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Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021

Deletion of single gene promotes growth of functional lymphatic valves

A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 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.

Scientists discover inherited neurodegenerative disease in monkeys

Researchers identified a genetic mutation in nonhuman primates that closely resembles Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare and progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system. The discovery was made possible by a massive genomic database built at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

New study points to toxic potential of hydroxychloroquine in mammalian cells

A new study published in DNA Repair shows that hydroxychloroquine exhibits DNA-damaging and mutagenic effects at a clinically achievable dose. The findings suggest the possibility of additional side effects, particularly in patient populations, and emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and informed consent.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDNA Repair·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

UT Southwestern scientists closing in on map of the mammalian immune system

Researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify novel gene candidates associated with immune traits in mice, including 101 new genes with over 95% chance of being required for immunity. The study's software, Candidate Explorer, helps predict causation of mutations and has already verified hundreds of genes with novel functions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

Fast IR imaging-based AI identifies tumor type in lung cancer

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology uses Fast IR imaging-based AI to identify tumor type in lung cancer, providing a promising diagnostic method for future testing and treatment prediction. The analysis takes only half an hour, offering a significant improvement over current methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 28, 2021

New mutation raises risk for AFib, heart failure for people of color

A new genetic mutation found in African Americans significantly increases risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, prompting researchers to recommend genetic testing for this population. The study also identifies a potential link between a newly discovered gene and early-onset AFib.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 5, 2021

For tomato genes, one plus one doesn't always make two

Researchers used CRISPR to study tomato gene interactions, revealing a complex relationship between mutations and fruit size. The findings suggest that predicting the effects of mutations on different varieties is crucial for efficient crop breeding.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 12, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new mouse model gave surprising findings about Folling Disease

Researchers discovered a link between the mutated enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and increased oxidative stress in mouse models of Folling Disease. This finding may explain some comorbidities found in adult PKU patients and has implications for understanding the disease.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2021

Unusual mechanism in rare mutation associated with Alzheimer's uncovered

A novel mechanism has been identified that might explain why a rare mutation is associated with familial Alzheimer's disease. The presence of the S198P mutation resulted in elevated levels of A? peptides due to rapid folding of APP, leading to faster production and deposition of A? peptides.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 2, 2021
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.

Therapy for most common cause of cystic fibrosis safe and effective in 6-11

A Phase 3 study found a three-drug regimen safe and effective in improving lung function, respiratory symptoms, and nutritional status in 6-11 year olds with F508del mutation, representing about 90% of US cystic fibrosis population. The treatment also showed significant improvements in sweat chloride concentration.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 18, 2021

Genetic discovery gives insight into causes of eye disease

A genetic defect has been identified as a key factor in the development of MacTel, an eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness. The discovery provides new insights into the condition and may enable clinicians to better diagnose and treat it.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 16, 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.

Rare mutations may have big impact on schizophrenia pathology

Researchers identified somatic gene mutations in brain cells of people with schizophrenia that disrupted synaptic function and affected proteins critical for neural signaling. The study found that these rare mutations could contribute to the disease's neuropathology, particularly in genes associated with glutamate receptor function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2021

Can a fin become a limb?

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that zebrafish fins can be transformed into complex limb-like structures through genetic mutations. The study reveals that the ability to form limb-like structures was present in the common ancestor of tetrapods and teleost fishes.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 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.

Minority patients miss out on cystic fibrosis drugs due to genetic test limitations

A recent study found that non-white patients are disproportionately excluded from receiving the latest precision medicines for cystic fibrosis due to genetic test limitations. The drug trials were primarily conducted on non-Hispanic white patients, leading to a lack of representation in the patient registry.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateFeb 2, 2021

Big data analysis finds cancer's key vulnerabilities

A new study stratified tumors into 112 subtypes and found Master Regulator proteins control the transcriptional state of each subtype. Targeting these proteins with novel drug classes could benefit a larger fraction of patients. The analysis identified 24 Master Regulator modules, mechanistically controlling cancer cell survival.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJan 11, 2021

Diversity, severity of autism symptoms linked to mutation locations

A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that specific functional units within genes, called exons, can impact autism severity. The researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data from over 2,500 people with autism and discovered that children with truncating mutations in the same exon often exhibit similar symptoms.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 22, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NIH researchers link cases of ALS and FTD to a Huntington's disease-associated mutation

Researchers have discovered a genetic connection between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the same huntingtin mutation associated with Huntington's disease. The study opens up possibilities for gene therapy targeting this mutation, which could lead to personalized medicine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2020

Altered 'coat' disguises fatal brain virus from neutralizing antibodies

A genetic mutation in the 'coat' of a brain infection-causing virus may allow it to escape neutralizing antibodies, increasing the risk of developing a fatal brain disease. Researchers have identified this mutation in the mouse equivalent of JC polyomavirus and found that it prevents monoclonal antibodies from interacting with the virus.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 20, 2020
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.

