Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Reinforcement learning: From board games to protein design

Researchers successfully applied reinforcement learning to protein design, creating proteins with improved antibody generation and accurate nano-structures. The approach may lead to more potent vaccines and novel applications in regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2023
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.

A new vision for soybean meal: designer tempeh

A UMass Amherst food scientist is developing designer tempeh using smart fermentation, transforming soybean meal into a high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternative. The goal is to create a scientifically-targeted approach to produce nutritious and delicious tempeh, replacing animal meat.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 12, 2023
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.

‘Fishing’ for biomarkers

A team of researchers from Syracuse University has developed a tiny, nano-sized sensor that can detect protein biomarkers in a sample at single-molecule precision. The sensor is capable of identifying and quantifying specific proteins associated with various hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2023

Can synthetic polymers replace the body's natural proteins?

Researchers develop AI-designed synthetic polymers that mimic specific functions of natural proteins, working as well as the real protein and easier to synthesize. The polymers could be a game-changer for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Protein-based nanoparticles designed to neutralise the SARS-CoV2 virus

Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have created spherical nanoparticles inspired by amyloid proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein with high affinity, preventing cell infection. The biocompatible and stable nanostructures also show great potency in blocking viral particles.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023
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.

Artificial intelligence conjures proteins that speed up chemical reactions

Researchers used machine-learning algorithms to design new light-emitting enzymes called luciferases that can efficiently recognize specific chemicals and emit light. This breakthrough could lead to custom enzymes for a wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2023

Building better enzymes – by breaking them down

Researchers developed an algorithm that uses physics-based protein design calculations and machine learning to generate thousands of active enzymes, achieving a tenfold increase in success rate over traditional methods. The new method, CADENZ, has the potential to transform industries by providing green alternatives for processes such ...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2023

New AI tool makes speedy gene-editing possible

Researchers at NYU Langone Health and the University of Toronto have developed a new AI tool called ZFDesign, which enables customizable protein editing for treating genetic diseases. The tool promises to accelerate gene therapy development on a large scale, offering a potentially safer alternative to CRISPR.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI technology generates original proteins from scratch

Scientists developed an AI system, ProGen, that can generate artificial enzymes from scratch, working as well as those found in nature. The AI model learned aspects of evolution and was able to tune its generation for specific effects, creating proteins with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 26, 2023

X-ray light reveals how virus responsible for COVID-19 covers its tracks, eluding the immune system

A new study uses serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of NendoU protein at room temperature. The resulting high-resolution image shows that the protein's flexibility plays a crucial role in its functional mechanism, which is essential for designing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

A new tool to block protein-protein interactions

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have developed a new tool to block protein-protein interactions, a potential therapeutic approach for diseases such as prostate cancer. The synthetic molecules mimic the binding surface of proteins, offering high versatility and stability.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

Engineered proteins: A future treatment option for COVID-19

Researchers at Texas A&M University engineered DARPins to block the interaction between the COVID-19 virus and host cells, significantly reducing disease progression. The nasal sprays showed effectiveness against various variants, including omicron, and could provide a lower-cost therapeutic option for those at high risk.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 29, 2022

Rice bioengineer seeks better signals from cells

A Rice University bioengineer has developed a noninvasive technology to measure gene expression in deep tissues, particularly in the brain. This innovation could improve the monitoring of gene therapy treating neurodegenerative disorders such as epilepsy, ALS, and Huntington's disease.

SourceRice University·DateNov 10, 2022

In the latest human vs. machine match, artificial intelligence wins by a hair

In an experiment pitting human expertise against artificial intelligence, researchers found that the computer program correctly predicted six out of nine proteins capable of self-assembly. This breakthrough suggests machine learning can complement human intuition in biotechnology research.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2022

Urine could play key part in future biotech systems

Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022
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.

Beyond AlphaFold: A.I. excels at creating new proteins

Researchers developed a new software tool called ProteinMPNN to create protein molecules more accurately and quickly than before. The team used machine learning algorithms, including AlphaFold, to generate new protein shapes and sequences, paving the way for novel vaccines, treatments, and sustainable biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

High-performance 937-nm laser: see deeper with lower power

A novel 937-nm laser source has been developed for multiphoton microscopy, enabling deep tissue imaging at depths of over 600 µm with only 10 mW of power. This breakthrough technology offers a good balance between sensitivity, penetration depth, and imaging speed.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateSep 13, 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.

Protein that could prevent chemical warfare attack created at Rutgers

A Rutgers team designed a synthetic protein that quickly detects molecules of VX, a deadly nerve agent classified as a weapon of mass destruction. The protein can detect VX at levels a thousand times more sensitive than current technologies, with no false positives.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Proteins and natural language: Artificial intelligence enables the design of novel proteins

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Birte Höcker applied a computer-based natural language processing model to protein research, creating new proteins capable of stable folding and defined functions. The ProtGPT2 model generates proteins with differentiated structures, eliminating the need for functionalization processes.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022

NSF grant to help Zhang lab build better muscle with synthetic biology

Washington University in St. Louis' Zhang lab has been awarded a $458,490 NSF grant to refine their synthetic biology platform for producing muscle fibers with improved material properties. The team plans to examine genetic changes associated with titin protein and create fibers with defined sequences to study material properties.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 29, 2022
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.

To cell surface and beyond: Tracing subcellular glycoprotein transport using modified cholera toxin

Scientists at Okayama University designed and tested a modified cholera toxin to study glycosylation in eukaryotic cells. They tracked the toxin's movement through organelles using bioluminescence, gaining insights into protein modification. This method may lead to new treatments for diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies.

