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Genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization discovered in soybean

New research from the University of Illinois has discovered genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization in soybeans. The study found that different soybean genotypes have varying levels of root colonization by a common mycorrhizal fungus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateJan 6, 2020

A new gene involved in strawberry fruiting time is identified

Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a new gene involved in strawberry fruiting duration, contradicting previous assumptions that only one gene controlled this trait. The study's findings provide valuable insights into genetic mechanisms and could lead to more efficient improvement programs for strawberry production.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

Tree maladaptation to current climates

A study on valley oak found that populations grow faster at cooler temperatures, suggesting the need for new conservation methods to mitigate warming temperature effects. Selecting seed sources based on genotype may alleviate declining growth rates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover 4 new strains of human adenovirus

Researchers discovered four new strains of human adenovirus in Singapore, with two strains linked to severe respiratory diseases. The study highlights an increase in adenovirus types 4 and 7 among pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 24, 2019

MPFI researchers develop newly devised strategy that allows the linking of phenotype to genotype

The Taniguchi Lab at MPFI has developed a novel protocol combining laser microdissection with single-cell genotyping to accurately link observed phenotypes to underlying genetics. This approach enables the reliable determination of exact genetic causes, particularly for genes in the brain that have subtle effects.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 9, 2019

Almond genome reveals how edible, sweet almonds arose

A new study presents the completed almond reference genome, revealing the genetic differences between toxic and sweet kernel genotypes. A cluster of transcription factors associated with sweet kernel genotypes was discovered, including bHLH2, which regulates the biosynthetic pathway for amygdalin production

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 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.

Happy in marriage? Genetics may play a role

A new study found that couples with the GG genotype in the oxytocin gene receptor reported greater marital satisfaction and feelings of security. This genetic variation affects social bonding and is linked to personality traits such as emotional stability and empathy.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2019

Comparing antioxidants levels in tomatoes of different color

Researchers found that specific antioxidants are associated with particular colors of tomato fruit, suggesting a balance between these compounds. The study's results support the use of genotypes with different-colored fruit in breeding programs to increase antioxidant levels in commercial cultivars.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateFeb 27, 2019

A growing list of factors that impact CKD severity for kids

The occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children are influenced by multiple factors, including preterm birth, genetic predisposition, HIV status, and access to kidney transplant. Clinicians must consider these competing issues when treating affected children.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateNov 20, 2018

Treating the 'bubble babies'

An international study published in Blood highlights the urgent need for better treatment strategies for patients with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). The study found that survival rates were higher after cell transplants from matched sibling donors and that young age and absence of active infection were key factors for impro...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 15, 2018
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.

Vampire bats found to carry infectious bacteria at high rates

A study found that 67% of vampire bats in Belize and Peru are infected with Bartonella bacteria, which can cause endocarditis. The research suggests transmission may occur through bites or environmental contamination, highlighting the risk of cross-species transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2018

Scientists shed new light on hepatitis B virus origins

Researchers have identified the geographical origins and global spread of HBV genotypes D and A, which originated in the Middle East and North Africa. The study reveals differences in their dissemination patterns, influenced by prehistoric and recent human migrations.

SourceeLife·DateAug 7, 2018
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.

New affordable hepatitis C combination treatment shows 97 percent cure rate

The new treatment combination including ravidasvir and sofosbuvir has shown extremely high cure rates, even among hard-to-treat patients, with a 97% success rate reported in the Phase II/III trial. The treatment is priced affordably at $300 for a 12-week course, offering an alternative to existing treatments.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·DateApr 12, 2018

First real-world studies report glecaprevir/pibrentasvir to be effective and well tolerated in chronic HCV infection

Two real-world studies from Italy and Germany report high rates of viral suppression and favourable safety profiles for glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective across a range of different patient types, with over 98% achieving sustained virological response.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 12, 2018

Fish 'super power' may offer clues about biodiversity evolution

Researchers have found that a roundnose grenadier fish species can adapt to changing environmental conditions based on its genetic code. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that the fish's genotype varies with depth, allowing it to thrive in vast ocean habitats.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 5, 2018

NIH pilot project will match researchers to genes, gene variants of interest

The Genomic Ascertainment Cohort (TGAC) will allow researchers to recall genotyped individuals and investigate the influence of their genes and gene variants on phenotypes. The NIH will establish a new database of 10,000 human genomes and exomes, enabling predictions of conditions caused by specific genes or variants.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateMar 1, 2018
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.

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.

Should we be worried about hepatitis E?

Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology·DateJul 27, 2017
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.

