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Gene responsible for severe facial defects identified

A team of researchers from UNIGE and Beihang University has identified the FOXI3 gene as responsible for one form of Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. Pathogenic variants in both copies of the FOXI3 gene are necessary for the disease to develop, following an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2023

Stay CALM when the heart skips a beat

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a genetic mutation that causes lethal arrhythmia in humans. The study found that a novel variant of the CALM2 gene produces robust arrhythmogenicity in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

5,500 people diagnosed with rare genetic diseases in major research study

A nationwide UK research study has diagnosed around 5,500 children with severe developmental disorders, identifying the genetic cause of their condition. The Deciphering Developmental Disorders study used genomic sequencing technology to provide diagnoses for families from across the UK and Ireland.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023

Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death

A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 4, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetic tests unexpectedly find genes linked to heart disease — now what?

A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides guidance on interpreting incidental genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The statement aims to determine whether a variant truly carries a health risk and suggests next steps for individuals and healthcare professionals.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateMar 27, 2023

Scientists unlock key to drought-resistant wheat plants with longer roots

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a key to improving drought-resistant wheat plants by stimulating longer root growth. By increasing the copies of specific genes, plants can absorb water from deeper supplies, leading to increased biomass and higher grain yield.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study decodes one of the living world’s fastest cell movements

Researchers at Okayama University discovered genes and proteins responsible for the rapid contraction of axopodia in Heliozoa, a group of eukaryotes. The study identified key players in microtubule disruption, including katanin p60, kinesin, and calcium signaling proteins.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Specific modifier genes determine the effect of mutations that cause non-compaction cardiomyopathy

Researchers found that the presence of one Mindbomb1 mutation does not always lead to non-compaction cardiomyopathy, but depends on genetic context provided by other gene mutations. The study identified modifier genes contributing to disease severity and diversity in affected individuals.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

On the trail of missing genes and cancer clues

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a direct link between TET protein loss of function and missing genes in embryonic stem cells, which can lead to cancer growth. The study found that TET proteins are crucial for maintaining genome stability, and their loss results in aneuploidies, a common feature of cancer cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Discovery of 119-million-year-old selfish genes in yeast potentially alters our understanding of how parasitic DNA impacts genome evolution

Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

Tiny sea creature’s genes shed light on evolution of immunity

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

The evolution of mucus: How did we get all this slime?

Researchers identified 15 instances of mucinization, where new mucins emerged from non-mucin proteins by adding repeating sequences. This process transformed the proteins into mucins with gooey consistency, contributing to their various biological functions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2022

Dysfunctional gene leads to potentially treatable hearing loss

Inherited mutations in the MINAR2 gene cause deafness in four families, with progressive hearing loss in some affected individuals and mice. The study suggests these cases may be suitable for intervention with genetic therapies.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

New screening test for those at risk of sudden cardiac arrest

Researchers have created a new electrical test to screen hundreds of gene mutations, pinpointing harmful mutations that cause inherited heart disorders and sudden death. The breakthrough can identify genetic variants associated with neurological conditions, muscle and kidney diseases.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Some hard-to-crack genome areas carry genes that make us distinctly humans

The completed human genome assembly has revealed new insights into human evolution and diseases. Researchers found that highly repetitive regions, including segmental duplications, contain genes critical for brain development and function. These findings shed light on the genetic factors that make humans distinct from other primates.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

The root of it: Understanding molecular basis of lateral root development in rice

Researchers discovered two WOX genes controlling lateral root primordium size in rice, improving drought stress tolerance and crop production. QHB/OsWOX5 regulates S-type roots, while OsWOX10 mediates L-type root development, enhancing water uptake under drought conditions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2022
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.

The delicate dance of developmental genes

A study by EPFL researchers reveals that CTCF sites within the HoxD cluster contribute to organizing genes into topologically associated domains, helping to organize developmental complexity. The dual function of CTCF binding sites varies depending on tissue type.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 27, 2021

ACMG Foundation/David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award honors Catherine A. Ziats, MD

Catherine A. Ziats, MD, received the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her platform presentation on alterations in respiratory epithelial gene SPDEF and severe disease responses to COVID-19 infection. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing our understanding of host genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 14, 2021

New genes for human deafness found in Israeli families

A new study has identified 32 genes responsible for inherited hearing loss in Israeli Jewish families, including a previously unknown gene mutation. The research provides immediate implications for genetic counseling and personalized treatment options for patients with hearing loss.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalClinical Genetics·DateSep 23, 2020

Scientists identify gene family key to unlocking vertebrate evolution

Researchers discovered a new gene family critical for forming vertebrate head skeletons and unique traits during embryonic development. The Endothelin signaling pathway allows neural crest cells to proliferate and specialize into different roles throughout the body, making vertebrates distinct from invertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020
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.

