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Pregnant women advised to avoid mentholated e-cigarettes

A new study suggests that menthol in electronic cigarettes may pose risks to a developing baby, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell death. The researchers recommend discouraging the use of mentholated e-cigarettes during pregnancy until more research is conducted.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Unlocking the secrets of a critical schistosomiasis drug

Two independent teams of researchers have found the molecular mechanism of action of praziquantel, the only approved drug to treat schistosomiasis. The drug binds to a specific type of channel in the cell membrane, causing calcium ions influx and resulting in worm paralysis and death.

Images offer most detailed glimpse yet into how skin senses temperature

Columbia University researchers have captured the most detailed images yet of a temperature-sensing molecule in its open, intermediate, and closed states. The findings will help us understand the mechanics of hot and cold sensation, which could accelerate the development of drugs for inflammatory skin disease, itch, and pain.

Hold the mustard: What makes spiders fussy eaters

Spiders, including wolf spiders, react to irritating chemicals like allyl isothiocyanate in a similar way to mammals and humans, who have transient receptor potential channels that activate sensations like pain and taste. This reaction causes them to avoid eating insects coated with these chemicals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Controlling fire ants with natural compounds

Researchers identified natural compounds that repel fire ants by activating a type of ion channel highly expressed in the insect's antennae and legs. These compounds, including one found in cinnamon, were found to be less effective at activating the fire ant version of this channel compared to honey bees.

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.

Seeing in a new light

Researchers at UCSB have made new discoveries about the signaling cascade necessary for phototransduction, allowing animals to detect light. The study reveals that XPORT-A and XPORT-B molecular chaperone proteins are critical for moving TRP channels to the cell surface.

A coordinated effort

Researchers at UCSB have identified a TRP channel that plays a key role in the insect's fine motor coordination. Null mutations in this channel impair highly coordinated movements while leaving gross motor control intact. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes underlying fine motor control in other animals, including humans.

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.

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain

Researchers at Duke University have made a surprising discovery about the role of calcium in pain sensation using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. Calcium flow through pain-sensing channels helps worms adapt to repeated painful stimuli by desensitizing them, suggesting a potential survival advantage.

Transient receptor potential channel A1 may contribute to hyperalgesia

Research by Yi Dai and team found that allyl isothiocyanate activates transient receptor potential channel A1, leading to calcitonin gene-related peptide release in sensory neurons. Knockdown of this channel prevents calcitonin gene-related peptide release, supporting the role of transient receptor potential channel A1 in hyperalgesia.

Scientists discover how chemical repellants trip up insects

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.

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.

Project fruit fly: What accounts for insect taste?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein in sensory cells of fruit flies that allows them to detect and avoid noxious chemicals. The discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling insect pests and protecting crops.

Summer heat too hot for you? What is comfortable?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that fruit flies use TRPA1 to sense single degree changes in the comfortable range, adapting to different temperatures through a multistep process. This discovery raises the possibility that mammals may also be able to sense small changes in internal body temperature.

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.

Too hot to handle! Scientists identify heat sensing regulator

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a gene, Pirt, that regulates a heat-activated molecular sensor, leading to variable pain sensitivity. The study found that mice lacking Pirt responded slower to heat and were less sensitive to capsaicin, suggesting Pirt's specific role in pain perception.

New gene reduces retinal degeneration in fruit flies

A new gene, Lazaro, has been discovered to reduce retinal degeneration in fruit flies by enhancing the production of diacylglycerol, a key player in controlling TRP channels. This discovery may have implications for understanding sensory signaling in mammals.

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.

Activation of thermoreceptors mediates raw garlic's burning pungency

Researchers have identified the compound allicin as responsible for activating specific protein thermoreceptors in the mouth, leading to the characteristic burning sensation of raw garlic. This finding provides new insights into the pungency associated with raw garlic and its potential health benefits.

Channel protein converts vibrations to electrical signal

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute find that TRPA1, a protein known for its role in sensory transduction, also forms a spring-like structure in hair cells, amplifying auditory signals. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of hearing and could lead to new treatments for hearing loss.

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.

The mechanical switch in the ear

Sensory hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals through transduction channels. A new report identifies NompC as a vertebrate homologue of a previously known channel, required for mechanosensation in zebrafish and possibly other animals.

'Warm to the touch' gene found

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified the first temperature-sensing molecule found in keratinocytes, the major type of cell in the skin, which can detect warm and hot temperatures above 33°C. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pain therapeutics.

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.

Purdue researcher finds genetic link to calcium regulation in cells

A Purdue University researcher has discovered a gene in fruit flies that plays a key role in regulating the flow of calcium into cells. Mutations in this gene suppress the effects of degeneration caused by overactive calcium channels, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.