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Researchers at Mainz University explore new approach for treating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Mainz University have discovered that a psoriasis medication may be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease by stimulating the activity of the enzyme ADAM10, which could lead to reduced accumulation of Alzheimer's plaques. The medication was well-tolerated and showed promise in enhancing learning and memory capacity.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNeurology·DateDec 7, 2014
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.

Penicillin tactics revealed

Researchers discover penicillin works by setting in motion a toxic malfunctioning of the cell's wall-building machinery, which depletes cells of resources. This finding could lead to new ways to thwart drug resistance.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2014

Typhoid Mary, not typhoid mouse

Researchers found that humans are susceptible to typhoid fever due to the absence of enzyme CMAH, which reconfigures sugar molecules on cell surfaces. This discovery has implications for developing new therapies for typhoid fever.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Reducing drug allergies without compromising efficacy

A new approach uses a comb-shaped polymer to protect enzymes from the immune system, reducing allergic reactions and maintaining efficacy. The method has potential applications in treating allergies and protecting rapidly degraded therapeutic molecules.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

Classical enzymatic theory revised by including water motions

Researchers revised classical enzymatic theory by incorporating long-lasting protein-water coupled motions into models of functional catalysis. The study revealed a new biological phenomenon where water motions adapt to substrate binding, critical for effective binding.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MU researchers offer first analysis of new human glucose disorder

MU researchers have catalogued the effects of abnormal enzymes responsible for one type of glycogen storage disease in humans. Their study, published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, provides promising early-stage results that could aid in patient prognosis and therapeutic development.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 11, 2014

Breakthrough shows how the 'termites of the sea' digest wood

A team of researchers has discovered a novel digestive strategy in shipworms, which could be a game-changer for the industrial production of clean biofuels. The study found that shipworms use enzymes made by symbiotic bacteria stored in their gills to break down wood for nutrition.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2014

For enterics, adaptability could be an Achilles heel

Researchers from RIKEN found that a subtle change in the Lon enzyme allows bacteria to quickly adapt between low-oxygen gut environments and high-oxygen outside conditions. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for enteric diseases.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 10, 2014

Termite of the sea's wood destruction strategy revealed

Researchers have discovered a novel enzyme production strategy in shipworms that breaks down wood, shedding light on the potential for these bivalves to produce biofuels. The study's findings could provide valuable insights and tools for biomass-based industries.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2014
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.

Turning pretty penstemon flowers from blue to red

Researchers found that knocking out a single enzyme is responsible for changing blue penstemon flowers to red. The study reveals a predictable genetic change behind the evolution from blue to red, with reverse changes unlikely.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2014

Heart drug may help treat ALS, mouse study shows

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure, may have a strong effect on treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by blocking an enzyme that destroys nerve cells. The research suggests that reducing the activity of this enzyme or limiting its production can prevent th...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 2014
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 nanodevice to improve cancer treatment monitoring

Researchers developed a miniature device that measures methotrexate levels in patient blood, providing accurate results in under 1 minute and costing around $10,000 compared to traditional equipment at $100,000.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 26, 2014

$6 million in federal funding makes animal feed go further

Researchers will screen proprietary enzymes for digestibility of common ingredients found in Canadian pork and poultry feed and develop commercial products to improve feed conversion and producer profit margins. The project aims to reduce strain on the environment due to decreased animal waste and improve overall animal growth and health.

SourceConcordia University·DateOct 15, 2014
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.

Atomic map reveals clues to how cholesterol is made

Researchers have gained new insight into the complex molecular process of cholesterol production by mapping the structure of a key enzyme involved in the process. The study revealed two pockets within the enzyme's architecture that help spark the synthesis of cholesterol, with potential implications for the treatment of high cholesterol.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2014

An enzyme and synaptic plasticity

Researchers found that Pin1, a small enzyme, modifies the number of postsynaptic receptors and regulates signal transmission. This discovery sheds light on the biochemical mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, offering insights into healthy mechanisms and potential treatments for pathological conditions.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2014
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 pump up oil accumulation in plant leaves

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a method to increase the oil accumulation in plant leaves, which can lead to higher energy content of crops grown for fuel. The research reveals that disabling a specific enzyme has no negative effects on plant growth and results in high oil accumulation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 7, 2014

On the scent of a wine's bouquet

Scientists have identified two enzymes responsible for the formation of terpenes, which contribute to a wine's bouquet. The study could lead to the development of new grape varieties with improved aromas.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateOct 2, 2014
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.

Liver gene therapy corrects heart symptoms in model of rare enzyme disorder

Researchers describe a novel liver-directed gene therapy approach that corrects heart symptoms in a model of rare enzyme disorder MPS I. The treatment, using an AAV vector, achieves sustained serum enzyme activity and reduces glycosaminoglycan storage in tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

New way to detox? 'Gold of Pleasure' oilseed boosts liver detoxification enzymes

Researchers found compounds in Camelina sativa seed that increase liver detoxification enzymes fivefold, showcasing its potential as a nutritional supplement and anti-cancer agent. The bioactive ingredients work synergistically when combined, similar to sulforaphane in broccoli.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2014

Study holds hope of a treatment for deadly genetic disease, MPS IIIB

Scientists at LA BioMed have discovered a way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver an enzyme replacement therapy to treat MPS IIIB, a devastating genetic disease. The treatment has shown promising results by reducing the accumulation of waste products in brain cells.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Biochemists solve 'address problem' in cells that leads to lethal kidney disease

Researchers identified a compound called dequalinium chloride (DECA) that can prevent a metabolic enzyme from going to the wrong location within a cell. This prevents primary hyperoxaluria 1 (PH1), a rare and deadly genetic kidney disease, by ensuring the enzyme goes to its proper destination.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2014
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.

