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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Secrets of evolution found in ancient plant DNA

A new study has discovered over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences in plants, providing a comprehensive atlas of regulatory conservation across 284 species. These sequences date back to over 400 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of plant genomes and gene families.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026

Clues to Alzheimer’s disease may be hiding in our ‘junk’ DNA

Researchers have identified DNA switches that control how brain cells called astrocytes work, which are known to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The study used CRISPRi technology and single-cell RNA sequencing to test nearly 1000 potential switches, finding that about 150 of them controlled genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Neanderthal DNA helps explain how faces form

Scientists studied Neanderthal DNA to understand how facial features develop and evolve. They found a region of DNA that activates the SOX9 gene, leading to a larger lower jaw in Neanderthals. This discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind face variation and evolution.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2025

Chemical shield stops stressed DNA from triggering disease

Researchers developed a chemical probe that binds to damaged mitochondrial DNA, blocking enzymatic processes that lead to its degradation. This approach lessens mtDNA loss, preserving energy production in vulnerable tissues. The new molecule successfully reduced inflammation and maintained functional DNA despite chemical tagging.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 21, 2025
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.

How a critical enzyme keeps potentially dangerous genes in check

Cells employ a protein network to repress TE activity and keep themselves healthy. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is a lead choreographer in this process, protecting cells from genomic instability by restraining TET activity.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025

Gene ‘silencer’ in junk DNA prevents fatal neurological disease

A team of geneticists discovered a gene 'silencer' in junk DNA that prevents the devastating neurological disease autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD). The silencer element regulates lamin B1 expression, only affecting one type of cell, and its presence can spare patients from fatal symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025

Uncovering key molecular factors behind malaria’s deadliest strain

A UC Riverside-led team, funded by the NIH, aims to uncover molecular factors governing gene regulation and chromatin organization in P. falciparum. The project focuses on long non-coding RNAs, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and influencing disease progression.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 20, 2024
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.

AI promises to ramp up PCR tests for faster DNA diagnostics and forensics

A new study by Flinders University experts has developed an AI-powered PCR system that improves the quality of DNA profiling and increases the efficiency of cycling conditions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as forensic science, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGenes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2024

Cracking the code of life: new AI model learns DNA’s hidden language

Researchers developed an AI model called GROVER that treats human DNA as a text, learning its rules and context to draw functional information about the DNA sequences. The tool has the potential to unlock the genetic code and advance personalized medicine.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2024
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.

Genome recording makes living cells their own historians

Researchers have developed ENGRAM, a method that records cell signals and biological states as they occur inside living cells. This approach offers a novel way to capture biological information in living systems, potentially helping answer questions about cellular pasts and futures.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

New class of cancer mutations discovered in so-called ‘junk’ DNA

A new study has identified potential cancer drivers hidden in so-called 'junk' regions of DNA, which could lead to early diagnosis and new treatments. The discovery reveals mutations in previously overlooked regions of the genome that may contribute to the formation and progression of at least 12 different cancers.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

New genetic mutation identified for congenital thyroid condition

A team of researchers from the University of Chicago has identified a genetic mutation in a non-coding region of DNA that alters thyroid hormone regulation, leading to a rare form of congenital thyroid abnormality. This discovery sheds light on a previously unexplained phenomenon and may lead to new treatments for individuals with this...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Casting new light on gene regulation in development

Scientists discovered a shift in gene regulation by enhancers during embryonic development, showing both 'instructive' and 'permissive' modes of regulation. The study found that developmental stage determines which mode is dominant, allowing for rapid gene expression changes and tissue-specific control systems.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy

A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Yeast with an over half synthetic genome is created in the lab

Researchers successfully combined seven synthetic chromosomes into a single yeast cell, resulting in a strain with more than 50% synthetic DNA. The team's achievement paves the way for engineering biology and understanding the fundamental principles of genome fundamentals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023
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.

Butterfly wing patterns emerge from ancient “junk” DNA

New research reveals how non-coding DNA accommodates a basic plan for butterfly wing patterns while allowing evolution of diverse patterns. Regulatory elements work like switches to turn up or down patterns, supporting an ancient color pattern ground plan.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2022

Synthetic tools conduct messages from station to station in DNA

Researchers used deactivated Cas9 proteins to target key segments of the human genome and synthetically trigger gene transcription. The study revealed that enhancers can send messages in both directions, but with a predominant regulatory mode where an enhancer tracks toward corresponding promoters.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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.

Molecules produced by cells in response to stress may be indicators of various diseases

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that certain RNA molecules called tDRs released by cells in response to stress can serve as markers of cellular stress in different diseases. The study created an atlas of stress signatures for tDRs, which can be used to diagnose and understand various conditions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

An ‘oracle’ for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

New tool reveals function of enigmatic gene sequences

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new high-precision tool to identify the function of noncoding DNA sequences, which may eventually contribute to the development of targeted drugs. The study reveals that these noncoding parts of patients' DNA are linked to genetic changes in diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 2022

So-called junk DNA plays critical role in mammalian development

A new study has identified a transposon promoter that plays a crucial role in the development of mice and may also be essential for human viability. The discovery suggests that ancient viral DNA has been domesticated to regulate key biological processes, such as cell proliferation and embryo implantation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
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.

