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Zhang and colleagues win an $11.2 million NIH program project grant

Researchers led by Jianyi Zhang aim to find key pathways for reprogramming adult heart muscle cells to proliferate in response to a heart attack, potentially leading to improved heart attack recovery through growth of new heart muscle cells. The grant will fund three projects at UAB and two other universities.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateAug 18, 2022

Watching primordial neural cells grow in 3D scaffolds to heal brain injury

Biomedical engineers have created a novel 3D synthetic structure that mimics the extracellular matrix, guiding neural progenitor cells and promoting their differentiation. The results show promise for developing brain-healing treatments, including biogels that can repair and regrow brain tissue after a stroke or other trauma.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How a shape-shifting receptor influences cell growth

The study reveals how the EGF receptor changes its shape when binding to its target, triggering cell growth and proliferation. The findings could lead to the design of new cancer drugs that evade resistance, says MIT chemist Gabriela Schlau-Cohen.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2022

Getting tough on tuft cell lung cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a protein interaction that may be an Achilles heel of tuft cell lung cancer. Disrupting this interaction could lead to more targeted therapies for the deadly disease, which originates from cells known as tuft cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Pioneering new targeted treatments

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying how lipids help fortify lung cancer cells and if targeting them can lead to better outcomes. The team discovered that lipids play a crucial role in cancer cell growth, membrane fortification, and energy production.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 10, 2022

Protein discovery reinvigorates promising new therapeutic

A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a new therapeutic that uses transmembrane stem cell factor to treat ischemia and stroke without causing allergic reactions. The therapeutic, delivered in engineered lipid nanocarriers, shows promise in enhancing revascularization in ischemic tissues.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2022
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.

Unlocking the mysteries of cell migration

Researchers led by Atsuo Sasaki aim to identify mechanisms behind cell movement and energy allocation in cancer cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment. They will use scanning ion-conductance microscopy and machine learning technology to study the role of GTP in cellular migration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 6, 2022
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.

MIT engineers boost signals from fluorescent sensors

The MIT team developed wavelength-induced frequency filtering (WIFF), a novel photonic technique that dramatically improves fluorescent sensor signals. This allows for the implantation of sensors as deep as 5.5 cm in tissue, enabling applications such as tracking specific molecules inside the brain or monitoring drug effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 30, 2022

Pumping calcium for bigger bones

A Kyoto University study has discovered that c-type natriuretic peptide facilitates intracellular calcium signaling in chondrocytes to stimulate long bone growth. This finding may lead to the development of new bone growth-stimulating agents for treating developmental disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Study finds cells take out the trash before they divide

Researchers at MIT discovered that cells shed 4% of their mass before cell division to eliminate toxic components. This process allows newborn cells to start with fresh, functional contents, which may help explain why neurons accumulate toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022
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.

Boys are more demanding than girls before they are born – according to scientists

A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2022

Higher blood fats more harmful than first thought

Researchers discovered that elevated blood fats in people with metabolic diseases create stress in muscle cells, leading to cell death and worsening the illness. Ceramides, a signal created by stressed-out cells, can be passed on to other cells, increasing the risk of severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2022
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.

Study identifies new protection mechanism in breast cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a novel protein mechanism that inhibits tumour growth in ER-negative breast cancer, leading to improved prognosis. High levels of GIT1 were associated with reduced tumour growth and better outcomes in ER-negative patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2022

A dimmer switch for human brain cell growth

Researchers have identified a single gene, FOXG1, that can control brain cell growth in humans. The discovery provides hope for developing new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and stopping brain tumor cells from growing.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 18, 2022

Overcoming resistance to breast cancer treatment

A team from UNIGE has identified a potential target for restoring the efficacy of standard breast cancer treatment. The loss of SPRED2 protein leads to tumor proliferation even with tamoxifen treatment. Combining tamoxifen with an inhibitor of estrogen-independent cell activation may be promising for resistant patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 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.

Unusual partners aid blood vessel growth

Researchers have found that two receptors on the surface of endothelial cells come together to enable new blood vessel growth. The discovery reveals a new connection between copper metabolism and angiogenesis, highlighting CTR1 as a potential therapeutic target for conditions like ischemic heart disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 8, 2022

AI-designed protein awakens silenced genes, one by one

Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI-designed protein that can awaken individual dormant genes by disabling chemical 'off switches'. This approach allows for safe upregulation of specific genes to affect cell activity without permanently changing the genome.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Cell division in microalgae: mitosis revealed in detail for the first time

Researchers at Bielefeld University have identified five key characteristics of mitosis in the microalga Volvox carteri, including a porous nuclear envelope and crucial centrosome function. They used confocal laser scanning microscopy to capture high-resolution images of live cell division and gain insights into the complex process.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 4, 2022
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.

