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When synthetic evolution rhymes with natural diversity

A new study reveals a complex co-evolutionary relationship between bacterial antigens and plant immune receptors, with implications for our understanding of the plant microbiome. The research found that synthetic experiments can mimic natural diversity in molecular signals, allowing plants to detect and respond to 'non-self' pathogens.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 25, 2021

Tri-tube heart valve replacement adapts to the growing heart in lambs

Scientists developed a tri-tube heart valve replacement that can regenerate and grow over time, addressing the need for long-term valve replacements in children with congenital heart disorders. The new design showed improved growth dynamics and reduced calcification compared to clinically used bioprosthetic valves.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

The skeleton of the malaria parasite reveals its secrets

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered a vestigial form of conoid organelle in the malaria parasite, which could play a role in host invasion. The study uses expansion microscopy to view the parasite's cytoskeleton at an unprecedented scale, shedding new light on its life cycle.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 11, 2021

Genotoxic E. coli 'caught in the act'

Researchers have successfully 'caught' colibactin, a genotoxin from E. coli, inducing genetic changes characteristic of colorectal cancer cells. This breakthrough enables the observation of transformation in vitro using human colon organoids.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2021

Targeting Nsp1 protein could be a pathway for COVID-19 therapy

Scientists identify the Nsp1 protein as a key player in blocking host cell genes that promote viral replication. By inhibiting two steps in protein production, Nsp1 allows SARS-CoV-2 to replicate unchecked. This discovery provides a potential target for new COVID-19 therapies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 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.

Physical virology shows the dynamics of virus reproduction

Researchers have developed physics-based technologies to study virus reproduction, revealing dynamic processes like self-assembly. These findings may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs that disrupt critical steps in the virus cycle.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJan 14, 2021

The human helpers of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin discovered numerous variants of human helper proteins influencing the amount or function of viruses. The study reveals potential target structures for new drugs and helps understand risk factors for severe COVID-19 courses.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2020

Hydrogen peroxide keeps gut bacteria away from the colon lining

A UC Davis Health study reveals that the colon lining releases hydrogen peroxide to limit microbial growth, providing a natural filter for the gut microbiota. This finding suggests a new treatment approach for gut inflammation and dysbiosis, shifting focus from targeting bacteria to fixing habitat filters and restoring host functionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 9, 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.

What makes certain groups more vulnerable to COVID-19?

Researchers analyzed protein sequences of SARS-CoV2 virus and host cell receptors to find commonalities among animals susceptible to infection. Greater cellular oxidation may predispose the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to more severe infection.

SourceMcGill University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 3, 2020

New therapy for flu may help in fight against COVID-19

Researchers have developed a targeted therapy approach against virus-infected cells, delivering immune-activating drugs selectively into infected cells. This technology shows promise in treating influenza, COVID-19, HIV, and other enveloped viruses.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The drug aprotinin inhibits entry of SARS-CoV2 in host cells

Researchers at Goethe University demonstrated that the protease inhibitor aprotinin can inhibit SARS-CoV2 replication by preventing viral entry into host cells. Aprotinin also compensates for reduced endogenous protease inhibitors in virus-infected cells.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCells·DateNov 23, 2020

Researchers develop virus live stream to study virus infection

Researchers have developed a new technique called VIRIM that allows for real-time imaging of virus infections, enabling the tracking of viral replication and protein production. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted treatments for viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2020

Virus that causes COVID-19 puts a plug in cellular defenses

Researchers at Yale University discovered how SARS-CoV-2 virus blocks cell production of immune molecules and contributes to severe illness. The viral protein Nsp1 forms a plug in the ribosome, preventing it from receiving genetic instructions for new proteins.

SourceYale University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 5, 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.

Learning the language of sugars

Researchers created a glycan grammar system using natural language processing algorithms, enabling the prediction of immune responses to specific glycans. The tools allow for systematic study of glycans and their role in host-microbe interactions, expanding understanding of pathogenicity and molecular mimicry.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 28, 2020

Hidden states of the COVID-19 spike protein

A joint UC Berkeley-ITU team uses molecular dynamics simulations and single molecule experiments to identify the processes that happen when the virus binds to human cells. They discover intermediate states and specific amino acids that stabilize each state, which may lead to targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 21, 2020
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.

Color-coded biosensor illuminates in real time how viruses attack hosts

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a color-coded biosensor that visualizes viral translation in living cells, revealing how viruses hijack host cell protein-making machinery. This breakthrough technology provides unprecedented insight into predicting and controlling viral diseases, including COVID-19.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 24, 2020

Blocking cellular communication stops SARS-CoV-2

Researchers from Goethe University patented a method to interrupt SARS-CoV-2 signaling pathways using specific inhibitors, blocking viral replication. Tested cancer drugs showed promising results in laboratory experiments.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 25, 2020

Evolution in real-time: How bacteria adapt to their hosts

Research finds that bacteria in unicellular organisms become more infectious when they must switch host cells, thanks to changes in gene expression. This adaptation allows them to survive outside the host cell and maintain infectivity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 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.

