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Breakthrough in knowledge of how some sarcomas arise

A new study has revealed a previously unknown interaction between proteins that causes certain types of cancer called sarcoma. The research, led by Pierre Åman, found that tumor-altered FET proteins bind to the SWI/SNF complex, leading to misregulation and disruptions in genetic programming.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEMBO Reports·DateApr 8, 2019

These molecules could trap viruses inside a cell

Researchers at Purdue University discovered a molecule called heparan sulfate that can prevent viruses from escaping cells, raising questions about the safety of gene therapy delivery. The study highlights the need to consider how engineered viruses will exit cells to avoid unintended consequences.

SourcePurdue University·JournalVirology·DateApr 8, 2019

JILA's 5-minute sample processing enhances DNA imaging and analysis

Researchers at JILA have developed a fast and gentle method to prepare DNA samples for imaging in liquid, revealing detailed structures of protein-DNA complexes. The process, which takes just five minutes, preserves the mechanical properties of DNA and produces high-resolution images of DNA's iconic double helix structure.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tidying up: A new way to direct trash to autophagy

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a new structural feature of living cells that aids in tidying up defective cellular material, implicated in disorders such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic targets for human disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2019

Supercomputers help supercharge protein assembly

Researchers designed proteins that can assemble into complex structures using supercomputers and artificial charges. The stacked octamer structure consists of 16 proteins, resembling a braided ring with highly ordered and specific interactions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 29, 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.

How nerve cells control misfolded proteins

A team of researchers has identified a protein complex called Lubac that marks misfolded proteins, stopping them from interacting with other proteins and directing them towards disposal. This discovery holds promise for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 27, 2019

New mechanism of action found for agricultural pesticide fludioxonil

Agricultural pesticide fludioxonil kills fungi by delivering a metabolic shock through the formation of reactive stress molecules, which triggers a biochemical cascade leading to cell death. The researchers discovered that fludioxonil produces methylglyoxal, a highly reactive chemical, which activates the lethal HHK cascade.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2019

Researchers create SAMβA, a new molecule to treat heart failure

The researchers developed a molecule called SAMβA that not only stabilizes but regresses heart failure in rats. The molecule improves the heart's capacity to pump blood and reduces oxidative stress in heart cells.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 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.

SHANK3: the good, the bad and the hopeful

A deficiency in the SHANK3 protein, which regulates synaptic communication between brain cells, is associated with various neurological conditions. Researchers have identified kinases that can regulate SHANK3 stability, offering hope for developing treatments by increasing its abundance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2019

Do all networks obey the scale-free law? Maybe not

Researchers analyzed over 900 networks from biology, transportation, technology and more, finding that close to 50% don't meet the definition of a scale-free network. The study's findings suggest that the shape of a network determines its properties, including susceptibility to targeted attacks or disease outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2019

New method to detect cancer cells faster, potentially improving outcomes

A new technique developed at Purdue University could lead to faster and more accurate detection of cancer cells in patient blood samples. The method uses near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze proteins expressed on cancer cells, enabling early diagnosis and potentially improving outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Combinatorial Science·DateFeb 20, 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.

Lipoproteins behave 'almost like a tiny Velcro ball'

A recent study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the protein makeup of HDL particles plays a crucial role in their ability to predict heart health. The research, led by Nathalie Pamir, identified genetic variants linked to cholesterol efflux capacity and proteins associated with HDL's activity.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 14, 2019

Insight into protein formation could aid understanding of diseases

Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism for removing faulty proteins from cells, which may aid understanding of neurological diseases and anaemia. By studying the yeast protein Hel2, they found that this process is essential for maintaining cellular health.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2019

Magnetic teeth hold promise for materials and energy

Researchers have discovered the genetic puzzle behind a mollusk's ability to produce magnetite nanomaterials. The study found that specific proteins are involved in transforming raw materials into magnetite, which could lead to the development of next-generation electronics and energy sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 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.

