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Lipoproteins behave 'almost like a tiny Velcro ball'

A recent study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the protein makeup of HDL particles plays a crucial role in their ability to predict heart health. The research, led by Nathalie Pamir, identified genetic variants linked to cholesterol efflux capacity and proteins associated with HDL's activity.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 14, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's all in the code: protein production efficiency can be predicted by gene sequence

Researchers discovered a correlation between mRNA codon composition and protein abundance, revealing the importance of gene sequence optimization for efficient translation. The study's findings have significant implications for medicine and bioengineering, offering new avenues for treating diseases and boosting biotech applications.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 4, 2019

A solid scaffolding for our cells

Researchers at UNIGE have deciphered the fundamental role of the Not1 protein in regulating ribosome activity, allowing proteins to assemble at the right time and place. This discovery sheds light on a crucial element of cellular machinery and its potential link to diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 28, 2019

Study shows how specific gene variants may raise bipolar disorder risk

Researchers discovered that people with bipolar disorder have lower levels of the CPG2 protein, which regulates glutamate receptor numbers at excitatory synapses. Genetic variations in the SYNE1 gene, encoding the protein, undermine its expression and function in neurons.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2019
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.

Revisiting the hub of protein synthesis

Researchers at InStem have identified distinct markers to distinguish ribosomes that are specialized for producing specific sets of proteins. These findings suggest a novel role for the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein in modifying ribosomal RNA and regulating protein synthesis.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournaliScience·DateNov 20, 2018

Freeze-frame microscopy captures molecule's 'lock-and-load' on DNA

Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed snapshots of the TFIID molecule's dynamic structure as it interacts with DNA. The high-resolution images reveal new insights into the molecular mechanism and provide opportunities for developing drugs that target its structural changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2018

Drug-resistance mutations in malaria

Researchers have discovered previously unidentified mutations in the PfCoronin and PfKelch13 genes that confer artemisinin resistance in West African malaria strains. These findings provide potential insights into the molecular mechanisms of artemisinin resistance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 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.

Failing heart cells trigger self-protection mechanism

Researchers discovered a self-protection mechanism in failing heart cells that triggers the regulation of genes promoting heart failure. The study reveals that one fragment of the protein junctophilin-2 protects against damage by traveling to the cell nuclei.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Long noncoding RNA identified as a key regulator of inflammation

A new study finds that long noncoding RNA lincRNA-Cox2 regulates the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immune system responses. It boosts production of the Cox2 enzyme and influences expression of other genes, shedding light on previously dismissed 'junk DNA' functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 6, 2018
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.

Genetic search reveals key to resistance in global cotton pest

Researchers identified a dominantly inherited mutation that makes cotton bollworms resistant to genetically engineered cotton. The study's findings suggest that this dominant gene is spreading rapidly and may soon threaten cotton production in China.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Early changes to synapse gene regulation may cause Alzheimer's disease

A Japanese team of researchers found that early changes to synapse gene regulation, including the phosphorylation of SRRM2 protein, can lead to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers new insights into the pathology of AD and may suggest possibilities for gene therapies using virus vectors.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 12, 2018

Solving a medical mystery: Cause of rare type of dwarfism discovered

Scientists have identified the cause of Saul-Wilson syndrome, a rare type of dwarfism characterized by short stature and developmental delays. A single spontaneous gene change alters protein packaging in the cell's Golgi complex, affecting protein function and stability.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 4, 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.

A protein prevents plants from premature flowering

Researchers at UNIGE have identified a protein called RUP2 that blocks the effect of UV-B radiation on plant flowering, allowing plants to regulate their growth in response to seasonal changes. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and our understanding of plant development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 27, 2018

Co-evolution between a 'parasite gene' and its host

Researchers found a new mechanism by which small snoRNAs regulate the splicing process of host genes, ensuring proper protein production. This breakthrough discovery opens a new avenue of research into gene expression and has implications for understanding diseases like cancer.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 19, 2018

An international team led by the CNIO reveals that human genome could contain up to 20 percent fewer genes

A new international collaboration led by the CNIO reveals that up to 20% of human genes may not be coding genes, but rather non-coding or pseudogenes, which could have significant effects on biomedicine. The study analyzed gene catalogs and found that many genes were more likely to be non-coding than previously thought.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 30, 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.

New CRISPR technique skips over portions of genes that can cause disease

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to skip over specific parts of genes that can cause disease. This approach could potentially treat genetic diseases such as Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and Huntington's disease by eliminating mutated gene sequences and influencing their expression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 16, 2018

Combining on and off switches, one protein can control flowering in plants

A University of Wisconsin-Madison research team discovered a previously unknown mechanism for controlling cellular decisions, combining an on-and-off switch in a single protein. The protein EBS binds to two different chemical modifications on histones, promoting or preventing the transition to flowering.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 6, 2018

Genome editing improves yield of spider silk

Researchers have successfully engineered silkworms to produce high yields of spider silk using genome editing, a breakthrough that could pave the way for mass production of this versatile material. The transgenic silkworms produced fibers with improved elasticity and extensibility compared to wild-type silkworms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018

Previously undiagnosed neurological disorder linked to gene IRF2BPL

A new genetic link has been found between the gene IRF2BPL and a previously undiagnosed neurological disorder characterized by progressive neurodevelopmental regression. Mutations in IRF2BPL were identified in seven individuals, including five with severe symptoms and two with milder characteristics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 26, 2018
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.