How a protein stops cells from attacking their own DNA

Researchers at EPFL uncover key role of Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) in preventing cGAS-STING pathway activation, which stops cells from attacking their own DNA. This discovery sheds new light on complex processes involved in the body's inflammatory response.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2020

Scientists present pre- and postfusion cryo-em structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020
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.

Study: Dangerous parasite controls host cell to spread around body

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite hijacks host cells to spread throughout the body. The parasite triggers an alarm system that leads to the activation of a protein called IRE1, connecting it to the cytoskeleton and causing hypermigration.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalmBio·DateJul 16, 2020

How the coronavirus could be prevented from invading a host cell

A team of scientists has identified two host cell proteases, TMPRSS2 and furin, responsible for processing the S-glycoprotein of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Inhibiting these proteases could prevent viral entry into host cells, making them potential targets for COVID-19 therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecules·DateMay 29, 2020

Mouse model mimics SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans

Researchers created a mouse model that produces human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2), the receptor SARS-CoV-2 binds to. The mice exhibited robust viral RNA replication in the lung and brain, as well as interstitial pneumonia. These features replicate those observed in COVID-19 patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 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.

Light drives injection

Researchers develop a molecular light switch to control the T3SS injectisome, enabling precise and efficient protein delivery into host cells. This technology has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, including tumor therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Activation of the SARS coronavirus 2 revealed

Researchers identified the cleavage of furin as crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. The study also found potential starting points for therapy and live attenuated vaccines by exploring coronaviruses with similar activation sequences in animals, enabling the virus to spread in humans.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 2020

Researchers identify cells likely targeted by COVID-19 virus

Researchers identified subsets of cells in the lung, nasal passages, and intestine that express RNA for both proteins helping SARS-CoV-2 enter human cells. These findings may help guide scientists developing new treatments or repurposing existing drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 2020

Researchers uncover mechanisms of protective antibody response during Marburg infection

Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 21, 2020
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.

Designing peptide inhibitors for possible COVID-19 treatments

Scientists have designed four peptides that mimic the virus-binding domain of the human protein allowing SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. The peptides contain amino acids from ACE2 that interact with the viral protein, and were found to have good binding energies in computer simulations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 16, 2020

Automated 'pipeline' improves access to advanced microscopy data

A new data-processing approach developed by researchers at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute offers a simpler path to analyzing cryo-electron microscopy data. The pipeline uses machine learning and connects various tools to streamline the process, making it more accessible to researchers from diverse backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalStructure·DateApr 14, 2020
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.

Researchers reveal new understandings of synthetic gene circuits

Recent discoveries by ASU professors Xiaojun Tian and Xiao Wang explore the impact of memory circuit topologies on host cell behavior, revealing a first in the field of synthetic biology. The research expands scientific understanding of complex interactions between engineered gene circuits and biological host cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 6, 2020

Chlamydia build their own entrance into human cells

Researchers discovered that Chlamydia uses the host cell's endocytosis mechanism to invade by producing SemC, which changes the membrane curvature. This process is essential for infection, and reducing SNX9 protein levels makes it harder for the bacteria to infect cells.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

New tool monitors real time mutations in flu

A Rutgers-led team has created a tool to monitor live influenza A virus mutations in real time, allowing for the analysis of viral RNA without killing cells. This breakthrough could aid virologists in understanding and stopping viral replication.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 6, 2020
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.

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.

Researchers map malaria parasites proliferate in human blood cells

A comprehensive interaction network map reveals how Plasmodium falciparum traffics between human host cells, transforming red blood cells into rigid forms that hinder oxygen transportation. This understanding paves the way for further study and discussion on the molecular mechanism of severe malaria.

SourceTohoku University·JournaliScience·DateDec 25, 2019

Dangerous bone marrow, organ transplant complication explained

Researchers have found that cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes reduced blood cell production in bone marrow, increasing the risk of life-threatening infections. The study identified a specific genetic material called microRNA US5-2, which leads to the suppression of TGF-? expression.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 19, 2019

Protein injections in medicine

Researchers have successfully replaced bacterial toxins with proteins in nano-syringes, enabling targeted delivery of drugs to specific body cells. The innovation aims to introduce drugs into cancer cells with minimal side effects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2019

Host cell proteases can process viral capsid proteins

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that host cell calpain proteases can process enterovirus polyprotein in vitro. This finding sheds light on the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of calpain protease inhibition on enterovirus infection.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalViruses·DateDec 4, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Magnesium deprivation stops pathogen growth

A study by University of Basel researchers found that a cellular pump restricts bacterial growth in host cells by causing magnesium shortage. This discovery provides new insights into the role of NRAMP1 transporter in combating intracellular pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019