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Two plant immune branches more intimately connected than previously believed

Recent discoveries have revealed a complex picture of plant defense, with responses to PRR receptor signaling and NLR signaling extensively overlapping. The two immune branches are now considered to be more intimately connected than previously thought, leading to a re-thought model of separate ETI and PTI pathways.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 1, 2021

Researchers design a biological device capable of computing by printing cells on paper

A team of researchers from Pompeu Fabra University has developed a new technology to print cellular devices on paper that can be used outside the laboratory. These devices can detect multiple markers and generate complex responses, making them useful for applications such as detecting mercury, cholera, or preeclampsia.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

Immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine for COVID-19

A phase 1 study found that a single dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine induced both antibody and cellular immune responses. The vaccine is currently being tested in two phase 3 clinical trials to determine its efficacy against COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 2021
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.

Brain seasonality: Bean bug neurons need biological clock gene for seasonal egg-laying

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Driving force behind cellular 'protein factories' identified

Tiny components within cells, such as lysosomes, drive the movement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key organelle responsible for protein production. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Model could improve design of vaccines, immunotherapies

Researchers have discovered a general property for understanding how immune cell receptors sense and respond to microbial signals. The result led to a more effective cancer immunotherapy in mice, which could lead to more effective vaccines for existing and novel viruses.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 27, 2020

New research reveals why low oxygen damages the brain

A new study reveals that brain cell dysfunction in low oxygen is caused by the body's protective response system, which ultimately impairs brain cell function. Researchers have identified a class of drugs that can overcome this damage and restore brain-stem cell function.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 21, 2020

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2020
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.

Holistic bursting cells might be basis of brain cognition

A novel functional class of cortical neurons, known as holistic bursting cells, has been discovered to represent learned complex objects as wholes rather than parts. These cells exhibit a unique mode of high-rate, prolonged burst firing response to trained sounds, including chords consisting of multiple pure-tones.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020

Different responses in individual cells give muscles more control

Researchers discovered that individual muscle cell contractions provide essential information, enabling muscles to flex with precise control. This finding challenges the notion of 'noise' or error, revealing biological systems may have evolved to incorporate variation as a means of communication.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 1, 2020

Hepatitis B: Natural controllers shed light on immunity mechanisms

Scientists discovered human monoclonal antibodies specific to HBV surface antigens in natural controllers, which showed neutralizing ability and capabilities of blocking viral infection. The findings highlight a promising therapeutic tool for treating chronic HBV infection and may provide an alternative to existing treatments.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 13, 2020

Scientists at the CNIC and IIS Princesa decipher a key mechanism in hypoxia

Researchers at CNIC and IIS Princesa discover that sodium ions regulate mitochondrial function, increasing reactive oxygen species production in early stages of hypoxia. This finding could lead to new treatments for diseases related to hypoxia, such as stroke and heart attack.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Immune system -- Knocked off balance

A team of researchers has identified a crucial ion channel protein in mast cells that regulates calcium levels, which are essential for the activation of many types of immune cells. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

What happens around an Alzheimer plaque?

A research team mapped molecular changes in cells near amyloid plaques, finding two co-expression networks that respond to amyloid beta deposition. These networks, expressed by astroglia, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, show both protective and damaging effects on the brain, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lethal lung disease

A Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lungs affected by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), revealing how cells change in response to the disease. The findings deepen understanding of IPF and could improve treatment of it and other fibrotic lung diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2020

Researchers use electric fields to herd cells like flocks of sheep

Scientists have developed a device that can manipulate and measure cells' movements in response to electric fields, enabling new possibilities for tissue engineering. The SCHEEPDOG system allows researchers to program complex cell maneuvers, such as full circles, with thousands of neighboring cells executing on command.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 24, 2020

Cell wall research reveals possibility of simple and sustainable method to protect crops

Scientists have found that cell wall extracts from immune-active plants can trigger plant immunity and disease resistance, providing a new approach to protecting crops against pathogens and pests. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of simple, sustainable, and effective treatments to reduce crop losses.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 15, 2020

An ion channel senses cell swelling and helps cells to choose a response

Plant cells use mechanosensitive ion channels to sense cell swelling and induce programmed cell death. This regulatory mechanism protects the plant from damage. The discovery provides insight into how plants respond to mechanical signals, such as cell swelling, rather than chemical signals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 11, 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.

Cells that make our insides slick also calm our spleens

Researchers find that repositioning the spleen during surgery can lead to physical changes and altered immune responses, suggesting a key role of mesothelial cells in modulating inflammation. The study suggests that breaking connections between these cells and the spleen may have consequences for immune function.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 2, 2020

How a molecular 'alarm' system in plants protects them from predators

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a molecular 'alarm' system in plants that protects them from predators. The study identified two novel receptor-like kinases, GmHAK1 and GmHAK2, which trigger defense responses in soybean leaves when exposed to oral secretions from the cotton leaf worm.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 8, 2020

Researchers develop new microneedle array combination vaccine delivery system

Researchers have created a novel vaccine delivery technology using a finger-tip sized patch with tiny needles that penetrate the skin, releasing molecules to prompt immune responses. The technology has shown improved immunogenicity, including cellular immune responses, and potential advantages in ease of fabrication and storage.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 21, 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.

