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Teaching an old chemical new tricks

Researchers have paired Barton's base, a 1980s catalyst, with click chemistry to accelerate complex molecule generation in biomedical research and drug development. The new ASCC method skips intermediate steps, reducing waste and enhancing 'green credentials',

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 6, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Using AI for accurately predicting synergistic cancer drug combinations

A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

‘Transformational’ approach to machine learning could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers developed transformational machine learning (TML) to learn from multiple problems and improve performance while learning. TML out-performs current machine learning methods for drug design, accelerating the identification and production of new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2021

Manchester scientists produce new antibiotics by gene editing

Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to manipulate key assembly line enzymes in bacteria using CRISPR-cas9 gene editing. This approach could lead to the production of improved antibiotics with potentially improved properties, addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2021
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.

Biased beta-agonists may provide better control of asthma and other obstructive lung diseases, drug discovery study shows

A University of South Florida Health-led team discovered a lead candidate that selectively relaxes airway smooth muscle cells with no detectable drug desensitization. The biased beta-agonist, C1-S, offers a therapeutic option for asthma and obstructive lung diseases without the rapid loss of effectiveness seen with traditional β-agonists.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Chemistry breakthrough leads way to more sustainable pharmaceuticals

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new method for synthesizing primary amines, used in over half of all pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing energy usage and chemical waste. This breakthrough aims to speed up drug discovery by making it easier to synthesize new chemical structures for testing.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study uncovers mechanisms of drug side effects

A study at Weill Cornell Medicine reveals how drugs can affect membrane-spanning proteins, causing unwanted side effects. The researchers found that membrane-associated drugs can interact with these proteins in multiple ways, leading to changes in membrane characteristics.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2021

Preventing leukemia by preventing rogue blood cells from taking over

A study suggests that suppressing the protective mechanisms of rogue blood stem cells can help curb clonal hematopoiesis and prevent leukemia. The researchers used zebrafish with colored 'barcodes' to track the dominance of cancerous clones, revealing a connection between anti-inflammatory genes and resistance to inflammation.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2021
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.

Rural areas, hit hard by COVID-19, lack access to new treatment trials

A new study reveals that rural Americans face significant challenges in accessing COVID-19 treatment trials, with many living more than an hour away from the nearest trial site. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are particularly affected, with over 50% living more than 60 minutes from a trial site.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

Epilepsy research reveals unknown trigger for seizures

Researchers found that somatostatin interneurons can cause seizures when they go haywire, disrupting the brain's balance. The study identified a rare epilepsy syndrome and developed mouse models to understand the neurological dysfunction, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJNeurosci·DateOct 20, 2021
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.

How to program DNA robots to poke and prod cell membranes

Researchers at UNSW and University of Sydney develop DNA 'nanostructures' to effectively manipulate synthetic liposomes, leading to potential applications in biosensing and mRNA vaccines. The study also explores the creation of 'mini biological computers' that can sense their environment and respond to signals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

TTUHSC researcher investigates ways to enhance neurolysin activity in the brain

Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Scientists discover 14 genes that cause obesity

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 1, 2021

Toxic DNA buildup in eyes may drive blinding macular degeneration

Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2021

SLAS Technology’s October issue featuring “Establishment of a robust platform for induced pluripotent stem cell research using maholo labdroid” now available

A new platform was established for induced pluripotent stem cell research using Maholo LabDroid, demonstrating superior reproducibility and flexibility. The system enabled the cultivation of undifferentiated iPSCs for 63 days and achieved high differentiation rates with minimal variability.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateSep 29, 2021
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.

Anti-inflammation drug combination may help pancreatic and liver cancer patients

Researchers discovered a combination of two drugs can reduce inflammation following chemotherapy, preventing metastasis in pancreatic and liver cancer. The treatment targets the sEH and EP4 pathways, modulating inflammation to resolve cytokine storms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

NeuroVision Imaging Inc. announces additional funding from the ADDF to accelerate development of novel blood-based lab test to predict dementia before clinical onset

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation has provided NeuroVision Imaging Inc. with additional funding to accelerate the development of a novel blood-based lab test that can predict dementia before clinical onset. This technology has the potential to make diagnostic testing more practical, less invasive and less costly.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·DateAug 25, 2021

Existing drugs kill SARS-CoV2 in cells

Researchers have identified several drug contenders that can block or reduce SARS-CoV2 infection in cells, including lactoferrin and MEK-inhibitors. These findings suggest potential efficacy against COVID-19 variants, with ongoing clinical trials to examine their ability to reduce viral loads and inflammation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

First 3D-bioprinting of entire active tumor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully printed the first entirely active and viable glioblastoma tumor using a 3D printer. The 3D-bioprinted model includes functional blood vessels that simulate a real tumor, making it a promising tool for predicting treatment efficacy and drug development.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 18, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Cancer therapy breakthrough in vitro using self-assembled drugs

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new approach to combat cancer treatment challenges by creating self-assembled drugs with high specificity towards human cancer cells. The breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented anti-cancer activity and selectivity in laboratory testing.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Scientists with the help of computer modeling discover a substance that blocks coronavirus

Researchers at South Ural State University used computer modeling to identify a substance that can block the spread of coronavirus. The study found that ligands must match RNA polymerase as closely as possible to be effective, and scientists have developed an equation to test other ligands' effectiveness on receptors.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalMolecules·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2021

Polymers “click” together using green chemistry

A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2021
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.

