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New mutation in the desmoplakin gene leads to ACM

Researchers identified a new mutation in the desmoplakin gene that leads to cardiac disease arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The mutation affects heart muscle cell connections and ion channel function, highlighting the importance of desmosomes in maintaining healthy heart function.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Lipid nanoparticles highly effective in gene therapy

Gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 lipid nanoparticles has been shown to be highly effective in reducing target protein expression in mice. The new delivery system increases the efficiency of in vivo gene therapy, paving the way for safe and effective treatment.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Novel organoid models to study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers created human organoid models of fatty liver disease to shed light on drug responses and disease biology. The models identified a common mechanism for effective drugs that block lipid generation from sugars, suggesting personalized medicine applications.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

'We're not all that different': Study IDs bacterial weapons that could be harnessed to treat human disease

Researchers discovered a cluster of enzymes in bacteria that can be reprogrammed to edit proteins and potentially treat human diseases such as Parkinson's and Crohn's. The study also identified key components of the bacterial immune system, including two on-off switches, that could be targeted therapeutically.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Artificial intelligence improves efficiency of genome editing

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to predict prime editing efficiency and accuracy, enabling faster and more precise genome editing. By analyzing a large data set of over 100,000 pegRNAs, the tool identifies key properties influencing prime editing success.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Copying nature to resist viruses

A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify a gene that makes plants susceptible to viruses, resulting in strong resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates. This approach broadens genetic diversity and generates resistance without altering protein function or expression.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJan 31, 2023

Genome editing procedures optimized

Researchers from Heidelberg University have developed a new 'VIP admission ticket' that enables efficient delivery of enzymes to the nucleus, enhancing the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 and related methods. This breakthrough opens up new areas for genetic screening and potentially therapeutic applications.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 24, 2023
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.

CABBI team achieves first precision gene editing in miscanthus

The CABBI team successfully demonstrated precision gene editing in miscanthus, a promising perennial crop for sustainable bioenergy production. The results will accelerate efforts to tap the huge potential of this highly productive but genetically complex grass as a source for biofuels, renewable bioproducts, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Modified CRISPR-based enzymes improve the prospect of inserting entire genes into the genome to overcome diverse disease-causing mutations

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital created a new class of technologies called CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs) to overcome diverse disease-causing mutations. The optimized approach improves product purity and genome-wide specificity, offering a potential solution for inserting entire genes into the genome.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Researchers create new system for safer gene-drive testing and development

Researchers developed a flexible genetic hacking system to convert split gene drives into full gene drives, enabling safe testing and potential real-world applications. The new system revealed surprising fitness costs of full drive systems, with slower-than-predicted spread rates in cage experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023
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.

How a CRISPR protein might yield new tests for many viruses

Researchers discovered a new CRISPR protein that can degrade single-stranded RNA, DNA, and double-stranded DNA, enabling the development of inexpensive and highly sensitive diagnostic tests for various infectious diseases. The test could combine high sensitivity and accuracy with rapid at-home diagnostic features.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

New CRISPR-based tool inserts large DNA sequences at desired sites in cells

The new PASTE tool combines precise targeting of CRISPR-Cas9 with integrases to insert large chunks of DNA into the genome without inducing double-stranded breaks. This approach holds promise for treating diseases with multiple mutations, such as cystic fibrosis, with high efficiency and minimal unwanted effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 24, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 detection in 30 minutes using gene scissors

A new microfluidic multiplexed chip uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 and monitor antibiotic levels, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for managing COVID-19 patients. The test omits nucleic acid amplification and can be easily adapted to new virus mutations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 24, 2022

New function of the CRISPR gene scissors discovered

Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2022
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.

