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Reversing Smith-Magenis syndrome symptoms

A study published in PNAS has reversed symptoms of Smith-Magenis syndrome in mice by reactivating the RAI1 gene. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for this neurodevelopmental disorder. Researchers used optogenetic stimulation to restore social interaction deficits, providing hope for improved patient outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

Enhancing effectiveness of radiation therapy

Researchers found that papaverine reduces tumor oxygen consumption and hypoxia in mouse models, making tumors more sensitive to radiation. This suggests repurposing papaverine to enhance radiation therapy effectiveness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mouse models may not accurately mimic severity of gonorrhea infection

Gonorrhea is a rapidly worsening public health threat with over 550,000 new cases reported in 2017 and global yearly incidence estimated at 106.1 million cases. Researchers warn that animal models, like mouse models, may not accurately reflect the infection's severity or human immune responses.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

There is more going on in myotonic dystrophy type 1 than just alternative splicing

A team of researchers has developed a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy type 1, revealing multiple mechanisms beyond alternative splicing. The study found a clear association between specific signaling pathways and muscle loss, as well as the upregulation of protein AMPK-alpha and the reduction of PDGFR-beta signaling activity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 26, 2018

A new mechanism for neurodegeneration in a form of dementia

Researchers found that TDP-43 and DISC1 protein clusters disrupt dendritic local translation, leading to abnormal cell function and behavior. The study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 8, 2018
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.

Adding crizotinib to radiation therapy may help preserve hearing in patients with NF2

Researchers found that crizotinib enhances radiosensitivity of tumors and inhibits growth of cultured tumor cells from NF2 patients. A novel mouse model mimicking NF2-associated hearing loss was also created to study the molecular pathway contributing to tumor progression and radiation-induced hearing loss.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Researchers identify gene largely accounting for 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome

Scientists have identified the OTUD7A gene as a key contributor to the clinical characteristics of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, a complex neurological condition. The study found that mice deficient in the gene Otud7a have fewer dendritic spines, which may be related to the neurological deficits observed in patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2018

Scheduled feeding improves neurodegenerative symptoms in mice

Researchers found that restricting food availability to a set schedule improved motor activity and sleep quality in mice with Huntington's disease. These findings suggest that eating on a strict schedule could improve quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 2, 2018

New study reveals reversibility of genetic nervous system disease

Researchers developed a mouse model where the FXN gene defect causing Friedreich’s ataxia can be turned on or off, revealing that many early symptoms are reversible. The study found that reducing frataxin levels led to symptoms similar to those seen in humans with the disease, which disappeared when frataxin levels returned to normal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateDec 19, 2017
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.

Novel mechanism that protects from glioblastoma identified

Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism that prevents glioblastoma development through the modulation of EFGR expression by RanBP6. The study reveals that silencing of RanBP6 promotes glioma growth by upregulating EGFR expression, while reconstitution of RanBP6 leads to reduction in tumor growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2017

CRISPR-Cas9 technique targeting epigenetics reverses disease in mice

Scientists develop modified CRISPR-Cas9 technique that alters gene activity without cutting DNA, reversing diseases in mice models. The technique uses adeno-associated viruses to introduce genetic manipulation machinery to cells, promoting expression of target genes without introducing mutations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 7, 2017

New Alzheimer's animal model more closely mimics human disease

Researchers created an animal model that closely replicates the human form of Alzheimer's disease, including pathological tau protein and amyloid plaques. This breakthrough allows for testing of new therapies targeting both pathologies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Children with Alagille Syndrome have malformed bile ducts

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that Alagille Syndrome is caused by malformations of the bile ducts, leading to serious liver and heart problems. The study provides new insights into the disease and opens up possibilities for targeted therapies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 21, 2017
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.

Unique gene therapy prevents, reverses multiple sclerosis in animal model

Researchers used gene therapy to stop the immune response that causes multiple sclerosis in mouse models, producing near-complete remission. The treatment combined a brain-protein gene with an existing medication, showing significant potential for treating multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateSep 21, 2017

Chimera viruses can help the fight against lymphomas

Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular created a chimera virus that can test molecules to treat cancers caused by human herpes virus infection in mice models of disease. This finding preserves the functionality of LANA, a protein vital for Kaposi virus maintenance, allowing new cancer treatments to be developed.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 14, 2017

Locally administered compound offers prolonged relief from airway constriction

Scientists identified a compound, FR, that provides long-lasting airway relaxation and prevents hyperreactivity in mouse models of asthma. The locally administered compound also blocks aspects of airway remodeling without causing cardiovascular side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 13, 2017

Discovery fuels hope for Rett syndrome treatment

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a small molecule compound that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit, relieving symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The study provides further evidence that a drug may be possible to treat this rare neurodevelopmental disorder in females.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

Serotonin improves sociability in mouse model of autism

Researchers found that increasing serotonergic activity in a mouse model of autism improved social behavior and reduced abnormal brain activity. The study suggests that serotonin may be potentially therapeutic for discrete ASD symptoms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