Gene regulator may contribute to protein pileup in exfoliation glaucoma

Researchers found that variants of the LOXL1 gene are associated with increased levels of the protein, which clogs the outflow pathway and causes high pressure in the eye. The long non-coding RNA lncLOXL1 regulates the gene's expression and is thought to contribute to the disease progression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

Protecting ribosome genes to prevent aging

Scientists have identified a protein called SIRT7 that protects cells against senescence by keeping certain genes turned off. This function is crucial for preventing age-related deterioration and could lead to therapies targeting cellular senescence.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2018

The spliceosome: The tailor that coordinates the 'snip and stitch' of genetic information

The study reveals the Spp42 protein plays a crucial role in regulating spliceosome components, essential for transforming genetic information into functional proteins. This understanding may lead to new drugs targeting the spliceosome function to treat diseases such as cancer and leukemia.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

Broken shuttle may interfere with learning in major brain disorders

A study led by NYU School of Medicine researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack the gamma-CaMKII shuttle protein took twice as long to form a memory needed to complete a simple task. The team restored learning ability by re-inserting the human version of the shuttle protein into mice.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2018
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.

Structural protein found essential to X chromosome inactivation

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identify SMCHD1 as critical regulator of X chromosome inactivation, allowing genes to be suppressed. The study's findings have implications for treating diseases associated with misfolded chromatin and hold promise for reactivating the inactive X chromosome.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 7, 2018

In building the brain, cell pedigree matters

A study published in Neuron has found that a neural precursor protein called PRDM16 plays a crucial role in shaping the organization of the cerebral cortex. The researchers discovered that when PRDM16 is active, it helps to regulate the migration of neurons and their ultimate positioning in the cortex.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJun 7, 2018

Scientists create 'genetic atlas' of proteins in human blood

Researchers have created a comprehensive genetic atlas of human plasma proteins, identifying nearly 2,000 genetic associations with almost 1,500 proteins. This discovery promises to aid in the development of new drugs and enhance our understanding of various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

How a cell knows when to divide

Research reveals that cells must grow large enough to produce four key proteins before committing to division. This mechanism, discovered in budding yeast cells, may hold clues for controlling abnormal cell growth and its link to diseases like cancer.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateMay 23, 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.

Reading histone modifications, an oncoprotein is modified in return

Researchers have discovered that the act of reading histone modifications leads to the modification of an oncoprotein called TRIM24 with a small protein tag called SUMO. This discovery suggests new ways to inhibit metastasis in cancer cells by targeting TRIM24's interactions with histones.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2018

Researchers identify gene that helps prevent brain disease

The researchers have identified a gene called Ankrd16 that prevents the production of harmful protein aggregates in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Elevating levels of Ankrd16 protects specific neurons from dying, while removing it leads to widespread buildup of abnormal proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 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.

The plant hormone auxin coordinates wood formation

Researchers found that auxin hormone controls stem cell division and WOX4 gene expression, essential for wood formation. The study revealed a direct regulation of WOX4 by auxin signaling factors, shedding light on the complex mechanism behind plant growth.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

Study yields more than a million new cyclic compounds, some with pharmaceutical potential

Scientists have generated a vast library of unique cyclic compounds that can bind to their targets with stability and effectiveness. The new compounds have the capacity to interrupt specific protein-protein interactions that play a role in disease, offering potential therapeutic agents for various conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 12, 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.

Quantum machine shows promise for biological research

Researchers applied quantum machine learning to a real-world biological problem, predicting the strength of binding sites for transcription factors. The study demonstrated the potential of quantum computing for biology, with results consistent with current understanding of gene regulation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 27, 2018

New online tool gives 3-D view of human metabolic processes

Researchers developed Recon3D, a comprehensive human metabolic network reconstruction integrating genes, proteins, and metabolites. The tool revealed 'mutation hotspots' where disease-causing mutations occur, and how drugs affect metabolic reactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 27, 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.

Scientists discover how gene mutation triggers immune disease

Researchers identified the role of Gimap5 in regulating T cell function and found that GSK3 inhibitors can improve immune system function in mice and restore normal T cell function in human cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, or asthma.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2018

What happens when your brain's support cells aren't so supportive?

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that genes that normally sever connections between neurons are reactivated in aging astrocytes, leading to reduced neuronal communication. This may explain age-related cognitive decline and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 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.

Searching for the CRISPR swiss-army knife

Researchers have visualized the atomic structures of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins to analyze their properties and identify ideal tools for different applications in gene modification. The study suggests that Cpf1 is more suitable for inserting DNA fragments due to its ability to produce staggered complementary ends.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 12, 2017

A whole-body approach to understanding chemosensory cells

Researchers found that Skn-1a is a key regulator for generating Trpm5-expressing chemosensory cells in various parts of the body, including respiratory system and digestive tract. This discovery provides new insights into the role of these sensory cells in protecting against bacteria and potentially harmful substances.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2017
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.

Searching for the CRISPR Swiss Army knife

Scientists are exploring multi-functional gene-editing technology by analyzing molecular features of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins. The study reveals the high-resolution structure of these molecular scissors to better understand their working mechanism, including target DNA recognition and cleavage.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 11, 2017

Barrow researchers validate five new genes responsible for ALS

Researchers have validated five new genes responsible for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The study uses AI-powered technology to accelerate the discovery of new treatments by identifying key proteins linked to the disease.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateNov 30, 2017