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Scientists solve reptile mysteries with landmark study on the evolution of turtles

A team of scientists has reconstructed a detailed 'tree of life' for turtles, revealing their closest relatives across the animal kingdom. The study uses next-generation sequencing technologies to refute long-held debates about turtle evolution and places turtles in a new group called 'Archelosauria'.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateNov 24, 2014

Bacteria become 'genomic tape recorders'

Researchers at MIT have engineered E. coli bacteria to store long-term analog memory through a 'genomic tape recorder' system. This stable, erasable memory can be used in various applications such as environmental monitoring and biological computing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2014
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.

Contamination likely explains 'food genes in blood' claim

A University of Michigan molecular biologist re-examines data from a controversial study claiming that complete food genes can pass into human blood. The researcher found evidence of contamination in laboratory samples, suggesting that DNA from food and skin microorganisms are present in the same sample tubes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2014

Kidney cancer in Central Europe

A new study by CAGEKID consortium reveals a strong connection between kidney cancer and aristolochic acid, an ingredient in herbal remedies. The research found that genetic changes associated with this type of cancer were observed in patients from Romania with high frequency, suggesting exposure to aristolochic acid as a potential cause.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2014

Study examines type of exome sequencing and molecular diagnostic yield

A new test called trio-CES, which sequences the whole exome of the affected individual and both parents simultaneously, was associated with a significantly higher molecular diagnostic yield (31%) compared to proband-CES (22%). In cases of developmental delay in children, trio-CES had a diagnosis rate of 41% compared to 9% for proband-CES.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 18, 2014
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.

Charged graphene gives DNA a stage to perform molecular gymnastics

University of Illinois researchers use charged graphene to control the movement of DNA through a nanopore, allowing for faster and more accurate DNA sequencing. The study reveals that changing the graphene's charge can stop or speed up DNA movement, and even force it into specific conformations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2014

RCas9: A programmable RNA editing tool

A team of researchers has demonstrated a means by which CRISPR/Cas9 can be programmed to recognize and cleave RNA at sequence-specific target sites. This allows for direct RNA transcript detection, analysis and manipulation, paving the way for transformative studies in RNA function.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2014

Researchers develop new DNA sequencing method to diagnose tuberculosis

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that can detect and characterize the bacteria causing tuberculosis in a matter of days, without the need for time-consuming laboratory culture. The technique, known as metagenomics, uses high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyze DNA extracted from sputum samples.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 23, 2014

Program predicts placement of chemical tags that control gene activity

Researchers have developed a program that predicts the placement of chemical tags controlling gene activity based on DNA sequences. The analysis identified specific DNA patterns associated with epigenomic modifications, revealing new insights into gene regulation and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 21, 2014

Discovery reveals how bacteria distinguish harmful vs. helpful viruses

Scientists have discovered that the bacterial immune system can distinguish between harmful and helpful viruses by watching for a specific transcription cue. This adaptation allows bacteria to harness viral genes for their own benefit, offering new insights into the complex relationships between microbes and viruses.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2014
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.

Sequencing at sea

A team of researchers from San Diego State University overcame numerous challenges to successfully sequence DNA samples in real-time at sea. Despite equipment failures, space constraints, and shark encounters, they managed to collect and analyze data on the Line Islands, developing new research questions and hypotheses along the way.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 19, 2014

New material could enhance fast and accurate DNA sequencing

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a single-layer sheet of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that can sequence DNA more accurately and quickly than existing materials. The new material outperforms graphene, which had limitations due to DNA sticking to it.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 13, 2014

New analysis reveals tumor weaknesses

Scientists have discovered that chemical modifications of a gene can contribute to cancer. A new method developed by MIT researchers analyzes these modifications to identify the type of tumor and how it will respond to different drugs. The technique could offer a way to choose the best treatment for individual patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 12, 2014

How knots can swap positions on a DNA strand

Computer simulations show that two knots on a DNA strand can interchange positions through a growing and diffusing knot mechanism. The swapping of positions is relevant for future technologies like nanopore sequencing, where long DNA strands are sequenced by being pulled through pores.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Detecting fetal chromosomal defects without risk

