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Franco-German research funding in the field of biology

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and their French partners receive funding for two distinctive biology projects through the ANR-DFG program. The EVOMET project investigates plant metabolism, while the NeuroDevFunc project explores how fruit flies process visual motion generated by self-movement.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJan 8, 2024

Deciphering molecular mysteries: new insights into metabolites that control aging and disease

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a novel family of metabolites called acylspermidines that are linked to sirtuin activity. These compounds were found to influence lifespan in C. elegans and cell proliferation in mammals, providing new insights into the physiological functions of spermidine and sirtuins.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

One of the keys to healthy sleep and blood sugar has been found

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a link between the rare D-form of the amino acid alanine and the circadian clock's influence on glucose metabolism in the kidney. The study found that D-alanine regulates gluconeogenesis, a process that creates new glucose to maintain energy levels, and is mediated by the protein Cry2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalKidney360·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More than skin-deep

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Novel concept of ‘metabolic elasticity’ offers new screening strategy for metabolic health; provides potential means of curbing metabolic decline in ageing and obesity

Researchers developed a new framework to measure metabolic health, introducing the concept of metabolic elasticity. The study found that metabolic elasticity declines with age and obesity, affecting the body's ability to adapt to changing energy needs.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023
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.

Nature is inventive - the same substance is produced differently by plants

Researchers have found that benzoxazinoids, a special plant defense compound, evolved independently in distantly related plant families. The study used two species, golden dead-nettle and zebra plant, to elucidate the metabolic pathway of these compounds, revealing unexpected diversity in enzymes performing the same reactions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Enlighten me

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses gibberellin precursors to produce a signaling molecule aiding survival under shaded conditions. This metabolic pathway inheritance provides insight into the evolution of plant hormone responses.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Cell biology: How cellular powerhouses call for help when under stress

A team of researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt has discovered a central switch point in the mitochondrial signaling chain under misfolding stress. The mitochondria send two chemical signals to the cell when protein misfolding stress occurs, triggering a protective response that reduces misfolded proteins and stabilizes membranes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

Comprehensive analysis of single plant cells provides new insights into natural product biosynthesis

Researchers used single-cell multi-omics to study specialized cell types involved in producing medically relevant plant compounds. The analyses revealed that three distinct cell types are organized in a specific biosynthetic pathway for vinblastine, a key alkaloid compound with anti-cancer properties.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Eye color genes are critical for retinal health

Studies suggest that four genetic variants controlling eye pigmentation also regulate retinal health, with imbalances linked to diseases like neurodegenerative conditions. The kynurenine pathway's metabolites play a crucial role in maintaining retinal health.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

COVID-19 discovery could protect high-risk patients

UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Biological network in cells helps body adapt to stresses on health

Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Honey bee metabolic pathway discovered with strong connections to winter colony losses

A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists has identified a specific metabolic pathway controlling energy and immune response in honey bees under cold stress. This pathway is strongly connected to large overwintering colony losses, making it a promising avenue for new therapeutic strategies to mitigate these losses.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Three new biomarkers identified to detect consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoid

A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalClinical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

New insights into how serotonin regulates behavior

New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

Metabolic markers could give clues for brain hypertension

A new study identified distinct metabolic profiles in women with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised brain pressure. Weight loss programs showed positive effects on results, suggesting that metabolism plays a role in disease development.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022

Anti-cancer drug brewed from reprogrammed yeast

Researchers have genetically engineered yeast to produce vindoline and catharanthine, the precursors to vinblastine, a widely used anti-cancer drug. This breakthrough may lead to new sources of these compounds and reduce dependence on plant farming and logistics challenges.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 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.

Soil microbes use different pathways to metabolize carbon

Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use distinct metabolic pathways to metabolize carbon in different soils, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of soil ecology. The study suggests that these differences may be related to protection against oxygen stress in certain environments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Study sheds light on the benefits of exercise in fatty liver disease

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that regular high-intensity interval training exercise can significantly decrease fasting glucose levels and waist circumference, while improving oxygen consumption rates in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise also modifies amino acid metabolism in adipose tissue...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2022
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.

A refined microbiome “fingerprint” method tracks sub-strain variants of a single gut microbe strain

Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Balancing lipids and recycling to prevent mitochondrial meltdown

Researchers discovered that lipid droplets play a crucial role in mitochondrial recycling, and impairing DGAT1 activity leads to reduced recycling and increased cell stress. The study provides new insights into iron homeostasis and its impact on cellular metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 20, 2022

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ovarian cancer: Potential therapeutic target identified

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified DOT1L as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Inhibitors of the DOT1L enzyme showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
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.

