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Buzzed flies reveal important step to intoxication

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified an important intermediate step in how alcohol intoxication occurs. The enzyme phospholipase D2 links ethanol molecules to lipid membranes, triggering a metabolite called phosphatidylethanol that causes nerves to fire more easily, leading to hyperactivity in flies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

The secret contamination of polar bears

Scientists discover hundreds of unrecognized halogenated contaminants in polar bear serum, including polychlorinated biphenyls and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids. The study reveals increasing levels of these pollutants over the past two decades, posing potential health risks to the Arctic ecosystem.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 3, 2018

Authenticating the geographic origin of hazelnuts

Researchers develop NMR analysis to pinpoint hazelnut country of origin, identifying distinct metabolite profiles for specific regions. The new method achieved 96% accuracy and could be combined with existing tests for enhanced reliability.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 28, 2018

Hunt for interesting metabolites with the antiSMASH database

A new database collects results from the antiSMASH tool to ease comparison of thousands of bacterial genomes when it comes to metabolites. The database contains 6,200 full bacterial genomes and allows users to quickly access precomputed results.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Illinois study provides whole-system view of plant cold stress

A recent Illinois study provides a global view of plant cold stress by examining the entire collection of genes, metabolites, pathways, and reactions. This approach identifies significant metabolites associated with important traits and offers a step forward in metabolic profiling techniques.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers look beyond BMI to predict obesity-related disease risk

Researchers developed a new method to use metabolites to predict diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in people with obesity. The study analyzed over 2,400 participants and found that specific molecular signatures could identify individuals at higher risk of developing these diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2018

New method measures single molecules from nanoliter of blood in real time

Researchers have designed a nanopore system capable of measuring different metabolites simultaneously in biological fluids, all in seconds. The system uses substrate-binding proteins as electrical transducers to detect single molecules, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

Why vitamin E effect is often a matter of luck until now

A new study reveals the effect of vitamin E is often based on luck due to its metabolite, alpha-carboxychromanol, which has a promising anti-inflammatory effect. Personalized medicine could be improved with this discovery, as the level of alpha-carboxychromanol in patients varies greatly.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018
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.

Endocrine disruptors found in bottlenose dolphins

A new study found evidence of exposure to phthalates in 71% of bottlenose dolphins tested in Sarasota Bay, Florida. The presence of byproducts of the chemicals in the animals' urine indicates they have remained in the body long enough to process them.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateSep 5, 2018

Machine learning predicts metabolism, helping drug developers and brewers

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute developed machine learning algorithms to predict yeast metabolism from protein content, shedding light on the complex relationships between enzymes and metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of perfect beer flavors and personalized treatments for metabolic disorders.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 5, 2018

Natural 'breakdown' of chemicals predicts lung damage in 9/11 firefighters

A new study found that abnormal levels of over two dozen metabolites can predict which Sept. 11 firefighters developed lung disease and which did not. The research provides a promising approach to early detection and possible treatment of lung damage in disaster victims exposed to fine particles.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateSep 3, 2018

Study raises concern about flame-retardant metabolites in bald eagles

Researchers have discovered that chemicals used in flame retardants can be broken down into more toxic compounds in birds, including bald eagles. The study found that these metabolites can accumulate in the eggs of bald eagles, potentially affecting their reproduction and overall health.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 11, 2018
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.

