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LEGO-inspired advances in life sciences drives customizable sensor technology

A research team developed an RNA-based sensor platform that can regulate gene expression in bacteria, mimicking natural biological interactions. The START platform enables tunable control over sensor response and detection of various molecules, including drugs and proteins.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateOct 2, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compact “gene scissor” enables effective genome editing

Researchers developed a compact 'gene scissor' tool, TnpB, which shows a 4.4-fold increase in efficiency of modifying DNA, making it more effective as a gene editing tool. The tool can be used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, reducing cholesterol levels by nearly 80%.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024

Using a molecular scissors to improve CAR-T cell therapy

CAR-T cell therapy, a regenerative immunotherapy, has shown promise in treating blood cancers but struggles with T-cell exhaustion. Researchers have discovered that overproduction of the IL-4 protein causes this exhaustion and used CRISPR gene-editing technology to remove it, improving CAR-T cell therapy outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2024

Gene therapy gets a turbo boost from University of Hawaii researchers

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a new gene editing technology that can efficiently deliver healthy genes to the body. This method addresses limitations of current methods and has shown success rates of up to 96%, potentially leading to faster and more affordable treatments for various genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024
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.

Consensus paper: Carcinogenicity of gene therapies

Researchers have shown that repeated administration of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA therapy significantly extended survival and reduced serum leucine levels in a mouse model of maple syrup urine disease. The treatment approach may represent a potential long-term universal treatment for MSUD.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 29, 2024

Overcoming the limits of immunotherapies

Researchers are exploring the use of CRISPR Prime Editing to optimize CAR-T cells for treating multiple myeloma and other cancers. The goal is to improve effectiveness, duration, and cost-effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateAug 2, 2024

With gene editing, mice with a form of inherited deafness can hear again

Researchers used gene editing to restore hearing in adult mice with a form of inherited deafness called autosomal dominant deafness-50 (DFNA50). The approach involved shutting down a damaged copy of the microRNA (miRNA) gene, which enabled the animals to regain hearing. This method may eventually lead to potential treatments for inheri...

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024
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.

Prime editing efficiently corrects cystic fibrosis mutation in human lung cells

Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a gene-editing approach that efficiently corrects the most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis, found in 85% of patients. The new method precisely and durably corrects the mutation in human lung cells, restoring cell function to levels similar to Trikafta.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024

New one-step method to make multiple edits to a cell’s genome

A team of scientists at Gladstone Institutes has developed a new method that enables them to make precise edits in multiple locations within a cell—all at once. They created a tool using molecules called retrons to efficiently modify DNA in bacteria, yeast, and human cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 9, 2024
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.

Beyond CRISPR: seekRNA delivers a new pathway for accurate gene editing

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed SeekRNA, a programmable tool that can precisely target and relocate genetic sequences with high accuracy and flexibility. This breakthrough technology surpasses current limitations of CRISPR, enabling more precise editing and reducing errors.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Ex vivo gene editing and cell therapy for hereditary tyrosinemia type 1

Researchers developed an ex vivo gene-editing protocol to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 using liver cell therapy. The study showed robust engraftment and expansion of transplanted gene-edited hepatocytes in recipient mice, correcting disease indicators such as normalized tyrosine, phenylalanine levels.

SourceClemson University·JournalHepatology Communications·DateJun 14, 2024

Some CRISPR screens may be missing cancer drug targets

New research reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools have biases against cells from people of African ancestry, leading to false negative results. The study's findings highlight the importance of increasing genetic diversity in large-scale cell line libraries to mitigate this bias.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2024
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.

