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'Relaxed' enzymes may be at the root of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes damage to the peripheral nervous system, affecting balance and motor skills. Researchers found that mutated enzymes take on an unusual shape, leading to unwanted interactions with nearby proteins and potential disease severity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Chemists clarify a chiral conundrum?

Rice chemists disentangled the mysterious interactions between bovine serum albumin and gold nanorods, revealing multilevel chirality and a possible way to sense single proteins' handedness. This discovery could lead to the development of drug-sensing tools with improved accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Disrupting key protein alters biological rhythms in water flea

Researchers from North Carolina State University have shown that the E75 protein plays a critical role in regulating biological rhythms in Daphnia magna. Suppression of E75 results in longer molt cycles and reduced numbers of offspring. The study highlights the potential impact of environmental stressors on population sustainability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 19, 2019
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.

Scientists alleviate environmental concerns about BCA usage on powdery mildews

Scientists genetically modified mycoparasites to express Green Fluorescent Protein, revealing they can live up to 21-days on host plant surfaces without harming the environment. The study showed that these mycoparasites cannot spread in sterile soil or decomposing leaves, addressing concerns about their impact.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateSep 9, 2019

Detailed map shows how viruses infect humans

Biologists at Columbia University created a detailed map of protein-protein interactions between human-infecting viruses and infected cells. The study revealed insights into Zika virus infection and HPV's role in cancer, with potential implications for diagnostics and vaccine development.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 29, 2019

New tool mines scientific texts for fusion protein facts

A new tool called ProtFus screens scientific literature to validate predictions about fusion protein activity, which can help improve personalized cancer treatment. The tool identified 2,908 interactions across 18 cancer types, aiding in the study of alterations of protein networks for individual patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

New cyclization reactions for synthesizing macrocyclic drug leads

Scientists at EPFL have found a way to generate over 9,000 macrocyclic molecules below 1 KDa with high structural diversity. The new method enables the discovery of surprisingly efficient macrocyclization reactions, leading to the identification of binders for different disease targets.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Deadly protein duo reveals new drug targets for viral diseases

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that combining proteins from two lethal viruses can enhance their pathogenic potential. The team found that a hybrid protein pair has greater fusion capability, which could be leveraged to stop viral-cell fusion and develop more effective vaccines.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 13, 2019

Study furthers radically new view of gene control

Researchers discovered physical interactions between proteins and DNA that help explain why genetic condensates cluster along super enhancers, stimulating gene transcription. The study provides a fundamentally new approach to deciphering gene control in the 'dark matter' of our genome.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 8, 2019

New insights into the origin of life

Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 7, 2019
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.

New protein-sensing mechanism discovered

The nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) identifies and sorts nascent polypeptide chains inside the ribosomal tunnel. NAC inserts its β-subunit into the tunnel to sense translation activity and regulate protein biogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 31, 2019

First pictures of enzyme that drives new class of antibiotics

Scientists have solved the X-ray crystal structure of an enzyme that produces a broad-spectrum antibiotic called obafluorin. This breakthrough provides a detailed molecular structure of the enzyme's three-dimensional space and sheds light on its mechanism, which could lead to the creation of new antibiotics with novel structural classes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Physics of life: Motor proteins and membrane dynamics

Researchers at LMU Munich discovered that myosin VI directly engages with the plasma membrane, dynamically altering its shape. This interaction enables important cellular processes such as endocytosis and membrane protrusions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2019
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.

Quenching scientific curiosity with single-molecule imaging

A new study from KAUST has improved the efficiency of protein-induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) by identifying conditions that lead to either enhanced or quenched fluorescence. By understanding these conditions, researchers can better interpret laboratory results and gain more precise insights into molecular events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Designed protein switch allows unprecedented control over living cells

Researchers develop LOCKR, a dynamic designer protein that can modify gene expression, redirect cellular traffic, and control protein binding interactions. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize synthetic biology and enable new therapies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

Researchers map protein-gene interactions involved in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at UC San Francisco identified functionally distinct composite clusters of genes corresponding to synaptic transmission, metabolism, cell cycle, and immune response. These changes occurred extensively in AD patients and may help streamline clinical trials recruitment efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 2019
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.

Patterns in DNA reveal hundreds of unknown protein pairings

Researchers discovered hundreds of previously unknown protein interactions through a new statistical model applied to the human genome. These findings may open new routes to develop drugs against deadly pathogens like M. tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Designer proteins form wires and lattices on mineral surface

Researchers engineered artificial proteins to self-assemble on a crystal surface, creating new biomolecules with customized colors, chemical reactivity or mechanical properties. The design enables the creation of novel materials and filters, such as tiny sensors and electronic circuits.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2019

Parasitology -- On filaments and fountains

Researchers at LMU discovered that Toxoplasma gondii utilizes a previously unrecognized mode of motility, where it secretes membrane material and recycles it into the cell membrane through endocytosis. This process generates a 'fountain-like' flow of membrane material that contributes to the parasite's propulsion along the substrate.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 2, 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.

