Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultra-selective aptamers give viruses a taste of their own medicine

Researchers at EPFL have created ultra-selective aptamers that target specific binding sites on viral spike proteins with unprecedented precision. These multivalent binders show stronger and more selective binding affinities than traditional monovalent binders, making them promising for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.

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.

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.

Aptamer-based theranostics in oncology

Aptamers are being investigated as anticancer drugs and used for targeting therapeutic agents to cancer cells, as well as for detection and imaging of cancer. Recent studies have discussed standard methods for producing aptamers and their potential applications in diagnostics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Protein-based microcapsule saves sensors and lives

Researchers developed protein-based microcapsules to enhance aptamer sensors, enabling direct detection of target molecules in biological samples. The system demonstrates robust protection against harmful proteins and simultaneous real-time sensing of multiple targets.

Aptamers: lifesavers; ion shields: aptamer guardians

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a breakthrough approach to stabilize aptamers using ionic liquids. The team found that these liquid-based environments can shield nucleic acids from enzymes, preserving their functions up to 6.5 million times longer than conventional methods.

Novel hydrogel finds new aptamers, or ‘chemical antibodies,’ in days

Researchers developed a novel method to find high-affinity aptamers, short DNA or RNA molecules that can bond to specific target molecules. The 'hydrogel for aptamer selection' (HAS) method uses a porous polymer network to retain well-fitting aptamers, reducing the time and effort required to identify suitable candidates.

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.

Wearable sensor to monitor ‘last line of defense’ antibiotic

Researchers have developed a wearable sensor patch capable of continuously monitoring vancomycin levels, a critical antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections. The sensor system detects changes in vancomycin concentration using aptamers and gold wires, providing real-time measurements for effective treatment.

Deadly communication

Researchers developed a new strategy for T-cell-based immunotherapy using aptamers, which directly activates immune cells against cancer cells without genetic modifications. The innovative regulatory circuit establishes an artificial interaction between T cells and cancer cells.

New tool provides greater accuracy for medical biosensors

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method using nanopores to advance discoveries in neuroscience and medical applications. The technique allows for real-time detection of dynamic aptamer-small molecule interactions, which can aid in understanding DNA and RNA diseases and drug discovery.

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.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Aptasensors helpful in detection of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate agricultural products, posing severe health risks. Aptasensors utilize aptamers to specifically detect mycotoxins with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for fast and reliable detection in field settings.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New method allows precise gene control by light

A novel optical switch enables precise control over the lifespan of genetic copies by attaching aptamers to molecular markers. This method can be used to specifically switch off practically every mRNA molecule in a cell in a controlled manner, opening up new avenues for investigating dynamic processes in living cells.

Synthesizing chemical-sensing cells from scratch

Researchers at OIST and Osaka University develop an artificial cell system that interacts with histamine, a natural chemical compound. The system uses a riboswitch to turn on a gene inside the cells, which can eventually be used to release drugs in response to histamine signals.

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.

DNA nanorobots target HER2-positive breast cancer cells

Researchers have developed DNA nanorobots that recognize and bind to HER2 on breast cancer cells, targeting them for destruction. The nanorobots, consisting of a tetrahedral framework nucleic acid with an attached aptamer, persist in the bloodstream longer than free aptamers and selectively kill only HER2-positive cell lines.

Super-resolution microscopy: Getting even closer to the limit

Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have created novel DNA aptamers that enable the use of smaller fluorescent labels in super-resolution microscopy. This breakthrough allows for high-resolution imaging of protein networks within individual cells, paving the way for new insights into biological processes.

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.

Measuring metabolites in algae one cell at a time

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to detect specific metabolites in microalgae cells. By combining fluorogenic aptamers with femtosecond laser photoporation, scientists can identify efficient cells for metabolic engineering applications.

Early disease diagnosis could be dramatically improved with new detection system

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a new detection system that can detect single protein biomarkers directly in human serum, allowing for earlier treatment of diseases. The system uses synthetic DNA molecules to bind to specific target biomarkers and measure changes in electrical current through nanopores.

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 approach for treatment of contact allergy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an RNA aptamer that specifically targets CCL17, blocking its interaction with T cells and dendritic cells. This approach shows promise for treating contact allergies by reducing inflammatory responses in mice.

New sensors can detect single protein molecules

Researchers at MIT have developed sensors that can detect single protein molecules, enabling the tracking of viral infection, monitoring cellular manufacturing of proteins, and revealing food contamination. The sensors utilize chemically modified carbon nanotubes coated with DNA aptamers, which can bind to specific target proteins.

Aarhus scientists look through the mirror to reveal the secrets of a new drug

Scientists at Aarhus University have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a Spiegelmer, a mirror-image molecule that can escape degradation and detection by the immune system. This breakthrough has enabled the development of a new class of oligonucleotide aptamers with potential therapeutic applications for treating diseases.

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.

Scientists X-ray anti-inflammatory drug candidates

Researchers from Universities of Hamburg and Aarhus decode molecular structure of two promising drug candidates from Spiegelmers for the first time. The results provide a deeper understanding of the mode of action of these substances that have already entered clinical trials.

RNA aptamers targeted to plasminogen activator inhibitor

Researchers have designed RNA aptamers that specifically target and inhibit PAI-1's anti-clot-busting activity. These aptamers demonstrate the potential for blocking PAI-1-associated vascular events, offering a novel therapeutic option for cardiovascular disease prevention.

A natural sugar delivers DNA aptamer drug inside tumor cells

Researchers have developed a natural polysaccharide-based delivery system that enhances the targeting of DNA aptamers to vimentin in tumor cells, leading to increased cell death. The study uses arabinogalactan from the larch tree as a carrier and shows improved efficacy when combined with the aptamer drug.

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.

Researchers discover new weapon in fight against cervical cancer

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered a molecule that targets and destroys a key protein associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. The RNA aptamer latches onto the carcinogenic protein, significantly reducing its presence in cells in laboratory-derived cervical cancer cells.

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.

Faster diagnostics through cheap, ultra-portable blood testing

A new sensor technology has been developed to detect specific proteins in human blood, promising faster and more affordable diagnostics for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The sensor uses aptamers, custom-made molecules that can latch onto target compounds with high specificity and accuracy.

Compound may prevent sickle cell pain crises

Researchers have developed an aptamer that blocks P-selectin receptors, reducing adhesion of sickle-shaped red blood cells and white blood cells. The compound may prevent debilitating pain crises and associated mortality in sickle cell disease, offering a potential new therapy for patients.

First live targeting of tumors with RNA-based technology

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have devised a way to deliver the right therapy directly to tumors using special molecules called aptamers. A tumor-targeting RNA aptamer was found to specifically bind to RNA helicase p68 in colorectal tumors, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment and therapy delivery.

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.

Designing drugs and their antidotes together improves patient care

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have engineered a way to design drugs and their antidotes together, improving patient care. The new approach allows for the creation of universal antidotes for aptamers, which can reverse the action of any aptamer drug, regardless of sequence, shape, or target.

New cancer drug delivery system is effective and reversible

Researchers at University of Illinois create a new cancer drug delivery system using aptamers, achieving high cell killing efficiency while sparing healthy cells. The approach integrates small molecules and antibodies, offering a general toolbox for treating various cancers.