Modifying genomes of tardigrades to unravel their secrets

Scientists have successfully edited genes in a highly resilient tardigrade species using CRISPR technology, allowing them to investigate the genetic basis of its exceptional abilities. The research could lead to new insights into human organ preservation and transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Improved prime editing system makes gene-sized edits in human cells at therapeutic levels

Scientists have improved a gene-editing technology that can insert or substitute entire genes in the genome, potentially treating multiple genetic diseases with a single therapy. The new approach, eePASSIGE, uses prime editors and recombinase enzymes to make gene-sized edits several times more efficiently than previous methods.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

A protein that enables smell—and stops cell death

Researchers found that Orco protein is necessary for the development and life of olfactory cells in ants. Mutant ants lacking Orco experience massive olfactory neuron loss, suggesting a link between Orco and neuronal survival.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2024

New, modified CRISPR protein can fit inside virus used for gene therapy

Researchers have developed a compact, high-fidelity version of the Cas12a protein, which can be packaged within a non-pathogenic virus for targeted gene editing. The modified protein demonstrates efficient editing activity and has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels in mice with high cholesterol.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A new gene-editing system tackles complex diseases

Researchers have developed a new gene-editing system called multiplexed orthogonal base editors (MOBEs) to tackle complex diseases. MOBEs enable simultaneous installation of multiple point mutations across the genome, reducing the risks associated with traditional gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Defeating the deletion makes genome editing safer and more precise

A KAUST team developed a simple approach to tackle CRISPR's deletion issue by targeting error-prone DNA repair pathways. By modulating specific genes, they reduced large deletions while enhancing homology-directed repair efficiency.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 15, 2024

Herpes cure with gene editing makes progress in laboratory studies

Researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have made progress in laboratory studies using gene editing to eliminate herpes virus infections. The experimental therapy eliminated 90% of HSV-1 after facial infection and 97% after genital infection, reducing viral shedding.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024
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.

Participants of pioneering CRISPR gene editing trial see vision improve

A pioneering CRISPR gene editing trial has demonstrated significant improvement in vision for 79% of participants with inherited retinal degeneration. The study's findings support further research into the potential of CRISPR-based treatments for inherited blindness.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

CRIPSR gene editing leads to improvements in vision for people with inherited blindness, clinical trial shows

A phase 1/2 trial of CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated safety and efficacy, with measurable improvements in 11 out of 14 participants with a form of inherited blindness. The treatment, EDIT-101, was found to be clinically meaningful for four participants and showed significant improvements in cone-mediated vision.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

A small factor makes a big impact on genome editing

Researchers identified a small RNA-binding protein called La that promotes gene editing with high efficiency. The team created a new protein, PE7, which harnesses La's activity to enhance prime editing, leaving unwanted byproducts at low frequencies.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024
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 genetic analysis tool tracks risks tied to CRISPR edits

Researchers developed an Integrated Classifier Pipeline (ICP) tool to analyze CRISPR edit outcomes and track unintended 'bystander' edits. The ICP system provides a genetic fingerprint of how material is being inherited, helping scientists untangle complex biological issues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Turbocharging CRISPR to understand how the immune system fights cancer

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to study the function of immune genes, bypassing challenges of modifying immune cells. By targeting stem cells that produce immune cells, scientists can knock out specific genes in different cell types at various times, providing greater insight into gene interactions and their rol...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Husker team wins prize in contest to treat disease through gene editing

A Husker research duo has won a $25,000 prize in the NIH’s Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge. They will advance development of universal milk exosomes capable of transporting gene editors to any location in the body, overcoming a significant challenge in using gene editing to treat disease.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateFeb 19, 2024

Faster monkeypox (mpox) testing through CRISPR

Researchers developed a faster test for mpox using CRISPR and nanopore sensing technology, which can detect the virus in 32-55 minutes, compared to hours of current lab testing. The test is specific to mpox and was confirmed not to detect other viruses.

SourceBiophysical Society·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 10, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gene-editing offers hope for people with hereditary disorder

A breakthrough gene-editing therapy has been successfully treated over ten patients with hereditary angioedema, reducing symptoms by up to 95% and potentially providing a permanent cure. The therapy targets the KLKB1 gene responsible for producing plasma prekallikrein.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
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.

CRISPR off-switches: A path towards safer genome engineering?

