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Researchers identify a new rare genetic disease

Scientists have identified a previously unknown genetic disease, MINA syndrome, which damages motor neurons and affects movement and muscle control. The disease is caused by a rare genetic mutation in the NAMPT protein, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and foot deformities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 27, 2025

Menstrual cycle influences the spread of mutant cells in mammary tissue

A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle plays a role in spreading mutant cells within mammary tissue, leading to large fields prone to tumor formation. Researchers observed that the growth and removal of extra milk ducts during the menstrual cycle can contribute to this process.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genes driving age-related blood cell mutations uncovered

Scientists have discovered 17 new genes involved in clonal haematopoiesis, a process associated with ageing linked to increased risks of blood cancers. The findings highlight the clinical significance of these genes in driving mutant blood cell clones, offering new avenues for studying disease development and promoting healthier ageing.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Getting rid of unwanted transformed cells: Possible new directions in cancer therapy

Researchers discovered that autophagy facilitates the elimination of cancer cells via cell competition, highlighting its potential as a target for cancer prevention and treatment. The study sheds light on the role of autophagy in maintaining tissue homeostasis and opening avenues for novel anti-cancer therapeutics.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022
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.

Bird’s enzyme points toward novel therapies

Researchers create mammalian cells that synthesize a noncanonical amino acid, which can be used to make therapeutic proteins. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

Scientists discover novel mechanism that causes rare brain disease

A mutation in the TMEM163 zinc transporter gene has been definitively linked to hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, a rare and often fatal neurological disorder. The study's findings provide new insights into the role of zinc in normal brain development, injury, and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBrain·DateSep 15, 2022

Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to understand how self-renewal processes impact skin cell evolution

Moffitt researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate the impact of skin homeostasis on driver and passenger mutations. They found that larger subclones are likely due to persistence and older age, not selective sweeps.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2022
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.

Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies

A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Unexpected link between most common cancer drivers may yield more effective drugs

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a direct link between the p53 and PI3K/Akt pathways in cancer cells. The study identified two enzymes, IPMK and PIPKIa, as key regulators of these pathways, offering new insights into potential cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
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.

Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations

A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAutophagy·DateMay 27, 2022

Rice chemists skew the odds to prevent cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical framework to explain how cancers caused by multiple genetic mutations can be identified and potentially stopped. By analyzing energy landscapes of cellular transformation pathways, they found that the most dominant pathways are favored by chance.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2022

Researchers assess the power of T-cell immune response to Omicron BA.1 and BA.2

The study found that T-cell immunity was effective against Omicron variants in approximately 90% of vaccinated Europeans. The researchers identified a specific HLA-DRB1*03:01 variant that allowed the virus to evade immune recognition, particularly affecting individuals with this genetic variation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

Study suggests why most smokers don’t get lung cancer

A recent study led by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that some smokers have robust mechanisms to limit mutations, protecting them from lung cancer. The findings could help identify those with an increased risk for the disease and warrant close monitoring.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCase study·DateApr 11, 2022

Gene deletion behind anomaly in blood cancer cells

Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation causing odd-shaped nuclei may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of certain leukemias. The study found that the loss of nuclear Lamin B1 induces defects in nuclear morphology and genome instability, setting the stage for cancer.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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 method of targeting mutant RAS provides hope for cancer patients

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic approach to block mutated RAS proteins, which are frequently found in cancers. The method, using small molecules, has the potential to work with multiple mutant forms of RAS in various types of cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 9, 2022

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Genetic remodeling in tumor formation

A recent study published in Developmental Cell reveals that Kras mutation causes chromatin rearrangement, leading to stem-like cell regeneration and tumor onset. The team discovered a protein complex called AP-1 as the mediator of this process, which can be targeted with small-molecule drugs.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Heartburn helps bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment

Scientists discovered that surviving bacteria share a common feature: they accumulate acid in their cells, shutting down protein synthesis. This leads to increased survival and can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial treatments.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

For glioma patients, a mutated gene may open the door to new treatment options

Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022
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.

Is energy the key to Alzheimer’s disease?

