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Huge study of diverse populations advances understanding of type 2 diabetes

A massive global study of diverse populations has significantly advanced the understanding of type 2 diabetes by identifying 117 genes that contribute to the disease. The research used genetic data from almost 181,000 people with type 2 diabetes and 1.16 million without it.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

New Texas A&M research documents domestic cattle genetics in modern bison herds

A new study documents multiple small regions of DNA from domestic cattle in North American bison genomes, revealing a shared genetic ancestry. The research reveals that even historically isolated herds contain low levels of cattle genomic introgression, with implications for bison conservation efforts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateMay 10, 2022
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 editing DNA deletion sizes reduced with new fusion method developed at WFIRM

Researchers at WFIRM have developed a novel method to refine CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, increasing efficiency and decreasing large DNA deletions. The technique, which fuses DNA polymerase I or the Klenow fragment to Cas9, improves safety and functional editing outcomes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

How genome organization influences cell fate

A team of researchers at UC Riverside has discovered that a protein complex called CAF-1 controls genome organization to maintain lineage fidelity in blood stem cells. The study found that CAF-1 keeps specific genomic sites compacted and inaccessible to transcription factors, ensuring the expression of lineage-specific genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Genetic changes differed, increased in people with Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that somatic mutations accumulated at a faster rate in Alzheimer's disease patients' brain cells, leading to DNA damage and dysfunction. This discovery provides a window into the molecular events of AD pathogenesis, potentially leading to novel treatments targeting these pathways.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Structures considered key to gene expression are surprisingly fleeting

A new study from MIT suggests that genome loops, which were believed to play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, are actually short-lived and fleeting. The researchers found that these loops only exist for about 3-6% of the time and last for only 10-30 minutes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2022

Greater diversity in genetic studies helps researchers uncover new insights

A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...

SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022

Towards a better understanding of the biology of schizophrenia

A large-scale genetic study has identified 287 genomic regions associated with schizophrenia and 120 specific genes linked to the disorder. These findings provide new insights into the biological processes underlying schizophrenia, offering potential avenues for novel therapies.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2022

New non-destructive DNA method opens opportunities

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2022

Complete human genome deciphered for the first time

Scientists have successfully sequenced an entire human genome, filling in gaps that were previously unknown or difficult to read. The achievement marks a major breakthrough in understanding the complexities of human genetics and has the potential to reveal new insights into evolution, disease, and adaptation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2022
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.

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2022

Brazilian dataset of whole-genome sequences brings more diversity in international databases, study says

A new Brazilian database of whole-genome sequences brings diverse genetic information to international databases, shedding light on the genetics of aging and disease in Brazil's elderly population. The study identified over 2 million novel genetic variants, providing insights into the health and well-being of older adults.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2022

Study involving investigators from Mayo Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine applies drug-gene testing to improve patient care and reports outcomes

A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2022
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.

Genetically informed atlases reveal new landscapes in brain structure

A team of scientists has identified hundreds of new genomic loci associated with brain structure, shedding light on how the human brain is shaped. The study used genetically informed brain atlases to uncover the largest number of genetic variants linked to cortex size and thickness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.

Daring to leave gaps in the genome

Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022

A faster “code breaker” to analyze human DNA

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a free online resource that speeds up data analysis of human genomes three times faster than current methods. This enables scientists to see how an individual's genome makes them susceptible to different diseases in different ways, ultimately reducing associated costs and increas...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 8, 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.

Long-range four-stranded DNA structures found to play a role in rare ageing disease

A special form of four-stranded DNA has been found to interact with the gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty. G-quadruplexes, which form knot-like structures in DNA, specifically bind to a protein called CSB, affecting its function and potentially leading to premature ageing.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Big gaps in quest to sequence genomes of all animals

Despite making progress, genome sequencing of 1.66 million animal species remains incomplete, with vertebrates accounting for 54% of current sequences. Invertebrates, including insects and spiders, comprise only 34% despite representing 78.5% of all species.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 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.

Enlarging windows into understanding gene functions

Researchers at JGI have developed a new protocol to study the effects of genetic variations on traits, using DNA affinity purification sequencing technology. The protocol allows for rapid capture of transcription factor binding locations in the genome, providing insights into gene regulation and function.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 29, 2021

Novel artificial genomic DNA can replicate and evolve outside the cell

Scientists successfully induce gene expression from a synthetic DNA and evolution through continuous replication using cell-free materials. They also improve the DNA to increase its replication efficiency by up to 10-fold in just 60 days.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Scientists may need to rethink how genomics impacts risk for OCD

A new study led by scientists at Mount Sinai highlights the role of rare genomic differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) risk. The research found that about 10% of the risk for OCD is attributed to rare genomic variations, which were not seen in previous studies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

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.

Three new species of freshwater goby fish found in Japan and the Philippines

Three new species of freshwater goby fish have been identified in Japan and the Philippines, with distinct color patterns indicating separate lineages. The researchers believe that different color patterns play a crucial role in maintaining these separate lineages during courtship and mate selection.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Promising low-cost method for rapid COVID-19 detection

Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2021

Phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex shown as a stable structure

Researchers reveal stable phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex formation with strong van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions. The complex's structural parameters are determined, providing insight into the differences between DNA-phospholipid interaction and fatty acid binding.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBiointerface Research in Applied Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Ancient DNA rewrites early Japanese history -- modern day populations have tripartite genetic origin

New study finds that modern Japanese populations have a tripartite genetic origin, with contributions from Jomon hunter-gatherers, Yayoi farmers, and Kofun peoples. The analysis reveals a complex history of population dynamics, including assimilation rather than replacement during the agricultural transition.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 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.

