The Mount Sinai Hospital and Sage Bionetworks conducted a genome study of over 589,000 adults to identify individuals resistant to severe Mendelian childhood diseases. Thirteen healthy people with associated genetic variants were found, but limitations in the original studies' informed consent policies hinder further analysis.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 11, 2016
Researchers analyzed 16 ant species to understand queen-worker differences, finding conserved gene sets associated with traits like queen numbers and worker sterility. This study provides insight into the evolution of gene expression across ant species.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 11, 2016
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.
Researchers found thousands of APOBEC-induced, clustered mutations in hominid genomes, leading to accelerated evolutionary changes. These mutations were predominantly in transcriptionally active regions and resulted in amino acid substitutions.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 7, 2016
Researchers at Cornell University and Bar-Ilan University discovered a novel mechanism for mutation in primates triggered by the APOBEC family of virus-fighting enzymes. These enzymes can rapidly generate large changes in genes through 'friendly fire' events, which may have been passed on to subsequent generations.
SourceCornell University·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 7, 2016
A team of scientists has successfully assembled and analyzed the genetic code of the Y chromosome in malaria mosquitoes for the first time. The research reveals that the Y chromosome consists mainly of repetitive sequences with few genes, and may have crossed species boundaries.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2016
Research resolves debate on gene interactions and adaptation by showing that the long-term response can be predicted in two scenarios: when genetic drift or selection dominate. Epistasis affects long-term response only if it changes sign during adaptation, regardless of initial trait variance components.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists have assembled the gorilla genome using PacBio's long-read SMRT sequencing, achieving a 150-fold improvement over previous assemblies. The new assembly recovers nearly all missing sequence and provides additional euchromatic sequence, enabling researchers to study biological mechanisms and traits.
A new approach to sequence and assemble primate genomes has been developed using longer sequence reads. This technology has enabled the discovery of missing genes and genetic variation in Western lowland gorillas, providing new biological insights into a living species closely related to humans.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2016
A vegetarian diet may have permanently shaped the human genome, favoring a mutation that regulates fatty acid production. This mutation is more frequent in Indian populations with primarily plant-based diets compared to traditional American meat-eaters.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 29, 2016
Researchers sequenced Zika virus genomes from Brazil to estimate a single entry point into the Americas, likely between May and December 2013. This timing correlates with major cultural events and increased air travel from Zika-endemic regions.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2016
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.
A new study finds that genetic changes in bacteria have enabled them to develop resistance to copper's antibacterial properties. This increased resistance poses an infection risk for people, particularly in areas with high copper use, such as animal feed and hospital equipment.
SourceOhio State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2016
A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution sequenced the genome of Metaseiulus occidentalis, a predatory mite widely used to control plant pests. The research revealed completely atomized Hox genes and superdynamic intron evolution, highlighting the unique biology of this agriculturally important predator.
SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 10, 2016
The Spotted Gar genome is a small and manageable genome that has conserved its genetic material over time, making it an out-group for evolutionary studies. The study reveals the conservation of key genes involved in enamel formation, providing clues to the evolutionary history of gene families and their role in human complex diseases.
SourceEarlham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 9, 2016
Researchers uncovered a group of retroviruses called ERV-Fc that affected 28 out of 50 modern mammal ancestors, spreading across every continent except Antarctica and Australia. The study also reveals patterns of evolutionary change and gene exchange between these viruses and other pathogens.
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.
A University of Kansas researcher is questioning traditional methods for defining species by studying the genetic basis for species differences in lizards. He found that variation in dewlap colors and patterns, previously used to separate subspecies, were not a reliable sign of underlying genetic differences.
A genome sequencing project has identified the spotted gar as a genetically sound bridge between zebrafish and humans, enabling advancements in biomedical research on human diseases. The gar's genome retains ancestral characteristics lost by other fishes or humans, making it an evolutionary repository of ancient genetic materials.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 7, 2016
Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a common ancestral gene that enabled the evolution of advanced life over a billion years ago. This gene, found in all complex organisms, encodes for protein kinases that allowed cells to become larger and transfer information more rapidly.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2016
Researchers at USC found that just two sites on the mouse genome control about half of the size variation between bacula, a crucial discovery for understanding bone development and diseases. The study also suggests that only a few genetic tweaks can have an enormous impact on the overall size and shape of the baculum.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 3, 2016
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.
