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CRISPR gene editing reveals biological mechanism behind common blood disorder

Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to understand how deletions in one area of the genome affect nearby genes. They found that deleting a small region led to increased foetal globin expression and reduced adult globin levels, suggesting a key mechanism for asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBlood·DateApr 8, 2022

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Scientists have developed a new approach to expand the target range of CRISPR/Cas systems, allowing for slight variations in target DNA while maintaining local specificity. This technology could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis, particularly for diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

For plant geneticists, some genes are double the trouble

Researchers found that gene duplications can complicate crop improvements, with some plants showing little effect despite similar mutations. This study highlights the need to understand evolutionary changes in plant genomes to develop more predictable crop improvements.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 28, 2022
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Scientists put CRISPR on safer path to patient treatments with new process for evaluating impacts of gene edits that alter rather than “knock out” DNA code

Researchers at ChristianaCare's Gene Editing Institute describe a new process for evaluating the impacts of gene edits that alter rather than completely disabling DNA code. The study validates the safety and efficacy of their novel approach for using CRISPR to improve lung cancer treatments.

SourceChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute·JournalGene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Novel CRISPR imaging technology reveals genes controlling tumor immunity

Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 14, 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.

Studying diseases with better delivery of gene-editing tools

A Penn State-led team of researchers developed a new delivery system that improves the efficiency and lifespan of CRISPR gene-editing tools after delivery into stem cells. The method uses an enzyme called PiggyBac, which enables permanent integration of the editing tools into the cell's genetic code, resulting in 99% of mutated cells b...

SourcePenn State·JournalBioactive Materials·DateMar 7, 2022

AI-designed protein awakens silenced genes, one by one

Researchers at the University of Washington developed an AI-designed protein that can awaken individual dormant genes by disabling chemical 'off switches'. This approach allows for safe upregulation of specific genes to affect cell activity without permanently changing the genome.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Gene editing gets safer thanks to redesigned Cas9 protein

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have redesigned a key component of the widely used CRISPR-based gene-editing tool Cas9 to be thousands of times less likely to target the wrong stretch of DNA. The new version, called SuperFi-Cas9, is as efficient as the original but reduces off-target interactions, making it potentially ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Intestinal cells change functions during their lives

Recent studies found that intestinal cells can change specializations in response to BMP signaling. This process, called zonation, is crucial for the proper functioning of the gut. Researchers used organoids and mouse models to confirm this discovery, which may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Could gene therapy soon curb muscle loss in the elderly?

Researchers discovered a crucial RNA strand called CYTOR that helps build muscle mass, and found it decreases with age. Gene therapy stimulated CYTOR production, leading to increased fast-twitch muscle fibers and improved muscle function in humans and mice.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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CROPSR: A new tool to accelerate genetic discoveries

CROPSR, an open-source software tool, accelerates CRISPR experiment design and evaluation by addressing challenges in complex crop genomes. The genome-wide approach significantly shortens the time required to design a CRISPR experiment, reducing failed experiments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateFeb 17, 2022

Moon develops targeted, reliable, long-lasting kill switch

A new, reliable kill switch has been developed to eliminate genetically modified microbes that pose environmental risks. By inserting multiple kill switches into the microbial DNA, a success rate of one in billion microbes was achieved during experiments.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

CRISPR-Cas9 can generate unexpected, heritable mutations

A new study by Uppsala University researchers discovered that CRISPR-Cas9 can generate unexpected, heritable DNA mutations in zebrafish, highlighting the need for careful validation before using the method for medical purposes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Discovery of a “hidden gem” enables gene editing with a small but mighty CRISPR-Cas3 system

Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas3 editor from the bacteria Neisseria lactamica that improves editing efficiency and is more easily produced. The tool enables 50% editing efficiency in stem cells and 95% efficiency in other human cell lines, paving the way for research in genetic diseases and developmental biology.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 19, 2022

Researchers Switch Off Gene to Switch On Ultraviolet in Butterfly Wings

A team of researchers at George Washington University identified a gene that determines whether ultraviolet iridescence appears in the wings of butterflies. Removing this gene from non-iridescent species leads to UV coloration in their wings, highlighting its critical role in evolutionary differences between species.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022
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.

Immuno-CRISPR assay could help diagnose kidney transplant rejection early on

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive immuno-CRISPR assay to detect acute kidney rejection in urine, potentially allowing for early diagnosis without invasive biopsy. The test uses CRISPR/Cas12a gene editing technology to identify biomarkers of rejection, such as CXCL9, with improved sensitivity compared to existing methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2022

Researchers pioneer new method to edit genes in human cells

Gladstone Institutes researchers have pioneered a new method to edit genes in human cells using retrons, which can produce abundant copies of template DNA from inside cells. The optimized system has shown improved efficiency and precision compared to current approaches.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 5, 2022

