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Scientists discover ‘bulkheads’ between liver cells

Researchers at Skoltech have discovered structures called apical bulkheads in liver cells that are responsible for the narrow shape of bile canaliculi. The discovery reveals a key role for the Rab35 protein in regulating hepatocyte lumina formation and suggests potential avenues for medical applications in fatty liver disease and fibrosis

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Strong signals

A team of scientists at the University of Tsukuba created a computer simulation that models the Delta-Notch signaling pathway in biliary cell differentiation. The study reveals the importance of fine-grained differentiation and proper development, dependent on the rates of production of Delta ligands and Notch receptors.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJul 20, 2021

Extracellular matrix guides growth and function of epithelial cells

Scientists at the University of Helsinki discovered that ECM protein Lama5 guides the growth and differentiation of epithelial cells in breast tissue, especially during pregnancy. The production of Lama5 strengthens the functionality of hormone-sensitive cells, allowing them to relay signals and support tissue growth.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 1, 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.

A frozen leap forward

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara and Regenerative Patch Technologies have developed a new cryopreservation method for stem cell-based therapy for age-related macular degeneration. The method allows for long-term storage and distribution of the implant, extending shelf life and increasing accessibility to patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2021

An 'atlas' of the brain's choroid plexus across the lifespan

A new resource provides a cellular and spatial map of the choroid plexus, revealing its constituent cell types, gene expression profiles, and molecular makeup. The atlas shows differences in tissue architecture, immune activity, and vascular arrangement across different life stages, offering insights into brain development and immunity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 7, 2021

Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

The device was used to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of glucose and insulin level alterations on uterine environment. High levels of glucose altered protein expression and secretion, while insulin changes triggered quantitative changes in protein secretion without significant gene transcription.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEndocrinology·DateJun 7, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better choice of contraceptives can prevent breast cancer

Researchers at EPFL found that certain progestins in hormonal contraceptives can stimulate cell proliferation in the breast, while others do not. This suggests that informed choices about contraceptive composition may help prevent breast cancer risk.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Study led by Penn Medicine reveals new mechanism of lung tissue regeneration

Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered a new mechanism of lung tissue regeneration in infant lungs, where alveolar type 1 cells reprogram into alveolar type 2 cells after injury. This finding could impact the development of regenerative lung therapies and explain why COVID-19 affects children differently than adults.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 10, 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.

Defective epithelial barriers linked to two billion chronic diseases

Damage to the epithelial barrier is responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research suggests that environmental toxins and pollutants play a significant role in causing these disruptions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 6, 2021

Gut epithelium muscles up against infection

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the surface layer of the intestinal mucosa can contract in response to bacterial attack, preventing damage and promoting healing. This finding offers a potential solution to treating bacterial gut infections, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 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.

Fungal species causing candidiasis use distinct infection strategies

Scientists have identified unique infection patterns used by four Candida species, which cause 90% of candidiasis cases. The study reveals that human vaginal epithelial cells respond similarly to different species, with their response modulated according to the severity of the infection.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 22, 2021

Direct reprogramming of oral epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells

Researchers successfully transformed oral epithelial cell rests of Malassez into progenitor stem-like cells, which were then directly differentiated into endothelial, mesenchymal stem, and osteogenic cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new periodontal regenerative therapies.

SourceHealth Sciences University of Hokkaido·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2021

New insight into how cancer spreads

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how cancer cells communicate to spread, a key step in metastasis. By targeting the VEGF-C protein, they aim to slow down or stop metastatic growth, providing new hope for treating fatal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncogene·DateMar 11, 2021
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.

A gearbox for tumor cell identity changes

Researchers at Max Delbréck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association have made significant findings on the role of chromatin modulators in tumor cell identity changes. By using a combination of CRISPR and molecular reporter technology, they found that chromatin proteins significantly influence how tumor cells change t...

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2021

Earliest signs of an immune response found in developing embryos

Researchers discovered that epithelial cells in developing embryos can recognize and destroy defective cells through a process called epithelial phagocytosis. This early immune response may aid efforts to understand embryonic developmental failure and lead to new clinical applications in treating infertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2021

Stopping intestinal bacteria in their tracks

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has uncovered the mechanism for regulating T cell differentiation via intestinal epithelial cells. This finding highlights the importance of intestinal immune homeostasis and suggests a new role for PD-1 signaling in CD4+ T cell differentiation into intraepithelial lymphocytes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2021
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.

Gut cells sound the alarm when parasites invade

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that gut cells lining intestines send warning signals to the immune system upon parasite invasion. The discovery sheds light on early stages of pathogen recognition and response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2020

Protein tells developing cells to stick together

Researchers at Tohoku University found that a protein called Toll-1 plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion and sorting during fruit fly development. This process helps maintain the boundaries between different cell populations and ensures proper tissue formation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 24, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists build whole functioning thymus from human cells

Researchers successfully rebuilt a whole functioning human thymus from human stem cells and bioengineered scaffolds. The breakthrough could lead to new techniques for growing artificial organs and treating severe immune deficiencies.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2020
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.