CNIC scientists identify a shuttle protein required for the nuclear import of proteins essential for organ growth and development

Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Hitting the brakes on the cell cycle for the formation of plant stomata

Researchers discovered that a transcription factor called MUTE induces a cell cycle inhibitor SMR4 to slow down the cell cycle, allowing for asymmetric division. A variant with excess SMR4 showed a longer cell cycle during symmetric division, revealing a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant stomatal development.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2022

An easier way to grow model organs

Scientists at Michigan Medicine have developed a new way to grow tiny models of organs, called organoids, using a simple suspension culture. This breakthrough improves the understanding of human development and could lead to new insights into disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 17, 2022
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.

'Molecular Velcro' enables tissues to sense, react to mechanical force

A University of Illinois study discovered that cadherin proteins can sense mechanical stress and alter cell communication, promoting tissue growth and tumorigenesis. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for preventing certain types of tissue growth by mutating cadherin molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Cell cultures not as stable as you'd think

Researchers monitored cell environments for three days, finding significant differences from native conditions. The team aims to develop recommendations on improving culture conditions and reduce environmental instability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Pancreatic cancer cells feed off hyaluronic acid

Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Division of labor among genetic switches

Researchers identify genetic circuit that senses cell development stage, triggering deactivation of X chromosome. The discovery reveals a division of labor among genetic switches, providing clues for future study on X chromosome inactivation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Communication between cells plays a major role in deciding their fate

A new model suggests that cell-to-cell communication plays a crucial role in determining cell fate, particularly in the development of blood cell types. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and identifying leukemia cells of origin.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalDevelopment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021

Research breakthrough could see HIV drugs used to treat low-grade brain tumours

Researchers have discovered that HIV drugs may be effective in treating low-grade brain tumours, specifically meningioma and acoustic neuroma. High levels of HERV-K proteins were found to stimulate the growth of these tumours, and targeted drugs have been identified to reduce their growth.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCancer Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021
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.

A mechanism that allows cells to stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions described

Researchers from the Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Research Group at UPF have discovered a mechanism by which cells stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that the MAP kinase Sty1 pathway deregulates the equilibrium between Cdc42 activators and inhibitors.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 10, 2021

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
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.

Scientists pinpoint protein’s role in critical gene expression

Researchers discovered a newly defined domain in a protein that regulates gene expression under high-energy conditions. Cells adapt to changing nutrient environments by switching between specialized gene expression programs, which are triggered by different molecular tags on histones.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Building better tools for biomanufacturing

A team of researchers has developed a Dynamic Sampling Platform to analyze cells in real-time, overcoming the time-consuming and expensive process of biomanufacturing. The platform provides insight into cell behavior and biochemical information needed for process control, potentially lowering the cost of cell therapies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Scientists solve 50-year-old mystery behind plant growth

A team of researchers from UC Riverside has discovered how a small molecule called auxin triggers the growth process in plants. By analyzing cell walls, they found that auxin lowers pH levels, causing cells to become acidic and soften, allowing them to expand and grow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

For stem cells, bigger doesn’t mean better

Researchers found that blood stem cells, which are among the smallest cells in the body, lose their ability to perform their normal function — replenishing the body’s blood cells — as they grow larger. However, when the cells were restored to their usual size, they behaved normally again.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2021

Tufts receives $10 million grant to help develop cultivated meat

A team led by David Kaplan at Tufts University aims to produce an alternative food source using cell-grown meat, driving efforts to enhance food sustainability and nutrition. The five-year project will combine interdisciplinary teams to evaluate consumer acceptance, environmental impact, and economic viability.

SourceTufts University·DateNov 4, 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.

Slow release of a drug, TT-10, improves heart attack recovery in a mouse model

Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

How diet affects tumors

A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2021

First artificial scaffolds for studying plant cell growth

Plant biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first artificial scaffolds that can support individual plant cells, mimicking the properties of plant cell walls. The scaffolds demonstrate promising results for studying plant cell adhesion and growth.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Research reveals new understanding of cancer resistance to treatment

Researchers discovered that leukemia cells immediately unresponsive to treatment have high levels of SAMHD1, while those with acquired resistance use the enzyme DCK to activate nucleoside analogues. This finding may lead to better cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Nanosilver no ‘silver bullet’ in long-term treatment of infections

Researchers found that nanosilver treatment can increase the risk of recurrent infections when used long-term due to pathogen adaptation. Long-term exposure allows bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evolve and resume normal growth upon discontinuation of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021