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Taking a big step in structural biology

Luis Cuello, a professor at TTUHSC, has developed a method to express human potassium channels in bacteria, allowing for large-scale biophysical studies. This technology will be used to target several channels relevant to diseases such as epilepsy, arrhythmia, and diabetes.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateMay 18, 2023
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.

Precursor of breast cancer or not?

Researchers developed a method to predict DCIS progression to invasive breast cancer using mice with human DCIS cells. The study found molecular similarities between humans and mice, including the presence of HER2 protein increasing breast cancer risk.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023

How cells are influenced by their environment as tissues grow

Vogel and Benn's study replicates tissue growth in vitro, revealing the importance of ECM interactions. Myofibroblasts play a key role in wound healing and cancer progression, but their transformation into fibroblasts is influenced by ECM composition and structure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2023
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.

Mechanism resembling ageing and cancer found in a Finnish mitochondrial disease

A Finnish mitochondrial disease, GRACILE syndrome, exhibits cancer-like changes in cell proliferation, leading to premature ageing. Researchers have identified the c-MYC protein as a key player in this process, and a ketogenic diet has shown promise in reducing excessive cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023

ATAD3A: A molecular determinant favoring head and neck cancer development

Researchers have identified ATAD3A as a molecular determinant that favors the development of head and neck cancer. The protein is involved in various cellular processes, including energy metabolism and apoptosis. Targeting ATAD3A could offer a novel approach to developing effective anti-cancer therapeutics.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2023

The Mathematics of Cell Boundary 'Ruggedness'

The study, led by Professor Takashi Miura of Kyushu University, has discovered that interdigitated cell boundaries have a mathematically scaling pattern with self-similarity. The team used the Edwards-Wilkinson model to simulate and understand the molecular mechanism responsible for these dynamics.

SourceKyushu University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

What can nematodes’ body size tell us about cell growth?

The study of nematodes' body size can inform scientists' understanding of cellular growth, with the goal of discovering novel genes that control cell size and potential targets for cancer treatment. Nematodes are a model species for biological studies due to their quick growth rate and ability to produce hundreds of eggs.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 20, 2023
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.

Cellular growth rate reshapes cell-fate-decision landscape

Researchers found that cellular growth rate influences gene expression response, leading to unbalanced phenotypic states and a growth-rate-dependent phase transition. The study proposes a mathematical model explaining the bifurcation arising from the relationship between growth rates and gene expression.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 23, 2023

Aging | Senescence-associated exosomes transfer fibrosis to neighboring cells

Researchers found that senescence-associated exosomes (SA-EXOs) from MSCs induce fibrosis and activate invasive characteristics in neighboring cells via the TGF-β pathway. SA-EXOs play a large role in cancer-related fibrosis, and their unique miRNA content influences myofibroblast phenotypes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene essential to making DNA appears to be a good target in minimizing pulmonary hypertension

Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Bryophytes branch differently… also at the molecular level

Researchers discovered that non-vascular bryophytes like Marchantia polymorpha adapt their architecture in response to shade, using phytochromes to regulate branching. The study found a liverwort-specific microRNA and SPL gene controlling meristem function, differing from vascular plants.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Stopping a rare childhood cancer in its tracks

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found a way to reprogram cells causing Ewing sarcoma to behave like normal connective tissue cells. By blocking the protein ETV6, cancer cells can be forced to take on a new identity and grow less aggressively.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 19, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bacterial electricity: Membrane potential influences antibiotic tolerance

Researchers at the University of Cologne discovered that bacterial membrane potential changes during biofilm formation, correlating with increased antibiotic tolerance. The study found characteristic patterns of polarization that evolve in space and time, which are linked to a change in oxygen availability.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 19, 2023

Genes & Cancer | Slit2 signaling stimulates Ewing sarcoma growth

Researchers found that EWS::FLI1 induces Slit2 expression, which activates Robo receptors and enhances Ewing sarcoma growth. Silencing Slit2 strongly inhibited Ewing sarcoma cell growth, providing an opportunity for targeted therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2023

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Organelles grow in random bursts

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis demonstrated that eukaryotic cells can control organelle size by exhibiting random bursts of growth, maintaining a narrow window of precision within this noise., The study suggests a biophysical mechanism for the robustness and universality of organelle size control.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023
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.

Plants between light and darkness

Researchers discovered two ion transport proteins, VCCN1 and KEA3, that dynamically adjust photosynthetic performance in response to light fluctuations. The study found that these proteins play a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive sunlight and optimizing growth under varying light conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022
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.

