Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Studies find even minimal physical activity measurably boosts health

Two studies from UC San Diego found that standing and light physical activity significantly reduce the risk of death, even for just 30 minutes a day. The research team also compared sedentary time in Americans to farmers in Malawi, finding substantially higher levels of activity among the latter group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 12, 2020

The choroid plexus: A conduit for prenatal inflammation?

Two new studies reveal that the choroid plexus, a miniature organ in the brain, is a hotbed of immune system activity. The choroid plexus regulates brain development by secreting instructive cues into the cerebrospinal fluid and provides a protective barrier. However, when this barrier is challenged, the choroid plexus can act as a con...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study to explore if impaired metabolic pathways lead to MS progression

Researchers investigate whether changes in metabolic pathways precede neurodegeneration in MS patients, which may lead to irreversible damage to brain and nervous tissue. The study aims to develop diet, lifestyle, and drug interventions to prevent progression and improve outcomes for MS patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 7, 2020

COVID-19 has a prolonged effect for many during pregnancy

A national study found that COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women can last two months or longer, impacting health and wellbeing. Researchers analyzed 594 women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy, discovering that half had symptoms after 3 weeks and 25 percent had symptoms persisting beyond 8 weeks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 7, 2020

How long does the preschool advantage last?

Children who attend preschool enter kindergarten with greater skills than those who don't, but this advantage is short-lived. While pre-K graduates show initial gains in academic skills, their peers quickly close the gap, suggesting that preschool's long-term benefits may be limited.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 5, 2020
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.

Urgent need for blood-based biomarkers to diagnosis concussion

A new Expert Panel Discussion examines the status of blood-based biomarker development and point-of-care testing for concussion diagnosis. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of specific biomarkers in detecting brain trauma masked by other injuries or symptoms, adding value over current clinical methods.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 30, 2020

$5 million NIH grant awarded to reduce COVID-19-related disparities

A $5 million NIH grant will help identify disease hotspots and testing deserts in vulnerable populations in Texas, aiming to increase COVID-19 testing. Researchers will develop and evaluate intervention strategies to address these disparities, focusing on three racially diverse areas with high infection rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 30, 2020
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.

Hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in preventing COVID-19

A clinical trial found that a daily regimen of hydroxychloroquine did not reduce infection rates among healthcare workers. The study suggests that other prevention measures such as social distancing and vaccination may be more effective in preventing COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2020

Cardiac arrhythmias linked to gene mutations

Researchers discovered a link between gene mutations in SCN2B and SCN4B genes and cardiac arrhythmias. The study sheds light on the role of sodium V channels in maintaining heart function and may lead to new treatments for cardiac syndromes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioelectricity·DateSep 29, 2020
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.

High-intensity resistance training in post-acute care produced better outcomes and patient experience

A new study published in Physical Therapy found that high-intensity rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities significantly improved patient function, reducing the need for extended care. Patients who received high-intensity training showed a 0.13m/s increase in walking speed and a 3.5-day reduction in hospital stay.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateSep 24, 2020

Kidney damage from COVID-19 linked to higher risk of in-hospital death

A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney damage are at a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality. The study analyzed data from 1,392 patients and found that kidney damage was associated with a 5-times higher odds of dying while in the hospital.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 22, 2020

Under (intraocular) pressure

A team of Pitt professors has received a $1 million NSF grant to create an at-home glaucoma monitoring device that uses acoustic waves to measure intraocular pressure. The project aims to enable patients and non-clinicians to reliably assess IOP, allowing doctors to tailor treatments more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateSep 22, 2020
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.

Archaeology uncovers infectious disease spread - 4000 years ago

Researchers have discovered evidence of the ancient disease yaws in skeletal remains from Vietnam, dating back 4000 years. The study suggests that yaws was introduced to hunter-gatherers by agricultural populations moving south from modern-day China.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBioarchaeology International·DateSep 21, 2020
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.

Buffalo-based study aims to connect the dots on food access

Researchers surveyed local families and stakeholders to find effective strategies for addressing disparities in healthy food consumption. Key findings include increasing affordability, nutrition education, and mobile produce markets as preferred approaches.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateSep 18, 2020

Being physically active may reduce risk of kidney disease

A recent study found that being physically active can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study, which followed over 15,000 middle-aged adults for 24 years, showed that even moderate physical activity can lower the risk of CKD by up to 11%.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 17, 2020

A scientific first: How psychedelics bind to key brain cell receptor

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and Stanford solve the high-resolution structure of psychedelic compounds bound to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, revealing key insights into their therapeutic potential. The discovery sets the stage for the exploration of more precise compounds with strong therapeutic effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell·DateSep 17, 2020
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.

International comparisons of native arteriovenous fistula patency

This study compares native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patencies across countries, revealing significant variation in rates and predictors of long-term function. New AVFs that fail to mature successfully associate with increased mortality risk, emphasizing the need for individualized access selection and clinical pathways.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 17, 2020

Genetic adaptation to climate change is swift in crop pests

A new study found that fruit flies can adapt quickly to changing climates by adjusting their internal seasonal timer. Researchers discovered that polygenic traits, involving many small genes working together, drive the rate of development during dormancy and enable the flies to emerge earlier in the year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

A novel approach to childhood obesity prevention

A novel taxonomic approach is introduced to break down and reaggregate study specifics, enabling a determination of effective obesity intervention strategies. The research was supported by the NIH under contract number GS-00F-0007M.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateSep 16, 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.

