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Tau-mediated RNA splicing errors linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that aggregates of tau protein disrupt RNA splicing, leading to global disruptions in brain cells. This discovery presents an exciting new possibility for using RNA splicing as a potential target for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 8, 2019

Sequencing assay for single-droplet serum

Researchers developed SILVER-seq to detect extracellular RNA in 5-7-microliter droplets of blood serum. The assay distinguishes between biopsies from patients with breast cancer and control samples, suggesting its potential use in diagnostic trials.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Scientists probe how distinct liquid organelles in cells are created

Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) are liquid droplets made from proteins and RNA that facilitate storage and biochemical activity within cells. The study found that MLOs are highly sensitive to the level of divalent cations, with fluctuations in these ions profoundly tuning their liquid properties.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2019

New insights into the origin of life

Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough technique for studying gene expression takes root in plants

Researchers successfully adapted an open-source genetic analysis method called Drop-seq to plant cells for the first time, allowing them to see what genes are being expressed in different cell types. The breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of plant biology and ultimately develop more efficient food and biofuel crop plants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 2019

How mutations lead to neurodegenerative disease

A study published in Human Molecular Genetics reveals that DNA mutations trigger an inflammatory response, leading to cell death and progressive neurological damage. The discovery may lead to effective treatments using existing anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 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.

Research improves understanding of new form of cell-cell communication

Scientists have improved their understanding of a new form of cell-cell communication based on extracellular RNA. Researchers analyzed human exRNAs from 19 studies and developed computational tools to deconvolute complex data, revealing six major types of exRNA cargo and carriers that can be detected in bodily fluids.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

Tiny 'blinkers' enable simultaneous imaging of multiple biomolecules

Researchers have developed tiny 'blinkers' that can image single molecules of RNA or protein inside cells simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and treatments. The approach uses fluorescent probes that blink with variable duration and frequency to detect dozens of biomolecules at once.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 2019

Scientists find method to boost CRISPR efficiency

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that adjusting CRISPR dosages can significantly improve dystrophin production in edited genes. The optimal ratio of components changed based on the DNA sequence being edited, paving the way for optimized gene therapies for other diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2019
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.

Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms linked to autism and schizophrenia

A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018

Finding a rhyme and reason to CRISPR-Cas9's mutations

A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a machine learning model that can accurately predict insertions and deletions caused by CRISPR-Cas9. In experiments, the approach corrected mutations in human cell lines for three diseases with high efficiency.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2018

Ground-breaking lab poised to unlock the mystery of the origins of life

Researchers at McMaster University are pioneering a new Origins of Life Laboratory to mimic early-Earth conditions, testing RNA sequence formation and potential self-replication. The lab's Planetary Simulator will simulate years of cycles in days, studying the emergence of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere.

SourceMcMaster University·DateOct 4, 2018

New national training program aims to mainstream glycosciences

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute will award $20 million to four academic centers over five years, with UC San Diego receiving $5 million. The program aims to correct the lack of attention given to glycans in biomedical research and train 18 early-career glycoscientists.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 29, 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.

HIV RNA expression inhibitors may restore immune function in HIV-infected individuals

A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers suggests that HIV RNA expression inhibitors can diminish atypical inflammation and restore immune function in HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Chronic viral infection leads to immune activation, causing non-AIDS complications such as cardi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2018

Switching DNA and RNA on and off

Scientists find that DNA and RNA have memory properties, with two stable states, making them suitable for storing data. The minimum electric field required for switching is inversely proportional to the ratio of topological polar surface area to total surface area.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 21, 2018

Autism linked to egg cells' difficulty creating large proteins

A new study by Carnegie Institution researchers found that defects in the Fmr1 gene can lead to difficulties in creating large protein structures, potentially contributing to autism-related disorders like fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly eggs to demonstrate how Fmr1 helps produce essential large proteins.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Is your lung cancer really ROS1-negative?

A CU Cancer Center study found that common laboratory tests used to determine ROS1 status in lung cancer have inherent limitations, leading to false-negative results. The study highlights the need for multiple testing methods and secondary analysis to confirm results, particularly for patients with suspicious symptoms or unusual profiles.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 8, 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.

