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Summit charts a course to uncover the origins of genetic diseases

A team developed an integrative model of the transcription preinitiation complex (PIC) using IBM's Summit system. The new model provides superior insights into protein structures and dynamics, revealing how mutations cause genetic diseases.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 21, 2019

Dog DNA find could aid quest to help breeds breathe more easily

Researchers have identified a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in dogs, including Norwich terriers with proportional noses. The discovery raises the possibility of genetic tests to identify animals at risk and could help breeders avoid producing affected pups.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 16, 2019

Cryptic mutation is cautionary tale for crop gene editing

Researchers from CSHL discovered a cryptic mutation in tomatoes that had unexpected effects on growth and yield. By understanding the interaction between this mutation and another gene, they found that duplicating the mutated gene restored its function, providing a solution to agricultural production issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Experimental drug shows promise for genetic form of ALS

A new experimental therapy has demonstrated potential in slowing the progression of a genetic form of ALS by reducing SOD1 protein levels. Patients who received the treatment showed improved breathing capacity, muscle strength, and functional abilities compared to those given a placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMay 1, 2019

Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn

A Rutgers-led study found that pollen genes in certain corn strains undergo natural mutations, which may lead to better breeding and crop development. In contrast, other strains show no detectable gene mutations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

NUP160 genetic mutation linked to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Mutations in the NUP160 gene are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease that does not respond to steroids. The study identified new genetic mutations and developed a functional study system to analyze human genes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 26, 2019
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.

New CRISPR-powered device detects genetic mutations in minutes

A new CRISPR-based device, CRISPR-Chip, can detect specific genetic mutations in a matter of minutes. The device uses graphene transistors to scan DNA samples and report results electronically, bypassing the need for polymerase chain reaction amplification.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 25, 2019

Inherited mutations may play a role in pancreatic cancer development

A retrospective study found that inherited mutations in pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in patients with specific precursor lesions. The study analyzed DNA from 315 patients and found a higher likelihood of invasive pancreatic cancer in those with inherited mutations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 26, 2019

Scientists unravel genetic basis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Finns

A nationwide study published in ESC Heart Failure has identified four major mutations causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Finland. The study found that 40% of patients carried a specific or likely mutation, while 20% were carriers of a rare gene mutation with unknown role.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateFeb 22, 2019

Movement impairments in autism could be reversible

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic mutation in the CYFIP1 gene linked to autism-related motor issues. Early intervention with movement therapies shows promise in reversing these difficulties.

SourceCardiff University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2019
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.

Identical twins light the way for new genetic cause of arthritis

Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven discovered a genetic mutation that can cause a juvenile form of inflammatory joint disease. The study used next-generation sequencing and immunology approaches to unravel the disease mechanism, providing insights into the development of targeted therapies.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 24, 2019

New mutations causing inherited deaf-blindness have been discovered

Scientists at Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University have discovered new genetic mutations associated with Usher syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects deaf-blindness. The study found unique mutations in DNA regions and confirmed diagnoses of type II USH in Russian patients.

SourceSechenov University·JournalOphthalmic Genetics·DateJan 22, 2019

Study identifies genetic mutation responsible for tuberculosis vulnerability

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that makes people vulnerable to tuberculosis, a condition affecting one in five people globally. The mutation, TYK2, increases the risk of developing TB by disrupting the immune system's ability to fight mycobacteria, making individuals more susceptible to infection.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 2, 2019

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2018

Possible alterations in the DNA involved in cancer

A study published in Cell Reports reveals the role of protein PIF1 in repairing G-quadruplex DNA structures, which can impede DNA repair mechanisms. The discovery sheds light on potential therapeutic options for cancer treatment and could improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2018
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.

DF-PGT, now possible through massive sequencing techniques

A research team from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develops a new Double Factor Preimplantation Genetic Testing (DF-PGT) strategy using massive sequencing techniques. This allows for simultaneous diagnosis of genetic mutations and chromosomal alterations, increasing the security of the diagnosis and the viability of embryos.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2018

Neuroscientists pinpoint genes tied to dementia

A UCLA-led research team has identified two major groups of genes involved in mutations that result in an overproduction of tau protein, a hallmark of progressive dementia. The study suggests that these genetic processes may be targetable with experimental drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 3, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetic mutation may increase risk of pancreatic cancer in females

A study found that female-specific genetic mutation ATRX increases susceptibility to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The research team discovered that deleting the gene in females led to increased progression to cancer, while males with the mutation experienced reduced risk of injury and progression to cancer.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 4, 2018

Test could detect patients at risk from lethal fungal spores

Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that increases the amount of dangerous fungal spores in the lungs, making people more susceptible to Aspergillus infections. A new test could detect this mutation and screen patients at risk from lethal fungal spores.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2018
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.

Thousands of breast cancer gene variants engineered and analyzed

Researchers have analyzed nearly 4,000 mutations in the BRCA1 gene, shedding light on its role in breast and ovarian cancer. The findings provide immediate benefits to patients with previously inconclusive genetic test results, enabling clinicians to better interpret variant of uncertain significance.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2018

Family genetics vital for understanding autism progression

A new study finds that individuals with a disease-associated mutation can have vastly different symptoms due to the total amount of rare mutations in their genome. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of mutations and cognitive development, IQ scores, and head size.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

Research identifies potential guidance for gastric cancer treatment

Researchers have discovered a link between MUC16 gene mutations and higher tumor mutation loads in gastric cancer patients, which may improve response rates to immunotherapy. The study's findings could open up new treatment options for up to 38% of gastric cancer patients.

