Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cognitive tests in infancy can offer insight into intelligence at age 30 and beyond

A study of over 1,000 twins found that cognitive tests in infancy can predict adult intelligence and cognition, with environmental influences playing a significant role. Early life environments, including pre-preschool years, matter more than previously thought, suggesting potential interventions to support cognitive aging.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

The twin paradox: Developmental differences and persistent dominance roles

A new study finds that parents' perceptions shape twin dynamics, with typically developing twins taking the dominant role over their nontypically developing siblings. The research suggests that genetic similarity and asymmetry in abilities between twins drive dominance imbalances.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalFamily Relations·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2024

Too much sitting hurts even young, active people

A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetically diverse crowds are wiser

A new study by Dr. Meir Barneron found that genetically diverse groups outperform homogeneous groups in making collective judgments, suggesting genetic diversity enhances collective intelligence.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Teens who view their homes as more chaotic than their siblings have poorer mental health in adulthood

A new study reveals that teenagers who perceive their households as more unstructured and disorganized than their siblings develop more mental health problems in early adulthood. The findings suggest that psychologists could develop interventions to modify adolescents' perceptions of their home environments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Epigenetic signature for obesity found in study of twins

Researchers found an epigenetic signature in cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their thinner siblings, suggesting a susceptibility to obesity may be written into molecular processes. The discovery could lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker and enable earlier prevention methods.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEpigenetics·DateNov 1, 2023

The same genes may be behind cardiometabolic diseases and dementia

A new twin study by Karolinska Institutet suggests that the same genes may be behind both cardiometabolic diseases and dementia. The study found that individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023
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.

New mitochondrial disease identified in identical twins

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children's Hospital Philadelphia have identified a rare genetic disorder affecting mitochondrial energy production. The study found that identical twins exhibited hypermetabolism due to hyperactive mitochondria, resulting in low body weight despite consuming more calories than needed.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Legalizing recreational cannabis in the U.S. has increased frequency of use by 20%

A new study published in the journal Addiction found that recreational cannabis legalization in US states led to a 20% increase in cannabis use frequency, particularly among identical twin pairs. The study analyzed data from over 1,400 individuals and suggested that recreational legalization caused an increase in cannabis use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022
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.

Love of nature is partially heritable, study of twins shows

A large-scale study of UK twins found that identical twins shared a greater affinity for nature and frequent visits to natural spaces compared to fraternal twins. Heritability estimates ranged from 46% for nature orientation to 34% for garden visits, suggesting a moderate genetic influence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2022

Why does love of bargain hunting run in families?

A new study found that 70% of variability in deal proneness is associated with genetic factors, highlighting the existence of a heritable component. The research compared identical and fraternal twins, revealing stronger similarities in deal-proneness among identical twins.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 9, 2021

Are you a hugger? It might be hereditary

Researchers found that genetic influences account for 45% of the variation in women's affectionate behavior, whereas environmental factors explain 55%. Men's affectionate behavior is entirely determined by their surroundings. The study aimed to determine whether social behaviors are learned or genetically driven.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateJun 23, 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.

Study in twins finds our sensitivity is partly in our genes

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that around 47% of sensitivity differences between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. The research used data from the Twins Early Development Study and involved over 2,800 twins, including identical and non-identical pairs.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020

Severity of autism symptoms varies greatly among identical twins

A recent NIH-funded study analyzing data from 366 identical twin pairs found significant variability in autism symptom severity among those with ASD. The researchers estimated that only 9% of the cause of trait variation was attributed to genetic factors.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateDec 27, 2019

Identical twin kidney transplants warrant gene sequencing, researchers say

Researchers found that identical twin kidney transplants have high success rates, but patients often require immunosuppressive drugs due to misidentification. The study proposes genetic testing and management guidelines for identical twin transplants to minimize side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 5, 2019
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.

Genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure

Research using identical and fraternal twins suggests that genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure and reward processing. The study found that activation of the nucleus accumbens, a key structure in the brain's reward system, is moderately heritable, as are scores for physical anhedonia and pleasure.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 8, 2019

First semi-identical twins identified in pregnancy

Researchers have identified the world's first semi-identical twins during pregnancy using genetic testing. The Brisbane twins share only a proportion of their father's DNA, making them a unique case of sesquizygotic twins.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2019
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.

Identical twins can share more than identical genes

Researchers discover epigenetic supersimilarity in identical twins, influencing biological characteristics and cancer risk. This phenomenon is associated with a relatively small group of genes, but many are linked to several types of cancer.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 9, 2018

Immune diseases inflict identical twins differently

Researchers at Osaka University found that differences in methylation patterns of specific genes and chromosomes are linked to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. This discovery highlights the importance of considering both genetic and epigenetic factors in diagnosing metabolic disorders.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThyroid·DateDec 12, 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.

