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Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 10, 2022

Thread spread - A never-before-seen way bacteria infect cells

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a novel way bacteria infect cells by producing long threads, which grows up to 100 times the size of a bacterium in 30 hours. This mechanism allows the bacteria to rapidly infect multiple cells and access more nutrients for growth.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The genetics of flower power: Hidden link between genes and flower formation revealed

A team of researchers at UMass Amherst identified the specific genes responsible for growth suppression in maize flowers, including GRASSY TILLERS1 and RAMOSA3. These findings provide insights into the evolution of life on earth and have implications for plant breeding, benefiting humans from apples to corn.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2022

Small group of genetic variants found in extremely ill patients with COVID may help explain big differences in how sick people get

Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournaliScience·DateJan 31, 2022
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.

Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute and ETH Zurich have developed a computational approach to identify genomic safe harbors (GSHs) with high potential for safe insertion of therapeutic genes. The study validated two GSH sites in adoptive T cell therapies and in vivo gene therapies for skin diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 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.

New study determines parentage, age, and survival of North Atlantic right whales using genetic testing

A new study published in Mammalian Biology analyzed the life history data of 13 North Atlantic right whales using genetic samples and photo identification. The researchers found that four calves previously thought to be dead survived, revealing a significant variation in calf separation time from mothers and physical development.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalMammalian Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

New AI model helps discover causes of motor neurone disease

A new machine learning model, RefMap, has identified 690 genetic risk factors for motor neurone disease, a five-fold increase from previous estimates. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments and personalized medicine for patients with MND.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNeuron·DateJan 18, 2022

The “gold” of the Midas cichlids

Researchers have identified a previously unknown gene, goldentouch, responsible for the golden coloration in Midas cichlids. The gene, found on chromosome 11, is present in two variants: one associated with dark coloration and the other with orange/yellow coloration.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2022
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.

Protective gene variant against COVID-19 identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a specific gene variant that protects against severe COVID-19 infection, found in individuals of African ancestry. The study analyzed 2,787 hospitalized patients and 130,997 people from six cohort studies, revealing an 80% prevalence of the protective variant among Africans.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Researchers Switch Off Gene to Switch On Ultraviolet in Butterfly Wings

A team of researchers at George Washington University identified a gene that determines whether ultraviolet iridescence appears in the wings of butterflies. Removing this gene from non-iridescent species leads to UV coloration in their wings, highlighting its critical role in evolutionary differences between species.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Gene Network changes associated with cancer onset and progression identify new candidates for targeted gene therapy

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a key class of genetic changes associated with cancer, which may be missed by current gene expression analyses. These 'hub genes' play a central role in shaping the network structure of cancer cells and could serve as new targets for targeted gene therapy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 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.

Columbia University study identifies gene variants linked to severe schizophrenia

A study published in PNAS found that individuals with severe schizophrenia have a higher number of rare mutations than those with typical forms of the illness. This discovery could lead to more precise treatments for this chronic disease, which affects over 3 million Americans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021

How Hydra animals regenerate their own heads

Researchers have identified the specific genetic regulatory elements responsible for Hydra head regeneration, showing that dynamic chromatin remodeling and transcription factor motifs play a crucial role. This discovery sheds light on the complex developmental processes involved in this remarkable regenerative ability.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

ALS therapy should target brain, not just spine

A new Northwestern study reveals that brain motor neurons degenerate early in diseases like ALS, sending warning signals and showing defects. Targeting the brain's motor neurons could lead to long-term and effective treatment strategies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

New study identifies thousands of novel brain-expressed gene isoforms

Researchers have identified thousands of novel brain-expressed gene isoforms, revealing a complex web of protein production in the brain. The study suggests that genes expressed in the brain may produce far more proteins than previously thought, with potential implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Neurobiologists identify a new gene important for healthy daily rhythms

A new gene called Tango10 has been identified as critical for daily behavioral rhythms, modulating the activity of neurons to drive the animal's sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that targeting this molecular pathway could lead to therapeutics to address sleep problems and related human diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

CNIC scientists identify the essential role of a gene in placental development

Researchers at CNIC have identified the essential role of GPR126 in placental development, revealing its critical function in fetal growth and viability. The study also highlights a possible link between GPR126 dysfunction and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

How alike are the cancer cells from a single patient?

