Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

From mice, clues to microbiome's influence on metabolic disease

A study published in Cell Reports found that genetic variation in mice shapes their gut microbiome, which regulates insulin secretion and contributes to the onset of metabolic disease. The researchers observed a correlation between specific bacteria in the microbiome and metabolic traits such as body weight and glucose levels.

Queen's researchers make breakthrough in fight against superbug

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multi-drug resistant microbe causing severe infections with mortality rates of 25-60 percent. Researchers have identified the underlying molecular explanations preventing treatment, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to counteract its effects.

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.

'FishTaco' sorts out who is doing what in your microbiome

A new computational method, FishTaco, integrates taxonomic and functional approaches to identify bacterial species responsible for functional imbalances in the microbiome. Researchers found that diverse combinations of species drive functional imbalances in diseases like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

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.

Looking for a city's DNA? Try its ATMs

Researchers at New York University discovered that ATM keypads harbor a range of human skin microbes, as well as microorganisms from food and environmental sources. The study's findings suggest that ATMs can serve as a repository for understanding a city's microbial community.

Microbes in your gut influence major eye disease

Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.

How the gut microbiome may help us prevent IBD

A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newborn gut microbiome predicts later allergy and asthma, study finds

A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a particular pattern of microbes in newborns' guts triples their risk of developing asthma by age four. The abnormal gut microbiome produces molecules that reduce the abundance of key immune cells, leading to a hyperactive immune system and chronic inflammation.

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.

Gaming for gut research

A new video game, Colony B, helps scientists analyze how microbes relate to lifestyle habits and health. The game correlates player data with survey information from the American Gut project, revealing potential links between microbial composition and human health.

Dietary compound linked to heart disease may be influenced by gut microbiome

A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...

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.

Tomatoes resist a parasitic vine by detecting its peptide

Researchers found that tomatoes can detect a parasitic vine's peptide, triggering an immune response and increased resistance. This discovery could lead to new strategies for mitigating crop losses caused by parasitic plants worldwide.

Researchers get new insight into deadly fungal infections

A new study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers has identified key aspects of the Mucorales fungi that may lead to treatment development. The fungus invades weakened immune systems, causing sometimes-deadly mucormycosis infections.

Changes uncovered in the gut bacteria of patients with multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found altered gut microorganisms in patients with multiple sclerosis, including those treated with therapy. These changes correlated with immune system gene activity and breath methane levels. The study supports the connection between gut microbiome and immunological disorders like MS.

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.

Seaweeds get sick too when they're stressed

Researchers have discovered that a variety of normally harmless bacteria can cause bleaching disease in seaweeds when stressed. Three new pathogens from the Alteromonas, Aquimarina and Agarivorans genera were identified as the culprits.

Boston subway system covered in microbes, but they're not harmful

A study published in mSystems journal found that Boston's subway system is heavily colonized by microbes from human skin, with surface type being the major driver of variation. The majority of microbes found were from normal human skin and were harmless, but some samples showed low levels of gut and oral microbes.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is in your gut, not your head

Researchers at Cornell University have identified biological markers of chronic fatigue syndrome in gut bacteria and inflammatory microbial agents in the blood. This breakthrough discovery offers a new approach to diagnosing ME/CFS through stool samples and blood work.

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.

Researchers to study how microbes become 'fungi in ant's clothing'

Researchers are studying how microbes control ant behaviors using $2.56 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The goal is to understand the complex collective behavior of fungi, which can precisely control their hosts' actions.

War and peace in the human gut: Probing the microbiome

A new study examines the role of diet in promoting cooperation or conflict between gut microbes and human cells. The research proposes a framework for understanding the subtle interplay of diet and health, with potential implications for the management of inflammatory and metabolic disease.

Crowds of crows spread C. jejuni: Are humans vulnerable?

Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.

Children with and without multiple sclerosis have differences in gut bacteria

A recent study reveals differences in gut bacteria between children with and without multiple sclerosis. Key findings include an association between MS and increased inflammatory bacteria, as well as decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria. The discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches by identifying novel drug targets.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Poo transplants better understood

A new study tracks bacteria strains in stool transplants, suggesting donor-patient compatibility is crucial for success. The research could improve treatment options for conditions like ulcerative colitis and metabolic syndrome.

Pandemic E. coli strain H30 cloaks its stealth strategies

The pandemic E. coli strain H30 causes persistent and deadly infections, often undetected until severe complications arise. Researchers found that patients with underlying conditions and those in healthcare facilities are at higher risk for infection.

