Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an enzymatic process to produce methionine from gaseous CO2, replacing the current petrochemical-based method. The new process requires just two enzymes and has a yield of 40 percent, compared to photosynthesis which uses 14 enzymes with only a 20 percent yield.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 26, 2018
Researchers found that guanylate cyclase enzyme plays a crucial role in the allergic immune response, and its inhibition can lead to reduced symptoms. The study used knock-out mice lacking this enzyme to show that Th1 responses can suppress Th2 responses, resulting in weaker allergy symptoms.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2018
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found a link between enzymes involved in malt production and a specific tissue layer within barley grains. The study showed that grains with more aleurone had increased enzyme activity, which could lead to improved brewing processes and new malts.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2018
Researchers found that PI3Kγ expression increases during T. cruzi infection, essential for avoiding excessive inflammation and controlling heart parasitemia. The enzyme's absence in macrophages impairs their ability to kill parasites and control inflammation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists have discovered a key structural motif in the tuberculosis NagA enzyme, providing a promising drug target. The research aims to design specific molecules to block its function and inhibit the critical pathway, potentially leading to new TB therapeutics.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 11, 2018
A team of international researchers has discovered a new family of cytochrome P450 enzymes that can convert lignin into valuable products. The discovery represents a new class of P450s, Family N, with a two-component architecture.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2018
Scientists have identified a promising plant compound, montbretin A, that inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase activity and reduces blood glucose levels. The discovery of the biosynthetic pathway for this compound lays the groundwork for its potential use as an anti-diabetes drug.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 2, 2018
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.
Researchers have identified TLK2 enzyme as a key player in several diseases, including breast cancer and intellectual disability. The study suggests that inhibiting the enzyme may be an effective therapy approach.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2018
A new family of enzymes has been discovered that can convert plant waste into high-value products such as nylon and bioplastics. The research also offers additional environmental benefits by creating products from lignin, a previously waste material.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2018
Researchers developed a new genetic engineering technique to improve an enzyme's ability to break down biomass. The EASy method enables accelerated evolution of desirable traits in microorganisms, leading to more efficient conversion of lignin into fuels and plastics.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2018
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 at Imperial College London have developed a more efficient enzyme that can break down plant-based biomass 30 times faster than current methods. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more environmentally friendly biofuel production, as well as more efficient plastic recycling.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2018
A new study has identified the genetic networks behind a critical catalyst called a sarpagan bridge enzyme in Indian Snakeroot, a plant used for millennia in South and South East-Asia as a tranquilizer. The discovery could lead to faster routes to treatments for abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and some mental disorders.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 25, 2018
Researchers developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can measure critical metabolites in sweat, tears, saliva, or blood. The sensor offers higher sensitivity compared to traditional metal electrodes and can be easily modified to detect various metabolites.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 22, 2018
Researchers at Princeton University have found a way to make a naturally occurring enzyme take on a new role, enabling the catalysis of non-natural reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new enzymatic reactions and potentially more cost-effective chemical catalysis.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2018
Researchers created a synthetic DNA enzyme that outperforms naturally occurring enzymes by three orders of magnitude, flipping lipids in cell membranes and inducing cell death in cancer cells. The new enzyme is poised to be used for personalized therapeutics and treatments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2018
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.
Researchers discovered that trehalose increases cellular waste disposal and improves neurological symptoms in MPS IIIB mice. The study found that trehalose delayed retinal degeneration, vision loss, and improved lifespan by activating a master regulator of the lysosomal system.
SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAutophagy·DateJun 20, 2018
A team of researchers has identified a new family of enzymes that modify transfer RNAs in malignant melanoma, leading to addiction and resistance. Inhibiting these enzymes synergizes with targeted therapies to produce a strong anti-tumoral effect.
The University of Basel researchers have solved the mystery of how the ACC enzyme assembles into distinct filaments, revealing its impact on enzymatic activity and fatty acid production. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing selective ACC inhibitors to combat diseases linked to metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at Aalto University discovered that regulating lignin particle surface charge enables enzymes to adhere and multiply in efficiency. The breakthrough paves the way for using lignin as a sustainable material in industries.
SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2018
Researchers at TU Graz have achieved a breakthrough in biocatalysis by manipulating an enzyme to create ring-shaped molecules. This innovation enables the production of novel pharmaceuticals and plant protection products with high enantiomeric purity, opening doors for sustainable 'green' chemistry.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 2018
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.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified USP8 as a key enzyme controlling large collagen carrier formation. The enzyme inhibits collagen secretion when active, promoting its transport instead.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 10, 2018
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a self-sustaining circuit of reactions that produces chemicals more efficiently through a looped set of reactions using enzymes in flow. This method reduces environmental waste, is self-sustaining, and produces higher-quality end products.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 4, 2018
Researchers at University of Würzburg develop new technology to redesign enzyme surfaces, increasing efficiency and selectivity in biochemical reactions. The modified enzymes can convert table sugar into a fructose polymer, with potential applications in medicine and the food industry.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 1, 2018
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 discovered a small molecule that destroys HIV protein Tat, which is responsible for revving up the virus. The molecule reveals proteins in host cells that can potentially target Tat and halt its replication process. This finding offers new insights into the biology of HIV and potential targets for therapy.
Researchers have gained insights into stress granules, clumps of RNAs and proteins that form when cells are stressed, linking them to neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals the critical role of two enzymes, USP5 and USP13, in disassembling stress granules, which could lead to innovative treatments.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMay 30, 2018
University of Groningen biotechnologists successfully redesigned aspartase enzyme using computational method, producing kilograms of pure building blocks for pharmaceuticals and other bioactive compounds.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 21, 2018
Sandia National Laboratories scientists have engineered E. coli to efficiently convert tough plant matter called lignin into valuable platform chemicals. This breakthrough solves three problems: cost, toxicity and speed, paving the way for economically viable biofuel production from renewable sources.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2018
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.
Researchers uncover the role of SWI2/SNF2 ATPase in microRNA production, revealing a unique gene-editing target to control microRNA levels. The protein has two separate functions: one for its native chromatin and another for the microRNA-producing factory.
SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2018
Bielefeld chemists create a biocatalytic method to selectively reduce sulfur-containing heterocycles, yielding highly enantioselective synthesis of target compounds. The discovery has potential applications in developing new active substances and sustainable pharmaceutical production.
SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2018
Scientists analyzed 107 mammal genomes to find genes that allowed early ancestors to digest insects. They discovered nearly all mammals have remnants of these genes, suggesting a shared insectivorous diet with our distant ancestors.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 2018
Researchers from Brazil's National Energy & Materials Research Center (CNPEM) have discovered a key enzyme that can boost the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse saccharification, a crucial step in producing second-generation ethanol. The enzyme, produced by microorganisms living in Lake Poraquê in the Amazon, shows high glucose tolerance ...
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics·DateMay 15, 2018
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and National Tsing Hua University developed a method to rapidly manipulate cilia's chemical signaling pathways, which can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating human diseases. The technique, called STRIP, enables precise control over microtubule modifications in living cells.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2018
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.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified depleted metabolic enzymes as a key factor promoting tumor growth in kidney cancer. The study found that these enzymes are universally depleted in ccRCC tumors, which could lead to new treatment options for patients.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 10, 2018
Researchers have identified PFKFB3 as a key player in the development of pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. By targeting this enzyme, scientists hope to develop new treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMay 8, 2018
ORNL researchers developed a method to uniquely identify vehicles using roadside sensors and improved predictive Earth system models for plants' heat wave responses. Computational modeling also aided in filling gaps of olefins breakdown and catalyzation process.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 1, 2018
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory uncover how membrane proteins organize three enzymes involved in building lignin, a crucial cell-wall component. The discovery sheds light on the metabolic pathway channeling carbon into lignin precursors, potentially leading to new ways to promote carbon storage or biofuel production.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 30, 2018
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.
Biochemists and molecular biologists use a new method to label m6A modifications in mRNA, allowing for precise detection using Next Generation Sequencing. The approach enables researchers to analyze the role of m6A modifications in physiological and pathological processes.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2018
Researchers at Duke University successfully delivered CRISPR/Cas9 repressors to silence the Pcsk9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, in adult mice. The treatment resulted in reduced blood cholesterol levels and sustained gene repression for six months after a single treatment.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2018
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how flavins work with oxygen to activate enzyme cofactors, shedding light on their role in metabolic processes and biotechnological applications.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018
A study has found that the rapid evolution of resistance to pyrethroid-based indoor residual sprays on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, is driven by metabolic changes in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The enzyme CYP9K1 plays a key role in this process.
SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2018
The study reveals that a slight change in the substrate can practically stop an enzyme reaction. Computational design of a new variant was successfully produced and tested, demonstrating the method's accuracy and potential for future research.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2018
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 have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2018
A biologically inspired membrane, called memzyme, can capture 90% of carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants with a low cost of $40 per ton. The membrane uses an enzyme to rapidly and selectively dissolve carbon dioxide molecules.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2018
The LSD1 enzyme suppresses mitochondrial metabolism and slow-muscle genes, promoting glycolysis in fast muscles. Glucocorticoids promote LSD1 degradation, allowing for muscle fiber type differentiation.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 11, 2018
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered that lytic transglycosylase Slt helps gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa recover from antibiotic damage by repairing its cell wall. The enzyme rapidly attempts to rebuild the organism's structural entity, allowing it to survive and continue causing infection.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018
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.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that plants have a built-in brake on oil production, which can be disabled to increase biofuel and bioproduct synthesis. Disabling the gene for an inactive enzyme subunit increases oil production even under normal conditions.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateApr 9, 2018
Researchers at INRS have identified a non-pathogenic marine bacterium that can effectively degrade petroleum products in soil and water. The bacteria's enzymes have been shown to break down benzene, toluene, and xylene with high efficiency, offering an eco-friendly method for decontaminating oil sites.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalBiochemical Engineering Journal·DateApr 9, 2018
A study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that anthocyanins in berries increase SIRT6 enzyme levels and decrease cancer genes in human cells. The findings suggest a potential role for anthocyanins in preventing cancer growth, paving the way for new drug development.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2018
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.
Researchers created a strain of bacteria that can produce bicyclobutanes, high-energy carbon rings useful in chemicals and materials. The bacteria were engineered using directed evolution, allowing them to efficiently create the strained rings under ambient conditions.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2018
Researchers at RMIT University have developed artificial enzymes called NanoZymes that can be triggered by light to kill bacteria. The technology has the potential to create self-cleaning surfaces in hospitals and toilets.
SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 4, 2018
A new study by Karolinska Institutet reveals that enzyme FIH determines how muscles consume oxygen, with implications for elite athletes and potential new forms of metabolism-affecting drugs.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2018
Researchers at LMU München have developed a synthetic DNA sequence that can inhibit the activities of several DNA-processing enzymes, including HIV integrase. The artificial DNA mimic successfully competes with its natural counterpart, demonstrating potential for new treatments of retroviral diseases.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 2, 2018
Stanford researchers engineered yeast to produce noscapine, a promising cancer drug with less toxicity than current treatments. The breakthrough involves introducing 25 foreign genes into yeast, achieving an 18,000-fold improvement in noscapine output.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018
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.
Researchers have engineered brewer's yeast to produce noscapine, a potential cancer drug with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. The engineered yeast strain produced 2.2 mg/L noscapine after optimization, paving the way for large-scale commercial production.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018
Researchers developed a process to observe lipid-flipping enzymes' activity in conjunction with membrane deformation. They found that ATP10A enzyme flips phosphatidylcholine lipids, causing curvature changes that trigger tubule formation, enhancing endocytosis and membrane dynamics.
SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 29, 2018
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI have discovered a new enzyme that enables microbial production of toluene, an aromatic biofuel. The discovery is a major breakthrough in biotechnology, expanding the known catalytic range of glycyl radical enzymes and opening up new possibilities for renewable energy.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 26, 2018
A recent study reveals that differences in metabolic enzyme activity break down pesticide chemicals, explaining bee sensitivity. Researchers found specific enzymes like CYP9Q3 and CYP9Q4 responsible for tolerance to thiacloprid and imidacloprid, respectively.
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.
Researchers found that restoring SIRT1 reverses vascular aging, increasing capillaries and endurance by up to 80%. The study shows promise for preventing age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and frailty.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 22, 2018
A joint study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG has identified key enzymes in honeybees and bumblebees responsible for their sensitivity to neonicotinoid pesticides. This breakthrough provides valuable tools to screen new pesticides early in development, potentially avoiding costly restrictions on their use.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2018
Cytokinins have been found to play a vital role in the communication mechanisms of bacteria, plants and animals, regulating growth, development and disease resistance. The research has also uncovered new details on how cytokinins evolve and activate enzymes, challenging previous assumptions.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateMar 22, 2018