Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gut microbes may talk to the brain through cortisol

Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Clostridium, can predict brain metabolites like serotonin and myo-inositol, which are altered in individuals with autism. The study suggests a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through cortisol.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGut Microbes·DateAug 21, 2017

Paper: Clinical signs best predictors of mortality in critically ill calves

A new study suggests that clinical signs, such as gastrointestinal problems and septic arthritis, are better indicators of mortality in neonatal calves with diarrhea than blood pH levels. The research found that these clinical signs were significant determinants of mortality, while blood pH levels were only a predictor when they droppe...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 18, 2017
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.

Online education boosts proper use of drugs that prevent blood clots

A yearlong study found that well-designed online education can decrease nonadministration rates of prescribed blood thinners to prevent venous thromboembolism. Nurses who completed an interactive education module showed a greater reduction in non-administration rates compared to those who received traditional voice-over instruction.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 16, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Test uses nanotechnology to quickly diagnose Zika virus

Researchers developed a test that detects Zika virus presence in blood in minutes, using gold nanorods on paper. The test relies on an immune response caused by the virus and doesn't require refrigeration, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateAug 10, 2017

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Lizard venom may contain clues to treating blood clots

Researchers studied lizard venom to discover novel compounds with potential in treating stroke and deep-vein thrombosis. The study identified selective action on fibrinogen chains, a targeted approach successful for snake venom treatments.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxins·DateAug 7, 2017

Side effect to blood pressure drugs is genetically determined for some patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that genetic abnormalities contribute to thiazide-induced hyponatremia, a condition causing low sodium levels. Researchers identified patients with this side effect who exhibited persistent subtle differences in blood and urine tests even after medication was stopped.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2017
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.

New biosensor stimulates sweat even when patient is resting and cool

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a novel device that can stimulate sweat glands on a small patch of skin, allowing for non-invasive biomarker testing. The device can predict sweat amounts, which is essential for understanding hormone or chemical measurements.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 4, 2017

Clues about immune resolution identified in blood

Researchers identified a cluster of immunoresolvents in blood that activate immune cells, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. This new profiling procedure has potential applications in distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 4, 2017

Stanford researchers identify biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity by analyzing 17 immune-system signaling proteins. These findings suggest that inflammation is a powerful driver of the disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

UAlberta and McGill scientists uncover a hidden calcium cholesterol connection

Scientists at UAlberta and McGill University have discovered a direct link between calcium and cholesterol, finding that a lack of calcium can hide cholesterol from the cell's machinery. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments for high blood cholesterol and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017
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.

Alzheimer's drug may help treat traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that memantine significantly reduced blood levels of neuron-specific enolase, a marker of neuronal damage, in patients with moderate TBI. The study also showed marked improvements in Glasgow Coma Scale scores on day 3, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 21, 2017

Blood test IDs key Alzheimer's marker

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The test measures levels of three different amyloid subtypes and has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying individuals with altered levels of amyloid in their brains.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 19, 2017

Saliva as good as blood for diagnosing hepatitis E, study suggests

A new saliva test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers matches the performance of a widely used blood test for diagnosing hepatitis E virus infection. The test has the potential to ease and speed up research into the disease, which affects an estimated 20 million people worldwide each year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immunological Methods·DateJul 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Testing a soft artificial heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a soft artificial heart made from silicone that mimics the human heart's form and function. The device lasts only 3,000 beats but paves the way for future improvements in artificial hearts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJul 13, 2017

Treatment rapidly reverses the effect of blood thinner dabigatran

A new therapy, idarucizumab, has been shown to rapidly reverse the effects of the blood thinner dabigatran in patients with life-threatening bleeding or emergency surgery needs. The study found that idarucizumab was able to stop bleeding within 2.5 hours and allow surgery to begin at a median of 1.6 hours after administration.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017

Nagoya forensic scientists recover human DNA from mosquitos

Forensic scientists at Nagoya University have successfully extracted human DNA from mosquitoes' stomachs and amplified it using PCR techniques. The team found that human DNA remained viable in mosquito blood for up to two days after feeding, providing a new tool for crime scene investigators.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2017
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.

Sea spiders move oxygen with pumping guts (not hearts)

Researchers discovered that sea spiders use gut peristalsis to move blood and oxygen throughout their bodies, not hearts. This unique system allows for efficient gas transport and highlights the diversity of solutions in animal physiology.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2017

Marker may improve lung cancer screening and detection

A new circular RNA marker has been identified in blood and lung tissue, associated with increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. High expression of this marker may improve lung cancer screening and detection at late stages.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateJul 7, 2017

Scientists lay the groundwork for a reliable marijuana breathalyzer

Researchers at NIST have measured the vapor pressure of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a fundamental property for developing accurate marijuana breathalyzers. The study uses PLOT-cryo technology to capture and analyze THC molecules, providing crucial groundwork for manufacturers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

Catheters linked to most bloodstream infections in dialysis patients

A recent analysis of US dialysis facility data found that central venous catheters are associated with the most bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen, with 40% of isolates resistant to antibiotic methicillin.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2017

Satellite data to map endangered monkey populations on Earth

A team of scientists is using a combination of satellite and ground data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting. This approach combines indicators such as human activity zones, mosquito-derived DNA, animal sound recordings, and detections of other species found when monkeys are present.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 22, 2017
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.