A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with musical aptitude are linked to ear function, language development, memory, and brain reward mechanism. The findings suggest a common evolutionary origin between music and language.
SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2016
Mitochondrial genes are retained to build organelle structure, resist damage from free radicals, and facilitate energy production. This design allows mitochondria to withstand the extreme environment and maintain their independence from the nucleus.
A bioinformatics error affected the results, overestimating the genetic impact. The corrected study reveals extensive Eurasian admixture only in Eastern Africa.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found genetic evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, occurring around 100,000 years ago. This event likely occurred when some modern humans left Africa early and mixed with Neanderthals.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2016
Researchers assembled largest mammalian phylogenomic dataset to test models of molecular evolution and confirm findings that Atlantogenata is the sister group to all other placentals. The study resolves the controversy over placental mammal family tree, revealing that Afrotheria and Xenarthra diverged from each other around 90 million ...
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 15, 2016
The bed bug's genome shows significant changes in receptor types for smell and taste, leading to increased resistance to pesticides. The decoded genome also reveals insights into the species' evolution from bat parasite to human feeder, highlighting genetic adaptations for chemosensation and traumatic reproduction.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2016
A new IU study employs genome-wide sequencing to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms driving genetic divergence in 13 species of wild tomatoes. The research reveals three major genetic strategies behind tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change, including recruitment, introgression, and de novo evolution.
SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new study of wild tomato genetics reveals complex genetic mechanisms driving diversification of plant species, with potential applications for creating more resilient crop plants. The research identifies three major genetic strategies behind the tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2016
The tick genome provides valuable biological resources for controlling ticks and understanding disease transmission. Researchers identified proteins involved in the interactions between deer ticks and pathogens, offering insights into developing strategies to halt tick-borne diseases.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2016
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used a novel approach to analyze noncoding genomes and identified associations between genetic mutations and medical histories. The study found that specific mutations in regulatory regions were linked to conditions such as narcolepsy, cardiac disease, and hypertension.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016
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.
Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.
The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have successfully generated male mice without Y chromosome genes, which can now father offspring through assisted reproduction. These 'No Y' males were created by replacing essential Y chromosome genes with their X chromosome counterparts and demonstrate functional redundancy within genomes.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2016
Researchers demonstrate Meselson effect for first time in any organism at genome-wide level, studying a parasite called T.b. gambiense. The study reveals that the parasite's inability to recombine with each other prevents genes from being exchanged between strains.
Researchers found that the bacterium Yersinia pestis persisted in Europe, causing repeated devastating waves of plague epidemics. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of the pathogen and its potential role in modern-day antibiotic resistance.
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.
The great tit's reference genome shows epigenetic processes influencing learning and cognitive processes, with conserved patterns found in humans and other mammals. The study suggests a correlation between methylation levels and molecular evolution rate.
SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2016
Researchers used cactus species to test whether regions variable across closely related species show predictable intraspecific variability. The study found that rate-heterogeneity poses a practical challenge for researchers, and screening steps are necessary to discover regions of the genome with sufficient variability.
SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 15, 2016
The study found a positive correlation between genetic recombination and adaptation rate, with a threshold recombination value of 2 cM/Mb indicating optimal genomic adaptation. This suggests that recombination facilitates adaptation and that linkage cost disappears beyond this threshold.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 14, 2016
A team of researchers led by Professor Laurence Hurst found that the X chromosome contains few 'housekeeping' genes due to a single active copy, limiting its expression. The study identified gene migration patterns between chromosomes and suggests that replacement genes should not be inserted into the X chromosome for gene therapy.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 12, 2016
New studies reveal that Neanderthal genes have increased the ability of modern humans to ward off infection, but may also contribute to allergies. The findings highlight the importance of interspecies relations in human evolution and specifically in the evolution of the innate immune system.
SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 7, 2016
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.
A new study reveals that random mutations can give rise to novel genes, leading to the evolution of new molecular functions. The researchers identified thousands of human-specific genes and found that certain macaque genome elements are less present than expected.
Researchers have discovered six new African frog species and added back one previously lost, increasing the known number of clawed frog species from 22 to 29. The discovery highlights striking new characteristics and sheds light on evolution through DNA analysis.
