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New regulator of liver metabolism discovered

Researchers at Charité found that retinol saturase plays a role in adaptive processes in liver cells, increasing with body weight and reducing negative metabolic effects associated with excess glucose exposure. The enzyme's inactivation may offer a new approach to treating metabolic liver disease and its related issues.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2017

Fluorine-containing molecules from cell cultures

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial host to produce fluorinated metabolites and bioplastics, leveraging the potential of living systems to create complex chemical compounds. The breakthrough enables controlled incorporation of fluorine into polyhydroxyalkanoates, resulting in more durable and targeted bioplastics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unlocking the secrets of disease progression

Lina Cui, a UNM Assistant Professor, is leading a large-scale research project to understand the chemistry of disease progression and its role in cancer metastasis. The goal is to develop diagnostic tools that target specific enzymes involved in disease spread.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateSep 27, 2017

Nanocapsules enable cell-inspired metabolic reactions

Scientists at the University of Basel created bio-catalytic capsules capable of producing glucose-6-phosphate, a key metabolite involved in carbohydrate degradation and energy storage. The nanocapsules, measuring less than 200 nanometers, can be taken up by cells and may pave the way for new disease treatments.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 19, 2017
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.

Enzyme's worth to biofuels shown in latest NREL research

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can break down cellulose fibers regardless of their crystalline structure, paving the way for commercial cellulosic biofuels. The enzyme, CelA, excels at hydrolyzing both simple and highly complex crystalline cellulose.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 2017

Engineered therapy for blood clotting disorder shows early promise

Researchers have created an engineered form of ADAMTS-13 (BAX 930) to restore the missing enzyme in patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disease. The therapy was found to be safe and effective, with no allergic reactions or serious adverse events.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateSep 14, 2017

Innate immunity

Researchers discovered that cGAS forms a ladder-like complex with cytoplasmic DNA to detect infections. The length of the DNA is critical for this process, and only longer DNA strands activate the innate immune system.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

Tomatoes' crystal ball reveals evolutionary secrets

Researchers at Michigan State University studied the unique molecule acylsugars found in tomato trichomes, revealing their diverse structures and potential as natural pesticides. This discovery opens an evolutionary window into plant defense metabolism and could lead to innovative solutions for pest resistance and human medicine.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 12, 2017
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.

Licorice is a hot trend in hot flashes, but could interact with medications

Researchers found that licorice extracts from three species can inhibit certain liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism, potentially causing interactions with medications. The team plans to develop a safe and effective licorice therapy using a specific species, G. glabra, for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2017

Make way for hemoglobin

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified the mechanism behind red blood cell specialization, controlled by the enzyme UBE2O. The study reveals that UBE2O marks proteins for destruction, allowing precursor red blood cells to become specialized and well-nourished with oxygen.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2017

Researchers unlock cheesemaking secret

A discovery by a UQ-Columbia University-University of Washington research group has explained the regulation of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme in Lactococcus bacterium, crucial for efficient milk acidification and cheese production. The findings have significant implications for Australia's billion-dollar cheese industry.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2017
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.

Chewing gum rapid test for inflammation

A new chewing gum-based diagnostic test can detect inflammation in the oral cavity within five minutes, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The test uses bittering agents to identify inflammatory conditions, which can help prevent serious complications such as bone loss.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2017

New approach makes it easier to find novel drugs

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University of Manchester have developed a new method to screen compounds that is more sensitive than existing methods. This technique, called CoSPI, can help identify allosteric compounds that regulate enzyme activity, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2017

Deciphering potent DNA toxin's secrets

A team of Vanderbilt University researchers has worked out the molecular details of Yatakemycin (YTM), a potent bacterial toxin that prevents DNA replication. The study reveals how YTM stabilizes DNA, making it resistant to repair mechanisms, and could be used to fine-tune its antimicrobial properties.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 2, 2017

