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New Tourette disorder genes come to light

Researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with Tourette Disorder, which may disrupt cell polarity and lead to chronic vocal and motor tics. The study's findings provide a deeper understanding of the condition and offer potential insights for developing improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 25, 2018
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.

Scarlet macaw DNA points to ancient breeding operation in Southwest

Researchers found that scarlet macaws sequenced from Chaco Canyon and Mimbres areas in New Mexico shared the same haplogroup, indicating a single breeding population. This contradicts previous theories that ancestral Puebloan people brought birds back from Mexico, as transporting adolescent birds would be logistically difficult.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Generating DNA sequence data in the developing world

A recent study demonstrates the feasibility of producing high-quality DNA sequence data at a laboratory in Indonesia. The research shows that molecular techniques like DNA extraction and PCR can be done using relatively simple methods and inexpensive reagents.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Deep in the weeds: Using eDNA sequencing to survey pondweed diversity

A recent study using eDNA sequencing identified aquatic plant diversity in ponds, offering a new approach to ecological surveys. The study found that pondweed diversity had been underestimated at a reserve in Ontario, detecting three previously unknown species.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018

NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing in forensic DNA profiling. This new data enables labs to generate reliable match statistics, even with partial DNA profiles or mixtures from multiple individuals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 23, 2018

Rethinking existing method opens new doors for cancer diagnostics

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully developed a new method for cancer diagnostics that uses single-molecule sequencing to investigate fluid dynamics of DNA molecules in solution. This method enables the detection of subtle differences in DNA sequences, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 27, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Deep data dive helps predict cerebral palsy

A recent study published in BMC Bioinformatics has found that DNA methylation patterns in circulating blood cells can help identify children with spastic cerebral palsy. The researchers used next-generation sequencing data to analyze these patterns and identified distinct markers that distinguish children with CP from those without it.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateJun 21, 2018

New technique provides accurate dating of ancient skeletons

Researchers have developed a new analytic method, Time Population Structure (TPS), to date ancient DNA by predicting time based on DNA mutations. TPS has shown results similar to traditional radiocarbon dating, with an average difference of 800 years in age predictions for samples up to 45,000 years old.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

International consortium wants to sequence the DNA of 1.5 million species

The Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of every eukaryotic species on Earth, filling the huge knowledge gap in biodiversity research. With a cost estimate of approximately US$4.7 billion, the project will lay the scientific foundation for a new bioeconomy and bring innovative solutions to global problems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2018

New tool predicts deadly form of rare cancer

A new tool uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to accurately predict which early-stage Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) patients are at risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. The tool, which analyzes specific genes, has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for these patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 9, 2018

Built for speed: DNA nanomachines take a (rapid) step forward

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a DNA walker that can rapidly traverse a track, significantly increasing speed and paving the way for new innovations in DNA nanotechnology. By optimizing DNA strand length and sequences, the device can cover ground up to 100 times faster than previous devices.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 7, 2018

Untangling DNA knots

MIT researchers have discovered the factors that determine whether a DNA knot moves along the strand or jams in place. By manipulating the electric field strength, they can induce knots to move towards one end of the molecule, potentially enabling more accurate genome sequencing and knot removal methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2018

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence DNA from all complex life on Earth

The project seeks to understand the evolution and organization of life by sequencing and functionally annotating the genomes of 1.5 million eukaryotic species, including plants, animals, fungi, and single-cell organisms. This initiative aims to reveal unknown species and provide a freely available resource for scientific discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 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.

Building a DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora using herbarium collections

A new study by Dr. Maria Kuzmina provides a vast DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora, covering 98% of vascular plant species, using herbarium specimens. The scale of sampling and quality of curation lend the library taxonomic authority, offering a valuable resource for modern plant sciences.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018

UCLA scientists develop low-cost way to build gene sequences

Researchers have developed a new method, DropSynth, to synthesize thousands of genes at once, reducing the cost from $50-$100 to $2 per gene. This breakthrough enables scientists to test hypotheses and analyze large numbers of cells with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2018

Helix to help expand Healthy Nevada Project

The Renown Institute for Health Innovation is partnering with Helix to offer DNA sequencing to an additional 40,000 Nevadans through the Healthy Nevada Project. This phase will utilize Helix's proprietary Next Generation Sequencing technology to provide unparalleled access to genetic data.

