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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.

Origin of domestic horses finally established

A study led by Ludovic Orlando found that modern domestic horses were first domesticated in the Pontic-Caspian steppes around 2000-2200 BC. The genetic profile of these horses spread rapidly across Eurasia, replacing other horse populations and facilitating their conquest of the region.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2021

COVID curriculum brings science home for high school students

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 15, 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.

New insights on the diversity of the Iberian wild goat

A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEvolutionary Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Maryland scientists crack blue crab’s genetic code

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has sequenced the genome of the blue crab, revealing approximately 24,000 genes and a genome length that is one third of the human genome. This breakthrough will aid in fisheries policies, aquaculture, and potentially track food source origins.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Ancient DNA analysis sheds light on dark event in medieval Spain

A medieval Spanish individual, known as the 'Segorbe Giant,' has been analyzed using ancient DNA. The research found that he had a mix of North African and local Spanish ancestry, suggesting a complex history of migration and intermixing. This study sheds light on a dark event in medieval Spain's past.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Climate change threatens base of polar oceans’ bountiful food webs

A new study suggests that climate change is displacing cold-water communities of algae with warm-adapted ones, threatening to destabilize the delicate marine food web. The research found a clear boundary between these communities at moderate water temperatures, highlighting the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2021
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.

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.

Doubling the number of species of hand-standing spotted skunks

Researchers analyzed skunk DNA to determine the correct number of species, revealing seven species, including the previously recognized four. The revised family tree highlights the distinct evolutionary lineages of each species, making conservation efforts more effective.

SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Unlocking the secrets to sorghum’s adaptability

A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Nanopores: the how and the why (and hopefully the where)

Researchers studied electrical conduction through membranes during Controlled Breakdown, a technique to fabricate single nanopores. They found that redox reactions occur at the membrane-electrolyte interface, allowing localization of pore formation using metal microelectrodes.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalSmall Science·DateAug 19, 2021

From coral reef to goat ranch: Uncovering the botanical history of the Guadalupe Mountains

Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 16, 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.

Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021

Equalizing the microbial research playing field

The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2021

Rapid evolution in waterfleas yields new conservation insights

A waterflea population has undergone rapid evolution in response to predator pressure over nearly two decades, with changes linked to specific environmental conditions. The study highlights the crucial role of standing genetic diversity in supporting adaptive evolution and its implications for conservation biology.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2021

DNA reveals the evolutionary history of museum specimens

An international team has developed a method to analyze ancient DNA in museum specimens, allowing for their placement on the evolutionary timeline. The technique enabled researchers to trace the evolutionary history of several species over tens of millions of years.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA barcodes decode the world of soil nematodes

A new method for analyzing soil nematode communities has been developed using DNA barcoding, revealing characteristics of nematode communities in fields, copses, and home gardens. The study found that plant parasitizing nematodes were abundant in copse soils and bacteria feeders were abundant in home garden soils.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 29, 2021

New tools for pandemic prevention research: DNA sequencing from water and leech

Scientists have developed new methods to retrieve mammalian viruses from water and leech samples, providing a novel approach to pandemic prevention research. The techniques used environmental DNA and invertebrate-derived DNA, allowing for the identification of known and novel viruses in wildlife reservoirs.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 28, 2021

New twist on DNA data storage lets users preview stored files

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique that allows users to preview stored DNA data files, such as image thumbnails. This innovation improves the efficiency and user experience of DNA data storage, enabling users to identify specific files without opening the entire file.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

New research in protein sequencing poised to transform medicine

A new overview article explores innovative strategies for protein sequencing at the single-cell and single-molecule level, enabling critical insights into cell-to-cell variation in organs and tissues. This breakthrough may lead to routine clinical applications for diagnostic and treatment purposes, fulfilling personalized medicine.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 7, 2021

Conserving and monitoring genetic diversity will benefit nature and society

The loss of genetic diversity is a pressing crisis that can have devastating consequences for ecosystems and human societies. Monitoring genetic diversity using DNA analysis can help detect vulnerabilities, but technology must be made available globally and data must be accessible to inform conservation efforts.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBioScience·DateMay 25, 2021

Novel method of labeling DNA bases for sequencing

Researchers developed a novel method for labeling DNA bases using electrochemical detection and redox labels. This approach allows for the identification of individual nucleotides in a single strand of DNA, enabling faster and more affordable DNA sequencing and diagnostic applications.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

Cancer DNA blood tests validated by international research team

An international team validated five commercial assays for tumour DNA sequencing, detecting late-stage cancer with 0.5% circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) sensitivity. The study outlines best-practice guidelines and future development priorities for ctDNA assays in cancer diagnostics and monitoring.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 12, 2021