Fungi that evolved to eat wood offer new biomass conversion tool

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism used by brown rot fungi to break down biomass, using chelators and generating hydroxyl radicals to produce simple building-block chemicals. This method has potential use in bio-refineries for biomass conversion into platform chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateJul 24, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

On the path to vitamin A in rice

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully elucidated the three-dimensional structure of phytoene desaturase, a crucial enzyme in carotene production. This breakthrough offers insights into herbicide binding and reaction mechanisms, which may lead to new agents for crop protection and Golden Rice development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalStructure·DateJul 21, 2017

Space station project seeks to crystallize the means to counteract nerve poisons

A NASA-supported experiment on the International Space Station is growing large crystals of pure enzyme to develop improved antidotes for nerve poisons. By harnessing microgravity conditions, researchers hope to create better countermeasures that can quickly reactivate the enzyme and deliver them orally.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateJul 17, 2017

Key to speeding up carbon sequestration discovered

Researchers at Caltech and USC identified how to accelerate calcite dissolution in seawater, enabling the ocean to safely lock away carbon dioxide. By adding a common enzyme, they increased the reaction rate by 500 times, opening up new possibilities for mimicking natural processes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

Deep blue carbon storage

Scientists at USC and Caltech have accelerated calcite dissolution in seawater, which could neutralize carbon in deep ocean waters. This process, known as buffering, naturally occurs billions of years and can help mitigate atmospheric CO2.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

Cutting the cost of ethanol, other biofuels and gasoline

Experts at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Michigan State University have designed a way to reduce enzyme use in biofuels production. The new approach enables the recycling of enzymes, lowering production costs and making biofuels more affordable.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJul 5, 2017
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 study reveals new drug target for gout and other inflammatory diseases

A new study reveals that particle-induced cell death depends on multiple redundant cathepsins, which can be blocked by inhibiting or silencing these enzymes in macrophages. The researchers found that several key proinflammatory events induced by sterile particles are blocked, including cell death.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 2017

Incremental discovery may one day lead to photosynthetic breakthrough

Researchers discovered that CP12 regulates enzymes GAPDH and PRK, allowing plants to respond to changing light levels. Removing all three forms of the protein results in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and smaller plant yield.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 29, 2017

New wound healing properties of ficin researched at Kazan University

Researchers at Kazan University have found that ficin, an enzyme derived from fig latex, is effective against Staphylococcus biofilms, a major obstacle in wound treatment. The study suggests that treating wounds with ficin can accelerate healing and improve outcomes.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 27, 2017
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.

New gonorrhea treatment targets enzyme needed for respiration

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new therapy target for gonorrhea, an enzyme crucial for bacterial respiration in biofilms. A peptide that inhibits this enzyme's activity shows promise in killing the bacteria without promoting resistance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 26, 2017

Peanut family secret for making chemical building blocks revealed

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way that legumes, including peanuts, produce an essential amino acid called tyrosine. The team found that a single mutation in a plant enzyme is responsible for this unique pathway, which could lead to increased production of morphine and other valuable chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 2017

Bird's eye perspective

Harvard Medical School researchers studied chicken embryos to understand the formation of high-acuity spot in the retina, which enables crisp daytime vision. They found that suppression of retinoic acid plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 23, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Biofilms -- the eradication has begun

Scientists at McGill University Health Centre develop novel enzyme technology that prevents and breaks down biofilms, exposing microbes to antibiotics and host defenses. This approach has huge potential to combat biofilm-associated infections responsible for thousands of deaths across North America.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017

Enzyme catalyzed decomposition of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide

New research reveals the role of enzyme-catalyzed decomposition in the antitumor effect of oxazaphosphorines. Activated oxazphosphorines are decomposed into phosphoreamide mustard and 3-hydroxypropanal, causing DNA damage that can lead to apoptosis.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Conference Proceedings Journal·DateJun 21, 2017

Researchers show how a cancer gene protects genome organization

UNC researchers discovered that Set2 enzyme is essential for maintaining proper transcription during cellular stress, preventing mis-expression of genes and promoting cancer initiation. The study's findings have implications for understanding cancer development and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 13, 2017
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.

