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Genome Research publishes a Special Issue on Long-read DNA and RNA Sequencing Applications in Biology and Medicine

This special issue highlights novel applications and developments in long-read sequencing, offering advances in genome assembly and annotation, characterization of complex genomic rearrangements, and full-length mRNA isoform resolution. Long-read technologies are expanding understanding of rare diseases and impacting germline testing.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study

Climate change can cause stress in herring larvae

Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One genomic test can diagnose nearly any infection

A groundbreaking metagenomic sequencing test has proven effective in rapidly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The test analyzes all nucleic acids present in a sample, replacing multiple tests with a single one and speeding up diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine

DNA packaging directly affects how fast DNA is copied in cells

The study found that DNA packaging sends signals through an unusual pathway, affecting cell division and growth. Chromatin acts as a guide, telling the cell how to read and use the information in the DNA.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study

UT Arlington biologist discovers new species of gecko

A team of biologists at UT Arlington has discovered a new species of gecko, Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus, with distinct skeletal features and genetic data. The discovery highlights the unique characteristics of this tiny lizard, found in the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study

DNA evidence rewrites story of people buried in Pompeii eruption

A study analyzing DNA from skeletal remains in Pompeii casts reveals the cosmopolitan origin of the city's inhabitants, contradicting previous physical appearance-based assumptions. Genetic data also sheds light on ancestry, sex, and familial relationships, challenging traditional notions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCurrent Biology
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.

UW–Madison researchers find persistent problems with AI-assisted genomic studies

Researchers found that AI tools can link genetic variations with diseases like diabetes without considering the complexity of genetics. A new statistical method can reduce false positives, but proxy information studies also introduce misleading correlations, warns Qiongshi Lu.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis

Into the great wide open: How steppe pastoralist groups formed and transformed over time

The study shows an alternating series of interaction and gene flow between inhabitants of mountainous upland regions and steppes to the north of the Caucasus. Innovations in herd management, dairying, and mobility enabled autonomous nomadic lifestyles adapted to exploit the Eurasian steppe zone.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature

Only two weeks remain until the ASHG 2024 Annual Meeting

The ASHG 2024 Annual Meeting will showcase the latest research in human genetics and genomics. The event will feature a Presidential Symposium on Mendelian traits and a Distinguished Speakers Symposium on the promise of human genetics and genomics, among other sessions.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics

A visit from the stork brings genomic hope for this endangered species

A new genomic study reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding in the endangered Oriental Stork population, a common finding in many critically endangered species. The study provides hope for the species' long-term survival and suggests that protecting its habitats could rapidly rescue this species from extinction.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study
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.

Study shows that Rett syndrome in females is not just less severe, but different

Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study
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.

Genome Research publishes a special issue on innovations in computational biology

This special issue presents a collection of 20 computational methods and their applications in genomics, including spatial, single-cell, and long-read sequencing. Key findings include the development of PRiMeR for disease risk predictors and SF-Relate for identifying genetic relatives across distributed genomic datasets.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study

Red milkweed beetle genome offers insight into plant-insect interactions

The red milkweed beetle's genome has been sequenced, providing insights into how it safely feeds on toxic plants. The study found an apparent expansion of genes related to toxin sequestration and metabolic enzymes.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis

Zeroing in on the genes that snakes use to produce venom

Scientists developed VenomCap to analyze venom genes in snakes, shedding light on snake evolution and developing effective treatments for deadly snake bites. The technique enables quicker analysis of thousands of venom-making genes, paving the way for improved antivenom development and global public health.

SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources

Insights into South African population history from 10,000-year-old human DNA

Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from the Oakhurst rock shelter in southern Africa, finding that the oldest genomes are genetically similar to San and Khoekhoe groups living today. The study reveals a long history of relative genetic stability until around 1,200 years ago when newcomers introduced new cultures and languages.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution

Scientists find new epigenetic switch

Researchers have identified a new epigenetic mark, 5-formylcytosine, which plays a crucial role in activating genes during early embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of gene expression in vertebrates and has implications for our understanding of human development and disease.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell
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.

