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Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data

Researchers have developed a refined tool to identify potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors using epigenetic data. The new methodology improves the characterization of somatic copy number alterations up to 20% with high accuracy, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

New tool integrates microbiome and host genetic sequencing analysis

Researchers developed a new software tool, called 'meta-transcriptome detector,' that integrates genetic sequencing analysis of hosts and their microbiomes. The tool enables analysis of gene expression activity in both microbes and hosts simultaneously, allowing researchers to spot relationships between them.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·DateMay 5, 2022

Tracing a cancer’s family tree to its roots reveals how tumors grow

A team of researchers used a CRISPR-based approach to study the evolution of lung cancer cells, tracking their history from the first activation of cancer-causing mutations. The study revealed significant diversity between subpopulations of cells within the same tumor, with certain groups becoming more fit and aggressive over time.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 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.

Advancing diagnostics for lupus nephritis

Researchers have identified potential biomarkers in lupus nephritis through large-scale protein analysis, which may replace invasive tests. The study's findings could lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 4, 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

Japanese scientists found potential food contamination routes of a newly identified foodborne pathogen

A recent study by Japanese researchers found that Staphylococcus argenteus, a bacterial organism causing food poisoning, was present in 13.9% of tested chicken samples. The study also revealed cross-contamination among retail foods and slaughterhouses, suggesting a potential link between the two.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

New platform optimizes selection of combination cancer therapies

Researchers developed a bioinformatics platform called REFLECT to predict optimal combination therapies based on co-occurring tumor alterations. The tool selected combinations that resulted in improved patient outcomes across pre-clinical and clinical studies, leading to increased durable responses.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 12, 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.

Are egg cells in aging primates protected from mutations?

Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Scientific consortium established by national institutes of health provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2022
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.

The next frontier for African genomics - safeguarding African biodiversity

The African BioGenome Project aims to sequence the genomes of Africa's endemic plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This will build resilience in breeding, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

Endless forms most beautiful: Why evolution favors symmetry

A team of researchers found that evolution has an overwhelming preference for simple algorithms, leading to the emergence of highly symmetric structures in biology. This is because simple recipes are more efficient and easier to follow than complex ones, resulting in a higher probability of producing symmetrical outcomes.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2022

Genomic regulatory map of the zebrafish

Researchers created a comprehensive genomic regulatory map of a 24-hour-old zebrafish embryo, identifying millions of regulatory segments that control gene transcription. The study used single-cell technologies and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome data from over 23,000 nuclei.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

How asexual reproduction affects the evolution of genomes

A recent study reveals that parthenogenesis, a type of asexual reproduction, leads to a loss of efficiency in selecting beneficial mutations, reduced genetic diversity, and decreased heterozygosity in stick insects. This has significant implications for species' ability to adapt to changing environments.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 10, 2022

Facial analysis improves diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI system called GestaltMatcher that uses facial characteristics to detect rare diseases with high accuracy. The system considers similarities between patients and can even suggest diagnoses for previously unknown diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2022

Analysis of 2,658 tumors sheds new light on mutations in cancer

A recent study by KU Leuven and The Francis Crick Institute analyzed 2,658 tumor samples and found that 21% exhibited double mutations in both maternal and paternal DNA copies. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of mutations and their role in cancer development.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2022
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 computational tool predicts cell fates and genetic perturbations

Researchers have developed a machine learning framework called dynamo that can predict a cell's path over time, including its fate and genetic changes. The tool uses data from individual cells to create mathematical equations describing the cell's trajectory.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Connecting obesity, diabetes and the immune system using bioinformatics

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that people with diabetes have more macrophages in their fat tissue, particularly the anti-inflammatory CD206+ subtype. This subtype is unique in terms of gene expression and may play a role in the development of diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2022

Revolutionary approach for drug-resistant TB has important implications for other diseases

Researchers have identified a potential novel mechanism of action against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) caused by mutations in the EmbR protein, which binds to transmembrane kinase PknH. This study proposes a new approach for computer-aided drug discovery and has important implications for treating other critical diseases.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSynthetic and Systems Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 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.

Altruism towards offspring: a study reveals details in diatoms’ fitness

Researchers discovered a small fraction of diatom cells participate in sexual reproduction, while others block growth and reduce nutrient absorption. This phenomenon occurs in nutrient-rich conditions, representing a paradox for microalgae that usually compete for resources.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Unlocking the secrets of a critical schistosomiasis drug

Two independent teams of researchers have found the molecular mechanism of action of praziquantel, the only approved drug to treat schistosomiasis. The drug binds to a specific type of channel in the cell membrane, causing calcium ions influx and resulting in worm paralysis and death.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 6, 2022

Meta-analysis of two types of molecular stresses reveals common factors

Researchers from Hiroshima University analyzed 839 collections of genetic material to identify common features of oxidative stress. They found two genes, CRIP1 and CRIP3, downregulated during oxidative stress, suggesting a relationship with zinc homeostasis. The study also identified shared biological processes between the two types of...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBiomedicines·DateDec 17, 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.

