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Mutant clownfish reveals how nature draws boundaries

Researchers have uncovered a gene responsible for the unusual patterning in Snowflake clownfish, which has provided key clues toward solving the mystery of biological organization. The study suggests that a universal framework for studying pattern formation across species exists.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

Human ‘domainome’ reveals root cause of heritable disease

A massive study of human protein variants found that 61% of disease-causing mutations destabilize proteins, leading to cataracts, neurological disorders, and muscle-wasting diseases. The researchers created the Human Domainome 1 catalogue, which includes over half a million mutations across 522 human protein domains.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

Michael Courtney of Turku Bioscience Center receives grant for research on SYNGAP1 missense variants and drug repurposing from SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) dba Cure SYNGAP1

Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.

SourceSyngap Research Fund·DateDec 18, 2024
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.

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers at TAU decipher critical features of a protein behind ALS

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel approach identifies genes linked to autism and predicts patient IQ

A new computational approach identifies genes most likely linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and predicts patient IQ using rare mutations. Researchers analyzed de novo missense mutations in a cohort of patients with ASD and their siblings, revealing that most genes are mutated only once.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 19, 2021

Neurons from blood cells enable researchers to test treatments for genetic brain disease

A new study provides insights into the treatment of Christianson syndrome, a genetic brain disease characterized by reduced brain growth and intellectual disability. Researchers successfully tested two main forms of treatment on stem-cell-derived neurons, finding that gene transfer was effective in neurons with nonsense mutations, whil...

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2021
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.

MIB2 enhances inflammation by degradation of CYLD

MIB2 promotes proteasomal degradation of CYLD, activating NF-κB signaling and enhancing inflammation. Mib2-knockout mice show reduced serum IL-6 and suppressed inflammatory responses.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rare recessive mutations pry open new windows on autism

Researchers discovered that rare recessive mutations are more common in autism than previously thought, explaining up to 5% of all cases. The study identified 41 genes that were knocked out only in individuals with autism, providing a likely explanation for the underlying biology of the disorder.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 20, 2019

Enlarged genotype-phenotype correlation for a deletion in neurofibromatosis type 1

A new study by Ludwine Messiaen extends clinical manifestations of the three-base pair deletion p.Met992del in NF1, revealing mild symptoms but potential complications. The research expands on findings first reported in 2007, providing insight into a genotype-phenotype correlation that will aid families and clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 17, 2018
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.

Teasing apart the effects of higher mutation load on fitness

A new study analyzing human and fruit fly genomes reveals that higher mutation loads lead to increased declines in relative fitness due to synergistic epistasis. The research helps explain why sex and genetic recombination are advantageous, and provides insights into the processes driving these effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2017

Rare Her2 mutations may not always spur breast cancers on their own

A new study suggests that rare 'missense' mutations in the HER2 gene may not cause breast cancer growth or spread on their own. The research team found that such mutations may also fail to predict response to anti-cancer drugs targeting the HER2 gene, unlike common amplification alterations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2015

Rare ATM gene mutations, plus radiation, may increase risk of a second breast cancer

Women with rare ATM gene mutations and radiation exposure may be at higher risk for a second breast cancer in the opposite breast. Researchers found a statistically significant increase in contralateral breast cancer among women with deleterious missense variants and radiation exposure.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 19, 2010
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.

JCI table of contents: December 22, 2005

Researchers found that expressing active MMP-9 in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques leads to their rupture, causing blood clots and reduced blood flow. Additionally, the inactivation of focal adhesion kinase in cardiomyocytes promotes eccentric cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2005