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Obesity may exacerbate breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations

A new study found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are obese may experience higher rates of DNA damage in their breast tissue, which could contribute to breast cancer development. The researchers suggest that weight management and medications like metformin may be important for preventive care.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2023

How cancer cells repair DNA damage induced by next-generation radiotherapy

Scientists discovered a new type of DNA repair mechanism that cancer cells use to recover from next-generation cancer radiation therapy. DNA polymerase θ (POLQ) is an important factor in repairing complex DNA double-strand breaks, and inhibiting POLQ may augment the efficacy of heavy ion radiation therapy.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

Pusan National University develops novel biosensor to detect DNA damage in real time

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel FRET-based biosensor to detect double-strand breaks in DNA, providing real-time information on γH2AX. The sensor's sensitivity is higher than conventional immunostaining techniques, making it useful for identifying DNA damage factors and elucidating repair mechanisms.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBiomaterials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

Mediterranean diet the best prevention against prostate cancer

A Mediterranean diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables helps prevent prostate cancer and speeds up recovery after radiation treatment. Foods such as tomatoes, melons, and nuts are particularly beneficial due to their high levels of lycopene and selenium.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCancers·TypeCase study·DateMar 8, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA damage levels similar in vapers and smokers, study finds

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that vaping and smoking both cause significant DNA damage in oral epithelial cells. The frequency and duration of vaping were associated with increased levels of DNA damage, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Possible genetic basis and mouse model found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain health

Research suggests that poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain function and cognitive abilities. A recent study analyzed the relationship between oral health and brain health among approximately 40,000 adults and found a potential link between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 2, 2023
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.

Power of cancer drugs may see boost by targeting newly ID’d pathway

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a previously unknown signaling pathway that protects cells from DNA replication stress, which is common in cancer. Targeting this pathway with inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs could make cancer treatments more effective.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

A winding road: Mapping how singlet oxygen molecules travel along DNA strands

A study by Tokyo Institute of Technology mapped how singlet oxygen molecules travel along DNA strands, shedding light on their propagation and oxidation patterns. The research could lead to more efficient and selective photosensitizer agents for targeted photodynamic therapy, a promising cancer treatment.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023
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.

Researchers uncover key codon repeats regulating chilling tolerance in rice

A recent study has revealed a novel cold domesticated repair mechanism for DNA damage in rice, providing elite modules for improving chilling tolerance. The discovery of GCG codon repeats in the first exon of COLD11, a DNA repair protein, has opened the way for fine regulation of rice chilling tolerance with a single site.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

Explaining the DNA repair mechanism

A recent study has unveiled how nucleotide excision repair (NER) is controlled at the molecular level, shedding light on its role in cancer treatment. The research revealed that TFIIH uses XPG to stimulate motor activity and locate damaged DNA, licensing XPG nuclease activity to excise it.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 8, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2022

With fractured genomes, Alzheimer’s neurons call for help

Researchers have discovered that neurons with double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in their DNA actively trigger an inflammatory response, which is mediated by the activation of the NFkappaB transcription factor. This process elicits an immune response from microglia, leading to synaptic loss and cognitive function impairment.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Keeping aggressive cancer cells in check

A team of researchers has identified TSG101 as a crucial regulator of the PARP1 enzyme, which is responsible for repairing DNA damage. In cancer cells with BRCA mutations, TSG101 is essential for PARP1 activation, making it a promising target for cancer treatment.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateSep 20, 2022

Breaking DNA Goldilocks-style

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a phosphorylation pathway that regulates meiotic double-strand break activity, ensuring genome stability. Enzymes ATR kinase and PP4 phosphatase work together to maintain a balance of DNA breaks, allowing for successful meiosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 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.

Drug combo therapy in mice blocks drug resistance, halts tumor growth

Researchers discovered that combining a new target with an old chemotherapy drug can reduce resistance and potentially improve treatment outcomes for small cell lung cancer. The study used mouse models to show that inhibiting a protein called SMYD3, along with cyclophosphamide, stopped tumors in their tracks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Large number of stem cell lines carry significant DNA damage, say researchers

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that nearly three-quarters of stem cell lines carry substantial DNA damage, which could compromise their use in research and cell-based therapies. The study found that whole genome sequencing is essential for confirming if cell lines are usable.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Research identifies, exploits vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers

A recent study published in Cancer Research identified a unique vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Researchers found that cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) have a common weakness, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging agents and chemotherapy.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A mutated eye offers a glimpse of a key protein for preventing cancer

A mutated zebrafish eye provides a glimpse into the role of banp in preventing cell death and regulating the cell cycle. The study found that banp promotes the expression of 31 genes involved in DNA repair, tumor suppression, and cell duplication.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Programming pH

Researchers develop technique to control pH at microsites, enabling high-throughput biomolecular synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis. This allows for increased experimental throughput and speeding up processes in DNA synthesis.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 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.

