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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.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

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.

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.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.