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How to slow the spread of deadly ‘superbugs’

A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2023

Changes in soil organisms in crop rotation farmland accessed by DNA metabarcoding

The study found that soil biota and their networks are easily altered by the soil environment, cultivation history, and crops. The research team applied DNA metabarcoding to analyze changes in soil organisms associated with crop growth, revealing distinct prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities and networks.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

Scientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria

Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which phages evade CRISPR-Cas immune systems in bacteria, revealing a potential approach to make gene editing safer and more efficient. This discovery could lead to the development of bespoke anti-CRISPRs to neutralize CRISPR-Cas systems and provide an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2023

New specimen collection system enhances assisted reproductive technologies

A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023
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.

NUS Medicine researchers unlock the potential of genetic glycoengineering to advance vaccines and therapeutics technology

The team created a glycoengineering platform that simplifies the production of customized sugar carbohydrates, known as glycans, which play a crucial role in various therapeutic applications. This innovation enables the engineering of new glycans with unprecedented flexibility, addressing limitations in existing approaches.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2023

B cell response after influenza vaccine in young and older adults

Researchers found a quantitative difference in B cell response following vaccination between young and older adults, with younger adults mounting a stronger clonal response and older adults having more activated B cells. This study provides insights into the age-related differences in B cell vaccine response and may lead to the develop...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study uncovers potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new study published in Exp. Mol. Med. has identified Thrap3 as a key player in exacerbating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting AMPK, a crucial regulator of fat metabolism. Inhibiting Thrap3 expression presents a promising avenue for treating NAFLD.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateOct 2, 2023

Protein p53 regulates learning, memory, sociability in mice

Researchers discovered protein p53's role in regulating sociability, repetitive behavior, and hippocampus-related learning and memory in mice. Lowering p53 levels led to changes in gene expressions related to behavior, while elevated p53 levels were linked to positive learning outcomes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Lego-like gene editing tool lets researchers improve cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a technology to rapidly screen genetic edits in immune cells, identifying a new combination that improves their effectiveness against cancers. By combining multiple genes into long DNA stretches and testing thousands of combinations, scientists discovered that different CARs can be optimized by different factors.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateSep 14, 2023

Pitt surveillance system detected infection linked to eye drops months before outbreak declared

A Pittsburgh-based surveillance system detected a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to artificial tears months before the national public health alert. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing-based surveillance in detecting outbreaks and preventing nationwide cases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2023
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.

Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·DateSep 13, 2023

Researchers uncover NSMF protein’s role in relieving DNA replication stress

Researchers discovered NSMF protein's role in alleviating DNA replication stress by displacing weakly bound RPA proteins and promoting phosphorylation. This mechanism accelerates relief of replication stress, offering a new direction for treating various diseases, including cancer and age-related conditions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

New MRI technology: a non-invasive look at iron balance

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking MRI technology that non-invasively assesses brain iron homeostasis, shedding light on its role in normal brain function, aging, and disease. The technology offers sensitivity to changes in iron mobilization capacity and can differentiate between tumor tissue and healthy tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Drug approvals in clinical trials were correlated with the cells/humans discrepancy in gene perturbation effects

A recent study has successfully predicted potential drug outcomes and side effects by analyzing the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. Researchers used machine learning to forecast drug approvals, improving reliability over conventional methods that only consider chemical properties.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 8, 2023

Single primer enrichment technology - a new genomic resource to investigate the diversity of lettuce germplasm

A new genotyping method called Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) was used to investigate the genetic diversity of lettuce and identify genomic regions underlying important agronomic traits. The study revealed over 80,000 high-quality SNPs, allowing researchers to group accessions by type and geographic origin.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 30, 2023
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.

Enhancing cancer therapy using functionalized photosynthetic bacteria

Scientists engineer bacteria to target cancer cells, utilizing NIR fluorescence and photothermal conversion to selectively eliminate malignant cells. The study demonstrates effective optical and immunological functions in a mouse model of colon cancer.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNano Today·DateAug 29, 2023

New gene-editing technique offers path to precision therapies

A new gene-editing technique combines peptide nucleic acids and prokaryotic Argonautes to introduce targeted breaks in the genome. The approach, called PNP editing, offers advantages over CRISPR-based methods, including improved specificity and targeting.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 24, 2023
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.

Time is right to develop a consensus Human Skin Cell Atlas, according to leading dermatology experts

A global team of experts outlines a roadmap for creating a comprehensive and inclusive reference work on human skin cell composition. The proposed Human Skin Cell Atlas will provide a standardized framework for semi-automated mapping of patient-specific changes in skin diseases, supporting personalized medicine.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 21, 2023

De-code of the crop

A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023
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.

