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Trehalose 6-phosphate promotes seed filling by activating auxin biosynthesis

Researchers found that trehalose 6-phosphate activates auxin biosynthesis, leading to increased embryo growth and reserve starch accumulation. The study used pea seeds, where a reduction in embryonic T6P content resulted in wrinkled seeds with impaired storage product accumulation.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 5, 2020

Study identifies pitfall for correcting mutations in human embryos with CRISPR

A recent study published in Cell reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can lead to undesirable outcomes, including the elimination of entire chromosomes or large sections in human embryos. The research warns against premature clinical application of this technology until further development and testing are conducted.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020
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.

How cells build organisms

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Converting lateral scanning into axial focusing to speed up 3D microscopy

A team of scientists has developed a novel optical design that enables fast imaging in 3D microscopy by converting lateral scanning into axial focusing. This technology accelerates axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) and raster scanning microscopes to multi-kHz rates, outperforming previous aberration-free focusing technologies.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateSep 23, 2020

Study shows vitamin E needed for proper nervous system development

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that vitamin E is crucial for the normal development of the brain and nervous system in embryos. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and found that those with a deficiency in vitamin E had malformed brains and nervous systems, leading to embryo death.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2020
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.

Embryos taking shape via buckling

Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 14, 2020

Scientists use CRISPR to knock down gene messages early in development

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to target and reduce specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules involved in early embryonic development. This approach enables the study of genes that were previously difficult or impossible to manipulate, and has shown promise for understanding infertility and development...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 7, 2020

Chances of pregnancy no higher with frozen over fresh embryo transfer

A study published in The BMJ found that freezing embryos for later transfer does not result in a higher chance of pregnancy compared to fresh embryo transfer. Researchers recommend using fresh embryo transfer as the gold standard for women with no immediate risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 5, 2020
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.

Cell diversity in the embryo

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered that epigenetic regulators control the development of different tissues and organs in early mouse embryos. By analyzing thousands of individual cells, they found that specific regulators have unique functions in every cell, making them difficult to study.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 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.

Abnormal cells in early-stage embryos might not preclude IVF success

Researchers found that 80% of embryos studied contained at least one aneuploid cell across all cell types and developmental stages. This suggests that embryos with abnormal cells may still develop into healthy pregnancies, challenging the current debate around IVF embryo selection.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 8, 2020

Epigenetics: What the embryo can teach us about cell reprogramming

Researchers discover a way to 'tune down' heterochromatin in early embryos, improving artificial cell reprogramming efficiency. This knowledge can lead to the efficient generation of high-quality stem cells for regenerative medicine approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 6, 2020

Cancer treatment in young women need not mean the end of their fertility

A 20-year study found that 16% of cancer patients used their frozen eggs and embryos, with a remarkable 71% birth rate among those who did. Fertility preservation can be effective for young women diagnosed with cancer, with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte freezing offering good options.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Antioxidant reverses damage to fertility caused by exposure to bisphenol A

A study at Harvard Medical School found that administering CoQ10 reverses damage to germinative cells caused by BPA exposure. The antioxidants reduced oxidative stress and cell death rates in worms exposed to BPA, suggesting a potential strategy for reversing BPA-induced fertility issues.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGenetics·DateMay 6, 2020

Unprecedented single-cell studies in virtual embryo

Scientists have developed a 'virtual embryo' model of the sea squirt Phallusia mammillata, providing unprecedented insights into early embryonic development. The study describes the gene expression and morphology of every single cell in the embryo, revealing coordinated regulation and reproducible patterns.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2020
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.

Evaluating embryo quality with ultrasensitive protein detection

A new method detects trace proteins secreted by embryos using microfluidic droplets and multicolor fluorescence, predicting developmental potential with high accuracy. The technique improves upon conventional morphological scoring, reducing variability among embryologists.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 7, 2020

Why is the female wallaby always pregnant?

Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

In killifish: Diapause protects life from normal consequences of aging

Researchers discovered diapause in African turquoise killifish protects against aging consequences without affecting lifespan or fitness. Genes involved in muscle development and chromatin remodeling factors play critical roles in regulating gene expression during diapause.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bovine embryo completely regenerates placenta-forming cells

A bovine embryo successfully regenerates its placenta-forming cells, demonstrating a high regenerative capacity compared to mice. The study opens up possibilities for genetic testing and breeding cattle with improved qualities.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 7, 2020
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.

