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Researchers make it possible for ultrasound to reveal gene expression in the body

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new reporter gene that allows for the visualization of genetic activity using ultrasound, enabling the study of gene expression in tumors, immune cells, and other cell types. The breakthrough could lead to new diagnostic tools for diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Here's how early humans evaded immunodeficiency viruses

A study using cryoEM revealed the structural effect of a human mutation that made us immune to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The mutation disrupted the ability of an SIV protein to bind human proteins, giving humans a grace period of tens to hundreds of thousands of years without the disease. This finding could provide clues for...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 22, 2019
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.

Lung cell transplant boosts healing after the flu in mice

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to transplant healthy lung cells into injured mice, improving blood-oxygen levels and promoting lung regeneration. The technique, using specialized alveolar type-two cells, showed promise in treating various models of lung injury.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateAug 20, 2019

Repurposed potential drug for MRSA

Researchers have identified a repurposed compound, bithionol, with selective membrane-targeting properties that effectively kill MRSA persister cells without harming mammalian cell membranes. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic applications for bithionol in treating recalcitrant MRSA persister-caused infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

How to equip the brake of immunity

Researchers at Toho University found that mice lacking JunB develop severe autoimmune disorders due to reduced Treg cell number. Injecting high doses of IL-2 can mitigate colitis by expanding Treg cells, suggesting a potential novel strategy for treating inflammatory diseases.

SourceToho University·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateJul 9, 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.

Global survey shows crAssphage gut virus in the world's sewage

A global survey has found crAssphage viruses in people's sewage across the world, with a history dating back to millions of years. The viruses are naturally occurring and not associated with health outcomes, but may help scientists target harmful gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Edible insects? Lab-grown meat? The real future food is lab-grown insect meat

Researchers propose lab-grown insect meat as a solution to environmental concerns, combining benefits of insect farming, GM livestock and plant-based meat substitutes. The technology requires fewer resources and less energy-intensive control, with potential for mass food production and scalable cost-effectiveness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateMay 30, 2019

Finding a cell's true identity

Researchers developed two AI methods that decipher complex gene activity controlling cell fate decisions in retina development, relating this gene activity to other tissues and across different species. The findings provide key insights into human disease and highlight the potential for AI to shed light on cancer treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Systems·DateMay 28, 2019

A new genetic tool to modify and understand gene function

Scientists have developed a new genetic tool called iSuRe-Cre that provides certainty in Cre-inducible genetic modifications. This innovation increases the efficiency and reliability of gene function analysis in mice, allowing for precise investigation of gene role during organ development, physiology, and disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2019
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.

Research reveals insulin-producing beta cells may change function in diabetes

Research reveals that insulin-producing beta cells can change their function in diabetes, producing somatostatin instead of insulin. This change may be reversible with the restoration of normal environment or chemical treatment. The study provides new insights into the effects of high blood sugar on hormone-producing cells.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 17, 2019

Scientists find new type of cell that helps tadpoles' tails regenerate

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a specialized population of skin cells called Regeneration-Organizing Cells (ROCs) that coordinate tail regeneration in frogs. These ROCs work together to regenerate a tail with the right size, pattern, and cell composition after amputation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

Cellular rivalry promotes healthy skin development

In a recent study, Rockefeller scientists found that skin cells in mice engage in two forms of competition, one during early embryonic development and the other before birth. Loser cells are eliminated by winners, promoting healthy tissue development. Disrupting this process leads to slower skin development and reduced barrier function.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2019

Nanotubes enable travel of Huntington's protein

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered that the Rhes protein creates tunnel-like nanotubes that enable the toxic Huntington's protein to travel between neurons, contributing to brain cell destruction and disease progression. This finding improves understanding of how Huntington's disease attacks certain brain cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 10, 2019
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.

A new culprit for multiple sclerosis relapses

Researchers discovered that fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein, plays a role in multiple sclerosis relapses. In a mouse model, injecting EVs containing fibrinogen activated CD8+ immune cells, leading to relapsing-remitting disease.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2019

Researchers find protein that suppresses muscle repair in mice

A team of researchers found that a protein called leucine tRNA-synthetase influences muscle regeneration and regrowth in an unexpected way. Lower levels of this protein enable mice to recover from muscle injury more quickly than those with normal levels, leading to stronger regenerated muscles.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 6, 2019
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.

