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Juicy genomics

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered over 230,000 DNA differences across 100 tomato varieties, allowing for rapid identification and evaluation of genetic mutations. This breakthrough enables breeders to create new crops with desirable traits, such as increased size and flavor.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020
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.

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.

New method reveals where DNA is at risk in the cell

A new sequencing method has been developed to map the spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus, revealing areas prone to mutation and damage. The technique identifies a continuum of increasing activity from the nuclear periphery towards the center, challenging previous assumptions about inactive chromatin's location.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 26, 2020

DNA metabarcoding reveals metacommunity dynamics in a threatened boreal wetland

A new study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the dynamics of metacommunities in a threatened boreal wetland, detecting a broader range of biodiversity per sample compared to traditional methods. The study found that patterns of community assembly were nearly random, suggesting a strong role of randomness in the metacommunity.

SourceCentre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2020

Scientists edge closer to treatment for myotonic dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy by inhibiting the CDK12 molecule. The study found that inhibiting this molecule reduces the symptoms of the condition, suggesting a possible route to therapy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

New coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) mapped out

Researchers at IBS South Korea successfully dissected SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, mapping subgenomic RNAs to viral proteins. The study reveals dozens of unknown RNAs with potential roles in immune evasion.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2020
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.

DNA from ancient packrat nests helps unpack Earth's past

A new study analyzes ancient packrat middens for DNA, revealing a mix of bacterial and eukaryotic organisms, including plants and vertebrates. The findings provide valuable insights into past ecosystems and the impact of human-caused climate change.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateFeb 20, 2020

Some genetic sequencing fail to analyze large segments of DNA

A recent study found that clinical whole exome sequencing at major commercial labs inadequately analyzes more than a quarter of genes, affecting the accuracy of genetic disorder diagnoses. The reanalysis revealed stark inconsistencies in gene coverage across different labs, with some testing only 34% of genes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2020

Nanopores can identify the amino acids in proteins, the first step to sequencing

Scientists have developed a method to identify all 20 amino acids in proteins using nanopores, a major breakthrough towards protein sequencing. The technology allows for precise differentiation of modified forms of amino acids, potentially identifying hundreds of modifications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New portable DNA sequencer quickly and accurately diagnoses wheat viruses

A new portable DNA sequencer has been developed to rapidly diagnose wheat viruses with high accuracy. The technology has been tested on four wheat samples from western Kansas and detected three different viruses, including a new strain. This breakthrough has broad applications for plant disease identification and field diagnostics.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateOct 22, 2019

New diagnostic method finds aggressive tumors

Researchers have developed a new genomic method, CUTseq, that can assess the amount and type of copy number alterations in tumors, helping identify highly heterogeneous and aggressive cancers. The technique is cheaper than existing technologies and can be applied to multiple biopsies or small tissue sections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019
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.

Whole genome sequencing could help save pumas from inbreeding

Using whole genome sequencing, scientists can pinpoint populations that need an influx of new genes or identify the best pumas to move between populations. This approach may help prevent inbreeding and its consequences, such as health defects.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019

First genome of spotted lanternfly built from a single insect

The US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service has published the first genome of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, obtained from a single caught-in-the-wild specimen. The genome sequencing was made possible by Pacific Biosciences' new platform that produces 10 times more data from a single run.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalGigaScience·DateOct 16, 2019

New method for imaging biological molecules

Researchers have created a new method for imaging biological molecules in cells or tissue samples using DNA snippets, allowing for the study of molecule abundance and distribution. The 'DNA microscopy' approach enables rapid screening and analysis of specific molecules within larger materials.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

Brown trout genome will help explain species' genetic superpowers

The completed brown trout reference genome will enable scientists to identify sub-species and understand the genetic roots of this highly specialised species. This knowledge will facilitate targeted conservation efforts, particularly in light of rapid climatic change.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

Indigenous scholars confront the power, limitations of genomics

The SING workshop brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists to discuss genomic tools and their social and political ramifications. Participants learn about the limitations of genomics research and its applications in health and environmental policy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 20, 2019

Advanced data analysis enhances precision medicine application in clinics

A novel open-source computational framework promotes affordable and routine NIPT applications in clinics, detecting fetal trisomies and parental chromosome origin from maternal blood samples. The framework incorporates machine learning methods to estimate euploidy or trisomy for each studied chromosome.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2019
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.

Machine learning for damaging mutations prediction

Scientists developed a machine-learning method to analyze protein structures and predict pathogenic mutations. This approach helps identify disease-associated amino acid substitutions in membrane proteins, which account for 25-30% of all cellular proteins.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2019

Looking out for the little guys

Researchers found high genetic diversity within and between baitfish assemblages from different locations around Bermuda. The study suggests that the island's baitfish species are highly mixed populations with limited gene flow to other regions.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 7, 2019
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.

Researchers embrace imperfection to improve biomolecule transport

University of Illinois researchers discovered that tiny defects formed during fabrication can be used to direct molecules into membrane pores. Their findings could lead to devices that quickly sequence DNA for personalized medicine, increasing capture throughput by several orders of magnitude.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 5, 2019

Finnish people's unique genetic makeup offers clues to disease

A study of Finns with their similar DNA identified 26 potentially harmful genetic variations relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. These variations are more common in Finland than elsewhere in Europe, making them a valuable resource for understanding disease risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2019

Mouse genetics influences the microbiome more than environment

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2019
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.

