Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Pua lands NIH Director's New Innovator Award

Heather Pua, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has received a 2019 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's New Innovator Award. She will investigate the role of extracellular RNAs in allergic airway inflammation, with potential implications for new therapies and diagnostics.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateOct 1, 2019

Lost in translation: Researchers discover translator gene may play a role in disease

A new study from Western University found that tRNA gene mutations can cause misreading of the genetic code, leading to protein malfunction. Researchers discovered an average of 66 variants in tRNA genes among individuals in London, Ontario, suggesting a potential link between these mutations and human diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalRNA Biology·DateAug 13, 2019
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.

Breaking open the gates of antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a way to target both of a bacteria's defenses with one hit, weakening its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. By interfering with a specific type of tRNA molecule, the team was able to make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Systems·DateApr 30, 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.

A new mechanism helps explain differences between eukaryotic and bacterial proteomes

A new mechanism has been discovered that allows eukaryotic cells to synthesize proteins absent in prokaryotes, leading to the enrichment of genes coding for transfer RNAs involved in this process. This finding may lead to the development of strategies to inhibit protein production in diseases caused by their overabundance.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2019

New RNA sequencing strategy provides insight into microbiomes

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a high-throughput RNA sequencing strategy to study the activity of the gut microbiome. The new tools analyze transfer RNA, allowing scientists to understand the activity of naturally occurring microbiomes and study their responses to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018

Researchers reveal hidden rules of genetics for how life on Earth began

Researchers from University of North Carolina and University of Auckland have made a significant advance in resolving the mystery of genetic translation. Their analysis reveals previously hidden rules by which key translational molecules interact, suggesting that simpler ancestors of these molecules worked together at the dawn of life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 30, 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 century-old model for life's origin gets significant substantiation

Prof. Doron Lancet and colleagues propose a new chemical model that supports the 'Lipid World' concept, where lipids can store and transmit information, leading to compositional reproduction and Darwinian evolution. The researchers argue that life could emerge before DNA and RNA.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2018

Memory transferred between snails

A study published in eNeuro demonstrates that memories can be transferred between organisms by extracting ribonucleic acid (RNA) from a trained animal and injecting it into an untrained animal. This finding provides new clues in the search for the physical basis of memory.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 14, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UCLA biologists 'transfer' a memory

Researchers at UCLA have successfully transferred a memory from one marine snail to another by injecting RNA, creating an artificial memory. The study could lead to new ways to lessen the trauma of painful memories and restore lost ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 14, 2018

Genetic transcription 'pause' is focus of NASA grant

Researchers aim to determine when the pause in transcription first appeared in evolution by studying various organisms and plant life. They hope this investigation will help narrow down the origin of the pause, shedding light on how complicated life arose on Earth.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 24, 2018

Team brings subatomic resolution to 'computational microscope'

Scientists have built a computational microscope that can simulate atomic and subatomic forces driving molecular interactions. The tool streamlines efforts to understand chemistry, model large systems, and develop new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 26, 2018
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.

tRNA fragments in mosquitos may play role in spreading disease

A recent study found that tRNA fragments in mosquitoes can modulate their ability to transmit viral diseases to humans. The researchers identified 55 tRNA-derived fragments with varying expression patterns across different strains and developmental stages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 24, 2018

Quality control is vital for the energy production of cells

Scientists have discovered a vital quality control mechanism in mitochondria, crucial for constructing a functional respiratory chain. A faulty enzyme can attach incorrect amino acids to transfer RNA, leading to protein synthesis errors and hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 11, 2017

New genes on 'deteriorating' Y chromosome

Researchers have identified ten times more new genes on the Y chromosome than previously thought in fruit flies. These genes appear to have taken on important functions, raising questions about their durability and potential impact on species.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 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.

Newly identified small RNA fragments defend the genome when it's 'naked'

A team from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered small RNA fragments that protect the genome from retrotransposons during epigenetic reprogramming in preimplantation embryos. These fragments, consisting of 18 and 22 nucleotides, are perfect complements of sequences within retrotransposons.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

How RNA formed at the origins of life

Researchers from UCL, Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital suggest a single chemical mechanism for forming both purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. They demonstrate that these molecules can be assembled on the same sugar scaffold to form RNA, providing a solution to a long-standing challenge in understanding the origins of life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 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.

Protein 'spy' gains new abilities

Rice University scientists have developed a new technique to label proteins in cells using bio-orthogonal tags, allowing for high spatial and temporal control. The technique uses an engineered switch that only charges tRNA with the tag when prompted, providing a snapshot of total protein synthesis in the cell.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 27, 2017

Et Tu, E. Coli?

Researchers found that E. coli toxins bind to elongation factor Tu and another protein EF-Ts to target specific tRNA molecules, inhibiting cell growth and leading to diarrhea or hemorrhagic colitis in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2017

Ancient enzyme morphed shape to carry out new functions in humans

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that a human enzyme has evolved to change its shape and function without major architectural changes. This unique ability allows the enzyme to carry out new roles in humans, shedding light on diseases linked to mutations in aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers identify enzyme that removes molecular modifications from transfer RNA

Scientists have discovered an enzyme called ALKBH1 that can remove molecular modifications from transfer RNA (tRNA), causing a measurable effect on protein translation in the cell. This finding sheds new light on how cells control gene expression and suggests that tRNA influences cellular processes beyond protein translation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 13, 2016

Smallest-reported artificial virus could help advance gene therapy

Researchers have engineered a novel, virus-like shell that can self-assemble and carry therapeutic DNA or RNA into human cells. This breakthrough could advance gene therapy treatments for rare genetic diseases and common conditions like diabetes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2016

How a cold gets into cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new method to analyze the process of RNA transfer from viruses into human cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs that prevent this precise RNA transfer.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJun 20, 2016
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.