Plant cells eat their own ... membranes and oil droplets

Researchers found that autophagy helps build and break down plant oils by delivering fatty acids from membrane recycling to lipid droplets. By manipulating this process, scientists may be able to drive up oil accumulation in bioenergy crops.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 29, 2019

Bringing information into the cell

Researchers at PSI have produced the most detailed image to date of a type of membrane protein involved in signal transmission. They discovered that this protein inhibits itself, preventing overproduction of cAMP, an important secondary messenger in cell signaling.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2019

Scientists crack the code to regenerate plant tissues

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a demethylase enzyme that primes gene expression in plants, allowing them to regenerate tissues. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient food production, helping to address global hunger.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2019

Mapping cellular diversity by looking for common topics of gene control

A Belgian team developed a new bioinformatics method called cisTopic to analyze gene regulation in cells. The method discovers common topics of gene control across cells, revealing unique gene activity patterns. This enables researchers to understand cellular diversity and its implications for diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 9, 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.

Grid cells create 'treasure map' in rat brain

Grid cells in rat brain provide a 'treasure map' for goal-directed navigation by carrying information about goals, not just space. Their activity fields shift to follow the location of hidden rewards.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019
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.

New cell subtypes classified in mouse brain

Scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a novel platform to classify neurons in a mouse brain based on shape, connectivity, and location. This comprehensive approach enables precise identification of neuronal subtypes, such as axo-axonic cells, and sheds light on their unique characteristics.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 13, 2019

Multitasking amygdala neurons respond to sights, sounds, and touch

New research reveals that individual amygdala neurons in monkeys respond to both touch, imagery, and sounds, suggesting these cells facilitate the processing of multisensory social and emotional information. The findings challenge assumptions about the amygdala's primary response to visual stimuli.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2019

Chandelier neuron requires 'Velcro-like' molecule to form connections

Researchers have discovered that the presence of L1CAM is crucial for chandelier cell connections, which are linked to neurological conditions like schizophrenia and epilepsy. The molecule enables long-distance communication between neurons, revealing a potential target for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

Scientists lay foundation for single-cell level understanding of DNA replication

Researchers have established a novel method to study DNA replication in individual cells, allowing them to gain insights into the mechanisms that maintain genomic DNA stability. The 'scRepli-seq' method revealed that genome replication profiles were highly conserved among cells and reflected the organization of chromatin compartments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Figuring out the fovea

A team of researchers led by Joshua Sanes created the first cellular atlas of the primate retina, identifying 65-70 separate cell types and their expressed genes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms that give rise to differences in foveal cells and offers a foundation for understanding vision-related diseases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateFeb 21, 2019

Massive database traces mammal organ development, cell by single cell

Researchers at the Allen Institute have created the largest single-cell database of mammal organ development, tracing gene expression from a single cell to fully formed organs. The study provides valuable insights into human biology and developmental diseases, with potential applications in understanding common adult diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019

What happens to magnetic nanoparticles once in cells?

Magnetic nanoparticles break down within stem cells, releasing iron that's stored in non-magnetic form or used to create new magnetic particles. This phenomenon may help explain the presence of natural magnetism in human cells.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2019
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.

Lightning's electromagnetic fields may have protective properties

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers suggests that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields from lightning, known as Schumann Resonances, may protect cells from damage under stress conditions. The study found significant effects on living heart cells of rats within 30-40 minutes when exposed to these fields.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2019

Bad brakes

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a faulty molecular brake that interferes with the heart muscle's ability to contract and relax. The study found that a mutation in the MyBPC3 gene leads to an overactive motor that propels abnormal muscle contractions, causing the heart to beat too much and relax poorly.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 28, 2019

Scientists accidentally engineer mice with unusually short and long tails

Researchers have created mice with unusually short and long tails through genetic engineering, revealing key roles for the Lin28 and Hox13 genes in regulating tail development. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms controlling tail formation and has potential implications for understanding developmental and pathol...

