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Scientists shed light on essential carbon-fixing machinery in bacteria

Researchers have discovered how carboxysomes work and can be accurately measured, leading to potential breakthroughs in renewable fuels production and plant growth. The study also reveals a possible route to developing novel antibiotics targeting bacterial microcompartments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2020

Study finds unexpected suspect in age-related macular degeneration

Researchers have identified interleukin-4 as a key player in promoting harmful blood-vessel growth in age-related macular degeneration. Elevated levels of the protein were found in patients with AMD and mice with an AMD-like condition, highlighting its potential role as a target for new treatments.

SourceeLife·DateMay 5, 2020
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.

Turning on the 'off switch' in cancer cells

Researchers at Michigan Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center identified the binding site where drug compounds can activate a key braking mechanism against cancer. This discovery paves the way for developing new anti-cancer drugs that enhance tumor suppressor proteins.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2020

Tracking the atomic pathways by in-situ liquid cell TEM

Researchers observe the atomic growth way of Pt3Ni-Ni(OH)2 core-shell structure at gas-liquid interface using in-situ liquid cell TEM. Experiment results reveal underlying growth and transformation mechanisms, shedding light on rational design of metal-2D core-shell structures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2020
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.

Changes in cellular degradation hubs can lead to cancer

Researchers found that increased lysosome numbers lead to hyperactivation of mTOR, stimulating abnormal cell growth. The study identified Rap1 as a regulator of lysosomal network organization and lysosome number, highlighting the central role of lysosomes in cancer progression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2020

NIH researchers successfully stop blood vessel, tumor growth in mice

Researchers at the NIH have successfully stopped tumor growth and blood vessel formation in mice by targeting enzymes that recycle phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate. By blocking these enzymes, tumors were unable to replenish the molecule needed for new blood vessel growth, ultimately reducing tumor size and growth.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2020

Anti-evolution drug could stop antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered 46 drugs that block bacterial competence, preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance in mice and human lung cells. These 'anti-evolution drugs' could be combined with antibiotics to extend their lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 3, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Deciphering the mechanism that determines organ size and shape

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discovered that Dpp and Wg morphogens stimulate growth through independent pathways, regulating organ proportions. The findings have significant implications for understanding malformations and congenital diseases in humans.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2020

Leaking away essential resources isn't wasteful, actually helps cells grow

Researchers used mathematical models to discover that leaking metabolites can provide both selfish and selfless benefits for cells. Leaking allows cells to enhance their growth by making internal chemical reactions more efficient, but it also enables a mutually beneficial exchange of nutrients with other cell types.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2020
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.

Polymers to the rescue! Saving cells from damaging ice

Researchers have designed efficient polymers to prevent ice growth and damage cells during cryo-storage. The study identifies key factors controlling the binding of flexible polymers to ice, paving the way for de novo design of more potent inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 13, 2020

Mystery of marine recycling squad solved

Researchers have solved the mystery of marine nitrogen cycling, discovering that abundant nitrite oxidizing bacteria, Nitrospinae, are more active and efficient than previously thought. This reveals a key to their low abundance despite being crucial in the process.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Targeting the cancer microenvironment

A new biochemical switch involved in M2 macrophage polarization and proliferation has been identified, which can be targeted to inhibit cancer growth. The discovery was made by a research team from the University of Vienna and could lead to novel therapies against systemic diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 5, 2020

Herringbone pattern in plant cell walls critical to cell growth

A recent study reveals that the herringbone pattern in plant cell walls, created by alternating angles of cellulose layers and a protein called CSI1, is critical for cell growth. This discovery challenges existing theories about cell growth and has implications for biofuels research.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateFeb 4, 2020

'Ancient' cellular discovery key to new cancer therapies

Researchers have discovered a link between a metabolic system in yeast and mammals that regulates cell growth and proliferation. The study found that cancer cells can override sensing systems to maintain uncontrolled proliferation, but disrupting this mechanism can suppress cell growth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 21, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists shed light on surprising visual development patterns

Researchers reveal a key role for astrocytes in facilitating inhibitory neuron growth into the lateral geniculate nucleus during early brain development. Without retinal inputs, astrocyte function is disrupted, leading to the absence of inhibitory interneurons.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

A new method to study lithium dendrites could lead to better, safer batteries

A new method to study lithium dendrites was developed using an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM) in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The team successfully grew and observed needle-like structures that can short out batteries and cause fires, providing insights into ways to prevent their appearance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In breakthrough method of creating solar material, NREL scientists prove the impossible really isn't