A team of researchers found a connection between energy production and Alzheimer's disease in zebrafish with mutated genes. They discovered that Alzheimer's disease affects the use of oxygen within cells to produce energy, leading to severe deficiency in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2021

A biological paradox offers new insights into the mystery of cancer

Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 22, 2021

Microorganism sheds new light on cancer resistance

A marine-dwelling creature, Trichoplax adhaerens, has been found to resist cancer and repair DNA after radiation damage. Researchers are exploring its unique properties to develop new therapies for cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

Researchers at TAU decipher critical features of a protein behind ALS

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2021

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Study encourages cautious approach to CRISPR therapeutics

A recent study by Sanford Burnham Prebys and the National Cancer Institute has shown that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can favor cells with mutated forms of genes linked to cancer. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients undergoing CRISPR-based gene therapy for cancer-related mutations.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2021

New discovery may pave the way for more targeted treatment of cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the BRCA2 gene requires a specific enzyme, PP2A-B56, to repair DNA damage. This finding may pave the way for more targeted treatment of cancer patients with certain mutations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021
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.

Mutated cells drive out early tumours from the oesophagus

Researchers discovered that mutant clones in the normal human oesophagus outcompete and eliminate emerging tumours, preventing them from growing. This study sheds light on how cancer develops and could lead to new ways to prevent early tumours from becoming cancers.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2021

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 7, 2021

Hopkins med news update

Researchers found that remnant cholesterol levels above 24 micrograms per deciliter were associated with a 40-50% higher risk of major heart disease or stroke. The study suggests using remnant cholesterol as an additional metric for predicting cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, in addition to LDL cholesterol levels.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 7, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

New therapies possible after finding immune cell changes in WM

Researchers discovered that cancer-associated mutations in blood progenitor cells lead to distinct changes in both cancer and non-cancer immune cells in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. This finding has potential implications for origins and therapy of the disease, suggesting a new approach to immune therapies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021
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.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University prove for the first time that silent mutations can predict the development of cancer cells

Silent mutations, which don't change protein sequences, hold diagnostic value in predicting cancer types and patient survival. The study analyzed over 10,000 cancer genomes and found that combining information from silent and non-silent mutations improved classification and prognostication up to 17% and 5%, respectively.

SourceTel-Aviv University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021

Boost for mouse genetic analysis

MADM technology has been expanded to enable the analysis of over 96% of mouse genes at the single-cell level. This breakthrough allows researchers to study disease progression, including cancer, and gain insights into gene function.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021
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.

Coloring tumors reveals their bad influence

A team of researchers developed a laboratory system to dissect the pre-cancerous steps that remained undetected until present. They found that mutant cells create a hostile environment for neighboring non-mutant cells and deregulate the normal stem cell niche in mouse intestinal tissue.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2021

Major advance enables study of genetic mutations in any tissue

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have developed a new method called nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq) that enables accurate study of genetic changes in human tissues. The study challenges the idea that cell division is the main mechanism driving genetic changes and opens up new avenues for research into cancer and ageing.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

Incurable Leigh Syndrome: German scientists create first human model for rare disease

Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 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.

Yale researchers create 'Ancestry.com' for cells

Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to recreate the earliest stages of cellular development, allowing scientists to track individual cell lineages. By analyzing tiny variations in skin cells' genomes, they can reconstruct the early lineage trees for each person, shedding light on human biology and potentially diagnos...

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2021

Original error

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cancer-causing mutations can arise decades ago, in some cases as far back as 40 years before diagnosis. The study used genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct the lineage history of cancer cells in two patients with a rare blood cancer.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 4, 2021

Spina bifida can be caused by uninherited genetic mutations

A new study published in Nature Communications shows that genetic mutations during embryonic development can cause spina bifida, a severe birth defect. Researchers found that even when these mutations occur randomly in only 16% of spinal cord cells, it's enough to lead to spina bifida.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Solving a puzzle

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

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.

Study reveals networks of genes involved in congenital heart disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have discovered a complex network of genes and proteins that go awry in a subset of congenital heart diseases. The study sheds light on how genetic mutations contribute to the disease, offering new insights into potential prevention or treatment strategies.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 14, 2020

Hematoxylin as a killer of CALR mutant cancer cells

Scientists discover hematoxylin compounds selectively kill mutated CALR cells, providing hope for new treatment options for primary myelofibrosis patients. The study's results show hematoxylin's ability to disrupt the interaction between mutated CALR and thrombopoietin receptor.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalBlood·DateDec 10, 2020
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.

New mutations accumulate in reproductive cells of older mice

Researchers have discovered that older mice have a higher number of new mutations in their mitochondrial genomes than younger mice. This finding could have significant implications for understanding human reproductive health and the causes of genetic diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 15, 2020

How cells solve their identity crisis

A team of scientists has provided clarity into how new cells remember their identity after cell division. They found that many genes are activated immediately after cell division, acting in a cascade to send critical signals and allow the cell to 'wake up' from its cellular amnesia.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 4, 2020