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Digging ancient signals out of modern human genomes

A recent study in Molecular Biology and Evolution reconstructed artificial genomes with the analyses of 565 contemporary South Asian individuals to extract ancient DNA signals. The researchers found valuable genetic components that allow them to elucidate the genetic composition of ancient populations in the region. Additionally, they ...

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2019

Defining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings

The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a position statement outlining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings. The statement recommends that researchers make reasonable attempts to recontact participants if the reinterpretation is expected to affect medical management, but not strongly...

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How hot spots of genetic variation evolved in human DNA

Researchers identified 1,148 hot spots with unusually high numbers of structural variants in the genome, including sections near genes linked to sense of smell, blood function, and immunity. The study suggests balancing selection drives adaptation and malleability of human DNA.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 19, 2019

Selfish genetic elements amplify inflammation and age-related diseases

Researchers from the University of Rochester discover that LINE1 retrotransposons become more active with age, triggering inflammation and age-related diseases. By understanding the impacts of these genomic parasites, scientists can develop strategies to inhibit them and combat aging.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Major mutation pattern in cancer occurs in bursts

Researchers have identified a major mutation pattern in human cancer that occurs in bursts, with the cause of these mutational bursts remaining mysterious. The study, published in Cell, provides a vast resource for investigating the biological mechanisms behind cancer mutations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 7, 2019

Unveiling disease-causing genetic changes in chromosome 17

A Baylor College of Medicine study reveals extensive single Watson-Crick base pair mutations contribute to the characteristics of Potocki-Lupski and Smith-Magenis syndromes. The research identifies two groups of patients: those with recurrent and non-recurrent genetic changes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2019

Technology assessment: Artificial intelligence in the medical sector

The project aims to analyze realistic applications of AI in medicine, exploring opportunities and challenges. This includes effective therapies against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, as well as preventive interventions in the human germline using genome editing methods like CRISPR-Cas.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateFeb 27, 2019

Great white shark genome decoded

The study found that the great white shark's genome contains a plethora of genetic changes indicating molecular adaptation in genes with important roles in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, and DNA damage tolerance. These adaptations could be behind the evolutionary success of large-bodied and long-lived sharks.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

New study shows hidden genes may underlie autism severity

A recent study by CU Anschutz researchers has implicated a complex unexamined gene family in autism severity, suggesting that this underexplored area of the human genome may hold key insights into the disorder and potentially lead to new clinical therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 15, 2019
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.

Decoding the human immune system

Scientists have sequenced a key part of the human immune system, discovering unexpected overlaps between adults and infants' antibody sequences. This finding could provide potential new targets for vaccines and treatments that work across populations.

SourceHuman Immunome Project·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2019

Bird flu shuffle probes viral compatibility

Researchers found that packaging signals on the bird flu RNA genomes are incompatible with H3N2 viruses, limiting reassortment. However, low-level transmission of reassorted viruses was detected, particularly with H5N8 strains.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2019

Over 800 new genome regions possibly relevant to human evolution identified

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona identifies 873 new regions of the human genome as candidates for natural selection, increasing the total number of detected signals to date. These new regions provide valuable data to help answer questions about human origins and adaptations.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 4, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Artificial intelligence applied to the genome identifies an unknown human ancestor

Scientists have used deep learning algorithms to identify a new and hitherto-unknown ancestor of humans that would have interbred with modern humans tens of thousands of years ago. The analysis suggests that the extinct species was a hybrid of Neanderthals and Denisovans, providing new insights into human evolution.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

How much are we learning? Natural selection is science's best critic

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a method to identify important genes in the human genome using natural selection. By analyzing epigenomic features and evolutionary history, they created fitness consequence maps that can guide future research.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 17, 2018

Scientists crack the CRISPR code for precise human genome editing

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute discovered simple rules that determine the precision of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human cells. By analyzing hundreds of edits, they found predictable patterns behind the technology, allowing for greater precision and efficiency.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 13, 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.