In autism, genes drive eye gaze abnormalities

A twin study found that genetics play a major role in how children look at the world and their preference for gazing at people's eyes and faces. The study suggests that genes can modify a child's life experience, influencing visual behavior.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

Study: While trust is inherited, distrust is not

A recent study led by the University of Arizona found that trust is significantly influenced by genetics, while distrust appears to be primarily socialized. The research suggests that trust and distrust are distinct qualities, with genetics playing a more significant role in shaping trust behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2017

Identical twins; not-so-identical stem cells

Researchers found that even though iPSCs derived from identical twins have the same genes, they have distinct epigenetic markers, particularly near MYC binding sites. This discovery helps scientists better understand the processes involved in reprogramming cells and the differences between iPSCs and ESCs.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 19, 2017

Chronic sleep deprivation suppresses immune system

Researchers discovered that the twin with shorter sleep duration had a depressed immune system compared to their sibling. The findings suggest that chronic short sleep shuts down programs involved in immune response, leading to lower antibody responses and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 27, 2017
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.

Epigenetics drives weight differences between identical twins

Researchers found that epigenetic marks play a crucial role in determining individual predisposition to obesity, even in genetically identical mice and human twin pairs. The study reveals a key role for Trim28 deficiency in explaining individual differences in obesity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 28, 2016

Uneven growth of identical twins may begin in first few days after conception

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports suggests that genetic identical twins may exhibit uneven growth as early as the first few days after conception. This phenomenon occurs when two inner cell masses within a single embryo are at different stages of development, leading to unequal growth throughout pregnancy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 12, 2015

Some like it sweet, others not so much: It's partly in the genes

A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJul 16, 2015
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.

Identified the epigenetic basis of CVID through the study of identic twins

Researchers identified epigenetic alterations in CVID patients by comparing monozygotic twins. They found higher DNA methylation levels and impaired DNA demethylation in immunodeficient B cells, leading to reduced antibody production and altered cell maturation. These findings provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CVID.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Crime scene discovery -- separating the DNA of identical twins

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a solution to distinguish between the DNA of identical twins using high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMA). The technique exploits differences in DNA methylation patterns caused by environmental factors, enabling forensic investigators to accurately identify guilty parties.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateApr 23, 2015

Study of identical twins reveals type 2 diabetes clues

Researchers from Lund University found epigenetic changes in DNA methylation and genetic code alterations that contribute to type 2 diabetes. Identical twins showed strong heredity similarities, suggesting a strong link between genetics and lifestyle.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes·DateOct 6, 2014
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.

Stronger early reading skills predict higher intelligence later

A new study of identical twins found that early reading skills are positively associated with later intellectual abilities. The researchers tested 1,890 pairs of twins from ages 7 to 16 and found a link between reading ability and intelligence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 24, 2014

Who's afraid of math? Study finds some genetic factors

A new study found that genetic factors explain about 40 percent of individual differences in math anxiety, while environmental factors account for the rest. The research suggests that genetic predispositions can both exacerbate and reduce the risk of poor math performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 18, 2014
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.

After death, twin brains show similar patterns of neuropathologic changes

Researchers found that twin brains with identical diagnoses showed similar combinations of pathologies, including damage to two or more areas of the brain. This study provides evidence that there may not be a single cause of Alzheimer's, but rather multiple factors contributing to its development.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBrain Pathology·DateFeb 26, 2014

Differences in educational achievement owe more to genetics than environment

A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

Identical twins with significant weight differences shed light on the phenomenon of metabolically healthy obesity

A study of identical twins with significant weight differences found that in half of the pairs, the obese twin had a poorer blood fat profile and increased risk of diabetes. In contrast, the other half showed no difference in metabolic health between the two twins, shedding light on the 'metabolically healthy obesity' phenomenon.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateOct 6, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Oldest solar twin identified

Astronomers have discovered an ancient solar twin that is 8.2 billion years old, providing insights into the Sun's life-giving properties and lithium content. The star, HIP 102152, has low levels of lithium, supporting the theory that stars destroy their lithium as they age.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2013

CU study relies on twins and their parents to understand height-IQ connection

A CU-Boulder study finds that the link between height and IQ is due to both genetic factors, such as pleiotropy, and mate choice, where taller individuals are more likely to pair with smarter counterparts. The research used data from over 7,900 twins and their parents to disentangle these causes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 27, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Another clue in the mystery of autism

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that low birth weight is an important environmental factor contributing to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers used a unique study design involving discordant twin pairs and found that lower birth weight more than tripled the risk for autism.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJan 19, 2012

Research proves no 2 of us are alike, even identical twins

A study by molecular geneticist Shiva Singh found that even identical twins have distinct DNA profiles due to random genetic variations. The research uses monozygotic twins with one having schizophrenia to investigate the genetic determinants of schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateMar 28, 2011
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.