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Scientists make progress in decoding genetics of insomnia

Researchers have identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep from fruit flies to humans. The Pig-Q gene is associated with sleep regulation in both humans and animals, providing a novel insight into the genetics of insomnia.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 10, 2023
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Mapping endometriosis: a vast cellular atlas is created

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have created a detailed molecular profile of endometriosis, identifying key differences between major subtypes and potential therapeutic targets. The new database will lead to improved care for millions of women suffering from the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 9, 2023

Mapping the Arab genome

The Qatar Genome Program aims to decipher the genetic makeup of Middle Eastern populations and build a foundation for precision medicine. With over 30,000 whole genomes collected, researchers are mining genomic data to produce meaningful findings and promote international collaboration.

SourceQatar Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2022

What can we learn from the climate challenges of the ostrich?

Researchers investigate whether genes increasing heat tolerance also reduce cold tolerance in animals. Ostriches, with their extreme temperature variations in the wild, are an ideal model for studying this phenomenon. The study aims to understand how life stages influence adaptation to temperature fluctuations.

SourceAarhus University·DateNov 23, 2022

Breast cancer spread uncovered by new molecular microscopy

Researchers have developed a tool that maps breast cancer growth and highlights the role of surrounding cells in controlling disease spread. The new technology provides insights into cancer evolution, genetics, and environmental interactions.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2022

Cleveland Clinic researchers identify diabetes drug metformin as potential atrial fibrillation treatment in collaborative research

Researchers found that metformin targeted 30 genes associated with atrial fibrillation, showing direct effects on gene expression for eight. The study suggests metformin may be a promising candidate for treating atrial fibrillation due to its potential to reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 11, 2022
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.

3D map reveals DNA organization within human retina cells

NIH scientists mapped the organization of human retinal cell chromatin, revealing insights into regulation of gene expression and retinal function. The study identified distinct patterns of interaction at retinal genes suggesting how chromatin's 3D organization plays a crucial role in tissue-specific gene regulation.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2022

To wipe childhood cancer off the map, scientists must chart its genomic landscape

Researchers sequenced 2,574 pediatric ALL patient samples, identifying 376 significantly mutated genes that potentially drive cancer development. The study provides a foundational guide for physicians and scientists to understand disease development and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022
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.

Study reveals aggressive prostate cancer linked to ancestral heritage

Researchers have identified genetic signatures explaining ethnic differences in prostate cancer severity, particularly in African men. The study found a new prostate cancer taxonomy and cancer drivers that predict life-threatening cancers, providing a critical key to understanding the disease.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2022

Study reveals flaws in popular genetic method

A new study from Lund University reveals that PCA, a widely used statistical method in population genetics, is deeply flawed. The method can produce flexible and unreliable results, leading to misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists develop new technique to reveal the hidden genome

Researchers have identified nearly 8,000 short RNA sequences that code for microproteins and peptides, opening new avenues for disease research and drug development. The technique used to discover these sequences provides a comprehensive map of human smORFs, highlighting overlooked functional components of the genome.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2022

Higher cardiovascular health may partially offset increased genetic risk for stroke

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 20, 2022
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.

Researchers develop better model to study brain-attacking viruses

Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Scientists map networks of disease-associated immune genes

Researchers created a detailed map of how immune genes function together, shedding light on the basic drivers of immune cell function and immune diseases. The study found interconnected regulatory networks that can help explain why mutations in different genes lead to the same disease or how drugs impact multiple immune proteins.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

How COVID-19 created dramatic changes in a ‘winter virus’

A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2022

Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense

A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancient DNA gives new insights into 'lost' Indigenous people of Uruguay

Whole genome sequences of ancient Uruguayan Indigenous people provide a genetic snapshot of populations before European military campaigns decimated them. The results support the theory of separate migrations into South America, contradicting the idea of a single Native American race across North and South America.

SourceEmory University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Genes can affect our nutrient tolerance

A study found that small genetic variations impact an organism's ability to utilize energy from various nutrients. Researchers identified several genes contributing to sugar tolerance in fruit flies, which are also present in humans and linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 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.

Gene map may identify heart disease risk for people with Type 2 diabetes

A gene map predicted the likelihood of high blood pressure leading to heart problems or stroke in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study identified a genetic risk score that correlated with increased cardiovascular event risk, highlighting the potential for personalized treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateApr 4, 2022

Repeats are key to understanding humanity's genome

Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2022

Hybrid neuroscience connects the dots for a big picture of the brain

Researchers are combining optogenetics and fMRI to study the links between brain activity and behavior. This hybrid approach allows for targeted manipulation and monitoring of brain function in awake and behaving rodents, providing valuable insights into neural mechanisms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMar 29, 2022
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.

The hardy wild grass that could save our bread

A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

An ‘oracle’ for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Genetic study gives extensive insights into severe Covid-19

A global collaboration has discovered 16 new genetic variants associated with severe Covid-19, including those related to blood clotting and immune response. The findings will guide future research into potential new therapies and diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

University of Oxford researchers create largest ever human family tree

Researchers from the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute have created a single genealogy tracing the ancestry of all humans, combining genome sequences from eight databases and 3,609 individual genomes. The study successfully recaptured key events in human evolutionary history, including migration out of Africa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Genetically informed atlases reveal new landscapes in brain structure

A team of scientists has identified hundreds of new genomic loci associated with brain structure, shedding light on how the human brain is shaped. The study used genetically informed brain atlases to uncover the largest number of genetic variants linked to cortex size and thickness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.

