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Mosquito’s DNA could provide clues on gene expression, regulation

Researchers at Rice University's Center for Theoretical Biological Physics discovered Aedes aegypti's chromosomes have a unique 'liquid crystal' structure, unlike other species. This finding may provide insights into the functioning of genomes and gene regulation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

Scientists develop AI-based method to predict RNA modifications

A team of researchers developed an AI-based method called m6Anet to accurately predict chemical modifications of RNA molecules from genomic data. This enables the detection of RNA modifications in clinical samples and understanding their role in diseases such as cancer.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 8, 2023

Single test can now identify all strains of deadly fish virus ISKNV

A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2023
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.

Controlling insect pests by targeting genes acquired from other species

Scientists have identified horizontally transferred genes in insect genomes as valid targets for selectively killing green peach aphids and whiteflies. Silencing these genes using RNA interference reduces pest survival by up to 40%, with potential expansion to other insects through 'stacking' multiple targets.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Genetic analysis of blood type may increase number of kidney transplant matches

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that genetic analysis can identify up to 65% more A2 donors, increasing potential kidney transplants for recipient candidates with blood type B. This could improve availability and equity in kidney transplantation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Researchers produce first-ever toolkit for RNA sequencing analysis using a ‘pantranscriptome’

A new toolkit enables researchers to map individual RNA data to a more diverse 'pantranscriptome', addressing reference bias and increasing the accuracy of gene expression mapping. This approach builds on pangenomics, allowing for the comparison of an individual's genome to genetically diverse cohorts of reference sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 2023
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.

São Paulo to host advanced school in epidemic preparedness

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Epidemic Preparedness will bring together researchers from various fields to discuss core tracks such as mathematical modeling, genomics, epidemiological surveillance, and public health policies. Participants will engage in simulated situation rooms and hands-on experience with leading faculty.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 11, 2023

CHOP and NJIT researchers develop new tool for studying multiple characteristics of a single cell

Scientists from CHOP and NJIT created a software tool to analyze information from a single cell, revealing relationships between different cellular characteristics. The 'single-cell multimodal deep clustering' method can help identify the causes of genetic-based diseases by integrating data on gene expression, mRNA, proteins, and organ...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Incoherent use of ethnoracial categories in biomedical literature on COVID-19

Researchers analyzed 119 articles from the Lit Covid database to understand how researchers use ethnoracial categories in biomedical studies. The study found that many articles used terms 'race' or 'ethnicity' without clear definitions, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of research findings.

SourceInterdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University in Kraków·JournalMedicine Health Care and Philosophy·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 8, 2022

Continued excellence in DNA repair and genome stability research

The German Research Foundation renewed CRC 1361 for an additional four years to explore mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability. The consortium aims to elucidate how cells safeguard genetic information and promote human health by understanding DNA damage signaling pathways.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateDec 2, 2022
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.

CHOP researchers identify potential genetic variants linked to increased cancer risk in children with birth defects

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk in children with non-chromosomal birth defects. The study found that these variants were more commonly found in genes related to birth defects and cancer, suggesting a potential basis for early detection.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBiomarker Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Long-standing genomic mystery about the origins of introns explained in new study

A new study led by UCSC scientists suggests that introners are the source of most introns across species, providing a plausible explanation for their vast majority. The researchers found evidence of introners in 5.2% of surveyed eukaryotic species and suggest they may be a fundamental mechanism driving genomic complexity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2022

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 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.

The gut microbiome’s supersized role in shaping molecules in our blood

ISB researchers found that the gut microbiome is responsible for variation in circulating blood metabolites across people. The study examined 930 blood metabolites and found that over 60% were associated with either host genetics or the gut microbiome.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Meet the first Neandertal family

Researchers analyzed DNA from 13 Neandertals, finding evidence of a close-knit community with 10-20 individuals. Genetic data suggests that female migration played a key role in maintaining the group's cohesion, contradicting previous theories about male-dominated movements.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advanced genomic approaches hold promise for marine conservation

Genetic and genomic technologies can protect marine life by identifying illegally harvested seafood products and monitoring disease outbreaks. Assisted evolution and synthetic biology could also benefit ocean ecosystems by introducing beneficial species or manufacturing products in the lab.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2022

Chromosome-scale genome of a gentle giant

Researchers have completed and released a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the Aldabra giant tortoise, providing a much-needed genetic resource for rescue efforts. The data will aid in breeding efforts, comparative studies with other tortoise species, and understanding the species' remarkable size.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Old plants might have new tricks to improve crop outcomes, researchers report

Researchers created a new approach to predict genomic information in plant breeding, allowing for more diverse crop varieties. The strategy led to plants that outyielded current wheat varieties in multiple field trials, offering potential solutions to crop disease evolution and climate change.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 5, 2022

Improvements for Man and Machine in Scientific Publishing

The use of Frictionless Data enhances both machine readability and human engagement with scientific outputs, turning articles into dynamic entities. Interactive figures enable readers to directly interact with data points, making the publication process more efficient and reproducible.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

“Mystery gene” matures the skeleton of the cell

Researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have discovered a new 'mystery gene' responsible for maturing the actin protein, a main component of the cell skeleton. The findings shed light on the complex process by which proteins are completed and functional in cells, with potential implications for understanding muscle diseases.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2022
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.

