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Unlocking the secrets to sorghum’s adaptability

A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

People in the Philippines have the most Denisovan DNA

Researchers found Philippine Negrito ethnic group, Ayta Magbukon, possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world. Their Denisovan DNA is up to 46% greater than that of Australians and Papuans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 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
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 sequencing tools pinpoint origins of Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals the origins of a 2012 Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The analysis, conducted by an international team, used high-throughput sequencing to identify multiple virus 'spillover' events that contributed to the outbreak. This research highlights th...

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2021

Machine learning fuels personalised cancer medicine

Researchers developed a machine learning tool, BoostDM, that evaluates the potential contribution of mutations in genes to cancer development. The tool helps understand how tumors are caused at the molecular level and can facilitate medical decisions regarding therapy.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

DNA reveals the evolutionary history of museum specimens

An international team has developed a method to analyze ancient DNA in museum specimens, allowing for their placement on the evolutionary timeline. The technique enabled researchers to trace the evolutionary history of several species over tens of millions of years.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 13, 2021

Genetic analysis to help predict sunflower oil properties

Researchers identified genetic markers to control fatty acid content in sunflower oil, a key source of vegetable fats. The study used genomic selection to create new crop varieties with tailored properties suitable for different uses.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJul 12, 2021
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.

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.

Weird warbler reveals genetics of its mismatched colors

Researchers study rare warbler hybrid with mismatched color patterns to disentangle genetic drivers of traits usually inherited together. The team identifies new location in genome linked to black face mask and confirms previously identified region for black throat patch.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcology·DateJun 28, 2021

RAMBO speeds searches on huge DNA databases

RAMBO, a new method, cuts indexing times for large DNA databases from weeks to hours and search times from hours to seconds. The researchers used a data structure that has a significantly faster query time than state-of-the-art genome indexing methods.

SourceRice University·DateJun 28, 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.

Newly sequenced genome of extinct giant lemur sheds light on animal's biology

Researchers have sequenced the nuclear genome of the koala lemur, a giant primate that went extinct in Madagascar around 500-2,000 years ago. The findings reveal new insights into its position on the primate family tree and how it interacted with its environment, which could help understand past lemur extinctions.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2021

Low-cost method for finding new coronavirus variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a cost-effective method for detecting new coronavirus variants. The COVseq technology uses multiplex PCR and pooling to sequence thousands of viral genomes per week, making it an affordable solution for global surveillance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Like your olives bitter? Molecular breeding can make them even better!

Scientists assembled a high-quality genome of a European olive species, identifying genes involved in oleuropein biosynthesis. The study revealed 202 genes related to oleuropein, twice as many as previously known, and found olives genetically closest to the oleaster plant.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 16, 2021

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJun 15, 2021
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.

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.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2021
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·DateMay 14, 2021

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.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateMay 14, 2021
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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

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.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 6, 2021

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021
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.

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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2021
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 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.

SourceStanford University·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Significant spread of all coronavirus variants tracked in Houston area

A new study found that all six currently identified SARS-CoV-2 variants are widely spread across the Houston metropolitan area. Genome sequencing data showed geographically widespread dissemination of variants, with successful patient-to-patient transmission among communities.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 14, 2021

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 10, 2021

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPhytopathology·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

IPK scientists find the key to the comprehensive gene pool of rye

Rye's complex genome has been fully sequenced, revealing a diverse wild gene pool that holds promise for breeding. The research team hopes to transfer beneficial traits from rye to wheat without affecting baking properties.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 18, 2021

IPK scientists: New method for genome assembly in barley provides excellent results

A new method of DNA sequencing using PacBio HiFi sequencing has been successfully applied to assemble the genome of barley with high accuracy and speed. The approach yielded better quality genome sequences compared to other methods, including more complete genes and accurate reassembly of non-coding regions.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 17, 2021
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.

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 7, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021

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.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 18, 2021

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 2021