Researchers at NREL successfully integrated aluminum into their HVPE reactor and demonstrated the growth of semiconductors aluminum indium phosphide (AlInP) and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP). This breakthrough could lead to cheaper solar cells with comparable efficiency to MOVPE-grown ones.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateDec 17, 2019

Meteorite-loving microorganism

A team of scientists discovered an archaeon that can efficiently colonize and utilize meteorite material, suggesting that extraterrestrial compounds may have played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. This finding provides valuable information about the potential for life beyond our planet.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalChemical Science·DateDec 3, 2019

Endometriosis could be treated with cancer drug, study suggests

Researchers found that dichloroacetate treatment lowered lactate production and stopped abnormal cell growth in women with endometriosis. The study suggests a new non-hormonal treatment option for the condition, which affects millions of women worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Laboratory-evolved bacteria switch to consuming CO2 for growth

Researchers created Escherichia coli strains that convert CO2 into biomass, overcoming a major challenge in sustainable production of food and fuels. The study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming a heterotrophic organism into an autotroph using metabolic rewiring and adaptive laboratory evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 27, 2019

Cell death or cancer growth: A question of cohesion

Researchers found that CD95 activation triggers apoptosis in individual cells, but stimulates growth in clusters of cancer cells. The study suggests new ways to transform growth-stimulating signals into cell death signals for cancer cells.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 2019

How gene expression noise shapes cell fate

A new method called VarID quantifies gene expression variability across groups of similar or related cell states, revealing the dynamics of biological noise during cell differentiation. This approach may help understand how gene expression noise regulates development and cell fate decisions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

Boosting host immune defenses to treat tuberculosis

Researchers discovered that enhancing RNA sensor activities can inhibit Mtb growth and increase production of interferon and IFITM3, key elements of the immune response against tuberculosis. A repurposed antiparasitic drug called nitazoxanide may complement traditional regimens by boosting host defenses.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournaliScience·DateNov 12, 2019

Feast or famine: Scientists find key bio 'switch' that helps cells adapt

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Stanford University found that crotonyl marks on histones help cells adapt to low-nutrient conditions by repressing growth genes. This mechanism may be a future target for cancer therapy, as proteins similar to the identified yeast protein are often disrupted in cancers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 5, 2019
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.

Scientists enhance color and texture of cultured meat

A team of Tufts University-led researchers found that adding the iron-carrying protein myoglobin improves the growth, texture and color of bovine muscle grown from cells in culture. Myoglobin was also shown to promote cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to a rich meat-like color.

SourceTufts University·JournalFoods·DateOct 22, 2019

Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new bioprinting process that integrates living cells into fine structures created in a 3D printer, achieving high resolution and speed. This technique allows for the control of cell behavior and growth, enabling studies on tissue development and disease spread.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 21, 2019

Size matters: How cells pack in epithelial tissues

Researchers discover that abnormally small epithelial cells can dissociate from each other, leading to geometric effects on tissue packing. The study provides insights into the role of cell size variation in human disease progression, particularly in tumorigenesis.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

$2M from NIH to extract meaningful data from CRISPR screens

The National Institutes of Health has granted $2.23 million in funding to develop statistical and computational methods for genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening. The goal is to improve functional gene identification, analyze non-coding elements, and study genetic interactions, with potential applications in cancer research.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateAug 30, 2019

Biophysics: The art of worming through tight spaces

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München use computer simulations to study the invasion of epithelial cells and bacterial biofilms into confined microspaces. They discover three distinct modes of invasion based on the level of motile activity, which can lead to clusters of cells detaching and 'worming' through narrow gaps.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalSoft Matter·DateAug 29, 2019

Mediating the trade-off -- How plants decide between growth or defense

Researchers found that plants use the same transcription factor to regulate growth and defense, but require different levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for each process. This incompatibility leads to a trade-off between growth and defense, with implications for plant biomass production and disease resistance.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 27, 2019
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.