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers have created a new approach to edit genes within specific bacteria in a community using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling targeted genetic modifications. This technology could be used to track edited microbes and potentially treat diseases like digestive issues or create more resilient crops.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a self-detect solution to monitor CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms. The system uses a biosensor guide RNA and reporter protein to trigger the technology's reveal itself, enabling real-time detection of CRISPR activity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateDec 9, 2021

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing boosts effectiveness of ultrasound cancer therapy

Researchers have developed a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to enhance the effectiveness of sonodynamic therapy, allowing tumors to be effectively shrunk in a mouse model of liver cancer. The technology reduces antioxidant defense systems, increasing cancer cell death from the treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 8, 2021

CRISPRing the microbiome is just around the corner

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new CRISPR editing technology that enables simultaneous editing of genes in multiple cell types and species within a microbial community. This approach, called community editing, has the potential to track edited microbes and understand their functions within complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Potential new gene editing tools uncovered

Researchers have expanded the number of naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems, giving a wealth of potential new tools for large-scale gene editing. The discovery could lead to treating complex diseases associated with multiple genes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New findings on the link between CRISPR gene-editing and mutated cancer cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that CRISPR gene-editing causes DNA damage, activating the p53 protein, which can lead to an accumulation of mutated cancer cells. The study identified a network of linked genes with similar mutations and suggests transient inhibition of p53 as a potential strategy to prevent their enrichment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2021

Study encourages cautious approach to CRISPR therapeutics

A recent study by Sanford Burnham Prebys and the National Cancer Institute has shown that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can favor cells with mutated forms of genes linked to cancer. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients undergoing CRISPR-based gene therapy for cancer-related mutations.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2021

New research helps explain the genetic basis for why we look the way we do

A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on the genetic basis of human appearance features by investigating the role of Hox genes. The researchers replaced the proboscipedia gene in a common laboratory fruit fly with its counterpart from a rarer Hawaiian cousin, revealing that Hox genes function as scaffolds for downstr...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 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.

Genetic analysis uncovers shared evolutionary history of fish fins and vertebrate limbs

Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing tools to show that a gene controlling bone growth in fish fins plays the same role in forming fingers and toes in four-legged creatures. The study suggests that the last common ancestor between ray- and lobe-finned fish already had the genetic toolkit to shape their appendages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2021

Researchers develop CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at UC San Diego have created a CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic technology that detects SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19. The new SENSR system is designed to simplify SARS-CoV-2 detection with a goal of eventual adaptation for in-home use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

The delicate dance of developmental genes

A study by EPFL researchers reveals that CTCF sites within the HoxD cluster contribute to organizing genes into topologically associated domains, helping to organize developmental complexity. The dual function of CTCF binding sites varies depending on tissue type.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 27, 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.

Taking the guesswork out of genetic engineering

A team of Harvard researchers created an integrated pipeline, STAMPScreen, to help genetic engineers identify target genes and perform screening studies. The protocol combines computational tools with lab experiments to quickly and efficiently test gene function in living cells.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021
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.

CRISPR screening tool identifies new drug target for leukemia

A CRISPR screening tool identified ZMYND8, an epigenetic regulatory protein, as a potential new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting ZMYND8 has been shown to leave cancer cells with smaller tumors and better survival in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Using two CRISPR enzymes, a COVID diagnostic in only 20 minutes

Researchers at UC Berkeley created a rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test utilizing tandem CRISPR nucleases, which accelerates RNA detection and reduces sample handling. This innovation simplifies the assay process, making it faster and more efficient for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
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.

‘Bacterial arch-enemy’ paves the way for new gene editing

Researchers have mapped the structure of CRISPR-Cas12j3 from bacteriophages, a discovery that reveals how it works and solves packaging problems for genome editing. The new system has vast potential for precise genome editing with improved efficiencies and alternative targeting mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease

Scientists at Beam Therapeutics have created a redesigned base editor that successfully repairs the single-base mutation causing sickle-cell disease. The therapy targets an upstream regulatory pathway to express fetal hemoglobin, offering a potential solution for this genetic disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 20, 2021

New CRISPR technology offers unrivaled control of epigenetic inheritance

Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based tool called CRISPRoff, which allows for the silencing of almost any gene in human cells without making DNA edits. This technology has significant therapeutic potential, particularly for rare genetic disorders that are caused by a single damaged copy of a gene.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 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.

Prime editing enables precise gene editing without collateral damage

Scientists report that prime editing successfully shuts down a gene involved in smooth muscle cell differentiation, correcting genetic problems and disease models. Prime editing is less complicated and more precise than traditional CRISPR, with fewer components and no collateral damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 30, 2021

With gene therapy, scientists develop opioid-free solution for chronic pain

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a gene therapy that temporarily represses a gene involved in sensing pain, increasing pain tolerance and providing months of relief. The therapy could be used for various chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and rare neuropathic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021

WOX9: A jack of all trades

Researchers discovered that the WOX9 gene can induce more flowers to form in various plant species by changing its regulation, suggesting potential for improving crop yields. Genome editing allowed them to reveal the gene's additional functions without altering its protein product.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2021