Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that female common market squid possess two distinct systems for reflecting light: Bragg reflection and Mie scattering. These systems allow the squid to switch between transparent and white colors, with the latter appearing as a result of condensation and dehydration of reflectins-based proteins.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution structure of CCR5, one of two co-receptors used by HIV to enter human cells. The study provides insights into how HIV fuses with cells and may aid in developing new drugs targeting this receptor.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2013
Scientists aim to treat diseases by creating medicines that replace missing proteins, inspired by artificial limbs. A new platform simplifies the synthesis of small molecules, reducing production time from months or years to days.
Scientists have identified two distinct patterns in cell membranes: spiral and uniform. The patterns are formed by highly organized lipids and vary according to temperature and lipid molecule type. Further research is needed to understand the significance of these patterns for biological functionality.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 30, 2013
Gold nanoparticles with special coatings can deliver drugs or biosensors to a cell's interior without damaging it. Researchers have figured out how the process works, including the crucial first step of fusing with lipids in the cell wall.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 22, 2013
New findings reveal how hair cells amplify sound at specific frequencies, a process missing in current hearing aids. The discovery may inspire the development of next-generation cochlear implants with location- and frequency-specific amplification.
SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateAug 20, 2013
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.
Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.
SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2013
Researchers have gained a comprehensive understanding of melittin's molecular-level action, which involves opening pores in cell membranes to attack cancer and bacteria. The study sheds light on how melittin forms transient pores at low concentrations and stable pores at higher concentrations.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2013
A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013
Researchers have developed a new polymer membrane that improves the stability and conductivity of alkaline fuel cells while reducing the need for expensive platinum catalysts. This breakthrough could make fuel cells more affordable and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional technology.
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.
Researchers have developed a new method to insert DNA into living cells with greater-than-ever control, using a combination of femtosecond lasers and optical tweezers. This technique allows for precise pokes on the surface of a single cell and gentle insertion of DNA.
SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 7, 2013
EPFL researchers dismantled a bacterial nano-machine that kills host cells by piercing membranes. The discovery opens new therapeutic perspectives, including coating catheters with substitute peptides to prevent infection.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2013
A novel theory, proposed by Michael Russell and colleagues, suggests that life arose from geochemical processes, including serpentinization, which produced essential components for life. This theory could provide insights into the origins of life and potentially shed light on its existence elsewhere in the universe.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 30, 2013
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.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new coating for medical implants that can boost bone cell growth by nearly 80%, potentially leading to faster healing of joint replacements and broken bones. The coating, made of tiny metal oxide wires, allows bone cells to cling more easily and form a stronger bond with the implant.
SourceOhio State University·JournalCeramics International·DateJul 29, 2013
Researchers at UCSB have discovered a mechanism that allows squid and octopuses to change color by using specialized cells in their skin called iridocytes. The cells create layers or lamellae that operate as tunable Bragg reflectors, allowing the animals to control their transparency and match their surroundings.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2013
Researchers Tomomi Kiyomitsu and Iain Cheeseman discovered that human cells use the dynein motor to align their mitotic spindle structure, which is then corrected by cell membrane elongation. This process allows for symmetric cell division in about 95% of cells, resulting in identical daughter cells.
SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateJul 18, 2013
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.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene's sharp corners and jagged protrusions can pierce cell membranes, potentially disrupting normal function. The findings may help minimize the potential toxicity of graphene, a material with numerous commercial applications.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2013
New research reveals that muscle power comes from multiple directions, including radial forces, which were previously overlooked. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding normal and pathological aspects of muscle function, including cardiac diseases.
Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.
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.
Researchers discovered that glycans can order the random network of water molecules above them, creating clusters or layers. This effect may help synovial fluid lubricate joints and influence how receptors recognize glycan coats on cells.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 18, 2013
Researchers at University of Helsinki and ETH Zurich have solved the three-dimensional structure of RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection. The structural model provides valuable information for intelligent vaccine design, targeting the virus's fusion protein and matrix protein.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013
A study found that rod-shaped nanoparticles adhere effectively to endothelial cells, enhancing drug delivery. Researchers believe this technology holds promise for novel targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2013
A study found that high levels of contractile stress in animal cells can lead to the formation of a condensed layer of filaments beneath the cell membrane. This new understanding provides insight into the cortical layer's structure and function.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 10, 2013
Glycans play a vital role in cellular communication, but disruptions in their behavior can lead to serious problems. Researchers found that glycans in NPC cells do not recycle properly, causing miscommunication and travel difficulties within the cell.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2013
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.
Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013
Researchers developed a novel tool, nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP-E), to deliver molecules into targeted cells through temporary nanopores. The technique provides unprecedented control over cell transfection and has shown high efficiency and viability in HeLa cell experiments.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 21, 2013
A team of researchers at Columbia Engineering has achieved record-breaking temporal resolution in measuring individual ion-channel proteins using miniaturized electronics. This breakthrough enables new understanding of their functions and opens opportunities in biotechnology and biophysics.
SourceColumbia University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 20, 2013
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.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have obtained detailed images of how the transport protein GLUT transports sugars into cells. The study's findings could lead to new strategies to fight cancer cells by blocking fuel pumps that introduce sugars and other nutrients required for cell metabolism.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 28, 2013
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how protein components work together to transport antibiotics from cells, which could aid the development of 'pump blockers' to combat antibiotic resistance.
SourceDurham University·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateApr 24, 2013
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that disrupts cholesterol levels in cell membranes, blocking virus entry. The findings have potential for developing anti-viral therapies targeting the endosome compartment.
SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 17, 2013
Engineers at UC San Diego have developed nanosponges that can neutralize a wide range of pore-forming toxins, including those produced by MRSA, E. coli, and poisonous snakes and bees. The nanosponges are designed to absorb toxins and divert them away from their cellular targets, with promising results in mouse studies.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 14, 2013
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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found how a gout-linked genetic mutation causes disease by breaking a cellular pump that clears uric acid waste. They identified a compound that partially repairs the pump in laboratory tests.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013
Researchers have identified a substance that prevents fluid accumulation and edema formation in the body, offering new hope for treating excessive fluid retention in patients with chronic heart failure. The discovery also reveals a new molecular mechanism controlling water homeostasis in the kidneys.
SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 5, 2013
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2013
Researchers found that bacteria use phospholipases to degrade competitor cell membranes without harming their own, revealing a new mechanism for interbacterial competition. This discovery opens the way for developing antibacterial drugs that harness this natural defense.
Scientists have identified two compounds, tacrolimus and astemizole, that show anti-prion activity and promise in treating human prion diseases. Astemizole, an antihistamine, stimulates autophagy, a process involved in protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2013
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.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that whole cells and cell fragments orient and move in response to electric fields, with two distinct pathways identified. These findings could lead to new ways to heal wounds and deliver stem cell therapies.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 28, 2013
Researchers have made a breakthrough in creating 'bio-batteries' by discovering that bacteria can produce an electric current when touching a mineral surface. This allows for the direct transfer of electrical charge through bacterial cell membranes, paving the way for efficient microbial fuel cells.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013
Researchers found that nano-hMSCs can promote cavernous neuronal regeneration and repair erectile dysfunction. The study revealed that transplantation of nano-hMSCs increased the expression levels of cavernous neuronal, endothelial, and smooth muscle makers.
A team of scientists discovered that certain bitter taste receptors can relax airway smooth muscle cells, potentially halting asthma attacks. The study's findings suggest that these bitter compounds may be an improvement over current treatments due to their rapid relaxation effects.
Researchers found that stimulating bitter taste receptors in some airway cells can lead to improved treatments for asthma attacks. Bitter substances act by shutting down calcium channels, allowing bronchodilation and ending the asthma attack.
SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 5, 2013
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.
Researchers at the University of Manchester identified the method by which cells regulate integrin recycling, allowing precise control over cell movement. Syndecan-4 plays a critical role in regulating this process, responding to subtle changes in the cell's surroundings.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 28, 2013
New research reveals how primitive cells could have replicated without crucial structures, shedding light on the earliest forms of cellular life. Genetic changes required for L-form growth identified, including increased fatty acid production and imbalance between surface area and volume.
Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.
SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2013
Scientists have visualized molecular changes in a critical protein involved in cell death, providing new insights into apoptosis and its role in disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new medicines that control cell life or death.
SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 2, 2013
Researchers discovered that sphingolipids form larger domains than expected, clustering together to create micrometer-sized patches in the membrane. The presence of cholesterol affects lipid aggregation, but its role is more complex than initially thought.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013
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.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that lipids in the cell membrane form larger domains than previously thought, with cholesterol playing a key role in their organization. The findings challenge current understanding of cell membrane structure and function.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013
Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated improved light absorption and surface passivation on highly absorbing silicon nanostructures using atomic layer coating. This breakthrough advances the development of high-efficiency solar cells, which can potentially increase efficiency to new levels.
SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics·DateJan 25, 2013
A synthetic corkscrew peptide has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their double-layered membranes. The peptide, KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, was effective against a variety of strains of E. coli, A. baumanii, and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistant strains.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013
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.
Researchers at MIT have created a device that can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles through cell membranes by deforming cells. The technique has shown success in delivering reprogramming proteins and generating induced pluripotent stem cells with improved efficiency compared to existing methods.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2013
Researchers at Syracuse University studied nanoparticle toxicity, finding that shape and charge modifications can alter chemical interactions with cell membranes. The study highlights the need for safe handling procedures in nanomanufacturing and nano-biotechnology.
Researchers identified significant sections of the dystrophin gene that could provide hope to young patients and families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The discovery found a 'claw' in the gene that brings nNOS to the muscle cell membrane, preventing damage and potentially leading to treatments.
SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers discovered a novel charge zipper principle used by membrane proteins to form functional units, allowing them to be immersed into hydrophobic cell membranes. The mechanism involves the assembly of amino acids with positive or negative charges, forming an uncharged ring that lines the TatA pore.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study cell division without a cell membrane, allowing them to uncover physical forces and constraints involved in the process. By using this method, they discovered that squeezing the 'cell' into tighter quarters does not lead to smaller spindles, contradicting previous assumptions.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 18, 2013
Scientists have developed a flexible, nanoscale material that can deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The new technology, called a 'bed of nails', uses aligned carbon nanofibers embedded in an elastic membrane to pierce cell walls and release medication.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 15, 2013
Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013
Researchers created a biophysical model predicting that holes larger than 15-24 nanometers would cause bacterial cells to burst. Experiments validated this theory by measuring holes in lysed bacteria cells with diameters of 22-180 nanometers.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 9, 2013
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.
Researchers solved the structure of α-catenin, a protein crucial for cell binding and tissue formation. The discovery reveals how α-catenin interacts with the cytoskeleton and cadherins to stabilize adhesion complexes.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 6, 2013
Researchers from Scotland have demonstrated a way to sort embryonic stem cells based on their electrical properties. The method uses electric fields to differentiate between undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells, which can be useful for biomedical research and potential treatments of diseases like Parkinson's.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJan 3, 2013
Scientists propose that early life forms utilized deep-sea hydrothermal vents to harness energy, driving the emergence of complex cellular structures. The new theory explains why all living organisms conserve energy in the form of ion gradients across membranes.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell·DateDec 20, 2012