Got slime? Using regenerative biology to restore mucus production

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that mechanical cues can drive goblet cell regeneration on the surface of frog embryonic organoids. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that changing the stiffness of the environment can induce significant changes in cell behavior. This finding has implications for...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

3D maps of gene activity

Researchers have created a spatial map of gene expression for individual cells in various tissues, including the liver and intestinal epithelium. The new algorithm, called 'novoSpaRc', uses machine learning to track gene activity and reveals new insights into tissue organization and regulation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019
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.

Choosing the best embryos

Researchers from CRCHUM unveiled a mechanism that likely contributes to the low level of pregnancy success in some fertility clinics. Healthy cells usually have one nucleus, but many fertility clinics transfer so-called 'binucleated embryos' with two nuclei back to patients. The study found that binucleation increases the chances of an...

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2019

Researchers discover how left-right information is integrated to correct organ positioning

Scientists from CSIC-UMH have discovered a molecular mechanism that ensures the right equilibrium needed in left-right signaling cascade during development, leading to correct heart positioning. This mechanism involves a transient wave of small molecules called microRNAs that travel along the left-hand side of the embryo.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 17, 2019

Shocking embryonic limbs into shape

Using electric shocks accelerates the formation of limb and tail buds in early chicken embryos. The study reveals that concentric rings within the blastula deform in a cascade-like process, inducing each ring to change shape.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 20, 2019

Reconstructing histological slices into 3D images

Japanese scientists have developed a new method to construct 3D models from 2D images, overcoming several limitations in current methods. The approach uses non-rigid registration and blending of rigid transforms to create accurate 3D reconstructions of human embryos with high success.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPattern Recognition·DateAug 6, 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.

Gender bending: Baby turtles influence their own sex

Researchers found that turtle embryos move towards warmer ends of eggs and develop into females or males based on the temperature gradient. This study provides a rare 'good news' story about conservation, as it suggests that turtles may be more resilient to climate change than thought.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 2019

Turtle embryos play a role in determining their own sex

Researchers found that turtle embryos can move around to find optimal temperatures, influencing their own sex determination. This behavior may help turtles buffer the effects of climate change by producing a balanced sex ratio.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 1, 2019

First proof-of-concept demonstrates genetic sex selection in mammals

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a breakthrough discovery in genetic sex selection, allowing for the production of only female offspring in mammals. The study uses a CRISPR-protein approach to guide gene editing, eliminating male embryos while leaving females unaffected.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 8, 2019
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.

Do women regret embryo testing before IVF?

A study found that 94% of patients who underwent embryo genetic testing before IVF were glad to have the information, despite potentially disappointing results. The research suggests that even after a negative outcome, most women value the knowledge gained from embryo testing for reproductive planning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 21, 2019

Size matters: New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos

A Penn study found that cell size controls the timing of genome activation in zygotes, shifting control from maternal molecules to individual cells. This discovery has significant implications for understanding early embryo development and may impact research approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 18, 2019

What can be done to prevent another CRISPR crisis?

A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 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.

Artificial intelligence approach optimizes embryo selection for IVF

A new AI approach analyzes time-lapse images of embryos to predict pregnancy potential, improving IVF success rates and minimizing multiple pregnancies. Researchers used a large dataset of human embryos to train an algorithm that can classify embryo quality with high accuracy.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateApr 4, 2019

Elucidating cellular responses to force

A study published in Cell Systems has characterized global phosphorylation and protein abundance changes in response to physical force in Xenopus embryos. The research team identified precise modulatory points in response to force, highlighting the importance of mechanical forces in tissue homeostasis.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 7, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Molecular puzzle reveals unknown stages of fetal development

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered previously unknown cellular stages of fetal development using gene analysis on individual cells from early mouse embryos. The study revealed a molecular road-map of the events that control cell differentiation, shedding new light on the early development of the embryo.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 5, 2019

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 4, 2019

Making better embryos

Researchers at CRCHUM successfully reduced chromosome abnormalities in mouse embryos by half, a major cause of infertility. The discovery could improve infertile couples' chances of giving birth if applied to humans in the future.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 14, 2019
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.