Researchers have discovered that non-teleost ray-finned fishes possess genetic traits similar to those of lobe- and ray-finned fishes, including limb development and respiratory systems. These findings provide crucial insights into the water-to-land transition during vertebrate evolution.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateFeb 5, 2021
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.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2021
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.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2021
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have produced genome sequences of two wild tomato ancestors, Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, which will aid in breeding improved crop varieties with enhanced disease resistance, climate tolerance, and taste.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateJan 27, 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.
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.
SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 22, 2021
Researchers developed a novel method to sequence RNA from wastewater, detecting complete and nearly complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This approach provides early signal detection of new variants, enhancing control measures.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJan 19, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 12, 2021
Researchers sequenced 107 microalgae species from diverse locations to gain insights into genomic differences in saltwater and freshwater microalgae. The study reveals fundamental differences in nuclear and cellular membranes between the two, with marine species containing more viral-origin genes.
SourceNew York University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 11, 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.
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.
Advanced sequencing technique reveals 19 new RNA mycoviruses in fungus Aspergillus, including 9 undetected by conventional methods. The study also identifies novel RdRp gene structures, challenging existing understanding of RNA virus genetics.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalVirus Evolution·DateDec 21, 2020
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.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPalaeoentomology·DateDec 20, 2020
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.
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.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020
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.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020
Researchers have identified 35 known and one new neuropeptide produced by the American cockroach that could be targeted for pest control. The neuropeptides' expression varies by tissue, developmental stage, and sex, making some more suitable targets than others.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateDec 9, 2020
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.
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.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGigaScience·DateDec 7, 2020
A new study recommends strategies for generating polygenic risk scores that inspire confidence among consumers, reducing variability and improving the accuracy of these scores. By running algorithms multiple times and paying attention to variable elements, companies can improve the quality of scores delivered to customers.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalGenome Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020
Researchers have sequenced multiple wheat and barley genomes, revealing hidden genetic variation that can be used to breed more productive and resilient crop varieties. The project aims to increase global wheat production by over 50% by 2050 to meet future food demands.
The study's results provide key insights into the genetic factors behind wheat's adaptability and diversity. The researchers found that chromosome fragments from wild grasses were cross-hybridized with wheat, leading to differences in immune receptors and enabling the crop to adapt to regional climate conditions.
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.
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.
SourceKansas State University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020
Researchers discover endogenous viral elements from giant viruses are common in chlorophyte green algae, suggesting a potential beneficial relationship between hosts and their viruses. The findings challenge current understanding of host-virus interactions and may shed light on the early evolution of plants.
A new study by CSIRO and partners found that most COVID-19 genome data lacks relevant patient information, hindering the fight against the virus. The researchers developed a standardised data collection template to capture critical patient data, enabling scientists and clinicians to build a more complete picture of COVID-19's impact on...
SourceUniversity of York·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateNov 16, 2020
A massive international study of bird genomes has revealed new details on genomic diversity and evolution. The Bird 10,000 Genome Project has sequenced genomic resources for 363 bird species, including 267 new genomes, which have improved resolution on genomic evolution analyses.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2020
The study provides a comprehensive genomic resource for the world's birds, enabling researchers to explore evolutionary relationships and traits. More than 92% of the world's avian families are represented in the dataset, which will aid in the conservation of threatened species.
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.
A public repository of 52,515 microbial draft genomes has been made available, revealing 44% new bacterial and archaeal diversity. The GEM catalog provides a valuable resource for understanding the biology and diversity of uncultivated microbes.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 9, 2020
Researchers analyzed over 5,085 strains of the virus, finding that a specific protein mutation became dominant during the second wave, causing increased transmissibility. The study also discovered a correlation between patients with this mutation and younger demographics, lower median incomes, and less severe symptoms.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateNov 4, 2020
A team of researchers has developed a model for acid-tolerant yeast that can produce succinic acid, a precursor for industrial polymer production. The model uses gene editing and computational tools to identify the optimal genetic modifications required to maximize succinic acid production.
SourcePenn State·JournalMetabolic Engineering Communications·DateNov 4, 2020
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.
Researchers report the goldfish genome sequence, identifying regions subjected to strong artificial selection for aesthetic features. The analysis sheds light on the evolutionary origin and domestication history of goldfish, providing a model for examining natural mutations and artificial selection.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020
Researchers assembled full genomes for domesticated apple and two wild progenitors, giving breeders detailed information to improve crop traits. The study provides a detailed genomic roadmap for building better apples with improved flavor, texture and disease resistance.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2020
A study of over 5,000 COVID-19 patients in Houston found that the virus is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which, D614G, may have made it more contagious. This mutation was prevalent in 71% of initial cases and reached 99.9% prevalence during the second wave.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalmBio·DateOct 30, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Newly sequenced ancient dog genomes show a long shared history with humans, with dogs diverging from wolves around 11,000 years ago. The study reveals multiple dog lineages worldwide by this time, and genetic links to human migration patterns.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020
Researchers found a single small gene region influences Chinook salmon migratory timing, contradicting previous assumptions of complex genetics. This discovery may facilitate conservation efforts by clarifying the genetic basis of ecotypes.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020
Scientists have sequenced the genome of New World screwworms, identifying ways to slash populations by targeting specific genes. This research could lead to a more efficient biological barrier system to prevent the species from moving north and causing massive livestock losses.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBMC Biology·DateOct 28, 2020
The study provides a genetic road map for researchers to optimize Miscanthus sinensis's desirable traits, including its high tolerance for drought and cool temperatures. The genomic analysis reveals new regulators of perenniality, a trait important for biofuel crops.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2020
The sequencing of the cauliflower coral genome provides a resource for studying genetic adaptation to different environmental conditions. The analysis revealed approximately 27,500 genes, with a higher percentage of repetitive elements than closely related corals.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateOct 27, 2020
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.
