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3D-bioprinted tissues can now be stored in the freezer until needed

Researchers have developed a method to store 3D-bioprinted tissues in a frozen state, allowing for long-term preservation and rapid thawing. The technique, known as cryobioprinting, has been shown to retain tissue functionality, enabling potential applications in drug testing and tissue replacement.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021
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.

Step forward in quest to develop living construction materials and beyond

University of Minnesota researchers create a self-healing concrete alternative using bacteria-engineered silica, offering potential for biomedical applications. The study provides a framework for designing novel engineered living materials with improved strength and responsiveness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Potential new gene editing tools uncovered

Researchers have expanded the number of naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems, giving a wealth of potential new tools for large-scale gene editing. The discovery could lead to treating complex diseases associated with multiple genes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

It takes guts to make a heart

Researchers developed a new kind of organoid that grows both heart and gut cells together, mirroring their cooperation in embryonic development. This breakthrough could improve understanding of tissue communication and inform research into congenital disorders.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 2, 2021

Humidity changes in dead fern fronds drives unique timing of spore dispersal in a widespread fern species

Researchers discovered that humidity-driven movement in spore-bearing leaves is the key mechanism behind the unique timing of spore dispersal in the sensitive fern. The study found that dead fronds open when dry and close when wet due to differential cell expansion, a process also observed in pine cones.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateNov 30, 2021
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.

SUTD researchers made ultra-sensitive cancer detector from 2D materials

A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute developed a combined electric current 2D material sensor to detect breast cancer cells. The ultra-sensitive sensor can identify electrical signals from a record low number of cancer cells, offering new possibilities in the field of biosensing.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateNov 22, 2021

AI helps to correct distortions in in vivo photoacoustic images of humans

Researchers developed an AI method to correct speed of sound aberrations in photoacoustic images, resulting in improved image quality and resolution. The technique reduced streak artifacts by up to 5% and increased signal-to-noise ratio by about 25 decibels.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Image Processing·DateNov 22, 2021

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Shaping a sustainable future for a common plastic

A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2021
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.

Accurate early cancer diagnosis with a drop of blood

A new liquid biopsy method developed by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in detecting tumor DNA in the blood. The technique can detect even one to three specific tumor DNAs, offering a promising approach for early cancer diagnosis.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 11, 2021

Apple chips moisture analysis made easy with near-infrared spectroscopy

A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure moisture content in real-time during the drying process of coated and uncoated apple chips. The technology offers several advantages, including speed, accuracy, and sustainability, over traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLWT·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Artificial intestinal model that even mimics the human villi

A team of researchers developed an innovative culture system that enables intestinal epithelial cells to form a three-dimensional villi microstructure. The BASIN system reproduces the structure and function of human intestinal epithelial cells simultaneously in multiple cell culture inserts.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 1, 2021
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.

Scientists enable blind woman to see simple shapes using brain implant

A team of scientists successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a prosthesis hardwired into her brain. The Moran|Cortivis Prosthesis enabled Gómez to identify lines, shapes, and simple letters evoked by different patterns of stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 26, 2021

First controllable nanoscale gas-liquid interface fabricated

Scientists develop a method to precisely control gas-liquid interfaces at the nanoscale, enabling precise enrichment of target molecules. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including chemical and biological processes.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalNano Letters·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2021
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.

Marangoni surfer robots look and move like water bugs

Researchers from Michigan Technological University created a robot that uses Marangoni propulsion to move across liquid surfaces like insects. The robot's design is inspired by the ability of certain species to manipulate surface tension for speed and maneuverability.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

New cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to treat cancer by combining chemotherapy, tumor injury, and immunotherapy. In mouse studies, the treatment eliminated tumors completely in nearly half of the mice and showed promise against various types of cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 19, 2021

A step towards natural interaction between robots and animals

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology created a robot that can track fast-moving rats for extended periods using real-time localization and movement analysis. The robotic rat's built-in stereo vision system enables it to characterize typical behaviors of actual rats, promoting autonomy and reproducibility in behavior research.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021

