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New blood test shows promise in detecting ALS early

Researchers have developed a non-invasive blood test that can detect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) earlier and with higher accuracy by measuring cell-free DNA. The test distinguishes between ALS patients and healthy individuals, as well as those with other neurological conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2025

Global warming and mass extinctions: What we can learn from plants from the last ice age

Researchers used ancient plant DNA to study the impact of global warming on plant diversity and interactions. They found that temperature changes led to fundamental shifts in ecological conditions, with some plant species supporting each other during cold periods.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025
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.

Tracking cfDNA release dynamics during colorectal cancer surgery

Researchers tracked cfDNA levels before, during, and after colorectal cancer surgery, revealing significant increases associated with age, comorbidities, and surgical manipulation. The study suggests that cfDNA could serve as a non-invasive biomarker to monitor patient outcomes and evaluate surgical effectiveness.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateJan 27, 2025

Genome of the aurochs decoded

The study reveals large genomic differences between European aurochs, North Asian aurochs, and South Asian ancestor, with evidence of human intentional feeding and targeted domestication. The genome of the central European aurochs was fully decoded for the first time, providing insights into the history of wild cattle in Europe and Asia.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Molecular data storage

A new method allows direct access to specific bits in synthetic polymer data storage, enabling random access. The researchers encoded a sequence of ones and zeroes into a polymer chain, demonstrating the feasibility of storing and retrieving large amounts of data efficiently.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI model can reveal the structures of crystalline materials

A new AI model called Crystalyze can analyze X-ray crystallography data to determine the structure of powdered crystals. The model was trained on a database of over 150,000 materials and successfully predicted structures for over 100 previously unsolved patterns.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 19, 2024
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.

Novel blood test helps improve cancer treatments

A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Researchers discover urine-based test to detect head and neck cancer

Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 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.

Severe hurricanes boost influx of juveniles and gene flow in a coral reef sponge

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024
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.

New tool to diagnose genetic mutations

Researchers have developed One-pot DTECT, a compact kit that can detect genetic signatures with high accuracy, enabling rapid point-of-care diagnosis for various applications. The tool has been shown to identify genetic mutations in sickle cell anemia patients and carriers with 100% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

DNA from preserved feces reveals ancient Japanese gut environment

Researchers analyzed ancient fecal samples to assess what details of the ancient people's lives could be ascertained from these samples. The study found DNA fragments of human betaherpesvirus 5, adenovirus F, and other viral and bacterial genetic material from thousands of years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

DNA shows where Washington culvert replacements helped spawning salmon

A study by the University of Washington and NOAA found that upgrading a culvert in Washington improved fish traffic for four species of interest: cutthroat trout, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and sockeye salmon. Meanwhile, a smaller culvert replacement had less impact on fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 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.

Researchers find a cause of Parkinson’s disease

A significant breakthrough sheds light on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, revealing that mitochondrial DNA damage triggers the spread of debilitating symptoms. The researchers' findings offer promising potential for innovative treatments and diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2023

Genetic evidence shows that smoking can cause us to age faster

A study of nearly 500,000 participants found that smoking shortens telomere length in white blood cells, a indicator of aging and cell regeneration. The more cigarettes smoked, the stronger the shortening effect, suggesting a link between smoking and accelerated aging.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Early findings suggest clinical and lab-based approach critical to tracking head and neck cancer recurrence

Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOral Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 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.

Scientists “revive” Stone Age molecules

Researchers reconstruct bacterial genomes of Ice Age microorganisms, reviving ancient natural products and discovering new chemical diversity. The team uses synthetic molecular biotechnology to produce chemicals encoded by ancient genes, unlocking the secrets of Earth's past microbes.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023

Power of cancer drugs may see boost by targeting newly ID’d pathway

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a previously unknown signaling pathway that protects cells from DNA replication stress, which is common in cancer. Targeting this pathway with inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs could make cancer treatments more effective.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Discovery of world’s oldest DNA breaks record by one million years

Scientists have identified two-million-year-old DNA fragments in northern Greenland's Ice Age sediment, providing insights into the past ecosystem and its potential to predict climate change. The discovery has sparked hopes that it could help academics build a picture of the DNA evolution of species still in existence today.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022
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.

Novel AI blood test detects liver cancer

A new AI-powered blood test, DELFI, has been developed to detect liver cancer with high accuracy. The test detected over 80% of liver cancers in a study of 724 individuals, with an overall sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 98%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 18, 2022

Blood levels of ‘free range’ DNA may signal early detection of dementia and frailty

Researchers found that higher levels of cell-free DNA in the blood are associated with increased cognitive decline and worsening frailty over an eight-year period. The study suggests that a simple blood test could detect risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to early interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateOct 11, 2022

Researchers chart advances in ancient DNA technology

Ancient DNA research has made significant strides in the past decade, enabling scientists to reconstruct genomes of extinct species like Neanderthals and Denisovans. The latest advancements have improved efficiency and accuracy, allowing for the recovery of usable data from degraded samples. These findings shed light on human migration...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateJul 21, 2022

Baby white wallaby harboring hopping DNA

Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mutation causing albinism in wallabies, tracing it to an inserted retrovirus gene. The study found that the mutation was caused by a copy of the HIV-like virus inserted into the host's genome.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenome·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Scientists build ‘valves’ in DNA to shape biological information flows

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created new DNA parts that can shape the flow of cellular processes along DNA. This technology allows for the rapid assembly and testing of thousands of DNA parts in parallel, unlocking new tools for building sustainable biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 21, 2022
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.

