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Bacteria to the rescue again

The study introduces a synthetic, animal-free gel that enables the long-term growth of 3D organoids, overcoming limitations of traditional animal-derived gels. The PIC–invasin gel offers robustness, consistency, and potential for widespread use in research and clinical settings.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

A newly discovered mechanism rejuvenates aging cells

A newly discovered mechanism has identified a key protein, AP2A1, that toggles between 'young' and 'old' cell states. By suppressing AP2A1 in older cells, researchers were able to reverse senescence and promote cellular rejuvenation. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment targets for diseases associated with old age.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular Signalling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Tweaking cancer cell response to ultrasound treatment

Increasing the spacing between integrin-ECM binding domains on the extracellular matrix can boost the efficiency of ultrasound treatment applied to kill cancer cells. A new study found that this increased spacing triggers myosin forces, pumps more calcium inside, and promotes cell death.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bacteria to the rescue: a sustainable solution for growing organoids

Researchers have developed a new way to grow organoids using Invasin, a protein produced by bacteria, mimicking the original organ with its variety of cell types. This study provides an affordable, standardized and animal-free alternative to currently used methods.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2024

Viscosity of materials key to cell differentiation

Researchers from IBEC have improved understanding of how MSCs sense environment viscosity, a key factor in differentiation into different tissue types. Viscosity affects cell behavior and promotes differentiation into softer tissues like cartilage.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2024

Cohesion at the cellular level: flexible yet stable

Scientists discover a dynamic paxillin-integrin interaction that enables flexible yet stable cell cohesion. This finding may lead to the development of new medical agents targeting cellular adhesion points.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 5, 2024

Study raises possibility of immunotherapy treatment for ALS

Researchers at OHSU identified a type of monoclonal antibody that can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating immune cells. The study used a mouse model and confirmed results in human brains affected by ALS, revealing a promising potential treatment for this fatal neurodegenerative disease.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

How a viral toxin may exacerbate severe COVID-19

A new study suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to vascular leak, a dangerous release of fluids from blood vessels leading to respiratory failure. Researchers believe blocking this pathway could help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms and shed light on other emerging infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Cell groups push, rather than pull, themselves into place as organs form and cancers spread

Researchers discovered that cells in moving group push the front of their group, contrary to previous findings that they pull with their front edges. The discovery sheds light on how tissues apply force in groups to generate motion in living organisms, which could have implications for cancer spread.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Texas Heart Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and 7 Hills Pharma pioneer significant vaccine research

Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Staying in touch!

Researchers identified key enzyme PPM1F that regulates integrins' detachment from ECM, allowing cells to move in protein meshwork. The discovery sheds light on how cells balance attachment to versus detachment from extracellular matrix.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 2020
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.

'Off-road' mode enables mobile cells to move freely

Researchers at IST Austria found that actin flows from front to tail, driving cell movement, and can couple with environment without integrins, enabling flexible crawling through tissues. This 'off-road' mode of locomotion allows cells to migrate efficiently in various environments.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Study homes in on possible cause of sudden cardiac deaths

Researchers identified a protein and signaling pathway that may contribute to sudden cardiac deaths in patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The study found that loss of integrin β1D prevents proper calcium control, leading to arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation·DateMar 3, 2020

Missing molecule hobbles cell movement

Cells lacking CD13 protein can't move normally, hindering their ability to repair wounds and metastasize. Researchers discovered that CD13 acts as an organizer, gathering recycled integrin proteins at the cell membrane to enable movement.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 3, 2019
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.

Cancer can run but it can't hide

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) researchers find bone marrow stromal cells harbor leukemia cells, shielding them from chemotherapy. Yong-Mi Kim seeks integrin molecules to block treatment evasion.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateDec 20, 2018

Team gets a closer look at how proteins meet on the cell membrane

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms of protein talin's activation of integrin on the cell membrane. This process is essential for cell adhesion and plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2018

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 2, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Breakthrough for peptide medication

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a strategy for designing peptides that can be administered orally, overcoming the major challenge of stability and absorption. This breakthrough simplifies the creation of peptide medications, potentially offering new treatments for various diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 21, 2018

How cells are able to turn

Researchers have demonstrated that cells navigate using molecular force from within, enabling them to turn and potentially leading to the development of new drugs. This discovery was made possible by the study of integrins, which are essential for cell interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2018

Silky secrets to make bones

Researchers found that genes can be activated in human stem cells to initiate biomineralization, a key step in bone formation. The study used engineered silk derived from golden orb weaver spider webs and supercomputers Stampede1 and Comet to model the folding of proteins and predict osteogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 19, 2017
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.

Internal forces directing cell migration are revealed by live-cell microscopy

A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the orientation of integrins on cell surfaces in real-time, revealing that actin flow inside the cell aligns with external forces. The study provides new insights into how cells migrate towards wounds or pathogens, shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular movement.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2017

Proteins keep a grip on cells

Scientists have identified where laminin 511 interacts with integrins, crucial adhesion molecules that determine cell function and shape. The discovery reveals the gamma chain directly interacts with integrins, stabilizing the laminin-integrin bond.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2017
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.