Elevated hormone flags liver problems in mice with methylmalonic acidemia

Researchers have discovered a hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is extremely elevated in mice with liver disease mimicking methylmalonic acidemia. FGF21 levels can predict liver severity and inform treatment decisions. The study may also shed light on common disorders like fatty liver disease and obesity.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2018

Researchers at IRB Barcelona explain the origin of the periodicity of the genome

Scientists have discovered that DNA damage and repair processes can generate sequence periodicity in the genomes of eukaryotes, favouring a certain composition with a periodic nature. This explanation offers an alternative to natural selection, which has been accepted by the scientific community to date.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2018

Liver-on-a-chip, the ideal test environment for CRISPR

A multidisciplinary team applies CRISPR on a human liver-on-a-chip platform to identify biomarkers for toxicity and off-target effects. The study aims to predict liver tissue response in humans and develop effective gene editing tools.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 12, 2018
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.

$3.6 million to study adverse effects of genome editing

The NIH has awarded a $3.6 million grant to study the safety of CRISPR-like therapies in human tissues. A team led by Todd McDevitt will assess the safety and toxicity issues of genome editing, developing platforms to detect adverse effects on physiological function.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateOct 10, 2018

Getting a grip on the slow but unique evolution of sharks

Researchers analyzed two shark species' genomes and compared them to those of vertebrate species to understand their evolution. They found that sharks have massive insertions of repetitive elements in their genomes, which may contribute to their slow evolution.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 8, 2018

GA4GH announces new interoperability standards for genomic data sharing

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has released three new interoperability standards: Beacon API, refget API, and Workflow Execution Service (WES) API. These standards address variant discovery, patient case discovery, reference sequence harmonization, and cloud computing to enable responsible genomic data sharing.

SourceGlobal Alliance for Genomics and Health·DateOct 5, 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.

25 UK species' genomes sequenced for first time

The Wellcome Sanger Institute has completed sequencing the genomes of 25 UK species, enabling research into their biodiversity and potential for conservation. The newly-sequestered genomes will shed light on various biological phenomena, such as brown trout migration patterns and robin magneto receptors.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateOct 3, 2018

Characterization of pregnancy microbiome reveals variations in bacterial diversity

Researchers characterized the maternal microbiome during pregnancy, revealing variations in bacterial diversity across different body sites and gestational stages. The study highlights the importance of the maternal microbiome in supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes and may inform targeted interventions to promote fetal development.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 19, 2018
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.

Superbugs jumping frequently between humans and animals

A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that superbugs like MRSA have a complex evolutionary history, with cows being the source of strains causing human infections worldwide. The research highlights the importance of monitoring antibiotic resistance and developing strategies to minimize its spread.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 7, 2018

An international team led by the CNIO reveals that human genome could contain up to 20 percent fewer genes

A new international collaboration led by the CNIO reveals that up to 20% of human genes may not be coding genes, but rather non-coding or pseudogenes, which could have significant effects on biomedicine. The study analyzed gene catalogs and found that many genes were more likely to be non-coding than previously thought.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 30, 2018

Oxford University: Tracking the evolution and transmission of yellow fever

Researchers used genomic and epidemiological approaches to understand the mode of transmission of the South America's largest yellow fever virus outbreak. The study revealed that the virus lineage had spread through a sylvatic cycle of transmission in primates before spilling over into human populations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

Zeroing in: What triggered the recent yellow fever outbreak in Brazil

Scientists investigate the recent yellow fever outbreak in Brazil, finding that it originated from nonhuman primates in the forest and spread to humans. The study highlights the importance of real-time disease monitoring and public health countermeasures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018

A timescale for the origin and evolution of all of life on Earth

A new study by the University of Bristol has created a timescale for the origin and evolution of all life on Earth, revealing that life emerged around 4.5 billion years ago from a single ancestor called LUCA. The study uses genomic and fossil data to provide a more accurate timeline than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 20, 2018