Troves from a search for new biomarkers: blood-borne RNA

Researchers at Rockefeller University have devised an improved method for isolating and identifying tiny fragments of RNA in human blood products, establishing extracellular RNA as a potentially reliable class of biomarkers. The new approach has been successfully tested on 312 blood samples from healthy subjects, confirming the stabili...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2018

Scientific 'dream team' shed light on motor neuron death

A team of clinical neurologists, molecular biologists, and computer scientists have uncovered the earliest events in motor neuron disease using stem cell technology and RNA sequencing data. They discovered that a protein called SFPQ is lost from the nucleus in diseased motor neurons, leading to their death.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2018
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.

Ancient origins of viruses discovered

A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2018

Salivaomics: Saliva extracellular RNA (exRNA) and saliva proteome Wiki

The symposium presented new discoveries about oral exRNA biology, including its use as a biomarker for diagnosing disease and tracking its progression. The study of salivary proteome and its diagnostic applications was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 22, 2018

New CRISPR method efficiently corrects DMD defect in heart tissue

Scientists developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that can correct most DMD mutations by making a single cut at strategic points along the patient's DNA. The new strategy enhances genome editing accuracy and offers an efficient alternative to individualized molecular treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2018

Viral probe gives ringside view of cell-to-cell combat

Researchers used a plant virus to study how plants defend themselves against invading pathogens, revealing key receptor proteins that regulate RNA interference. The findings also identified a suppressor protein named C4 used by the virus to disarm the plant's defence mechanism.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

New test shows when body is fighting a virus

A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 21, 2017

Discovery of boron on Mars adds to evidence for habitability

Scientists discovered borates in a Martian crater, indicating that ancient conditions were favorable for RNA synthesis and potentially life. The presence of boron on Mars adds to evidence for habitability, opening possibilities for life's origins.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

New theory of polymer length provides improved estimates of DNA and RNA size

Scientists in China have derived a formula to calculate the end-to-end distance of semiflexible polymers, including DNA and RNA, accounting for their stretchiness. This method enables researchers to estimate the flexibility of segments of DNA, crucial for its biological function.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 1, 2017

Ancient antiviral defense system could revolutionize a new class of RNA-based medicine

Researchers discovered an ancient antiviral defense system in human cells that could be used to deliver targeted therapies using engineered viruses or simple self-replicating RNAs. This system, which dates back billions of years, was originally designed to defend against viral infection and may hold the key to new treatments for diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Rare genetic disorders: New approach uses RNA in search for genetic triggers

Researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München developed a method that significantly increases the chances of identifying genetic triggers in rare hereditary disorders. By sequencing both DNA and RNA, they were able to narrow down gene candidates in 10% of cases, while reducing false positives.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 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.

New study sheds light on origins of life on Earth through molecular function

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that simple metabolic functions were the precursor to the emergence of life on Earth. The research analyzed gene ontology data and constructed a tree tracing the evolutionary path of molecular functions over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 17, 2017

Decoding the genome's cryptic language

A new tool called MARGI identifies all RNA molecules interacting with a segment of DNA, as well as their locations. This breakthrough enables researchers to identify new gene functions and instructions encoded in the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 2017
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.

The last frontier

Kosik's research suggests that dendrites use a relatively small number of RNAs to leverage increased dynamic range, allowing for sparse coding and plasticity. This enables the brain to process incoming information more efficiently and adapt to new experiences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateDec 21, 2016

UMD biologists first to observe direct inheritance of gene-silencing RNA

Researchers from the University of Maryland have observed molecules of double-stranded RNA being passed directly from parent to offspring in Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting a key mechanism for non-genetic inheritance. The study reveals that dsRNA can silence genes in offspring even if it doesn't match the parent's genes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 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.