A new study by USC researchers uses a genetic technology to analyze gene expression signatures of individual cancer cells from patients with leukemia. The findings show that cancer cells with distinct gene expression profiles tend to grow in different organs, while those with specific genes are more resistant to chemotherapy.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021
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.

Largest plant genome sequencing effort yields a pan-genome for chickpea

An international team sequenced 3,366 chickpea lines from 60 countries, identifying 29,870 genes, including 1,582 novel ones. The study provides a complete picture of genetic variation within chickpea and validated roadmap for improvement.

SourceInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 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.

Hunting for human obesity genes in fat fruit flies

A new study identifies four novel obesity genes and predicts a fifth, using a platform of fat fruit flies. The research found that these genes are involved in a neuronal signaling pathway that increases fat levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Microglia: An emerging target in Alzheimer's disease research

Recent research highlights microglia's involvement in Alzheimer's development and progression. A better understanding of microglial dysfunction may help explore signs and mechanisms of the disease, as well as enable microglia as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2021

Researchers identify genes at play in people with osteoarthritis

Researchers have identified key genes involved in osteoarthritis, a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. The study, conducted on over 800,000 individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the disease and may pave the way for new treatments.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 28, 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.

Towards precision medicine for dialysis patients

A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Genes play key role in exercise outcomes - study

A new study identifies 13 genes as key factors in shaping physical fitness through various forms of exercise. Genetic differences account for up to 72% of the variation in muscle strength improvements.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021
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.

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

Scientists discover 14 genes that cause obesity

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 1, 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.

Researchers discover unknown childhood genetic condition and its potential cure

Scientists identified a rare genetic condition affecting prenatal development, leading to lifelong disabilities in children. They discovered a potential method to prevent the condition by administering a drug during pregnancy, which boosted Wnt signaling and restored normal growth in mouse embryos.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2021

Taking the guesswork out of genetic engineering

A team of Harvard researchers created an integrated pipeline, STAMPScreen, to help genetic engineers identify target genes and perform screening studies. The protocol combines computational tools with lab experiments to quickly and efficiently test gene function in living cells.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 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.

New cause of inherited heart condition discovered

A UCL-led research team has discovered a new gene causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition. The study found that variants in the ALPK3 gene are responsible for 1-2% of adults with the condition, affecting approximately 1,250-2,500 people in the UK.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Scientists ID sterol essential for oil accumulation in plants

A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Cutting edge 3D facial scans could give genetic clues to autism

Researchers analyzed facial asymmetry in 5000 points of 192 parents of autistic children and found they had more asymmetric faces than other adults. This study contributes to understanding the genetic causes of autism, which are known to play a major role in the condition.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAutism Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 17, 2021
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.

Exploring the genetic ma(i)ze: Functional genomics can help molecular breeding of maize

Researchers used functional genomics to identify key genes involved in inducing callus from immature maize embryos, overcoming a major roadblock in plant breeding. The study found that nearly 30% of predicted A188 genes were structurally different from other maize lines, accounting for high protein divergence and phenotypic variations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

The flower clock: How a small protein helps flowers to develop right and on time

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Nanjing University discovered a small protein, KNUCKLES, that plays multiple roles in ensuring the correct timing of floral development. This discovery reveals a regulatory pathway where KNUCKLES supports the completion of floral meristem development within a short time window.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

Genetic risk scores can aid accurate diagnosis of epilepsy

A recent study found that genetic risk scores can help diagnose epilepsy in individuals with a single seizure, distinguishing them from those with other causes. The researchers analyzed data from over 9,600 individuals with epilepsy-related diagnoses and found a significant correlation between genetic risk and epilepsy diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateAug 28, 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.

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

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021
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.

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Fels and Fox Chase researchers highlight roles of TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in personalized medicine-guided synthetic lethality against leukemia

Fels and Fox Chase researchers found specific TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in leukemia patients that affect DNA repair pathways. These mutations make leukemia cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy, while others are resistant. The study aims to develop personalized therapies for patients with these mutations.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 13, 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.

Machine learning analysis identifies 50 conserved genes in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans strongly associated with neurological aging, suggesting potential for further aging-related studies using fruit flies as a model organism

A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021