Control theory: Mother nature is an engineer

A University of Arizona research team discovered complex biochemical circuits in cells that follow control theory principles, controlling growth in response to nutrient availability. The study found that the TOR and PKA pathways work together like a thermostat, with one pathway speeding up response and the other maintaining stability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2019

Creating 'movies' of thin film growth at NSLS-II

Scientists use Coherent Hard X-ray Scattering to study thin film growth, producing a 'movie' that depicts the process more accurately than traditional techniques. The research could improve the performance of organic solar cells and provide insights into the quality of films.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2019

Timed release of turmeric stops cancer cell growth

A new drug delivery system using curcumin from turmeric inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth by 96% and promotes healthy bone cell growth, offering a gentler treatment option for young patients with bone cancer.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Are American Zika strains more virulent than Pacific and Asian strains?

Research comparing American, Pacific, and Southeast Asian Zika virus strains found that the American subtype has the highest ability to grow in vitro and in vivo. The strain also caused more testis damage in infected mice, highlighting potential concerns about its pathogenicity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 6, 2019

Patterns of chronic lymphocytic leukemia growth identified

Researchers identify three patterns of CLL growth: exponential, logistic, and indeterminate, with the former often driven by a high number of genetic alterations. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences, potentially enabling prediction of disease course.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

New leaf shapes for thale cress

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have identified two regulatory genes that control the development of leaf shapes in thale cress. By switching these genes on at specific times and locations, scientists were able to create complex leaves in a related plant species.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell·DateMay 23, 2019

Turning off growth to make flowers grow

A new study reveals that the transcription factor KNUCKLES plays a crucial role in terminating floral stem cell activity by initiating epigenetic events. This process involves the suppression of WUSCHEL gene expression, leading to the recruitment of Polycomb Group complexes and the formation of repressive H3K27me3 marks on chromatin.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 13, 2019

Tumor cells' drug addiction may be their downfall

Cancer cells' acquired resistance to anti-cancer drugs can be exploited as an Achilles heel, according to research that shows removing a MEK1/2 inhibitor drug causes reversal of drug resistance in colon cancer cell populations. This finding may inform decisions about intermittent use rather than continuous exposure.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2019
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.

Plants grow less in hotter temperatures

Researchers discovered that transcription factors ANAC044 and ANAC085 control plant cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage and abiotic stress. These proteins act as a bridge between SOG1 and Rep-MYB, preventing cell proliferation under hostile conditions.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·DateApr 4, 2019
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.

Newly discovered mechanism of plant hormone auxin acts the opposite way

Researchers have discovered a novel gene expression pathway triggered by auxin accumulation at the inner bend of seedling, leading to growth inhibition rather than stimulation. This finding helps explain the formation of apical hooks that aid seedlings in breaking through the soil.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2019

Artificial intelligence sheds new light on cell developmental dynamics

Researchers developed a comprehensive map of cell developmental dynamics using AI, enabling the evaluation of computational biology methods. The study highlights outstanding challenges and pioneers new ways to assess trajectory inference methods, leading to improved disease understanding.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 1, 2019

Artificial intelligence sheds new light on cell developmental dynamics

Researchers from VIB have developed a map to model cellular dynamics, highlighting outstanding challenges and pioneering new ways of evaluating computational biology methods. This breakthrough enables the study of individual cell trajectories, revealing complex structures such as cell development in diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 1, 2019

New 3-D printing approach makes cell-scale lattice structures

A new 3D printing method enables the creation of fine-scale mesh structures that allow for precise control over a cell's microenvironment. This could lead to highly uniform cultures of cells with desired properties, making it a promising tool for biomedical research and potential medical applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMar 26, 2019

Building starch backbones for lab-grown meat using Lego pieces

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Alabama developed a technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces, creating potential scaffolds for lab-grown 'clean' meat. The starch fiber mats have been optimized for better alignment and strength, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMar 26, 2019
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.

Children grow in a different way, scientists demonstrate

Researchers found that a stem niche in the growth plate produces infinite numbers of cells, changing the concept of growth and potential treatment methods. The discovery may explain cases of unconstrained growth and provide new approaches to treating children with growth disorders.

SourceSechenov University·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2019

Python hearts reveal mechanisms relevant to human heart health and disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder studied Burmese pythons' rapid heart growth in response to fasting and feeding, which could aid humans with diseased heart growth. The study reveals ways to isolate python heart cells, allowing for a better understanding of their mechanics and potential applications in human heart health.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

New mechanism of bone growth discovered

A study published in Nature reveals that bone growth in mice follows the same principles as cell production in blood and other tissues. The discovery suggests that bone growth may be more dynamic than previously thought, with cells generated from a stem-cell like progenitor cell.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019
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.