Tracing the evolution of a human malarial parasite

A study comparing ape and human P. vivax genomes reveals nearly identical DNA sequences, but with key differences in genetic diversity and binding proteins. The findings suggest an evolutionary bottleneck where the parasite passed from apes to humans in Africa, then spread globally.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

How gene hunting changed the culture of science

Researchers report cross-disciplinary work as key factor in HGP's success, leading to more successful careers and impactful publications. The consortium model, which incorporated collaboration between biologists, computer scientists, and other disciplines, changed science's cultural norms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 15, 2018
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.

Predicting genomic instability that can lead to disease

Researchers developed a novel approach to predict genes susceptible to Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangements, which can cause disease. The model analyzed sequence features of Alu pairs and identified hotspots of genomic instability associated with these elements.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 7, 2018

Koala virus could explain why humans have 'junk' DNA

Researchers analyzing a koala virus hope it can explain why humans have accumulated millions of years of 'junk' DNA. The retrovirus has infected germline cells in humans for over five million years, altering the host genetic code and that of its descendants.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2018
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.

Breakthrough in battle against type 2 diabetes

Experts from the University of Stirling have made a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to lifestyle treatment for preventing Type 2 diabetes. A new genomic signature has been discovered that indicates improved insulin sensitivity in individuals whose Type 2 diabetes status improves following a treatment intervention.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 23, 2018

ASHG honors Eric S. Lander with William Allan Award

Eric S. Lander, a pioneer in the study of the human genome and Human Genome Project, has been honored with the William Allan Award for his substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics. The award recognizes his work on genetic mapping, genome-wide association studies, and cancer genomics.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 20, 2018

New informatics tool makes the most of genomic data

Researchers developed an algorithm that combines genomic information to predict individual responses to anticancer drugs. The new tool, pGENMi, uses gene expression, DNA sequence and epigenetic factors to identify key characteristics associated with specific drug responses.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 11, 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.

Ancient viral sequences and virus evolution

Researchers isolated ancient viral sequences from human remains and found a common pathogen associated with humans for over 6,900 years. The study reveals the pathogen evolved significantly slower than previously thought, showcasing the utility of ancient viral sequences in studying virus evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

Computational method puts finer point on multispecies genomic comparisons

Researchers developed a new model for comparative genomic analysis, revealing differences in gene regulation between primate species. The Phylogenetic Hidden Markov Gaussian Processes model provides insights into what makes a human a human and has implications for understanding evolution and certain diseases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 20, 2018

The cartography of the nucleus

Scientists create three-dimensional maps of DNA in cells to understand genome organization and gene expression. The study reveals that genes cluster together around specific nuclear bodies, influencing gene activity.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 8, 2018
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.

Improved ape genome assemblies provide new insights into human evolution

New, high-quality ape genome assemblies have been generated without the guidance of the human reference genome, providing a clearer view of genetic differences that arose as humans diverged from other primates. The research team also studied brain organoids to understand how differences in gene expression during brain development might...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018

How did human brains get so large?

Researchers found that human-specific NOTCH2NL genes regulate cortical neurogenesis and contribute to the growth of the cerebral cortex. This discovery sheds new light on human cognitive evolution and may lead to breakthroughs in treating brain developmental disorders.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2018

Genes found only in humans influence brain size

Researchers discovered three human-specific genes influencing brain size, involved in genetic defects associated with neurological disorders. The genes, part of the Notch family, regulate neural stem cell development and delayed maturation, leading to larger brain sizes in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2018

Line-1 modes of nuclear entrance and retrotransposition

LINE-1 retrotransposons play a pivotal role in genome evolution and are involved in processes such as aging, brain activity, cancer immunology and cancer development. The study highlights the importance of cell cycle regulation and the DNA replication complex in LINE-1 cellular localization and activity.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 4, 2018
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.

Blueprint for the skull

A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018
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.