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications

Vitis vinifera and muscadines: Grape breeders seek the best of both grapes

A $7M grant is supporting a four-year project to breed wide hybrids of muscadines and Vitis vinifera, combining desirable traits like disease resistance and crisp texture. The goal is to introduce new grape hybrids with enhanced quality leading to a more resilient US grape industry.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

New machine learning model offers simple solution to predicting crop yield

A new machine-learning model developed by a University of Arkansas student improves upon existing genotype-by-environmental interaction models, achieving higher prediction accuracy. The model uses feature engineering to process environmental data, leading to a 7% improvement in mean prediction accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis
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.

Mapping the sex life of Malaria parasites at single cell resolution, reveals the genetics underlying Malaria transmission

Scientists have mapped the global repertoire of genes that determine the male or female sexual fates in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. This study reveals key regulators of gene expression during development and identifies novel candidate 'driver' genes, shedding light on the complex biology of malaria transmission.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

MSU discovers method for CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats

Michigan State University researchers have developed a method for CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats, which are diurnal rodents with sleep patterns similar to humans. This breakthrough could provide an alternative model for studying human health and disease, as existing models rely heavily on laboratory mice.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Biology

Hospital bacteria tracked better than ever before with new technique

Researchers developed a new 'pan-pathogen' deep sequencing approach to capture multiple bacterial strains simultaneously. This method enables faster and more comprehensive tracking of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially preventing and managing common hospital infections quicker.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe
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.

Newly discovered mechanism halts tumor cell replication

Researchers at the University of Bologna have identified a specific location and genomic context where DNA breaks occur due to topoisomerase I inhibition. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by inducing DNA damage and genomic instability in cancer cells.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalScience Advances

Novel nanosensing technique for quality control of viral vectors in gene therapy

Researchers developed a novel nanosensing technique to measure viral vector characteristics, enabling quality control of AAV vectors for safe and effective gene therapy. The approach uses nanopore sensing to detect defects in viral particles, offering potential solutions for reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study
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.

Boosting plant health: the role of gene exchange with bacteria

Researchers have discovered a dynamic cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between plants and bacteria, transferring 75 genes that enhance carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for biotechnological applications in agriculture.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis

Genomic data integration improves prediction accuracy of apple fruit traits!

Researchers combined DNA markers from two genotyping systems to improve genomic predictions and GWAS for 24 fruit traits. The results showed increased accuracy and detection power when using combined datasets, suggesting benefits to leveraging historical data.

SourceChiba University·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeData/statistical analysis

ALS: Newly discovered subtypes and sex differences create new approaches for drugs

A study by TUM researchers discovered four subtypes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with different molecular processes, including sex differences. The findings suggest repurposing an approved cancer drug targeting the MAPK pathway as a promising therapeutic approach for ALS.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis
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.

SQUID pries open AI black box

A new system named SQUID, a computational tool created by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists, helps interpret how AI models analyze the genome. It reduces background noise and leads to more accurate predictions about genetic mutations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Guiding humanity beyond the moon: OHIO’s Nate Szewczyk and students coauthor papers published in “Nature” journals that revolutionize human space biology

A team of researchers, including OHIO's Nate Szewczyk and students, published a comprehensive package of papers in Nature journals that transform our understanding of human space biology. The studies reveal how molecular biology and precision medicine can guide humanity into more challenging missions beyond Earth.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis

Sepsis patients could get the right treatment faster, based on their genes

A new study uncovers how different people respond to sepsis based on their genetic makeup, which could help identify who would benefit from certain treatments. The research found two groups of patients with opposite immune responses and identified the genetic regulators involved.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Genomics

Origin and spread of malaria

Researchers reconstructed ancient genomes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to study their worldwide spread. The analysis revealed that European colonizers introduced P. vivax to the Americas, while military activities in Europe facilitated the spread of P. falciparum.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature
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.

Ritual sacrifice at Chichén Itzá

A genetic investigation of 64 child remains found at Chichén Itzá reveals that all the children were male, indicating related male twins were likely selected for ritual activities. The findings suggest a post-sacrificial burial site, with the sacrificed individuals having been chosen for a specific reason.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature

Kinship and ancestry of the Celts in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

A new genetic analysis of Celtic burial mounds in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, confirms the long-held suspicion that two princes were biologically related. The study finds a close relationship between the two individuals and suggests that power structures among early Celtic elites may have been based on biological kinship.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Human Behaviour

Scientists generate the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates

The study reveals remarkable variation between primate Y chromosomes, showing rapid evolution and previously unstudied regions. The researchers found that over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences aligned to the human X chromosome, while only 14-27% of ape Y chromosome sequences aligned to the human Y chromosome.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis
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.