New protein discovered in aging and cancer

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified a new protein that plays a crucial role in the aging process and early cancer development. The protein, integrin beta 3, helps regulate cellular senescence by transmitting signals to surrounding cells.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 7, 2017

Study reveals workings of immune response to deadly fungal infections

A team of scientists at Brown University has made key discoveries about the body's natural immune response to fungal infections. They found that specific receptors on white blood cells signal the cells to take action against the fungus, and manipulating these receptors may help develop new therapies to combat growing drug resistance.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateNov 17, 2016

How cells move

A study by Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt reveals how cells move using integrins, actin, and an adaptor protein. The technique enables measuring mechanical force acting on integrins, which could lead to targeted drugs to strengthen the immune system against infections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2016

Cancer cells metastasize by hitching a ride on platelets

Researchers found that platelet α6β1 integrin promotes interactions between tumor cells and platelets, leading to decreased lung metastasis in mice. Antibody-mediated blockade of α6β1 integrin inhibited tumor metastasis in murine models of breast cancer and melanoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 8, 2016

LJI researchers gain new understanding of how neutrophils latch onto vessel walls to protect from infection and clean up injured tissue

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a novel mechanism by which neutrophil receptors latch onto vessel walls, dampening inflammation. Integrins assume an unorthodox shape that exposes the high affinity patch but maintains a bent conformation, preventing it from binding to ICAM-1 expressed on blood vessel cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2016
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.

Unexpected findings reveal insight into how cancer spreads in the body

A recent study by Queen Mary University of London has uncovered a previously unknown survival mechanism used by cancer cells to spread throughout the body. The researchers discovered that an integrin protein pairs with c-Met and signals within the cell to resist death, paving the way for new therapies to prevent metastasis.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2016
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.

Adhesion ABC

Cells form early adhesions from integrin clusters, a consistent size of 100 nanometres, even on soft or hard surfaces. These modular units enable cells to sense and migrate on surfaces with different rigidity, a hallmark of metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 5, 2016

Pinpoint targeting instead of shotgun approach

Researchers at Technical University of Munich create a highly active molecule that selectively targets the alphaVbeta6 integrin, a common marker in many types of cancer. This breakthrough could lead to patient-specific diagnoses and targeted therapies with minimal side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 17, 2015

For one researcher, a love for science is in the blood

Bingbang Xiang discovered that platelets play a protective role in severe sepsis by producing anti-inflammatory agents to prevent immune cells from becoming too active. His findings suggest that platelet transfusions may be effective for treating severely septic patients.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateOct 13, 2015

Researchers discover new information on the spread of cancer

Researchers discovered that intracellular receptor signalling sustains cancer cells detached from surrounding tissue. Preventing this signalling reduces the ability of cancer cells to survive and spread. This breakthrough opens a new perspective on integrin receptors' activity in cancer.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 8, 2015
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.

New technique reveals immune cell motion

Researchers developed a new technique to study neutrophil motion in confined spaces, revealing a second mode of motion that doesn't rely on integrins. The findings suggest that physical confinement is key to reproducing this motion and may lead to the development of new drugs to optimize neutrophil movement in specific tissue types.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2014

Molecular beacons shine light on how cells 'crawl'

Researchers use DNA-based tension probes to measure the mechanical forces at the molecular level, revealing how cells sense and interact with their environment. The study provides a new understanding of cellular mechanics and its significance in various biological processes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2014

Mass. General study identifies path to safer drugs for heart disease, cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a path to safer drugs for heart disease and cancer. By analyzing the structure of an extracellular matrix protein and its interaction with an integrin, they have discovered a high-affinity version that can bind strongly without inducing unintended receptor activation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 23, 2014
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.

Research by Saint Louis University scientists offers way to disrupt fibrosis

Scientists at Saint Louis University have discovered a potential novel therapeutic approach to treat fibrotic diseases by targeting the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) beta protein. Removing a gene that makes alpha v integrins blocks TGF beta activation, and treatment with a small molecule compound replicates this effect.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 10, 2013

Discovery could lead to anti-clotting drugs with less risk of bleeding

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a molecular switch that causes small, beneficial clots to enlarge further during wound healing. By blocking this switch, potent anti-clotting drugs can be developed to prevent large clots from forming while preserving the body's ability to form primary clots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2013
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.

Computer simulations yield clues to how cells interact with surroundings

Researchers used a computer model of integrin to explore its molecular machinery and interactions with the cell environment. The model suggests that integrins cluster together in response to external forces and recruit more integrins when subjected to higher forces.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 22, 2013

Cell movement explained by molecular recycling

Researchers at the University of Manchester identified the method by which cells regulate integrin recycling, allowing precise control over cell movement. Syndecan-4 plays a critical role in regulating this process, responding to subtle changes in the cell's surroundings.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 28, 2013
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.

Got to go? Harvard scientists figure out how you know

Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which the bladder senses its level of fullness through integrin proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this pathway to treat overactive bladder and incontinence.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 8, 2013

Understanding cell organization to tackle cancer

Scientists have discovered a vital interplay between transport machinery and integrin receptors that ensures proteins are transported to the correct area of the cell. This understanding could lead to better diagnosis for cancer patients as it reveals how cells become disorganized in early stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 23, 2012

DGK-alpha helps cancer cells gain traction and mobilize

A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology reveals how DGK-alpha, a lipid-converting enzyme, enables invasive cancer cells to recycle integrins, providing better traction on fibronectin fibers. This process is essential for tumor progression and metastasis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2010

Researchers have discovered a link between decreased alpha-2 integrin expression and increased tumor dissemination in breast and prostate cancer patients. Additionally, targeting blood vessel growth has been found to alleviate psoriasis symptoms by reducing angiogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010
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.

Alpha-2 integrin: A protein predictor of tumor spread?

Researchers found decreased alpha-2 integrin expression predicts tumor dissemination and lower survival rates in breast and prostate cancer. Alpha-2 integrin suppression of metastasis was confirmed using a mouse model and human microarray databases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010