Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A new pathway discovered regulating autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that NAD+, a natural molecule found in living cells, can regulate autoimmune diseases by altering the immune response and turning destructive cells into protective ones. The study showed significant delayed onset of disease and reduced severity in mice receiving NAD+ treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2014
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.

A new way to extract bone-making cells from fat tissue

Researchers create a fluorescent tag that identifies bone-producing cells in human fat, yielding more than twice the yield of potential bone-makers compared to another method. The extracted cells produce significant amounts of bone matrix and show promise for regenerative therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateOct 6, 2014

Diabetes in a dish

Researchers at UC San Diego aim to bioengineer the irregularly shaped patches of the pancreas called Islets of Langerhans in a dish. This could lead to studying the events that trigger beta cell destruction and developing new drug therapies, as well as understanding the genetic component of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 1, 2014

Stem cell discovery could lead to better treatments for blindness

Researchers have identified a novel source of stem cells in the corneal limbus that can be directed to behave like photoreceptor cells, potentially treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration. These cells can also be cultured from older eyes and may offer a promising approach for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 1, 2014

A heartbeat away? Hybrid 'patch' could replace transplants

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a hybrid cardiac patch using biomaterial from patients and gold nanoparticles. The patch can improve heart function after heart attacks without triggering an immune response.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 30, 2014
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.

A better way to track emerging cell therapies using MRIs

A new technique uses perfluorocarbon tracers in combination with MRI to track therapeutic immune cells injected into patients with colorectal cancer. The study found that only half of the delivered cell vaccine remained at the inoculation site after 24 hours, but the technology shows promise for tracking other cell types and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·DateSep 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study examines vitiligo, alopecia areata and chronic graft vs. host disease

A study of 282 patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease found a link between female donors and the development of vitiligo and alopecia areata. The study identified risk factors, including sex mismatch and certain antibodies, which may lead to better understanding of autoimmune manifestations in this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 10, 2014

Breast milk may be protective against devastating intestinal disorder

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered a protein in breast milk called neuregulin-4 (NRG4) that appears to protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially lethal intestinal disorder. Formula feeding is a known risk factor for NEC, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 9, 2014

Research in rodents suggests potential for 'in body' muscle regeneration

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully mobilized stem cells to form muscle tissue within a biomaterial scaffold. The study, published in Acta Biomaterialia, demonstrates the potential for harnessing the body's natural healing powers to regenerate damaged muscle tissue.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateSep 2, 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.

Are cigarette substitutes a safe alternative? It depends on user habits

Researchers at the University of Miami found that small dosages of nicotine in cigarette substitutes can harm the musculoskeletal system due to overuse. The study suggests that more information is needed on the potential effects of these alternatives, which are not yet regulated by the FDA.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalGlobal Journal of Medical Research·DateAug 28, 2014

Core mechanism for root growth identified

Researchers found that auxin and PLETHORA transcription factors regulate root growth by controlling cell division, elongation, and differentiation. The study reveals a graded distribution of these factors near the root tip, enabling plants to adapt to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 25, 2014

Vanderbilt researchers find that coronary arteries hold heart-regenerating cells

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that endothelial cells in the coronary arteries can function as cardiac stem cells to produce new heart muscle tissue. This discovery could lead to new treatments for heart failure and repair after a heart attack, particularly in cases of coronary artery disease.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 20, 2014

Biology made simpler with clear tissues

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called PARS that allows for whole-body clearing of tissue, enabling the study of individual cells and fine structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for disease diagnosis and development research.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateAug 5, 2014
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.

Model of viral lifecycle could help in finding a cure for hepatitis B

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for studying the hepatitis B virus lifecycle, allowing them to investigate immune responses and drug treatments. The model could help find a cure for the disease by understanding how the virus interacts with liver cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

DNA origami nano-tool provides important clue to cancer

Researchers used DNA origami to test theories about cell signaling, finding that distance between ephrin molecules affects EphA2 receptor activity in breast cancer cells. This study developed a method for controlled environment cell communication research, which may lead to new approaches to pharmaceuticals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 7, 2014

Stem cell type resists chemotherapy drug

A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalExperimental Cell Research·DateJul 2, 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.