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

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers map the cell types of the iris in mice

Researchers genetically mapped the cell types of the mouse iris, revealing four new cell types and mapping genetic changes that occur when the iris dilates. This research may help connect genetic similarities between mice and humans, offering clues for developing new diagnostic tests and treatments for eye diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournaleLife·DateNov 30, 2021

Large study compares the brains of left-handers and right-handers

A large study comparing the brains of left-handers and right-handers found significant differences in brain asymmetry across ten regions. The research also discovered a link between genetic influences on handedness and brain asymmetries in language-related regions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Multiplex network improves diagnosis and analysis of rare diseases

A new multiplex network developed by Jörg Menche's research group maps all genes and their interactions, improving the identification of genetic defects and assessing their consequences. The network increases the probability of finding the crucial gene aberration threefold compared to separate networks.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2021
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.

Filling the gaps: connecting genes to diseases through proteins

A new study identified thousands of protein connections to various human diseases, suggesting a common origin in the genome. This approach linked genetic variations to specific proteins, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

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

Geneticists map the rhinoceros family tree

Researchers have helped fill gaps in the rhino evolutionary family tree by analyzing genomes of living and extinct species, finding that African and Eurasian lineages separated 16 million years ago and that low genetic diversity is a natural state for rhinoceroses, not a consequence of recent population declines

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

White clover’s toxic tricks traced to its hybridization

Research at Washington University in St. Louis reveals that white clover's chemical defense against insect pests comes from both of its parental species, not just one as previously thought. The plant's ecological success can be attributed to this cyanogenesis process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Penn researchers unlock genetic ‘treasure map’ for chronic kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified 182 genes likely responsible for kidney function and 88 genes for hypertension. The study provides a clearer picture of the genetic underpinnings of chronic kidney disease, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

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

Navigating the corn maze: FSU researchers develop technique to map out ‘light switches’ of maize genome

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a technique called MOA-seq to map DNA sequences in maize, allowing them to identify regulatory switches that control gene expression. This knowledge could lead to healthier plants, higher nutrient content, and better growth resistance, ultimately improving crop yields.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 13, 2021

The secret history of corn is revealed in its genome

A new collection of corn genomes provides a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptability of corn plants. Researchers have mapped the first corn genome in 2009 and filled in gaps since, revealing how the corn genome was shuffled over time.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021

Genetic tools help identify a cellular culprit for type 1 diabetes

By mapping the genetic underpinnings of type 1 diabetes, researchers have identified a predictive causal role for specific cell types, including pancreatic exocrine cells. This study provides a major leap in understanding the causes of type 1 diabetes and may lead to new treatments for reversing its course.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study links genes with function across the human brain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has mapped gene signatures to functional processes across the human brain, revealing key insights into cognitive and affective processes. The findings suggest that specific genetic signals are linked to attention and memory, while others are associated with emotions and fear.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 25, 2021

Reverse engineering 3D chromosome models for individual cells

Scientists have created highly detailed 3D models of chromosomes for individual cells using a computational technique that uncovers spatial relationships between genes. These models provide valuable insights into how genes work together to drive biological processes, such as development and cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2021

New 3D maps reveal inner workings of immune cell gene expression

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology created 3D maps of how enhancer sequences and genes interact in several types of immune cells. The new study opens the door to understanding individual risk for diseases from asthma to cancer.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 21, 2020

UCI researchers publish new guide for viral tracers in neural circuit mapping

Researchers from UCI School of Medicine evaluate anterograde and retrograde viral tracers for neural circuit analysis, providing guidance on experimental uses. The primer aims to advance the study of neural circuits using animal models to define mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateAug 4, 2020
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Simplifying simple sequence repeats

A recent study by Dr. Mark Chapman optimizes protocols for identifying simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in genomic and transcriptomic data, increasing efficiency in microsatellite discovery. The research found that small assemblies of two million read pairs can generate sufficient markers for basic population genetic studies.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 31, 2020

Environmental enrichment corrects errors in brain development

Research in mice found that environmental enrichment can partially correct mis-mapped neurons in the visual pathway, leading to vision issues in adulthood. Mice raised in enriched environments showed less mapping errors than those in standard cages.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 25, 2019

New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants

A new genetic mapping system for polyploid species has been developed in Brazil, allowing researchers to analyze the genes of complex organisms like sugarcane, kiwi, and blueberry. The open-source software package, MAPpoly, can be downloaded free of charge and has already been adopted by researchers at seven institutions worldwide.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 8, 2019

Mapping white clover heritage

Researchers in New Zealand have developed a comprehensive map of white clover heritage and genetic landscape, providing a valuable resource for breeders. The 'pedigree map' reveals the history of the species, including its origins and genetic makeup, enabling more informed breeding decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 9, 2019

Scotland's genetic landscape echoes Dark Age populations

A comprehensive genetic map reveals Scotland is divided into six clusters, mirroring ancient kingdoms such as Strathclyde and Pictland. This analysis could aid the discovery of rare DNA differences related to human disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019
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.

Tracing the roots: Mapping a vegetable family tree for better food

Researchers create a genetic map of three vegetables, revealing new insights into their origins and potential for improvement. By tracing the evolutionary history of canola, rutabaga, and Siberian kale, scientists identify genes that could lead to more nutritious and resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

Miscanthus with improved winter-hardiness could benefit northern growers

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified two new Miscanthus cultivars, 'Nagara' and '10UI-032.004', with improved winter hardiness, making them suitable for northern growers. These hybrids showed better survival rates and biomass yields compared to other cultivars in cold winters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJan 30, 2019