The future of medicine is nearer thanks to researchers’ invention

A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2021

Hunting for TB's most vulnerable genes

Scientists at Rockefeller University have discovered that essential gene targets in TB bacteria can be ranked by their degree of vulnerability to antibiotics. The study found that ideal targets are highly susceptible to inhibition, while invulnerable genes can withstand nearly total inhibition. This research provides new insights into ...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateAug 2, 2021

New insights into uncontrolled inflammation in COVID-19 patients

A recent study by Queen Mary University of London provides new insight into the mechanisms behind uncontrolled inflammation in COVID-19 patients. The research found that treatments increasing specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPM) production, such as dexamethasone, may play a key role in limiting disease severity.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCirculation Research·DateJul 29, 2021

When stubborn bugs refuse to make drugs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used comparative metabologenomics to study the genomes of Streptomyces bacteria and identify key factors that influence drug production. The study found that fine-tuning of specific nucleotides can control antibiotic production, offering new insights for next-generation drug discovery.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021
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.

Controlling asymmetry for drug synthesis

A team of scientists has developed an iridium-catalyzed hydrogen addition method to control asymmetry in drug synthesis. This approach reduces wasteful by-products and enables targeted synthesis with high precision.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021
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.

TSUBAME supercomputer predicts cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a computational method to predict the cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, exhibiting promising accuracy. The protocol has potential to aid in designing and discovering cyclic peptide drugs with high cell-membrane permeability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 13, 2021

Artificial intelligence could be new blueprint for precision drug discovery

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a new AI methodology to hunt for disease targets and predict drug success. The approach, which uses machine learning to analyze big data, was tested in a Phase '0' clinical trial and showed high accuracy across diverse IBD patient cohorts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2021

COVID gets quantum treatment for drug discovery

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory used Stampede2 to refine the screening of potential drug molecules targeting COVID-19's spike protein. The method, developed by Stephan Irle and Van Quan Vuong, uses quantum mechanics-based ranking refinement and binding analysis to identify top candidates for further testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 5, 2021

Breakthrough for tracking RNA with fluorescence

A breakthrough in tracking RNA with fluorescence allows researchers to follow messenger RNA molecules in real time, enabling the development of new RNA-based medicines. This method provides crucial information for optimising drug discovery and understanding how mRNA is taken up into cells.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 30, 2021

Hackensack Meridian CDI scientists discover new tuberculosis treatment pathway

Scientists from Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation have uncovered the mechanism of action of a novel anti-tuberculosis drug, triaza-coumarin, which is effective in inhibiting TB disease from within by boosting its on-target activity by two orders of magnitude.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

SLAS Discovery's June issue on synthetic biology available now

The June edition of SLAS Discovery features the cover article on developing high-throughput biochemical assays to assess small molecule impact on SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14. The issue also includes nine original research articles, covering topics such as HIV latency reversal, kinase inhibitors, and drug combination screening.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJun 4, 2021

CMU Team develops machine learning platform that mines nature for new drugs

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a machine learning platform that can identify natural product drugs for treating various ailments. The platform, called NRPminer, uses genomic and metabolomics data to detect promising natural products, including four novel compounds with potential antimalarial properties.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021
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.

How can new technologies help reduce the harm of drug use?

Researchers analyzed online requests from people who use drugs in Russia and found that online platforms provide essential support and services. The study highlights the effectiveness of remote work in reducing harm and increasing help-seeking behavior among individuals with problematic drug use.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateMar 15, 2021

Faster drug discovery through machine learning

DeepBAR, a new machine learning-based technique, quickly calculates binding affinities between drug candidates and their targets, offering a faster and more efficient approach to drug discovery and protein engineering. The approach yields precise calculations nearly 50 times faster than previous methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 15, 2021

The therapeutic potential of peptides

Researchers are harnessing the power of peptides to develop new therapeutics, leveraging vast libraries and animal venom to discover novel leads. Recent studies have shown promising results in pain relief and biopesticides, highlighting the potential for peptides to revolutionize the pharmaceutical landscape.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateFeb 10, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Beyond the horizon: Innovative cancer drug discovery

The event aims to address current and future challenges in cancer drug development through panel discussions with eminent speakers. Delegates will learn about key areas for innovation and collaboration to improve cancer treatment.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateJan 18, 2021

ADDF presents vision of a consortium to accelerate research into speech and language biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

A global research consortium is proposed to collect and share digital speech and language data to detect early signs of Alzheimer's. The consortium aims to create a comprehensive, harmonized repository of samples from diverse cohorts to develop biomarkers that can monitor disease progression.

SourceAlzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation·JournalExploration of Medicine·DateJan 5, 2021

Potential cancer therapy may boost immune response

A new cancer therapy approach combines gemcitabine chemotherapy with celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory medication, to activate the immune system and fight cancer. The combination has shown potential in improving the percentage of patients who respond to immunotherapy drugs.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2020

Protein molecules in cells function as miniature antennas

Researchers discovered that fluorescent proteins behave like miniature antennas, absorbing and emitting light in specific directions. This finding has significant applications in basic biological research and novel drug discovery.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Simple new testing method aims to improve time-release drugs

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a simple, inexpensive way to measure drug dissolution that addresses shortcomings of existing methods. The technique uses a vibrating tube sensor to monitor the weight of individual pellets as they dissolve, providing accurate and continuous measurements.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Understanding ion channel inhibition to open doors in drug discovery

Scientists have discovered how drug-like small molecules can regulate the activity of therapeutically relevant ion channels, providing new avenues for drug discovery. The study reveals how Pico145 binds to TRPC5 channels, preventing them from opening, and highlights the importance of individual amino acid residues in this binding site.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Insights in the search for new antibiotics

A research team is working on developing new tools to guide the discovery and optimization of new antibacterial agents, addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 19, 2020