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Study gives new perspective on production of blood cells and immune cells

Researchers tracked and quantified blood cell production from hematopoietic stem cells, revealing that red blood cells are the default pathway for all myeloid progenitors. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders such as anemia and blood cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 21, 2019

Cool adaptations to the cold

Researchers found that icefish have evolved transparent blood, increased energy production, and specialized proteins to protect against cold damage. These adaptations enable them to thrive in Antarctica's frigid waters.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Russian scientists show changes in the erythrocyte nanostructure under stress

Researchers from Lobachevsky University have discovered that erythrocytes undergo changes in their nanostructure when subjected to stress, which can lead to programmed cell death. This finding has significant implications for the development of optimal treatment regimens for patients with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalSovremennye tehnologii v medicine·DateFeb 21, 2019

Parasites from patients with cerebral malaria stick preferentially in their brains

Researchers found that infected red blood cells from cerebral malaria patients bind more strongly to brain-derived cells than those from uncomplicated malaria patients. This suggests that specific PfEMP1 proteins on the infected red blood cells allow for efficient binding to brain vessels, a key feature of cerebral malaria.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019

Sutimlimab shows promise for hard-to-treat, rare blood disorder

A first-in-human clinical trial found sutimlimab to be effective in treating severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease. The investigational drug rapidly halted red blood cell destruction, increased hemoglobin levels, and eliminated the need for blood transfusions.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Transfusions with older blood linked to adverse events, death, new study finds

A new study found that transfusions of packed red blood cells stored for 22 days or more are associated with a 5% increase in mortality risk in trauma patients. The study suggests that patients who require massive transfusions may benefit from receiving fresh stored packed red blood cells, or those stored for 14 days or less.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 28, 2018

New finding could unmask blood doping in athletes

A Duke University research team has found a way to detect autologous blood transfusions, a method used by athletes to boost oxygen-carrying capacity. By analyzing RNA changes, researchers can identify stored red blood cells and detect self-transfusions.

SourceDuke University·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateOct 18, 2018

Increased cyto-adhesion of malaria parasites during fever uncovered

Research reveals that malaria parasites exhibit elevated cyto-adhesion during fever, which contributes to microvasculature obstruction and splenic clearance issues. The study found a significant increase in phosphatidylserine expression on infected red blood cells at febrile temperatures.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2018

How malaria infection activates natural killer cells

A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals how malaria infection triggers the immune system's first line of defense by activating natural killer cells through the MDA5 receptor. Treatment with a small molecule that activates MDA5 restores the ability of non-responder natural killer cells to clear infected red blood cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 4, 2018

Immune cell variations contribute to malaria severity

Researchers found that natural killer cells fail to respond to malaria infection in some patients, leading to more severe disease outcomes. By identifying key genes involved, they discovered a potential therapeutic target using poly I:C treatment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 4, 2018
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.

To be or not to be a white blood cell, that is the question

Researchers discovered a mechanism that determines whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or subtypes of white blood cells. The study found that repression of Bach factors contributes to the development of anemia of infection/inflammation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating bone marrow and blood disord...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 25, 2018

Red-blood-cell 'hitchhikers' offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets

A new drug-delivery technology called RBC-hitchhiking has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs in specific organs, potentially decreasing side effects and improving efficacy. The technology uses red blood cells to transport nano-scale drug carriers, achieving a 40-fold increase in drug uptake in the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Novel gene in red blood cells may help adult newts regenerate limbs

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and the University of Dayton discovered a novel gene, Newtic1, expressed in red blood cells that may contribute to adult newt limb regeneration. The study found that Newtic1-expressing erythrocytes play a crucial role in releasing growth factors into regenerating blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 4, 2018

The vessel not taken: Understanding disproportionate blood flow

Researchers developed a new computer model predicting blood flow through capillaries, finding that vessels can switch between even and uneven flow. This study has significant implications for understanding healthy and disease states, and may lead to better prediction of drug transport in microvascular networks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

Tailoring blood cells in the laboratory

Scientists have engineered red blood cell lines to express fewer antigens, making them less immunogenic for patients with rare blood types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more universal blood sources for transfusion patients.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 26, 2018

Enlarged spleen key to diving endurance of Indonesian 'sea nomads'

The Bajau people's larger spleens enable them to dive longer and deeper by injecting more oxygenated red blood cells into the circulation. Genetic analysis reveals a link between increased thyroid hormone levels and enhanced diving ability in this Southeast Asian group.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateApr 19, 2018

Anemia: When cells fail to produce enough protein factories

A recent study published in Cell reveals that disruptions in blood cell production can lead to anemia, specifically Diamond-Blackfan anemia. The research found that reduced ribosome levels and impaired translation processes contribute to the disorder's development.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2018
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.