Neutrophils 'vacuum' microbes away from the brain

Researchers discovered that neutrophils can internalize C. neoformans in the brain vasculature and circulate them back into the bloodstream for removal. This process enables the prevention of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection.

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.

What your gut bacteria can tell you about type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that sub-clinical gut microbiota imbalances occur before T2D symptoms develop, suggesting a potential new way to diagnose the condition early. The study's findings also highlighted the importance of tracking changes in gut microbiota over time and across different stages of disease development.

Mammals shape their microbiome to prevent disease

Researchers found that mice and humans produce microRNAs to control bacterial gene activity and shape the gut microbiome. These microRNAs can protect against intestinal diseases by regulating the composition of gut microbes.

£2 million grant to reduce major aquaculture diseases

A £2M BBSRC-Newton Fund project aims to develop and apply new molecular biology techniques to reduce the impact of major aquaculture diseases. The project will help early warning systems for disease outbreaks in low-income countries, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

Land use may weaken amphibian's capacity to fight infection and disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that habitat characteristics explain differences in immune defense traits of frogs between populations. Microbiome differences and altered natural peptide secretions may alter the amphibian's immune defense capabilities. The study suggests that land use changes can influence animal t...

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.

A cultural revolution in the study of the gut microbiome

Scientists have developed a human-gut-on-a-chip model that allows them to analyze the interactions between normal gut microbes and pathogenic bacteria, providing new insights into inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology has revealed four small proteins that stimulate inflammation, opening up a potential therapeutic pathway for trea...

Chemists turn bacterial molecules into potential drug molecules

A team of chemists led by Yan-Yeung Luk has created synthetic disaccharide derivatives (DSDs) that mimic and dominate the functions of rhamnolipid molecules produced by bacteria. The new molecules have been shown to control various activities, including biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion.

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.

Oregon study suggests some gut microbes may be keystones of health

Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.

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.

Newly identified tadpole disease found across the globe

A newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease has been discovered in diverse frog populations across the globe. The study reveals a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers, contributing to the decline of amphibian populations.

Rare gene variant associated with middle ear infections

Researchers found a rare genetic variant in the A2ML1 gene associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections. The study, led by Dr. Regie Santos-Cortez, identified the variant in 37 Filipinos and two European-Americans with otitis media, suggesting it may be the result of a founder effect from Spain.

TGAC awarded £100,000 to combat sugar beet crop infection in the UK

The Plant & Microbial Genomics Group at TGAC has been awarded £100k to investigate the sources of sugar beet infection by Erysiphe betae. The research aims to design genetic markers for a rapid detection technology and develop diagnostic tests to inform disease management strategy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Earth Day: Disease spread among species is predictable

A study in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying disease dynamics, predicting pathogen spillover based on species relatedness. The results show that closely related species are more vulnerable to disease, while introducing rare species can create openings for less common species.

Intestinal gas could be used to diagnose diseases

Researchers propose two novel gas-sensing systems to measure intestinal gases, which may contribute to gastrointestinal diseases. These non-invasive methods could provide medical devices that reduce medical costs and improve healthcare system efficiency.

New Florida Tech study links coral disease to a warming Atlantic

A new study from Florida Institute of Technology finds that ocean warming has played a significant role in the decline of iconic elkhorn and staghorn corals. The research suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could support the recovery of these critical reef-building corals.

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.

The battle for iron

Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Clinic have discovered a new way to starve pathogens of iron, using the immune system's TLR2 and TLR6 molecules. This finding offers an alternative approach to treatments for anaemia of chronic disease, which affects chronically ill patients.

Among gut microbes, strains, not just species, matter

A large-scale analysis of the gut microbiome has identified significant variations in gene copy numbers across different strains of the same microbe species. These strain-level variations can affect the microbes' capabilities, lifestyle, and impact on human health, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

Malassezia yeasts -- everywhere and sometimes dangerous

Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.

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.

Microbiome may have shaped early human populations

Researchers investigate whether human microbiome has played a role in shaping human population structure, particularly lifespan. Their findings suggest that microbes like H. pylori may have evolved to target the aging process, benefiting the species at individual cost.

Commensal bacteria were critical shapers of early human populations

Researchers used mathematical modeling to show that commensal bacteria played a key role in stabilizing early human populations. The study found that these beneficial microbes helped keep the community healthy until reproductive age, but their impact became detrimental with increased longevity.

'Breath test' shows promise for diagnosing fungal pneumonia

Researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi causing pneumonia by analyzing patients' breath samples. The test identified 94% of patients with invasive aspergillosis, making it a potential tool for earlier and more targeted treatment.

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.