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SMU researcher helps develop new technique to explore oceanic microbes

A new technique called Small Molecule In situ Resin Capture (SMIRC) allows researchers to collect microbial natural products in their natural environment, expanding the search for new chemical scaffolds. The technique has already uncovered compounds with potential applications in cancer and heart care.

What’s in the microbiome of the foods we eat?

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing metagenomes from 2,533 foods, identifying 10,899 food-associated microbes. The study shows that these microbes can influence human health and provide insights into how to improve food quality, safety, and authenticity.

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.

Hand washing is important – but is your handbasin clean?

A new study from Flinders University found handbasin biofilms in residential settings have a more diverse bacterial community than hospitals, with higher Legionella bacteria counts. Regular cleaning and infection control practices are crucial to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

PDO cheeses and milks harbor startling microbial diversity

French PDO cheese producers harbor a staggering array of microbial life in their dairy products, with over 820 bacterial species identified in the cheeses and nearly 1,230 in the milk sources. Regional artisanship plays a significant role in shaping these microbial assemblages.

Microbes conquer the next extreme environment: Your microwave

A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacterial gut diversity improves the athletic performance of racehorses

A new study from the University of Surrey found that higher faecal bacterial diversity at one month old is positively associated with the athletic performance of Thoroughbred foals. Lower bacterial diversity in early life also increases the risk of respiratory disease and soft-tissue issues.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Should you eat more dietary fiber? New study says it depends.

A new Cornell University study found that dietary fiber recommendations should be tailored to each person's unique gut microbiome. The research identified two types of resistant starch and found that individuals may respond differently to these foods, with some benefiting from increased fiber intake and others experiencing no effect.

Hidden partners: Symbiodolus bacteria found in various insect orders

Scientists have identified a new symbiotic relationship between insects and bacteria, Symbiodolus, which is widespread across different insect species. The bacteria are found in reproductive organs and can be transmitted from parents to offspring, highlighting the complex interactions between hosts and symbionts.

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.

Study sheds light on bacteria associated with pre-term birth

A study has found that multiple species of Gardnerella, commonly linked to pre-term birth and bacterial vaginosis, can exist together in the same vaginal microbiome. This discovery adds to the understanding of Gardnerella's effects on human health and its potential role in pre-term birth.

Limited adaptability makes freshwater bacteria vulnerable to climate change

Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Marine bacteria team up to produce a vital vitamin

Researchers discovered that two species of marine bacteria work together to produce vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and survival of many marine organisms. The bacteria release building blocks into the water, which are then combined to form the vitamin through a complex process involving viral infection.

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.

First-of-its-kind integrated dataset enables genes-to-ecosystems research

A new dataset has been released that combines molecular information about the poplar tree microbiome with ecosystem-level processes. The dataset provides detailed information on 27 genetically distinct variants of Populus trichocarpa, a bioenergy crop, and includes data on gene expression, soil chemistry, and microbial diversity.

New method reveals hidden activity of life below ground

Researchers developed a new method to link genetics and function of individual microbes living without oxygen deep below Earth's surface. The approach enabled discovery of the most active organism in a Death Valley groundwater aquifer, expanding its application to low biomass environments.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Gut bacteria make neurotransmitters to shape the newborn immune system

Researchers found that gut bacteria in newborns produce serotonin, promoting the development of immune cells called Tregs. This helps prevent allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that unique gut bacteria may supply neurotransmitters needed for critical biological functions during early development.

“Molecular Rosetta Stone” reveals how our microbiome talks to us

The study reveals a vast array of secondary bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, expanding our understanding of their functions and impact on human health. These molecules play important roles in digestion, immune system regulation, and metabolic processes, offering new insights into diseases related to bile acids.

MSU discovers new insights hiding above a 60-year-old fire

Soil microbes were analyzed near the Centralia mine fire, revealing new insights into how bacterial communities respond to intense environmental change. The team found that species that were active or dormant changed after the fire, but some populations recovered with new bacteria being blown in by wind.

Microalgae with unusual cell biology

Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.

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.