Researchers find cause of rare, fatal disease that turns babies' lips and skin blue

Scientists have identified a rare genetic mutation causing a fatal respiratory disorder that affects newborns. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, researchers developed a mouse model of the disease and discovered a critical link between FOXF1 mutations and STAT3 deficiency.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

Cell division at high speed

A team of researchers from the University of Würzburg has discovered a connection between two important regulators of cell division in lung cancer. The interaction between YAP and MMB protein complexes may be a key target for cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 18, 2019

Uncovering hidden protein structures

Scientists at the University of Konstanz develop a new method to study the interaction between p53 and poly(ADP-ribose) and DNA, providing insights into molecular reactions to cellular stress and cancer development. The research reveals distinct changes in protein structure induced by these interactions.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 18, 2019

Video gamers design brand new proteins

A team of researchers collaborated with Foldit players to design synthetic proteins, with 56 of the designed proteins found to be stable. The designs were able to adopt their intended structures, suggesting that the gamers had produced realistic proteins.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2019

Researchers can now predict properties of disordered polymers

Scientists use pattern recognition to understand and predict behavior of disordered strands of proteins and polymers. By analyzing the precise sequence of charged monomers, researchers can design new materials with improved properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

How to quell a cytokine storm: New ways to dampen an overactive immune system

Researchers have deciphered the structure of a complex involved in regulating the immune system, finding new molecular targets for fighting autoimmunity. The discovery has implications for treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this complex.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NMR structure of a key anticoagulant protein may help prevent thrombosis

The NMR structure study provides unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanism of Ixolaris' action on Factor Xa, a key enzyme in blood clotting. The results may lead to the development of specific inhibitors that can prevent thrombosis without interfering with other enzymes.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalBlood·DateMay 27, 2019

Reducing the destruction of heart failure

Researchers identified a protein called gravin as key to regulating beta-adrenergic receptor expression on heart cells. Elevated adrenaline levels in heart failure desensitize receptors, reducing heart function. Researchers seek to develop treatment targeting this mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 22, 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.

How host-cell enzymes combat the coronavirus

A study found that host-cell enzymes PARP12 and PARP14 play a crucial role in combating mutant coronavirus replication. The macrodomain of the virus is required to prevent these enzymes from inhibiting viral replication and enhancing the production of antiviral proteins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 16, 2019

How the dengue virus replicates in infected cells

The dengue virus uses nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) to replicate in infected cells, with a key role in viral RNA replication and formation of the membranous replication organelle. A novel interaction between NS1 and NS4A-2K-4B is required for viral RNA replication but not for replication organelle formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 9, 2019

Creating a global map of the protein shape universe

Protein shapes are crucial for determining their role and effectiveness in the body. Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to map and classify 3D surface shapes of proteins, which will aid in understanding protein structures and functions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 8, 2019
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.

Why some red wines taste 'dry'

Researchers have found that the structure, concentration and interactions of tannins in wine influence dryness perception. Trained sensory panelists perceived Cabernet Sauvignon as dryer due to its higher tannin content, while added tannins didn't change dryness perception in Pinot Noir.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019
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.

Sex and diet affect protein machineries

Scientists discovered that sex and diet substantially affect the proteome, a collection of proteins in an animal cell. Understanding these interactions may lead to personalized treatments for humans. The study analyzed large public datasets on human and mouse proteotypes, diet, and genetic status.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateApr 25, 2019
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.

Shining light on rare nerve tumors illuminates a fresh path for fighting cancer

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered how a rare nerve tumor works and found a potential new way to fight it. The study identifies a key protein called Merlin and its connections to other proteins in the brain, which may lead to a breakthrough in treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 23, 2019

NTU scientists discover sustainable way to increase seed oil yield in crops

Researchers at NTU have developed a sustainable method to increase seed oil yield in crops such as canola, soybean and sunflower. The new genetic modification involves modifying the key protein Wrinkled1, resulting in larger oil reserves in seeds, which could lead to higher economic gain and increased production of biofuel.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalPlant Signaling & Behavior·DateApr 20, 2019

Folding revolution

A Harvard Medical School scientist has developed a new approach using deep learning to predict protein structure from amino acid sequence. This method achieves accuracy comparable to current state-of-the-art methods but at speeds upward of a million times faster.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Systems·DateApr 17, 2019

What happens in the bodies of ALS patients?

Researchers discovered that impaired FUS protein-protein interactions contribute to ALS degeneration, but drug-induced autophagy reduces pathological processes linked to aberrantly accumulated FUS. Stimulating autophagy rescued RNA-binding proteins and reduced neuronal death in cell culture experiments.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateApr 15, 2019

Army scientists lead the way to produce tools for engineering biomolecules

Researchers successfully created self-assembled structures using oppositely charged synthetic proteins, enabling the formation of hierarchical ordered, symmetrical structures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel architectures for bio-enabled sensing and functional coatings with unique properties.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cell death may be triggered by 'hit-and-run' interaction

A new study reveals that BAX, a crucial driver of apoptosis, is activated by transient interactions with BH3-only proteins at two distant sites on the protein. This 'hit-and-run' interaction initiates the conversion of BAX into a lethal protein for cells.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2019