Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Breakthrough in industrial CO2 usage

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

Enzyme lays the foundations for allergic immune response

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

Unwrapping the brewing secrets of barley

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enzyme discovery could help in fight against TB

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 pretty plant of summer produces a promising anti-diabetes compound

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.

Novel genetic method improves efficiency of enzyme

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.

Pulses raised as new study reveals secrets of the plant that keeps people calm

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

Low-cost plastic sensors could monitor a range of health conditions

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
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.

Simple sugar delays neurodegeneration caused by enzyme deficiency

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

Enigma of fatty acid metabolism solved: Enzyme shape controls its activity

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Manipulated enzymes

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.

New technology for enzyme design

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.

Discovery reveals how cells try to control levels of key HIV protein

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 31, 2018

Computer redesigns enzyme

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

Riding bacterium to the bank

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.

Tailor-made synthesis of cyclic chemicals by means of enzymes

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

What we inherited from our bug-eating ancestors

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

Key enzyme for production of second-generation ethanol discovered in Brazilian Amazon

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

Scientists develop method to tweak tiny 'antenna' on cells

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.

Depleted metabolic enzymes promote tumor growth in kidney cancer

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

New pulmonary hypertension treatment target in the bull's-eye

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

New details of molecular machinery that builds plant cell wall components

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.

Labeling and detecting RNA modifications

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

CRISPR/Cas9 silences gene associated with high cholesterol

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

Flavins keep a handy helper in their pocket

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

The enzyme designers

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.

Research shows how genetics can contribute for advances in 2G ethanol production

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

Survival strategy: How one enzyme helps bacteria recover from exposure to antibiotics

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.

Removing the brakes on plant oil production

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

An oil-eating bacterium that can help clean up pollution and spills

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

New health benefits discovered in berry pigment

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.

New 'NanoZymes' use light to kill bacteria

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

Biomimetic chemistry: DNA mimic outwits viral enzyme

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 engineer yeast to manufacture complex medicine

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.

Brewer's yeast engineered to produce potential cancer drug

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

Flipping lipids for cell transport-tubules

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

Sewage sludge leads to biofuels breakthrough

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
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.

Breakthrough could aid development of bee-friendly pesticides

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

The universal language of hormones

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