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How do you treat untreatable infections? Do what the microbes do

Researchers at Princeton University have isolated a compound called cloacaenodin, which is a potent antibacterial peptide that can kill clinically relevant drug-resistant strains of Enterobacter. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of bacterial infections and could lead to new antibiotic development.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

A potential gamechanger in beating antimicrobial resistance

A new project aims to develop a method for producing antimicrobial peptides, which have shown promise in overcoming antibiotic resistance. The peptides' ability to delay microbial resistance development makes them an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateDec 14, 2022

Pathogenic sensor’s surprising capabilities revealed

Researchers developed a new way to study the sensory system used by pathogenic bacteria to infect humans. They screened thousands of peptides against a bacterial sensor and discovered 13 new human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that activate the sensor. The findings suggest an arms race between humans and bacteria, with each evolving ne...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Finding the answers hidden in our antibodies

A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

Researchers demonstrate in mice a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors

Researchers demonstrate a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors in mice, using a modified peptide that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The study shows promising results, with a 50% increase in survival rate for treated mice, and offers hope for future treatment breakthroughs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Technion researchers discover unique peptides with anti-cancer potential

Researchers from the Technion and University of Tokyo have discovered cyclic peptides that bind to specific chains of ubiquitin proteins, disrupting DNA repair mechanisms and leading to cell death. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against cancer cells than existing anti-cancer drugs.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

Injections for diabetes, cancer could become unnecessary

Researchers have created a chemical tag that can be added to drugs, allowing them to enter blood circulation via the intestines. The tag, called EPP6, is a neutral peptide that can deliver drugs orally, potentially replacing injections for diabetes and cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 10, 2022

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut reveal dozens of peptides regulating appetite, bowel movement, and insulin secretion. By studying human intestinal organoids, researchers characterized potentially novel gut hormones, including glucagon, and explored its role in human physiology.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022
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.

A new method for studying ribosome function

Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

A small peptide peps up almond defense against devastating bacteria

Researchers developed a small peptide that can directly kill bacteria and trigger plant defense tactics to prevent diseases like almond leaf scorch. The treatment significantly reduces pathogen population and disease symptoms, making it a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateOct 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Collaborative team at IGB discovers new natural products at unprecedented speed

A collaborative team at IGB discovered 30 new compounds, including three with antibacterial properties, using the Illinois Biological Foundry for Advanced Biomanufacturing. The platform allowed for rapid screening of hundreds of genes and pathways, enabling the researchers to identify potential anti-microbial compounds.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022

Tracking down satiety mechanisms in the stomach

Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
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.

Newly discovered protein connected to Alzheimer’s disease risk

A mutation in the SHMOOSE protein is associated with a 20-50% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease across four cohorts. The researchers suggest that targeting SHMOOSE may prove beneficial in neurodegenerative and other diseases of aging.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022
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.

This mouse can’t keep a secret about the “secretome”

Researchers created genetically edited mice to label and study secretome proteins, facilitating studies of inter-organ communication. The transgenic mice enable scientists to identify specific cell types and organs, providing a valuable resource for mapping and profiling the secretome.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalOpen Biology·DateAug 17, 2022

Peptide delivered by nasal spray can reduce seizure activity, protect neurons in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy

Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 16, 2022
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.

Road signs for immune defense cells

A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Scientists identify a plant molecule that sops up iron-rich heme

Researchers at MIT discovered a peptide that sequesters heme, an iron-containing molecule, and sends bacteria into an iron-starvation mode, potentially treating diseases like periodontal disease and sickle cell disease. This finding could translate to therapeutic applications for patients with excessive heme in their blood.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 11, 2022

Gut microbe peptide implicated in triggering type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a human gut bacterium that makes a protein mimicking the insulin peptide targeted by the immune system in type 1 diabetes. The presence of this bacterium accelerates the onset of diabetes in a mouse model and is linked to its development in children at genetic risk.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2022

Protective T cells remain 20 months after COVID-19

Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJul 21, 2022
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.