Protein-like structures from the primordial soup

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully assembled protein-like structures from four simple amino acids, suggesting that these molecules may have been the precursors of life. The findings support the 'amyloid hypothesis,' which proposes that ancient RNA molecules were not capable of self-replication.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 6, 2016

New gene linked to inherited lung disease via disrupted telomerase

Researchers identified a new gene, NAF1, associated with pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema in people with abnormally short telomeres. The mutation affects telomerase RNA stability, leading to decreased telomerase levels and increased risk of lung disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 10, 2016

Scientists keep a molecule from moving inside nerve cells to prevent cell death

A groundbreaking study found that keeping a specific RNA binding protein, TDP-43, from moving inside nerve cells can prevent cell death and disease progression in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers developed small proteins to block the protein's localization, preventing toxicity and disease progression in mice.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2016

The biological clock gets a time stamp

Yale researchers have identified key molecular pathways involved in the aging of human eggs, which could lead to new treatments for age-related fertility issues. The study found that oxygen-deprived cells are a major cause of egg damage, leading to chromosomal abnormalities and reduced egg quality in women over 40.

SourceYale University·JournalMolecular Human Reproduction·DateJun 6, 2016

Detecting an early biomarker for pancreatic cancer in blood

Researchers identify human satellite II (HSATII) RNA as a promising early detection method for pancreatic cancer, with significantly higher levels found in patients' blood serum. A pilot study validated the test's ability to detect pancreatic cancer and a precancerous lesion in two cohorts of patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 2, 2016
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.

Biophysics: Sorting the wheat from the chaff

Temperature gradients within pore channels in rock can separate primitive biopolymers based on their sequences, enabling the formation of self-replicating systems. This process is thought to have played a key role in the origin of life.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 13, 2016

Change in mosquito mating may control Zika virus

New Cornell research reveals genetic cues from male mosquitoes affect female reproductive tract gene expression, influencing blood feeding, egg development, and immune defense. This study aims to develop novel strategies for controlling mosquito populations to fight diseases like Zika virus.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 11, 2016

Researchers enhance CRISPR gene editing technology

Scientists have developed a process to improve the efficiency of CRISPR, allowing for greater consistency in deleting unwanted genes. By tweaking the sequence of single guide RNA, researchers achieved knockout efficiency of over 50% and hope to increase adoption of this technology.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 2, 2016
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.

Counting molecules with an ordinary cell phone

Researchers at Caltech have developed a visual readout method using analytical chemistries and image processing to quantify single nucleic-acid molecules, enabling the use of any cell-phone camera. This technology has potential applications in limited-resource settings for disease diagnosis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2016

Study compares tests to detect acute HIV infection

Researchers compared two testing methods: an HIV antigen/antibody combination assay and pooled HIV RNA testing. The new test increased the detection rate for acute HIV infections by 10.4% and diagnosed 82% of cases detectable by traditional testing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 16, 2016

Editorial expression of concern for paper by Gugliotti et al.

A paper by Gugliotti et al. in Science reported on RNA-mediated metal-metal bond formation, but an investigation found authors falsified research data. The journal is taking steps to address the concerns and ensure the integrity of its publications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2016

Grabbing a parasite by the tail: U-M team solves 'jumping gene' mystery

Scientists have identified the poly(A) tail as a crucial component in LINE-1 retrotransposition, a process that can cause genetic mutations and diseases. Without the tail, the parasite's jumping ability is significantly impaired, offering new strategies for inhibiting its movement.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 12, 2015
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 create a worm model to investigate a rare subtype of blindness

A team of researchers has developed a C. elegans worm model with mutations that cause Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare blindness subtype affecting over 1 million people worldwide. The study reveals the disease's specificity in the retina and proposes a new hypothesis based on genomic instability.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalRNA·DateNov 4, 2015

UBC researchers transform humble blood cells into 'Franken-platelets'

Researchers at UBC created a supercharged blood cell called a 'Franken-platelet' by injecting platelets with DNA and other ingredients. The resulting cells produced RNA, which performed as predicted and showed promise for treating bleeding disorders and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2015

Dartmouth researchers shed light on protein-related diseases

Researchers found that certain proteins undergo a transition from liquid droplets to toxic, fibrous solids on their way to becoming harmful. Cells may use this liquid state for normal physiology, but under certain conditions the proteins can transition again.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 29, 2015

A better way to read the genome

Researchers have successfully sequenced the most complicated gene known using the MinION nanopore sequencer, demonstrating a new technology that can quickly and affordably analyze complex gene expressions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 9, 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.