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Gentler cell therapies for blood cancer

Researchers have developed an approach to 'delete' a diseased blood system while building up a new, healthy one with donor blood stem cells. This process involves targeting specific antibodies coupled to a cytotoxic drug that recognize and destroy diseased blood cells while sparing healthy ones.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New resource pinpoints inner workings of sorghum plant cells

A new resource has been created to provide a deeper understanding of the bioenergy crop sorghum and its potential for genetic modification. The study identified gene expression patterns in sorghum stem cells, which can help researchers design cell-type specific promoters for targeted gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

The price of hope: CAR-T therapy in pediatric leukemia

Researchers discuss the benefits of CAR-T therapy in treating B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children. The therapy, tisagenlecleucel, has shown promising results and is now priced at $508,250, a more manageable cost compared to other gene therapies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 17, 2024

Study suggests high-frequency electrical ‘noise’ results in congenital night blindness

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genetically engineered mice to study the mechanism of congenital stationary night blindness. The findings demonstrate that a mutation in the rhodopsin gene produces unusual background electrical activity, desensitizing rods and causing poor vision in low-light settings.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2024
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.

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Biofortified rice to combat deficiencies

Researchers at UNIGE and ETH Zurich have created biofortified rice lines with enhanced vitamin B1 content, targeting the nourishing tissue of the grain. The modified lines multiplied vitamin B1 levels by 3-4 without compromising agronomic yield, providing a significant advance in combating deficiency.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeNews article·DateApr 11, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights novel pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in cancer treatment targeting internal N6-methyladenosine and N7-methylguanine

Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2024

Understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

A study using a xenotransplantation model has revealed that human microglia respond to amyloid-β plaques with a complex immune response, influencing the disease course. The research highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in microglia-targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024
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.

Chinese Medical Journal article unveils metabolic strategies to enhance CAR-T cell therapy

Researchers unveil innovative strategies to overcome metabolic constraints in CAR-T cell therapy, aiming to boost its efficacy in treating solid tumors. Metabolic interventions targeting immunosuppressive metabolites, metabolite uptake, and mitochondrial metabolism are proposed to enhance anti-tumor activity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

An immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Genetic basis for the evolution of hair discovered in the clawed frog

A study led by Leopold Eckhart found that the genetic programme controlling keratinized claws originated in a common ancestor of humans and frogs. The research team used the tropical clawed frog as an experimental model and discovered that important hair components, including keratins, share similarities with human hair.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2024

Mutation solves a century-old mystery in meiosis

A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology uncovered the molecular mechanism responsible for crossover interference during meiosis, a biological process that generates genetically diverse reproductive cells. The findings have significant implications for breeding and cultivating crops with specific desired traits.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 7, 2024

Decoding the language of epigenetic modifications

A recent study by Helmholtz Munich scientists has made significant breakthroughs in understanding how epigenetic modifications work together to regulate the genome. The research sheds light on the complex interactions between DNA, histone proteins, and epigenetic reader proteins, providing new insights into diseases such as cancer, met...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024
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.

Turning skin cells into limb cells sets the stage for regenerative therapy

Researchers from Kyushu University and Harvard Medical School have identified proteins that can reprogram fibroblasts into cells with properties similar to limb progenitor cells. The new method simplifies the process of regenerating human limbs after amputation and could one day be used to give snakes back their legs.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

New tool helps decipher gene behaviour

Researchers have created a new tool called epidecodeR to analyze epigenetic marks and predict their impact on gene activity. The tool can identify correlations between specific modifications and gene responses in various conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·DateFeb 28, 2024

A new, comprehensive roadmap for the future of biomedical engineering

A new roadmap has been published by IEEE EMBS, outlining five primary medical challenges that need to be addressed through advanced biomedical engineering approaches. The paper, written by 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities, aims to guide future research and funding for groundbreaking innovations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024
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.