WSU study reveals how shift work disrupts metabolism

A WSU study using metabolomics found that shift work schedules alter 24-hour rhythms in digestive organs, disrupting metabolism and increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The study suggests that separate biological clocks in the liver, gut, and pancreas play a key role in this disruption.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Drinking changes young adults' metabolite profile

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that adolescent drinking is associated with changes in metabolite profiles, which can lead to reduced brain grey matter volume. Heavy-drinking adolescents showed increased concentrations of 1-methylhistamine, linked to decreased brain grey matter volume.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcohol·DateJun 29, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Low-cost plastic sensors could monitor a range of health conditions

Researchers developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can measure critical metabolites in sweat, tears, saliva, or blood. The sensor offers higher sensitivity compared to traditional metal electrodes and can be easily modified to detect various metabolites.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 22, 2018

Substance in hair may be a marker for alcohol consumption

A new study found that measuring ethyl sulphate in hair can assess alcohol consumption and detect a wider time frame of drinking behavior. Researchers successfully applied this method to patients with alcohol use disorders, highlighting the potential of hair as a non-invasive testing matrix.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug Testing and Analysis·DateJun 20, 2018

Are you sticking to your diet? Scientists may be able to tell from a blood sample

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed a method to determine diet adherence from a blood sample. By analyzing small molecules called 'metabolites' in the blood, they found that levels differed significantly between participants following a prescribed diet and those not adhering to it.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Success of blood test for autism affirmed

A new blood test for autism has been validated for its exceptional success, predicting autism spectrum disorder with 88% accuracy in a second trial. The test uses an algorithm to analyze metabolites in a blood sample, offering a potential solution to lower the age of diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateJun 19, 2018

Measuring metabolites in algae one cell at a time

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to detect specific metabolites in microalgae cells. By combining fluorogenic aptamers with femtosecond laser photoporation, scientists can identify efficient cells for metabolic engineering applications.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 4, 2018

Real-time coverage of inside of the brain made possible

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new analytical system for real-time monitoring of metabolites in the brain, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and invasiveness. The system, combining probe electrospray ionization (PESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), successfully monitored cerebrum metabolites with ...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2018

Plants really do feed their friends

Researchers found that the microbes surrounding plant roots prefer a diet rich in organic acids, with sugars being preferred early in the growth cycle. This discovery could help scientists identify ways to enhance soil microbiome for improved carbon storage and plant productivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 22, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The coffee cannabis connection

A Northwestern University study found that coffee consumption decreased endocannabinoid system metabolites, which regulate stress response, cognition, and appetite. The study also suggests coffee may facilitate the excretion of steroids, potentially affecting diseases such as cancers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2018

New link between gut bacteria and obesity

Researchers at Lund University found that certain amino acids in blood are connected to obesity and gut microbiome composition. The study analyzed 674 participants and identified metabolites linked to BMI, including glutamate and BCAA, which interact with intestinal bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 2018

Metabolic modelling becomes three-dimensional

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional computer model to represent human metabolic processes. This new tool, Recon3D, integrates structural data on over 4,000 metabolites and nearly 13,000 proteins, allowing for more accurate simulations of metabolic reactions and better understanding of diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2018
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.

Biochemical networks mapped in midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

A team of researchers has mapped the biochemical networks of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, identifying key pathways that facilitate virus replication. The study's findings have significant implications for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 15, 2018

Measuring molecular interactions

Researchers have developed a new method to quantify protein-metabolite interactions, discovering hundreds of new interactions and binding sites. The approach has the potential to identify new regulatory mechanisms, enzymes, and metabolic reactions in cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Study provides first systematic survey of metabolites across tumor types

A comprehensive dataset of cancer cell metabolites has been compiled, showing consistent increases or decreases in certain metabolites across multiple tumor types. The study's findings offer insights into the metabolic programming between normal and cancer cells, with potential applications for novel therapies.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateJan 24, 2018
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.

