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Sequencing of wastewater can help monitor SARS-COV-2 variants

A new study reveals that wastewater sequencing can detect emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants like B.1.1.7 up to 8 weeks before they become prevalent in clinical cases. This early warning system provides a more accurate picture of virus circulation among humans, including asymptomatic individuals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genomics-informed decisions can help save species from extinction

A new study suggests that excluding individuals with harmful mutations and selecting those from multiple source populations can improve the success of translocation programs for threatened species. Computer simulations show that this approach can minimize inbreeding depression and ensure population survival.

New technology enables rapid sequencing of entire genomes of plant pathogens

A new technology has made it possible to quickly sequence the entire genome of plant pathogens, enabling faster diagnosis and identification of emerging pathogens. This breakthrough has great implications for the plant pathology field, allowing for more accurate identification of difficult-to-diagnose pathogens.

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.

Terpen-tales: The mystery behind the unique fragrance of the lovely lavender

A team of scientists from China has sequenced the genome of Lavandula angustifolia to understand the genetics behind its distinctive fragrance. The study revealed that gene duplications and terpenoid diversification led to the evolution of unique compounds, with potential applications in stress relief, skin conditioning, and pollination.

After near extinction, new genome data bodes well for condors' future

A new study of the California condor genome found a surprising amount of genetic diversity, indicating that the species was once more abundant. The researchers believe this diversity will aid in future conservation efforts and potentially mitigate the effects of previous inbreeding.

Fighting food insecurity by building better beans

Michigan State University scientists are breeding heat-resistant tepary beans to address global food security concerns. By leveraging the genetics of the tepary bean, researchers aim to create beans that can thrive in challenging climates and provide essential nutrients for vulnerable populations.

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.

Winning gene combination takes all

Scientists have successfully identified the complete avenacin biosynthetic pathway in oats, which provides resistance to soil-borne diseases like take-all. This discovery has implications for creating disease-resistant lines of wheat using modern technologies.

Surprising sand fly find yields new species of bacteria

Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sphingobacterium phlebotomi, in sand fly rearing substrates that attracts pregnant females, offering a potential tool for reducing sand fly populations and preventing diseases like Leishmaniasis. The bacterium's volatile chemicals can be used to create ecologically safe baits or traps.

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.

Resurrecting Judean date palms

Researchers successfully germinated seven ancient Judean date palm seeds from archaeological sites, gaining genetic insights into the evolution of crops. The study suggests that hybridization between date palms and wild Cretan palms occurred over 2,200 years ago, influencing agricultural practices.

Move over CRISPR, the retrons are coming

Researchers created Retron Library Recombineering (RLR) to generate up to millions of mutations simultaneously and screen mutant cells efficiently. RLR eliminates the toxicity observed with CRISPR and improves genome-level exploration of mutations.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A new perspective on the genomes of archaic humans

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique to analyze the genomes of archaic humans, revealing key differences in gene expression that may lead to physical traits. The study found associations with the vocal tract and cerebellum, suggesting rapid evolution of these organs in modern humans.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Flexible diet may help leaf-eating lemurs resist deforestation

A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.

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.

Speeding up sequence alignment across the tree of life

Researchers have developed a new search engine, DIAMOND, that enables fast and accurate comparison of protein sequences across species. With an 80- to 360-fold computational speedup compared to BLAST, DIAMOND is poised to revolutionize comparative genomics research and enable the analysis of millions of eukaryotic genomes.

Genome sequencing reveals a new species of bumblebee

Researchers from Uppsala University discovered a new species of bumblebee, Bombus incognitus, through genetic analysis of Rocky Mountains samples. The study reveals potential for speciation in arctic and alpine environments due to climate change.

Genome sequenced for pesky pumpkin pathogen

The first complete genome for the bacteria that causes bacterial spot disease in pumpkins has been assembled, providing valuable resources to understand its spread, host specificity, and potential resistance to chemical controls. The study identified key genes involved in infection and compared them with other Xanthomonas species.

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.

More precise diagnoses made possible with whole genome sequencing

A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden analyzed the results of whole genome sequencing for over 3,200 patients with rare diseases, resulting in molecular diagnoses for 1,287 patients. The researchers found pathogenic mutations in over 750 genes and discovered 17 novel disease genes.

Critically endangered macadamia species becomes a plant supermodel

Researchers at the University of Queensland have created a highly detailed genome model for critically endangered Macadamia jansenii, a plant species that is rare in the wild. The model has been used to study the genetics and diversity of the species, providing valuable insights into how rare plant species survive population decline.

