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Decoding the genome of the Japanese morning glory

The Japanese morning glory genome has been fully decoded, revealing genes that determine flower and leaf shapes, as well as flower colors and patterns. The research also identified a gene involved in plant hormone biosynthesis disrupted by transposons in mutants.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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.

Prize-winning research reveals every brain a mosaic of somatic mutations

A pioneering study by Gilad Evrony and colleagues found that every brain cell has a unique genome resulting from somatic mutations during development. These findings hold promise for understanding unexplained neurologic diseases such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 3, 2016

HybPiper: A bioinformatic pipeline for processing target-enrichment data

HybPiper is a streamlined pipeline for processing target-enrichment data, extracting coding and intronic regions, and detecting duplicate gene copies. The tool allows researchers to quickly analyze large amounts of DNA sequencing data, facilitating accurate species relationships.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateNov 1, 2016

Genome editing: Efficient CRISPR experiments in mouse cells

A new program called CrispRGold helps scientists identify the most effective and specific RNA sequences for CRISPR-Cas9 system. This allows for efficient inactivation of genes in primary cells, enabling researchers to discover new genes involved in immune cell regulation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2016

How the African clawed frog got an extra pair of genes

Scientists have sequenced the entire genome of Xenopus laevis, an African clawed frog that inherited two sets of chromosomes from different species. The study provides insights into vertebrate evolution and sheds light on how tetraploidy emerged in animals.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Parasitic plants may form weapons out of genes stolen from hosts

Researchers discovered that parasitic plants, such as broomrapes, can transfer genes from their host plants, making them more invasive and resistant. This horizontal gene transfer may lead to the development of resistant host plants to combat crop loss caused by these weeds.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

How the African clawed frog got an extra pair of genes

Scientists sequenced the entire genome of Xenopus laevis, revealing it inherited two sets of chromosomes from different diploid ancestors. The discovery provides insights into vertebrate evolution and tetraploidy, a phenomenon where an organism has four sets of chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2016

Genomics breakthrough paves way for climate-tolerant wine grape varieties

A new genome assembly process allows for rapid access to genetic information in Cabernet Sauvignon, enabling researchers to identify genetic markers for breeding disease-resistant vines. This breakthrough paves the way for developing new wine grape varieties suitable for changing climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 17, 2016
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.

Researchers obtain first Zika sequence isolated from semen

A team of researchers has successfully isolated Zika virus from a semen sample, obtaining the first complete genome sequence of the virus in humans. The study provides valuable insights into potential sexual transmission of Zika virus, which was previously poorly understood.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalGenome Announcements·DateOct 13, 2016

Virus carrying DNA of black widow spider toxin discovered

Researchers found a phage carrying animal-like DNA related to the black widow spider toxin gene, which also shares DNA with animal genomes. This discovery may provide insights into genetic engineering Wolbachia to fight diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2016

Scientists map genome of African diaspora in the Americas

Scientists have created a genetic catalog of the African diaspora in the Americas, revealing why certain diseases hit those with African ancestry harder. The study found changes in DNA that put Africans at higher risk for diseases, and highlights the importance of understanding population histories to tailor clinical care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2016

Causative gene for sensorineural hearing loss identified

A Japanese research team has identified the causative gene for a common type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, which affects one in every 1000 infants. The gene, DIAPH1, is involved in actin filaments and their maintenance in auditory hair cells, leading to progressive deafness in transgenic mice.

SourceKobe University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016

Genome: It's all about architecture

Scientists are exploring the relationship between genome architecture and antigen variation in pathogens like Trypanosoma brucei. By analyzing the parasite's genomic structure, researchers aim to better understand how these pathogens evade the immune system and develop more effective vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateOct 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.

Male mutations are driving evolution. How's that working out?

Researchers studied rates of mutation in a range of organisms and found that males contribute more genetic mutations than females. This male mutation bias may arise from errors in DNA replication and is critical for understanding disease-associated mutations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateOct 4, 2016

TGen-NAU study generates Soviet anthrax pathogen genome from autopsy specimens

Researchers at TGen and NAU used deep DNA sequencing to recreate the anthrax genome from Sverdlovsk, Russia victims, providing a precise examination of the anthrax strain used in Soviet biological weapons development. The study's findings put the strain into a global context, enabling forensic tracking and identification.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalmBio·DateSep 7, 2016

How fungi help trees tolerate drought

Researchers sequenced the genome of C. geophilum and found specific adaptations that could help host trees be more resistant to drought stress. The fungus has a reduced number of plant cell wall degrading enzymes and a large set of symbiosis-induced lineage-specific genes, including water channel genes.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 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.