Self-isolation or keep calm and carry on -- the plant cell's dilemma

Plant cells must balance trade-offs between communication, resource exchange, and protection against pathogens like fungi and bacteria. Researchers discovered that chitin perception in plasmodesmata triggers specific signaling pathways that allow cells to isolate themselves, regulating vital processes independently of immune responses.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2020

Cancer research, the guardian of the genome has a new ally

Researchers at the University of Trento identified a new molecular mechanism that determines the fate of cancer cells. The 'switch' protein DHX30 regulates p53's response to treatment, leading to either cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death, with potential applications for solid tumors in the colon, breast, and lung.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 31, 2020

How to boost immune response to vaccines in older people

Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that applying genital wart treatment can enhance the immune system of older mice and humans. By boosting T follicular helper cells, they were able to rescue age-dependent defects in immune cell types, offering hope for improving vaccination response in older populations.

SourceBabraham Institute·DateMar 27, 2020

Cancer: The immune system attacks tumors remotely

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immune cells can attack cancer cells remotely through soluble molecules like interferon-gamma. This discovery supports a key target for future immunotherapy approaches and may enable T lymphocytes to act on a large number of cancer cells.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Cancer·DateMar 12, 2020
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.

Single-cell sequencing of CLL therapy: Shared genetic program, patient-specific execution

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond differently to ibrutinib treatment due to individual genetic and epigenetic profiles. The study reveals a shared genetic program in CLL cells responding to ibrutinib, but with patient-specific execution, leading to varying disease progression rates.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Unanticipated response to estrogen at the single cell level

A study found that individual mammalian cells in a population fail to respond synchronously to estrogen stimulation, neither do individual gene copies. However, a small molecule inhibitor increased the response of individual alleles to hormone, establishing a previously unrecognized mode of regulation at the single cell level.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJan 27, 2020

Three types of cells help the brain tell day from night

Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2019
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 develop a faster, stronger rabies vaccine

Researchers developed a faster and stronger rabies vaccine by adding B cell activating factor (BAFF) to an existing inactivated virus-based vaccine. This new approach enhanced the immune system's response, increasing virus-neutralizing antibodies quickly and significantly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 14, 2019

Humans more unique than expected when it comes to digesting fatty meals

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that humans have highly individualized inflammatory responses to eating a high-fat meal. The researchers used a sensitive test to analyze gene expression in response to the meal, finding that responses by more than 13,000 genes differed between subjects.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateSep 12, 2019

WVU researcher studies differences in the immune systems of men and women

A new study led by WVU researcher Jennifer Franko explores the role of short-chain fatty acids in altering sex-specific immune responses. The study aims to determine if SCFAs influence immune activation differently in males and females, with potential implications for vaccine efficacy and autoimmune disorder prevention.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateSep 5, 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.

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

Researchers build artificial cells that sense and respond to their environment

Artificial cells have been created by Imperial College London scientists that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond with drug molecules or harm removal. This breakthrough uses a simpler approach to mimic complex biological responses, making it easier to engineer artificial cells for various biotechnological applications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

AI-powered tool predicts cell behaviors during disease and treatment

A new AI-powered tool, scGen, accurately models cellular response to perturbations, enabling reliable predictions for different systems. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of common human diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 29, 2019
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.

COMMD3/8 protein complex: a potential drug target for treating inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a molecule involved in immune cell migration that plays a critical role in establishing immune responses. The COMMD3/8 complex promotes signal transduction of chemokine receptors to facilitate immune cell migration, which is essential for efficient immune responses and proper functioning of the immune system.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Do 'microglia' hold the key to stop Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers studied how microglia cells in the brain respond to toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that age, sex, and genetics affect microglial response, suggesting that modulating this response could lead to new treatments.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 30, 2019

Study of tagraxofusp reports 90% response rate for deadly blood cancer with no prior available therapies

A Phase II trial led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports a 90% response rate for patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) treated with tagraxofusp. The treatment was effective regardless of prior therapy, and survival rates were relatively high at 59% and 52% at 18 and 24 months, respe...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 24, 2019
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.

CAR-T immunotherapy and multiple myeloma

A Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR-T therapy found an 88.2% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment, called LCARB38M, targets the B-cell maturation antigen and achieved a stringent complete response in 13 patients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

MD Anderson study may explain why immunotherapy not effective for some patients with metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer

A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that certain B cells with unique characteristics can predict which patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer. The researchers found that activated B cells with specific phenotypes were associated with a better response to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 25, 2019
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.

UCI-led study reveals how fasting can improve overall health

A UCI-led study reveals that fasting affects circadian clocks in the liver and skeletal muscle, rewiring metabolism for improved health. Fasting-driven cellular responses prime the genome for new gene expression patterns, suggesting optimal timed fasting could benefit health.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 14, 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.

New stem-cell therapy to improve fight against leukemia

Researchers at the University of Zurich identified a molecule that plays a key role in graft-versus-host responses, which can be fatal for leukemia patients. Blocking this molecule, GM-CSF, could significantly improve stem-cell transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 28, 2018

Why screen time can disrupt sleep

Salk scientists discovered that melanopsin cells, responsible for regulating consciousness and sleep, respond to prolonged illumination, but can become desensitized. The study may lead to new treatments for migraines, insomnia, jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Environmental exposures early in life modify immune responses

A new PhD thesis from the University of Eastern Finland reveals a link between early life environmental exposures, such as farming and air pollution, and altered immune responses. The study found that farming exposure decreases the risk of allergic diseases, while air pollution increases asthma prevalence in children.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateNov 21, 2018