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Quantum optical phenomenon in the brain challenges conventional view of amyloid in Alzheimer’s

Researchers discovered that amyloid fibrils can harness quantum superradiant effects to mitigate oxidative stress, potentially transforming dementia treatments and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. This finding raises questions about the conventional view of amyloid's role in the disease.

SourceHoward University·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2024

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Tryptophan in diet, gut bacteria protect against E. coli infection

Research reveals that dietary tryptophan can be broken down by gut bacteria into small molecules that bind to a receptor, triggering a pathway that reduces the production of proteins used by E. coli to attach to the gut lining. This ultimately prevents the pathogen from colonizing and causing infection.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could eating turkey ease colitis?

Researchers found that supplementing tryptophan in mice diet increased inflammation-suppressing T-reg cells and reduced colitis symptoms. The findings suggest a potential non-invasive method for improving long-term colitis management.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Evidence of the amino acid tryptophan found in space

Researchers found high amounts of tryptophan in a nearby star-forming region using data from the Spitzer space observatory. The presence of this protein-building agent in the gas and dust from which stars form suggests it may be common in planetary systems.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 20, 2023

An amino acid essential for life is found in interstellar space

Researchers have detected tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for protein formation, in the interstellar medium of the Perseus Molecular Cloud. This discovery suggests that amino acids, building blocks of life, may be present in the gas surrounding young stars and potentially accelerate the emergence of life.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 20, 2023
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.

Study reveals how diet and probiotics boost melanoma immunotherapy response

Researchers found that probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri stimulates cancer-killing T cells by secreting indole-3-aldehyde, which activates a receptor in CD8 cells. A diet rich in tryptophan enhances the effect of immunotherapy on shrinking tumors and prolonging survival.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Tryptophan blockers offer new way to kill bad guys

UC Riverside scientists developed a technique to map tryptophan production, opening the door to new treatment drugs. By understanding how bacteria make tryptophan, researchers can create enzymes that shut down this process, killing invasive bacterial cells without affecting human cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2022
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.

Gut bacteria linked to immune suppression in pancreatic cancer: Toronto study

A Toronto study found that certain probiotic bacteria can alter the function of immune cells and spur cancer growth in pancreatic cancer. Deletion or inhibition of a key protein enabled better treatment sensitivity and more inflammatory T cells, while activation thwarted these effects.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

New sensor detects valuable rare earth element terbium from non-traditional sources

Researchers at Penn State developed a luminescent sensor that can detect and quantify low concentrations of terbium in complex acidic samples. The sensor uses a protein called lanmodulin, which is selectively binding to rare earth elements, and has the potential to help develop a domestic supply of these metals.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021
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.

The chemistry lab inside cells

A team of scientists at Osaka University has discovered a new protein called QhpG that enables the conversion of amino acid residues on polypeptides into an enzyme cofactor. This finding may lead to the development of novel bioactive peptides and enzymes for bioremediation purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2021

Synthesis of potent antibiotic follows unusual chemical pathway

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a unique enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the production of thiostrepton, a potent antibiotic that can also target breast cancer cells. The breakthrough, detailed in a new Nature Chemistry study, could lead to the development of more effective human medicines.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 18, 2021
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 brain pattern that could improve mental health disorder diagnosis

A unique brain pattern that shifts tryptophan metabolism from serotonin production to neurotoxicity has been identified in individuals with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 17, 2020

More turkey dinners for people with celiac disease?

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that tryptophan, an amino acid present in turkey, combined with certain probiotics, can help individuals with celiac disease heal and manage symptoms. The research suggests targeting tryptophan metabolism in the gut may offer a potential therapy for better symptom control.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2020
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.

LSU health research finds new RX target for common STD

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a potential target for treating Chlamydia, a common STD that can cause severe outcomes if left untreated. The study found that small molecules produced by the gut microbiome can kill Chlamydia bacteria by forcing it to produce ammonia.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2019

Put down the protein shake: Variety of protein better for health

A new study suggests that consuming a variety of protein sources, rather than relying on a single type, can have numerous health benefits. The research found that excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from popular protein powders may reduce lifespan and negatively impact mood and weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMetabolism·DateApr 30, 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.

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.

Protein-rich diet may help soothe inflamed gut

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that a specific bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, can induce the development of tolerance-promoting immune cells in mice when fed a tryptophan-rich diet. This could lead to relief for people with inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Good vibrations help reveal molecular details

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to analyze molecules in biomembranes, called SABERS. It uses plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to extract structural details from unlabeled molecules. The technique was tested on three structures and found the surfactant layer tilted by 25 degrees.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

A new technique of antibiotic efficiency testing developed

Russian scientists have developed a new technique for antibiotic efficiency testing, which measures antimicrobial activity and determines the mode of action. The system allows for the analysis of thousands of compounds per day and provides insights into the efficacy of new germicides.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 29, 2016
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.