Targeting seed microbes to improve seed resilience

Researchers at KAUST have investigated the potential of manipulating fonio's association with soil microbes to improve its drought tolerance and nutritional content. The study found that the core microbiome of fonio millet plays an important role in its general metabolism, and that environmental factors can influence microbial diversit...

Microbial viruses act as secret drivers of climate change

Researchers found that microbial viruses carry special genetic elements for controlling methane processes, called auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). The study suggests that viral contributions to methane cycling are underestimated and deserve more attention.

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.

Global warming increases the diversity of active soil bacteria

A new study reveals that warmer soils harbor a greater diversity of active microbes, contradicting the assumption that increased growth rates accelerate carbon release. This finding has significant implications for predicting microbial behavior and its impact on future carbon dynamics.

Fungal-rich soil may improve green roofs

A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.

New pieces in the puzzle of first life on Earth

Researchers have uncovered evidence of complex microbial communities existing in ecosystems over 3 billion years ago, with a diverse carbon cycle involving various microorganisms. The study provides a rare glimpse into the Earth's early ecosystems and advances our understanding of ancient microbial ecosystems.

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.

Domesticating plants impacts their microbiome, study finds

New research reveals that domestication impacts the microbial communities associated with crops. The study found consistent effects on the plant microbiota across independently domesticated crop species in Mesoamerica and South America. Changes in seed mineral content were linked to changes in microbiome composition.

Researchers discover potential microbiome links to skin aging

A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego reveals a connection between the skin microbiome and signs of aging, including crow's feet wrinkles. The analysis found positive associations with diverse skin microbiomes and negative correlations with moisture loss, suggesting potential new directions for skincare solutions.

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.

A single-celled microbe is helping corals survive climate change, study finds

A recent study discovered that certain protists within the coral microbiome can inform scientists about a coral's ability to survive heat stress. The researchers found that parasitic single-celled protists are more common in corals that survive heat-stress, while Corallicolids are more common in corals that die from heat-stress.

A new weapon against the super tough C diff bacteria

A phase-one human clinical trial shows that Omadacycline causes a distinctly different effect on the gut microbiome than Vancomycin, making it a safe drug option for patients at high risk for C diff infection. The antibiotic achieves high concentrations in the gut quickly, reducing the risk of long-term colonization.

Genetics of host plants determine what microorganisms they attract

Researchers found that plant genetic variation affects the core microbiome, a collection of microbes playing a crucial role in organizing associated microbes and helping host growth. The study highlights the importance of recruiting nitrogen-fixing bacteria for more sustainable bioenergy crops.

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.

New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions

Researchers developed a new framework to predict how microbes interact with each other in unique compositions. Most microbes had minimal impact on the final outcome, with only select few playing crucial roles. The model has potential applications in personalized medicine and understanding microbiome assembly.

Minimalist or maximalist? The life of a microbe a mile underground

Researchers characterized nearly 600 microbial genomes, revealing two types of microbes: minimalists and maximalists. Minimalists share resources with friends, while maximalists can produce energy and transform biomolecules, offering insights into life in the Earth's crust and potential on Mars.

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.

Yucatán’s underwater caves host diverse microbial communities

Researchers constructed the most complete map yet of the microbial communities in Yucatán's underwater caves, revealing distinct patterns and a core set of organisms performing key roles. The study found that Comamonadaceae, a family of bacteria typically found in groundwater systems, lived in several niches across the cave system.

New study: Deep-sea pressure preserves food for microbes in the abyss

A new study found that high-pressure conditions in deep-sea environments preserve organic matter and nutrients, supporting a vast array of microorganisms. Researchers simulated these conditions using pressure tanks, demonstrating the importance of this process in maintaining life at extreme depths.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Deep dive into the gut unlocks new disease treatments

A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better health, and a new study reveals how to determine which species are important and interact to create a healthy balance. The findings have significant implications for conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

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.

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

By air, rain and land: How microbes return after a wildfire

A study suggests that dispersal plays a major role in microbial succession after a fire. Researchers found that the emerging microbial communities in the soil surface changed with the seasons and plant reappearance, driven by dispersal. Dispersal from air contributed significantly to microbes entering the soil surface.

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.