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

Scientists identify new genetic MND risk factor in junk DNA

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered a genetic risk factor for MND in non-coding DNA that can be targeted by SynCav1, potentially halting or preventing disease progression. The study built on patient data from Project MinE and could lead to personalized medicine for MND patients.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 1, 2020

Junk DNA might be really, really useful for biocomputing

Researchers propose using repetitive DNA sequences, known as flipons, to create logic circuits and perform calculations. These sequences can form different DNA structures, enabling the creation of genetic programs that can be used to overcome environmental challenges.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateJul 22, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Stuttering DNA orchestrates the start of the mosquito's life

Researchers discovered that a type of junk DNA in mosquitoes orchestrates the start of their life by regulating the activity of other RNA molecules. The breakdown of maternal RNA is essential for further development and is controlled by the stuttering DNA.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2020

'Junk DNA' affects inherited cancer risk

A new study found that genetic variations in non-coding regions of DNA can drive cancer development. Researchers analyzed over 6 million genetic variants and discovered correlations between specific SNPs and the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 5, 2019

Research improves understanding of mechanism of atrial fibrillation

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a functional link between noncoding DNA regions called Pitx2 enhancers and the expression of the Pitx2 gene in relation to atrial fibrillation. This interaction prevents predisposition to the condition by looping and folding distant Pitx2 enhancers to make contact with the gene.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2019

Koala virus could explain why humans have 'junk' DNA

Researchers analyzing a koala virus hope it can explain why humans have accumulated millions of years of 'junk' DNA. The retrovirus has infected germline cells in humans for over five million years, altering the host genetic code and that of its descendants.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 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.

Scientists discover a role for 'junk' DNA

Researchers found that satellite DNA, once thought to be 'junk,' is essential for holding the genome together and ensuring cell survival. This conserved function is critical for chromosomes to bundle correctly inside the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 11, 2018

A chicken-egg question: Where do baby genes come from?

Researchers found that new genes are more likely to appear in full form rather than gradually evolving through proto-genes. This is because non-coding DNA sequences give rise to highly ordered proteins, which are often deleterious to the organism.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 26, 2017

Genome editing: Pressing the 'delete' button on DNA

A new software tool, CRISPETa, has been developed to efficiently delete non-coding DNA in living cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the genomic basis of disease and may lead to discovery of new disease-causing genes and potential new drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 2, 2017
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 tool enables scientists to interpret 'dark matter' DNA

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have invented a new way to read and interpret the human genome, using machine learning technology to predict gene-enhancer interactions. The TargetFinder tool accurately predicts complex three-dimensional interactions up to 85% of the time, opening the door to treating genetic diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 4, 2016

Are the blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome?

Researchers have found that snakes share similar genetic patterns with mammals and birds in their limbs and genitalia, suggesting a common ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic elements may play a crucial role in phallus development and genital shape variation among species.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 1, 2015
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.

DNA of bacteria crucial to ecosystem defies explanation

Researchers found a bacterium, Trichodesmium, with a unique genome that contradicts the understanding of free-living microbial genome architectures. The DNA sequence contains only about 63% expressed protein, breaking the mold for oligotrophs and challenging current knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2015

New functions for 'junk' DNA?

Researchers identified highly conserved non-coding sequences in plant genomes, associated with basic biological processes like development and gene regulation. These findings suggest that non-coding DNA can have important functions beyond protein encoding.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 31, 2014

New genes spring and spread from non-coding DNA

A study by researchers at UC Davis found 248 new genes that exist only in Drosophila melanogaster, emerging from ancestrally non-coding DNA. These genes showed evidence of being under selection and were more likely to be larger and more complex.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Reading DNA, backward and forward

Researchers at MIT have discovered a mechanism that allows cells to read their own DNA in the correct direction and prevents most of the so-called 'junk DNA' from copying into RNA. This process helps explain the existence of many recently discovered types of short strands of RNA whose function is unknown.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2013
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.

Carnivorous plant throws out 'junk' DNA

The Utricularia gibba genome, smallest sequenced from a complex plant, contradicts the notion that vast quantities of noncoding DNA are crucial for complex life. The bladderwort has purged most of its genetic material, including noncoding 'junk' DNA, while maintaining a functional set of genes similar to those of other plant species.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2013

Information theory helps unravel DNA's genetic code

Researchers used information theory to identify DNA introns and exons, achieving an order of magnitude speedup over previous methods. This breakthrough can help better understand the human genome and predict diseases linked to DNA.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Missing DNA makes us human

The study found that humans have unique non-coding DNA segments missing in chimpanzees and other animals, which are correlated with specific human physical characteristics. These differences may have evolved to favor pair-bonding relationships and group living, rather than rapid copulation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2011

Junk DNA may prove invaluable in quest for gene therapies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a protein that enables sections of so-called junk DNA to be cut and pasted within genetic code. This finding could speed up the development of gene therapies by allowing scientists to control the process of DNA transposition.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell·DateSep 21, 2009

Saved by junk DNA

Researchers found that unstable junk DNA helps tune gene activity, allowing organisms to rapidly adapt to changes. This discovery suggests that 'junk' DNA has a functional role in the evolution of our genome.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2009
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.

Study finds value in 'junk' DNA

A recent study from the University of Iowa found that nearly half of human DNA, composed of repetitive sequences like Alu elements, gives rise to functional exons that regulate gene expression. These findings suggest a link between 'junk' DNA and human-specific traits, such as muscle-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 16, 2008

Early-stage gene transcription creates access to DNA

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in gene expression where non-coding RNAs create access to DNA, allowing transcriptional activation proteins to initiate gene expression. This process involves the transient synthesis of non-coding RNAs that unfurl tightly wound DNA, enabling gene expression.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2008

Scientists discover tiny RNAs play a big role in controlling genes

Researchers at Yale University's Stem Cell Center discovered piRNAs, a recently identified class of tiny RNAs, play a crucial role in regulating gene function and stem cell fate. The study found over 13,000 piRNAs in fruit flies, revealing their importance in controlling chromatin and gene expression.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2007

Sequencing method yields fuller picture

Researchers infer complete chromosome sequences from existing data using a statistical method that exploits genetic mutations in organisms with high variability. The study confirms the conserved function of junk DNA and its potential role in regulating gene function.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 17, 2007