Biomedical sciences researchers find new way to prevent and cure rotavirus, other viral infections

Biomedical researchers at Georgia State University have identified a novel method for eradicating rotavirus and other viral infections using interleukin-18 and interleukin-22. The study shows that these cytokines can rapidly and completely eliminate viruses from intestinal epithelial cells, even in compromised immune systems.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 2, 2020

UC researchers uncover clues for COVID-19 treatment

Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover sphingosine, a natural element, can interfere with SARS-CoV-2 binding to human cells, preventing infection. The study suggests sphingosine could be used as a nasal spray to prevent or treat COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2020
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.

UNC researchers publish striking images of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells

The UNC School of Medicine lab generated high-powered microscopic images showing startlingly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads on human respiratory surfaces. These images illustrate the incredibly high number of virions produced and released per cell inside the human respiratory system, making a strong case for mask use to limit transmission.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020

Decoded: The structure of the barrier between three cells

A team of researchers has discovered the crucial role of two proteins, Anakonda and M6, in maintaining a functional barrier at tricellular junctions. The study found that the M6 protein anchors the Anakonda protein to the cell membrane, preventing it from being destabilized and allowing for the formation of a stable epithelial barrier.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Less "sticky" cells become more cancerous

Research found that cancer cells losing 'stickiness' allows them to move freely, but dense environments can still hold them back. This contradicts previous understanding of cell movement in cancer development.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2020
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.

A new molecular guardian of intestinal stem cells

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a critical role of interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF2) in maintaining the stemness of intestinal stem cells. IRF2-deficient mice exhibited impaired regenerative responses, highlighting its importance in preserving intestinal stem cell function.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

TGen-led study identifies unique cells that may drive lung fibrosis

A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances has identified five unique cell types associated with lung fibrosis, including a pro-fibrotic epithelial cell that drives the disease. The research also reveals high plasticity in lung cells, allowing them to transform into different types under certain conditions.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2020
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.

Cell removal as the result of a mechanical instability

A simple epithelium modelled as a layer of interconnected polyhedra reveals an inherent mechanical instability that leads to cell extrusion. Small changes in density or topology can trigger extrusion without additional forces, generating forces within the layer that direct further extrusions.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 19, 2020

Understanding a gene's role in inflammatory bowel disease

A new UC Riverside study aims to identify the mechanisms by which the PTPN2 gene regulates immune interactions between macrophages and epithelial cells. The research could lead to fundamental insights into how loss-of-function mutations contribute to autoimmune diseases like IBD.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 4, 2020

Epithelial GPS: Position of RNAi machinery is associated with epithelial identity

Researchers found that RNAi machinery primarily localizes at apical adherens junctions in healthy colon cells but becomes mis-localized in colon cancer. This localization plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial homeostasis, with restoration of the RNAi machinery potentially serving as a brake on tumor progression.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 8, 2020
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 identify key mechanisms involved in pulmonary fibrosis development

Researchers discovered that the loss of NEDD4-2 protein leads to impaired mucociliary clearance and dysregulation of the TGF? signaling pathway, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis progression. The study provides a novel animal model for IPF research, enabling further investigation of disease mechanisms and development of new treatments.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 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.

Extracellular forces help epithelial cells stick together

Research at the University of Helsinki reveals that extracellular forces play a significant role in maintaining epithelial cell connections. The study found that mechanical tension activates an intracellular signalling pathway, driving the formation of actomyosin structures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 2020

Lipid helps heal the eye's frontline protection

A species of lipid DOPG has been found to aid healing of scratches on the cornea, even in humans with diabetes. The lipid stimulates cell growth and inhibits toll-like receptor activation, paving the way for potential clinical trials and treatment protocols.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 26, 2020

Drug decreases gut leakiness associated with ulcerative colitis

Researchers at UC Riverside found that the drug tofacitinib repairs permeability defects in the gut's epithelium, reducing inflammation and improving mucosal healing. The study is the first to show the direct effect of tofacitinib on intestinal epithelial cell functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateDec 4, 2019

New cell models for ocular drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed two new cell models that can mimic the blood-retinal barrier, a key regulator of drug delivery to the eye. The models, continuously growing retinal pigment epithelial cells, can be re-pigmented with melanin and studied for drug accumulation in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2019

Researchers uncover early adherence step in intestinal transit of Shigella

A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital has uncovered evidence of fimbriae that aid adherence to epithelial cells, an important step in the start of a shigellosis infection. The research team used in vivo-like culture methods and human intestinal organoids to confirm their findings.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalmSphere·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Space travel can make the gut leaky

Researchers found that space travel disrupts intestinal epithelial cell barrier function even after return to Earth. The microgravity environment weakens the immune system and increases gastrointestinal permeability.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2019

Spherical exosomes may deliver what an injured kidney needs

Researchers studying spherical exosomes, tiny cargo-filled spheres that arrive at the scene of acute kidney injury, aim to learn more about their role in repair and restore function. They suspect these exosomes can be controlled to better treat injuries and prevent permanent damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 5, 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.

Cancer metastasis: tumor plasticity counts

The study found that tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in metastasis. However, the reverse transition, MET, is occurring at the metastatic site, suggesting that EMT is not always required for metastasis.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 5, 2019