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Columbia University study identifies gene variants linked to severe schizophrenia

A study published in PNAS found that individuals with severe schizophrenia have a higher number of rare mutations than those with typical forms of the illness. This discovery could lead to more precise treatments for this chronic disease, which affects over 3 million Americans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021
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.

How do dolphins learn to live along the coast?

Researchers found that dolphins have adapted to coastal life independently due to ancestral genes, which provide benefits for living in different environments. These genetic variations can be learned and passed down through generations.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Gene discoveries give new hope to people who stutter

Researchers have discovered new genetic variations associated with developmental stuttering, offering new therapeutic directions to improve outcomes. The study found that stuttering is polygenic, meaning multiple genetic factors contribute to and protect against the condition.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 2, 2021

Refinement of genetic signals for psoriasis by combining European-origin and South Asian populations

A Michigan Medicine study combined genetic samples from patients of different ethnic backgrounds, identifying two new psoriasis genetic signals. The inclusion of South Asian subjects allowed researchers to pinpoint several genetic variations within HLA genes that are likely to play a causal role in psoriasis.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

Machine learning may help identify people at risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm

A team of researchers used deep learning to analyze cardiac images and identified genetic variations linked to aortic size. The findings may lead to the development of a polygenic score to identify individuals at high risk of aneurysm, as well as new drug targets for aortic enlargement.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2021

Largest genetic study of suicide attempts confirms genetic underpinnings that are not driven by underlying psychiatric disorders

A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

New tool predicts where coronavirus binds to human proteins

A new computational tool allows precise prediction of protein interfaces for COVID-19 and human interactions. This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand virus development, identify high-risk populations, and develop targeted drugs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2021

Study finds relationship between immune pathway response to influenza and genetic ancestry

A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2021
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 gene identified that contributes to progression to type 1 diabetes

A new study has identified the CCR2 gene as a key player in the progression of type 1 diabetes. The research found that lower blood levels of CCL-2, a ligand for CCR2, were associated with increased immune cell recruitment to the pancreas, leading to islet cell destruction.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Translational Autoimmunity·DateNov 16, 2021

USask chickpea research aims to improve important food source for low- and lower-middle-income countries

The study provides insights into the genetic evolution and migration of chickpeas, offering a roadmap for improving the crop's nutritional value and climate resilience. Chickpeas are a main protein source for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2021

Pacific rockfish and the trade-offs of a long life

A genetic comparison of nearly two-thirds of the known species of rockfish pinpoints genes linked to their varying lifespans, which range from less than a decade to over 200 years. The study highlights trade-offs of long lifespan, including smaller populations and adaptations that increase survival

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human history and migration of disease: Study tracks spread of young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents

A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021

Returning genomic research findings reveals unrecognized disease risks

A new study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics found that 76.3% of participants who received actionable genomic results were unaware they carried increased risk variants, even though half met clinical criteria for genetic testing. Comprehensive sequencing revealed previously missed variants, emphasizing the need for mo...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 8, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why some Darwin’s finch nestlings have yellow beaks

A study published in Current Biology found that a mutation affecting the expression of a key carotenoid pigment gene is responsible for the yellow color of some Darwin's finch nestlings. The genetic basis for this variation was poorly understood, but researchers were able to identify the underlying mechanism using modern genetic tools.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Towards precision medicine for dialysis patients

A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Genomic study revealing among diverse populations with inherited retinal disease

A genomic study revealed causative gene variants for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) in diverse populations, with significant findings for Mexican, Pakistani, and European American participants. The study identified new gene variants and mutations contributing to IRDs, shedding light on disease variation and presentation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 19, 2021
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.

New genes identified for fibromuscular dysplasia

Researchers have discovered three new genetic variants linked to fibromuscular dysplasia, which affects women in their prime and is often associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's genetic basis and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 15, 2021

Genes play key role in exercise outcomes - study

A new study identifies 13 genes as key factors in shaping physical fitness through various forms of exercise. Genetic differences account for up to 72% of the variation in muscle strength improvements.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021
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.

Filling the gaps: connecting genes to diseases through proteins

A new study identified thousands of protein connections to various human diseases, suggesting a common origin in the genome. This approach linked genetic variations to specific proteins, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

The new-new kids on the block: Hybrid lizards

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis uncovered why hybridization among brown anoles is rare in their native range but common in new geographic territories. The study highlights the importance of environmental degradation in facilitating hybridization, which can contribute to biodiversity declines.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2021
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.

Van Andel Institute, Maine Medical Center Research Institute scientists earn $9.6 million Transformative Research Award from National Institutes of Health

Researchers will investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors controlling variation in health, with potential implications for combating cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The team aims to identify new sets of disease-related genes, delineate subtypes of disease, and understand the complex interaction between genetics and epigenetics.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·DateOct 5, 2021

Study maps immune system genes involved in resistance to SARS-CoV-2

A study analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and found associations between certain genetic variants and efficient activation of natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells to prevent disease development.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 28, 2021
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.