Cancer: The roots of evil go deep in time

Researchers at Kiel University discovered primordial cancer in a primitive animal, Hydra, which provides crucial information to understand complex problems like cancer. The study confirms that tumours exist in evolutionary old animals and affect only female Hydra polyps, resembling ovarian cancers in humans.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2014

Regenerating our kidneys

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Stanford University discovered the multi-layered nature of kidney growth using a rainbow mouse model. The WNT signal was found to be responsible for renal cellular growth, allowing for potential therapeutic applications in human kidney regeneration.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2014

Experts unlock key to blood vessel repair

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found a way to restore the function of damaged blood vessel repair cells. A protein called Akt was identified as the reason for reduced effectiveness in South Asian men's cells, which were able to be restored through the addition of active Akt.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 10, 2014

Stem cells are a soft touch for nano-engineered biomaterials

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed nanopatches to alter surface properties, enabling stem cells to differentiate and behave like those grown on soft surfaces. This breakthrough enhances the potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 9, 2014

Better tissue healing with disappearing hydrogels

A University of Rochester research team has created a technique that keeps stem cells in place, resulting in faster and better tissue regeneration. The key is encasing the stem cells in polymers that attract water and disappear when their work is done.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJun 6, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Deciphering the role of fat stem cells in obesity and diabetes

Researchers will analyze fat stem cells from obese patients to understand the mechanism underlying excess fat storage and insulin response. The study aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies for treating different groups of obese individuals at varying risk of developing diabetes and other health issues.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 21, 2014

Enzyme helps stem cells improve recovery from limb injuries

Researchers discovered that an enzyme called IDO plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation during reperfusion injury. By boosting stem cell efficacy, IDO reduces inflammation and cell death, leading to improved recovery rates.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2014

Patient stem cells used to make 'heart disease-on-a-chip'

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2014
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.

Solution to platelet 'puzzle' uncovers blood disorder link

Melbourne researchers solved a puzzle on how an essential hormone stimulates platelet production. They found that bone marrow cells can become overstimulated and produce too many platelets, leading to blood diseases such as essential thrombocythemia.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Self-healing engineered muscle grown in the laboratory

Researchers at Duke University have successfully grown lab-grown muscle that demonstrates self-healing properties, integrating into mice quickly and contracting powerfully. The breakthrough, led by Nenad Bursac, uses well-developed contractile muscle fibers and satellite cells to create a microenvironment for regeneration.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

Researchers present comprehensive 'roadmap' of blood cells

A comprehensive 'roadmap' of blood cells has been presented by researchers, pinpointing the location of key genetic regulators that determine cell development and function. This robust genetic catalog will enable hematologists to trace the development of blood cells and identify potential triggers for malignancies.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateMar 26, 2014

First comprehensive atlas of human gene activity released

A comprehensive atlas of human gene activity has been released, revealing complex networks that govern gene expression. The new findings could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and improve disease diagnosis.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateMar 26, 2014
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.

Who reprograms rat astrocytes into neurons?

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed rat astrocytes into neurons using Mash1, a transcription factor. This method avoids malignant transformation and offers a promising therapeutic strategy for neural regeneration.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Cellular alchemy: Penn study shows how to make insulin-producing cells from gut cells

Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes by successfully converting gut cells into functional insulin-producing cells. The new method involves introducing specific transcription factors into intestinal crypt cells, which can then produce insulin and improve hyperglycemia in diabetic mice.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 11, 2014

Research on 3-D scaffolds sets new bar in lung regeneration

Researchers have developed novel techniques for engineering lungs using 3D scaffolds, enabling high-throughput studies of human lungs and accelerating progress towards lung tissue regeneration. The new methods allow for selective injection of stem cells into decellularized lung segments while preserving vascular and airway channels.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 7, 2014

Common mutation is culprit in acute leukemia relapse

Researchers found that a common mutation activates the Akt pathway, rendering cells resistant to chemotherapy and increasing growth. Inhibition of this pathway restored leukemic cell responses to front-line therapy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 6, 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.