Shining a new light on the importance of a critical photosynthesis pathway in plants

Scientists have discovered that the ferredoxin/thioredoxin pathway is essential for light-dependent activation reactions in chloroplasts, crucial for normal plant growth and efficient photosynthesis. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mutated plant specimen with a defective Fd/Trx pathway.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Genetic ‘hitchhikers’ can be directed using CRISPR

Researchers develop CRISPR-Cas systems associated with transposons to rewrite large chunks of DNA in organisms like E. coli. This expands the CRISPR toolbox for flexible genome editing and has significant implications for therapeutics, biotechnology, and agriculture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

CRISPR treatment slows swelling in hereditary angioedema patients

A new CRISPR genome editing treatment has shown promising results in alleviating swelling and reducing the frequency of attacks in hereditary angioedema patients. The treatment, NTLA-2002, targets the KLKB1 gene and reduces kallikrein production, a protein responsible for debilitating swelling attacks.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 10, 2022
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.

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut reveal dozens of peptides regulating appetite, bowel movement, and insulin secretion. By studying human intestinal organoids, researchers characterized potentially novel gut hormones, including glucagon, and explored its role in human physiology.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

In ironic twist, CRISPR system used to befuddle bacteria

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a CRISPR-based system that uses engineered bacteriophages to deliver genetic payloads to specific bacteria, even in complex environments. This technology enables precise single-letter changes to the genome without double-strand DNA breakage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Plant hormones to help prevent Striga invasion

Researchers discover chemical inhibitor TIS108 significantly lowers Striga infestation without affecting plant growth or grain yield. The study shows canonical strigolactones contribute to seed germination in root parasitic weeds and play a major role in stimulating invasion by Striga.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2022
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.

A new control system for synthetic genes

Researchers at MIT have developed a new control system for synthetic genes that can precisely regulate protein production in mammalian cells. The system uses CRISPR proteins to activate target genes and can be tuned to produce specific quantities of proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2022

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

New gene editing strategy could lead to treatments for people born with inherited diseases of the immune system

Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists pinpoint druggable target in aggressive breast cancer

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a new therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive and deadly form of disease. Using CRISPR/CAS9 screening, scientists pinpointed the UBA1 enzyme as an ideal target, which can be inhibited by the novel drug TAK-243 to effectively kill cancer cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 25, 2022

Even good gene edits can go bad

Researchers at Rice University have developed a procedure to quantify unintended changes that accompany on-target CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, potentially threatening the efficacy and safety of therapies. The new method uses single-molecule sequencing with unique molecular identifiers to detect large deletions, insertions, and chromosomal...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

New CRISPR-Cas approach permits more precise DNA cleavage

A new CRISPR-Cas approach, SpRYgests, allows for precise DNA cleavage at any sequence, expanding the utility of molecular cloning approaches. This innovation simplifies and expedites DNA editing and has potential clinical implications.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 11, 2022

Microbial enzymes are the key to pectin digestion in leaf beetles

The study found that microbial enzymes are essential for the digestion of pectin in leaf beetles, allowing them to access nutrient-rich plant cells. The researchers also discovered that leaf beetle species acquire these enzymes through horizontal gene transfer from other microbes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022
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.

Discovery broadens scope of use of CRISPR gene editing

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new CRISPR-based therapy platform that can deliver cargo to a broader range of tissue and cell types, increasing its potential for treating various diseases. The platform achieves this by transforming the Cas-9 protein into a spherical nucleic acid and loading it with critical components.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2022

Biologists unveil clues to evolutionary origins of brown-colored algae for health, biofuels research

Brown algae's unique pigments have evolved through a complex genetic pathway, enabling them to harness more light energy than green plants. This discovery could lead to insights into fucoxanthin's health applications and improved photosynthetic efficiency for biofuels production.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Plant breeding: Using “invisible” chromosomes to pass on packages of positive traits

Researchers at KIT have developed a method to suppress nine-tenths of a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas molecular scissors, preventing genetic exchange and allowing positive traits to be passed on together. This technique can improve the efficiency of crop breeding by combining favorable traits in one plant.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

A cellular engineering breakthrough: High-yield CRISPR without viral vectors

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a new approach to introduce long DNA sequences into cells with remarkable efficiency. The technology, which uses single-stranded DNA templates, overcomes the limitations of traditional viral vectors and has the potential to make cell therapies faster, better, and less expensive.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 25, 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.