Researchers uncover how 'silent'genetic changes drive cancer

New research suggests that fluctuations in tRNA levels can have a dramatic impact on cellular function, driving metastatic breast cancer. The study found that two specific tRNAs were associated with increased metastasis, leading to changes in gene expression and protein production.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJun 2, 2016

Discovery of a fundamental limit to the evolution of the genetic code

A study by IRB Barcelona reveals the genetic code stopped evolving at 20 amino acids due to limitations in tRNA molecules. The researchers explain that new amino acids can't be introduced without causing problems with protein synthesis and translation.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 2, 2016

Visualizing and predicting evolution by mapping the elusive 'fitness landscape'

A team of researchers has created the first comprehensive in vivo fitness landscape of a gene, which provides a way to visualize and predict evolution. The findings show that about 1 percent of point mutations are beneficial to an organism, while 42 percent are harmful, and two harmful mutations interacting can lead to more harm.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2016

New method reveals hidden population of regulatory molecules in cells

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new RNA sequencing technique that reveals an abundance of modified fragments derived from transfer RNA molecules in both yeast and human cells. This discovery opens up a rapidly growing area of RNA research, increasing the detection of transfer RNA fragments by three-fold.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 3, 2015
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.

Genetic switch detects TNT

A new genetic 'switch' device can detect damaging contaminants like TNT, offering a cheaper and easier method for cleaning up post-war explosive chemicals. The system is cell-free, specific, and requires minimal expertise, but further research is needed to refine its sensitivity.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 1, 2015

New family of small RNAs boosts cell proliferation in cancer

Researchers have discovered a new species of tRNA-derived small RNAs, called SHOT-RNAs, that contribute to cell proliferation in hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. These findings suggest a new role for tRNAs and potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of these cancers.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015
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 evidence emerges on the origins of life

University of North Carolina researchers provide evidence that amino acids evolved into proteins, and single cells formed plants and animals. The close linkage between the physical properties of amino acids, genetic code, and protein folding is crucial to life's origins.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

Fragments of tRNA suggest a novel mechanism for cancer progression

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that short stretches of genetic material called tRNA fragments can reduce the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. These fragments bind to a key player in the life cycle of cancer cells, known as an oncogene, reducing its ability to promote cell division and metastasis.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2015

In a role reversal, RNAs proofread themselves

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new quality control mechanism where RNAs proofread themselves, ensuring proteins are made correctly. The CCA-adding enzyme uses a screw-like motion to add CCA groups to tRNAs, and the RNA itself determines whether to allow further additions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJan 29, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nutrient availability can cause whole-genome recoding

Scientists found that a trace nutrient can cause genome-wide changes to how organisms encode proteins, boosting speed and accuracy. The nutrient's availability determines which codons are optimal for protein production, leading to widespread genetic changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 9, 2014

Making sure antibiotics work as they should

Researchers at ETH Zurich have studied the molecular structure of mitoribosomes, revealing new details about how proteins are synthesized. The findings will help design antibiotics that target only bacterial ribosomes, improving their effectiveness in treating human diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2014

Conspicuous tRNA lookalikes riddle the human genome

A team of researchers found nearly double the number of genomic loci that might be coding for transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in humans, with most resembling mitochondrial tRNAs. The discovery suggests unexpected new links between the human nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateOct 8, 2014
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.

Insights into the geometry of genetic coding

Researchers from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo identified a surprising mechanism for accurate protein synthesis through crystallographic studies. The enzyme alanyl-tRNA synthetase precisely identifies proper tRNA molecules using a geometric feature, allowing cells to accurately translate genetic code into essential proteins.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2014
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 discover new genetic brain disorder in humans

Researchers have identified a new genetic brain disorder associated with degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, caused by a mutation in the CLP1 gene. The condition is characterized by reduced brain size, sensory and motor defects, seizures, brain atrophy, and neuronal death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2014

Study reveals key step in protein synthesis

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have trapped the ribosome in a key transitional state, allowing them to see how it translates genetic code into proteins without mistakes. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new antibiotics and has significant implications for the origin of life.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2013
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.

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.

Scientists show protein-making machinery can switch gears with a small structural change process, which may have implications for immunity and cancer therapy, compared to the movie The Transformers

Researchers show tRNA synthetases, essential in protein production, can also regulate transcription through a single chemical alteration, with implications for immune response and cancer. This transformation may lead to new treatments for allergies and cancer.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 15, 2012

Genetic 911: Cells' emergency systems revealed

A new study reveals how cells exploit gene sequences to survive toxic attacks by rapidly producing proteins that counteract the harm. The research found that toxic stresses reprogram the tRNA modifications to divert the cell's protein-building machinery away from routine activities to emergency action.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2012