Playing tag with sugars in the cornfield

Researchers found that caterpillars of fall armyworm and two other Spodoptera species deploy a gut enzyme to attach a sugar to the toxic free DIMBOA, rendering it non-reactive to plant enzyme. This detoxification strategy explains the success of these pest insects in overcoming maize defenses.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 25, 2014

Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago

Termite fungus farmers developed a sophisticated system of cooperation between fungi and gut bacteria to break down complex plant components. The symbiotic community optimized for efficient plant decomposition involves division of labor, with fungi handling carbohydrates and gut microbes contributing enzymes for final digestion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Search for better biofuels microbes leads to the human gut

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

The accelerator of molecular motors

Researchers identify Pex22p module as key component in peroxisomal Ub machinery, boosting enzyme import and degradation of pollutants. This discovery sheds light on peroxisomal disorders like Zellweger syndrome and highlights the importance of reevaluating familiar proteins.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 22, 2014

Can tapioca replace corn as the main source for starch sweeteners?

Researchers describe cassava, also known as tapioca, as an ideal alternative to corn for starch sweeteners due to its high yields and accessibility. The article highlights the potential of converting tapioca starch into sugars using various enzymes and processing steps.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateSep 22, 2014
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.

How stress tears us apart

A team from EPFL Brain Mind Institute finds that chronic stress activates an enzyme that reduces nectin-3 cell adhesion proteins, leading to social skills loss and impaired memory. External treatments can restore sociability and normal cognitive skills.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2014

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2014

Structure of enzyme seen as target for ALS drugs

The team determined the high-resolution structure of Dbr1 enzyme, which breaks loops of ribonucleic acids and could be a new target for treating most cases of ALS. By inhibiting this enzyme's activity, researchers hope to prevent TDP-43 aggregates from forming in motor neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

New drug promises relief for inflammatory pain, Stanford scientists say

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a non-addictive and safe-for-the-heart compound called Alda-1 that reduces inflammatory pain. The compound was found while searching for the reason behind moderate drinkers' less-severe heart attacks.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 27, 2014

Attacking a rare disease at its source with gene therapy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully treated lysosomal storage disease MPS I using gene therapy, reducing harmful protein accumulation and improving symptoms. The treatment involves direct gene transfer into glial and neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateAug 26, 2014

Some anti-inflammatory drugs affect more than their targets

Researchers discovered that commonly used NSAIDs alter the activity of enzymes within cell membranes, which can lead to unwanted side effects. This finding provides a basis for a test to predict and avoid these side effects in new medicines.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 21, 2014

Recombinant adenovirus-mediated DHCR24 inhibits neural apoptosis

Researchers successfully constructed an adenovirus that induces DHCR24 specifically in neuronal cells, demonstrating its neuroprotective effects against amyloid beta-induced apoptosis. This breakthrough paves the way for further studies on DHCR24 gene therapy and neuronal functional research.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 21, 2014
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.

Aspirin, take 2

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that aspirin prompts the production of 15-HETE, which converts to lipoxin to reverse inflammation. This discovery may lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies by developing drugs based on lipoxin analogues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014
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.

Glucose 'control switch' in the brain key to both types of diabetes

A study by Yale researchers has identified a crucial role for prolyl endopeptidase enzyme in regulating glucose sensing in the brain. The findings suggest that this enzyme plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels, and could eventually lead to new treatments for diabetes.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2014

Metabolic enzyme stops progression of most common type of kidney cancer

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified an enzyme called FBP1 that regulates metabolism and restrains energy production in cells. The enzyme is missing from all kidney tumor tissue, leading to rapid cell growth. This discovery may lead to personalized approaches for treating clear cell renal cell carcino...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2014

Drug shows promise for effectively treating metabolic syndrome

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that stimulates the overproduction of fatty acids and triglycerides, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. A new drug candidate is being developed to target this enzyme, potentially treating metabolic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 3, 2014
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.

University of Tennessee discoveries could help neutralize chemical weapons

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have made significant progress in engineering enzymes that can break down nerve agents, potentially creating a prophylactic drug. The study uses neutron scattering and computational sciences to improve the efficiency of these bioscavengers, which could lead to safer use of chemical weapons.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2014
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.

Insights into the geometry of genetic coding

Researchers from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo identified a surprising mechanism for accurate protein synthesis through crystallographic studies. The enzyme alanyl-tRNA synthetase precisely identifies proper tRNA molecules using a geometric feature, allowing cells to accurately translate genetic code into essential proteins.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2014

York scientists provide new insights into biomass breakdown

Researchers from the University of York have provided new information on how LPMOs work, enabling the degradation of hard-to-digest biomass into its constituent sugars. This breakthrough aims to improve second-generation biofuel production by fermenting cellulose into bioethanol.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2014

Breakthrough shows how DNA is 'edited' to correct genetic diseases

Scientists have observed the process by which CRISPR enzymes bind and alter DNA structure, paving the way for correcting genetic diseases in humans. The study provides a vital piece of the puzzle for genome editing tools to be used in humans.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014
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.