New machine-learning method may aid personalized cancer therapy

A new machine-learning method, BigMHC, can accurately predict cancer-related protein fragments that may trigger an immune system response. By leveraging massive data through transfer learning, BigMHC enables scientists to develop personalized immunotherapies and vaccines by identifying the most likely to provoke an immune response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 9, 2023

The key to battling a pathogen hides in its genome

Biologists argue that building on genomic sequencing momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics. The technology improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain in global infrastructure and data sharing.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023
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.

SMART researchers uncover novel bacterial communication system to combat antimicrobial resistance

A novel stress signalling system has been discovered by SMART researchers, enabling bacteria cells to adapt and survive against the immune system and certain antibiotics. The breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor may lead to the development of new therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

New genetic technology developed to halt malaria-spreading mosquitoes

Scientists have developed a new genetic technology called Ifegenia that suppresses populations of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, which primarily spread malaria in Africa. The system targets females, which are the primary disease carriers, and kills them, halting parasite transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Base editing shows potential superiority for curing sickle cell disease

Researchers use base editing technology to restart fetal hemoglobin expression in SCD patient cells, achieving higher and more stable levels than other genome editing technologies. The approach has potential as a 'one-size-fits-all' treatment for all mutations that cause SCD and beta-thalassemia.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 3, 2023
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.

New findings on hepatitis C immunity could inform future vaccine development

Researchers have isolated and analyzed individual immune cells targeting the hepatitis C virus, providing valuable data for vaccine development. The study found that antiviral treatment reduces cytotoxicity in HCV-specific immune cells, offering a potential pathway to an effective vaccine.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalFrontiers in Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Investigating the intricacies of auxin signaling mechanisms in algae

Researchers discovered a TIR1/AFB-independent auxin signaling mechanism in Klebsormidium nitens, a primitive alga. They identified KnRAV as a key transcription factor that activates auxin-inducible genes and binds to promoter sequences.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023
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.

Further hope for base-edited T-cell therapy to treat resistant leukaemia

Researchers at UCL have developed base-edited T-cells that can fight leukemia, showing promise in a NHS clinical trial. Three patients with relapsed T-cell leukaemia were treated with the cells, with one patient experiencing complete remission after just four weeks.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 14, 2023

Novel gene-editing strategy leverages unusual genetic alteration to block HIV spread in cells

Scientists at Temple University have developed a novel gene-editing strategy that disrupts the ability of HIV-1 virus to enter host cells by targeting a rare genetic disorder. This approach may offer another target for developing next-generation CRISPR technology for HIV elimination, while avoiding adverse effects on cell mortality.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateMay 19, 2023

How cells select DNA damage repair pathways

Researchers discovered that MSH2-MSH3 plays a crucial role in selecting the right DNA repair process by interacting with other proteins during DSB repair. This interaction facilitates error-free homologous recombination and blocks error-prone polymerase theta-mediated end-joining.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023
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.

Scientists create the first CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting the microbiome

Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 9, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Chances of eliminating HIV infection increased by novel dual gene-editing approach

Researchers at Temple University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center developed a novel dual gene-editing approach that can effectively eliminate HIV infection. The therapy targets both HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS, and CCR5, a co-receptor that facilitates viral entry into cells.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2023

Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies

A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Fungal Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2023

Prime editing shows proof of concept for treating sickle cell disease

Researchers used prime editing to correct the mutation that causes sickle cell disease, restoring normal blood parameters in mice. The approach showed promising results with up to 41% conversion of mutated cells to healthy ones.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Uncovering hidden mitochondrial mutations in single cells

Researchers have developed a new technology to sequence individual mitochondria in single cells, allowing for unbiased analysis of full-length mtDNA. This has revealed complex patterns of pathogenic mtDNA mutations and the potential risks of off-target mutations in genetic editing strategies.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

SourceRice University·DateMar 27, 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.

The ‘long read’ for cancer

Researchers used long-read sequencing to identify novel mutational patterns and complex genomic rearrangements in cancer genomes, including those associated with liposarcoma. This approach offers a more comprehensive understanding of DNA mutations and their impact on cell function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Genomics·DateMar 27, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Singapore-led collaboration develops novel method to accurately measure key marker of biological ageing

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have devised a way to rapidly and precisely measure the length of a single telomere, opening doors to developing lifestyle interventions that slow ageing and prevent disease. The novel approach uses DNA sequences called 'telobaits' to latch onto the ends of telomeres in large pools of DNA fragments.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023