Healthy diet? That depends on your genes

A Cornell University study reveals genetic adaptations to plant-heavy diets led to increased frequency of FADS1 gene variants, crucial for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid production. This discovery has implications for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 12, 2017

New cellular imaging paves way for cancer treatment

Scientists develop new fluorescent imaging agents to detect enzyme activity in healthy and diseased tissues, enabling early disease identification and direct measurement of drug treatment effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 8, 2017

Guts to glory?

Researchers have discovered a new complex of enzymes in herbivore gut fungi that can break down plant biomass into sugars, offering potential for sustainable fuels and chemicals. The unique structure of these enzymes, called cellulosomes, has the potential to be engineered for industrial use, reducing the need for current enzyme mixtures.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Bacteria used as factories to produce cancer drugs

Researchers have created a method to produce P450 enzymes in bacterial cell factories, which are also involved in the biosynthesis of active ingredients used in cancer drugs. The process could facilitate large-scale production of these enzymes, allowing for more efficient treatment of diseases such as cancer and psoriasis.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJun 2, 2017

Sizzling snails prioritize protein stability

The study reveals that Echinolittorina snails have a unique enzyme structure that enables them to maintain protein stability at high temperatures, allowing them to thrive in hot environments. The researchers found that subtle differences in amino acid sequences between the snail proteins enabled them to remain functional and stable at ...

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 31, 2017

The next enchanted ring?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to synthesize ß-lactone peptides, a new class of antibiotics, by copying bacterial enzymes. These peptides inhibit serine hydrolases and may be useful in treating cancer, obesity, and infectious diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2017
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.

Biologists find missing link for the 'safe' signal in plants

Plant biologists at Utrecht University have discovered how the plant metabolises jasmonic acid, issuing the signal 'safe'. The discovery of four related enzymes that break down jasmonic acid reveals a crucial mechanism for controlling its levels.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2017

Fungal enzymes team up to more efficiently break down cellulose

Researchers have discovered that early lineages of fungi can form protein complexes capable of degrading plant biomass, teaming up to work more efficiently. The findings, enabled by a collaborative science initiative, could help advance sustainable biofuels production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 26, 2017

Two simple building blocks produce complex 3-D material

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a lightweight, porous crystal with unprecedented structural complexity using uranium and organic linkers. The new material has a high surface area, pore volume, and water stability, making it suitable for separating small molecules and enzymes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2017

Study finds bacteria in marine sponge produce toxic flame retardant-like compounds

A Scripps Institution of Oceanography research team discovered bacteria in marine sponges produce toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants. The study uses genome mining and environmental DNA sequencing to identify specific genes and enzymes involved in the production of these compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 11, 2017
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.

Thirsty seeds reach for medicine cabinet

Scientists discovered that salicylic acid can improve a crop's ability to deal with drought by increasing the levels of three enzymes involved in the stress response. The treatment allows for more selective planting of drought-tolerant cowpea varieties, enabling them to grow in areas with limited water.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 10, 2017

A unique enzyme could be a game-changer for gluten-sensitive patients

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can break down small amounts of gluten within the digestive system, reducing symptoms in gluten-sensitive patients. The study found that taking the enzyme tablet while consuming gluten-containing foods prevented a significant amount of it from entering the small intestine.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 7, 2017

Trash into treasure: Sandia could help biofuel pay for itself with goods made from waste

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made a breakthrough in converting lignin, plant waste from biofuel production, into useful products like renewable plastics and fabrics. The discovery of LigM enzyme has opened a path toward new molecules and marketable products, potentially making biofuels competitive with petroleum.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

KAIST team identifies the novel molecular signal for triggering septic shock

The KAIST team discovered a new molecular signal triggered by IPMK enzyme in mediating innate immune response to sepsis. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic target for treating serious medical conditions like neuroinflammation and polymicrobial sepsis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2017
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.