Using AI for accurately predicting synergistic cancer drug combinations

A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Neuroscientists see how practice really does make perfect

Researchers at Duke University used new tools to monitor neurons and analyze machine learning data to see how zebra finches practice their courtship calls. They found that a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline shuts down variability in the song, making it more precise when performed under pressure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 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.

AI helping to quantify enzyme activity

Researchers used AI to predict Michaelis constants from substrate and enzyme structures, achieving accuracy comparable to experimental values. This breakthrough enables computers to estimate enzyme activity in seconds without experimentation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 19, 2021

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

CPRIT grant awarded to train new cancer prevention researchers

The UTHealth-CPRIT Innovation in Cancer Prevention Research Training Program aims to increase cancer prevention scientists from underrepresented minority groups. The program provides a systematic method to teach career skills, problem-solving skills, team science, and transdisciplinary communication.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 4, 2021

The hidden talent of fungi

Researchers at TU Wien propose a new method to interpret and mine fungal genomes to predict essential genes for the production of valuable substances. The FunOrder method identifies co-evolved genes that are functionally necessary, distinguishing them from gap genes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Calculated risk – A new tool to predict mortality in patients with liver failure

A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021
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.

Math researchers find new ways to improve the science of ‘trade-offs’

QUT researchers developed a new mathematical model to enable faster solutions for complicated problems in agriculture, ecology and medicine. The method improves how to determine the 'best' intervention strategies, balancing benefits and side effects, and can be applied to farming practices and chemotherapy.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Neanderthal genes tell us about how old our ancestors were when they had children

A new study using Neanderthal fragments suggests that generation intervals have fluctuated over the past 40,000 years, with human life history changing in response to environmental and cultural factors. The research found that Eurasian populations reproduced at a younger age than those in Europe, indicating a difference of 3-5 years in...

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2021

Brain tissue inflammation is key to Alzheimer’s disease progression

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that brain tissue inflammation is a key driver of Alzheimer's disease progression. By targeting neuroinflammation, they believe combination therapy could be more effective in reducing amyloid plaque formation and limiting tau fiber spread.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

Data scientists go to the mat to learn about microbial networks

Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 5, 2021

Mechanism that triggers brain neurone response revealed

Scientists have discovered how neurotransmitters and proteins interact to trigger neuronal responses in the brain, with implications for understanding mood disorders and addictions. The study reveals small changes in protein connections control cellular responses, enabling precise regulation of neurotransmitter effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Deep Longevity repurposes a blood aging clock for saliva samples

Deep Longevity has adapted its blood aging clock to work with saliva samples, improving accuracy from 20.9 years to 4.7 years. The company's solution uses cell-type deconvolution to separate the composition of saliva samples.

SourceDeep Longevity Ltd·JournalFrontiers in Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

How long-known genes continue to surprise researchers

Researchers have discovered a huge diversity of alternative splicing combinations in the human brain, allowing for adaptation to specific requirements. New glutamate receptor variants, some with potential new functions, were identified using bioinformatic methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·DateJun 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.

Scientists provide new insights into the citric acid cycle

Researchers discovered that certain anaerobic bacteria can use citrate synthase to catalyze citrate cleavage without consuming ATP, requiring very high CO2 concentrations. The findings suggest that this metabolic pathway may be a relic of early life and have potential applications in biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2021

Novel guidelines help select optimal deconvolution method

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed guidelines to select the best deconvolution method for RNA-seq data analysis. They evaluated 11 methods and identified their strengths and weaknesses in various scenarios, providing a benchmark for scientists to choose the optimal method for their needs.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 13, 2021
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.

New clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells

New study by Uppsala University researchers identifies ACE2 and integrin beta3 as potential key players in SARS-CoV-2 cell infection. The proteins interact with cellular processes of uptake and disposal, suggesting hijacking during infection.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 8, 2021

Getting shapes into numbers

A new approach to describing shapes uses a network representation called visibility graph, allowing for comparison and reassembly of complex shapes. The tool, GraVis, accurately quantifies shape parameters such as lobe length and cell area.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Plants can be larks or night owls just like us

A study found that a single DNA base-pair change in a specific gene can influence whether a plant is a lark or night owl, affecting its flowering time and ability to withstand climate change. The research could help farmers select plants with clocks best suited to their location.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateDec 18, 2020

Glyphosate may affect human gut microbiota

Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 20, 2020

Importance of mitochondrial-related genes in dilated cardiomyopathy

The study analyzed a microarray dataset to identify differentially expressed genes in dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing 172 genes involved in various biological processes. The authors identified hub protein modules and key genes, including DLD and UQCRC2, which suggest potential therapeutic targets for the disease.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateNov 19, 2020

Illinois study tracks evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations

A University of Illinois study tracks the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations, finding stabilization in key proteins that could improve COVID-19 treatments. The research suggests these stabilizations may help increase viral infectivity and shed light on vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEvolutionary Bioinformatics·DateOct 26, 2020