame to fat

Researchers challenge the notion that the sugar industry shifted blame to fat by examining historical archives and oral history. Despite alleged 'smoking gun' evidence, the authors found no conclusive proof of a sugar conspiracy, highlighting the complexity of scientific funding and policy-making in the 1960s.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2018

Could sugar chains be the answer to bone growth in osteoporosis?

Researchers at the University of York have identified a potential link between altered sugar chains and enhanced bone formation in stem cells. By treating cells with a chemical that modifies sugar chains, they found improved bone growth processes, which could pave the way for new osteoporosis treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

Why studying sugars matters in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

GlycoNet researchers Matthew Macauley and John Klassen are developing a strategy to identify the molecular identity of sugars interacting with CD33 protein, strongly implicated in Alzheimer's disease. This approach may lead to therapeutic targets or diagnostic tools for preventing or treating the disease.

SourceCanadian Glycomics Network·DateFeb 9, 2018

Sticking sugar to protein

The study reveals the importance of sugary appendages on protein surfaces, which differ in composition and branching. The researchers discovered the three-dimensional structure of oligosaccharyltransferase, providing insight into eukaryotic N-glycosylation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Sugar tax on soft drinks might drive up alcohol consumption

A sugar tax on soft drinks might increase alcohol consumption due to similar sugar content in many alcoholic beverages. Research suggests that a more nuanced approach to pricing across a range of beverages may be more effective than a single tax.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

Study: Pulsating dissolution found in crystals

German researchers observed pulses of dissolution in dissolving crystals, marked by waves spreading from etch pits and screw dislocations. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that dissolution is a continuous process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018