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Ancestral mitoviruses discovered in mycorrhizal fungi

Researchers have identified a new group of mitochondrial viruses confined to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomeromycotina, which may represent an ancestral lineage of mitoviruses. These large duamitoviruses possess distinct characteristics and are globally distributed in ecological niches occupied by glomeromycotinian fungi.

From tragedy, a new potential cancer treatment

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a potential therapeutic for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) using antisense oligonucleotide technology. The treatment has slowed tumor growth, reversed changes in cancer cells, and increased survival rates in mice with DIPG.

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The ‘long read’ for cancer

Researchers used long-read sequencing to identify novel mutational patterns and complex genomic rearrangements in cancer genomes, including those associated with liposarcoma. This approach offers a more comprehensive understanding of DNA mutations and their impact on cell function.

Researchers develop method for deciphering positional rules in splicing

A new method for global profiling of in-situ RNA–RNA contacts associated with specific RBP has been developed, revealing positional mechanisms by which PTBP1-associated RNA loops regulate cassette exon splicing. The study found that PTBP1 can modulate cassette exon splicing via mediating specific RNA loops in a position-dependent manner.

Uracil found in Ryugu samples

Scientists have detected uracil and nicotinic acid in asteroid Ryugu samples collected by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. The discovery suggests that important building blocks for life were created in space and delivered to Earth via meteorites, supporting current theories on the source of nucleobases.

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.

A molecular machine’s secret weapon exposed

Researchers have discovered a surprising mechanism by which the molecular machine Dis3L2 unwinds and destroys RNA molecules. By changing shape, Dis3L2 reveals an RNA-splitting wedge, allowing it to execute its tasks in a more dynamic and versatile way.

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.

Synthetic genes for flu test

A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.

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.

Artificial DNA kills cancer

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed artificial DNA that can target and kill cancer cells by binding to microRNA molecules. The DNA triggers an immune response that not only kills cancer cells but also prevents further growth of cancerous tissue.

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.

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.

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.

RNA origami enables applications in synthetic biology

Researchers at Aarhus University use RNA origami sponges and CRISPR technology to regulate protein production levels and gene expression in bacteria and yeast. This approach generates stable, interactive molecules for synthetic biology-based regulation, enabling unique applications in industrial, diagnostic, and therapeutic fields.

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.

Tracking a network of 100,000 mutants

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have experimentally shown the concept of a neutral network, vital for increasing diversity, by designing and testing over 120,000 RNA variants. They found a large number of accessible pathways between two variants, challenging previous theoretical predictions.

Measuring wastewater coronavirus accurately

Coronavirus levels in wastewater accurately predicted hospitalization peaks and healthcare pressure, enabling timely forecasting. The study's results demonstrate the value of virus surveillance in monitoring ongoing outbreaks.

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.

Whole blood RNA profiling of severe COVID-19 cases

A study by Osaka University researchers comprehensively analyzed mRNA and microRNA expression patterns in the blood of patients with severe COVID-19, revealing specific mRNAs and microRNAs associated with the immune response pathway. The findings suggest that interferon-β plays a crucial role in COVID-19 severity.

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.

Wastewater viral loads can provide advance warning of COVID-19 outbreaks

A study by Hokkaido University scientists found a close association between clinical cases of COVID-19 and viral loads in wastewater, with the viral loads picking up to two days before the cases were detected. The researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

This is how highly resistant strains of fungi emerge

A team of scientists has discovered the genetic mechanism behind the emergence of highly resistant fungal strains, such as Cryptococcus neoformans. The researchers found that transposon mobility is controlled by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and that disabling siRNA can lead to resistance.

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.

Protein discovered in Parkinson’s disease could lead to new treatments

A team of scientists has discovered a key link between the protein αSyn and Parkinson's disease, finding that it interacts with immune responses in neurons. This interaction may play a critical role in the development of the disease, suggesting a potential new approach for treatments by targeting inflammatory pathways.

Building blocks for RNA-based life abound at center of our galaxy

A team of researchers has discovered a wide range of nitriles, key molecular precursors for life, in the interstellar molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027 near the Milky Way center. The study provides important insights into the chemical ingredients available in the nebula that give rise to our planetary system.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to find marker genes in cell clusters

A new statistical method called Association Plot facilitates the determination and analysis of marker genes in single-cell data. This allows researchers to trace back RNA molecules to their cell of origin, providing insights into cell-type specific genes.

Physical mechanisms explaining DNA and RNA twist changes

Researchers developed a simple physical model to explain DNA deformations caused by ions and temperature changes. The model reveals that salt-induced twist changes are driven by electrostatic interactions, while temperature-induced changes are related to DNA diameter variation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mec...

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.

David Knowles wins NSF CAREER Award

Assistant professor David Knowles at Columbia University wins a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a new framework and tools for analyzing alternative splicing in diseases such as ALS and cancer. The project aims to create more accurate algorithms for single-cell and long-read RNA-seq analysis.

Bonds from the past: A journey through the history of protein synthesis

Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.

Cancer-fighting viruses soften up their victims before attacking

Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.

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.

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.

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.

DisCo: Boosting the efficiency of single-cell RNA sequencing

A new method called DisCo enhances the efficiency of single-cell RNA sequencing by actively detecting and capturing cells using machine-vision. This approach allows for continuous operation and high capture efficiency, making it suitable for processing small cell samples such as tissues or patient biopsies.

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

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.

Editing RNA to fix protein problems in cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory develop a novel method to modify the CFTR gene, allowing for the production of functional protein in patients with certain mutations. The technique involves using antisense oligonucleotides to skip over the mutation and produce a partially functional protein.

COVID-19 exposure possible outside of home isolation rooms

A Rutgers study found measurable airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of most homes where COVID-19 infected individuals were isolating, suggesting airborne transmission beyond isolation rooms poses a risk to other occupants. The study also showed that infected individuals often did not strictly adhere to self-isolation protocols.

Plants: RNA notes to self

Plant cells use RNA signals to coordinate growth, but these signals require a special escort protein to reach the right cells. Without this protein, plants fail to develop properly, highlights a crucial step in understanding how information is exchanged between cells.

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 findings may contribute to better diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a specific connection between a protein and an lncRNA molecule that can help decrease fat depots in tumor cells, leading to cell division cessation and cancer cell death. The study contributes to increased knowledge of liver cancer diagnosis and future treatments.

The origin of neuronal diversity

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.

Reducing plastic pollution by adding RNA-inspired ‘breaking points’

Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA) with RNA-inspired breaking points, which can break down faster in seawater. The degradation rate of the polymer can be tailored depending on the amount of breaking points, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.

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.

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.