Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Abdominal fat predicts heart disease risk better than BMI

A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 11, 2026
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.

Adults living with HIV are at high risk for diabetes. Here's why.

Researchers found that people with well-controlled HIV have more fibrosis in their fat tissues, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study also identified a blood marker of scarred fat, which may help predict metabolic future for individuals with HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 5, 2026

GLP-1 drugs linked to lower fracture risk in adults with type 2 diabetes

Adults with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of fragility fractures, but new research found GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce this risk by 21% compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. The largest reductions occurred in hip, femur, and spine fractures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's not just fat: yo-yo dieting might mean losing muscle, too

Repeatedly losing and gaining weight accelerates muscle loss in middle-aged people, as found in new UC San Francisco research. The study analyzed MRI scans of 1,433 participants and found that those with fluctuating weights lost nearly four times as much thigh muscle over four years.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalRadiology·DateJul 21, 2026

Modest sleep loss linked to weight gain in adults with high cardiometabolic risk

A pooled analysis of two randomized trials found that decreasing sleep by just 1.5 hours each night was associated with increases in body weight, waist circumference, and sedentary time in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk. The findings highlight the importance of discussing sleep duration at health care visits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 6, 2026

Why ‘yo-yo dieting’ may not be as harmful as often believed

A review of research on repeated weight loss and regain suggests that yo-yo dieting is not necessarily as harmful as often portrayed. The benefits of weight loss can outweigh the potential risks of later weight regain, with several large studies showing that obesity itself is a primary driver of metabolic disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 24, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New GLP-1 oral pill lowers blood sugar and reduces bodyweight

A new oral GLP-1 medication, elecoglipron, has been shown to significantly reduce blood glucose levels and bodyweight in adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that up to 89.6% of participants achieved an HbA1c level of 7%, while 72.3% experienced at least 5% weight reduction.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2026

Weight loss treatments linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people without diabetes

A study of over 229,000 obese adults without diabetes found that weight loss drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, were associated with a 41% decrease in the overall risk of developing obesity-related cancers. GLP-1 RAs also showed larger reductions in certain subgroups, including men and gynaecologic cancers.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2026
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.

Weight loss drug semaglutide helps patients who do not respond to bariatric surgery

A new study published in Nature Medicine finds that semaglutide improves weight loss and metabolic health outcomes in patients who do not respond well to bariatric surgery. Patients taking semaglutide showed significant weight loss from body fat, improved blood sugar levels, and better quality of life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2026

Oral GLP-1s without fasting or reduced efficacy

Researchers at Duke University developed a new approach to deliver GLP-1 medications orally that maintains efficacy without requiring fasting. The technique uses an elastin-like polypeptide-based delivery system that protects the peptide from stomach acid and releases it in the intestines, bypassing the stomach's destructive acids.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026
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.

Study shows use of obesity drugs alongside behavioral intervention is associated with reduced “food noise”

Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Cannabis compounds may boost metabolic health while supporting weight loss

Researchers have identified potential mechanisms linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk in chronic cannabis users. A team led by Nicholas V. DiPatrizio found that specific compounds within cannabis regulate metabolism, leading to significant weight loss and improved glucose regulation in obese mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Gut microbiota plays a role in metabolic health after bariatric surgery

A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that changes in gut bacteria composition after bariatric surgery are strongly associated with improved glucose metabolism and insulin release. Patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved improved glycemic control exhibited greater microbial gene richness and enhanced fermentation processes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026
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.

The critical role of exercise in the GLP-1 era

Regular physical activity is essential for mitigating the regain of lost weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. Exercise has complementary effects beyond energy balance, including improved insulin sensitivity and increased fat oxidation. Clinicians must develop individualized strategies to improve exercise adherence.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 5, 2026
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.

Covid snacking habits and their consequences

A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Worrying about weight stigma at the doctor’s office

A study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher Angela Incollingo Rodriguez found that weighing patients can elevate stress and blood pressure levels. The research suggests that the timing of weight measurement may impact the accuracy of subsequent blood pressure readings. This could lead to more accurate physiological measuremen...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalStigma and Health·DateApr 15, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Waist-to-height ratio predicted the risk of hypertension better than BMI

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Rutgers University found that waist-to-height ratio predicted the risk of hypertension better than body mass index. Waist-to-height ratio-assessed high fat mass was associated with a 50% increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure and an 82% increased likelihood of hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 14, 2026

FAU researchers find concerning rise in US teen obesity over a decade

A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalOchsner Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2026

$3.4 million grant to improve weight-management programs

A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 12, 2026
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.

