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Science News for December 12, 2010


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.

MGH researchers develop faster method of engineering zinc-finger nucleases

A new approach called context-dependent assembly enables the rapid generation of powerful zinc-finger nucleases, which can efficiently correct gene mutations in humans. This innovation allows researchers to design ZFNs for specific genes with ease, overcoming limitations of previous methods.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 12, 2010

'Grow your own transplant' may be possible for men with type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully turned human testes cells into insulin-producing islet cells, offering a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes. The study used spermatogonial stem cells extracted from testicular tissue to produce insulin-secreting beta islet cells without the use of extra genes.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateDec 12, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic variants linked to increased risk of common gynecological disease

Research identifies two genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing endometriosis, a condition characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. The variants were found on chromosomes 7 and 1, respectively, and are linked to hormone metabolism and the development of the female reproductive tract.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 12, 2010

Tracing microbes between individuals towards personalized oral health care

Scientists have analyzed the evolution of CRISPR bacterial immune systems in human saliva over time, revealing unique and traceable defenses against viruses. The study's findings suggest that the development of resistance to viruses occurs frequently, even daily, and could lead to more personalized oral health care.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 12, 2010
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.

Stem cells turned into complex, functioning intestinal tissue in lab

Researchers successfully created complex, functioning intestinal tissue in a lab using pluripotent stem cells, opening doors to unprecedented studies of human intestinal development and disease. The breakthrough also paves the way for therapeutic applications, including transplantation and drug absorption.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2010

Ubiquitous sugar molecule could be key to repairing deep wound without scarring

A Canadian researcher has identified a small peptide, 15-1, which blocks fragments of the ubiquitous sugar molecule hyaluronan and promotes robust healing and less scarring in deep wounds. The study found that this peptide effectively reduced wound contraction, collagen deposits, inflammation, and growth of unwanted new blood vessels.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 12, 2010

Humans helped vultures colonize the Canary Islands

Genetic comparison reveals Egyptian vulture population in Canary Islands was established around 2500 years ago, matching human colonization date. Human activity led to divergent evolution and demographic expansion of vultures, assisted in their adaptation to new environment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 12, 2010

New labeling method expands ability to read DNA modification

Researchers developed a method to label and map the sixth nucleotide, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), which is enriched on active genes. The method reveals its genome-wide distribution and functional significance in gene regulation and neurodegeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 12, 2010
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.