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An efficient eDNA sampling tool for high sensitivity aquatic biota detection

Researchers developed a new eDNA sampling membrane that captures DNA fragments with high efficiency, detecting multiple tropical coral reef fish species. The membrane, coated with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets, enables preferential interactions with DNA bases, improving the capture of trace eDNA from large volumes of seawater.

January research news from the Ecological Society of America

A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hornets in town: How top predators coexist

Research by Kobe University entomologist SAGA Tatsuya found that two hornet species divide their prey by specializing on different targets. The Japanese yellow hornet eats soft-bodied prey like crickets and moths, while the yellow-vented hornet consumes low-value prey such as beetles and wasps.

New 3D genome mapping tool reveals hidden complexity in DNA

A novel 3D chromosome mapping method has been developed to detect hidden structural variants in DNA, revealing new discoveries for genetic disorders. The study successfully identified known large chromosomal variants with 100% concordance and uncovered 12 novel structural variants missed by standard clinical tests.

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.

New AI tool reveals single-cell structure of chromosomes — in 3D

A new AI tool developed by University of Missouri researchers can predict the 3D shape of chromosomes inside individual cells, providing a new view of how genes work. The tool helps identify unique differences in chromosome folding between cells, which controls gene activity and can lead to diseases like cancer.

Illuminating the immune response to aberrant DNA

A novel fluorescent biosensor captures spatio-temporal dynamics of STING activation in response to aberrant DNA, enabling visualization of single cell and population responses. This study reveals new insights into the immune response to chromosomally unstable tumours and potential avenues for treatment.

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.

Cyclin D1 expression in penile cancer

Researchers found cyclin D1 expression in patients with penile cancer (PC) is associated with clinical and histopathological features. Patients with cyclin D1 expression had lower disease-free survival compared to the cyclin D1-negative group.

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.

Researchers discover urine-based test to detect head and neck cancer

Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.

Do adult periodical cicadas actually feed on anything?

A study published in the Entomological Society of America's Journal of Insect Science found that adult periodical cicadas contain plant DNA, including woody plant and Malus (apple tree) DNA, indicating they feed on plant sap. The discovery resolves a long-standing scientific debate on whether adult cicadas feed.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A turtle time capsule: DNA found in ancient shell

A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest record of sea turtle DNA in a fossil shell from Panama's Caribbean coast. The findings, published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, date back approximately 6 million years to the upper Miocene Epoch.

Researchers engineer bacteria that can detect tumor DNA

Researchers have engineered bacteria that can detect tumor DNA in a live organism, using CRISPR technology. The bacteria, Acinetobacter baylyi, were designed to respond to specific DNA sequences associated with cancer, allowing for early detection and potentially preventing disease progression.

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.

DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening

Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

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.

Malaria infection harms wild African apes

New research on malaria-infected bonobos shows that the infection harms them, too, with symptoms including fever and increased mortality risk. The study also finds that bonobos have a protective variant of an immune gene similar to one found in humans, suggesting a selective advantage for those individuals.

Genetic test can detect deadly bleeding disorder in dogs

A new genetic test can identify dogs at risk of a potentially deadly disorder resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising after surgical procedures. The DEPOHGEN test will allow for preventative treatment by administering antifibrinolytic drugs to dogs with the mutation before surgery.

Fish-hunting and eating behaviors confirmed in Japanese macaques

Researchers have documented cases of Japanese macaques hunting and eating fish in the Kamikochi region of Japan, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh winter conditions. The behavior appears to be an extension of existing feeding habits on vegetation and aquatic plants, with potential implications for future generations.

Review of fluorescent probes for detecting G-Quadruplex DNA

G-Quadruplex DNA structures play a crucial role in regulating genes and cell processes, but their visualization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of double standard DNA. Fluorescence-active small molecule probes have emerged as a real-time visualization method, enabling researchers to detect G-quadruplexes with high selectivity.

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.

Monkeypox spread could be monitored with wastewater, study suggests

Researchers propose using wastewater epidemiology to monitor monkeypox spread, detecting viral DNA in sewage and potentially identifying low infection rates. The method could be optimized for community-level monitoring, providing a valuable framework for developing robust programs.

Liquid biopsy detects DNA markers in advanced breast cancer within five hours

A novel liquid biopsy test can accurately detect cancer DNA in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer within five hours, potentially helping oncologists determine if treatments are working. The test's diagnostic accuracy is 85%, correctly detecting cancer 83% of the time and ruling out cancer 92% of the time.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

SeqScreen can reveal ‘concerning’ DNA

SeqScreen, an open-source software toolkit, accurately characterizes short DNA sequences to detect pathogenic sequences. The program uses a curated database of thousands of gene sequences representing 32 types of virulence functions.

New study highlights major step forward in monitoring ocean health

Researchers at MBARI use eDNA and autonomous underwater robots to survey marine biodiversity, providing clues about changes in sensitive areas and the presence of rare species. The technology enables persistent monitoring of ocean ecosystems, supporting food webs and regulating climate.

Towards a better understanding of the biology of schizophrenia

A large-scale genetic study has identified 287 genomic regions associated with schizophrenia and 120 specific genes linked to the disorder. These findings provide new insights into the biological processes underlying schizophrenia, offering potential avenues for novel therapies.

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.

Study probes how DNA folding might affect gene activity

Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

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.

New rapid tests will detect adulteration of meat products

Scientists developed a simple method to detect chicken and pork meat in sausages and processed products within 15 minutes. The new approach uses recombincase polymerase amplification and test-strip detection, providing fast and affordable results.

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.

Zoo air contains enough DNA to identify the animals inside

Researchers have successfully identified animal species in zoo air by collecting airborne environmental DNA, offering a valuable tool for tracking biodiversity without intensive fieldwork. By analyzing millions of DNA sequences and comparing them to reference databases, scientists can detect even elusive or inaccessible species.

The sky’s the limit: Using airborne DNA to monitor insect biodiversity

Researchers at Lund University have successfully detected insect DNA in the air, offering a novel approach to monitoring terrestrial biodiversity. This method, known as airborne DNA metabarcoding, allows for the detection of multiple species from single samples and could accelerate biodiversity surveys.

Promising low-cost method for rapid COVID-19 detection

Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.

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.

Ageing the unageable: UEA researchers develop new way to age lobsters

Scientists at UEA have identified a way to determine the age of lobsters using DNA. The method is based on quantifying DNA changes that accumulate with age within a lobster. This breakthrough could help manage lobster fisheries more sustainably by providing accurate estimates of lobster ages.

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.

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.

Transforming marine biodiversity discovery and monitoring

A new system for sampling fragments of DNA from marine organisms drifting in the ocean has been developed, enabling researchers to monitor biodiversity and conservation efforts on a global scale. The innovative approach uses water collected from engine cooling systems on commercial vessels, allowing for large-scale surveys of marine ec...

Tracking genetically modified animals

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.

In situ extraction and detection of DNA is an im-pore-tant development

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for detecting single DNA molecules directly from individual cells, eliminating the need for subsequent steps. The 3D-integrated nanopore allows for efficient delivery of released DNA molecules to the sensing zone, enabling robust detection and analysis.