Bad seeds: How the parental lineage may determine viability in tomato hybrids

Researchers found misregulated imprinting at play in hybrid seeds from South American wild tomato species, affecting core gene regulation and contributing to seed failure. Genome-wide shifts occurred that favored maternal expression, suggesting a key role for epigenetic genomic imprinting in explaining differences in seed viability.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 6, 2016

Reconstructing the 6th century plague from a victim

Researchers have reconstructed the first high-quality genome of the Justinianic strain of Yersinia pestis, shedding light on the evolutionary history of the plague bacterium. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of the pathogen and its human impact.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 30, 2016

New study reveals adaptations for snub-nosed monkeys

Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genomes of 38 wild snub-nosed monkeys from four endangered species, revealing reduced genetic diversity and a similar number of harmful mutations. The study identified hypoxia-related genes that enable these primates to thrive in high-altitude environments.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 23, 2016
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.

Unveiled: Earth's viral diversity

Researchers at the DOE JGI have discovered over 125,000 viral genomes infecting microbes, increasing the number of known microbial phyla by a factor of 16. The study provides a unique resource for viral sequence information and has implications for understanding global cycles and energy challenges.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

Soybean science blooms with supercomputers

The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) uses high-performance computing to analyze soybean genetic data, promoting deeper understanding for scientists improving crops. Over 2,000 unique users log on monthly, with over 10,000 utilizing the platform since its development in 2010.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 16, 2016
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.

Genomics solutions to the riddle of the tobacco hornworm sphinx moth

The sequencing of the tobacco hornworm moth's genome has opened new avenues for research, including understanding insect physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The study identified over 600 genes involved in defense against pathogens, highlighting the potential for genetic insights into this important agricultural pest.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateAug 15, 2016

Study pushes back the origin of HIV-related retroviruses to 60 million years ago

A recent study has uncovered evidence of HIV-related retroviruses dating back 60 million years, challenging previous estimates of their origin. The research, led by Daniel Elleder, analyzed genomic data from the Malayan flying lemur and reconstructed ancient viral genomes.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 9, 2016

Autism Speaks MSSNG study expands understanding of autism's complex genetics

A new Autism Speaks MSSNG study has expanded understanding of autism's complex causes, highlighting the role of non-coding DNA and environmental factors in gene changes. The research found a clear difference between de novo mutations from the mother and father, with clustered mutations from the mother linked to copy number variations.

SourceAutism Speaks·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 4, 2016

Still changing after all these years

A team of researchers sequenced 264 complete genomes from Richard Lenski's long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) to examine how E. coli bacteria changed over 50,000 generations. They found more than 14,000 changes across 12 populations, with mutations concentrated in genes that gave the bacteria a competitive edge.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2016
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.

Comparing fungal secretions to uncover carbon compound degradation pathways

A team of researchers studied four filamentous Ascomycete fungi to understand their role in carbon degradation. They identified a wide variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes that can directly oxidize labile and recalcitrant carbon, suggesting these species play a key role in lignocellulose conversion.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 2016

Genome of 6,000-year-old barley grains sequenced for first time

A team of researchers has successfully sequenced the genome of 6,000-year-old Chalcolithic barley grains, revealing genetic similarities with present-day barley grown in the Southern Levant. The study provides new insights into the origins of barley domestication and suggests that it occurred in the Upper Jordan Valley.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 18, 2016

Genetics of type 2 diabetes revealed in unprecedented detail

A comprehensive study has mapped the genetic underpinnings of type 2 diabetes, revealing over a dozen risk genes and pinpointing specific protein sequences that contribute to disease development. The findings highlight the complexity of the condition and emphasize the need for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2016

Researchers discover potential genetic trigger of autoimmune disease

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery discovered a potential genetic trigger of systemic autoimmune disease, linking virus-like elements to two autoimmune diseases. The study found that abnormal expression of genetic elements known as LINE-1 retroelements may contribute to the development of lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 27, 2016

Gene hunters find rare inherited mutations linked to bipolar disorder

Researchers have identified 84 potential inherited gene mutations that may contribute to severe forms of bipolar disorder. The study used advanced genome sequencing techniques to analyze DNA from 36 family members with the disease, finding rare genetic variations that were overrepresented in those with bipolar disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

Where do rubber trees get their rubber?

Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome of Hevea brasiliensis, the natural rubber tree, uncovering key genes responsible for its unique properties. The study identifies a cluster of genes related to rubber biosynthesis and disease resistance, which may contribute to the tree's high latex production.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2016

Molecular scissors help evolutionary investigation

Scientists at KIT discovered that the synchronized repair of two single-strand breaks consistently leads to tandem duplications of shorter sequences near the break locations. Using CRISPR/Cas system like molecular scissors, they found a new mechanism for the formation of tandem repeat DNA sequences in plant genomes.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

New tool brings personalized medicine closer

Researchers create new tool to define metabolic differences between individuals, paving the way for precision medicine. By combining genetic and protein data, scientists can better understand how patients respond to medication and tailor treatments accordingly.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers show nature conserves its most vital DNA by multitasking

A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution identifies ultraconserved elements (UCEs) essential for animal development. Researchers found that UCEs act as hubs to allow genome access for multiple proteins, contributing to the extreme DNA sequence conservation observed.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 31, 2016

NSF grant will help decipher cells' electric properties

Researchers will focus on ion channels and their role in producing electrical pulses, with potential applications in understanding heritable diseases of the nervous system. The study aims to identify genetic changes that enable fast or slow channel operation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 24, 2016

A rallying call for microbiome science national data management

Researchers from the DOE JGI call for a National Microbiome Data Center to manage accumulated microbiome data and metadata, enabling larger-scale comparative analyses. The center would harness all available data to address global challenges in energy, environment, health, and agriculture.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateMay 23, 2016
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.

Superbug infections tracked across Europe

Scientists have developed a web-based system to track the spread of antibiotic-resistant MRSA and other superbugs across Europe, providing valuable insights for infection control teams. The tool, Microreact.org, uses whole-genome sequencing to identify patterns of resistance and help policymakers implement prevention strategies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalmBio·DateMay 5, 2016

Endangered venomous mammal predates dinosaurs' extinction, study confirms

Researchers have sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the Hispaniolan solenodon, revealing that it diverged from other living mammals 78 million years ago. The venomous mammal survived asteroid impact and human colonization, but is now threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMitochondrial DNA·DateMay 2, 2016

Ebola virus genome provides clues to repeated disease 'flare-ups' in Western Africa

Genomic analysis of Ebola virus samples from Liberia in June 2015 indicates a re-emergence of a persistently infected source, highlighting the risk of disease flare-ups even after an outbreak is declared over. The study's findings suggest that the virus replicates at a lower rate during persistent infections.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Wellderly study suggests link between cognitive decline genes and healthy aging

Researchers from Scripps Translational Science Institute discovered a higher-than-normal presence of genetic variants offering protection from cognitive decline in the 'Wellderly' study. These variants were found to be associated with long-term cognitive health and protection from chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

SourceScripps Health·JournalCell·DateApr 21, 2016

Mount Sinai and Sage Bionetworks report analysis of nearly 600,000 genomes for resilience project

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

Wealth of unsuspected new microbes expands tree of life

Researchers have discovered over 1,000 new types of bacteria and Archaea, dramatically expanding the tree of life. The newly added organisms come from diverse environments and are characterized by their genome sequences, offering a new perspective on microbiology and its implications for our understanding of biology.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 11, 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.

Cause of Maryland food poisoning outbreak traced to Asia

A 2010 outbreak in Maryland was caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a strain sourced from raw oysters from Asian restaurants. Whole genome sequencing helped identify the pathogen's origin and introduced techniques for future outbreaks.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 6, 2016

Scientists net virus behind tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador

A novel virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), has been identified as the cause of massive tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador, with significant implications for the global aquaculture industry. The discovery provides critical genomic and protein sequences necessary for disease detection, containment, and vaccine development.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateApr 5, 2016

Proving the genetic code's flexibility

Scientists discovered that microorganisms recognize multiple codons for the rare amino acid selenocysteine, expanding our understanding of the genetic vocabulary. The findings also highlight the context-dependency of the genetic code and its potential plasticity.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateMar 31, 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.