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Sleeping for longer leads to a healthier diet

A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 9, 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.

Computer analysis fills gaps in antibody blueprint

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used computer analysis to study IgG antibodies and reveal new steps in the glycosylation pathway. The findings confirmed predictions made by an algorithm and were replicated using genome-wide association studies and laboratory experiments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Your bones affect your appetite -- and your metabolism!

A recent study discovered that a bone hormone called osteocalcin regulates appetite and energy expenditure. Researchers found that removing an enzyme responsible for activating osteocalcin reduced mice's appetite and increased blood glucose levels.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2017

New molecule shows promise in HIV vaccine design

A University of Maryland-led study developed a vaccine candidate that stimulates an immune response against the protective sugars of multiple HIV strains. The molecule mimics a protein-sugar part of the shield and spurs rabbits to produce antibodies, but does not prevent live HIV from infecting cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 27, 2017

Sidetracked by a donut?

A recent study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that calorie-dense foods are more distracting than low-calorie foods or everyday objects, even if they are not related to food. The researchers used a distraction paradigm to test how participants' thoughts and cognition relate to their eating habits.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2017

Prebiotic biochemistry in microdroplets

Researchers report that sugar phosphorylation and uridine synthesis occur spontaneously in microdroplets without enzymes or ATP. This discovery suggests prebiotic formation of biologically relevant molecules could have occurred in these environments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Skimping on sleep may contribute to gestational diabetes

A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nebraska discovery offers clues to why Zika became more dangerous

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a Zika virus mutation that contains a sugar in its protein envelope, which may help the virus enter the brain. This discovery could explain why the virus became more lethal during outbreaks in the Caribbean and South America.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 4, 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.

How forest fires spoil wine

Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

With extra sugar, leaves get fat too

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that increasing sugar levels in plant leaves increases oil content, which could lead to the production of biofuels and useful chemicals. By selectively breeding plants with specific traits, they successfully tipped the balance of plant metabolism to favor higher oil production.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 25, 2017

Production of key diabetes cells can be improved

Researchers have developed a better understanding of how to improve the production of beta cells, the cells responsible for insulin regulation in diabetics. The study shows that genes NXK6.1 and MNX1 play a crucial role in the development of beta cells.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 21, 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.

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
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.

A sweeter way to make green products

University of Delaware researchers develop a one-step technology to extract sugars from wood chips and other organic waste, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high processing costs. The innovative method results in a 95% theoretical yield of sugars and enables the economical production of feed streams for bioproducts.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 8, 2017

Researchers develop dissolvable, easy-to-use milk capsules

Developed by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg researchers, the dissolvable milk capsules are made from a crystalline crust that easily dissolves in hot liquid. The production process is relatively simple and can be used for various liquids, including fruit juice concentrate.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalChemical Engineering & Technology·DateAug 17, 2017

High sugar consumption gives rise to dental treatment costs in the billions

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Cancer detection with sugar molecules

Researchers have designed a complex sugar molecule that binds to galectin-1, enabling the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs and rapid tests for early cancer detection.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalChemBioChem·DateAug 14, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Sweet! Sugar-coated probe yields better acid test

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes that can detect low pH in living cells without causing photobleaching. The probes are coated with a simple sugar found in fruits and emit light in two different ways, making them highly sensitive to pH and gentle on cells.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 11, 2017

Are sugary drink interventions changing people's behavior?

Interventions targeting children reduced sugary drink intake by around 30%, while those for teenagers saw a decrease of nearly 10%. However, adults showed almost no change. The study highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to address this issue, including taxation and environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

New ways to create and deliver medications for immune-medicated neuropathies

Researchers at LSTM have created synthetic alternatives to IVIg therapy for conditions like CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new treatments, enriched with sialic acids, can be produced at a fraction of the cost and may offer relief to millions of people globally.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists make plastic from sugar and carbon dioxide

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new process to make polycarbonate plastic from sugars and carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The resulting plastic is biodegradable, bio-compatible, and can be used for medical implants or as scaffolds for growing tissues or organs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2017

Nanotechnology reveals hidden depths of bacterial 'machines'

Cyanobacteria's protein machines, called carboxysomes, were biochemically purified and visualized using advanced microscopes. They were found to be softer and structurally flexible than previously thought, with implications for designing new nanomaterials and nano-bioreactors.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNanoscale·DateJun 8, 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.

