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DNA origami illuminates invisible molecular movements

Researchers at Salk Institute develop novel 'dye-cycling' strategy to measure RNA polymerase movement along DNA with unprecedented lengths of time. This breakthrough provides critical mechanical insights into how genes are transcribed in cells, shedding light on the fundamental processes of life.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateAug 13, 2026

Zooming in: Electron orbitals photographed in 3D

Physicists have developed a method to visualize three-dimensional wavefunctions of molecules, enabling the study of molecular interactions. The technique, which uses a table-top soft-X-ray laser and powerful computer algorithms, allows for the imaging of features smaller than atomic scales.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026
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.

A heat sensor for living cells

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS have developed a highly sensitive calorimeter that can detect metabolic heat signals on the order of 100 picowatts in living cells. The device tracks the growth of small populations of bacteria in real-time, including monitoring how bacterial growth changes in response to different antibiotics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Making biomolecules glow: new dye solves problem

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method to make biomolecules glow in real-time, eliminating unwanted signals in microscopy. This approach ensures only labelled biological molecules emit fluorescence, making experiments clearer and easier to interpret.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A CRISPR fingerprint of pathogenic C. auris fungi

A new diagnostic platform enables rapid and accurate detection of drug-resistant C. auris pathogens using CRISPR technology, allowing for more effective treatment and prevention of hospital outbreaks. The dSHERLOCK test can detect the presence of mutations causing antimicrobial resistance in just 40 minutes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

The cling of doom: How staph bacteria latch onto human skin

Researchers at Auburn University have discovered the strongest natural protein bond ever recorded, revealing how Staphylococcus aureus clings tightly to human skin. The study found that calcium plays a key role in fortifying this grip, making it stronger and more resistant to breaking.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2025

New spectrometer is small enough to fit on your phone

Researchers have created a tiny spectrometer that can accurately measure light wavelengths and is small enough to fit on a phone. The technology has the potential to be integrated into smartphones and enable new applications in fields like manufacturing and biomedical diagnostics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Toward recreating the brain’s immune system in a dish

Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have successfully created human microglia cells in a dish, using induced pluripotent stem cells, within four days. This breakthrough enables new avenues for brain disease-focused research and potential therapeutic perspectives.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2025
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.

Under the hood: Probing the molecular mechanisms of metastasis

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of small extracellular vesicles to host cells, which could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments. The study found that EVs primarily bind to laminin via CD151-associated integrin heterodimers and GM1, eliciting responses in recipien...

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Small messengers called extracellular vesicles deliver molecules between cells using protein signal

Researchers discovered a new process by which cancer cells use small extracellular vesicles to spread to healthy tissue. The study found that these vesicles are primarily internalized by clathrin-independent endocytosis via galectin-3, which is facilitated by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Folded peptides are more electrically conductive than unfolded peptides

Researchers found that folded peptides are more electrically conductive than their unfolded counterparts due to the formation of a specific secondary structure called the 3_10 helix. This discovery has implications for the design and development of molecular electronic devices.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration

A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

The jigglings and wigglings of atoms reveal key aspects of COVID-19 virulence evolution

A groundbreaking study analyzed the behavior of atoms in COVID-19 proteins to understand its evolution and spread. The research found critical distinctions in mechanical stability among various virus strains, highlighting how these differences contribute to the virus's aggressiveness.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

Scientists test new method for identifying small microplastics

Researchers have created a new analytical method to identify and measure small microplastics in the environment. The technique combines flow cytometry with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to characterize and count these tiny particles, providing a more complete picture of their abundance and type.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Methods·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023
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.

New type of friction discovered in ligand-protein systems

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new type of friction in proteins called anisotropic friction, which depends on direction. The discovery was made using single molecule experiments and simulations, revealing that friction increases with the pulling angle applied to a ligand from a protein.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2023

How animals find their way

A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateNov 25, 2022
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.

Imaging cells: New method enables clear, precise look inside

Researchers developed a technique to 'see' fine structure and chemical composition of human cells with high resolution. The new method uses infrared light to reveal chemical signatures without fluorescent labeling.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022
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.

Untangling a DNA replication mystery may lead to new antimalarial drugs

A team of scientists has discovered that the enzyme DNA topoisomerase VI plays a critical role in removing chromosome tangles in plants, which may lead to new antimalarial drug targets. The study provides unprecedented insight into the mechanism of action of this enzyme and its potential applications in plant breeding.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

For the first time, DNA and proteins sensed by de novo-designed nanopore

Researchers in Japan have designed the first de novo-designed peptides that can form artificial nanopores to identify and enable single molecule-sorting of genetic material in a lipid membrane. The peptides can detect specific molecules, including DNA, and have the potential to mimic natural proteins' ability to detect specific proteins.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 24, 2021

New microscopy method offers 3D tracking of 100 single molecules at once

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new microscopy method that can track 100 single molecules simultaneously in three dimensions. The technique uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology to precisely image molecular binding events and study their dynamic activities in real time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021
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.