Ancient gene family protects algae from salt and cold in an Antarctic lake

Scientists have discovered an ancient gene family in Chlamydomonas algae that produces glycerol to protect against salt and cold stress in Antarctica. The gene family is necessary and sufficient for glycerol synthesis, suggesting its ancient origin and importance for survival in extreme environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Understanding unexplained low blood sugar in children: More than normal variation

Researchers have identified four novel genes related to glucose metabolism that appear to explain unexplained low blood sugar in at least four families. The discovery may lead to the development of a novel drug against diabetes. However, more studies are needed to confirm the exact functional significance of these genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2020

Genes linked to sex ratio and male fertility in mice

Researchers identified genes that influence the balance between male and female offspring in mice, affecting male fertility. The study found that removing specific gene families led to skewed sex ratios and male infertility, providing a potential model for understanding sperm production.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2019
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.

Part of the immune strategy of the strawberry plant is characterized

A research team has characterized a VQ gene family in strawberries, revealing its relationship to protein transcription factors that regulate stress response genes. This study provides valuable insights into the strawberry's defense mechanisms and opens up possibilities for genetic improvement.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019

Scientists edge closer to root causes of multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered 12 genes that increase MS risk in families with multiple members affected by the disease. They found a common biological process leading to increased inflammation, paving the way for personalized treatments and preventative strategies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 6, 2019

Microglia turned on

Researchers have developed a microglia-selective fluorogenic probe that triggers fluorescence through gene expression, enabling selective labeling and imaging of microglia cells in live brain tissue. This probe has the potential to detect developing neural diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 27, 2019

Finnish researchers discover a new form of hereditary osteoporosis

Researchers identified a gene defect underlying childhood-onset osteoporosis in two Finnish families and four additional families worldwide. The SGMS2 gene mutation causes changes in bone metabolism and mineralisation, leading to severe short stature and disturbed bone development.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 24, 2019
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.

First patient affected by a mutation in the nucleoside transporter SLC28 gene family

Researchers have identified a mutation in the SLC28A1 gene, affecting the synthesis of the hCNT1 protein and altering pyrimidine metabolism. The study provides insights into the potential role of nucleoside transporters in regulating cellular processes and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease·DateFeb 5, 2019

Axon guidance gene influences reward system

A study found that individuals with a DCC gene mutation had reduced connectivity between brain regions involved in reward processing, leading to less impulsive behavior and lower cigarette smoking. The researchers also observed decreased volume in the striatum, a brain region critical for motivation and pleasure.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2018

BU study: Egyptian fruit bat genome yields clues to protection

A new study from Boston University has identified larger-than-expected families of genes related to the mammalian immune system in the Egyptian fruit bat. This finding may lead to a deeper understanding of virus transmission and better treatments for humans infected with deadly pathogens.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell·DateApr 26, 2018
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.

Seeing sounds: Researchers uncover molecular clues for synesthesia

Scientists have identified genetic variants associated with synaesthesia, revealing a connection between genes involved in brain cell wiring and the condition. The study provides new insights into the biology of synaesthesia, a trait that runs in families and can manifest differently in each individual.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 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.

Gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Southwestern US Hispanic families

A study has identified a common gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Hispanic families from the Southwestern US, with over 70 genes now known to cause the disease. The researchers found that a dominant mutation in the arrestin-1 gene is responsible for 36% of cases, offering hope for future treatments and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 26, 2017

More multiple sclerosis-causing mutations found in Canadian families

Scientists have identified two genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The double gene mutation was found in a large Canadian family with five members diagnosed with MS, revealing new insights into the disease's origins and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHuman Mutation·DateApr 17, 2017

Genetic errors associated with heart health may guide drug development

Researchers found a link between partial loss of the ANGPTL3 gene and lower cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The study suggests that inhibiting ANGPTL3 could lead to new therapies for preventing heart attacks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New genes linked with bigger brains identified

Scientists have identified new gene families linked to larger neocortex sizes in various mammal species, including humans. The study reveals genes involved in cell signaling and immune response that may contribute to brain development.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOpen Biology·DateOct 4, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Discovery yields answers for family with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection

Researchers identify LOX gene mutations as cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in family study, providing biological mechanism and possible therapeutic targets. The discovery illuminates the genetic basis of a rare disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

First gene mutation explaining development of multiple sclerosis found

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that can directly cause the development of multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease affecting 2 million worldwide. The mutation in NR1H3 gene leads to loss of function of its protein product LXRA, controlling lipid homeostasis and inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2016
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.

Is nature mostly a tinkerer or an inventor?

The University of Miami study reveals that the KLF/SP gene family expanded and diversified during animal evolution through domain shuffling, gene duplication, and de novo domain evolution. This 'tinkering' process led to an increase in repressor domains, which may have contributed to the development of complex cell types and tissues.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateAug 18, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Octopus genome sequenced

The California two-spot octopus genome was fully sequenced, revealing widespread genomic rearrangements and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The findings provide an important foundation for evolutionary studies and deeper investigations into the genetic mechanisms underlying cephalopod-specific traits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2015

Study of birds' sense of smell reveals important clues for behavior and adaptation

A recent comparative genomic study found that specific olfactory receptor genes correlate with ecological niches and behaviors in birds. Specialized skills, such as those in birds of prey or aquatic birds, were mirrored by genetic diversity of their OR gene families.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 29, 2015