Promising mouse model for a devastating genetic deficiency

Researchers have created a promising mouse model for the devastating genetic disorder NGLY1 deficiency. The double-deletion mice survive and exhibit symptoms analogous to humans with the condition, making them useful for testing potential therapies.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 21, 2017

Nature study suggests new therapy for Gaucher disease

Researchers propose a new therapy for Gaucher disease by blocking the molecule C5aR1, which drives inflammation and organ damage. The treatment may offer fewer risks and lower costs than current therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017

Research reveals strategy to potentially treat juvenile Batten disease

A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to treating juvenile Batten disease by activating a protein called TFEB, which stimulates the cell to produce more lysosomes and degrade cellular waste. This breakthrough may lead to improved neurological symptoms in patients with the condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Roots of Alzheimer's disease can extend as far back as the womb

Research from the University of British Columbia found that a vitamin A deficiency in the womb or early infancy can increase production of amyloid beta and lead to cognitive impairments. Providing supplements after birth may help slow the degenerative brain disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateJan 27, 2017

New research sheds light on why older mothers more likely to face birth complications

New research identifies physiological changes in the body that could explain why older mothers are more likely to experience complicated births. The study found that maternal age influences the structure of the uterus, leading to impaired muscle contraction properties, reduced sensitivity to oxytocin, and altered hormonal signals.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 12, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Experimental therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome shows promise in mice

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder affecting children, by activating silenced genes. The NIH-funded study found that two drugs, UNC0638 and UNC0642, improved survival and growth outcomes in mice with PWS.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 26, 2016

Zika virus infection determined by reproductive cycle in mice

Scientists found that female mice are more susceptible to vaginal Zika virus infection during a specific stage of their reproductive cycle. The study suggests that sex hormones play a role in allowing the virus to establish itself in the reproductive tract and spread beyond it.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 20, 2016
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.

Scientists develop new mouse model to aid Zika virus research

Researchers have developed a new mouse model that can be used to study the Zika virus and its effects on the body. The model, which employs mice with functioning immune systems, has been shown to develop symptoms of neurological disease after infection, providing valuable insights into potential treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 17, 2016

New mouse model of ALS more closely mimics human disease

Researchers have developed two new mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that exhibit protein clumping and display clinical features seen in patients. The models may help scientists better understand the disease and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2016
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.

Ben-Gurion U. study highlights gene that could lead to therapies for ALS

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a novel molecular mechanism that could lead to new therapies for ALS. They found that endogenous multifunctional protein macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as a chaperone for misfolded SOD1 proteins, which accumulate and cause cell death in ALS patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016

Brain diseases manifest in the retina of the eye

Researchers from University of Eastern Finland discovered that retinal changes can be detected earlier than brain changes in CNS diseases. Functional abnormalities were found in three genetically engineered mouse models of human CNS diseases, suggesting eye examinations could be used as a noninvasive screening tool.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 3, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A study published in Cell Reports has found that inhibiting the enzyme cdk4 can prevent and reverse the initial stage of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used two FDA-approved drugs to inhibit cdk4, significantly reducing hepatic steatosis in mouse models.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 30, 2016

A lesson from fruit flies

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a possible first therapy for Mucolipidosis IV by extending their findings from fruit flies to a mouse model. Bone marrow transplantation significantly delayed the onset of motor deficits in MLIV mice, preventing the amplification process that causes neurodegeneration and blindness.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 28, 2016
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.

Mouse model shows that Notch activation can drive metastatic prostate cancer

Research from Baylor College of Medicine found that Notch activation promotes metastasis in prostate cancer by upregulating FoxC2, a molecule important for metastatic potential. The study used a mouse model with prostate-specific loss-of-function Pten to demonstrate the role of Notch in prostate cancer progression.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

IL-33 ameliorates Alzheimer's-like pathology and cognitive decline

Scientists at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discover that interleukin-33 (IL-33) rescues contextual memory deficits and reduces beta-amyloid peptide deposition in AD mouse models, suggesting a new therapeutic intervention.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016

A new look at caspase 12 research

Researchers have discovered that caspase 12 does not act as a dominant-negative regulator of caspase-1 activation and inflammasomes. This finding challenges a stubborn dogma in the field and opens up new avenues for studying caspase 12's role in physiological processes.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2016

How the brain makes -- and breaks -- a habit

Researchers found that endocannabinoids quiet neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex, leading to an over-reliance on habit. The study suggests a new therapeutic target for OCD and addictions: treating the brain's endocannabinoid system to restore goal-directed action.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateMay 26, 2016

Mouse models show how Zika infects a fetus during pregnancy

Researchers have established mouse models of Zika virus transmission from a pregnant mouse to her fetus, demonstrating viral invasion and damage to the placenta. The studies reveal that Zika virus can cause congenital problems, including fetal death, by breaching the placental barrier.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2016
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.

UF Health researchers develop unique model for studying ALS

Researchers created a mouse model that closely replicates the symptoms and gene expression patterns of ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The model allows scientists to understand how the C9orf72 gene mutation causes paralysis and dementia, and potentially develop treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNeuron·DateApr 21, 2016