Shutting the nano-gate

Scientists at Osaka University fabricated nanopores in silicon dioxide that can prevent particles from entering by applying a voltage. The technology may enable the development of single-particle sensors and next-generation DNA sequencing technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 12, 2021

'PopDel' detects deletions in our genomes

Researchers developed PopDel, a program that reliably identifies large deletions in thousands of genomes simultaneously. The software outperformed existing methods, detecting rare gene variants associated with healthy lipid metabolism.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2021

How did dogs get to the Americas? An ancient bone fragment holds clues

A new study has discovered a bone fragment in Southeast Alaska that belongs to the oldest confirmed dog in the Americas, dated to around 10,150 years ago. The DNA analysis suggests that the dog's lineage diverged from Siberian dogs around 16,700 years ago, coinciding with human migration along a coastal route.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 23, 2021
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.

An end to invasive biopsies?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 8, 2021

SSRgenotyper: A new tool to digitally genotype simple sequence repeats

SSRgenotyper is a free bioinformatic tool that digitally genotypes sequenced populations using simple sequence repeats. The tool reduces the time and work required for genotype analysis and solves the transferability problem inherent in electrophoresis estimates.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2021

A bucket of water can reveal climate change impacts on marine life in the Arctic

Scientists have developed a method to track marine life in the Arctic using water samples, revealing insights into climate change impacts on bowhead whales and biodiversity. By analyzing environmental DNA in water bottles, researchers can monitor population diversity and patterns of migration.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateJan 12, 2021

The world's first DNA 'tricorder' in your pocket

The iGenomics app allows iPhone users to create a mobile genetics laboratory, enabling pandemic and ecology workers to study DNA on-the-go. The device can quickly map viral pathogen sequences and identify mutations for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGigaScience·DateDec 7, 2020

Tomato's wild ancestor is a genomic reservoir for plant breeders

Researchers from Boyce Thompson Institute created a high-quality reference genome for S. pimpinellifolium, discovering sections of the genome underlying fruit flavor, size and ripening, stress tolerance and disease resistance. The study found over 92,000 structural variants related to important traits in cultivated tomatoes.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds 5 distinct dog types from 11,000 years ago

A team of researchers found five different types of dogs with distinct genetic ancestries dating back to before animal domestication. The study sheds light on the origins of modern-day dogs and their relationship with humans.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Multidisciplinary approaches to solving cold cases

New technologies are solving cold cases using DNA sequencing, robotics, and automation. Forensic genomics has made significant progress in recent years, enabling the solution of an unprecedented number of cold cases, including homicides and other violent crimes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalForensic Genomics·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

Barcoding long DNA quantifies CRISPR effects

Researchers at KAUST have developed an approach to detect rare gene mutations in a pool of cells, which is crucial for early cancer detection and evaluating CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcomes. The technique, called IDMseq, accurately detects single mutations and analyzes large DNA deletions with high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 26, 2020

Advance in programmable synthetic materials

Scientists at UC Berkeley and RUB develop technique to read complex metal arrangement in MOFs using atom probe tomography, enabling encoding of multiple chemical functions. This breakthrough could lead to programmable substances and revolutionize material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2020
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.

New mutations accumulate in reproductive cells of older mice

Researchers have discovered that older mice have a higher number of new mutations in their mitochondrial genomes than younger mice. This finding could have significant implications for understanding human reproductive health and the causes of genetic diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 15, 2020

Avian speciation: Uniform vs. particolored plumage

Researchers identify genetic mutation contributing to reproductive isolation between carrion and hooded crows due to differences in plumage color. The mutation appears to have been favored by natural selection, potentially providing a selective advantage in hot regions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2020

Does DNA in the water tell us how many fish are there?

Researchers have developed a new method for estimating fish populations by analyzing environmental DNA in water. The approach, which accounts for the degradation of DNA molecules, has been successfully tested in Japan and shows promise for quantitative monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 3, 2020

Comparing 13 different CRISPR-Cas9 DNA scissors

A study by IBS researchers compared 13 SpCas9 variants and identified optimal PAM sequences, finding evoCas9 has highest specificity but low activity. A computational tool, DeepSpCas9variants, was developed to predict SpCas9 variant activities, providing a useful guide for researchers.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

Patient-personalized sequencing pipeline steps up sensitivity of tumor DNA monitoring

A patient-personalized sequencing pipeline, INVAR, enhances the sensitivity of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in plasma samples. This technique analyzes hundreds of patient-specific mutations to detect ctDNA, enabling more accurate monitoring and potentially early relapse spotting.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020