SourceDesert Research Institute·DateJan 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.

Scientists explore mysteries behind diversity of DNA composition among species

A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals that G+C composition is generally strongly favored across different species, regardless of genome size or location. The researchers used large-scale DNA sequencing data to demonstrate a correlation between G+C content and the expectations based on neutral mutations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 2, 2018

Statistical test relates pathogen mutation to infectious disease progression

Researchers Ryosuke Omori and Jianhong Wu develop an inductive algorithm to study site-specific nucleotide frequencies using a multi-strain SIR model. The algorithm calculates Tajima's D, a statistical test that measures natural selection at a specific site.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 28, 2017

Genes in Space-3 successfully identifies unknown microbes in space

The Genes in Space-3 team achieved the first-ever sample-to-sequence process entirely aboard the International Space Station, identifying two previously unknown microorganisms. The breakthrough could aid in diagnosing astronaut ailments, identifying DNA-based life on other planets, and benefiting other experiments.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateDec 28, 2017
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.

Liquid biopsy results differed substantially between 2 providers

Researchers found significant disparities in liquid biopsy results from Guardant360 and Personal Genome Diagnostics for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Inconsistencies were found even when analyzing DNA from the same blood sample, highlighting the need for improved certification and quality control.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 14, 2017

Which sequences make DNA unwrap and breathe?

Researchers develop a model explaining how DNA sequences affect nucleosome accessibility for gene expression, bridging the gap between mechanical and chemical information in DNA molecules. The study reveals specific base pair sequences that enable packaged DNA to unwind and 'breathe', allowing genes to be read.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 5, 2017

Kidney disease diagnosis may benefit from DNA sequencing

A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that DNA sequencing may offer real clinical value in diagnosing and managing patients with chronic kidney disease. The researchers analyzed 92 adults with kidney disease, yielding a diagnosis in 22 participants, including 13 individuals whose cause of kidney failure was unknown.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Revolutionary imaging technique uses CRISPR to map DNA mutations

A new nanomapping technology combines high-speed atomic force microscopy with a CRISPR-based chemical barcoding technique to map DNA nearly as accurately as DNA sequencing. The technology can process large sections of the genome at a much faster rate, using parts found in DVD players.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

New techniques give blood biopsies greater promise

Researchers have developed an accurate approach for monitoring cancer DNA from blood samples, validating the use of blood samples for studying patients' cancer genomes. Nearly 90 percent of a tumor's genetic features can be detected in blood samples using whole-exome sequencing.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

The Guanches originated from North Africa, shows DNA-study

The new study reveals that the Guanches carried a mixture of genetic ancestry, with a significant proportion derived from modern North Africans and European Stone Age farmers. The findings provide conclusive evidence on the origins of the Guanches and shed light on their cultural and genetic legacy.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 26, 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities exposed with new DNA sequencing approach

Researchers have developed a new method to detect and identify the many species involved in these ecologically vital communities, revealing one of the highest levels of species richness recorded to date. The study found that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities were dominated by a small number of very common fungi.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateSep 29, 2017

How molecular scissors cut in the right place

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 finds its target sequence in the genome, taking around six hours to search a bacterium's four million base pairs. To improve speed and reliability, they found that sacrificing Cas9's flexibility can lead to faster, but still versatile genetic scissors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Ancient human DNA in sub-Saharan Africa lifts veil on prehistory

A large-scale study of ancient human DNA from sub-Saharan Africa has shed light on the identity of prehistoric populations, their movements and genetic adaptations. The research found evidence of a population replacement in Malawi and identified a mysterious group that spanned from southern Africa to the equator.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateSep 21, 2017
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.

Engineer develops key mathematical formula for driving quantum experiments

Washington University engineer Jr-Shin Li has developed a mathematical formula to design broadband pulse sequences, leading to enhanced signal sensitivity in various quantum experiments. The formula, published in Nature Communications, is the first to use analytical methods, resolving challenges associated with numerical optimization.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

Into the wild for plant genetics

Researchers at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew detail for the first time the opportunities for plant sciences with portable real-time DNA sequencing. By sequencing random pieces of the genome in the field, accurate species identification is possible within a few hours of collecting a specimen.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2017

DNA from Viking cod bones suggests 1,000-year history of European fish trade

A new study suggests a European stockfish trade existed for 1,000 years, with cod bones from Haithabu providing evidence of fish caught in northern Norway being consumed on mainland Europe. The findings support the idea that traded fish played a significant role in knitting the European continent together economically.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

The undertaker's census

Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute used carrion flies to survey tropical forest mammals, detecting 20 species that were not found by traditional methods. The method was more effective than camera traps and transect counts, but had limitations, such as failing to detect certain species that produce small droppings.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateJul 31, 2017
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.