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 17, 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.

Memory of last meal influences when, how much rats eat next

Researchers found that inhibiting pyramidal neurons in the dorsal or ventral hippocampus after a meal caused rats to start their next meal sooner and consume more food. This study suggests boosting meal memories could help regulate future eating behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 14, 2019

The immune system's fountain of youth

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 31, 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.

Simple method rescues stressed liver cells

Scientists from Uppsala University have devised a simple method to rescue stressed liver cells by temporarily reducing cellular stress. This approach allows suboptimal human hepatocytes to be revived with restored functionality, increasing the availability of high-quality cells for laboratory experiments.

SourceUppsala University·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 21, 2018

Dopamine's yin-yang personality: It's an upper and a downer

A new study finds that dopamine is released in response to both pleasurable and unpleasurable experiences, training the brain to avoid painful stimuli. This yin-yang personality of dopamine has significant implications for treating addiction and other mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateDec 10, 2018
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.

Is the pancreas regeneration debate settled? An original theory renewed

Scientists from the Diabetes Research Institute renewed their original theory that pancreatic progenitor cells exist and can regenerate in humans. The study's findings could potentially address a major challenge in type 1 diabetes by regrowing patients' own insulin-producing cells.

SourceDiabetes Research Institute Foundation·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2018

Blue Brain Project releases first-ever digital 3D brain cell atlas

The Blue Brain Cell Atlas provides detailed information on major cell types, numbers, and positions in all 737 brain regions, accelerating progress in brain science. The atlas is freely available online, allowing users to visualize brain regions and download data for new analyses and modeling.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroinformatics·DateNov 28, 2018

Regulating the immune system's 'regulator'

A study by IBS researchers found that Foxp1 protein stabilizes induced Treg (iTreg) cells, which play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. The lack of Foxp1 led to increased susceptibility to colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

Poxvirus hijacks cell movement to spread infection

A new study reveals how the poxvirus tricks cells into activating their own cell movement mechanism, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. The researchers found that a specific protein, vaccinia growth factor, plays a key role in this process, and that targeting this pathway could lead to new antiviral strategies.

SourceUniversity College London·DateNov 12, 2018

Molecular inhibition gets cells on the move

A team of researchers at Osaka University has identified the molecular mechanism that enables cells to move in a specific direction. By analyzing the interaction between PTEN and PIP3 molecules, they found that these molecules mutually suppress each other, preventing cells from forming pseudopodia at different ends.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Some of retina's light-sensing cells may have ancient roots

Scientists have discovered that some retina cells may be using an ancient light-sensing mechanism, which suggests a possible connection to the earliest photoreceptors. This finding was made in mice and has implications for understanding vision and its relationship to other biological processes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018

Exhaustive analysis reveals cell division's inner timing mechanisms

A new analysis of E. coli cell data sheds light on the long-standing question of what triggers cell division, suggesting that both DNA replication and septum formation occur concurrently. This discovery challenges existing models and offers new perspectives on cellular growth and potential applications in understanding cancer.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2018

NIH BRAIN Initiative debuts cell census of mouse motor cortex -- for starters

The NIH BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network has released its first data set, featuring the molecular identities of over 1.3 million mouse brain cells and anatomical data from 300 brains. This comprehensive characterization aims to integrate molecular, anatomical, and functional data on cell types in mice, humans, and non-human primates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 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.

'Posture cells' encode 3D body position in the brain

Researchers discovered that the brain's 'posture cells' can predict an animal's position in three-dimensional space. These neurons, found in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and frontal motor cortex (M2), encode body posture and spatial awareness in mice.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2018

Decoding how brain circuits control behavior

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how brain circuits control behavior by identifying two types of intermingled nerve cells with distinct roles. The study used extensive analyses of neurons' shapes, gene activity, and function to tease out which cells are responsible for planning and initiating movements.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How some heart cells cope with high blood pressure

Researchers have identified distinct differences between heart muscle cells that fail and those that adapt to high blood pressure. Cells that adapted were thicker, needed more energy, and could keep the heart beating, while failing cells became stretched out and weak.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2018