Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Reducing the adverse impact of water loss in cells

A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 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.

Early adversity and adult stress hormone levels

Researchers found that early adversity in wild female baboons elevated glucocorticoid levels by up to 14% in adulthood. The study suggests that early experiences of adversity and social relationships have independent effects on adult stress responses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Strong relationships in adulthood won't 'fix' effects of early childhood adversity

Research on wild baboons reveals that early childhood experiences, such as famine or abuse, have a lasting impact on adult stress responses, regardless of social support. The study found that dysregulated stress hormones remain unaffected by healthy, supportive relationships in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Identified a new regulatory mechanism of response to metabolic stress

Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute have identified a new enzymatic activity of Sirtuin SIRT7 that regulates the cellular response to metabolic stress. This discovery opens the door to new therapeutic targets for treating leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Protein involved in corn's water stress response discovered

The discovery of the DRIK1 protein has opened up new avenues for developing more drought-resistant plants. By identifying a synthetic molecule that binds to the protein, researchers aim to breed plants with naturally reduced or inhibited activity, reducing losses related to climate change.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJul 8, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How stress affects bone marrow

A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified CD86 as a novel cell surface marker that enables accurate analysis of hematopoietic responses to biological stress. The researchers found that CD86-based analysis can detect early activation phases of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow within hours after toxin injection.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalBlood·DateJun 30, 2020

Study evaluates stress level of rehabilitated sea turtles during transport

A new study found that rehabilitated Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles exhibit a substantial stress response when transported to release locations in the southern United States. Despite this, the turtles remained physically stable and ready for release, with minimal impact on their vital signs or blood data.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Scientists discover mutation that enhances plant defense

Researchers identified a new gain-of-function mutation in the PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) gene, which enhances cell death during fungal infection and strengthens plant resistance to pathogens. The discovery sheds light on how plants control stress responses and provides insights into potential strategies for enhancing crop yields.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMay 18, 2020

Histones and their modifications are crucial for adaptation to cell stress

A study by IRB Barcelona's Cell Signaling laboratory found that histone modifications regulate response to cellular stress, including heat and salt stress. The researchers identified over 200 amino acid regions in histones that undergo modifications under stress, allowing for personalized adaptation.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 17, 2020
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.

Nanosensor can alert a smartphone when plants are stressed

Researchers embed carbon nanotube sensors in plant leaves to detect hydrogen peroxide signaling waves, allowing for real-time tracking of plant stress responses. The new approach enables comparison across different plant species, providing insights into how plants counteract damage and respond to various types of stress.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 15, 2020

Cortisol and aging in chimpanzees

Chimpanzee cortisol levels increase with age, blunting natural diurnal rhythm and responding to stressors similarly to humans. Sex differences also emerge, with males exhibiting higher levels than females, particularly when exposed to attractive females.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 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.

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

Cell biology -- maintaining mitochondrial resilience

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a signaling pathway enabling mitochondria to transmit distress signals to the surrounding cytosol. This pathway involves enzymes OMA1 and DELE1, which trigger cellular responses to stress, potentially opening new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2020

Random gene pulsing generates patterns of life

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that random gene pulsing plays a key role in establishing spatial structures during biofilm development. This process allows for the distribution of cell states within a population, enabling the formation of complex patterns.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solving a biological puzzle: How stress causes gray hair

Researchers found that stress activates nerves that release norepinephrine, which causes premature depletion of pigment-producing cells. This leads to permanent damage and loss of stem cells, resulting in gray hair. The study advances understanding of stress impact on the body and paves way for new treatments.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2020

New study shows 'organic' wounds improve produce

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that simple leaf wounding in plants can increase the production of healthier organic fruit. The research team discovered that stress responses created in the fruits and vegetables lead to an increase in antioxidant compounds prior to harvest, making them healthier for human consumption.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2020

How cells relieve DNA replication stress

ATAD5 plays a crucial role in counteracting DNA replication stress by regulating PCNA unloading and promoting RAD51 recruitment. This study reveals ATAD5's fundamental mechanism of replication stress control, contributing to the development of cancer therapy.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 23, 2019

The 'airbag' that protects cells against stress

Researchers at CNIC have identified molecules that act as an 'airbag' protecting cells from mechanical stress. The study shows how these molecules coordinate changes to protect the cell and prevent damage. Altering their activity could lead to new therapies for diseases related to mechanical stress.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

Detailed insight into stressed cells

Researchers at Goethe University develop a new method to measure acute cellular stress responses, enabling precise time-resolved measurements of thousands of proteins. This breakthrough opens the door for new therapeutic strategies in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 5, 2019
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.

Fine-tuning gene expression during stress recovery

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that nuclear stress bodies help cells recover from stress by regulating intron retention, a process essential for gene expression. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious organelles' role in stress response and has implications for understanding various biological functions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 29, 2019

How Crohn's disease-associated bacteria tolerate antibiotics

Researchers discovered that Crohn's disease-associated bacteria can switch between replicating and non-growing states within macrophages to tolerate antibiotics. This stress response allows a reservoir of antibiotic-tolerant bacteria to survive in the host and cause long-term inflammation and irritation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 14, 2019

Puberty may offer window to reset effects of early deprived care on stress-response system

A new study found that puberty may offer a window of opportunity to recalibrate cortisol responses in children who experienced early life deprivation, such as institutional care. As these children age, their stress hormone levels increase and become more responsive to stress, similar to those who were not affected by deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Stress with disrupted body clock increases risk of metabolic disease

A study published by Professor Henrik Oster suggests that daily stress coupled with a disrupted internal clock increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is because environmental stress can affect food intake, promote weight gain, and have long-lasting effects on stress responses.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 12, 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.

