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Extreme adaptation helps Dead Sea single-celled organisms to swim

Researchers discovered a structural adaptation supporting the survival and mobility of a Dead Sea single-celled organism in harsh environments. The archaeal filament, powered by a membrane-anchored protein motor, is stiffened and strengthened with a unique outer sheath structure to facilitate movement in viscous conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis
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.

New mechanisms for bacterial motility and DNA transfer between bacteria decoded

Scientists have discovered a new family of signaling proteins that regulate bacterial motility and DNA uptake mechanisms. These findings suggest a possible link between these processes and bacterial pathogenicity, colonizing hosts, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Breaking the code of sperm motion: Two proteins found to be vital for male fertility

Researchers from The University of Osaka identify CFAP91 and EFCAB5 as crucial proteins for sperm motility. Loss of function in either protein reduces male fertility in mice. Understanding these proteins' functions may help diagnose infertility and develop new treatments.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study
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.

Scientists target ‘molecular machine’ in the war against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers at King's College London used cryo-electron microscopy to study the flagellum in unprecedented detail, revealing its architecture and identifying potential drug targets. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial infections without driving resistance.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Microbiology

Putting the brakes on bacterial mobility: a new approach to fighting disease

Researchers identified a new way to fight infections like Lyme and syphilis by disrupting the bacteria's 'motor', preventing it from spreading through the body. The findings could have wide-ranging impacts on the treatment of infections in the future as concern about antibiotic-resistant strains grows.

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Chemical Biology
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.

Synthetic mini-motor with enormous power developed

Scientists have created an artificial motor that converts chemical energy into rotational energy at the supramolecular level, mimicking the movement of primitive bacteria. The new development has potential applications in nanorobots for detecting tumor cells and could lead to innovative medical treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study

Micromachines steered by microorganisms

Researchers created microscopic vehicles propelled by swimming green algae, which can be maneuvered by the algae. The team developed two types of vehicles: the rotator and the scooter, with the latter displaying erratic rolling motions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study

Humans bite back by deactivating mosquito sperm

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE

Uncovering bacteria survival strategies

Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalmBio
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.

New study decodes one of the living world’s fastest cell movements

Researchers at Okayama University discovered genes and proteins responsible for the rapid contraction of axopodia in Heliozoa, a group of eukaryotes. The study identified key players in microtubule disruption, including katanin p60, kinesin, and calcium signaling proteins.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·TypeExperimental study

How gut bacteria evade the immune system

Researchers identified a new type of flagellin in the human gut that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 without inducing an inflammatory response. This discovery provides a mechanism for the immune system to tolerate beneficial microbes while remaining responsive to pathogens.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·TypeMeta-analysis

New branch on tree of life includes 'lions of the microbial world'

Researchers discovered a new ancient branch of life, Provora, comprising microbial predators that nibble prey to death. These microbes, called nibblerids and nebulids, were found in marine habitats globally and differ by 170-180 nucleotides from all other living things.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature

Ending a 50-year mystery, scientists reveal how bacteria can move

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to understand the structure of bacterial propellers, which are made of a single protein. The study reveals that bacteria push themselves forward by coiling these appendages into corkscrew shapes, and that similar structures have evolved independently in archaea.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell
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.

Research shows how single celled algae rotate as they swim towards the light

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how single-celled algae like Chlamydomonas rotate as it swims towards the light. By analyzing flagella movement and creating a computer model, the team found that the alga can steer by exerting different forces on its two flagella.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhysical Review Letters

A novel approach to determine how carcinogenic bacteria find their targets

A new method was developed to investigate how Helicobacter pylori locates its target in the stomach. The technique successfully reported the probability of clockwise rotation in H. pylori and showed similarities with E. coli's flagellar control mechanism. This could lead to better understanding of chemotaxis and potential dietary inter...

SourceTexas A&M University

Unicellular protists' fluid flow engineering

Researchers investigated the flagellar arrangements of 15 unicellular species, revealing their impact on swimming speed and fluid flow architecture. Dinoflagellates were found to excel in both feeding and stealth behaviors due to their unique flagellar arrangement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Keeping sperm cells on track

Researchers found that glycylation, a rare modification of tubulin protein, is essential for maintaining straight swimming motion in sperm cells. Without this modification, sperm swim in circles due to uncoordinated activity of molecular motors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience
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.