Present-day Lebanese descend from Biblical Canaanites, genetic study suggests

Ancient DNA sequencing of 4,000-year-old Canaanite individuals and present-day Lebanese reveals that more than 90% of Lebanese ancestry is likely to be from the Canaanites. The study also discovered a mixture of local people and eastern migrants in the ancient Canaanite population.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 27, 2017

Cloning thousands of genes for massive protein libraries

Researchers at Rutgers University have invented a technology to clone thousands of genes simultaneously, creating massive libraries of proteins from DNA samples. This innovation could lead to rapid discovery of new medicines and biomarkers, revolutionizing the field of functional genomics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 26, 2017
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.

Rare genetic disorders: New approach uses RNA in search for genetic triggers

Researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München developed a method that significantly increases the chances of identifying genetic triggers in rare hereditary disorders. By sequencing both DNA and RNA, they were able to narrow down gene candidates in 10% of cases, while reducing false positives.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2017

In fruit fly and human genetics, timing is everything

Scientists at UNC discovered a cascade of molecular signals that program gene activity to drive fruit fly maturation, involving alterations to DNA packaging and chromatin accessibility. This basic biology finding may hold significance for understanding how cancers arise in humans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 25, 2017

Genome sequence of fuel-producing alga announced

The genome of Botryococcus braunii has been sequenced, revealing 18,500 genes and potential biosynthetic pathways for hydrocarbon production. The findings could enable the use of algae as a renewable fuel source without modifying existing infrastructure.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalGenome Announcements·DateMay 10, 2017
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 butterfly species discovered in Israel for the first time in 109 years

Researchers have discovered a new butterfly species, Acentria's fritillary, in northern Israel, with a unique molecular signature different from other fritillary species. The species is likely to be endemic to the region, highlighting its evolutionary history and possible hybridization between two other species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalComparative Cytogenetics·DateMay 5, 2017

What's a knot -- and what's not -- in genomic mapping

A team of researchers used computational modeling to understand DNA knotting in nanochannels, a challenge in genome mapping. They found that experimental results are not consistent with simulations, but the data may come from other sources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 11, 2017

Next Generation TimeTree: An expanded history of life on Earth at your fingertips

The next generation TimeTree web combines molecular sequencing data with geological timelines and environmental information. Users can now explore the history of life on Earth in detail, tracing species evolution through time and comparing divergence times between species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

New finding could lead to earlier liver cancer diagnosis

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to detect aflatoxin exposure by sequencing DNA of liver cells, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The technique can identify rare mutations caused by aflatoxin long before tumors form.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

Better barcoding: New library of DNA sequences improves plant identification

A new database of genetic information, developed by researchers at Emory University, has improved the accuracy of plant identification using DNA sequencing technologies. The new library uses the rbcL gene, a popular barcode in plants, to identify species from tiny amounts of material, enabling faster and more accurate analysis.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMar 15, 2017

Nanotechnology and nanopore sequencing

Nanopore sequencing is a modern and promising technique that benefits from the potential advantages of label-free sequencing and long reads. This method analyzes DNA directly taken from cells, enhancing sequencing accuracy. Recent advances in solid-state nanopore sequencing are investigated in a review published in Recent Patents on Na...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Nanotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2017
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.

Rethink needed to save critically endangered black rhinoceros

A new study reveals a massive decline in genetic diversity among living and extinct black rhinoceros populations. The research found that hunting and habitat loss have reduced the species' evolutionary potential dramatically over the last 200 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2017

Genetic defect found to cause disease in multiple organs

Researchers at Queen Mary University London have discovered a genetic defect causing kidney and adrenal disease in patients from around the world. The study found that defects in the SGPL1 gene can lead to progressive diseases with neurological involvement.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2017