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David Knowles wins NSF CAREER Award

Assistant professor David Knowles at Columbia University wins a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a new framework and tools for analyzing alternative splicing in diseases such as ALS and cancer. The project aims to create more accurate algorithms for single-cell and long-read RNA-seq analysis.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 30, 2022

When neurons behave like a double-edged sword

A new study found that microglia regulate neuronal subtypes differently in response to bacteria, affecting intrinsic excitability. Pyramidal cells exhibited lower excitability, while Purkinje cells showed higher excitability when modulated by microglia.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Why do we lose muscle mass when physical activity levels decline?

Researchers at Kobe University discover that immobilization induces loss of muscle mass by disrupting calcium levels and triggering the KLF15-IL-6 pathway. This finding may lead to the development of a treatment for muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, which affects aging societies.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Treating deadly mammary cancer with a novel plant virus-based immunotherapy

A new study reveals that intra-tumoral injections of a plant virus-based immunotherapy could lead to groundbreaking therapy for both canine and human inflammatory breast cancer patients. The treatment generated potent local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses, improving quality of life and survival in treated dogs.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nano carriers fit for purpose

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel approach to modify nano-particles' surface chemistry to tailor the body's immune response. This technique shows promise for safer, more effective vaccines, drug delivery, and disease diagnostics and treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNanomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

Run (and tumble) to dinner

Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science have developed a theoretical model for optimal search strategy in biological systems, which may help design new drones or nanobots. The model uses stochastic optimal control theory to analyze chemotaxis, a process of attraction to chemical gradients.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateFeb 16, 2022

Pimple secret popped: How fat cells in the skin help fight acne

Researchers at UC San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of fibroblasts, or fat cells, in controlling bacteria and developing acne. These findings could lead to more targeted treatment options for acne, which affects up to 50 million Americans each year.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2022

Three proteins found that help fine tune movement

Researchers identified three KCTD proteins that modulate neurotransmitter activity, enabling fine-tuned movement. Their elimination enhances cAMP production and sensitivity to dopamine in neurons.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2022

“Inflaming” cold tumors

Scientists at Technical University of Munich discovered a promising combination therapy for mesenchymal PDAC subtype, showing improved T-cell infiltration and cell cycle arrest when using nintedanib with trametinib. The treatment significantly improves the response of highly aggressive mesenchymal PDAC subtypes in mice.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 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.

Improved retinal transplant technique ready for clinical trials

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new retinal transplant technique by engineering human-derived retina sheets to lose bipolar cells, allowing better connections to host retinas and improved responses to light. The technique has shown substantial functional improvement in animal studies and is now poised for human clinical trials.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateJan 25, 2022

Researchers of the University of Kent and Goethe-University Frankfurt find explanation why the Omicron variant causes less severe disease

A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

The cellular response that protects pigs from COVID-19

Researchers found that pig cells undergo apoptosis at a higher rate than human cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, helping to limit viral replication and avoid severe illness. This discovery could lead to therapies designed to trigger apoptosis in human cells, reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCell Death Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

Respiratory viruses that hijack immune mechanisms may have Achilles’ heel

A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.

SourceWashington State University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

Researchers pinpoint how Zika virus evades cell’s antiviral response

Northwestern University scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the Zika virus to evade the antiviral response of host cells. The study reveals how the virus suppresses interferon signaling to gain access to cells, providing a new target for antiviral therapeutics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJan 18, 2022

Scientists discover how key protein drives our immune response against viruses

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a crucial protein, myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), that regulates type I interferon production in response to viral infections. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the development of new therapies to boost or suppress immune responses, p...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022

Newly developed injectable, adhesive surgical gel to prevent scar tissue

Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.

SourceGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 23, 2021

What makes an mRNA vaccine so effective against severe COVID-19?

A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2021
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.

How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference

A University of California, Riverside study found that diet impacts taste sensitivity and food choice in fruit flies, using macronutrients like sugars and amino acids for survival. Flies adjusted their taste preferences based on dietary imbalances, influencing food choices to regain a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Measuring cancer cell state can reveal drug susceptibility

Researchers identified three prototypical RNA-expression states in pancreatic cancer cells and found that altering the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor cells to become more susceptible to certain drugs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for personalized medicine and targeting specific drug responses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2021

New protein fragment could improve cartilage regeneration

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have discovered a new protein fragment that could improve cartilage regeneration and reduce the need for osteoarthritis treatments. The protein fragment, developed by Handan Acar and Amgad Haleem, aims to help the body heal itself by elicititing a response from stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateDec 7, 2021
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.