$15 million from Leducq Foundation boosts atherosclerosis research

The Leducq Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to UVA researchers, led by Mete Civelek, to investigate sex differences in atherosclerosis and $8 million to Coleen McNamara to advance immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. These projects aim to improve understanding of heart disease and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 27, 2022

Revealing the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals

Researchers have reconstructed the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals, revealing key features such as 19 autosomal chromosomes and 38 sex chromosomes. The study provides insights into the evolutionary stability of gene order and orientation on chromosomes over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2022

How a plant from the USA invaded Europe

A study on common ragweed found that its gene adaptation is key to its successful invasion of Europe. The plant's ability to resist local pathogens and hybridize with other species has allowed it to outcompete native species.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Genomics study identifies unique set of proteins that restores hearing in zebrafish

Researchers at NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute discovered a network of proteins necessary for restoring hearing in zebrafish through cell regeneration. The study identifies two families of transcription factors that work together to activate hair cell regeneration, offering potential insights into treating human hearing loss.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022
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.

Phase transition of FUS protein causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

AMP recommends minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles to guide design, development, and validation of clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published consensus recommendations for clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays, promoting standardization across laboratories. The report identifies a minimum set of alleles to include in clinical tests, enabling healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 25, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists develop new technique to reveal the hidden genome

Researchers have identified nearly 8,000 short RNA sequences that code for microproteins and peptides, opening new avenues for disease research and drug development. The technique used to discover these sequences provides a comprehensive map of human smORFs, highlighting overlooked functional components of the genome.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Giving immunotherapy cells resilience to pass the “stress test”

Scientists at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes use CRISPR-based edit to render therapeutic T cells more resilient, overcoming a major factor limiting cancer immunotherapies' success. The discovery may help improve treatment of both solid and liquid tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2022

Ridge-to-reef ecosystem census reveals hidden reservoir for microbiomes

A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022
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.

Programming pH

Researchers develop technique to control pH at microsites, enabling high-throughput biomolecular synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis. This allows for increased experimental throughput and speeding up processes in DNA synthesis.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2022

Leading scientists use Genomics England data set to propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis

Leading scientists propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis using whole-genome sequence data, building on insights from Genomics England's rare disease participants. The guidelines aim to address the challenge of interpreting non-coding region variants and provide a framework for standardizing diagnoses.

SourceGenomics England·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Illinois project takes on quantitative disease resistance in corn

Quantitative disease resistance is a promising approach to combat plant diseases, which cause an estimated 13% loss of global crop yields annually. Researchers aim to identify disease resistance mechanisms for important corn diseases and develop genetic resources for the broader maize genetics community.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 11, 2022
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.

Capturing California’s biodiversity for the future of conservation

The California Conservation Genomics Project is generating high-quality data to inform conservation policy, mapping genetic diversity across the state's diverse ecosystems. By analyzing over 22,000 genomes, researchers aim to identify critical habitats for protection and create a snapshot of genomic biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateJul 6, 2022

Repairing nature with DNA technology

Genomics offers vital support for reversing ecosystem decline by improving seed sourcing practices under climate change and screening for threatened species. The technology also enables the detection of invasive weeds and animals, as well as tracking of soil microbes that support life on earth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2022
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.

The secret lives of mites in the skin of our faces

Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022

Origins of the Black Death identified

Ancient DNA analysis reveals that an epidemic devastated a local community in Kyrgyzstan in 1338 and 1339, linked to the Black Death. The study suggests that the Black Death's ancestor originated in Central Asia, close to Lake Issyk Kul.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2022
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 inherited retroviruses identified in the koala genome

Researchers from Uppsala University have identified new inherited retroviruses in the koala genome, including novel ERV lineages related to the squirrel monkey retrovirus. These findings provide a potential model for studying retroviral establishment and health effects in real-time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

PCR test for Okinawa mozuku could increase yields and lead to climate-tolerant strains

Researchers from OIST developed a PCR test that detects nine sex-determining genes in Okinawa mozuku germlings, enabling the identification of male and female haploid and diploid stages. This allows for crossbreeding to create heat-tolerant strains, improving yields and addressing issues with detachment and contamination.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhycological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Pre-historic Wallacea - a melting pot of human genetic ancestries

Researchers analyzed 16 ancient genomes from Wallacea, revealing striking differences between regions and a previously unknown ancestry contribution from Mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest multiple human dispersals into Wallacea and major implications for the understanding of Neolithic dispersals into Island Southeast Asia.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 9, 2022
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.

Researchers identify ancient bird behind giant eggs from Down Under

A team of researchers has identified the ancient bird species behind giant prehistoric eggs in Australia, resolving a years-long debate. The study found that the eggs belonged to a unique duck-like line of megafauna known as the 'Demon Ducks of Doom', which was laid by the Genyornis newtoni bird.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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