Ancient marsupial 'junk DNA' might be useful after all, scientists say

Researchers found that viral fossils in Australian marsupials are used to make non-coding RNAs that protect against outside infection. The study suggests that these viral fossils may be helping to immunize animals, potentially providing a mechanism similar to vaccination.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVirus Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Tracking genetically modified animals

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Rice lab dives deep for DNA’s secrets

Yang Gao's lab has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of proteins that produce copies of genomic DNA, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The research aims to understand how DNA replication and repair processes can be targeted to develop new therapies.

SourceRice University·DateAug 27, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
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.

New method opens the door to efficient genome writing in bacteria

MIT researchers have created a new DNA writing technique called HiSCRIBE that can record interactions between cells and store spatial information. This approach offers a way to edit genes in the human microbiome, potentially revolutionizing the field of genome editing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateAug 5, 2021

New UW Medicine-BBI study identifies association between severity of preeclampsia and cell-free DNA

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association found a correlation between high cell-free DNA concentrations and markers of preeclampsia severity. Increasing amounts of circulating cell-free DNA were associated with earlier gestational age at delivery, worse systolic blood pressure, and maternal tissue injury.

SourceBrotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 28, 2021

Direct cloning method CAPTUREs novel microbial natural products

Researchers developed a direct cloning method, CAPTURE, to accelerate large-scale discovery of novel natural products. The method allows for efficient cloning of large genomic fragments, including those with high-GC content or sequence repeats.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Unusual DNA folding increases the rates of mutations

Research reveals that regions of the human genome with unusual DNA folding tend to have higher mutation rates than others. The study found that non-B DNA sequences, which can fold into different conformations, play a major role in determining regional variation in mutation rates across the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 9, 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.

Denisovan DNA in the genome of early East Asians

Scientists identify a 34,000-year-old Early East Asian fossil with mixed Eurasian descent, showing a quarter of its ancestry came from western Eurasians. The study found that the individual's DNA contained segments from extinct hominins, including Denisovans and Neandertals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Unraveling the genome in 3D-space

Scientists have developed a method to create high-resolution maps of contact points between replicated chromosomes, providing insights into the molecular machinery regulating DNA conformation and repair. This breakthrough could shed light on the mechanics underlying genome transport during cell division.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2020

Scientists updated genome editing technology

Researchers developed polymeric carriers that can load multiple types of genetic material, improving efficiency and reducing toxicity compared to existing analogues. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene therapy by delivering two RNA and DNA molecules through a single carrier.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 16, 2020

Interpreting the human genome's instruction manual

A comprehensive catalogue of human genome's molecular elements has been produced by the ENCODE collaboration, providing insights into potential regulatory regions. The resource will help all human biology research moving forward, particularly in understanding genetic variants and their functions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 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.

UMMS scientists lead effort to annotate human genome

Researchers identified nearly 1 million potential functional genomic elements in the human genome, which control gene expression and promote health or disease. The UMMS team's registry of these elements can be used to study links between regulatory switches and genetic diseases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020

Bread mould avoids infection by mutating its own DNA

Scientists discovered that Neurospora crassa, a type of bread mould, actively mutates its own DNA to fight virus-like infections. The fungus uses a process called Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) to rapidly degrade transposable elements, but this comes at a cost of considerable collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 22, 2020

First systematic report on the tug-of-war between DNA damage and repair

Researchers screened 163,000 DNA mutations in C. elegans roundworms to understand the interplay between DNA damage and faulty repair systems. The study found that multiple DNA repair pathways work together to prevent mutagenesis, and a single mutagen can leave varying mutational signatures depending on the faulty repair system.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Bacteria play 'rummy' with genes, UofSC biologist shows

Researchers discovered that bacteria employ a strategy of adding new DNA while shedding unused genes, allowing them to avoid overloading their genomes. This process helps the bacteria outgrow competitors and potentially infect other organisms more easily.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

CRISPR gene cuts may offer new way to chart human genome

Researchers successfully used CRISPR to make targeted cuts in human breast cancer genes, allowing for efficient sequencing of critical alterations. The technique has the potential to streamline cancer treatment selection and use of targeted therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Reproductive genome from the laboratory

Max Planck researchers have successfully developed a self-replicating genome, enabling the regeneration of proteins and DNA. The artificial system, assembled from modular DNA pieces, can produce its own translation factors and maintain chemical systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 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.

How chromosomes change their shape during cell differentiation

The study observed changes in A/B compartments of mouse embryonic stem cells, correlating with gene expression and replication timing changes. Chromosome conformation changes preceded gene expression changes, suggesting a physical mechanism for transcriptional regulation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 9, 2019
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.

DNA base editing induces substantial off-target RNA mutations

Researchers have discovered that DNA base editors can induce tens of thousands of off-target RNA single nucleotide variants (SNVs). To address this issue, they engineered deaminases to eliminate the off-target effects, providing a solution for the clinical application of these methods.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 10, 2019