HSE biologists prepare strategy for universal COVID test

Researchers have created a cheap and rapid COVID-19 test using isothermal amplification, making it possible to detect any COVID-19 variants. The new system combines existing LAMP technology with novel coronavirus genome markers, allowing for quick detection without specialized equipment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalApplied Biochemistry and Microbiology·DateDec 28, 2021

New liquid biopsy detects local immune activity

A new blood test developed at Hebrew University of Jerusalem detects immune and inflammatory activity in tissues by monitoring circulating DNA fragments. This method provides accurate information about immune processes in remote tissues, removing the need for invasive measures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Sequencing the unknown made easy: Metaplatanus improves metagenome assembly

A novel metagenome assembler called MetaPlatanus has been developed to improve DNA sequence accuracy, including those of uncultured organisms. The tool uses accurate short DNA sequence reads to assemble contigs and scaffold larger chromosome-scale structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021
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.

DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens

Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

Mountaintop mining causes 40% loss of aquatic biodiversity

A study using environmental DNA found that mountaintop coal mining impacts 40% fewer species in Appalachian streams. The team detected 28 species of fish in all 93 sampled mined streams, comparable to traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

An end to invasive biopsies?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 8, 2021

Hidden DNA fragment the 'trigger switch' for male development

Scientists have discovered a new piece of DNA crucial for forming male sex organs in mice, revealing the Y-chromosome gene Sry has two distinct parts. The findings suggest this discovery could be used to manipulate sex ratios in agriculture and biological pest management, but not on human embryos.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2020
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 from ancient packrat nests helps unpack Earth's past

A new study analyzes ancient packrat middens for DNA, revealing a mix of bacterial and eukaryotic organisms, including plants and vertebrates. The findings provide valuable insights into past ecosystems and the impact of human-caused climate change.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateFeb 20, 2020

For CRISPR, tweaking DNA fragments before inserting yields highest efficiency rates yet

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to increase CRISPR-Cas9 efficiency, achieving up to five times higher rates of inserting genes into human cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for clinical gene-therapy applications and basic biological research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 23, 2019

Targeting DNA sequencing for plant biodiversity research

A new DNA sequencing protocol enables the efficient capture and sequencing of long fragments of plastome DNA, revolutionizing plant biodiversity research. This breakthrough protocol improves genome assembly and facilitates phylogenetic analyses of non-model plant species.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019

Neandertal genes give clues to human brain evolution

Researchers identified two genes, UBR4 and PHLPP1, that correlate with reduced cranial roundness in modern humans carrying Neandertal DNA fragments. These genes are involved in brain development and may have played a role in the evolution of human brain shape.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Without Dna2, genes can jump into DNA breaks

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that when Dna2 is absent, small DNA fragments insert themselves into chromosome breaks, leading to genomic instability. This mechanism may contribute to cancer development and other cellular conditions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2018

Sizing up tumor DNA fragments improves blood-based cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new method that can detect hard-to-trace tumor DNA in the blood by focusing on specific fragment sizes. The technique improves cancer detection and may also be applicable to other types of DNA in body fluids.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018

A record-long polymer DNA negative

A team of Polish-American-Italian researchers has successfully created a record-long polymer DNA negative, featuring a sequence with all four nucleobases. The synthetic molecule functions chemically like a normal strand of deoxyribonucleic acid and demonstrates improved properties over natural DNA.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 31, 2018

Tumor-associated coordinates of circulating DNA

Scientists discovered millions of tumor-associated end coordinates in circulating DNA from hepatocellular carcinoma patients. This detection method could enhance the cost-effectiveness of liquid cancer biopsies by identifying cancer biomarkers more readily.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018
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.

CasPER -- a new method for diversification of enzymes

A new study introduces CasPER, a CRISPR/Cas9 method that diversifies enzymes without additional engineering. It enables the efficient integration of large DNA fragments, allowing for hundreds of thousands of enzyme variants to be generated.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 21, 2018

Guardian of the cell

Researchers identify structural and functional differences in human cGAS that set it apart from other mammals, enabling its unique immune-sensing capabilities. The discovery informs the design of precision cancer therapies by targeting the protein's specific structural features.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2018

Antioxidant supplements fail to improve sperm quality in infertile men

A large US clinical trial found that an antioxidant supplement taken daily by the male partner for three months made no difference to sperm concentration, motility, or morphology. The study also showed no significant differences in natural conception rates between the antioxidant and placebo groups.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 2, 2018
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.

Scientists explored the structure of the key region of 'immortality and aging' enzyme

Researchers from Moscow State University discovered the structure of a key region of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in cellular aging and DNA replication. The study's findings have significant implications for developing potential anticancer drugs and understanding the regulation of telomerase activity.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 22, 2018