Identifying DNA repair genes holds promise for improving cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two new DNA repair genes, SETD1A and BOD1L, which can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. These findings may lead to improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to identify targeted treatments for specific patients.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 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.

Vaccinia virus MacGyvers a makeshift tool to repair its DNA, exposing a vulnerability that could be targeted

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that blocking the enzyme polymerase reduces the virus's ability to multiply. This discovery exposes an Achilles' heel that could be targeted with a therapeutic. Polymerase is a key tool for DNA replication and repair, making the virus vulnerable to disruption.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Human cells’ emergency response could lead to better cancer treatment, research finds

Researchers found that a critical enzyme called AAG plays a crucial role in making cells respond to stress by communicating between different parts of the cell. This new understanding could lead to improved cancer treatments using alkylating agents, a class of drugs commonly used in chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Microplastics in the Cauvery River may be harming fish

A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateApr 11, 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.

New non-destructive DNA method opens opportunities

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

FSU College of Medicine research advances understanding of DNA repair

Researchers have discovered a mechanism to increase the effectiveness of base excision repair (BER), a pathway involved in repairing damaged DNA. By capturing polymerase beta at a precise point in the cell life cycle, the enzyme creates new genetic material 17 times faster, suggesting an interlocked function between its two roles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2022

RNA molecules control repair of human DNA in cancer cells

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows how certain RNA molecules control the repair of damaged DNA in cancer cells. The researchers discovered two molecule types that interact to regulate an enzyme involved in DNA-repair mechanisms, leading to faulty DNA repair in cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
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.

Beating the odds in mutation’s game of chance

Researchers found that plants have evolved a way to protect their most important genes from mutation, which has significant implications for understanding crop domestication and cancer. The study discovered non-random patterns in DNA mutations, with essential genes overrepresented in regions where mutations are rare.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 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.

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital develop tools to visualize DNA repair as never before

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital have developed new approaches to visualize DNA repair by analyzing hundreds of proteins at once. They discovered nine new proteins involved in DNA repair and identified key players in the process, which could lead to improved cancer treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 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.

Microorganism sheds new light on cancer resistance

A marine-dwelling creature, Trichoplax adhaerens, has been found to resist cancer and repair DNA after radiation damage. Researchers are exploring its unique properties to develop new therapies for cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021

Metal-organic-frameworks effectively treat H2O2-secreting bacteria

Researchers developed a new metal-organic framework treatment that effectively eliminates H2O2-secreting bacteria, alleviating pulmonary injury and preventing systemic sepsis. The treatment, nFMs@Amp, uses Fe3+-doped metal organic frameworks loaded with antibiotic ampicillin to target and kill the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 15, 2021

Mutations in TP53 gene linked to aggressive prostate cancer

A study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalEuropean Urology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2021

UCI-led study confirms linkage between altered DNA repair and DNA damage in neurodegenerative conditions causing debilitating movement disorders

A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2021

DNA replication under the microscope

Cryo-EM study reveals details of DNA repair mechanism translesion synthesis (TLS), allowing cells to survive with mutations. Key protein complex Pol K - PCNA interaction modulated by ubiquitination facilitates recruitment of TLS polymerase to damage sites.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

How do we know we're tired?

Researchers discovered a mechanism of sleep in zebrafish and mice, linking PARP1 protein to signaling the brain for sleep. Six hours of sleep per night is sufficient to reduce DNA damage, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep for efficient DNA repair.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 18, 2021

For stem cells, bigger doesn’t mean better

Researchers found that blood stem cells, which are among the smallest cells in the body, lose their ability to perform their normal function — replenishing the body’s blood cells — as they grow larger. However, when the cells were restored to their usual size, they behaved normally again.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2021

Immunotherapy-chemotherapy treatment coupled with in-depth genomic analyses leads to improved survival for patients with mesothelioma

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 8, 2021
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.