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Is our first line of defense sleeping on the job?

Research found that 90% of bacteria on human skin are either dead or inactive, with different areas harboring varying proportions of metabolically active, inactive, and dead microbes. Activity levels decreased with age, suggesting a possible relationship between the microbiome and immune system function.

Similarities between cancerous and normal skin cells

New study reveals that many known cancer-promoting genes are already present in normal, sun-exposed skin cells, even before they become cancerous. The researchers found that over 25% of normal skin cells carry at least one driver mutation, suggesting a higher frequency of cancer-causing mutations in normal skin than previously thought.

Using healthy skin to identify cancer's origins

A study reveals that cancer-associated mutations exist in a significant percentage of normal skin cells, potentially offering insights into the origins of cancer. Researchers found that skin cells carry thousands of mutations caused by sun exposure, with around 25% carrying at least one cancer-associated mutation.

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.

Zip me up!

Researchers have identified the specific molecules involved in skin fusion during wound healing, using fruit fly embryos as a model system. The study reveals a complex process involving molecular machines and cellular components that work together to fuse the skin, with microtubules playing a crucial role in this process.

New transitional stem cells discovered

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a new form of human embryonic stem cell that can help advance research on pre-eclampsia and other reproductive problems. These 'BMP-primed' stem cells are more robust and easily manipulated than traditional stem cells, making them ideal for future studies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new tool for understanding ALS: Patients' brain cells

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new tool for understanding ALS by transforming skin cells into brain cells affected by the disease. The resulting cell library, now publicly available, will enable scientists to study the disease in greater detail and potentially discover new treatments.

Mysterious desert fairy circles share pattern with skin cells

Scientists at OIST Graduate University have identified a pattern in desert fairy circles that closely resembles the distribution of skin cells. This similarity spans vastly different scales, from microscopic cells to large-scale desert landscapes. The findings suggest that patterns may exist across disparate systems, enabling new appro...

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.

Color-morphing reef fish is a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'

A new study reveals that dottyback reef fish can change color to imitate various damselfish species, allowing it to sneak up on unsuspecting young and avoid detection by larger predators. This unique ability makes it harder for prey to develop strategies to evade the dottyback.

Desmoplakin's tail gets the message

Phosphorylation and methylation of desmoplakin regulate its interaction with the cytoskeleton, affecting cell-to-cell connections. The study reveals a regulatory mechanism that contributes to skin and heart diseases.

Licorice extract protects the skin from UV-induced stress

Researchers have discovered that licorice extract's antioxidant active compound Licochalcone A strengthens the skin's defense systems, producing higher amounts of self-protecting molecules. This approach may provide superior sun protection by combining physical and biological defenses.

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.

Skin based immunity secrets revealed

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.

New cells may help treat diabetes

Scientists at the University of Iowa created human insulin-producing cells that respond to glucose and correct blood-sugar levels in diabetic mice. The findings may represent a step toward developing patient-specific cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Using stem cells to grow new hair

Scientists developed a method to induce human hair growth using pluripotent stem cells, providing an unlimited source of cells for transplantation and improving upon existing methods. The research team successfully coaxed human pluripotent stem cells to become dermal papilla cells, which regulate hair-follicle formation and growth cycle.

Cells take sole responsibility for Merkel cell maintenance

Researchers have identified a specific population of stem cells in the skin that exclusively generate and maintain Merkel cells, crucial for touch sensation. Removing these cells led to a permanent reduction in Merkel cells, highlighting their unique role.

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.

When DNA gets sent to time-out

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.

Skin microbes trigger specific immune responses

Researchers found that specific commensal microbes like Staphylococcus epidermidis stimulate distinct immune cell responses without causing inflammation. This discovery helps clarify the role of skin commensals and may explain skin disorder variations.

CNIO researchers activate hair growth by modifying immune cells

Researchers at CNIO have discovered that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a key role in activating hair follicle stem cells, promoting hair growth. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss and has broader implications for skin regeneration and cancer research.

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.

Activating hair growth with a little help from the skin

A new study reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in activating hair growth by surrounding and activating skin stem cells. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss in humans.

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.

Human skin cells reprogrammed directly into brain cells

Researchers successfully converted adult human skin cells into medium spiny neurons, a subtype of brain cells affected in Huntington's disease. The newly generated cells survived and functioned like native cells in the mouse brain, demonstrating a promising approach for treating the disease.

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.

New deep sea mushroom-shaped organisms discovered

Scientists have identified two new species of sea-dwelling, mushroom-shaped organisms in the deep sea. The organisms, belonging to the family Dendrogrammatidae, share characteristics with ancient life forms and potentially belong to the Ctenophora or Cnidaria phyla.