Reproduction key to maintenance of marimo shape

Researchers from Hokkaido University discovered that marimo develop their characteristic spherical shape due to the rare formation of reproductive cells. The study found low levels of zoospore production, particularly in aggregative forms, which maintains the marimo's shape.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAquatic Botany

The sweet spot of flagellar assembly

Researchers identified a critical glycosylation step and a control protein that regulate flagellum assembly. The discovery sheds light on bacterial motility and provides insights into protein synthesis and cytoskeleton formation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell

Scientists reveal why tummy bugs are so good at swimming through your gut

Researchers observed that C. jejuni swims faster in viscous liquids due to its flagella, which wrap around the helical body to propel itself forward. This finding could lead to new strategies for preventing C. jejuni infections by targeting its movement mechanisms.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Pathogens
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists observe bacteria tumble their way out of surface traps

Researchers discovered that bacteria use a strategy called surface tumbling to slow down and reorient themselves on surfaces. This allows them to escape from surface traps and explore the surface for optimal conditions, leading to colonization and biofilm formation.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal

Protein defect leaves sperm chasing their tails

A team of researchers from Osaka University identified a key protein required for electrical signal sensing in sperm, which is defective in individuals experiencing reduced fertility. The study's findings suggest that the protein regulates ion channel activity, affecting sperm motility and potentially leading to new fertility treatments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Seeing the world's smallest universal joints

Osaka University researchers use electron cryomicroscopy to solve the structure of the bacterial flagellum's 'universal joint,' a crucial component in transmitting rotary power. This breakthrough has important implications for developing new antibiotics and biomimetic self-propelled nanomachines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications

The flagellar hook: Making sense of bacterial motility

Researchers at OIST Graduate University revealed the flagellar hook's mechanics, showing how it acts as a dynamic joint to transmit torque and enable bacterial motility. The study provides insights into the hook's flexible and rigid structure, allowing for dynamic shifts in its conformation.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology
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.

New short-tailed whip scorpion species discovered in Amazon

A new species of Surazomus, a rare arachnid found in the Amazon, has been discovered with unique characteristics that provide insight into its mating habits. The species' male flagellum and female chelicerae anchor onto each other during copulation, offering clues about evolutionary changes within the genus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE

Starving bacteria can eject their tails to save energy and stay alive

When bacteria face starvation, they can eject their flagella to conserve energy. This behavior allows them to survive in nutrient-poor environments. The discovery provides new insights into bacterial evolution and potential targets for antimicrobial drugs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Biology
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.

How our cellular antennas are formed

Researchers from UNIGE develop in vitro system to form microtubule doublets, revealing crucial role of tubulin in preventing uncontrolled ciliary structure formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting differences between human and pathogen cilia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience

Pathogen predicament: How bacteria propel themselves out of a tight spot

Researchers discovered that some bacteria use multi-component flagella to manoeuvre out of small spaces, enabling them to escape and infect. The study's findings could lead to the development of new methods to block the transmission of harmful infections.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications

Cell-sized robots can sense their environment

Researchers at MIT have developed tiny robots made of electronic circuits coupled to minuscule particles called colloids, which can flow through intestines or pipelines to detect problems. The devices are self-powered, requiring no external power source or internal batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A new toxin in Cholera bacteria discovered by scientists in Umeå

Scientists from Umeå University have discovered a new toxin, MakA, produced by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The toxin affects both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, causing damage to the intestinal system, and is transported through the flagellum filamentous structure.

SourceUmea University·JournalCommunications Biology

Key protein in sperm tail assembly identified

The CENTROBIN protein plays a positive role in flagellum development, while exerting negative effects on primary cilia formation. Its discovery reveals the multifunctional nature of this protein in distinct cell types.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology

Study sheds light on bacterial propeller assembly

A Japanese research team has uncovered new molecular details and provided a model explaining how stepwise flagellar assembly occurs in bacteria. The proposed model suggests that subtle changes in the ring's shape determine which proteins are exported to the growing flagellum, enabling its construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances
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.

'Division of labor' between hemispheres of multicellular spheroidal alga controls light-sensitive movement

Scientists discovered that the anterior region of the alga is more sensitive to calcium ions than the posterior end, allowing for fine-tuned light-responsive motility. This finding advances our understanding of how multicellular organisms evolved to overcome single-celled limitations in photosynthesis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

The origin of flower-making genes

Research reveals that MADS-box genes in moss control sperm motility and cell division, critical for fertilization. The findings suggest that these genes may have been reused by flowering plants to evolve new functions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Plants

Going swimmingly: Biotemplates breakthrough paves way for cheaper nanobots

Researchers have demonstrated a new method to produce biotemplated nanoswimmers using bacterial flagella as templates, overcoming high startup costs of traditional approaches. The nanorobots can perform nearly as well as living bacteria and show potential for targeted cancer therapeutics and electronics applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials
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.