The Lancet: New weight loss pill leads to greater blood sugar control and weight loss for people with diabetes than current oral GLP-1, phase 3 trial finds

A phase 3 trial found that orforglipron, a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist pill, leads to greater blood sugar control and weight loss than current oral GLP-1 RA semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes. Participants taking orforglipron had significantly greater reductions in body weight and blood sugar levels.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 26, 2026

New research finds heart health benefits in combining mango and avocado daily

A new study found that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to daily meals and snacks for eight weeks improved vascular function among adults with prediabetes, while also reducing diastolic blood pressure. The Avocado-Mango diet showed significant increases in flow-mediated dilation and nutrient-dense nutrients without changes in calo...

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 24, 2026
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.

Weight-loss wonder pills prompt scrutiny of key ingredient

A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateFeb 17, 2026

Hidden fat in your body type may put you at greater brain risk

A new study discovered two previously unidentified fat distribution types associated with extensive gray matter atrophy and accelerated brain aging in men and women. Individuals with 'pancreatic-predominant' and 'skinny fat' profiles showed increased risk of neurological diseases, cognitive decline, and brain health issues.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 27, 2026

Patient recruitment begins for major real-world digital weight management study

The W8Buddy study, a major real-world evaluation of digitally delivered specialist weight management pathways, is recruiting 450 participants from 4 Specialist Weight Management Services across England and Wales. The study aims to assess the long-term health benefits and economic impact of digital tools for obesity care.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Body-focused teens more likely to experience anxiety and depression at 20

Research from the University of Warwick finds that teenage girls who manage their bodies through constant dieting and exercise face heightened risks of psychological health issues. By age 20, these young women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for a broader approach to mental health support.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

1.6 million UK adults used weight loss drugs in past year

A new study found that 4.9 million adults in Great Britain have recently used a drug to support weight loss or were interested in using one in the near future. The usage far exceeds NHS England's initial goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 people over three years.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 7, 2026

Air pollution exposure and birth weight

A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 26, 2025

GLP-1s are changing the foods Americans buy

Households taking GLP-1 medications reduce grocery spending by an average of 5.3%, while spending at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops also decrease. Ultra-processed foods see significant declines, whereas yogurt, fresh fruit, and meat snacks experience modest increases.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 22, 2025

The gut bacteria that put the brakes on weight gain in mice

Researchers identified a specific type of gut bacteria, Turicibacter, that promotes metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice. The bacterium produces fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine, improving ceramide levels and preventing excessive weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025
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.

Does losing weight make an athlete better?

A study found that reducing body fat percentage improves long-distance running and cross-country skiing performance, but converting body fat into muscle tissue is a more effective way for female athletes to optimize their body composition. Training and dietary habits that promote muscle growth outweigh the benefits of weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance·DateDec 9, 2025

Adverse experiences, protective factors, and obesity in Latinx and Hispanic youths

A recent study suggests that adverse childhood experiences may increase the risk of obesity in Latinx and Hispanic youths. The study found that promoting resiliency-focused skills may help improve pediatric weight trajectories among these populations, potentially mitigating the impact of adverse experiences on health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2025

National study finds where you live influences your body weight

A national study led by Curtin University found that Australian's location significantly affects their body weight. The research tracked individuals across 14 years and discovered that people tend to adapt to the typical weight profile of their new community., Local food environments, walkability, and access to green space are key fact...

SourceCurtin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2025
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.

GLP-1 drugs effective for weight loss, but more independent studies needed

Three new Cochrane reviews found GLP-1 drugs result in clinically meaningful weight loss, but evidence on longer-term outcomes and side effects is limited. The wider use of these drugs should consider social and commercial determinants to avoid deepening existing health inequities.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 29, 2025

Emotional strain of fitness and calorie counting apps revealed

A new study found that fitness and calorie counting apps can lead to negative emotions such as shame, disappointment, and demotivation among users. The researchers called for a more holistic approach focusing on wellbeing rather than rigid calorie counting and exercise quantification.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·DateOct 22, 2025

Strong evidence supports skin-to-skin contact after birth as standard care

A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2025
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.

Researchers ‘zoom’ in for an ultra-magnified peek at shark skin

A recent study published in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that bonnethead sharks' skin undergoes significant changes as they mature, with younger sharks having fewer ridges on their denticles. These changes likely improve swimming performance and protect the skin from predators or injuries.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 15, 2025

Body composition and cardiometabolic risk in children

A repeated cross-sectional study shows that cardiometabolic risk factors in Spanish children have improved over the last 30 years, with decreases in excess weight, lipid parameters, and blood pressure. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of cardiometabolic risk in children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 2, 2025