Decoding the secret language of photosynthesis

Scientists have decoded the signals plants send themselves to initiate photosynthesis, a process turning sunlight into sugars. The newly identified proteins control communication between plant cells and organelles, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer research and improving crop yields.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2022

Cell quality control

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTraffic·DateDec 15, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fighting cancer is more efficient at dawn

Researchers at UNIGE and LMU discovered that immune system's anti-tumour activity peaks in the morning. Tumours implanted at night grew faster than those implanted in the afternoon. Administering immunotherapy treatments early morning significantly enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting a new strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 6, 2022

Seaweed molecules used to improve outcomes for bypass surgery

Researchers developed a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth and prevent blood clots in heart bypass surgery. Fucoidan, a seaweed-derived compound, was added to synthetic blood vessels using nanotechnology, significantly reducing the chances of clots forming.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBioactive Materials·DateDec 5, 2022

New target in the fight against heart disease

Scientists at Medical College of Georgia discover a new target to intervene in coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. The target is ATIC, a gene essential for purine production, which increases in response to arterial disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCirculation·DateNov 29, 2022

Dietary change starves cancer cells, overcoming treatment resistance

A low-protein diet blocks nutrient signaling pathways that fire up a master regulator of cancer growth, leading to massive cell death. Researchers found this approach could be an alternative way to shut down mTORC and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

From cell walls to photosynthesis: How does manganese get to where it needs to go in plants?

A team of researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg has discovered a transport pathway for manganese in plants and the role that BICAT3 plays in this process. The protein is responsible for transporting manganese to where it needs to go in plant cells, leading to improved crop growth.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 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.

Copper a clue in the fight against cancer

Researchers discovered that the Memo1 protein binds copper ions, blocking toxic redox reactions that damage or kill cancer cells. The protein's interaction with copper also protects against metastasis formation in breast cancer cells. This finding opens up potential new treatments for cancer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

How cells find the right partners

Researchers found that the Eya protein regulates cell contact behavior, allowing for self-organization of epithelial cells with nurse cells. This mechanism enables complex development processes, including egg chamber formation and sperm cell development, in Drosophila.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2022

Aston University researchers ‘feed’ leftover coffee grounds to microalgae to produce low emission biodiesel

Researchers at Aston University have developed a method to produce high-quality biodiesel from spent coffee grounds by growing microalgae on the grounds. This innovative approach reduces competition with food crops and decreases greenhouse gas emissions from palm tree cultivation.

SourceAston University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022
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.

Synthetic energy metabolism enables twin engine for cell

A novel synthetic energy system supports yeast cell growth and produces highly reduced chemicals, achieving high yields of biofuels. The system's reductive metabolism enables efficient energy production, overcoming stoichiometric constraints and outperforming natural metabolic processes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2022

On the trail of missing genes and cancer clues

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a direct link between TET protein loss of function and missing genes in embryonic stem cells, which can lead to cancer growth. The study found that TET proteins are crucial for maintaining genome stability, and their loss results in aneuploidies, a common feature of cancer cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

A key regulator of cell growth deciphered

A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

UArizona researchers develop 'Goldilocks drug' to treat triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers have developed a drug compound that stops cancer cell growth in mice with little effect on normal healthy cells, making it potentially nontoxic for patients. The therapy targets the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, which is overexpressed in about half of all triple-negative breast cancer cases.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCancer Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
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.

What happens if your circadian rhythms are out of whack?

Researchers discovered a molecular link between disrupted circadian rhythms and lung tumor growth, implicating a cancer-signature gene known as HSF1. Disrupted clocks may trigger lung tumors in individuals with irregular sleep patterns or night shifts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Powerful enzyme that tamps down inflammation holds promise for protecting the eyes in diabetes, premature birth

Researchers found that increasing arginase 1 availability helps alleviate unhealthy responses and interrupt destructive inflammation in diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. This is achieved by reducing L-arginine levels, which in turn reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase activity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateOct 12, 2022

Complex regulation controls mediator of cancer growth

The study reveals how the activating partner PI5P interacts with two different regions of regulatory protein UHRF1, showing its role in modulating complex proteins. This finding could breathe new life into the search for UHRF1-directed medicines.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2022
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.

NUS scientists develop novel technique to grow meat in the lab using magnetic field

Researchers at NUS have developed a method to produce cell-based meat using magnetic pulses, reducing reliance on animal products and increasing efficiency. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and improve regenerative medicine by stimulating the growth of healthy cells.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists identify unique breast cancer cells that control their ability to proliferate and colonize the lungs

Researchers discovered a type of triple-negative breast cancer cell that can trigger dormancy, evading therapies and allowing for efficient survival in distant organs. This finding highlights the need for more selective therapeutic strategies targeting both dividing and invasive dormant cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 20, 2022

Light-based therapy weakens antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2022