In a gene tied to growth, scientists see glimmers of human history

Researchers have identified a shortened version of the human growth hormone receptor gene, GHRd3, which may help people survive in situations where resources are scarce or unpredictable. The study found that this variant emerged around 1-2 million years ago and was more prevalent in ancient humans and Neanderthals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2021

Ancient DNA analysis sheds light on dark event in medieval Spain

A medieval Spanish individual, known as the 'Segorbe Giant,' has been analyzed using ancient DNA. The research found that he had a mix of North African and local Spanish ancestry, suggesting a complex history of migration and intermixing. This study sheds light on a dark event in medieval Spain's past.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Darwin’s short-beak enigma solved

A study by University of Utah biologists discovered a mutation in the ROR2 gene is linked to short beak length in domestic pigeons. This mutation also underlies the human disorder Robinow syndrome, which shares striking facial features with the pigeon phenotype.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

$7 million to support research into how human genome works

The university will lead the data and administrative center for a multicenter project investigating how variations in the human genome sequence affect its function. Researchers aim to identify which genomic variants are relevant for health and disease, improving understanding of human health and developing new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 9, 2021
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.

USC study identifies new risk factor for most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Schizophrenia study suggests advanced genetic scorecard cannot predict a patient’s fate

A Mount Sinai study found that polygenic risk scores were no better at predicting worsening symptoms than written reports in schizophrenia patients. The results raise questions about the use of polygenic risk scores in real-world situations, suggesting a doctor's report may be an untapped source of predictive information.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Cavalier King Charles spaniels carry more harmful genetic variants than other breeds

A recent study found that Cavalier King Charles spaniels have an increased number of disease-causing mutations compared to other breeds. The breed's history of intense breeding and limited gene pool has led to the accumulation of harmful genetic variants, including those linked to myxomatous mitral valve disease, a common heart condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Genetic test better than blood test for cardiovascular diseases

A new study from Uppsala University found that genetic tests are more accurate than traditional blood tests in determining the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed data from 500,000 subjects and discovered a significant link between blood group genetics and coagulation proteins.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Genetic risk scores can aid accurate diagnosis of epilepsy

A recent study found that genetic risk scores can help diagnose epilepsy in individuals with a single seizure, distinguishing them from those with other causes. The researchers analyzed data from over 9,600 individuals with epilepsy-related diagnoses and found a significant correlation between genetic risk and epilepsy diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateAug 28, 2021

A parent’s genes can influence a child’s educational success, inherited or not

A new study led by UCL researchers confirms that genetic inheritance has a significant impact on educational outcomes. However, the study also reveals that parent genes that aren't directly inherited can shape parents' education levels and subsequently influence their children's learning environment, affecting their academic success.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 2021

Study of East Africans illuminates new genetic factors underlying human faces

A new study has identified 20 genetic regions linked to face shape in East Africans, highlighting the importance of diverse populations in understanding human facial features. The findings also reveal that shared genetic factors contribute to similarities across populations, while population-specific variants drive differences.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Russian scientists investigate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers assessed effectiveness of T-cell immune response to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying HLA gene variants with significantly changed virus peptides. The T-cell COVID-19 Atlas portal (T-CoV) provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of viral mutations on immunity.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 15, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Genetic enigma solved

A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Less stress for women who know their genetic risk for breast cancer

A recent UNSW study found that women who received their polygenic risk score (PRS) for breast cancer experienced minimal regret and reduced distress compared to those who declined. The researchers also discovered that more women reported regret about not knowing their PRS score, highlighting the importance of providing clear informatio...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2021

Corn’s genetic diversity on display in new genome study

The study assembles 26 different genetic lines of corn, providing a comprehensive understanding of the crop's genetic mechanisms. This new reference data will help scientists identify genes likely to lead to improved crop performance.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

USC researchers discover better way to identify DNA variants

Researchers at USC have discovered a better way to identify elusive DNA variants that affect cell functions and diseases. The new method uses computational biology tools to detect variations in repetitive DNA sequences, known as VNTRs, which govern gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2021
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.

Testing several genes can lead to better effect of medicinal products

A new study from Aarhus University found that over 80% of participants have more than three genetic variants affecting medicinal product metabolism, increasing the risk of reduced effect or side effects. Genetic tests can provide personalized treatment plans by analyzing multiple genes and variants.

SourceAarhus University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 22, 2021

Earlier sleep timing associated with lower depression risk, new study suggests

A large genetic study suggests that going to bed earlier may be associated with a lower risk of major depression. The study found that one-hour earlier sleep timing corresponded to a 23% lower likelihood of having a major depressive disorder. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect and how shifting sl...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2021

Additional genetic risk variants behind bipolar disorder have emerged

Researchers from iPSYCH have identified 33 new genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder, more than doubling the number of known genetic risk factors. These variants play a role in brain functions and signalling between nerve cells, providing potential ideas for new treatments.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Genetic risk of heart disease may be due to low Omega 3-linked biomarker

A new study has identified a link between a genetic variation called omentin and cardiometabolic health, specifically among Asian Indian participants. The researchers found that the role of adiponectin, an obesity-related biomarker, was linked to cardiovascular disease markers independent of common and central obesity.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2021

How we created the 'perfect storm' for pandemics

The world's vast population of people, pets, and livestock has created an ideal environment for the evolution and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases. To mitigate this threat, experts recommend using vaccination passports, maximizing genetic variation in livestock, and reducing animal protein consumption.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalVirulence·DateMay 6, 2021