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Deeper insight into viral infections

A new bioinformatics analysis method has been developed to study viral infections, revealing over 500 different proteins and peptides, including 200 previously unknown to science. This discovery improves the identification of translation events and opens up new possibilities to understand the effects of viral infections on the organism.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A protein that self-replicates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that protein amyloids can self-replicate, challenging the long-held RNA hypothesis as the origin of life. The findings suggest that early life forms may have used amyloids as information carriers and catalytic units.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2018

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

Insulin goes viral

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that four viruses can produce insulin-like hormones that bind to human insulin receptors and stimulate cellular signaling. This finding opens up a new field of study in microbial endocrinology, potentially revealing biological mechanisms behind diabetes, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2018

What makes the bacteria behind Lyme disease tick?

Researchers have identified the crucial role of peptide uptake in Borrelia burgdorferi's viability and ability to infect mammals. Blocking this process could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for Lyme disease.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2018

Mind-controlling molecules from wasp venom could someday help Parkinson's patients

Scientists have identified a new family of peptides in wasp venom that can control insect behavior, which may also help develop Parkinson's disease treatments. The peptides, called ampulexins, were found to immobilize cockroaches, and further research aims to identify cellular targets for potential treatment applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateFeb 7, 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.

Through the looking glass: New mirror-image molecules could lead to better medicines

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed technology for creating durable disease-fighting molecules that can last longer in the body, reducing frequent drug injections. Mirror-image versions of existing drugs, such as GLP1 and PTH, have been created using computational approach, showing longer-lasting effects on cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Clockwork under the microscope

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered how honeybees manage to visit flowers at the right time and communicate this information to other bees. The study found that a specific peptide called PDF plays a central role in regulating circadian clocks, transferring day-night information to brain areas that control complex ...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateJan 16, 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.

Novel methodology increases resolution in oligodendrocyte proteomics

Researchers at UNICAMP developed a new method to increase the resolution of proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry, identifying 10,390 proteins expressed in oligodendrocytes. This improved resolution enables the study of previously undetectable proteins, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches for schizophrenia.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPROTEOMICS·DateJan 3, 2018

Unlocking the mystery of pollen tube guidance

Researchers at Nagoya University and Tsinghua University have analyzed the crystal structure of LURE bound to its receptor protein PRK6, revealing a unique binding scheme that controls pollen tube growth. The study provides insights into the precise mechanism of direction control in fertilization.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 29, 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.

Computational strategies overcome obstacles in peptide therapeutics development

Researchers have developed a new method to design ordered peptide macrocycles with high accuracy, solving long-standing problems in peptide therapeutics development. The approach uses natural amino acids and their mirror opposites to improve pharmacological properties and provide a diverse range of shapes.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

ASU scientists develop new, rapid pipeline for antimicrobials

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a high-throughput technology that can produce up to 1,000 doses of antimicrobial treatments within a week. The system uses synthetic antibodies, or synbodies, which are made from short protein fragments and can be quickly screened against a large number of pathogens.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2017

Malignant mitochondria as a target

A metallopeptide has been synthesized to target and disrupt mitochondrial function in breast cancer stem cells, inducing apoptosis. The peptide effectively delivers ROS and impairs mitochondrial metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

New active ingredients from the toolbox

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have successfully designed non-ribosomal peptide synthetases to produce completely new natural products. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel therapeutics and peptides with improved yields and modified structures, offering new avenues for biotechnology and drug development.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 13, 2017

Biomarker may predict early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a peptide that can predict early Alzheimer's disease by recognizing vasculature associated with brain inflammation. The discovery may provide a means of homing drugs to diseased areas of the brain, targeting treatments before amyloid plaques appear.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017
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 bioresources for plant peptide hormones using gene editing technology

Researchers from Kumamoto University have created a comprehensive genetic resource collection of plants with knocked out CLE peptides-encoding genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This collection is expected to contribute significantly to future studies on the function of plant peptide hormones.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 8, 2017

A new way to get a drug molecule into the cell?

Scientists discovered a new binding motif that enables positively charged amino acids to bind with negatively charged terminal groups in peptides or proteins. This discovery may help rationalize why certain peptides easily pass through cell membranes and aid in designing efficient transport of drug molecules.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·DateNov 1, 2017

Modified peptides could boost plant growth and development

Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered modified peptides that can enhance plant growth and development. The study, published in Cell Chemical Biology, found that these peptides can regulate root development and increase productivity, leading to improved agricultural sustainability and food security.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 4, 2017
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.

Small intestine permeable peptides facilitate digestive tract absorption

Researchers from Kumamoto University have identified a new cyclic peptide that facilitates the absorption of biopharmaceutical products in the small intestine. The discovery has significant implications for the development of orally administered drugs, including insulin and other life-saving medications.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 20, 2017

Heart hormones protect against obesity and insulin resistance

A study published in Science Signaling reveals that enhanced natriuretic peptide signaling in adipose tissue protects against obesity and insulin resistance. Boosting levels of NPs in adipose tissue may be an important avenue for combating metabolic disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 25, 2017
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.