In breast cancer, the best defense is a strong offense

Researchers discovered that pregnancy triggers the activation of Natural Killer T (NKT) cells to prevent breast cancer. After pregnancy, breast epithelial cells produce a specific protein called CD1d, which attracts NKT cells to monitor and eliminate potential cancer cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 7, 2021

New study finds the body’s defensive reaction to a heart attack could help

Scientists discovered an important protective response in the heart that can prevent excessive scarring after a heart attack. The study found that this reactive response can limit cardiac fibrosis by preventing oxidant build-up in heart cells, potentially leading to new therapies to repair scarring damage.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fat-secreted molecule lowers response to common cancer treatment

A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateNov 9, 2021

Adult stem cells transform faster with two lasers

Scientists from the University of Johannesburg found that shining two lasers on adult stem cells accelerates their transformation into different types of cells. The consecutive irradiation increases proliferation and differentiation under laboratory conditions, paving the way for potential therapies to repair damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

McCullough and Liu awarded $3.7M NIH grant to study sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes

The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 15, 2021

More effective cell studies using new AI method

A new study from the University of Gothenburg introduces an AI-based method to develop faster, cheaper, and more reliable information about cells using microscopy. This approach eliminates the drawbacks of traditional fluorescence microscopy by providing accurate results without damaging cells or inhibiting processes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiophysics Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2021

Novel assay finds new mechanism underlying red blood cell aging

Researchers from FAU and MIT develop a microfluidic assay to study the mechanical performance of red blood cells under hypoxic conditions. The study reveals that cyclic hypoxia can lead to mechanical degradation of the red blood cell membrane, contributing to aging.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 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.

Proteins that outwit emerging and re-emerging viruses

Researchers found that a family of proteins enhances the immune response to HIV, Ebola and Zika by boosting signals sent within immune cells. This discovery has implications for potential broad antiviral therapy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
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.

Hobit turns immune cells into killers

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have found that innate lymphoid cells can specialize into killer cells that recognize and kill tumour cells. The study reveals a new transcription factor, Hobit, drives this specialization process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Only one human fat cell subtype responds to insulin stimulation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered three different subtypes of mature fat cells in white adipose tissue, with only one subtype, Adipo PLIN, responding to insulin. The study suggests that changes in this specific subtype may contribute to metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 10, 2021

Mechanism that triggers brain neurone response revealed

Scientists have discovered how neurotransmitters and proteins interact to trigger neuronal responses in the brain, with implications for understanding mood disorders and addictions. The study reveals small changes in protein connections control cellular responses, enabling precise regulation of neurotransmitter effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 29, 2021
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.

New insights into uncontrolled inflammation in COVID-19 patients

A recent study by Queen Mary University of London provides new insight into the mechanisms behind uncontrolled inflammation in COVID-19 patients. The research found that treatments increasing specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPM) production, such as dexamethasone, may play a key role in limiting disease severity.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCirculation Research·DateJul 29, 2021

Why do some people get severe COVID-19? The nose may know

Researchers found that severe COVID-19 patients have muted interferon responses, leading to a failed early immune response. The study suggests that building on type I interferon may be key to developing treatments for severe COVID-19.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 2021
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.

One shot of the Sputnik V vaccine triggers strong antibody responses

A single dose of the Sputnik V vaccine elicits significant antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, with 94% of participants developing IgG antibodies within three weeks. Previously infected individuals show higher antibody levels after one dose compared to fully vaccinated volunteers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJul 13, 2021

New device refines scientists' ability to sort and process human cells

A new device at the University of Exeter allows for more precise sorting and analysis of individual human cells based on their response to stimuli. This innovation has the potential to improve personalized medicine by detecting which drugs are likely to work for specific patients, reducing unnecessary side effects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Biology·DateJun 22, 2021

Researchers seek deeper understanding on how cells in the body operate

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University used experimental cellular evolution to study how cells respond to controlled mechanical properties. They found that cellular mechanosensing is not optimal but a tradeoff, and that cells can evolve under selection pressure from biomaterials of controlled stiffness.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 25, 2021
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.

UCLA scientists decode the 'language' of immune cells

Researchers at UCLA have identified six signaling codons that specific immune cells use to call up immune defense genes. These codon-words can lead to incorrect gene activation and cause autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, which is found when the body mistakenly attacks itself.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalImmunity·DateMay 12, 2021

One dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine may induce immunity in recovered patients, suggests new analysis

A new study found that a single dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine can stimulate an immune response in people who have previously recovered from COVID-19. The vaccine's ability to generate antibodies and B cell responses was shown to be effective against the South African variant.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateApr 15, 2021