More ancestral enzyme

The study reports the crystal structures of aconitase X enzymes from bacteria and archaea, providing novel insights into their catalytic mechanisms. The findings suggest that ancestral active sites in aconitase superfamily are conserved across different species.

SourceEhime University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2021

Charting metabolic maps in the pursuit of new vaccines and antimicrobials

Researchers created a new method to map metabolic pathways in microbes, unlocking routes for new vaccines and antimicrobials. The study reveals new insights into the metabolic function of M. agalactiae and M. pneumoniae, two common bacteria that infect livestock and humans respectively.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 2, 2020

A new way to control microbial metabolism

Researchers develop method to induce bacteria to switch between pathways at different times, optimizing production without human intervention. This approach boosts microbial yields by up to tenfold for two different products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

Something old, something new in the ocean's blue

Researchers at Max Planck Institute uncover forgotten metabolic pathway in ocean microorganisms, finding widespread distribution and ecological significance. The discovery provides valuable insights into the degradation of glycolic acid and its impact on global climate change.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2019
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.

Something old, something new in the ocean's blue

Scientists have found a new metabolic pathway that recycles glycolic acid, a key compound in the ocean's ecosystem. This discovery challenges current understanding of the global carbon cycle and highlights the importance of microorganisms in recycling biomass.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2019

Scientists identified the metabolic features specific to the autistic brain

Researchers discovered distinct metabolic patterns in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study found that ASD affects evolutionarily novel metabolic pathways, suggesting a possible connection to human-specific evolutionary changes.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 16, 2019
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.

The transgenic key to more productive crops

A new study engineered transgenic tobacco plants with synthetic metabolic pathways to bypass photorespiration, increasing dry weight biomass by large margins. The approach has potential implications for improving crop yields globally, especially for crops like rice and wheat.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2019

World's most efficient production of succinate from carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that increasing cyanobacteria growth temperature boosts succinate production by 7.5 times, thanks to genetic engineering and dynamic metabolome analysis. The study uses Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a model organism to develop more efficient metabolic pathways.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateJun 6, 2018

Researchers isolate biting, non-biting genes in pitcher plant mosquitoes

Researchers isolated 1,380 genes related to biting and non-biting in the pitcher plant mosquito, identifying 902 biting and 478 non-biting genes. The study provides a starting point for discovering genetic pathways that can be manipulated to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 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.

The value of nutrition and exercise, according to a moth

Researchers discovered that hawkmoths harness the pentose phosphate pathway to create antioxidants, reducing muscle damage from high-intensity flight. This metabolic strategy allows them to process sugary diets without succumbing to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2017

Chemical engineers boost bacteria's productivity

Researchers designed a novel genetic switch that shuts down competing metabolic pathways in bacteria, allowing for increased production of glucaric acid and other chemicals. The switch uses quorum sensing to autonomously control the cells' growth, enabling efficient production without adding new chemicals or changing process conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 13, 2017

'Big data' drills down into metabolic details

A new computational method, CORDA, models tissue-specific metabolic pathways by assigning a cost to reactions without experimental data. Researchers found key differences in metabolic similarities between healthy and cancerous tissues, including up-regulation of folate metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 9, 2016
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.

High-throughput evaluation of synthetic metabolic pathways

Researchers review challenges and advances in optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis, and high-throughput screening are discussed to improve pathway creation and screening.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2015

Pathogen grows on cold smoked salmon by using alternative metabolic pathways

Researchers discovered that Listeria monocytogenes can grow on refrigerated smoked salmon by utilizing different metabolic pathways than those used in laboratory media. This finding could lead to the development of inhibitors to control pathogen growth on foods and improve risk assessments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2015

Cells exercise suboptimal strategy to survive

A new study published in BMC Systems Biology uses computational method corsoFBA to model cellular metabolism and discover how organisms adapt to changing environments. The researchers, led by Amina Qutub, aim to develop new treatments for diseases such as stroke and cancer.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Systems Biology·DateApr 6, 2015

Alterations in fatty acid synthesis linked to sepsis inflammation

A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that UCP2 induces fatty acid synthesis, activating inflammatory pathways in patients with sepsis. Lack of UCP2 improved survival in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting UCP2 as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2015
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.

Starting a new metabolic path

Researchers at JBEI have developed a technique called targeted proteomics that enables the rapid identification and quantification of specific proteins in cells or microbes. This technique can help identify bottlenecks in metabolic pathways, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in biofuel and therapeutic drug production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 20, 2011

Researchers figure out how hearts fail

Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysiological Reviews·DateJul 21, 2005