Scientists discover how a common mutation leads to 'night owl' sleep disorder

A study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz reveals the molecular mechanisms behind the 'night owl' sleep disorder, which affects one in 75 people of European descent. The genetic mutation identified alters a key component of the biological clock, causing people to stay up late and sleep in late.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2020

Robots are helping to advance developmental biology

Scientists use a custom robot to survey how mutations in regulatory regions of the genome affect animal development, revealing that most mutations alter gene expression in some way. The study finds that regulatory regions encode valuable information densely and that single mutations can have several different effects.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2020

Single gene disorders not so simple after all

A new study finds that patients with single gene disorders like Bardet-Biedl syndrome carry three times as many additional mutations, clustered around specific genes, which contribute to disease severity. This discovery challenges the traditional view of simple vs complex disorders and opens up new avenues for therapy development.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 12, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cerebral palsy also has genetic underpinnings

A new study has identified mutations in single genes that can cause cerebral palsy, challenging the long-held notion that the disorder is caused by environmental factors. The research found that many of these mutations occur randomly and are not inherited from parents, but rather arise during development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 2020

New analytical model detects mutations in breast cancer

Researchers at Lund University developed a computational model to detect and identify genetic mutations in breast tumours using RNA sequencing. The study found that almost 87% of patients had at least one mutation for which potential drugs exist, with specific genes like PIK3CA associated with good prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

Pale melanomas masked by albino gene

Researchers found people with pale-colored melanomas are more likely to have an albinism gene mutation, which prevents brown pigment synthesis and increases skin cancer risk. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and earlier treatment for patients with one mutated albinism gene.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2020
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.

Pale melanomas masked by albino gene

People with pale-colored melanomas are more susceptible to developing rare genetic mutations associated with albinism. Researchers plan to collect samples to compare genotype and develop personalized monitoring for patients with one albinism gene mutation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 23, 2020

New genes for human deafness found in Israeli families

A new study has identified 32 genes responsible for inherited hearing loss in Israeli Jewish families, including a previously unknown gene mutation. The research provides immediate implications for genetic counseling and personalized treatment options for patients with hearing loss.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalClinical Genetics·DateSep 23, 2020

Shared protein fingerprint could simplify treatment of common inherited heart disease

Researchers have discovered a shared protein fingerprint in patients with the most severe manifestations of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common inherited heart disease. This finding suggests that treatments targeting these similarities could be effective in treating multiple patient varieties.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2020

Where trouble starts

Researchers, led by University of Delaware biologist Shuo Wei, have won $1.8 million in NIH support for their study on birth defects caused by genetic mutations in neural crest stem cells. The study focuses on the DDX3X gene and its role in developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 16, 2020

The genetics of blood: A global perspective

A large international consortium study found over 5,000 genetic mutations affecting blood characteristics worldwide. Researchers identified specific mutations linked to increased lymphocyte levels in South Asian populations, highlighting potential risks and treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell·DateSep 4, 2020
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.

Genetic mutations may be linked to infertility, early menopause

A new study identifies a specific gene's role in fertility, finding mutations in this gene are associated with early menopause. The researchers used genetic techniques to find genes involved with eye development and discovered the gene is essential for reproductive organs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

New 'nanopores' technique offers proof-of-concept of earlier, safer tumor detection

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a nanopore technique that can detect single-point mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with high accuracy. The method uses statistical analysis to identify the position of genetic mutations, paving the way for earlier and safer tumor detection.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalSmall Methods·DateAug 18, 2020

Mount Sinai researchers discover treatment option for rare genetic disorder

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered a novel genetic sequencing technology that identified the cause and treatment of a previously unknown severe auto-inflammatory syndrome. The technology, tailored to the patient's own genetic code, pinpointed an unknown mutation in the JAK1 gene causing permanent immune system activation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2020

Penn researchers identify new genetic cause of a form of inherited neuropathy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new genetic cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects nearly one in two thousand people. The discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of the disease and may hold answers to new gene therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020
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.

We are mutating SARS-CoV-2, but it is evolving back

Researchers identified a strong bias towards U residues in SARS-CoV-2 mutations, suggesting a defense mechanism to degrade the virus. Natural selection allows the virus to adapt, but mutational processes may be hindered by human proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 22, 2020

Rare mutation of TP53 gene leaves people at higher risk for multiple cancers

Researchers have identified a rare mutation of the TP53 gene that leaves individuals at a higher risk of developing multiple types of cancer over their lifetime. This mutation is most commonly found in the Ashkenazi Jewish population and may confer a lower lifetime risk compared to classic Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 16, 2020

'Bystander' Cs meet their match in gene-editing technique

Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2020

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

Blood cell mutations linked to leukemias are inevitable as we age

A study published in Nature found that blood cell mutations linked to leukemias become inevitable as people age, especially in the Japanese population. The research identified genetic variations associated with increased risk of these mutations, which can be detected through a simple blood test.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2020

Tomato's hidden mutations revealed in study of 100 varieties

Scientists have identified long-concealed genetic mutations in tomatoes using a new technique called long-read sequencing. The analysis reveals that these mutations can alter key characteristics such as flavor and weight. By studying the impact of these mutations, researchers hope to create new tomato varieties with improved traits.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Researchers identify new genetic defect linked to ALS

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new genetic defect linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating condition causing progressive paralysis and mental deterioration. The discovery may lead to new treatments for ALS, with potential implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateJun 10, 2020
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.

Optimal time to treat Huntington's disease identified

A new study from UCL-led researchers has identified the earliest brain changes due to Huntington's disease, detecting damage 24 years before clinical symptoms appear. The findings provide vital insights into the optimal time to initiate treatments, potentially delaying or preventing neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMay 26, 2020