Illinois study advances possibility of genetic control for major agricultural weeds

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJul 17, 2019

First hi-res images of active CRISPR enzyme will help improve genome editing

Scientists have captured atomic-level images of active CRISPR enzyme Cas9, providing new structural information on its mechanism. The images show how the enzyme cuts DNA strands and reveals the importance of domain movement during reaction, which could lead to improved genome-editing tools.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

Archaeological mystery solved with modern genetics

Researchers analyzed Y chromosome sequences of modern Japanese men to estimate ancient human population size around 2,500 years ago. The study revealed a significant decrease in ancestral Jomon DNA before the arrival of the Yayoi people, supporting an actual population decline.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 20, 2019

Breakthrough in the discovery of DNA in ancient bones buried in water

A recent study published in Nature reveals that ancient bones found in a Finnish lake contain DNA from the modern Sámi people, dating back to around 500-700 AD. The discovery contradicts previous theories about local populations and sheds light on the colonization history of Siberia.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research overcomes key obstacles to scaling up DNA data storage

Researchers developed DNA Enrichment and Nested Separation (DENSe) techniques to label and retrieve DNA data files, increasing estimated file names from 30,000 to 900 million. The system uses nested primer-binding sequences and molecular tags for efficient data retrieval.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 3, 2019

Surprisingly, inbred isle royale wolves dwindle because of fewer harmful genes

Inbred Isle Royale wolves have fewer harmful genes than expected, with a higher proportion of paired recessive alleles. This discovery has broader implications for conservation efforts, suggesting individuals from smaller populations may be more beneficial due to fewer potentially harmful alleles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2019

Global Strep A vaccine one step closer

Researchers sequenced DNA of over 2,000 Group A Streptococcus samples from 22 countries to identify common genetic targets for a global vaccine. The study reveals that current vaccine candidates may have limited coverage in low-income areas where Strep A is most prevalent.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 27, 2019

Reading the dark heart of chromosomes

Researchers use cutting-edge sequencing technology and microscopy to discover the sequences of all centromeres in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. They found that centromeres contain a high number of transposable elements, including retroelements, which may play a role in centromere function across species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Lionfish genes studied for clues to invasive prowess

A new North Carolina State University study found that lionfish in the Atlantic and Pacific regions share genetic similarities, suggesting a population near Taiwan as the source of the invading species. The research also revealed that lionfish in the Atlantic exhibit rapid reproductive rates and voracious predation, devastating native ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiological Invasions·DateApr 26, 2019

Crusaders made love and war, genetic study finds

A recent study of ancient DNA from Crusader skeletons confirms they intermingled with local populations, forming families and fighting alongside them. The researchers found that the Crusaders' genetic presence was short-lived, with no lasting impact on Lebanese genetics.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 2019

New eDNA technology used to quickly assess coral reefs

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have developed a technique to measure living coral on reefs by analyzing DNA in small seawater samples. This new method, known as metabarcoding, can track changes in coral reef health and detect rare species.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateApr 17, 2019

Prebiotic chemistry: Stable majorities

Scientists discover a simple mechanism that allows prebiotic information-bearing DNA sequences to outcompete shorter molecules, enabling the survival and transmission of genetic information. Templated ligation promotes cooperation among complementary sequences, creating stable majorities through intermolecular assembly and replication.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 2019
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.

Scientists construct new family tree for perching birds

Researchers constructed a massive family tree using DNA samples from 221 bird specimens, discovering two African species in a distinct new passerine family and five additional proposed families. This study reveals that global temperature changes and continent colonization were not the sole drivers of passerine diversification.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019

Tiny DNA reader to advance development of anticancer drugs

Researchers from Osaka University developed a tiny DNA reader using microscopic probes and an electrical current to locate anticancer drug molecules. The technology successfully identified individual molecules in short DNA strands, pinpointing exact insertion sites of trifluridine.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 2019

A new sequencing method to detect DNA modifications of relevance to cancer

A new sequencing method, TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing (TAPS), detects chemical modifications to DNA that contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. The method is less damaging and more efficient than bisulfite sequencing, enabling the detection of mutations and structural variations.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 25, 2019
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.

Huge step forward in decoding genomes of small species

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Pacific Biosciences successfully assembled the genetic code of a single Anopheles coluzzii mosquito, opening doors to understanding genetic diversity in insects. The breakthrough reduces DNA needed for genome sequencing by an order of magnitude, enabling studies on previously inaccessibl...

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenes·DateJan 29, 2019

DNA tool allows you to trace your ancient ancestry

Researchers developed a new concept called Ancient Ancestry Informative Markers (aAIMs) that can accurately identify and classify ancient populations. The tool enables testing of an individual's similarity to ancient people from various regions, providing insights into their primeval origins.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalGenes·DateJan 14, 2019
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.

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.

MSU pioneers new course: Digital introduction to biology, evolution

MSU researchers developed a new course 'Integrative Biology: From DNA to Populations' featuring Avida-ED, a digital evolution software program. This approach allows students to engage with biological concepts in a familiar and interesting context, resulting in increased understanding of evolution-influenced topics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalComputer Applications in Engineering Education·DateOct 19, 2018

There's a better way to decipher DNA's epigenetic code to identify disease

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to sequence epigenetic marks on DNA, allowing for more precise detection of disease earlier and with increased precision. The method uses APOBEC DNA deaminases to differentiate between two common epigenetic marks, methylation and hydroxmethylation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 8, 2018

Genes responsible for difference in flower color of snapdragons identified

Researchers at IST Austria identified two genes that determine magenta and yellow flower colors in snapdragons, which are separated by a hybrid zone. The study found that selection favored new variants of these genes, making the flowers more attractive to bees, while also creating barriers to gene exchange.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018