Long-haired microbes named after Canadian band Rush

New species of microbes named Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti are found in termites' guts and have long flagella resembling Geddy Lee's hair. The microbes also exhibit rhythmic movements, prompting researchers to name them after Rush musicians.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports

How the immune system identifies invading bacteria

The mouse immune system uses six different ways to identify invading bacteria, scanning the bacterial protein in detail. This effective immune response helps understand why certain bacteria can evade detection.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience

How bacteria get their groove: Mechanism behind flagellar motility

Researchers elucidate torque generation mechanism of flagellar motor in Bacillus subtilis using high-speed atomic force microscopy and mutational analysis. The study finds that sodium ions drive the assembly and activation of flagellar motor, regardless of its composition.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances

Algae with light switch

Researchers discovered that Chlamydomonas algae can control its adhesion to surfaces using blue light, a phenomenon that could improve the efficiency of biofuels production. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to develop algae strains with modified photoreceptors that don't form biofilms on glass walls.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Assembling nanomachines in bacteria

A new study reveals the dynamic assembly of the export gate complex in bacterial flagellum and injectisome. The research identifies FliO as a scaffold protein essential for assembly, providing candidate targets for experimental drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology

Discovery could influence methods to control bacteria on medical and other surfaces

Researchers at Penn State discovered that flexible flagella allow bacteria to overcome local forces between molecules, reducing viscosity and effectively thinning the liquid. This understanding could inform ways to control or prevent biofilm formation on surfaces, leading to better medical device designs and filtration methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalInterface
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.

How nature engineered the original rotary motor

Researchers discovered a mechanism that controls the length of a bacterial flagellum's rod, which transfers torque to propel the bacterium. The study found that an outer membrane tethering protein plays a crucial role in regulating the flagellum's dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience

Using nature to build nanomachines

Researchers at Osaka University used electron cryomicroscopy to study flagellar motors, revealing that small changes in amino acids can significantly impact function. The discovery provides insight into constructing synthetic nanomachines with similar properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications

Faculty team awarded $1.25 million to study 'swimming cells'

A research team from Washington University has been awarded a $1.25 million grant to study the movement and mechanics of flagella in a green alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is nearly identical to human cilia. The goal is to understand how these tiny organelles propel movements and potentially develop new discoveries in mec...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis

Sabotaging bacteria propellers to stop infections

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered a way to disrupt bacterial flagella growth, which are crucial for infection spread. By modifying a key protein, they can trap flagella inside bacteria, preventing them from moving and infecting the body.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports

Active systems: Life is motion

Physicists have developed a way to differentiate between the active motions of living cells and those driven by random molecular movements. The method uses video imaging and analysis to identify non-equilibrium systems in living organisms.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience
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.

Algae use their 'tails' to gallop and trot like quadrupeds

Researchers discovered that single-celled algae can coordinate their flagella into leaping, trotting, or galloping gaits, similar to four-legged animals. The networks of elastic fibres within the cell play a crucial role in coordinating these diverse movements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

New technique spots active motion in cells

Researchers developed a noninvasive data analysis technique to distinguish between actively driven and thermally induced motions inside cells. The method, based on statistical physics, tracks particle transitions between states and identifies imbalances that indicate active processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience

An up-close view of bacterial 'motors'

Researchers used electron cryotomography to visualize bacterial 'motors' in three dimensions, revealing the complexity of type IVa pilus machine and flagellum structures. The study provides insights into pilus assembly, structure, and function, as well as correlations between motor strength and torque-generating protein complexes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience

Sperm crane their neck to turn right

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that sperm tails rotate in a counter-clockwise motion to move through fluids. Approximately 50% of observed sperm moved to the right by distorting their bodies to counteract the left-turning force, suggesting two distinct physiologically subpopulations

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ciliopathies lie behind many human diseases

Cilia play a crucial role in human health, with ciliopathies affecting multiple tissue types. Research using model species like Chlamydomonas and mice may uncover new insights into these complex cell organelles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience

Key adjustment enables parasite shape-shifting

African parasites undergo significant shape changes during their life cycle, enabling adaptation to varying environments. Researchers found that adjusting a key protein's expression can trigger these transformations, allowing the parasites to survive and reproduce for multiple generations.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology

Microscopic rowing -- without a cox

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that microscopic flagella synchronize their movements through direct hydrodynamic interactions in a fluid. The findings, published in eLife, demonstrate that the motion of the fluid created by two beating flagella is sufficient to cause them to row in sync.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge
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.