A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
A new analysis found that the critically endangered vaquita remains genetically healthy despite its low population numbers. The study suggests that the species' ability to survive at low numbers is not doomed to extinction and gives hope for conservation efforts.
SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateOct 23, 2020
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 21, 2020
A new method, Sonication Inverse PCR (SIP), has been developed to identify any genome sequence located next to a known sequence. This approach uses high-frequency sound waves to randomly cut DNA, eliminating bias from enzyme use, and is applied across clinical settings and molecular evolutionary analyses.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 19, 2020
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.
The IDseq tool uses metagenomic analysis to identify emerging pathogens from a single sample, providing actionable reports on infectious diseases worldwide. By leveraging open-source software, researchers can rapidly detect and track disease outbreaks, aiding in pandemic prevention and global health initiatives.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed coral genomes, discovering genes that may help corals adapt to ocean warming. The study found that Acropora corals diversified when the world's oceans were warmer, suggesting they could handle temperature changes.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 14, 2020
The UK Crop Microbiome Cryobank will preserve the microbiomes of six major food crops in the UK, including barley, oats, oil seed rape, potato, sugar beet, and wheat. This project aims to improve crop yield and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Researchers sequenced genomes of figs and pollinators to uncover dynamic karyotype variation associated with adaptive evolution. They also identified candidate genes for sex determination and a potential molecular mechanism of coevolution between fig species and their wasp pollinators.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2020
A study reveals that re-emergence of yaws, a neglected tropical disease, was caused by at least three distinct lineages of bacteria. The researchers recommend employing strategies to maximize population coverage and intensive post-MDA surveillance to control the spread of new infections.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateOct 7, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have identified a novel seed dispersal gene in wild green millet, which could lead to more efficient crop production. The discovery was made through the analysis of nearly 600 genome sequences and confirmed by gene editing studies.
SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 5, 2020
A new mobile app, Genopo, developed by Garvan Institute of Medical Research, makes genomics more accessible to remote or under-resourced regions and the hospital bedside. The app enables fast, real-time genomic analysis on a smartphone, opening possibilities for point-of-care testing and unlocking information in DNA or RNA.
SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 29, 2020
A new study sequenced the genomes of two millipede species, revealing vast differences in genome size due to unique gene structures. The research also identified genes involved in toxic secretion, supporting the idea that ozadene gland secretions protect against microbes and predators.
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.
Münster University researchers develop new software '2-n-way' to compare any genomes, identifying relationships among species or individuals. The tool can analyze genome evolutions, genetic diseases, and sequence any number of genomes.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 28, 2020
The genome of Fleming's original Penicillium strain has been sequenced for the first time, showing that the UK and US strains use different methods to produce penicillin. The results suggest new routes for industrial production and could help inspire novel solutions to combatting antibiotic resistance.
SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 2020
Researchers discovered three primary routes of transmission for antibiotic resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae via plasmids. Long-read sequencing technology enabled complete plasmid sequence analysis, revealing the importance of including plasmids when tracking antibiotic resistance.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2020
A research team has successfully sequenced and assembled the Wels catfish genome, which is expected to reveal insights into its remarkable growth rate, appetite, and lifespan. The study's findings will help address bottlenecks in aquaculture and conservation of wild populations.
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.
Researchers found that external factors drive positive selection in certain genomic positions, while epistasis leads to negative selection, slowing down substitutions. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between environmental pressures and genetic interactions shaping protein evolution.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2020
Researchers identified mutations in the novel gene ANGPT2, responsible for primary lymphedema. The discovery provides insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to improved treatments.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020
A new study reconstructs the spread of coronavirus across the world with unprecedented detail, revealing that early interventions were effective at containing outbreaks. Contrary to speculation, the virus did not jump from China to Europe via British Columbia, Canada, but rather through direct flights and travel. Swift testing and isol...
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.
Researchers found nearly identical viral genomes in glacier surface water from Arctic and Alps locations, suggesting a genetic 'fruit machine' process that creates diversity. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of virus evolution and highlights the importance of understanding viral interactions with hosts.
SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2020
A genetics study in wild turquoise killifish reveals that small population sizes contribute to the accumulation of harmful mutations, leading to shorter lifespans. The findings provide insights into how population dynamics influence aging and could inform new approaches to understanding human aging.
A new study found that the yellow mealworm shows promise as a good, sustainable food source due to its high protein content and versatility. The research also identified potential uses for the insect's waste as organic fertilizer.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Insects as Food and Feed·DateAug 31, 2020
A team of Brazilian researchers has completed the sequencing of Frieseomelitta varia, a native stingless bee species with economic interest as a pollinator. The study reveals conserved ancestral traits and regulatory functions in noncoding RNAs linked to the workers' sterility, providing valuable insights into social insect evolution.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 31, 2020