Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Do genes that code athletic heart enlargement carry a risk of future heart problems?

A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023
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.

Salk teams assemble first full epigenomic cell atlas of the mouse brain

Researchers at Salk Institute assembled the most complete atlas of the mouse brain by analyzing over 2 million brain cells. The detailed atlas reveals thousands of cell types, their connections, genes, and regulatory programs active in each cell, providing new insights into human disease vulnerabilities.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2023

Enzymes can’t tell artificial DNA from the real thing

Researchers have found that RNA polymerase can recognize and transcribe artificial base pairs in the same manner as natural ones, paving the way for custom protein design. This breakthrough could revolutionize medicine by creating new medicines through designer proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2023

New genes can arise from nothing

Researchers discovered a mechanism that creates DNA palindromes and new microRNA genes from noncoding sequences, explaining the origin of small regulatory genes. The study found that this process can create novel genes, potentially affecting human health.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research shows how important protein keeps our cell membranes in balance

A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the critical role of P4-ATPases, particularly ATP8B1-CDC50A, in maintaining lipid asymmetry in cell membranes. The research team used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure and function of the human flippase complex, revealing its regulation by phosphoinositides.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Taking antibiotics back in time

A team of researchers successfully synthesized a 1.5-million-year-old antibiotic called paleomycin, which displays potent properties against human pathogens. By tracing the evolutionary path of glycopeptide antibiotics, the team gained insights into the development of new drugs and uncovered a common precursor molecule.

SourceCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Malfunction in spermatogenesis

A study by Bonn researchers found that cylicins play a crucial role in sperm structure and development, leading to defects in head and tail shape. The absence of these proteins renders mice infertile, while similar variants in humans are linked to male infertility.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournaleLife·DateNov 28, 2023

How a pitcher plant evolved with tenfold genomic wealth

Researchers have identified a decaploid genome structure in the Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plant, revealing subgenome dominance that contributes to evolutionary innovation. Recessive subgenomes are enriched with novel genes, particularly those related to unique traits like dioecy and carnivory.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 23, 2023
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 cell identity is preserved when cells divide

A new MIT study proposes a theoretical model that helps explain how cells maintain the memory of their cell type despite losing chemical modifications during DNA replication. The research team suggests that the 3D folding pattern of the genome determines which parts will be marked by these chemical modifications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2023

Yeast cells can produce drugs for treatment of psychotic disorders

Researchers successfully produced alstonine, a naturally occurring substance with potential for treating mental disorders, using genetically engineered yeast cells. The yeast platform has the potential to discover and develop plant-based medicines, including those for schizophrenia.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 10, 2023

Location of strong sense of discomfort in brain found

A new neural circuit has been discovered in the brain that produces a strong sense of discomfort when activated. The study found that the subthalamic nucleus, which controls voluntary movements, also plays a role in the development of depression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Obesity leads to a complex inflammatory response inside fat tissue

Researchers discovered five types of macrophages in fat tissue, with one subtype promoting inflammation and another quelling it. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that pro-inflammatory macrophages are solely responsible for obesity-related inflammation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 10, 2023

A more effective experimental design for engineering a cell into a new state

A new AI method leverages causal relationships in genome regulation to efficiently identify optimal genetic perturbations for cellular reprogramming. The technique reduces experimental costs by prioritizing the most informative interventions, leading to faster convergence and more effective results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 2, 2023
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.

Rare long-distance dispersal events help maintain genetic structure of mangroves

Researchers found that occasional long-distance dispersal events between North and South Brazil allow red mangrove trees to exchange genetic material, maintaining their unique populations. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and carbon storage, making conservation efforts crucial.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateAug 9, 2023
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.

A mother’s diet can protect her grandchildren’s brains: genetic model study

A Monash University study using roundworms found that certain foods, such as apples and herbs, can help protect against brain function deterioration. The researchers discovered that a molecule present in these foods, ursolic acid, causes a gene to turn on, making a specific type of fat that prevents axon fragility.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023

Revealing HIV drug-resistance mechanisms through protein structures

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered molecular mechanisms of HIV drug-resistance to Dolutegravir, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of new HIV therapeutics. The study revealed how changes in integrase protein structure can lead to resistance and how another compound, 4d, may overcome this resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 2023

A glimpse into the hexasome: 40 years on

A recent study by the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that DNA packaging into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular processes of how this packaging regulates genome expression and maintenance.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

DNA organization in real-time

Researchers track the movement of two specific gene elements on a chromosome, finding that they exhibit fast motion and dense packing. This study provides insights into how gene activity is controlled in 3D space, challenging previous assumptions about long-distance communication.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 29, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How the evolution of tooth enamel tissue unfolded

A recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that the Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in shaping and varying tooth enamel. The team used genetically modified mouse models to analyze the effects of the Notch-ligands on teeth, revealing that their absence affected tooth morphology and enamel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2023

Researchers reveal mechanism of protection against breast and ovarian cancer

A new study reveals that the protein complex BCDX2 plays a critical role in DNA repair, suggesting mutations in this complex could lead to cancer. The research also highlights the importance of screening for mutations in people with a family history of breast and ovarian cancers.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Midgut gland of scallops: a valuable source of fucosylated heparan sulfate

The study reveals that the midgut gland of Japanese scallops is a valuable source of fucosylated heparan sulfate, exhibiting anticoagulating and neurite outgrowth-promoting activities. Fuc-HS shows resistance to GAG-degrading enzymes, indicating its unique structure with a fucosyl group attached to GlcA.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Tracing Chile’s indigenous roots through genetics and linguistics

A new international study reconstructs the legacy of Chile's largest indigenous community, the Mapuche, through genetics and linguistics. The research reveals distinct Mapuche lineages originated locally and have remained in relative isolation, punctuated by episodes of contact with other South American populations.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023
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.

Mapping the genetic history of French Canadians through space and time

A new study maps French Canadian populations using a unique dataset of over five million records spanning 400 years, revealing the complex relationship between human migration and genetic variation. The research shows that the genetic structure of French Canadians is encoded within its genealogy.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

Nature-study reveals new mechanism for DNA folding

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and the Max Planck Institute have identified a new mechanism for DNA folding, revealing how the Smc5/6 complex regulates chromosomal organization. This discovery provides new insights into normal development and disease prevention.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2023

How skates learned to fly through water

Researchers discovered that skates' remarkable fins result from changes in their genome's non-coding regions and three-dimensional complexes called topologically associated domains (TADs). These alterations drove the evolution of unique gene-expression patterns, enabling the development of exceptionally wide fins.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

The complete respiratory supercomplex identified

The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2023
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.

Genetics as conservation tool for endangered chimpanzees

A genetic census has been used to estimate the number and population structure of critically endangered western chimpanzees in West Africa. The analysis identified a total of 136 chimpanzees living in four different communities, with high levels of shared ancestry and genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2023

Stowers scientists use cavefish to learn more about metabolism and the evolutionary basis of being a couch potato

Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Researchers reveal the structure of the IFT-B complex, which is essential for formation of the cilium organelle

The study reveals the structure of the 15-subunit IFT-B complex, a crucial component in cilia formation and maintenance. The complex's elongated and flexible nature is consistent with previous low-resolution reconstructions, and two configurations are identified that may drive bi-directional movement.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

The untapped potential of RNA structures

Researchers reveal the dynamic nature of RNA molecules, which can take on multiple shapes and regulate cellular processes. The 'RNA structurome' holds key to understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2022
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.

Sustainable fishing plan for Caribbean spiny lobsters

Researchers at the University of Exeter are developing a genetic tool to analyze lobster population genetics and connectivity, trialing aquaculture technology for sustainably farming lobsters in The Bahamas, and devising a policy for future sustainable exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 12, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2022

Ending a 50-year mystery, scientists reveal how bacteria can move

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to understand the structure of bacterial propellers, which are made of a single protein. The study reveals that bacteria push themselves forward by coiling these appendages into corkscrew shapes, and that similar structures have evolved independently in archaea.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell·DateSep 27, 2022

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
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.

How environmental changes affect the shapes of RNA in living cells

The study reveals that environmental conditions cause RNA structures to change, affecting plant flowering times and potentially leading to more desirable traits. This technology can also be applied to human cells, enabling the design of RNA-based therapies for diseases like SARS-COV-2.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022

Scientists discover key genes behind insect migrations

Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed

Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified key molecules linked to the mammalian-meat allergy caused by tick bites. The study reveals that a particular antibody type has a natural pocket into which a sugar molecule, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), snugly fits.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022
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.

How globalization could be making human parasites more virulent

Researchers found that different lineages of Cryptosporidium parvum are increasingly exchanging their DNA, which helps the parasite evolve faster and potentially result in more virulent strains. The study suggests that globalization and close contact with animals increase the rate of genetic exchange.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 30, 2022

Daring to leave gaps in the genome

Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022
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.

Beavers are well established and moving through the Oregon Coast Range, study finds

A new study from Oregon State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center found that beavers in the Coast Range of western Oregon exhibit relatively strong genetic differentiation, shaped by watershed boundaries and past relocations. The researchers recommend relocating beavers within watershed...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Xerocrassa montserratensis, an endemic and threatened snail in Catalonia

The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2021