New ultrasound 'drill' targets deep vein blood clots

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new surgical tool using low-frequency intravascular ultrasound to break down blood clots. The tool breaks down clots into fine particles, reducing the need for high doses of blood thinners and potentially lowering treatment time.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2017

Drug combination benefits patients with tophaceous gout

A phase III clinical trial showed that combining lesinurad with febuxostat was more effective at lowering blood urate levels than febuxostat alone. The combination group achieved target urate levels in significantly more patients over 12 months.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 9, 2017

New human studies show multiple health benefits from consuming mangos

Research on mango consumption found potential benefits for metabolic disorders and inflammation, with improved blood pressure and gut health observed in human studies. The superfruit's galloyl derivatives showed anti-inflammatory activities and altered the gut microbiota and metabolism in lean and obese subjects.

SourceWild Hive·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 1, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Why this IndyCar driver is outpacing diabetes

A Michigan State University study has found that Charlie Kimball's optimized blood sugar levels and physiological monitoring help him capture top-5 finishes at the Indianapolis 500. The research also enabled Kimball to compete equally with other drivers, despite having Type 1 diabetes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 25, 2017

Chronic anabolic steroid use may damage heart, arteries

Chronic anabolic steroid use can lead to reduced heart function, including impaired pumping capacity and increased blood pressure. The study found strong associations between lifetime duration of illicit anabolic steroid use and plaque build-up in coronary arteries, highlighting the critical need for clinicians to monitor this population.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 22, 2017

A muffin a day might just keep the doctor away

Researchers developed a 'good heart' muffin to help reduce the risk of heart disease through soluble fibre, meeting food standard guidelines for cholesterol-lowering properties. The muffins contain three grams of beta glucans, a healthy ingredient found in oats and cereals.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateMay 19, 2017
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.

Studies link healthy brain aging to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood

Researchers found correlations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fluid intelligence in healthy elderly adults, suggesting a potential role for dietary intake of these nutrients. The studies also linked the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to memory preservation and brain structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2017

Venom becomes more potent as brown snakes age

Research led by University of Queensland scientist Associate Professor Bryan Fry reveals that brown snake venom attacks the nervous system in young snakes and circulatory system in older ones. This transformation allows the venom to become more potent and deadly, causing internal bleeding and death in humans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Higher levels of biomarker linked to increased stroke risk for women

Researchers have found a link between elevated beta-2 microglobulin levels and an increased risk of ischemic stroke in women. The study, conducted on over 900 participants, suggests that this protein may serve as a marker for inflammation and could potentially help identify people at higher risk of stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 10, 2017

Fluid flow in the brain unravelled for the first time

A new study reveals that cerebral veins play a crucial role in regulating the brain's blood flow by storing and releasing blood throughout the cardiac cycle. This finding has significant implications for understanding diseases such as vascular dementia and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

SourceLeeds Beckett University·JournalBiomedical Signal Processing and Control·DateMay 2, 2017

Non-O blood groups associated with higher risk of heart attack

A meta-analysis of prospective studies reveals that individuals with non-O blood groups (A, B, AB) are at a higher risk of heart attacks and overall cardiovascular mortality. The study found a 9% increased risk of coronary events and cardiovascular mortality in non-O blood group carriers compared to O blood group carriers.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 30, 2017
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.

Antibiotics counteract the beneficial effect of whole grain

A large Danish cohort study found that antibiotic use is associated with lower enterolignan concentrations in the blood, especially for women. The study suggests that antibiotics can negatively affect intestinal bacteria's ability to metabolize plant lignans into enterolignans.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 28, 2017

Exercise and vitamin D better together for heart health

Researchers discovered a positive relationship between exercise and vitamin D levels in reducing cardiovascular disease risks. The study found that exercising regularly boosted vitamin D stores, while adequate vitamin D levels also protected against heart attacks and strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 27, 2017

Link discovered between immune system, brain structure and memory

Studies reveal that genes involved in immune regulation are linked to brain thickness and memory functions, particularly emotional experiences. A specific gene variant is also associated with increased activity in regions of the brain important for traumatic memories.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Researchers solve the century-old mystery of Blood Falls

A research team solved the century-old mystery of Blood Falls by using radar technology to detect brine feeding the famous red waterfall. They discovered that liquid water can persist inside extremely cold glaciers, challenging previous thought on this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateApr 24, 2017

New Canadian guideline: No screening for hepatitis C in adults not at increased risk

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in low-risk adults due to lack of direct evidence on benefits and harms. The guideline aims to focus healthcare resources on individuals at elevated risk, where treatment is proven to be beneficial.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 24, 2017
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.

Alerting stem cells to hurry up and heal

A new study reveals that a signal in blood, called Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator (HGFA), can alert stem cells to heal faster and more efficiently after an injury. By injecting HGFA into mice before an injury, researchers showed improved tissue repair, quicker recovery, and better regeneration of damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 19, 2017

Proof that magnesium could prevent fractures

Researchers found that men with lower magnesium levels had an increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures. Higher magnesium levels were associated with a reduced risk of fractures, with no cases reported among those with very high magnesium levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 12, 2017

INFORMS® awards Holiday Retirement its 2017 Edelman Award

Holiday Retirement received the 2017 Franz Edelman Award for its innovative use of operations research to develop a revenue management system that optimizes pricing across all its senior living communities. The award recognizes the significant impact of this achievement on organizational efficiency and profitability.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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