Researchers have developed CRISPR off-switches to mitigate off-target effects, a major concern in genome editing. The new technology, based on anti-CRISPR proteins, can block CRISPR-Cas3 machine function and prevent unintended edits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 19, 2024

The early bird (or scientist) gets the worm

A UC Riverside research project will focus on changes in the gene network that specify early intestinal precursor cells in nematodes like Pristionchus pacificus. Gene networks describe how genes turn each other on and off, and changes in these networks can lead to diseases such as cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 12, 2024

Researchers engineer in vivo delivery system for prime editing, partially restoring vision in mice

Researchers develop a delivery system for prime editing, enabling the correction of disease-causing genetic mutations in animal models. By adapting virus-like particles to carry the machinery for prime editing, scientists have achieved partial restoration of vision in mice with two genetic disorders.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Researchers develop a promising gene-editing strategy for spinal muscular atrophy

A team of researchers has developed a promising gene-editing strategy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a devastating pediatric neuromuscular disorder. The approach involves using CRISPR base editing to activate the SMN2 gene, which is similar to the mutated SMN1 gene responsible for SMA.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

A participant from Queen Mary University of London Genes & Health study is the 10th person enrolled in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease

The Genes & Health study has enrolled its 10th participant in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease, specifically familial hypercholesterolemia. This milestone marks an important step towards improving health outcomes for people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 12, 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.

Harnessing heat-induced floral overexpression: Innovative CRISPR techniques to control gene flow and shape floral characteristics in poplar trees

Researchers employed heat-induced FT overexpression to accelerate assessment of floral phenotypes after CRISPR knockout of LEAFY and AGAMOUS genes in poplar trees. The study successfully induced early flowering and demonstrated a wide range of inflorescence and floral forms.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2023
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.

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

Small but mighty new gene editor

A new CRISPR-based gene-editing tool, AsCas12f, has been developed with enhanced editing ability and compact size. The engineered enzyme has already shown success in animal trials and holds promise for improved treatments of genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Split gene-editing tool offers greater precision

Researchers create adenine base editor with 'on/off' switch, reducing off-target edits by over 70% and increasing accuracy of on-target edits. The tool has potential to correct nearly half of disease-causing point mutations in human genome.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

CRISPR-Cas3 gene editing system restores dystrophin function in stem cells derived from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A CRISPR-Cas3 system has restored dystrophin protein function in induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach uses a dual CRISPR RNA method to remove large sections of the dystrophin gene, yielding truncated but still functional proteins for various mutation patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.

Powerful gene editing approach boosts rotifers in pantheon of laboratory animals

Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have devised a method to precisely alter rotifer genomes using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling the study of fundamental biology and evolution. The new approach will allow scientists to investigate various aspects of biology, including aging, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Gene editing improves grain quality and reduces heat stress in rice

Researchers at the University of Arkansas successfully used gene editing to reduce 'chalkiness' in rice, a condition caused by heat stress. The modified rice lines showed a significant improvement in grain quality, with increased starch granule compactness and reduced chalkiness.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 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.

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers develop “in vivo” RNA-based gene editing model for blood disorders

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers have developed a proof-of-concept model for delivering gene editing tools directly into diseased blood cells within the body. This approach aims to reduce costs and increase access to gene therapies for blood disorders, which currently require chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2023

Gene variation makes apple trees ‘weep,’ improving orchards

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a mutation in the MdLAZY1A gene responsible for the 'weeping' growth pattern in apple trees. This finding could lead to more productive and labor-saving orchards by allowing branches to grow downwards, thereby increasing resource allocation towards reproductive growth.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJul 20, 2023

NIH grant backs Rice U. lab’s sickle cell disease research

Gang Bao's lab receives a 4-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the safety and efficacy of using gene editing treatments like CRISPR-Cas9 to treat sickle cell disease. The team aims to understand the mechanisms behind large gene modifications and their biological consequences.

SourceRice University·DateJul 18, 2023

Building a better forest tree with CRISPR gene editing

Researchers at North Carolina State University used CRISPR gene-editing to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, while improving their wood properties. This breakthrough could make fiber production for paper, diapers, and other products more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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