New findings about anti-malaria drug

A recent study has uncovered the molecular basis for artemisinins' effect on inhibitory neurotransmission, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases. The research reveals that artemisinins target gephyrin, a protein involved in regulating inhibitory neurotransmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNeuron·DateJan 29, 2019

New theory unlocks the secret behind protein-membrane interactions

Researchers at MU developed a theoretical model showing multiple pathways for proteins to break free from cell membranes. The discovery provides insight into signaling pathways and cellular functions, paving the way for future studies on protein-membrane interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2019

Research reveals mechanism for leukaemia cell growth, prompting new treatment hopes

Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a protein partner that promotes β-catenin's movement into the nucleus of myeloid leukaemia cells, driving cancer development. This finding could lead to the development of targeted therapies to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), with potential benefits for up to 80% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalHaematologica·DateJan 16, 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.

Cellular protein a target for Zika control

A cellular protein called Hsp70 plays a critical role in Zika virus infection, facilitating attachment to cells, replication inside cells, and release of mature virus particles. This discovery validates Hsp70 as a potential target for developing new therapies to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateJan 16, 2019

Proteins use a lock and key system to bind to DNA

Researchers discovered that proteins use the DNA's three-dimensional structure as a type of keyhole to select specific binding sites, rather than just patterns in the genome's code. Over 80% of proteins bind to a specific shape pattern in the genome, which helps explain how they avoid confusing different sequences.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Systems·DateJan 16, 2019

Scientists program proteins to pair exactly

Researchers have designed proteins that zip together like DNA molecules, paving the way for protein nanomachines and precise cell engineering. This technique enables the design of machines that can diagnose and treat disease, engineer cells, and perform various tasks.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Progress in super-resolution microscopy

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied U-ExM to image multi-protein complexes with unprecedented molecular resolution. This breakthrough resolves long-standing doubts about the method's reliability and preserves ultrastructural details.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 17, 2018

Drug targets for Ebola, Dengue, and Zika viruses found in lab study

A lab study identified key ways the three viruses hijack human cells and found at least one potential drug that can disrupt this process in human cells. Researchers also discovered how the Zika virus might cause microcephaly in infants, a crucial step towards developing a treatment.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2018

Ebola-fighting protein discovered in human cells

Researchers discovered a human protein, RBBP6, that interferes with the Ebola virus replication cycle. By mimicking this protein's function, a small molecule drug could potentially block Ebola virus infection in human cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 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.

UMN researchers give new insight to muscular dystrophy patients

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a significant breakthrough in understanding FSHD by determining the three-dimensional structure of the DUX4 protein. This protein is responsible for the disease, which affects approximately 1 million people globally and currently has no treatment. The study's findings provide valuabl...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2018

Seeing small-molecule interactions inside cells (video)

Scientists create assay to detect protein-protein interactions with strong fluorescent signal, enabling disease therapy development and drug screening. The technique uses genetically engineered human cells producing fluorescent proteins, allowing researchers to observe interactions in living cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2018

Syracuse physicist creates tiny sensors to assist in cancer detection

A Syracuse University physicist has developed tiny sensors that can detect and analyze protein-protein interactions in blood serum, which could lead to improved cancer detection. The technology, known as nanobiosensors, uses a nanopore to measure changes in electric current when proteins are present.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 10, 2018
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.

Elucidating protein-protein interactions & designing small molecule inhibitors

Researchers have developed computational methods to predict and design small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt protein-protein interactions, a critical property of cell sustenance. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by researchers investigating protein-protein interactions through computational methods.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Topics in Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 7, 2018

Gip1 structure places G proteins in lockdown

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered the structure of Gip1, a protein that sequesters G proteins to block signaling processes. The unique molecular bonding arrangement allows interactions with G proteins, providing a better understanding of their mechanism.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2018

Regulating the immune system's 'regulator'

A study by IBS researchers found that Foxp1 protein stabilizes induced Treg (iTreg) cells, which play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. The lack of Foxp1 led to increased susceptibility to colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

'Edited' plant-based toxin possesses anti-tumor characteristics

Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that editing fusicoccins, a toxic organic compound, can transform them into chemicals with anti-tumor properties. The study suggests that the compound works as a stabilizer for protein-protein interactions, which could lead to the development of new clinically relevant anti-cancer agents.

