Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Mosaicism: Study clarifies parents as source of new disease mutations

A recent study by an international team of scientists has clarified the frequency and influence of mosaicism in genomic disorders. Mosaicism was found to be much more common than previously thought, contributing significantly to recurrence risk in future offspring.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 31, 2014

Our genes have made us susceptible to atherosclerosis, while our environment determines its speed and severity

A study published in Global Heart explores the prevalence of atherosclerosis across ancient populations, revealing that genetic susceptibility is present in all cultures. Environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and physical activity play a crucial role in determining when and how quickly atherosclerosis develops.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·JournalGlobal Heart·DateJul 30, 2014
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.

Mount Sinai scientists and international team shed new light on schizophrenia

Researchers have identified over 100 locations in the human genome associated with the risk of developing schizophrenia, pointing to genetic variations that make people vulnerable to psychiatric disease. The study's findings could lead to new approaches to treating the disorder and inform drug development for acute need.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2014

Marmoset sequence sheds new light on primate biology and evolution

The study reveals genetic changes associated with twinning in marmosets, including the WFIKKN1 gene that may act as a critical switch between multiples and singleton pregnancies. Marmosets also exhibit unique social behavior, where relatives care for offspring while reproductively suppressed.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2014
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.

BGI presents a high-quality gene catalog of human gut microbiome

Researchers have established a comprehensive catalog of the human gut microbial genes, with over 9.8 million genes available for global researchers to explore. The study highlights differences in nutrient metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification between Chinese and Danish adults, as well as enrichment in antibiotic resistance genes.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 6, 2014

A CNIO team reduces the size of the human genome to 19,000 genes

A CNIO team updates the number of human protein-coding genes to 19,000, with almost all having ancestors prior to primate evolution. The study suggests that differences between humans and primates are small, and complexity lies in gene regulation and non-coding regions.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 3, 2014

Blood product sterilization taken too far?

International study reveals blood product sterilization processes can prevent platelets from carrying out their functions correctly, potentially leading to hemorrhages. The processes alter the genetic material of pathogen-reducing treatments, depleting platelets of RNA and impairing their ability to synthesize essential proteins.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalPlatelets·DateJun 12, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intertwined evolution of human brain and brawn

A recent study suggests that the evolution of human brain and brawn are intertwined. Human muscle accumulated more metabolic change than chimpanzees, while the human brain metabolome evolved four times faster. These findings may hold clues to common human metabolic diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 27, 2014

Viral 'parasites' may play a key role in the maintenance of cell pluripotency

Researchers have discovered that retrotransposons, or viral elements incorporated into the human genome, are essential for maintaining the ability of stem cells to differentiate into many different types of body cells. The study found that degrading these transcripts causes iPS cells to lose their pluripotency and differentiate.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 28, 2014

Tsetse fly genome reveals weaknesses

Researchers have sequenced the tsetse fly genome, revealing genetic adaptations that enable it to transmit diseases such as sleeping sickness and Nagana. The study provides a valuable resource for developing prevention strategies to reduce deaths and illness associated with these diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 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.

New maps for navigating the genome unveiled by scientists

Researchers have mapped the human genome's regulatory network, identifying promoters and enhancers that control gene expression in different cell types. This breakthrough provides insights into human evolution and the diversity of cell types, paving the way for new technologies and applications.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateMar 26, 2014

New technique for identifying gene-enhancers

Researchers developed SIF-seq to identify mammalian enhancers, which amplify specific gene expression, and validate ChIP-seq results. The technique offers a higher-throughput functional assay for various cell types and developmental contexts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 24, 2014

Natural selection has altered the appearance of Europeans over the past 5,000 years

Research suggests that natural selection has altered European appearance over the past 5,000 years, with ancient DNA revealing darker skin, hair, and eye pigmentation. This phenomenon is comparable to other examples of adaptive evolution, such as malaria resistance and lactase persistence.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2014
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.

The genetic origins of high-altitude adaptations in Tibetans

Tibetans' genetic adaptations for high-altitude living were shaped by a mixture of two ancestral gene pools, one migrating early to high altitude and the other acquiring advantageous alleles from resident populations. This process, known as admixture-facilitated adaptation, was driven by natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

Genome editing goes hi-fi

Researchers have found a way to efficiently edit the human genome one letter at a time, boosting ability to model human disease and paving the way for therapies that fix genetic 'bugs'. The new technique highlights out-of-the-box thinking critical for scientific success.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 9, 2014

New method developed for ranking disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences

Researchers have developed a new method to rank disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences, providing a more comprehensive approach to identifying genetic variants linked to disease. The Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion (CADD) method assigns scores to mutations across the entire genome, not just protein-coding regions.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 7, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Neanderthals' genetic legacy

Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA is associated with genes affecting type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and lupus. Additionally, they discovered that certain areas of the modern non-African human genome are rich in Neanderthal DNA, suggesting potential benefits for human survival.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

When populations collide

Researchers found that humans in east Asia have more of their genome originating from Neanderthals than Europeans, while Africans have little or none. The genetic changes most often inherited from Neanderthals were disproportionately in genes related to keratin, a component of skin and hair.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

Findings point to potential treatment for virus causing childhood illnesses

Scientists have identified a potential treatment mechanism for the EV71 virus, which causes severe brain swelling and paralysis in children. The discovery was made by creating antibodies that can neutralize the virus by inducing genome release, rendering it non-infectious.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2014
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.