Puberty and stress reactivity in humans

A study found that puberty can reverse the effects of early institutional care on stress reactivity. Cortisol levels rose with increasing pubertal stage in postinstitutionalized participants, similar to those without institutional care.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Horses blink less, twitch eyelids more when stressed

Researchers found that stressed horses blink less and twitch their upper eyelids more, providing a simple indicator of agitation. The study used non-invasive measurements to test the significance of eyelid twitches as an indicator of stress.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalAnimals·DateNov 6, 2019

Stress in the powerhouse of the cell

Researchers discover that flawed removal of signal sequences leads to protein aggregation in mitochondria, causing them to stop working. However, cells execute a protective stress response to maintain key functions, ensuring survival.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 18, 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.

Bone, not adrenaline, drives fight or flight response

A recent study suggests that osteocalcin, a hormone released by the skeleton, is necessary for the fight or flight response to be triggered in bony vertebrates. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that adrenaline drives this response.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 12, 2019

Bones secrete a stress hormone

Research reveals that bone-derived hormone osteocalcin plays a critical role in mediating the acute stress response, which is distinct from hormones released by the adrenal glands. Osteocalcin levels rise in response to stress, triggering physiological responses such as increased energy expenditure and heart rate.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 12, 2019

Meet the molecule that helps stressed cells decide between life and death

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified DDX3X as a crucial molecule in determining the fate of stressed cells. The molecule plays a pivotal role in regulating the innate immune response and helps cells interpret and respond to various stressors with measures meant to ensure cell survival or death. This findi...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

New research from Alkema lab shows how stress can weaken defenses

Research from the Alkema lab reveals that the 'fight-or-flight' response triggers tyramine release, which stimulates insulin pathways to satisfy energy demands but down-regulates cellular protection against environmental stress. This dynamic regulation negatively impacts health and aging in nematode worms.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 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.

'Stressors' in middle age linked to cognitive decline in older women

A new analysis of data on over 900 Baltimore adults has linked stressful life experiences among middle-aged women to greater memory decline in later life. The researchers found that women who experienced more stressful life events recalled fewer words and recognized less words during memory tests.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 5, 2019

A moderate dose of novel form of stress promotes longevity

Researchers discover that moderate chromatin stress triggers a response that promotes longevity in various organisms, including yeast and C. elegans. The study suggests that this process may be conserved in other organisms, opening new possibilities for intervening in human aging.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2019
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.

LDAIR, a lncRNA regulates seasonal changes in stress response

Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA, LDAIR, that regulates seasonal changes in stress response in medaka fish. This lncRNA affects corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 and modulates self-protective behaviors during breeding seasons.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

Reduced salinity of seawater wreaks havoc on coral chemistry

New research confirms that drastic changes in ocean salinity can cause 'freshwater bleaching' of coral reefs, leading to cell function collapse. The study found corals sensitive to slight changes, with nearshore reefs exposed to half normal ocean salinity causing a shock response preventing normal cell function.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 28, 2019
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.

Stress-free training may enhance surgical skill

Researchers found that students trained in a relaxed environment acquired microsurgical suturing and cutting skills rapidly, with performance levels comparable to seasoned surgeons. The study's results challenge traditional training doctrines, suggesting that stress-free conditions can improve skill acquisition and retention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2019

In utero particle exposure and respiratory illness

Mice exposed to ultrafine particles in utero show reduced immune responses and increased inflammation, indicating a possible link between prenatal pollution and respiratory health issues.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

Cellular stress at the movies

Biological imaging experts at Colorado State University have used a custom fluorescence microscope to capture individual RNA molecules interacting with stress granules. The results show that RNA translation is completely silenced before the RNAs enter the stress granules, providing unprecedented details of the cellular stress response.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 25, 2019
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.

Blocking toxic-protein production in ALS

Researchers have identified a key trigger for toxic protein production in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Targeting the integrated stress response with an approved antidepressant drug shows promise in reducing toxic protein production in laboratory tests.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJan 22, 2019

Leaf age determines the division of labor in plant stress responses

Researchers found that plants prioritize protection against physical stresses over biological ones depending on leaf age, with older leaves more sensitive to pathogen attacks and younger leaves protected under abiotic stress.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 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.

Monitoring stress response in rats

Researchers developed a flexible electrode to monitor adrenal gland activity in real-time, providing potential continuous tracking of acute and chronic stress responses. This method could aid in diagnosis and treatment of stress disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Stress related responses regulate immune function

Natural killer T cells use a stress-related pathway to produce cytokines, which play a crucial role in protecting against diseases. This unique mechanism highlights the selectivity of this response to this particular cell type.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 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.

Traffic noise stresses out frogs, but some have adapted

Frogs from quiet ponds exhibit increased stress hormone levels and impaired immune function when exposed to traffic noise. In contrast, frogs from noisy ponds display a dampened stress response and altered immune profile, which reduces the negative effects of traffic noise.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 20, 2018

Genetic pathways of plant drought response

Researchers identified NGA1, a transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana, as a key player in early drought stress response by activating the NCED3 gene and promoting abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. This finding suggests that ABA accumulation is essential for plant protection against dehydration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018