SourceShinshu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 15, 2018

Insect antibiotic provides new way to eliminate bacteria

Thanatin, a natural insect antibiotic, eliminates bacteria by preventing the formation of their outer protective shield. This unprecedented mechanism offers a new way to develop effective antibiotics against dangerous pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 2018

How sperm find their way

A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 15, 2018

Researchers discover novel 'to divide or to differentiate' switch in plants

Researchers identified a scaffolding protein POLAR that regulates GSK3-like kinase activity, driving asymmetric cell division and promoting stomatal formation. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant development, suggesting potential targets for crop improvement.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2018

Nanotubes built from protein crystals: Breakthrough in biomolecular engineering

Scientists have developed a method to construct protein nanotubes from engineered protein crystals, which could accelerate the development of artificial enzymes, nano-sized carriers and delivery systems. The new method, reported in Chemical Science, uses protein crystals as a scaffold for proteins to self-assemble into desired structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 14, 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.

Researchers find novel mutation affecting YARS causes multisystem disease

Researchers identified a novel missense mutation in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) causing severe recessive disorder. The study found that affected individuals exhibited poor growth, developmental delay, and various organ dysfunctions, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and hearing loss.

SourceClinic for Special Children·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 6, 2018
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 deep knowledge AI system could resolve bottlenecks in drug research

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new AI system called Pattern to Knowledge (P2K) that can predict biosequence interactions in seconds. P2K uses deep knowledge from data to identify and predict amino acid bindings, potentially reducing bottlenecks in drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2018

Unraveling a genetic network linked to autism

Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2018

Chirality of vitamin-D derivative affects the protonation states of its receptor protein

Researchers found that altered chirality of vitamin-D derivatives can change the protonation states of histidine residues in the VDR protein, leading to stronger binding and more stable complexes. This discovery emphasizes the importance of considering protonation states in molecular simulations for drug design.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2018

Scientists call for unified standards in 3D genome and epigenetic data

Leading scientists propose guidelines for shared standardized validation of 4D nucleome data sets and models to address rapid development of methods and increasing complexity of data. The initiative aims to ensure proper characterization, validation, and sharing of information, enhancing our understanding of genome dynamics.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 30, 2018
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.

Making a transparent flexible material of silk and nanotubes

The University of Pittsburgh engineers have created a transparent flexible material by combining silk fibroins with carbon nanotubes, exhibiting desirable optical mechanical and chemical properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in wearable and implantable electronic devices, as well as sensors for biomedical use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateOct 30, 2018

Deconstructing the superfood that determines honeybee hierarchy

Scientists have discovered intricate glycan structures in royal jelly, a substance believed to influence honeybee development. These findings challenge previous assumptions and may lead to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between glycosylated proteins and signaling pathways.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 29, 2018

RNA-protein network may explain why melanoma grows more

A new study reveals that a specific long non-coding RNA named SAMMSON interacts with protein CARF in growing melanoma cells, rewiring their protein synthesis networks and promoting cell growth. This interaction helps melanoma cells avoid inducing cell death when they experience abnormalities in ribosome synthesis.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 29, 2018

New study uncovers the interaction of calcium channels

A research team led by Professor Byung-Chang Suh has observed the dynamic combination of alpha 1 and beta subunits in calcium channels, revealing competitive replacement and stability. This breakthrough enables precise control of calcium ion inflow inside cells and opens a new horizon for treating high blood pressure and brain diseases.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2018
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.

Aging and vitamins

Scientists identify 10 compounds that protect against age-related diseases by safeguarding proteins from damage. These compounds, known as putative longevity vitamins, may help prolong healthy aging and prevent the acceleration of insidious diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

Protein dynamics: Molecular machines at work

Researchers have used a novel fluorescence-based imaging technique to track shape changes in pore proteins that export molecules into the extracellular medium. The study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying protein function and could lead to new therapeutic opportunities for disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 5, 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.