Decoded: DNA of blood-sucking worm that infects world's poor

Scientists have decoded the genome of Necator americanus, a blood-sucking parasite that infects an estimated 700 million people worldwide. The research reveals clues to how the worm invades and survives in humans, providing valuable insights for developing new diagnostic tools and vaccines.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 19, 2014

Prediction of the future flu virus

A Russian research team studied the link between genetic shifts and antigenic drift in influenza viruses. They found that reassortments lead to increased rates of point mutations, which can result in highly virulent strains. This study may aid in predicting future flu outbreaks.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 9, 2014

Elephant shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced the elephant shark genome, providing new insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity. The study reveals a family of genes essential for bone development and identifies a lack of immune cells in sharks, despite robust immune responses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014
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.

First shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the elephant shark genome, comparing it with human and other vertebrate genomes. The study found that sharks lack certain types of immune cells and exhibit robust immune defences despite this, and also revealed why cartilage prevails in their skeleton over bone.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Scientists discover double meaning in genetic code

Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a second code hidden within DNA that instructs cells on how genes are controlled. This finding has significant implications for interpreting genome data and diagnosing diseases.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 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.

Illinois initiative creates futuristic facility

The CompGen initiative brings together top faculty in genomic and computational sciences to analyze trillions of nucleotides and better understand the human genome. The facility will enable more accurate and efficient analysis of DNA, incorporating visualization components to visualize genetic data in real time.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateDec 2, 2013

Aging impacts epigenome in human skeletal muscle

Researchers at the Buck Institute identified a suite of epigenetic markers that separated younger from older individuals, with changes associated to genes regulating neuromuscular junction activity. The study provides a method for studying sarcopenia and offers potential targets for intervention.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 20, 2013

Ancient, modern DNA tell story of first humans in the Americas

Researchers have discovered a direct ancestral link between ancient human remains and Native American communities, revealing insights into the initial peopling of the Americas. By analyzing genomes of ancient and modern populations, scientists can reconstruct the evolutionary history and adaptations of early Americans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 18, 2013
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.

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.

New drug reduces negative memory

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a new compound that reduces aversive memory, a trait central to anxiety disorders like PTSD. The compound, a known antihistamine, was found to significantly reduce memory recall of negative pictures but not neutral or positive ones.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Hitchhiking virus confirms saga of ancient human migration

A study of herpes simplex virus type 1 confirms the 'out-of-Africa' pattern of human migration, with African isolates clustering together and Asian viruses grouping based on sequencing of human genomes. The findings support existing analyses of human migration and provide insights into how organisms are related.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2013

Complex diseases traced to gene copy numbers

Researchers connected human complex diseases to specific genes using zebrafish models, identifying a powerful tool for unraveling rare genetic conditions. The study shows that copy-number variants can affect multiple genes simultaneously, but manipulation of individual genes in zebrafish reveals their contribution to disease pathology.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 17, 2013
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.

Unexpected genomic change through 400 years of French-Canadian history

Researchers have discovered an unprecedented change in the French-Canadian genomic signature over 400 years, with rare mutations accumulating at an alarming rate. This finding has significant implications for understanding population-specific diseases and conservation genetics.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 7, 2013
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.

Personal genome, public health

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has been selected to establish a Center of Excellence to study the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research in infectious disease. The center will explore public health genomics in two case studies: pandemic influenza and Hepatitis C.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateSep 18, 2013

Better sharing of genetic information in human health

A new resource, IPAC, has been launched to address the lack of international mechanisms for ensuring ethical and legal interoperability in sharing genetic information. The initiative aims to harmonize projects and provide normative tools and frameworks for accessing clinical and research data.

SourceGénome Québec·DateSep 12, 2013

New NIH awards focus on nanopore technology for DNA sequencing

The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded grants to eight research teams to explore nanopore-based DNA sequencing technology. This approach involves threading single DNA strands through tiny pores, allowing for real-time sequencing of individual molecules at low cost.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 6, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

First study to investigate the human genome in multiple sclerosis

Researchers aim to understand factors that make immune cells target the spinal cord and brain, leading to multiple sclerosis (MS). The study will determine the function of specific T cells, how they are generated, and how they can be regulated in model systems of MS and humans.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·DateSep 4, 2013

Whole-genome sequencing unravels the puzzle of chronic mountain sickness

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics found that whole-genome sequencing can identify genetic mutations associated with chronic mountain sickness. Researchers sequenced the genomes of Andean individuals and identified two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, which play a key role in hypoxia tolerance.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 15, 2013

Scientists develop method that ensures safe research on deadly flu viruses

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a new strategy to safely study deadly influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu. By harnessing the power of human lung cells, they create 'viral scissors' that can cut these viruses into pieces, preventing effective transmission to humans.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 12, 2013
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.

Understanding the effects of genes on human traits

A novel approach has been developed to scan the entire genome, allowing researchers to better understand the effect of genetic variants on protein translation. This method could lead to the development of biomarkers for personalized medicine and new therapies for complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Human cells respond in healthy, unhealthy ways to different kinds of happiness

Human cells respond in healthy ways to eudaimonic well-being but in unhealthy ways to hedonic happiness. Research found a significant decrease in stress-related gene expression profiles for those experiencing eudaimonic well-being, while hedonic well-being was linked to an increase.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Be happy: Your genes may thank you for it

A new UCLA study found that different types of happiness have surprisingly different effects on the human genome. People with eudaimonic well-being showed favorable gene-expression profiles in their immune cells, while those with hedonic well-being showed an adverse profile.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013