A new benchtop semiconductor sequencing procedure and bioinformatics software tools can detect multiple types of chromosomal abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity. The noninvasive method uses cell-free fetal DNA and is faster, cheaper, and safer than current procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2014

The blood preserved in the pumpkin did not belong to Louis XVI

A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed the DNA recovered from a relic attributed to Louis XVI and found it did not match his expected genetic profile. The analysis revealed a clear French and Italian component, contradicting historical accounts of Louis XVI's physical appearance.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2014
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 tool advances investigations of disease outbreaks

A new computational tool in Molecular Biology and Evolution helps public health officials investigate disease outbreaks by analyzing genomic data, correctly inferring source cases and transmission clusters. The tool complements traditional epidemiology methods, providing valuable insights into outbreak dynamics.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 15, 2014

Amino acid fingerprints revealed in new study

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique to identify amino acids, including subtly modified variants, by analyzing electrical activity signals. This breakthrough advances the prospect of clinical protein sequencing and discovery of new biomarkers for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 6, 2014

Species conservation poised to benefit from DNA advances

Advanced DNA sequencing technologies have improved the accuracy of measuring inbreeding in wild populations. The study revealed that inbred individuals were more likely to suffer from lung parasite infection, highlighting a potential bigger problem than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Interactive map of human genetic history revealed

The study uses genome data from 1490 individuals to identify genetic mixing events between populations, dating back to historical events such as the Mongol Empire. The technique, called 'Globetrotter,' provides insight into past events and may have implications for public health and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2014
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.

Genomics for judges: Educating Illinois judges on how genetic info impacts court decisions

The Genomics for Judges seminar, offered by the University of Illinois, aims to educate judges on how genetic information affects court decisions. The two-day course covers DNA sequencing, gene function, and genome analysis, preparing judges to deal with legal questions involving genomics in the courts today and in the future.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateJan 27, 2014

War elephant myths debunked by DNA

A team of researchers at University of Illinois used DNA analysis to clarify the details of the Battle of Raphia, a historic battle between Asian and African elephants. The study found that the Eritrean elephants were actually savanna elephants with low genetic diversity, which is expected for such a small population.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateJan 9, 2014

Chromosomes show off their shapes

A new method combines high-throughput DNA sequencing and computer analysis to produce reliable maps describing contacts between genes along individual chromosomes. The results suggest that the arrangement of genes on chromosomes is modular and based on their functions, with active genes exposed at chromosome boundaries.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

UW scientist sniffs out possible new tick species

A UW professor discovered a new possible tick species that infests the noses of Ugandan chimps, suggesting it may be an underappreciated disease carrier. The tick's behavior is thought to be linked to chimp grooming habits, raising concerns about exotic tick populations and global disease spread.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 1, 2013

Largest, most accurate list of RNA editing sites

The researchers validated 1,799 sites and predicted an additional 1,782 sites, resulting in a combined list of 3,581 accurate sites. The team gained insights into the model organism's fundamental biology, including patterns of editing and alternative splicing.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 29, 2013

Seeing the forest and the trees

Researchers developed a novel robotic camera mount and software to study plant movements across wide panoramas. The technique captures interactions between environment and plants in a single sequence, enabling the visualization of changes over time.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateSep 25, 2013

Developing platforms for more accurate DNA sequence reading

A UMass Amherst polymer scientist is working on a four-year, $1.08M grant to develop new ways to control the process of reading precise nucleotide order in DNA chains as they pass through a nanopore. The goal is to create cheaper, faster and more accurate gene sequencing for medical research and healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Miao Yu receives Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellowship

Miao Yu, a chemistry graduate student at University of Chicago, has received an International Predoctoral Student Research Fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She will receive $43,000 annually for up to three years to support her research on DNA modifications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateAug 14, 2013
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.

'Insect soup' holds DNA key for monitoring biodiversity

Researchers create 'insect soup' by crushing insects and sequencing their DNA, which accelerates biodiversity monitoring and cataloguing. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and reliable detection of endangered species and environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Hidden strains of HPV found in 'virus-negative' genital warts

Researchers found that 'virus-negative' genital warts can harbor small amounts of more distantly related viruses that escaped previous detection. The study identified 23 new types of HPV and two known sequences, highlighting the diverse pool of previously unknown HPV types infecting humans.