Researchers cook up new recipe for Pretzel-shaped peptides

Researchers at ANU have created a new way to synthesize bicyclic peptides, which can attach to specific proteins to fight diseases. The new method allows for more control over the final product and can be automated, increasing accessibility for biomedical researchers.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 18, 2022

SARS-Arena reveals hidden hooks in virus

The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Peptide with anti-obesity action is successfully tested in animal trial

A recent study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences reports the successful testing of Pep19, a synthetic peptide with anti-obesity action. The molecule was found to mitigate weight gain while reducing insulin resistance and liver fattiness in mice fed a high-fat diet.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJul 5, 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.

Human cells take in less protein from a plant-based meat than from chicken

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that plant-based meat substitutes contain proteins that are not as easily absorbed by human cells. The researchers used a model meat alternative made from soy and wheat gluten, which was found to have lower peptide uptake than chicken meat.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2022

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2022

A glucose meter could soon say whether you have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2022
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.

Discovery could herald new treatment for cardiac hypertrophy

Scientists have identified a key mechanism causing the heart's muscle to thicken, leading to irregular rhythms and heart failure. A new peptide treatment could prevent or stop further thickening, offering hope for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

A new wearable technology — for plants (video)

Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 4, 2022

Big molecules, boundless possibilities

University of Virginia professor Rachel Letteri's lab designs polymers for healthcare applications, using peptide fragments to create hydrogels with tunable stiffness and lifespan. The team aims to develop materials that can support cell growth and guide tissue regeneration, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 23, 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.

Why stored linseed oil tastes bitter -- And what you could do about it

Researchers identified cyclolinopeptides, particularly a methionine sulfoxide-containing class 4 peptide, as the primary cause of linseed oil's bitter off-flavor. Breeding or technical measures may help optimize flavor quality by reducing these peptides' content.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Bonds from the past: A journey through the history of protein synthesis

Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

From rare soil microbe, a new antibiotic candidate

Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New software tool allows sensitive decoding of protein glycosylation

The new software tool, Glyco-Decipher, enables the sensitive interpretation of N-glycopeptide mass spectra at high confidence. Researchers found that the fragmentation pattern of peptide backbones is not affected by attached glycans or precursor charge states.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2022

COVID-19 alters levels of fertility-related proteins in men, study suggests

A recent study published in ACS Omega analyzed protein levels in semen of men who recovered from COVID-19 and found significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normally shaped sperm. The researchers also detected changes in fertility-related proteins such as semenogelin 1 and prosaposin.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateApr 7, 2022

New tests and treatments developed in mice for pulmonary fibrosis

Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2022
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 potentially painkilling compound found in deep-water cone snails

Researchers discovered a new venom compound in deep-water cone snails, similar to the hormone somatostatin, with possible pharmaceutical applications for treating chronic pain and other human maladies. The study highlights the rich biochemical diversity of animal venoms and the need to explore new compounds.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Space-grown lettuce could help astronauts avoid bone loss

Researchers create transgenic lettuce that expresses a bone-stimulating hormone, which could help prevent osteopenia in astronauts and resource-limited areas on Earth. The lettuce would need to be consumed daily by astronauts to get a sufficient dose of the hormone.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2022
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.

NTU Singapore scientists develop novel “Trojan horse” drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets that can bypass the cell membrane and deliver biomacromolecules effectively. This breakthrough enables faster, safer, and more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2022

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC researcher becomes Virginia Tech’s first NIH Outstanding Investigator Award recipient

Robert Gourdie, a cardiovascular scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been awarded an R35 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This seven-year, $6.4 million grant enables him to pursue research on intercellular communication and its applications in treating various medical challenges.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 7, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022
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.

Scientists think a peptide could stop, reverse damage to nerve cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases by stopping nerve cell degeneration. A peptide has been identified that inhibits mitochondrial fission and lets nerve cells grow normally.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 protein targeted by immune cells also triggers response in bat Coronaviruses

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2022