Scientists map networks regulating gene function in the human brain

Researchers create largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. The study uses postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study

A new gene-editing system tackles complex diseases

Researchers have developed a new gene-editing system called multiplexed orthogonal base editors (MOBEs) to tackle complex diseases. MOBEs enable simultaneous installation of multiple point mutations across the genome, reducing the risks associated with traditional gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study

Diverse headgear in hoofed mammals evolved from common ancestor

Researchers found that horns and antlers share fundamental aspects and likely originated from a single ancestral structure. The study supports the idea that headgear evolved as elaborations on this shared bony structure inherited from a common ancestor.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology
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.

Rice engineers develop innovative microbiome analysis software tools

Researchers created GraSSRep and rhea, tools that outperform current methods for handling repeats and structural variants in metagenomic data. These methods use self-supervised learning and graph neural networks to analyze microbiome data, offering new insights into biological processes and potential applications in antibiotic resistance.

SourceRice University

Lepra in the middle ages: New insights on transmission pathways through squirrels

Researchers have discovered that medieval English red squirrels hosted the leprosy bacterium M. leprae, shedding light on potential transmission pathways between animals and humans during the Middle Ages. This finding highlights the importance of understanding animal hosts in predicting disease persistence.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study
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.

International DNA Day launch for Hong Kong’s Moonshot for Biology

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Consortium has launched a project to sequence the genomes of its eukaryotic biodiversity, which is rich in species but threatened by climate change. The first five genomes have been published in GigaByte Journal to coincide with International DNA Day.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeExperimental study

Electronic health records unlock genetics of tobacco use disorder

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes associated with tobacco use disorder, including those linked to psychiatric and medical conditions. The study also identified hundreds of potential drug candidates that could help treat the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Human Behaviour

From a cryptic genetic element in the human gut to a sensitive biomarker

A mysterious plasmid, pBI143, found in 90% of human intestines, could be used to identify faecal contamination and offer insights into intestinal diseases. The discovery also highlights the prevalence of 'cryptic' plasmids in human gut microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis

Iconic savanna mammals face genetic problems due to fences and roads

A new study reveals that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate are less genetically healthy and more prone to decline. The loss of migration routes due to fencing and roads leads to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and reduced fertility.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications

Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for persistent HPV infections

Researchers have identified new genetic variants linked to susceptibility of cervical cancer-causing virus, raising the risk of getting cervical cancer from high-risk HPV infection. The study found polygenic risk scores to determine likelihood of having prevalent or persistent HPV infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study
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.

Deciphering genomic language: New AI system unlocks biology’s source code

An interdisciplinary team of researchers developed an AI system capable of deciphering genomic language and understanding its functional and regulatory grammar. The Genomic Language Model (gLM) learns from highly diverse metagenomic data, providing insights into gene functions, regulation, and evolutionary relationships.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Communications

ACMG Foundation/Revvity 2024 Travel Award presented to Meena Sethuraman, BS

Meena Sethuraman, a third-year medical student, received the 2024 ACMG Foundation/Revvity Travel Award for her research on genetic variants in fatty acid oxidation disorders. The award recognizes her platform presentation on characterizing pathogenicity of ACADVL variants in very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine presents seven Next Generation fellowship awards at the 2024 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine has presented seven Next Generation fellowship awards to promising early career professionals in medical genetics and genomics. The recipients include Xueyang Pan, Bianca Seminotti, and Adriel Yejin Kim, who will support their research projects with corporate donations from Pfizer, S...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
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.

Mutation solves a century-old mystery in meiosis

A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology uncovered the molecular mechanism responsible for crossover interference during meiosis, a biological process that generates genetically diverse reproductive cells. The findings have significant implications for breeding and cultivating crops with specific desired traits.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Plants

Microalgae with unusual cell biology

Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeImaging analysis