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Physiological stressors triggering disease in the heart

A recent study published at Masonic Medical Research Institute found that electrocution-induced physiological stress can lead to overlapping cardiac conditions in individuals. The research used human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions, shedding light on potential new treatments.

SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateSep 22, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Stem cells and mathematical models: The future of medical research

Researchers at Masonic Medical Research Institute are using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create scientific models for studying cardiac arrhythmias and testing therapeutics. The integration of mathematical modeling tools enables the prediction of drug efficacy with minimal adverse effects.

SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateAug 25, 2021

Age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakens cardiac contractions

A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021
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.

Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Novel lncRNA, Caren, counteracts heart failure progression

A novel lncRNA, Caren, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure. It enhances energy production in cardiomyocytes and inhibits the activation of the ATM protein, which accelerates heart failure severity. Increasing Caren expression may inhibit heart failure progression.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Converting scar tissue to heart muscle after a heart attack

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have demonstrated the direct conversion of scar tissue cells to heart muscle cells in mice after a heart attack. This breakthrough finding suggests that fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into cardiomyocytes, potentially preventing heart failure and death.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCirculation·DateJun 1, 2021
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.

How mitochondria make the cut

Researchers investigated mitochondrial fission and discovered two types of division: midzone and peripheral. Midzone divisions have textbook machinery, while peripheral divisions are associated with stress and dysfunction. The study sheds light on regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2021

Researchers map heart recovery after heart attack with great detail

Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute mapped the recovery of the heart after a heart attack, highlighting the importance of cardiomyocyte communication in forming scar tissue. The study provides new insights into the complex process of heart recovery, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 29, 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.

CNIC researchers discover a cell-cleaning system that keeps hearts healthy

A study published in Cell reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the heart's waste removal, highlighting the critical role of macrophages in maintaining cardiac health. The discovery suggests that cardiac dysfunction may arise from defects in immune cells rather than cardiomyocytes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell·DateSep 15, 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.

A kinase identified as possible target to treat heart failure

Researchers have identified HIPK2 as a novel regulator of heart failure progression. The kinase was found to play a critical role in maintaining cardiac function, with its deletion leading to progressive deterioration and apoptosis in heart muscle cells.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 2019

CNIC scientists identify an essential protein for correct heart contraction and survival

A team of CNIC scientists identified SRSF3 as crucial for proper heart function and found that its loss leads to reduced expression of genes involved in contraction. Further research revealed that SRSF3 controls the alternative processing of mTOR, a major regulator of cell metabolism, which is essential for heart health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·DateJul 8, 2019

'Shooting stars' during cell development impact risk for disease

Researchers analyzed RNA sequence data from human stem cells as they developed into cardiomyocytes, identifying hundreds of genes associated with varying expression. These 'shooting star' differences may explain complex diseases like cancer and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2019
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.

Scientists make single-cell map to reprogram scar tissue into healthy heart cells

Researchers at UNC McAllister Heart Institute develop stable platform to reprogram human fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes, creating high-resolution molecular roadmap. The approach identifies key genetic facilitators and signaling molecules driving cell fate development, offering new insights into human cardiac reprogramming.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 20, 2019

Anti-inflammatory drug is the key to boosting cardiac reprogramming

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identify diclofenac as a factor promoting cardiac reprogramming in postnatal and adult fibroblasts, while inhibiting COX-2 and suppressing inflammatory signaling. This finding has important implications for developing new therapies for cardiac regeneration in pediatric and adult patients.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2019
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.

Finding suggests ways to promote adult heart tissue regeneration

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made a groundbreaking finding that enables the reprogramming of adult cardiomyocytes to promote heart tissue regeneration. By manipulating the genetic mechanisms that prevent cardiomyocyte proliferation, scientists have successfully opened up possibilities for treating heart disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 14, 2019

Don't go breaking my heart

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultra-soft electronic sensor that can closely monitor beating heart cells without affecting their behavior. This breakthrough device uses a nanomesh sensor to study cardiomyocytes in a more faithful way, paving the way for future embedded medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 31, 2018

Watch a 3D-engineered human heart tissue beat

Scientists have created a model of the upper chambers of the heart using 3D-engineered human heart tissue, which can serve as a tool for evaluating disease mechanisms and testing new drugs. The tissue is derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and responds to atrial-selective drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

Can we teach heart cells to grow up?