Researchers find protein 'switch' central to heart cell division

Scientists have discovered a molecular 'switch' that regulates heart cell division and could potentially be used to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The discovery was made by studying infant siblings with a rare heart defect, who exhibited unusual heart cell proliferation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2014

In first moments of infection, a division and a decision

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery on the fate determination of T lymphocytes during an infection. They found that individual cells can make decisions about whether to become effector or memory cells almost immediately after exposure to a pathogen, suggesting that this process could be cruc...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 2, 2014

New biological scaffold offers promising foundation for engineered tissues

Researchers have created a highly aligned nanofibrous scaffold derived from decellularized human fibroblasts, allowing cells to thrive and mimic the natural extracellular matrix. The scaffold's uniform composition and low immune response make it suitable for engineering softer tissues like skin, blood vessels, and muscle.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2014

A changing view of bone marrow cells

Researchers at Caltech have shown that bone marrow cells are sensitive to infection-related molecules and respond rapidly. They detect invasion and mount an inflammatory response, producing cytokines that stimulate the differentiation of immune cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Turning back the clock on aging muscles?

Researchers have discovered a method for restoring strength to damaged skeletal muscles in the elderly using stem cell therapy. The treatment involves treating cells outside the body with a drug that prevents protein modification and culturing them on soft biomaterials, allowing aged cells to grow and self-renew.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2014

Study: Resilience in parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant

A recent study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant experience increased distress during the procedure but recover to normal levels of adjustment. Parents demonstrate remarkable recovery despite facing significant life challenges.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateFeb 11, 2014

Shape-sifting: NIST categorizes bio scaffolds by characteristic cell shapes

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to measure and classify the shapes cells take in different environments. By analyzing these shapes, they can compare and differentiate various scaffolds used in tissue engineering, enabling more effective cell growth and development into viable tissues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

Scientists find that estrogen promotes blood-forming stem cell function

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that estrogen increases proliferation of blood-forming stem cells in females, leading to increased red blood cell production. This discovery raises possibilities for treating blood cancers and reducing chemotherapy toxicity by considering estrogen levels.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

3-D imaging provides window into living cells, no dye required

A new imaging technique called white-light diffraction tomography (WDT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of living cells without the need for dyes or chemicals. This allows researchers to study cellular processes and dynamics in a non-invasive manner, enabling unprecedented insights into cell function and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 21, 2014
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.

Altering the community of gut bacteria promotes health and increases lifespan

A study published in Cell found that altering the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and intestinal cells can promote health and increase lifespan in flies. The research highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and suggests that this may be key to enjoying a long healthy life.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell·DateJan 16, 2014

Leukemia: Mode of action of a targeted treatment clarified

Researchers discovered a targeted treatment's mechanism of action, which involves the PML/p53 pathway and senescence. The treatment's effectiveness relies on reorganizing nuclear bodies and triggering p53 activation, leading to the elimination of cancer cells and patient recovery.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 15, 2014

The International Society for Stem Cell Research announces its 2014 award recipients

Azim Surani receives the McEwen Award for Innovation for pioneering epigenetics research; Valentina Greco wins the ISSCR-BD Biosciences Outstanding Young Investigator Award for her noninvasive method to visualize skin stem cell division. Paolo Bianco, Elena Cattaneo, and Michele De Luca receive the ISSCR Public Service Award for their ...

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 2014

T-cell research sheds light on why HIV can persist despite treatment

Researchers discover a subgroup of memory T-cells that are resistant to HIV killing and can survive for years, making them a key target for developing a true 'cure' for HIV infection. This finding could also lead to the development of new cancer therapies targeting stem-cell metabolic pathways.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 13, 2014
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.

Biomaterials get stem cells to commit to a bony future

A research team at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how calcium phosphate-based materials encourage stem cells to differentiate into bone-forming cells. The findings could lead to the development of new biomaterials that can be used to treat bone defects and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014