Microscopy reveals mechanism behind new CRISPR tool

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new CRISPR system called Craspase, which has the potential to develop promising antiviral and tissue engineering tools in animals and plants. The study uses cryo-electron microscopy snapshots to explain how Craspase identifies RNA targets and activates proteases.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2022

Giving immunotherapy cells resilience to pass the “stress test”

Scientists at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes use CRISPR-based edit to render therapeutic T cells more resilient, overcoming a major factor limiting cancer immunotherapies' success. The discovery may help improve treatment of both solid and liquid tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2022

CRISPR-based technology targets global crop pest

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGEN Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

A fast, accurate, equipment-free diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Reprogramming the brain’s cleaning crew to mop up Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered how to shift damaged brain cells from a diseased state into a healthy one using CRISPR technology. The study found that reprogramming microglia cells can help remove protein plaques and protect synapses, potentially treating Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2022

Gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 can lead to cell toxicity and genome instability

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have found that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can trigger cell toxicity and genomic instability, particularly in regions near the tumour suppressor protein p53. The study identified 3,300 targeted spots with strong toxic effects, highlighting the need for safer CRISPR reagents.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022
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.

Researchers lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Hidden genes may be tapped for new antibiotics

Rice University bioscientists have developed a novel approach to control the expression of 'silent' genes in bacteria using CRISPR technology. This strategy could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and has potential applications in antifungal and anticancer agents, as well as agriculture.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 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.

“Soft” CRISPR may offer a new fix for genetic defects

A new CRISPR strategy, employing natural DNA repair machinery, provides a foundation for novel gene therapy strategies to cure genetic diseases. The technique, known as homologous chromosome-templated repair, uses "nicks" of single DNA strands to correct genetic defects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Study paves the way towards a more precise use of CRISPR

A Danish research study has made significant discoveries about the CRISPR/Cas9 protein and its gRNA component, enabling more accurate gene modification. The findings aim to optimize the effectiveness of gene editing, addressing concerns over 'off-target effects'.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2022

How bacteria store information to kill viruses (but not themselves)

Bacteria's CRISPR system uses spacers to store viral information, but must balance risk of autoimmunity with immune memory. Longer spacers reduce autoimmune response risk, allowing more spacers to be stored without triggering an immune reaction.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Texas A&M AgriLife researchers use CRISPR technology to modify starches in potatoes

Researchers used CRISPR technology to modify the ratio of amylose and amylopectin in potatoes, increasing culinary and industrial uses. The study found that potatoes with high amylopectin content have potential applications in bioplastics, food additives, adhesives, and ethanol production.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 25, 2022

New CRISPR-combo boosts genome editing power in plants

Scientists from the University of Maryland developed CRISPR-Combo, a method to edit multiple genes in plants while simultaneously changing gene expression. This new tool enables genetic engineering combinations that work together to boost functionality and improve breeding of new crops.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

DAP array casts a wide net to fix mutations

A new genome-editing strategy called DAP array can correct dozens of errors at the same time with high precision and efficiency, avoiding off-target edits. The technique leverages tRNA to drive multiple guide RNAs on a single array, then released individually by cells to direct genome editors for edits at multiple human genomic sites.

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

CRISPR now possible in cockroaches

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Novel supramolecular CRISPR–Cas9 carrier enables more efficient genome editing

A team of researchers from Kumamoto University has developed a transformable polyrotaxane carrier that can facilitate genome editing using Cas9RNP with high efficiency. The carrier, called amino-PRX, is multi-step transformable and has low cytotoxicity, making it an enormously promising candidate for safe and efficient delivery.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022
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.

New technology offers fighting chance against grapevine killer

Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022