Researchers found genetic changes in threespine stickleback that occurred in less than 50 years, suggesting rapid adaptation to freshwater environments. The study uses genomic technology developed at the University of Oregon and provides insights into the impact of sudden environmental change on organisms.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015
Researchers have created a new 'periodic table' to visualize and predict how proteins combine to drive biological processes. The table reveals fundamental steps in the evolution of protein complexes, providing a systematic view on protein assembly.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2015
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.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have mapped the genome of the African turquoise killifish, a short-lived species that lives only four to six months. The study found evidence of rare genes influencing longevity and aging in other species, including humans.
A recent study by an international group of evolutionary biologists has convincingly refuted the proposition that comb jellies are the phylogenetically oldest extant metazoan group. Sponges are now reaffirmed as the first phylum to diverge from the common ancestor of metazoans, restoring the classical view of early animal evolution.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2015
Researchers identified 30 genes influencing ageing process across three species, finding that blocking these genes extended lifespan by at least five percent. The bcat-1 gene, which degrades branched-chain amino acids, was found to be particularly influential in extending nematode lifespan.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2015
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.
A comprehensive genomic study of turtle shells has identified unique adaptations in genes that control hard cutaneous layers, dating back to the evolution of claws and feathers. The study also reveals a shared genetic organization between turtles and humans, highlighting the common ancestry of these defense mechanisms.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 24, 2015
The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2015
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to understand genetic changes during farming's introduction in Europe. They found variants associated with height, lactose digestion and immune function, supporting the idea that early farmers adapted to their new diet.
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.
The acorn worm's genome has revealed the origin of the human pharynx, showing how gill slits evolved into the jaw and throat. The study found that humans and other terrestrial vertebrates retain vestigial gills in embryos, a trait shared with marine animals.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2015
Researchers sequenced acorn worm genomes to find similarities with human genes, establishing a distant connection. The study identified 8,600 shared gene families across deuterostomes, including humans, starfish, and frogs, suggesting a common ancestor that lived half a billion years ago.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015
Researchers propose a two-phase model describing gene loss patterns after whole genome duplication in teleost fishes, the largest group of bony fishes. Approximately 80% of duplicate genes were lost within the first 60 million years, with slower gene loss occurring in subsequent phases.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015
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.
Researchers developed a strategy to recover plastid sequences from nuclear DNA in plants. This allows for the assembly of complete chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information about evolutionary relationships and plant processes linked to environmental changes.
SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateNov 11, 2015
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a map of genetic changes across the genome of date palms, shedding light on their origin and diversification. The study also identifies genes important for fruit ripening, disease resistance, and fruit color.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015
Scientists sequenced the pineapple genome to understand its unique photosynthetic pathways, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows it to thrive in water-limited environments. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary history of grasses and their ability to survive drought.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2015
Researchers have discovered highly conserved DNA sequences in non-coding regions of insect genomes, which are remarkably preserved for at least 180 million years. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of ancient animal ancestors and their influence on modern species.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 28, 2015
Researchers developed an approach to predict human genome variation by compiling data from 46 vertebrate species and applying evolutionary probability analysis. The method predicts probable mutations and identifies evolutionarily improbable variations, which may be strong candidates for adaptive evolution.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 28, 2015
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.
A new study of chickens overturns the popular assumption that evolution is only visible over long time scales. The researchers found two mutations in the mitochondrial genomes of the birds in just 50 years, revealing a rate of evolution that is 15 times faster than previously believed.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 27, 2015
Researchers have identified ORF0 sequences in human and chimp DNA that may produce hundreds of previously unknown proteins. The discovery suggests a new mechanism for generating novel proteins, which could be beneficial or disease-causing, depending on the evolutionary context.
A study identified significant DNA differences in the human kallikrein cluster among Eastern Asian populations, including those related to KLK4 gene activity. These findings may contribute to unique dental traits and a lower risk of skin conditions like eczema.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 6, 2015
Researchers have developed a reliable method to trace viral evolution, supporting the hypothesis that viruses are alive and share a long evolutionary history with cells. The study found that viruses possess unique genetic sequences and protein folds that are unlike anything seen in cells.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2015
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.