Obese pigs help us understand human obesity

The study provides a unique genomic blueprint for understanding the complex mechanisms linking obesity with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The Ossabaw pig's genome is highly relevant to humans, making it an ideal model for studying human obesity.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournaliScience·DateOct 14, 2021

Packard Foundation backs Rice bioengineer

Rice University's Neuroengineering Initiative is working on developing noninvasive systems to monitor and control the brain. Jerzy Szablowski aims to achieve single-cell precision in 15-20 years through innovative receptor development and gene therapy.

SourceRice University·DateOct 14, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Johns Hopkins pioneers method to examine how immunotherapy changes tumors

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a non-invasive optical probe to understand the complex changes in tumors after immunotherapy. Using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning, they identified key features that indicate how tumors respond to treatment, showing promising results for predicting patient response.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 13, 2021

Rye a better choice than wheat for weight loss

Researchers found that eating high-fibre whole grain rye products resulted in greater weight loss and body fat reduction compared to refined wheat alternatives. The study, involving 242 participants, suggests that rye's unique fibre content may contribute to its weight-loss benefits.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2021

Engineering drought-resistant plants may be more difficult than it seems

Researchers found that regular plants have distinct metabolic differences from CAM photosynthesis-adapted species, which could hinder efforts to bioengineer drought tolerance in crops. Understanding these differences is crucial for future research and potential crop improvement.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 12, 2021
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.

Revealing the secrets of ground beetle wing casings

A team from The University of Tsukuba used microscopy techniques to analyze the microstructure of the ground beetle's wing casing, revealing a unique helical structure that creates optical effects. This finding has significant implications for the development of new biomimetic materials with enhanced performance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMicron·DateOct 5, 2021

Bioinspired steerable catheter for brain surgery is first of its kind

Researchers developed a soft robotic steerable micro-catheter for precise brain surgery, enabling targeted treatment of cerebral disorders. The innovative catheter uses biomimicry to navigate and maneuver within the brain's complex anatomy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
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.

Theory of bubbles lifts cell biology into a new, more quantitative era

Researchers adapted classical nucleation theory to understand protein assembly in cells, predicting precise locations and times for droplet formation. The approach offers a new understanding of cell biology and potential control over complex soft materials.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
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.

Novel assay finds new mechanism underlying red blood cell aging

Researchers from FAU and MIT develop a microfluidic assay to study the mechanical performance of red blood cells under hypoxic conditions. The study reveals that cyclic hypoxia can lead to mechanical degradation of the red blood cell membrane, contributing to aging.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

NIH funds effort to customize treatment of movement impairments

A Rice University professor has received a $2.4 million grant from the NIH to develop open-source software for designing personalized treatments for movement impairments using computational modeling and simulation. The software will create customized computer models of individual patients, optimizing treatment solutions.

SourceRice University·DateSep 17, 2021

Working Smarter: Leveraging Machine Learning to Optimize CO2 Adsorption

A recent study employs machine learning to guide the design of novel materials for CO2 capture, identifying elemental composition and textural properties as key factors. The research team's findings suggest prioritizing adsorption parameters and surface area optimization for high CO2 adsorption efficiency.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

How the brain accounts for uncertainties in motor planning

Researchers discover brain forms a single motor plan to optimize task performance despite uncertainty, upending decades-old theory of motor averaging. The study used experiments and computational modeling to demonstrate the brain's ability to generate an optimal action choice under uncertain conditions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournaleLife·DateSep 14, 2021
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.

Smart dental implants

Researchers have developed a smart dental implant that resists bacterial growth and generates its own electricity through chewing and brushing. The implant uses a nanoparticle-infused material that repels bacteria and an embedded light source powered by piezoelectric properties to conduct phototherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

$25M tech grant lets Illinois researchers ‘talk’ to plants

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) aims to create systems that enable plants to communicate their hidden biology to sensors, optimizing growth and the local environment. This will lead to breakthrough discoveries, new educational opportunities, and transformative management of crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 9, 2021
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.