Healthy red blood cells owe their shape to muscle-like structures

Researchers found that a protein called myosin IIA contracts to give red blood cells their distinctive dimpled shape, shedding light on sickle cell diseases and other disorders. The discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions where red blood cells are deformed.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2018

NIH study may help explain why iron can worsen malaria infection

A NIH study found that extra iron interferes with ferroportin, a protein preventing toxic iron buildup and protecting red blood cells against malaria. The researchers also identified a mutant form of ferroportin, Q248H, which appears to protect against malaria in African populations.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018

Just one high-fat meal sets the perfect stage for heart disease

A single high-fat milkshake can quickly transform healthy red blood cells into small, spiky cells that wreak havoc inside blood vessels. This study found that such a meal can lead to impaired ability of blood vessels to relax and an immune response similar to one provoked by an infection.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateMar 29, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The complex journey of red bloods cells through microvascular networks

A team of researchers used a state-of-the-art simulation code to study the behavior of red blood cells flowing through physiologically realistic microvascular networks. They observed that red blood cells frequently jam for brief periods before proceeding downstream, causing temporary increases in vascular resistance. The findings have ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 15, 2018

Inherited mutation leads to overproduction of EPO

Researchers discover first mutation in EPO gene causing increased production of EPO hormone, leading to abnormally high red blood cell mass. The mutation reprograms a second mRNA in the EPO gene, resulting in biologically active EPO production and increased symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2018
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.

Decrease seen in red blood cell, plasma transfusions in US

A study of US hospital inpatient discharges from 1993 to 2014 found a decrease in red blood cell and plasma transfusions between 2011 and 2014. This trend may be attributed to the implementation of restrictive transfusion practices aimed at improving patient outcomes and conserving blood.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 2018

Scientists find new antimalarial drug targets

Researchers identified two key proteins crucial for malaria parasites' escape from red blood cells and infection of fresh cells. The discovery offers potential new treatment targets against the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 20, 2018
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.

The amazing flexibility of red blood cells

Scientists use super-resolution microscopy to reveal the fine detail of red blood cells' cellular mesh underlying the cell membrane. They discover that the mesh is a triangular structure composed of proteins, allowing for flexibility and elasticity in squeezing through narrow capillaries.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 31, 2018

Anemia discovery offers new targets to treat fatigue in millions

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have discovered a 'complicated symphony' controlling the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, shedding light on iron-restricted anemias and potential new treatments. The study identified key proteins and mechanisms involved in the development of anemia.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Potassium is critical to circadian rhythms in human red blood cells

A new study has identified potassium as the critical component of circadian rhythms in red blood cells. Researchers found that varying potassium levels affected the cell's rhythmic activity, with higher levels impeding the rhythm and lower levels extending its duration.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2017

Balancing dual identities: Hormone stabilizes blood volume

Researchers discovered vasopressin's role in stimulating red blood cell production, with implications for treating anemia after traumatic injuries or chemotherapy. The hormone's effectiveness was demonstrated in mouse models and clinical data from patients with central diabetes insipidus.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 29, 2017
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.

Five new malaria targets that could lead to an effective vaccine

Scientists have discovered five new targets that can help create an effective malaria vaccine by reducing the parasite's ability to invade red blood cells. The study suggests combining these multiple factors could lead to a more effective vaccine.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Astronauts don't develop anemia during spaceflight, NASA study suggests

A NASA study found that astronaut blood parameters, such as red blood cells and oxygen-carrying proteins, remained higher than pre-flight levels even after adapting to microgravity. The study collected whole blood samples from 31 astronauts over up to six months on the International Space Station.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Hematology·DateSep 12, 2017

Mystery solved: How thyroid hormone prods red blood cell production

Scientists have discovered the key trigger molecule that helps mature red blood cells. By removing a hydrophobic molecule from serum using charcoal filters, researchers found that adding back just thyroid hormone triggers red blood cell maturation.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

Make way for hemoglobin

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified the mechanism behind red blood cell specialization, controlled by the enzyme UBE2O. The study reveals that UBE2O marks proteins for destruction, allowing precursor red blood cells to become specialized and well-nourished with oxygen.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2017

New malaria analysis method reveals disease severity in minutes

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a novel method to assess malaria progression using RBC deformability, which can indicate hemin-induced oxidative stress. This simple microfluidic device can determine RBC rigidity in minutes, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateAug 10, 2017

Spying on malaria parasites at -196 Celsius

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography to study malaria parasites in liquid nitrogen, gaining insights into their ravaging mode of operation. The findings suggest a potential mechanism controlling the speed of hemoglobin digestion and crystallization, which could be targeted with new medication.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2017
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.

Computer models provide new understanding of sickle cell disease

Researchers developed computer models that simulate the assembly of polymer fibers in sickle red blood cells, revealing new details about how different fiber structures produce abnormal cell shapes. The models can also be used to test new approaches to stopping the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 28, 2017

Naturally produced testosterone gives female athletes 'significant' competitive edge

Research reveals that naturally produced testosterone in some elite female athletes gives them a competitive advantage in athletics events that depend on stamina and visuospatial abilities. Women with high levels of free testosterone performed significantly better in certain events, such as the 400m sprint and hammer throw.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 3, 2017

Anti-malaria drugs: Potential new target identified

A newly described protein, PfAP2-I, regulates a number of genes involved with the parasite's invasion of red blood cells, making it an effective target for new antimalarial drugs. Preventing PfAP2-I from binding to DNA and initiating the expression of invasion genes could stop an infection before it reaches the red blood cell stage.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 14, 2017

Immunology: How ancestry shapes our immune cells

A recent study has shown that a gene variant in Duffy-negative individuals leads to a relative paucity of circulating neutrophils. This phenomenon may provide a selective advantage against infections such as malaria. Researchers believe that the specific properties of these neutrophils have a positive impact on innate immune responses.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 1, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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