Researchers have identified serum response factor (SRF) as a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte maturation. SRF plays a key role in organizing contractile structures and regulating gene expression, but its level affects cell maturity. The study provides new insights into heart muscle development and regeneration.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2018

Diseased heart muscle cells have abnormally shortened telomeres, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that people with cardiomyopathy have abnormally short telomeres in their heart muscle cells. This finding opens the door to new research and drug discovery, potentially allowing for the identification of individuals at risk for heart failure due to genetic defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

High vinculin levels help keep aging fruit fly hearts young

Researchers found that maintaining high levels of the protein vinculin in fruit flies' hearts reduced the effects of aging and improved their life span, quality of life, and metabolism. Flies bred with higher vinculin levels lived up to nine weeks, compared to six weeks for typical fruit flies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 17, 2018
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.

New cell therapy aids heart recovery -- without implanting cells

A new cell therapy has been developed to aid heart recovery without implanting cells, using extracellular vesicles secreted by cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The therapy shows promising results in recovering cardiac function and reducing arrhythmias in rat models of myocardial infarction.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 23, 2018

CNIC scientists identify a promising target for the treatment of heart failure

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target, OMA1, which protects cardiomyocytes from death and deterioration in heart function when the heart is under stress. Inhibition of OMA1 prevents heart failure in models of chronic tachycardia, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia with cardiac hypertrophy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 28, 2018
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.

Mending broken hearts with cardiomyocyte molds

A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has created 3D substrates that mimic the natural heart environment, enabling cardiomyocytes to mature more quickly and have improved functionality. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with heart injuries.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 13, 2018

Researchers from MIPT study a nanoscaffold for heart cells

Researchers from MIPT studied a nanofibrous scaffold's interaction with rat cardiac cells, finding cardiomyocytes envelop fibers on all sides, while fibroblasts only touch one side. This study contributes to heart tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 1, 2018

UCLA scientists use color-coded tags to discover how heart cells develop

Researchers discovered that most new cardiomyocytes come from cardiac progenitor cells during early embryonic development, but this ability fades as mice mature. The study's findings could lead to methods for regenerating heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Penn researchers: An injectable gel that helps heart muscle regenerate after heart attack

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an injectable gel that slowly releases microRNAs to stimulate heart muscle regeneration. The gel's unique properties allow it to target specific signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, resulting in improved recovery rates and potentially life-prolonging effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 29, 2017

The main switch

Researchers at the University of Freiburg discover that DNA folding reorganization is a key switch for defining cell types during cardiomyocyte differentiation. The study reveals that spatial genome organization determines cellular identity and provides insights into future reprogramming strategies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Post-heart attack: How can scar tissue be turned back into healthy heart muscle?

Scientists at UNC School of Medicine compare two reprogramming techniques to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes, finding that one method produces cells with embryonic cell signatures while the other yields cells with adult characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapies and understanding cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 2017

Research reveals new insights into why the heart does not repair itself

A study published in Nature reveals a previously unknown connection between pathways that prevent heart cell renewal. The discovery opens the possibility of developing strategies to promote heart cell growth and regeneration. This finding may also lead to improved cardiac function in children with muscular dystrophy.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2017

The immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration

Researchers at Osaka University found that the immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration after myocarditis. Cardiomyocytes can proliferate under specific conditions, such as inflammation, and this process is mediated by factors like STAT3 and interleukin 11.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

Cardiomyocyte autophagia and morphological alterations

Researchers studied cardiomyocyte autophagia in rabbits with acute focal ischemia. The study found that autophagy increases immediately after ischemia to protect cells, but decreases over time due to energy conservation. This mechanism helps prevent necrotic area expansion and cardiac death.