All in the family: Focused genomic comparisons

A team of researchers sequenced and annotated the genomes of six Aspergillus species, identifying biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites of interest. The study highlights a new analysis method that pinpointed candidate genes for diverse compounds, providing potential tools for improving biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2018

Real world native biocrusts: Microbial metabolism

Researchers studied native biocrusts, discovering that specific compounds are transformed by and strongly associated with specific bacteria. The study links microbial community structure to soil chemistry, shedding light on the roles of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A visual database of human plasma compounds

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a visual database of metabolites from over 5,000 Japanese volunteers, offering valuable insights into how specific compounds relate to each other. The jMorp database contains information on 306 metabolites and 256 common proteins, with graphical correlation tools to facilitate further study.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 22, 2017

Nanofractionation platform with parallel mass spec to ID cytochrome CYP1A2 inhibitors

A new methodology for correlating compound identity to CYP1A2 potency of inhibitors in metabolic mixtures has been developed, providing direct identification of compounds with inhibitory properties. This approach allows for rapid assessment of pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and their metabolites, improving drug development.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateDec 21, 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.

OSU scientist to study living versions of origins-of-life fossils

A team led by OSU professor Kerry McPhail will study stromatolites in South Africa's barrage pools, seeking insights into chemical signaling and metabolite production among ancient microbial communities. The research aims to advance our understanding of the origins of life and develop new medicines.

SourceOregon State University·DateDec 14, 2017

Study examines medicinal compound in plant roots

Xanthones, antimicrobial compounds found in St. John's wort roots, are produced and stored in specific cell layers. The study's findings may aid in understanding xanthone biosynthesis and manipulating them for medicinal purposes.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 12, 2017

Taurine lends hand to repair cells damaged in multiple sclerosis

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that taurine helps spark a process called remyelination, crucial for repairing nerve cells damaged in multiple sclerosis. Combining taurine with existing MS drugs and future remyelination-inducing treatments may improve overall efficacy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 8, 2017

Metabolites altered in chronic kidney disease

A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease patients have abnormal metabolites in their cells' energy centers, supporting the view of CKD as a state of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers hope to identify novel therapeutic targets for CKD using metabolomics.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 22, 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.

Exposure to chemical during pregnancy may cause health problems for offspring

A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalmSystems·DateNov 8, 2017

Study finds increase of herbicide in older adults

Researchers found significant increases in glyphosate and its metabolite in the urine of older adults from Southern California between 1993 and 2016. Average glyphosate levels increased by 13 years, with detectable levels present in more than 70% of samples.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 24, 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.

The body's own fat-metabolism protects against the harmful effects of sugar

Researchers at Aarhus University discovered a detoxification process in the body's fat-metabolism that captures and inhibits toxic methylglyoxal, a key player in age-related diseases. This finding may explain why low-carbohydrate diets with plenty of fat promote healthy aging and prevent diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 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
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.

Pulling the tablecloth out from under essential metabolism

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have caught primary metabolism in the act of evolving, revealing a novel form of an enzyme that produces tyrosine. This breakthrough could lead to increased production of essential compounds, such as vitamin E and opioids.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 2017

Metabolic markers accurately diagnose typhoid fever

A metabolomics approach has identified a unique metabolic 'signature' that can accurately distinguish typhoid from other tropical diseases, providing a new approach for typhoid diagnostics. The study found excellent predictive power in distinguishing culture-positive typhoid patients from those with other diseases.

SourceeLife·DateMay 9, 2017

One step closer to finding out how wine may protect your neurons

Researchers found that wine-derived human gut metabolites are protective against neuronal death in human cells under stress conditions. The exact composition of these metabolites depends on the individual's gut microbiota, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 3, 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.

The clever cell

The University of Konstanz's biological chemistry working group has decoded a molecular mechanism that inhibits bacterial populations' swarming motility. This mechanism enables bacteria to produce various natural substances using minimal resources, which may aid in combating infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 26, 2017

New method for early screening of colorectal cancer

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to detect even earlier stages of colorectal cancer by analyzing metabolites in blood plasma. The new screening method exceeds 96% sensitivity and specificity, confirming its effectiveness even for early-stage patients.

SourceKobe University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateApr 25, 2017

Intestinal bacteria may protect against diabetes

Researchers discovered a link between indolepropionic acid and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in whole grain products and dietary fibre boosts indolepropionic acid production, promoting insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 11, 2017

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017
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.