New method for marking neurotransmitter receptors expressed in the living animal brain

Researchers have developed a new method to label naïve neurotransmitter receptor proteins in living animal brains without genetic manipulation. This technique, known as ligand-directed acylimidazole chemistry (LDAI chemistry), uses pulse-chase analysis to track the movement and fate of proteins in real-time.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Key genes linked to DNA damage and human disease uncovered

A recent study has uncovered 145 genes crucial for genome stability, shedding light on genetic factors influencing human health over a lifespan. The research highlights the potential of SIRT inhibitors as a therapeutic pathway for cohesinopathies and other genomic disorders.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Differential expression of Mad2 gene in human esophageal cancer

Researchers found Mad2 gene expression levels correlate with chromosomal abnormalities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting potential as a clinical biomarker. The study also revealed the deregulation of the Rb-E2F1 circuit and its impact on histone modifications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Scientists develop new biocontainment method for industrial organisms

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new genetic biocontainment method that directly targets essential proteins, providing a robust escape frequency. The method uses an estradiol-controlled destabilizing domain degron to control survival of genetically engineered yeast organisms.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024
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.

Firing nerve fibers in the brain are supplied with energy on demand

A team of neuroscientists has discovered that oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming cells, accelerate glucose consumption to deliver energy-rich molecules to rapidly firing axons. This communication is mediated by potassium signals and maintains axonal health.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Mapping cell behaviors in high-grade glioma to improve treatment

Researchers have identified regional biological signatures in invasive brain tumor margins of high-grade glioma, which could lead to improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Advanced MRI techniques may help distinguish between the genetic and molecular alterations, providing insights into resistance to treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2024

Decoding how the brain manages the appetite for salt and water

Researchers have identified two distinct brain regions involved in regulating salt and water intake, which can help prevent excessive consumption. The parabrachial nucleus plays a crucial role in feedback mechanisms that reduce thirst and salt appetite after ingesting water or salt.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Study could pave the way for better diagnosis of rare genetic diseases

A new study using CRISPR technology enables researchers to activate genes in easily accessible cells, providing a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis and understanding of rare genetic diseases. This method could revolutionize the process by enabling faster results within weeks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

Chromatin modifier-centered pathway points to higher crop yield

Researchers identified a key chromatin modifier-centered pathway for grain size regulation in rice, showing that HHC4 and bZIP23 interact and enhance grain size. Phosphorylation of HHC4 by TGW3 triggers negative influences on the pathway, leading to increased rice yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Efficient antibody production “wobbles”

Researchers have found that antibody sequences contain an unusual number of codons without corresponding tRNAs, which can be bridged by the inosine wobble modification. This modification allows for more efficient production of antibodies, with implications for vaccine efficacy and rationally designed vaccines.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2024

New study suggests arsenic may raise diabetes risk for males

A Cornell University study using lab mice with human genes found that male mice exposed to arsenic developed insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, while female mice did not. The researchers identified a biomarker called miR-34a associated with insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 9, 2024

Cracking 6mA code to enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae

The study reveals the critical role of 6mA in lipid accumulation in Nannochloropsis oceanica under high light conditions. Disruption of 6mA levels affects gene expression and biomass production, highlighting its importance in optimizing microalgae for industrial uses.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPlant Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023
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.

Fish-like genetic program used to turn human retinal cells into neurons

Researchers have successfully converted human retinal cells, specifically Muller glia, into neurons in a lab setting using an artificial fish-like genetic program. This breakthrough could potentially serve as a new source of neurons to treat vision loss caused by disease or trauma.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 30, 2023

Camouflaging stem cell-derived transplants avoids immune rejection

Researchers have developed a method to camouflage stem cell-derived transplants, avoiding immune rejection and tumor formation. Genetically engineered liver cells can persist in the body despite lack of immune matching, offering a potential solution to organ donor shortage.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 22, 2023
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.

How cell identity is preserved when cells divide

A new MIT study proposes a theoretical model that helps explain how cells maintain the memory of their cell type despite losing chemical modifications during DNA replication. The research team suggests that the 3D folding pattern of the genome determines which parts will be marked by these chemical modifications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2023

A participant from Queen Mary University of London Genes & Health study is the 10th person enrolled in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease

The Genes & Health study has enrolled its 10th participant in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease, specifically familial hypercholesterolemia. This milestone marks an important step towards improving health outcomes for people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 12, 2023

Team creates synthetic enzymes to unravel molecular mysteries

A team of researchers developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in vertebrate embryonic development. The study uses zebrafish to investigate how Vg1 is formed and found that it must undergo additional processing before it can be activated.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

‘Plug and play’ nanoparticles could make it easier to tackle various biological targets

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created modular nanoparticles that can be tailored for various applications, including targeted drug delivery and neutralizing biological agents. By leveraging a plug-and-play approach, scientists can rapidly modify functional biological nanoparticles with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2023
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.

