Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Can DNA evidence fill gaps in our history books?

Researchers used DNA to reconstruct past events that brought European populations together, shedding light on the lives of 'regular people.' The study found evidence of multiple migrations, including from Central Asia to Europe and from West Africa to the Mediterranean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Data mining DNA for polycystic ovary syndrome genes

Researchers identified two new genetic susceptibility regions specific to European women with PCOS, including a region containing the FSH gene, which plays an essential role in ovarian function. The study provides crucial insights into the disorder's biological pathways, paving the way for new treatments and disease prevention approaches.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 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.

Novel DNA repair mechanism brings new horizons

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new DNA repair mechanism that can detect and fix single-stranded breaks in histone-bound DNA. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2015

Many experiments for the price of one -- a breakthrough in the study of gene regulation

Researchers developed a novel approach to deciphering gene regulation networks by leveraging biological knowledge and computational algorithms. They found that combining laboratory experiments with motif information can accurately predict DNA-binding behavior of transcription factors.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 9, 2015

Reprogramming of DNA observed in human germ cells for first time

A study published in Cell has described the comprehensive erasure of epigenetic information in early primordial germ cells prior to egg and sperm formation. However, researchers found that around 5% of DNA remains resistant to reprogramming, potentially contributing to conditions such as schizophrenia and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2015
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.

Study examines association of genetic variants with cognitive impairment

A study published in JAMA Network examines the association between genetic variants and cognitive impairment, revealing that intermediate-size copy number variations may negatively affect educational attainment. The research suggests a potential link between these genetic variants and intellectual disability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 26, 2015

Researchers get a closer look at how the Huntington's gene works

A closer look at the DNA surrounding the Huntington's disease (HD) gene reveals critical regions controlling its expression. Changes in these regions can delay or accelerate the disease, with some individuals receiving protection from the mutant gene.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene duplications associated with autism evolved recently in human history

A recent study found that a region of the genome associated with autism contains genetic variation that evolved in the last 250,000 years, likely playing an important role in disease. This variation is characterized by segments of DNA being deleted or duplicated, a common cause of autism and other conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 18, 2014

Gluing chromosomes at the right place

Researchers discovered that chromosome rearrangements can induce additional errors in cell division, leading to genetic instability. The study found that misplaced DNA segments can lead to the formation of extra cohesion sites, causing abnormal chromosome stretching during cell division.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

Inherited 'memory' of environmental impact on health may be limited

A new study in mice shows that epigenetic effects, such as those caused by under-nutrition during pregnancy, can be passed down to offspring but may not persist indefinitely. The study suggests that these 'memories' of environmental impact on health may be limited and potentially reversible.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2014

A single DNA tweak leads to blond hair

HHMI researchers have pinpointed a single-letter change in the genetic code that generates blond hair in humans. This variation is common in Northern Europeans and fine-tunes the regulation of an essential gene involved in hair color, showcasing how independent changes can be encoded to produce specific traits.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 1, 2014

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified two new gene regions linked to bipolar disorder, bringing hope for new treatments. The research, involving over 24,000 patients and healthy individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the complex condition.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2014

Seven new genetic regions linked to type 2 diabetes

A study of over 48,000 patients and 139,000 healthy controls from four ethnic groups revealed seven new genetic regions associated with type 2 diabetes. The research provides insights into the biological processes involved in the disease and may lead to novel therapies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2014
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.

Grasshoppers are what they eat

A new protocol allows researchers to investigate feeding patterns and detect plant DNA in grasshoppers, providing insights into insect-plant interactions. The method enables tracking of plant food movement during consumption and can be completed in under three hours.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 5, 2014

Why is type 2 diabetes an increasing problem?

A new study has found that genetic regions associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes were unlikely to have been beneficial to people at stages through human evolution. The researchers tested this theory by examining 65 genetic regions and found no evidence to support the thrifty gene hypothesis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 9, 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.

Ancient DNA reveals multiple stages of settlement in Europe

The study found that the region now known as Germany experienced at least four significant migrations and settlements between 5500 B.C. and 1500 B.C., resulting in marked genetic shifts across several millennia. This complex dynamics helped shape the present-day genetic patterns in Europe.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2013

New technique identifies novel class of cancer's drivers

Researchers have identified potential genetic variants in non-coding DNA regions that drive the development of various cancers. The new approach prioritizes these variants based on their predicted impact on human disease, offering a promising tool for finding disease-causing genetic mutations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013

Rare gene variant linked to macular degeneration

A recent study has identified a rare gene mutation linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50. The C3 gene variant contributes to AMD risk by interfering with the complement pathway's normal function.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 16, 2013

Genetic factors shaping salamander tails determine regeneration pace

Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with salamander tail regeneration and found that the width of the tail influences regrowth pace. The study suggests local factors at the site of injury regulate regenerative outgrowth, contributing to differences in regeneration among animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013
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.

Getting to grips with migraine

The study found 5 genetic regions linked to the onset of migraine and identified 12 genetic regions associated with migraine susceptibility. The regulation of these pathways may be important to the genetic susceptibility of migraines, which affects approximately 14% of adults and is a debilitating disorder.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 23, 2013

Genetics defines a distinct liver disease

A large-scale genetic study has associated nine new genetic regions with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune liver disease. The study definitively proves PSC is a distinct disease, despite its genetic relationship to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 21, 2013
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.