'Green' electronic materials produced with synthetic biology

Researchers genetically designed a new strain of bacteria to produce extremely thin and highly conductive wires made from non-toxic natural amino acids. The resulting biowire has a conductivity that rivals many chemically produced organic nanowires, with potential applications in biocompatible sensors, computing devices, and solar panels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSmall·DateJul 14, 2016

Scientists identify an essential role of the immune receptor CD69 in psoriasis

Researchers discovered that CD69 plays a key role in the development of psoriasis by regulating amino acid uptake and activation of inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that CD69 could serve as a future therapeutic target for treating this chronic inflammatory skin disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 4, 2016

When the oxygen kills

Researchers identified a gene mutation increasing superoxide production, which damages DNA and cellular components. The study also shows the importance of understanding living systems and developing therapies for patients with related gene mutations.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateApr 4, 2016

Electron transfer challenges a common fluorescence technique

Scientists at EPFL have discovered that electron transfer from tryptophan to a heme molecule can distort FRET data, leading to false readings about protein conformation changes. This finding has significant implications for the effectiveness of FRET analysis in studying protein structures and interactions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

Study: Tart cherry juice increases sleep time in adults with insomnia

A study found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks increased sleep time by nearly 90 minutes among older adults with insomnia. The researchers also discovered that the natural polyphenolic compounds in tart cherries, such as proanthocyanidins and tryptophan, play a role in improving sleep efficiency.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateApr 28, 2014

How the tilt of a cell-surface receptor prevents cancer

A mutation in a single amino acid on the thrombopoietin receptor alters its structure, causing permanent activation and leading to certain blood cancers. The tilted coils prevent spontaneous activation of the receptor.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2013

Diet could combat adverse side-effects of quinine

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that individuals with high tryptophan levels experience fewer quinine side effects. The study suggests that dietary changes could potentially alleviate toxic effects of quinine treatment, improving its effectiveness and reducing risk of adverse reactions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateSep 11, 2012
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.

UCLA life scientists' study of abalone yields new insights into sexual reproduction

Researchers studied interactions between individual sperm and eggs in red abalone, making precise chemical measurements and physical models of these interactions. They found that the egg releases a plume of tryptophan to attract sperm, greatly increasing its target area. Ocean flow conditions also play a significant role in fertilization.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2011

Serotonin: A critical chemical for human intimacy and romance

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that serotonin activity affects how people perceive intimate relationships. Healthy adults with lower serotonin levels rated couples as less intimate and romantic than those with normal serotonin activity.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Scientist shows link between diet and onset of mental illness

A Purdue University study reveals a link between diet and the onset of mental illness, with mice developing abnormal behaviors on a high-sugar diet. The research suggests that increasing serotonin activity in the brain may not be enough to cure or reduce hair-pulling disorders like trichotillomania.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2010

Tryptophan-enriched diet reduces pig aggression

A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that a tryptophan-enriched diet reduces aggression in young female pigs, making them calmer and easier to manage. The supplement raised blood concentrations of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, leading to reduced behavioral activity and aggression.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateMar 18, 2010

Breakthrough in combating the side effects of quinine

Researchers at University of Nottingham found that quinine blocks cell's ability to take up tryptophan, a key amino acid. Dietary tryptophan supplements may improve quinine performance and combat side effects.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 29, 2009
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.

Tryptophan deficiency may underlie quinine side effects

Researchers found that quinine blocks cells' ability to take up essential amino acid tryptophan, leading to adverse side effects. Dietary tryptophan supplements may help alleviate these issues by improving quinine's effectiveness against malaria parasites.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2009

Scientists discover how cancer may take hold

Scientists discovered a key biochemical cycle that allows cancer cells to multiply unabated by suppressing the immune response. The research found that tryptophan is broken down into toxic kynurenines, starvng T-cells, which are then overwhelmed by an excess of kynurenine in the body fluids.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 24, 2007

Tryptophan no turkey in boosting immune system, Stanford study shows

A Stanford study finds that certain tryptophan metabolites can alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide. The research suggests that diet and immunity are linked, with tryptophan playing a pivotal role in immune system regulation.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2005

Depression traced to overactive brain circuit

A brain imaging study found that people prone to depression have an overactive emotion-regulating brain circuit, even when they're not depressed. When tryptophan was depleted, most subjects with a history of mood disorder experienced temporary symptoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Enhancing the nutritional value of soybeans

Researchers have successfully expressed a variant of the maize anthranilate synthase (AS) gene in soybean seeds to increase tryptophan content. The modifications aim to improve the nutritional value of soybeans, but further testing is needed to confirm results.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 30, 2003

Depletion of body chemical can cause memory, mood changes

A study by Wim J. Riedel and colleagues found that tryptophan depletion can impair learning and memory, cause depressed mood, and induce mood depression in individuals with a family history of depression. The effects typically last for 24 hours.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·DateNov 18, 2002

How does serotonin effect depression

Researchers investigate how reducing serotonin levels affects people with and without depression. The study uses tryptophan depletion to temporarily lower serotonin levels in participants, aiming to discover new ways to predict who is at risk for major depression and when treatment can be safely discontinued.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateJun 10, 2002
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.

Moving gene in plant results in increased production of amino acid

Scientists successfully inserted a gene into chloroplasts, increasing tryptophan production by 10 times in tobacco plants. This approach could lead to improved yield and value in crops, as well as the production of pharmaceuticals like edible vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 28, 2001

Bizarre new protein blocks a real-life terminator

Researchers have discovered a bacterial protein called anti-TRAP (AT) that participates in regulating tryptophan production. The newly discovered protein helps Bacillus bacteria control the production of tryptophan, one of the building blocks of most proteins in humans.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2001

Feed A Microbe An Unearthly Dish And You Make Your Own Extraterrestrial

Researchers have successfully adapted a strain of E. coli bacteria to survive on a diet that includes fluorotryptophan, a synthetic amino acid that is toxic to Earth-based life. After multiple generations, the microbes developed mutations that enabled them to cope with the artificial compound and thrive.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJul 29, 1998