Postnatal identification of Zika virus peptides from saliva

Researchers have identified a potential method to screen for Zika virus exposure using proteomics in saliva. The study found that specific protein signatures can be detected in the saliva of infected individuals, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of the virus.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 21, 2017

Manmade peptides reduce breast cancer's spread

Researchers found manmade peptides significantly reduce metastasis in a mouse model of aggressive breast cancer. These peptides directly disrupt the WASF3 gene, which helps cancer cells move and invade other tissues.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCancer Growth and Metastasis·DateJul 27, 2017

A new ligand extends the half-life of peptide drugs from minutes to days

Scientists at EPFL have developed a new ligand that can extend the half-life of peptide drugs from minutes to several days. The ligand, which is easy to synthesize and has high affinity for human albumin, can be appended to peptides using standard synthesizing techniques.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

UNIST researchers find new way to tackle cancer cells

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to control cellular fate by introducing organelle-localized self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles. This approach enables targeted cancer chemotherapy by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway against cancer cells, reducing side effects.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2017

New gonorrhea treatment targets enzyme needed for respiration

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new therapy target for gonorrhea, an enzyme crucial for bacterial respiration in biofilms. A peptide that inhibits this enzyme's activity shows promise in killing the bacteria without promoting resistance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 26, 2017

Custom built molecule shows promise as anti-cancer therapy

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new molecule that stops breast cancer cells from multiplying in laboratory trials. The method used to create the molecule has potential to be applied to develop new treatments for other cancers and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJun 22, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New tools help early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis

Researchers developed two new tools to diagnose systemic sclerosis earlier: nailfold videocapillaroscopy and a blood test detecting SSc-specific autoantibodies. These tools show promise in identifying patients with the characteristic appearance of early SSc patterns, aiding targeted treatment before irreversible damage occurs.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 14, 2017

Assembly failure

A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that RNA splicing errors, caused by a specific mutation in the C9ORF72 gene, may lead to the development of both Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The researchers found that toxic peptides produced by this mutation can prevent accurate assembly of the...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 13, 2017

Pigments by design

Scientists have developed a method to tune the optical and electrical properties of synthetic polymer analogs similar to melanin, a natural pigment affecting skin color. The study reveals that adjusting peptide sequences can produce noticeably different colors, ranging from beige to brown-black.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2017

New approach set to make peptide stapling widely available

A new method developed by UK scientists makes peptide stapling cheaper and more versatile, allowing for easier manipulation of peptides in drug discovery. The approach enables the constraining, delivering, and unconstraining of peptides, improving their pharmacokinetic properties and potential as drugs.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

The next enchanted ring?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to synthesize ß-lactone peptides, a new class of antibiotics, by copying bacterial enzymes. These peptides inhibit serine hydrolases and may be useful in treating cancer, obesity, and infectious diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2017

Designer worm spit supercharges healing

A molecule produced by a Thai liver parasite has been found to have the potential to supercharge healing and treat non-healing wounds in diabetics. The researchers have successfully produced a version of the molecule on a large enough scale to conduct laboratory tests, with promising results.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2017

Alzheimer's disease-associated Aβ42 peptide

Researchers develop a cost-effective method to produce Aβ42 peptide, a key player in Alzheimer's disease, using isotope labeling and FPLC. This approach simplifies NMR-based structural studies of the peptide, paving the way for deeper understanding of AD.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Chemical Biology·DateMay 19, 2017

An immunity gene evolved in Southeast Asia to protect against leprosy

A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 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.

Utilizing tumor suppressor proteins to shape nanomaterials

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel method combining p53 and BMPep to control nanostructure of inorganic materials. The method successfully created hexagonal silver nanoplates with enhanced specificity and crystal growth regulation.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2017

Further knowledge required about the differences between milk proteins

Researchers investigate the differences between A1 and A2 milk proteins, finding that a specific peptide is present in both types. However, the content of this peptide is higher in A1 milk, suggesting that more research is needed to determine its impact on human health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Dairy Journal·DateApr 28, 2017

Killing flu viruses with help from a frog

Researchers have identified a frog peptide, urumin, that can destroy many strains of human flu and protect mice against infection. The peptide targets the hemagglutinin protein on the virus, destabilizing it and killing it.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new approach to target an 'undruggable' prostate cancer driver

Researchers from Michigan Medicine have identified a novel strategy to target the genetic anomaly that occurs in half of all prostate cancers. They developed large molecule peptides that can effectively target and degrade the ERG fusion with little impact on regular cell function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 23, 2017
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.

Never before seen images of early stage Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lund University have produced images that predate beta-amyloid plaque formation, contradicting the 'popcorn plaques' theory. The discovery reveals structural changes in the brain and suggests stabilizing beta-amyloid could slow disease progression.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2017

New tool, RODEO, promises to capture the breadth of microbial biosynthetic potential

Researchers developed software RODEO to identify clusters of genes indicating an organism's ability to synthesize therapeutically promising molecules. The tool uses machine learning approach to recognize predictive genomic features and has been successfully applied to a class of molecules called lasso peptides.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 1, 2017

Pregnancy-specific β1-glycoproteins

PSGs are recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers, with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. The discovery of PSG receptors and interactions with integrins suggests new avenues for drug design and therapeutic intervention.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 27, 2017
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.

New peptide hormone aids waterproof barrier formation in plant roots

Researchers at Nagoya University identified two peptides, CIF1 and CIF2, that regulate Casparian strip assembly in response to developmental and environmental cues. The study found that these peptides are necessary for the formation and maintenance of the barrier, which helps maintain ion homeostasis and adapt to harsh soil conditions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2017
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.