Stocking Florida bass in Texas reservoirs may alter stream systems connected to stocked reservoirs

A genetic analysis by Baylor University biologists reveals that Florida bass stocking in Texas reservoirs affects bass populations far beyond the actual stocking location. The study found Florida bass DNA in bass at all sampling locations, including sites over 50 miles upstream from the closest documented stocking location.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateMar 7, 2013

Translation error tracked in the brain of dementia patients

Researchers have identified enigmatic protein aggregates in the brains of dementia patients with frontotemporal dementia and ALS. These aggregates are likely damaging and may be a target for therapy, as they are thought to contribute to disease progression.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2013

UMass Amherst biostatisticians identify genes linked to heart disease

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new method called MixMAP that uses existing public databases to reveal substantial new information about genes associated with high cholesterol and heart disease. The approach provides opportunities for developing new treatments and identifying people at greatest risk.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2013
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.

A leap forward for red blood cell formation

Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation, shedding light on the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in controlling the size and number of red blood cells. This discovery may lead to new insights into the genetics of anaemia and potential treatments.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012
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.

Gut reaction: The evolution of IBD

Researchers have identified 71 genetic regions associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number discovered to date to 163. The study reveals that IBD may result from an over-active immune response, which can lead to inflammation and damage in the intestinal tract.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2012

Genetic clues to the causes of primary biliary cirrhosis

Researchers have discovered three new genetic regions linked to primary biliary cirrhosis, bringing the total number of known regions to 25. The study used Immunochip technology to survey the genome for signs of autoimmune disease susceptibility.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 9, 2012
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.

Researchers unlock disease information hidden in genome's control circuitry

A study published in Science reveals that genetic changes associated with diseases impact the genome's regulatory circuitry, affecting gene expression rather than genes themselves. The research exposed previously hidden connections between different diseases and offers a new approach for pinpointing specific cell types involved in dise...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2012

Metabolic MAGIC

Researchers have identified 38 new genetic regions linked to glucose and insulin levels, expanding the total number of associated genetic regions to 53. The study used a powerful technology to analyze DNA sequence variations for multiple traits at once.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 12, 2012
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.

Rewriting DNA to understand what it says

The new study proposes a way to effectively introduce carefully planned DNA segments into genomes of living cells and test the effects. The technology enables simultaneous introduction of tens of thousands of DNA regions into tens of thousands of living cells, allowing for precise measurement of results within a single experiment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 31, 2012

Afghans share unique genetic heritage, DNA analysis shows

A study of Afghan DNA reveals a shared genetic heritage with a common ancestral population emerging during the Neolithic revolution. The analysis indicates that early civilizations in the region contributed to the unique genetic diversity of Afghans, shaped by migrations and invasions.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

Plant DNA speaks English, identifies new species

Researchers have successfully diagnosed a new species of plant using DNA barcoding, a method that relies on short DNA sequences for identification. The study marks a significant shift towards English-language diagnoses, which will enable scientists to more easily share and verify findings.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 23, 2012

Hiding in plain sight, new frog species found in New York City

Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of leopard frog in NYC, using DNA analysis to distinguish it from other similar-looking frogs. The species is believed to have had a wider range but went extinct in the city's larger territory.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2012
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 reveals new role for RNA interference during chromosomal replication

A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reveals that RNA interference plays a crucial role in regulating chromosomal replication. The findings show that RNAi mechanism causes the enzyme to release its hold on the DNA and allows the replication fork to progress smoothly, protecting cells from DNA damage.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2011

Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease may be modified by diet

Researchers found that genetic variants associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease may be mitigated by a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables. The study's results suggest that dietary choices can influence the impact of these genetic variants on cardiovascular health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 11, 2011

All-access genome: New study explores packaging of DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University have made new discoveries about the packaging of DNA in nucleosomes, revealing how genes are turned on and off. The study found that DNA unwrapping occurs rapidly around certain regions, allowing proteins to bind with specific target sites.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateSep 22, 2011
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.

Large international study discovers common genetic contributions to mental illness

A large international study of over 50,000 adults has identified 11 common genetic variations associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study found that many of these variants contribute to both diseases, providing new molecular evidence for the causes of these chronic brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 19, 2011

Ancient humans were mixing it up

A team of researchers led by Michael Hammer found evidence of hybridization between modern humans and archaic forms in Africa. Contemporary African populations contain small proportions of genetic material brought in by an archaic population that split from the ancestors of anatomically modern humans about 700,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

How yeast chromosomes avoid the bad breaks

Researchers found a novel system involving Pch2 and Orc1 proteins protecting yeast rDNA from inappropriate meiotic recombination. This protective repeat-associated heterochromatin makes the DNA segments near its boundary particularly vulnerable to recombination.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2011
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.

Genetic switch for limbs and digits found in ancient fish

Researchers discovered a genetic switch controlling limb development in ancient fish, suggesting that the recipe for limb development is conserved across species. The discovery challenges previous findings and provides new insights into the evolution of limbs in tetrapods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2011

Deep history of coconuts decoded

Researchers discovered two distinct populations of coconuts, indicating separate cultivation origins in the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins. The study also found evidence of prehistoric trade routes and the colonization of the Americas through coconut genetics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 2011

UTHealth researchers link chromosome region to thoracic aortic disease

Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a link between chromosome region 16p13.1 and thoracic aortic disease, finding that patients with duplications are 12 times more likely to develop the condition. The study identified nine genes in this region, which may contribute to the development of aneurysms and dissections.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 16, 2011