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Life’s building blocks in Bennu samples

The OSIRIS-REx mission returned a large sample from asteroid Bennu, which Japanese collaborators detected includes all five nucleobases required for life. The analysis revealed high concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen-rich organic matter.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reading RNA modifications more precisely

Scientists at Kyoto University developed two methods to identify RNA modifications impacting gene regulation and disease. Their approach uses probability algorithms with high-throughput sequencing technology, distinguishing pseudouridine substitutions from other base changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenomics·DateAug 23, 2022

Rare bacterial strain isolated and sequenced at Tokyo University of Science

A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
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.

Searching for the chemistry of life

A study by DESY's X-ray source PETRA III reveals that dry heating can form characteristic DNA base pairs without water or solvents. The team observed the formation of adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine pairs at temperatures between 100-200 degrees Celsius, suggesting a possible alternative route to molecular recognition patterns in DNA.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 2, 2020

'Bystander' Cs meet their match in gene-editing technique

Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2020
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.

Researchers reveal unexpected genome-wide off-target mutations caused by cytosine base editing

Researchers found that cytosine base editors (BE3 and HF1-BE3) cause unexpected genome-wide off-target mutations in rice, with single-nucleotide variants predominantly occurring in transcribed genic regions. The high frequency of these mutations suggests a need for optimization to increase the specificity of cytosine base editors.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2019

New insights into DNA phase separation

A new study by Professor Hajin Kim reveals that DNA phase separation can be triggered by heavy methylation of DNA, influencing cellular activities such as gene expression and stem cell differentiation. The research team discovered that electrostatic forces between DNA molecules play a crucial role in this phenomenon.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 17, 2018

Evolution may have moved at a furious pace on a much warmer Earth

Early life forms on Earth are likely to have mutated and evolved at much higher rates than they do today, thanks to a hotter planet billions of years ago. The rate of spontaneous DNA mutation was at least 4,000 times higher than it is now, according to a new analysis from the University of North Carolina.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2016
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.

Neurons constantly rewrite their DNA

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that neurons use minor 'DNA surgeries' to toggle their activity levels, shedding light on brain disorders and learning. The study found a mechanism where Tet3 levels respond to synaptic activity, enabling neurons to maintain consistent levels of communication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2015

Mystery of Rett timing explained in MeCP2 binding

Researchers discovered that MeCP2 binds to non-CG methylation patterns in the adult brain, which is unique to maturing and adult nervous systems. This finding explains why Rett syndrome symptoms appear after one to two years of age.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness

Researchers found a connection between the DRD2 gene variant and everyday lapses in attention, including forgetfulness. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic variation are more likely to experience short-term memory lapses and distraction, which can have consequences in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateMar 21, 2014
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.

A 'wild card' in your genes

Cytosine plays a pivotal role in the human genome, acting as an on/off switch for genes and facilitating the recognition of foreign invaders by the immune system. Its diverse functions make it a crucial element of genetic diversity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 7, 2011

Environment and diet leave their prints on the heart

Researchers at University of Cambridge have mapped DNA methylation in human heart, revealing its connection to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. The study provides new insights into the genetic changes that can lead to heart disease and potential ways to identify and treat it.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCirculation·DateNov 29, 2011
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.

Novel mechanism for DNA replication discovered

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identify a new way cells replicate through damaged DNA by using the protein Rev1 as a template. This discovery opens up a new area of study with potential innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2005