Study demonstrates the efficacy of an investigational treatment in hepatitis C subgroup

A Phase 3 study demonstrates that the co-formulation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir results in a 95% sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks post treatment in patients with Hepatitis C virus genotype 3. The investigational treatment was well-tolerated and showed comparable safety to sofosbuvir and daclatasvir.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 21, 2017

To find disease risk, genetics provides mother of all shortcuts

Researchers use genetic correlation to link disease risks, including heart health and diabetes, using data from a long-standing cohort and electronic health records. The method provides opportunities to answer epidemiological questions in weeks rather than decades.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateJan 20, 2017

'Bickering' flies make evolutionary point

Rice University biologist Julia Saltz found that fruit flies' genotypes and behaviors affect their social environments. In experiments, she observed that males in preferred groups were more aggressive than those in nonpreferred groups, while losing an encounter made them less aggressive.

SourceRice University·JournalHeredity·DateDec 1, 2016

Diversity as natural pesticide

Research suggests that increasing plant diversity can limit the nutrient supply for insect pests, reducing their populations. By introducing different genotypes of the same crop species with varying nutrient levels, farmers may be able to control insects while maintaining consistent production.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Alzheimer's gene may show effects on brain starting in childhood

A study found that children with the epsilon-4 gene variant had differences in brain development compared to those with epsilon-2 and epsilon-3 variants, including smaller hippocampus size and lower test scores on memory and thinking skills. The findings suggest early indications of risk for dementia and potential prevention strategies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 13, 2016

Characteristics improving bean resistance to drought identified

The study identified two groups of drought-resistant bean lines: 'water savers' and 'water spenders'. The former are suitable for semi-arid regions with limited moisture, while the latter have deep roots to maximize water extraction. These findings contribute to improving bean productivity in areas affected by drought.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJul 5, 2016
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.

Even light drinkers should watch for fatty liver disease

Research reveals that people with low ALDH2 activity, common in East Asian populations, are more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Even those who don't drink heavily or at all are at risk. Regular γ-GTP level checks are recommended.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNutrition and Diabetes·DateMay 23, 2016

New study challenges the concept of treatment failure in hepatitis C

A new study presents data demonstrating that personalized direct-acting antiviral treatment can eradicate the hepatitis C virus from the body in patients who had previously failed treatment. The study identified effective re-treatment combinations for genotype 1 and 3, achieving SVR12 rates of 90% and 100%, respectively.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 16, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New triple drug combination shows promise in hepatitis C infected patients

A new triple combination treatment of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and GS-9857 achieved a high sustained virologic response rate of 99% in patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. The treatment was generally safe and effective, even in patients who had previously received direct acting antivirals.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 14, 2016

Virus evolution differs by species of mosquito carrier

A new study reveals that different mosquito species can affect the evolution of viruses like West Nile. The southern house mosquito appears to be a key driver of West Nile divergence and is more likely to transmit virus variants with greater fitness in avian hosts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 31, 2016
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.

High-throughput evaluation of synthetic metabolic pathways

Researchers review challenges and advances in optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis, and high-throughput screening are discussed to improve pathway creation and screening.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2015

Urban swans' genes make them plucky

Research reveals that genetically predisposed timid swans are more likely to inhabit non-urban areas, while bolder swans colonize cities. The study found a significant association between specific DRD4 gene variants and wariness levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 10, 2015

Design of 'Japonica Array'

A research group has designed the first ever SNP array optimized for the Japanese population, covering the whole-genome region from which SNPs possessed by Japanese people can be obtained with high accuracy. The Japonica Array offers improved genotype imputation accuracy, accelerating personalized healthcare and medicine research.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateSep 1, 2015
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.

Gene mutation contributes to liver disease in patients of normal weight

Researchers found that normal-weight carriers of the PNPLA3 mutant genotype are at higher risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal function dysfunction. The study suggests this mutation may be used to identify individuals at high-risk for NAFLD, regardless of weight status.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Most comprehensive study to date reveals evolutionary history of citrus

A new study provides an accurate description of citrus evolution, tracing the genus back to a single common ancestor and identifying six genes driving genetic variation. The research also sheds light on the emergence of popular citrus species like mandarins and lemons.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Moderate drinking is healthy only for some people

A study published in Alcohol found that moderate drinking has a protective effect among only 15% of the general population with a specific genotype, which affects HDL cholesterol levels. This suggests that sweeping advice about moderate alcohol consumption may not be suitable for everyone.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlcohol·DateNov 10, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Evidence of genetic link to PTSD in soldiers exposed to childhood trauma

Researchers at Columbia University and the University of Michigan found an interaction between the ADRB2 gene and childhood adversity in a study of Ohio National Guard soldiers. The study suggests that genetic variations can influence PTSD symptoms, particularly in individuals with two or more experiences of childhood trauma.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2014