SourceNational Foundation for Cancer Research·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 14, 2018

Genetic mutation underlying severe childhood brain disorder identified

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation and faulty development process that causes a debilitating brain-based disorder in children. The mutation, in the alpha-N-catenin gene (CTNNA2), leads to abnormal cell adhesion and impaired neuronal migration, resulting in severe intellectual impairment and limited life expectancy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 9, 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.

Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms of rare skin disease

Researchers found that people with the rare disease have genetic mutations in CIB1, EVER1, or EVER2, which compromises their immune response to ß-HPVs. The study revealed that ß-HPVs can replicate and cause skin lesions and cancer when this defense mechanism is disrupted.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018
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.

Blindness gene discovered

UNIGE researchers identified a new gene, MARK3, as the cause of a recessive genetic disorder leading to childhood blindness. The discovery enables accurate diagnosis and may lead to personalized treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 23, 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.

Rise of the clones

Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified inherited and acquired mutations that drive clonal hematopoiesis, an age-related white blood cell condition linked with higher risk of certain blood cancers and cardiovascular disease. The study found that inherited genetic variants can influence the acquisition of later-life mutations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2018

Gene-editing technique cures genetic disorder in utero

Researchers used a peptide nucleic acid-based gene editing technique to successfully cure a genetic condition in mice. The treatment corrected 6% of mutations and caused dramatic improvements in symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach for treating genetic disorders during early stages of development.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2018

Mechanism leading to cortical malformation from brain-only mutations identified

Research identifies brain-only MTOR mutations as a key factor in causing cortical malformations, intellectual disability, and developmental delay in children. The study found that disrupted ciliary formation leads to cortical dyslamination, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of FMCDs.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNeuron·DateJul 2, 2018

Mutations in gene TRAF7 are associated with a multisystem disorder

Researchers identified four TRAF7 mutations in seven patients with a similar multisystem disorder, associated with developmental delay, congenital heart defects and limb anomalies. The mutations reduced ERK1/2 pathway activity, suggesting a possible genetic link to the condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 28, 2018
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.

Study offers new hope for the fight against genetically determined obesity

Researchers discover that people with monogenic obesity can lose weight with liraglutide, a modified form of GLP-1 hormone. The medicine has a positive effect on reducing hunger and body weight, even for those who respond poorly to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 1, 2018

MSU-based scientists explained the survivability of viruses

Researchers analyzed the survivability of RNA-containing viruses, discovering that inaccurate genetic copying helps them adapt to adverse conditions. The study found that viruses can repair damaged elements or evolve new properties to compensate for damage, ensuring their survival and persistence.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalMicrobiology and Molecular Biology Reviews·DateApr 26, 2018
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 describe role of novel mutations in fosfomycin resistance

Researchers have discovered novel chromosomal mutations contributing to fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, with uhpB and uhpC mutations showing highest impact. The study found that these mutations rendered the antibiotic ineffective at lower doses compared to other mutations.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2018

Newly identified gene mutation results in intellectual disability and developmental delay

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a genetic mutation associated with intellectual disability, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and congenital cardiac anomalies. The mutation, in the NAA15 gene, is linked to Ogden syndrome, a more severe condition also caused by a mutation in the NAA10 gene.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 12, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists find link between congenital cardiac malformation and adult adrenal cancer

A genetic mutation in EPAS1/HIF2A gene is found to be the main reason for the development of adrenal gland tumors in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The study also reveals that patients with this severe type of heart disease have a sixfold higher risk of developing these tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2018

Research discovers how some cancers resist treatment

Researchers identified new genetic mutations in cancer cells that promote survival and resistance to treatment. The study found that no two cancers were genetically identical, even among those with similar characteristics.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mapping a genetic risk

Researchers mapped gene expression levels to understand how mutations affect traits, finding non-linear relationships that aren't proportional to the level of mutation. This discovery helps improve prediction accuracy for diseases like cleft lip and palate.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2018

New software helps detect adaptive genetic mutations

Researchers from Brown University have developed a new method, SWIF(r), to detect adaptive genetic mutations. The technique combines multiple statistical tests into a single machine-learning framework, allowing for more accurate identification of beneficial mutations and shedding light on the evolutionary history of populations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2018

New algorithm can pinpoint mutations in large sections of the human genome

A team of scientists developed an algorithm that accurately pinpoints mutations favored by natural selection, shedding light on the specific mutations responding to selection pressure. The iSAFE algorithm reliably identifies favored mutations in large genomic regions without needing function information or demographic data.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 19, 2018
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 Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rapid spread of multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia demands urgent action

A genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia originated from a single mutation combination in 2008, which spread rapidly across the region before becoming apparent in 2013. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of genetic mutations to mitigate resistance and prevent further outbreaks.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2018

Four in 10 cardiomyopathies -- a major cause of sudden death in young people -- are genetic

A European Society of Cardiology study found that four in ten cardiomyopathies in young people are genetic. Family screening is crucial to detect the disease in apparently healthy relatives and prevent early death. The study also highlights the need for earlier diagnosis and better diagnostic tests, including genetic testing.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 24, 2018
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.