Scientists create special "telomouse" with human-like telomeres

Researchers developed a mouse model with human-like telomeres by making a single genetic alteration, providing a valuable resource for studying aging and cancer. The discovery highlights the importance of the RTEL1 protein in determining telomere length.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2023

NUS Medicine researchers unlock the potential of genetic glycoengineering to advance vaccines and therapeutics technology

The team created a glycoengineering platform that simplifies the production of customized sugar carbohydrates, known as glycans, which play a crucial role in various therapeutic applications. This innovation enables the engineering of new glycans with unprecedented flexibility, addressing limitations in existing approaches.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2023

Bioengineering breakthrough increases DNA detection sensitivity by 100 times

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new method for DNA detection that is 100 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This breakthrough enables fast and accurate disease diagnosis, reducing wait times for lab processing from days to minutes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

A more effective experimental design for engineering a cell into a new state

A new AI method leverages causal relationships in genome regulation to efficiently identify optimal genetic perturbations for cellular reprogramming. The technique reduces experimental costs by prioritizing the most informative interventions, leading to faster convergence and more effective results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 2, 2023
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.

CHOP researchers improve fitness of cells used in cell transplants

A small molecule drug improved the fitness of hematopoietic stem cells used in cell transplants, potentially enhancing the success of procedures like ex vivo gene therapy. The study found that targeting extracellular vesicles relieved stress on cells outside the body, improving their performance when transplanted back in.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·DateSep 27, 2023

Fast-track strain engineering for speedy biomanufacturing

Scientists developed a workflow that combines CRISPR gene editing with computational models to predict necessary gene edits, reducing product development cycles from years to months. The approach showed promise in engineering strains to convert lignin into target molecules, offering an eco-friendly alternative for biomanufacturing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 19, 2023

Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater

Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAIChE Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

Lego-like gene editing tool lets researchers improve cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a technology to rapidly screen genetic edits in immune cells, identifying a new combination that improves their effectiveness against cancers. By combining multiple genes into long DNA stretches and testing thousands of combinations, scientists discovered that different CARs can be optimized by different factors.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateSep 14, 2023
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.

Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·DateSep 13, 2023

Potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer identified

A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalCancer Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

3D-printed ‘living material’ could clean up contaminated water

Researchers have developed a sustainable solution to clean contaminated water using 3D-printed 'living material' containing genetically engineered bacteria that produce an enzyme to transform organic pollutants. The material's surface area and geometry optimize bacterial growth and decontamination efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2023

Key role of epigenetic information in stem cell function unveiled

A groundbreaking study from the University of Copenhagen sheds light on the significance of transmitting epigenetic information during cell division for proper function of embryonic stem cells. The researchers found that histones play a crucial role in maintaining epigenome stability and cell identity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 4, 2023

Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice

Scientists successfully transfer a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and a 4.4% increase in median lifespan. The gene enhances cellular repair and protection, reducing inflammation and cancer risk, paving the way for potential human longevity benefits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unveiling novel mechanism underlying the heat shock response in Escherichia coli

Researchers discovered a new mechanism underlying the heat shock response in Escherichia coli. IbpA suppresses σ32 translation, regulating Hsp expression and aiding cell protection under high temperatures. This finding sheds light on bacterial adaptation to harsh environments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Genetically modified neural stem cells developed by CityU and HKUMed researchers show promising therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury

Researchers at CityU and HKUMed developed genetically modified human neural stem cells that promote neural circuit reconstruction, reduce glial scar accumulation, and enhance axon outgrowth. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries with functional recovery.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Creating pollen-free trees to combat hay fever

Researchers identified two genes, CJt020762 and CjTKPR1, necessary for Japanese cedar pollen production. Creating genetically modified trees with non-functional versions of these genes can produce nearly no pollen, making them suitable as timber tree lines to combat hay fever.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 8, 2023