Study offers real world perspective on how Black patients experience mental healthcare

A novel study explores how Black patients with mental health concerns evaluate verbal and non-verbal communication during treatment, revealing significant fear of being negatively judged based on stereotypes. The research provides suggestions for creating environments that foster person-centered care and reducing provider burnout.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateSep 15, 2020

Boston University researchers to develop new breast tumor models

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine aim to create new breast tumor models that represent women with comorbidities like diabetes, which can lead to improved outcomes in survival. The project's goal is to address the unmet clinical need for better treatment options for these patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020

GTEx findings reveal genetic regulatory variation across tissues and cell types

The GTEx resource provides an important tool to address the relationship between genetic variants and gene regulation, with analysis discovering eQTLs and sQTLs for the vast majority of genes. The study details mechanisms of how genetic effects from coding and non-coding regions affect gene expression and splicing regulation.

SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020
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.

Portable MRI brings brain imaging to the patient bedside

A portable, low-field MRI device can be safely used at bedside to evaluate critically-ill patients for suspected stroke or traumatic brain injury. The device produced important neuroimaging findings in 29 of 30 patients and detected abnormal neurologic findings in eight of 20 patients with altered mental status.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 10, 2020

Green light therapy shown to reduce migraine frequency, intensity

Researchers found that green light exposure reduced headache days per month by an average of about 60%, with most participants experiencing a more than 50% reduction. The study also improved patients' quality of life, including sleep and work abilities, with no reported side effects.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCephalalgia·DateSep 9, 2020

Dismantling structural racism in nursing

Two nurse leaders outline a framework to address racial inequities and injustices in nursing practice, research, scholarship, and teaching. The framework aims to lead organizational change and dismantle structural racism in schools of nursing and health systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNursing Outlook·DateSep 9, 2020
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.

SNMMI 2020-2022 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship recipients announced

The SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship provides extensive training and experience for Japanese physicians in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The program has graduated 30 fellows since its inception and supports the worldwide advancement of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateSep 8, 2020

Linking calorie restriction, body temperature and healthspan

A new study reveals that reducing calorie intake triggers significant health benefits by lowering body temperature. The research, led by Scripps Research Professors Bruno Conti and Gary Siuzdak, provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of temperature in metabolism during calorie restriction.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 8, 2020

Markers may predict patient response to immune therapy of cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to identify clinical markers that predict patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach involves analyzing gene signatures from cancer tumors and correlating them with patient outcomes, revealing distinct patterns between responders and non-responders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

2020 Virtual National Health Research Forum

The 2020 Virtual National Health Research Forum featured discussions on vaccine development, with experts discussing the progress made in developing COVID-19 vaccines. The forum also touched on the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in scientific research and its impact on health equity.

SourceResearch!America·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.

When doing good boosts health, well-being

Research by the American Psychological Association found that performing acts of kindness and helping others can improve one's mental and physical health. The study, which analyzed 201 independent studies, showed a modest link between prosocial behavior and overall well-being, with younger givers and women reporting stronger relationsh...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateSep 3, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission via fecal aerosols in a Guangzhou high-rise apartment building. They found evidence suggesting that toilet flushing by infected patients may have caused the outbreak. The study's findings emphasize the importance of adequate hygiene and ventilation to pre...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 1, 2020

Scientists show how brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants as young as two years old exhibit increased brain flexibility, a key factor in cognitive development, according to UNC-Chapel Hill researchers. This emerging neural ability enables early learning of new motor skills and supports the maturation of higher-level cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Genetic testing for kidney diseases in embryos from in vitro fertilization

A 25-year analysis of PGT for kidney diseases in the Netherlands shows that 65% of couples with at least one successful cycle experienced live births without kidney disease. The study highlights the importance of counseling patients on their reproductive options to make informed choices.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 27, 2020
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.

How effective does a COVID-19 vaccine need to be to stop the pandemic?

A new study suggests that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be at least 80% effective to achieve a complete 'return to normal' and prevent an epidemic. Social vulnerability is also linked to increased COVID-19 infection, with specific factors varying among regions and counties.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 25, 2020

Police officers face multifaceted, compounding stressors that can lead to adverse events

A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that police officers are susceptible to adverse events due to multifaceted stressors. The study identified five themes influencing officer perception of call stress levels, including officer characteristics and civilian behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 18, 2020

New superlattice material for future energy efficient devices

Researchers at Stony Brook University have developed a new superlattice material that exhibits high temperature and tunable electrical transport properties. This finding has the potential to improve energy-efficient technologies by conducting dissipationless current without energy loss.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 17, 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.

Potential drug target revealed to help more children survive a lethal heart defect

A new study has identified a potential therapeutic target, fibronectin (FN1), to improve endocardial function and regenerate cardiac valves, septum, and coronary vessels in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This discovery offers hope for increasing heart chamber size and reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 17, 2020

Survival of the fit-ish

A study on parasitic gene elements in yeast found that they can persist in populations despite harming hosts. Meiotic drivers confer disadvantages to their host, but other genes help suppress this effect at a cost to fitness.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·DateAug 17, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that household contacts had a 1 in 10 chance of infection, while asymptomatic patients were less likely to infect close contacts. Patients with severe disease were more likely to spread COVID-19 to their close contacts.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 2020

Cremation in the Middle-East dates as far back as 7,000 B.C.

A team of archaeologists uncovered evidence of the oldest direct cremation in the Middle-East, found in a pyre pit in Beisamoun, Israel, dating back around 9,000 years. The remains indicate a shift away from traditional burial practices towards shorter rituals.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers create mask filtration effectiveness hierarchy

A study conducted at an EPA facility shows that expired and sterilized used N95 masks retain their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. The researchers created a hierarchy of mask supplies, ranking N95 masks as the safest option, followed by CDC-FDA-NIOSH approved products.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020