Religious coping may affect couples dealing with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that spousal engagement in healthy diet planning and shared glycemic control activities can help manage type 2 diabetes. Positive religious coping by the nondiabetic spouse is also linked to higher levels of shared activities, while negative coping is associated with lower participation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateJun 7, 2017

Food policies could lower US cardiovascular disease rates

A new study suggests that implementing targeted food policies, such as subsidies for fruit and vegetables and taxes on sugar sweetened drinks, could avert hundreds of thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease in the US. These economic incentives have been successful in improving dietary choices in the past.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 6, 2017

Open-source approach provides faster, better solubility predictions

A new molecular modeling method using freely available software provides accurate predictions of solubility. The approach exploits thermodynamic expressions and can be applied to any solute-solvent combination, making it a crucial tool for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petroleum.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 6, 2017

Fixing the role of nitrogen in coral bleaching

Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 5, 2017
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.

Delaying meals impacts the sugar levels of the body

Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that delaying meal times by five hours can delay blood sugar rhythms, suggesting a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of shift work and jet lag. This finding indicates that separate circadian clocks govern glucose metabolism and fat levels in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Labeling a bacterial cell 'jacket'

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to label and visualize the sugar backbone of bacterial cell walls, also known as the 'cell jacket'. This breakthrough allows scientists to better understand how the immune system misidentifies beneficial bacteria, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. By using th...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Secret weapon of smart bacteria tracked to 'sweet tooth'

A team of researchers discovered that a bacterium infects cotton by tricking the plant to produce food for itself, ultimately depleting the plant's resources. The study offers potential tools for earlier diagnostics and strategies for controlling the disease, which can affect up to 40% of cotton yield.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

Study beefs up support for brain cells that control protein hunger

Researchers identified brain cells in fruit flies responsible for regulating protein levels, promoting a single-minded focus on eating protein when starved. The study's findings may have implications for addressing the obesity epidemic by understanding how protein intake affects caloric intake.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2017

Barley genome sequenced

A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Diet drinks and possible association with stroke and dementia

Research found that drinking at least one artificially sweetened beverage a day increased the risk of developing ischemic stroke by three times and Alzheimer's disease dementia by 2.9 times compared to less frequent consumption. The study highlights the need for more research into this area.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 20, 2017

KU Leuven researchers unravel how stevia controls blood sugar levels

Stevia stimulates the ion channel TRPM5, which is involved in taste perception and insulin release, helping to prevent abnormally high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The study opens up new possibilities for treating diabetes, but further research is needed before new treatments can be developed.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2017

Scientists engineer sugarcane to produce biodiesel, more sugar for ethanol

A team of researchers has successfully engineered sugarcane to produce oil in its leaves and stems, resulting in higher oil content without compromising sugar production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of dual-purpose bioenergy crops that are more profitable and sustainable than traditional soybeans and corn.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017

Climate change and an 'overlooked' nutrient: Silica

Climate change is altering silica uptake in sugar maple trees, potentially affecting ecosystems. Warmer winters and reduced snow cover are damaging tree roots, leading to a significant loss of silica, which plays crucial roles in forest health.

SourceBoston University·DateMar 23, 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.

'Tree-on-a-chip' passively pumps water for days

Engineers at MIT develop microfluidic device mimicking nature's hydraulic pumps, enabling passive water pumping and potential use in small robots. The 'tree-on-a-chip' uses a sugar-powered hydraulic system to maintain constant flow rate for several days.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 20, 2017

Study IDs link between sugar signaling and regulation of oil production in plants

A research team at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a previously unknown link between a protein controlling sugar balance and one turning on oil production in plants. By exploring the energy balance of plants, scientists have found a potential way to increase oil yield from crops grown for biofuels and biomaterials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 17, 2017

'No fat' or 'no sugar' label equals no guarantee of nutritional quality

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 'no fat' or 'no sugar' labels on food packaging do not necessarily imply a healthier product. In fact, foods with these claims often have a worse nutritional profile than those without claims.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 15, 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.

New method enables creation of better therapeutic antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method to create antibodies with consistent sugar groups, enhancing their ability to signal the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, with the potential for customized antibody production.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

How to brew high-value fatty acids with brewer's yeast

Goethe University Frankfurt scientists create high-value short-chain fatty acids from sugar with brewer's yeast, suitable for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with yeasts-based biofuels.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2017