Quenching scientific curiosity with single-molecule imaging

A new study from KAUST has improved the efficiency of protein-induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) by identifying conditions that lead to either enhanced or quenched fluorescence. By understanding these conditions, researchers can better interpret laboratory results and gain more precise insights into molecular events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Heat transport through single molecules

Scientists have successfully measured thermal transport through single-molecule junctions for the first time, revealing that heat transfer is length-independent. The breakthrough uses custom-developed calorimetric-scanning-thermal-microscopy technique to determine thermal conductance, which originates from atomic vibrations or phonons.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2019

Single molecule control for a millionth of a billionth of a second

Researchers have developed a technique to control individual molecules for a millionth of a billionth of a second, reducing reaction time by over two orders of magnitude. This breakthrough enables precise control over chemical reactions at the single molecule level, opening up new avenues for nanoscale research and discovery.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pushing a single-molecule switch

Researchers activate a single molecule switch using an atomic-force probe, revealing the need for precise positioning and chemical reactivity. The study's findings could lead to new control of chemistry at the atomic level.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2016

Individual macromolecule motion in a crowded living cell

Researchers develop a universal theory to describe single-molecule temporal resolution, enabling real-time observation of macromolecules in live cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of chemistry and biochemistry at a single-molecule level.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Moving molecule writes letters

Scientists from TUM and LIU create technology to cage molecules in 2D nanopores, allowing them to investigate thermal behavior of individual species. They successfully track molecule motions at sub-nanometer resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2015
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.

Nanotechnology: Better measurements of single molecule circuits

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a method to measure the conformation of single molecule 'wiring', resolving a gap between theoretical predictions and experiments. This technique provides important information for theoretical modeling, enabling better design and prediction of molecule-scale circuits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 18, 2015

DNA helicity and elasticity explained on the nanoscale

Researchers developed a simple mechanical model to effectively explain DNA's double-stranded structure and elasticity at the nanoscale. The model shows how extreme conditions can cause DNA conformational changes, and its extension is used to study various phenomena such as sequence heterogeneity and protein-DNA interaction.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Biological Physics·DateDec 5, 2013

Nature: Elementary physics in a single molecule

A team of physicists has successfully demonstrated magnetism within a single molecule. By applying voltage, researchers were able to switch the magnetic state on and off, reproducing elementary physics in a single molecule. This discovery provides new insights into magnetism as an elementary phenomenon of physics.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2013

Unraveling intricate interactions, 1 molecule at a time

Researchers from Columbia University successfully characterized van der Waals interactions in gold-molecule-gold junctions at the single-molecule level. This discovery opens up possibilities for designing and optimizing organic electronic devices with greater efficiency.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 12, 2012

Researchers demonstrate versatility of solid-state protein sensor

The new sensor uses nanometer-scale pores to selectively screen single molecules passing through a semiconductor membrane. The technology has the potential to detect and identify specific proteins in a single cell, with applications in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and fundamental biological studies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 15, 2012
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.

Physicists manipulate single molecules to unravel secrets of protein folding

Researchers use single-molecule force spectroscopy to study the dynamics of protein folding, revealing a complex network of intermediate structural and kinetic states. The experiments on calmodulin molecule show distinct subdomains fold independently, interacting with others in a 'energy landscape' with dead ends and express routes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2011

Glowing beacons reveal hidden order in dynamical systems

Researchers confirm the fundamental physical principle relating individual particle behavior to that of a multiparticle system. Using fluorescent molecules and high-resolution imaging, they measured diffusive behavior of ensembles and single molecules, providing the first experimental confirmation of ergodicity.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 19, 2011

Single-molecule manipulation for the masses

A new instrument, Centrifuge Force Microscope (CFM), uses centrifugal force to manipulate molecules, offering a low-cost and simple approach to single-molecule manipulation. This technique enables researchers to study the interactions of thousands of molecules simultaneously.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 2, 2010

Biophysicists manipulate 'zipper,' reveal protein folding dynamics

Researchers at TUM have successfully manipulated a single 'zipper' protein molecule to map changes in its energy landscape during folding and unfolding. This breakthrough provides higher-resolution measurements of protein folding dynamics, shedding light on the chain of events leading from DNA coding to biological function.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2010
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.

Nonstick and laser-safe gold aids laser trapping of biomolecules

Biophysicists at JILA have created nonstick gold surfaces and laser-safe gold nanoposts, enabling the precise trapping of biomolecules. This breakthrough could lead to a 10-fold increase in single molecules studied in certain assays, resulting in new insights into molecular diversity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 17, 2009

'Micro-boxes' of water used to study single molecules

Scientists at NIST created 'hydrosomes,' tiny water droplets that naturally encapsulate biomolecules, allowing for easy manipulation and analysis. The technique enables the study of single molecule dynamics and may lead to the development of molecule-sorting devices for medical screening or biotechnology research.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 20, 2006