SourceElsevier·JournalVirology Journal·DateJul 11, 2013

In subglacial lake, surprising life goes on

Researchers identified thousands of species, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, through DNA and RNA sequencing. The findings suggest the lake once connected to the ocean, with marine and freshwater species present.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

The DOE Joint Genome Institute expands capabilities via new partnerships

The DOE JGI has established new partnerships to develop emerging technologies in genomics and single-cell analysis, including scalable DNA synthesis and high-throughput sequencing. These collaborations aim to enhance the Institute's capabilities and support DOE missions related to clean energy and environmental characterization.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateMay 15, 2013

Genes show 1 big European family

A recent study reveals that Europeans are genetically linked over the past thousand years, tracing back to nearly the same set of ancestors. The research found subtle local differences in genetic sequences among European populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 7, 2013

Mayo Clinic discovers why some don't respond to rubella vaccine

Researchers identified genetic differences in 27 genes responsible for antigen interactions, inflammation, and gene pathways involved between high and low responders. The study provides insights into developing alternative vaccines for individuals who do not respond effectively to the standard rubella vaccine.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2013
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.

Sequencing without PCR reduces bias in measuring biodiversity

Researchers have developed a new sequencing method that reduces bias in measuring biodiversity by avoiding PCR amplification, allowing for accurate estimation of biomass and identification of species. This method was successfully tested on bulk arthropod samples and identified bacteria and insect species with high accuracy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 26, 2013

Enzymes allow DNA to swap information with exotic molecules

Scientists at Arizona State University have discovered an enzyme that allows DNA sequences to be transcribed into a simpler molecule called TNA, which can then be reverse-transcribed back into DNA. This breakthrough offers clues about the origins of genetic code and has potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2013

Spinal tap -- using cactus spines to isolate DNA

Researchers have developed a novel procedure to isolate DNA from cactus tissue using cactus spines, overcoming challenges posed by polysaccharide-based mucilage content. This method simplifies genetic work and is less invasive than traditional sampling methods.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 5, 2013

Problems with identifying meat? The answer is to check the barcode

A study published in BioMed Central's Investigative Genetics journal found that over 80% of game meat samples in South Africa were mislabeled, with some species being substituted almost entirely. The labelling error has implications for animal safety and cultural/religious practices.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2013
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.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing

USC scientists have developed an algorithm to predict the value of DNA sequencing, which could make it more affordable for clinics. The algorithm uses a model from ecology known as capture-recapture to estimate population sizes, with potential applications in public health, astronomy, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 24, 2013

The nano-channel that disentangles knots

Researchers explore nano-channels to selectively unknnot DNA, with potential applications in sequencing and understanding cell metabolism. The study reveals varying channel widths can drastically change DNA knot complexity.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalSoft Matter·DateFeb 20, 2013

Evolution of diversity surprisingly predictable

Researchers found that identical genetic changes occurred between independently evolving E. coli populations, driven by negative frequency dependence and natural selection. This discovery challenges traditional views of evolution and species diversity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 19, 2013

No need to prepare

Researchers sequenced DNA molecules directly without library preparation, using less than one nanogram of DNA. The technique has potential for fast and efficient identification of organisms in hospitals and healthcare settings.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBioTechniques·DateDec 11, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bacterial DNA sequence used to map an infection outbreak

Using DNA sequencing, researchers confirmed an ongoing MRSA outbreak in a hospital, identifying the source and extent of the infection. The team linked the outbreak to an unsuspecting carrier and treated them to eradicate the bacteria, preventing further spread.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2012

MRSA outbreak mapped by DNA sequencing

Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2012

Bigger human genome pool uncovers rarer variants

Researchers sequenced 1092 human genomes from 14 populations to discover more numerous and rarer genetic variations than previously known. This expanded genetic information enables the discovery of rare genetic variants important for understanding population history and disease association studies.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2012
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.

Directing change: How do they do it?

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna used fruit flies to study adaptation to changing temperatures, finding temporally heterogeneous trajectories of selected alleles. Genetic changes were widespread and rapid, with some genes adapting quickly while others showed little change.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 19, 2012