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Shining some light on the obscure proteome

Researchers used chemoproteomics to profile 53 HDAC drugs and found many had additional targets beyond their intended HDACs. The study identified MBLAC2 as a common off-target protein that affects extracellular vesicle accumulation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 29, 2022

New artificial enzyme breaks down tough, woody lignin

A new artificial enzyme has successfully degraded lignin, a stubborn polymer in woody plants, offering hope for developing a new renewable energy source. The enzyme, developed by mimicking natural enzymes that break down lignin in nature, shows promise for producing valuable products from lignin.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Design of protein binders from target structure alone

A team of scientists created a powerful new method for generating protein drugs by designing molecules that can target important proteins in the body. The research yielded candidate medicines for cancer, diabetes, infection, inflammation, and beyond, offering a paradigm shift in drug development.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

A possible new COVID-19 vaccine could be accessible for more of the world

A new COVID-19 vaccine developed at MIT and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has shown promise in preclinical studies, eliciting a strong immune response and protecting animals against viral challenge. The vaccine can be manufactured using engineered yeast, making it an attractive option for low-cost and easy storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 16, 2022
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.

An ‘oracle’ for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

How a virus packages its genetic material

A UC Riverside-led team developed a theory and performed simulations to understand how viruses package their genetic material. The research reveals that capsid proteins are inclined to form shells around viral RNAs due to lower stress distribution, which can aid in designing nanocontainers for drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2022

Meddling with metals: Escaping the tyranny of copper

Researchers at UC San Diego have designed a flexible protein system that selectively binds to non-copper metals, overcoming universal restrictions on metal selectivity. This breakthrough paves the way for the design of novel functional proteins and metal sequestration agents with potential applications in environmental remediation and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2022

AI-designed protein awakens silenced genes, one by one

Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI-designed protein that can awaken individual dormant genes by disabling chemical 'off switches'. This approach allows for safe upregulation of specific genes to affect cell activity without permanently changing the genome.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
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.

How superbugs use mirror images to create antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered how a single mutation in an enzyme enables bacteria to evade antibiotics by using mirrored structures. This finding has implications for developing more resilient inhibitors and proactive drug designs.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2022

Stanford researchers take “protein circuits” a step closer to cell-to-cell communication

Stanford researchers have made a breakthrough in developing protein circuits that can enable cell-to-cell communication, mimicking the natural process of cells interacting with neighboring cells. The new platform, RELEASE, allows proteins to be secreted and displayed on the cell surface, enabling cells to respond to these signals.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2022

Illinois musicians, chemists use sound to better understand science

Researchers at the University of Illinois used sonification to analyze data and teach protein folding, leading to a new discovery about protein folding mechanisms. Musicians collaborated with chemists to create audio-mapped visualizations that complemented traditional views, increasing intuition for experts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022
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.

USTC researchers develop a method named SCUBA for protein design

USTC researchers develop a method named SCUBA for de novo protein design, employing a novel statistical learning strategy to generate protein main chain structures with high designability. This approach enables the creation of novel protein structures not observed in nature, expanding the diversity of accessible protein geometries.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2022

Probing how proteins pair up inside cells

Scientists at MIT have developed a screening method to study protein-protein interactions, which are crucial in understanding disease mechanisms. The researchers created a synthetic molecule that binds tightly to a protein implicated in cancer metastasis, providing a potential tool for disrupting disease-causing interactions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Deep learning dreams up new protein structures

A team of scientists has created a neural network that can predict and generate new protein structures using deep learning. The network, trained on random protein sequences, can produce stable protein shapes with remarkable accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

Deep learning dreams up new protein structures

A team of researchers, including those from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Washington, have developed a neural network that can predict protein shapes with high accuracy. The network was trained on random protein sequences and generated 2,000 new proteins, many of which were successfully produced in the lab.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 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.

Synthetic biology yields easy-to-use underwater adhesives

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a biocompatible adhesive hydrogel that can stick to various surfaces underwater, with properties similar to natural mussel foot protein and spider silk. This breakthrough has potential applications in tissue repair, particularly for tendon-bone repair.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

New COVID vaccine design is easier to manufacture, doesn’t need cold storage

A new protein-based vaccine design has been developed that elicits strong immune responses in mice and does not require cold storage. The technology targets antigen-presenting cells directly, potentially filling global vaccination gaps and offering a manufacturing advantage over existing COVID vaccines.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2021

Scientists build on AI modelling to understand more about protein-sugar structures

Scientists have developed a software that adds missing sugar components to protein models created with AlphaFold, enabling more accurate structural predictions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize workflows in biology, allowing scientists to understand proteins and their mutations faster than ever.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 2, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

What to call seafood made from fish cells

A new Rutgers study suggests that food companies use the terms "cell-based" or "cell-cultured" when labeling seafood products made from fish cells. The study found that both terms meet FDA regulations and help consumers understand the production process, while also recognizing potential allergens.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Accurate protein structure prediction now accessible to all

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed RoseTTAFold, a freely available AI tool that can predict protein structures in just 10 minutes. This breakthrough accelerates research into cancer, COVID-19, and other diseases, and has already been used by over 140 independent research teams.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2021
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.

Researchers solve a puzzle to design larger proteins

A team of researchers identified the design principles for creating large ideal proteins, paving the way for designing proteins with new biochemical functions. They found that while designed proteins are structurally ideal, they lack functional sites due to internal energetic frustration.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2021

Lighting the way to folding next-level origami

Scientists at EMBL Hamburg use X-ray beams to study artificial protein nanostructures, confirming their ability to fold into desired shapes. The findings advance understanding of synthetic origami-like protein folding for therapeutic applications.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2021