SourceRUDN University·DateFeb 20, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heart attack treatment might be in your face

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a cell therapy that utilizes modified facial muscle cells to regenerate heart tissue. This innovative approach aims to address the limitations of existing treatments, which often rely on drug therapies or surgery, and may reduce rejection risks.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateFeb 7, 2017

A change of heart

Cardiac diseases cause pathological growth leading to heart failure. Researchers found epigenetic marks responsible for this growth are lost in disease, allowing cells to switch back to fetal form and leading to irregular rhythms. This finding points to a new strategy for epigenetic therapy.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2016

DNA damage response links short telomeres, heart disorder in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that progressively shortening telomeres in heart muscle cells triggered a DNA damage response compromising mitochondrial function. This led to cardiomyopathy and death in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

The debut of a robotic stingray, powered by light-activated rat cells

Researchers have created a robotic mimic of a stingray that's powered and guided by light-sensitive rat heart cells, demonstrating a new method for building bio-inspired robots through tissue engineering. The robotic stingray can be controlled using pulses of light, with different frequencies used to control its speed.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 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.

Mouse study links heart regeneration to telomere length

Researchers discovered that heart muscle cell chromosomes rapidly erode after birth, limiting their ability to proliferate and replace damaged heart tissue. Maintaining telomere length may boost regenerative capacity, improving cardiac tissue recovery after a heart attack.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 30, 2016

Scientists discover how to control heart cells using a laser

Researchers have found a way to control heart muscle cells using laser radiation, which could lead to new treatments for arrhythmia. The study used azoTAB molecules and found that controlling the ion channels in cardiomyocytes can reduce abnormal heart rhythms.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2016

Testing the power of stem cell-derived heart muscle cells

A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology reveals that stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes have weaker contractile strength than their biological counterparts, which could explain shortcomings in clinical trials. The findings suggest that novel assays are needed to better understand the basic science behind stem cell therapy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Muscles on-a-chip provide insight into cardiac stem cell therapies

Researchers developed a muscle-on-a-chip model that demonstrates how cardiac stem cell therapies can fail due to inefficient force transmission between new and old heart cells. The study suggests that mechanical forces are not transmitted properly, leading to the formation of cellular adhesions that dissipate force to surrounding tissues.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 8, 2016
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.

Using electrical signals to train the heart's muscle cells

Researchers have shown that electrical stimulation of human heart muscle cells can aid their development and function. The team used electrical signals designed to mimic those in a developing heart to regulate and synchronize the beating properties of nascent cardiomyocytes, which support the beating function of the heart.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2016

New biotechnology for high efficiency purification of live human cells

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses synthetic microRNA switches to purify live human cells with improved efficiency. The method, which involves identifying unique miRNAs for each cell type, shows promise for clinical applications and could lead to more homogeneous cell pools and better cell therapy outcomes.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 21, 2015

Heart cells regenerated in mice

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully regenerated heart cells in adult mice using a previously unknown signaling pathway. By activating ERBB2, a protein that plays a role in heart development, researchers were able to induce cardiac cell renewal and regeneration without excessive growth or scarring.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2015

Penn researchers describe new approach to promote regeneration of heart tissue

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to reactivate cardiac muscle cell proliferation in adult hearts, leading to reduced scar formation and improved heart function after injury. The approach involves using synthetic microRNAs with short half-lives to induce cardiomyocyte growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 18, 2015
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.

Study urges caution in stem cell clinical trials for heart attack patients

A new study challenges the use of stem cells in heart attack patients, finding that they do not regenerate damaged heart tissue at high enough rates. The study suggests that any potential benefit from injecting c-kit-positive cells into the hearts of patients may come from improving circulation rather than generating new cardiomyocytes.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2014

Oxygen diminishes the heart's ability to regenerate, researchers discover

New research by UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that high levels of oxygen in the postnatal environment result in cell cycle arrest of cardiomyocytes, making it impossible for adult hearts to regenerate. The study's findings have significant implications for cardiovascular medicine and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2014