How the zebrafish gets its stripes

Researchers have discovered the origin and behavior of pigment cells that form zebrafish stripes. The yellow cells undergo dramatic changes in cell shape to tint the stripe pattern, while silvery and black cells switch shapes to create a striking contrast between golden and blue colors.

Biologists reprogram skin cells to mimic rare disease

Researchers have developed a new method to create patient-specific neural crest cells from skin cells, which can help study and potentially treat rare disorders. The technique accelerates the creation of these cells, allowing for more accurate predictions of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

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.

Tissue development 'roadmap' created to guide stem cell medicine

A new computer algorithm called CellNet has been created to guide stem cell medicine by providing a 'quality assurance' measure for lab-created cells. The algorithm assesses the complex network of genes in engineered cells, comparing them to their real-life counterparts, and provides guidance on improving the engineering process.

Patient-specific stem cells and personalized gene therapy

Columbia University researchers create a way to develop personalized gene therapies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of vision loss. They use induced pluripotent stem cell technology to transform skin cells into retinal cells, which are then used as patient-specific models for disease study and preclinical testing.

Some stem cell methods closer to 'gold standard' than others

A new study finds that stem cells created by moving genetic material from a skin cell into an empty egg cell more closely resemble human embryonic stem cells than traditionally induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method, known as nuclear transfer, results in cells with fewer reprogramming issues and better gene expression patterns.

Nuclear transfer appears superior for creating embryonic stem cells

Scientists at OHSU have found that nuclear transfer is superior to iPS method in reprogramming human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, with the former producing stem cells almost identical to those from in vitro fertilized eggs. The study's findings hold major implications for developing better embryonic stem cells and therapies.

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.

Signaling pathway may explain the body clock's link to mental illness

A novel viral method reveals that cells from human skin biopsies show altered cAMP–CREB signaling, predicting melatonin response to light and linked to bipolar disease. This study suggests a common signaling pathway may explain the body clock's link to mental illness in bipolar patients.

Stimulating a protein in skin cells could improve psoriasis symptoms

Researchers discovered that stimulating AhR in skin cells reduces inflammation in psoriasis patients, a potential new treatment approach for chronic inflammatory skin disorders. The findings suggest a novel strategy for treating psoriasis, combining immune system modulation with AhR stimulation.

Sperm precursors made from stem cells of infertile men

Researchers successfully coaxed induced pluripotent stem cells from infertile men into producing sperm cell precursors after transplantation into mice testes. This breakthrough helps explain genetic causes of male infertility and holds potential for clinical applications.

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.

UC research illuminates 'touchy' subject

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have solved a century-long puzzle by proving that Merkel cells are the initial sites for sensing touch. Their study published in Cell journal shows that gentle touch triggers action potentials in Merkel cells, mediated by the Piezo2 receptor/ion channel.

Replacing insulin through stem cell-derived pancreatic cells under the skin

Researchers have successfully implanted encapsulated human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic cells under the skin of animal models with diabetes, producing sufficient insulin to maintain glucose levels. The study suggests that these cells may be a promising treatment option for insulin-dependent diabetes.

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.

Scientists transform skin cells into functioning liver cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have made a breakthrough in regenerative medicine by transforming skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells. The new method offers hope for treating liver failure and could serve as an alternative to liver transplants.

Molecular 'cocktail' transforms skin cells into beating heart cells

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have devised a method to reprogram skin cells into cells that closely resemble beating heart cells, exhibiting twitching and contracting patterns. The addition of one genetic factor, Oct4, accelerated the transformation, revealing promising results for pharmaceutical-based therapies.

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 10, 2014

In this study, researchers identified a unique regulatory T cell population in human skin that plays a crucial role in dampening the immune response against self-antigens. However, in inflamed skin, such as in psoriasis, this population is dysfunctional and fails to suppress autoimmunity.

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.

Two sides of a safety switch

A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.

Blood and lymphatic capillaries grown for the first time in the lab

Scientists have successfully engineered dermo-epidermal skin grafts that contain functional blood and lymphatic capillaries, which can rapidly supply tissue fluid and prevent accumulation. This breakthrough could improve wound healing and organ structure of these skin grafts.

A guppy's spots formed by layers of color cells

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that multiple pigment cell types from different skin layers contribute to the formation of guppies' colorful spots. The research found that transparent, reflective, and iridescent cells called iridophores play a crucial role in these patterns.

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.

Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer

Researchers have identified a potent antioxidant called Tiron that provides complete protection against UVA radiation and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and sun-damaged skin. The study suggests that Tiron could be used to develop new skincare products or supplements, but further testing is needed.