Tweezer grant pleases Rice researchers

The university will acquire an optical tweezer to study colloidal copolymer chains, protein binding strength and other phenomena. The instrument will be made available to Rice researchers and collaborators.

SourceRice University·DateSep 8, 2021

Making waves in predicting aortic aneurysms and postpartum complications

A team of researchers is developing a smartphone-based device that can predict the size of aortic aneurysms and detect fluid overload in postpartum women. The device uses arterial waveforms, which can be easily recorded with a smartphone camera or smart scale, to provide a non-imaging solution for AA screening.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 26, 2021

Robot mimics the powerful punch of the mantis shrimp

Scientists develop robotic model of mantis shrimp strike, revealing geometric latching process behind ultra-fast movements. The device accelerates to 26 meters per second, equivalent to a car reaching 58 mph in four milliseconds.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2021
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.

Developing clinically relevant human-scale living organs

A team of researchers has created a bioink that can reduce toxicity and improve cell survival, enabling the fabrication of clinically relevant human-scale organs. The development paves the way for regenerative medicine applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers invent world's smallest biomechanical linkage

Princeton University researchers have created the world's smallest mechanically interlocked biological structure, a deceptively simple two-ring chain made from tiny strands of amino acids. The study demonstrates that these structures can toggle between at least two shapes, laying the groundwork for a biomolecular switch.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Rice, Baylor win defense grant to advance metastasis study

Researchers at Rice and Baylor are expanding their efforts to halt bone cancer metastasis using a molecule targeting osteoporosis and HER2 protein. Their goal is to improve drug concentration at tumor sites, inhibit secondary metastasis, and explore the therapeutic effect mechanism.

SourceRice University·DateAug 19, 2021

Scientists harness human protein to deliver molecular medicines to cells

Researchers have developed a new way to deliver molecular therapies to cells using a programmable system called SEND, which harnesses natural proteins in the body to encapsulate and deliver different RNA cargoes. This could lead to safer and more targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2021

Plastics aren’t what we think. New study finds they’re a tad rubbery, paving the way for better products

Researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that glassy polymers, or plastics, have a soft, rubbery layer on their surface that can be controlled. This breakthrough could lead to improved properties such as adhesion and scratch resistance in materials like automobile paint and cellphone screens.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

Magnets could offer better control of prosthetic limbs

Magnetomicrometry offers a new approach to controlling prosthetic limbs by measuring muscle length and speed, providing more precise control than existing methods. The technology involves inserting small magnetic beads into muscle tissue, which can be precisely measured within milliseconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 18, 2021

Inflatable robotic hand gives amputees real-time tactile control

Engineers at MIT have developed a soft, lightweight neuroprosthetic hand that enables amputees to perform daily activities with ease. The prosthetic features a system for tactile feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in their residual limb, and is potentially low-cost for low-income families.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 16, 2021

Salt marsh resilience compromised by crabs along tidal creek edges

A long-term study in Elkhorn Slough found that superabundant crabs weaken tidal creek banks, reducing marsh plant growth and increasing erosion. Reducing crab abundance led to increased salt marsh vegetation growth and enhanced sediment density.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021
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.

Breath test to determine correct treatment for epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Basel developed a breath test to measure treatment success in epilepsy patients. The test provides immediate results without requiring a blood sample, allowing doctors to adjust medication quickly and precisely tailored to individual patients' needs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2021

How a unique sponge 'goes with the flow' could improve man-made structures

A collaboration has created a first-ever simulation of the deep-sea Venus basket sponge, revealing its ability to withstand dynamic forces and create nutrient-rich vortex within its body cavity. The structure of the sponge is optimized for fluid flow, reducing drag and facilitating feeding and reproduction.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2021