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.

Cre-controlled CRISPR: Conditional gene inactivation just got easier

Researchers have developed a new method, Cre-Controlled CRISPR, which combines the benefits of the Cre/lox system and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors for conditional gene inactivation. This approach allows for faster and easier gene editing with reduced labor needed to flank genes with lox sequences.

New revelations of tiger genomes

A recent study has shed new light on the evolutionary history and genomic variation of tigers, revealing population bottlenecks and recent divergence between subspecies. The research highlights the importance of local adaptation and genetic rescue efforts in tiger conservation.

Starling success traced to rapid adaptation

A new study reveals that European Starlings in North America underwent rapid local adaptation, adjusting to temperature and rainfall variations through subtle genetic changes. The species' massive population size enabled the spread of beneficial gene variants across generations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Special Issue: Human genome at 20

The Human Genome Project has enabled millions to access their personal genomic information, but diversity gaps persist in clinical trials. Experts call for increased Indigenous participation, open data sharing, and multidisciplinary approaches to address biases and develop polygenic risk scores for diverse communities.

Wonder fungi

Researchers have sequenced over 700 novel microbial genomes from the gut microbiome of a goat, discovering that fungi play a disproportionate role in biomass degradation. The study also found that fungi are more efficient at producing methane, a potential game-changer for renewable energy production.

Key switchgrass genes identified, which could mean better biofuels ahead

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have identified three distinct populations of switchgrass with unique adaptations to climate, paving the way for breeding high-yielding varieties matched to specific climates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable biofuel production.

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.

Fields of breeders' dreams: A team effort toward targeted crop improvements

Researchers have produced a high-quality reference sequence of the complex switchgrass genome using samples from 10 experimental gardens across eight states. This allows breeders to test what genes affect the plant's adaptability to various environmental conditions and associate climate adaptations with switchgrass biology.

Genetic sequence for parasitic flowering plant Sapria

Researchers have produced the most comprehensive genome of Sapria himalayana, a major Rafflesiaceae lineage found in Southeast Asia. The analysis revealed an astonishing degree of gene loss and surprising amounts of gene theft from ancient and modern hosts, offering new insights into the evolution of flowering plants.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New method helps pocket-sized DNA sequencer achieve near-perfect accuracy

Researchers developed a simple barcoding system to reduce sequencing errors in Oxford Nanopore Technologies' MinION device, enabling accurate analysis of microorganisms like SARS-CoV-2. The new method achieves error rates below 0.005% and can process long stretches of DNA up to 10 times longer than conventional technologies.

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.

Covid-19 genome sequencing project gets major upgrade

A £1.2M grant will upgrade the CLIMB COVID-19 project's computational equipment to process genomic data globally. Researchers can analyze genomes from local populations in relation to global datasets, facilitating equitable data sharing and fighting pandemic diseases.

Scientists solve 'flea mystery'

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Bristol solve the 'flea mystery' by classifying fleas as a group of highly modified scorpionflies. The study suggests that fleas evolved from small, nectar-feeding scorpionflies that later developed specialized blood-sucking mouthparts.

Improved macaque genome enhances biomedical utility

Researchers have created a more complete reference genome for the rhesus macaque, expanding its potential use in human disease modeling and genetic therapy development. The updated genome assembly reveals thousands of naturally occurring gene variants associated with human conditions like autism and developmental delay.

Kernels of history

Genetic analysis reveals that improved maize varieties developed by Indigenous South Americans were reintroduced into Central America, potentially leading to more productive and consumed varieties. The study provides new insights into the spread of maize in the Americas and its impact on human history.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ancient DNA continues to rewrite corn's 9,000-year society-shaping history

Three 2,000-year-old cobs from Honduras show that humans brought maize varieties back to Mesoamerica, sparking potential productivity increases and shaping civilization. This new study fills gaps in corn's history, revealing a more complex domestication story with parallel but differing speeds across regions.

The world's first DNA 'tricorder' in your pocket

The iGenomics app allows iPhone users to create a mobile genetics laboratory, enabling pandemic and ecology workers to study DNA on-the-go. The device can quickly map viral pathogen sequences and identify mutations for diagnosis and treatment.

Global collaboration is unlocking wheat's genetic potential

Kansas State University researchers and international partners have completed the genome sequencing of 15 wheat varieties, representing breeding programs worldwide. This valuable resource will improve global wheat production by unlocking genetic potential for disease resistance and quality improvement.

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.