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Penn Medicine develops mRNA vaccine against Lyme disease-causing bacteria

A new experimental mRNA vaccine provides protection in preclinical animal models against infection from Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The vaccine prevents the development of Lyme disease and may represent a powerful tool in reducing Lyme disease cases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 2023

Potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer identified

A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalCancer Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023
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.

Genetically engineered vesicles target cancer cells more effectively

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed genetically engineered nanovesicles that can target cancer cells more effectively than traditional chemotherapy. These nanocarriers can deliver therapeutic agents directly to the interior of cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy cells and increasing treatment efficacy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2023

New tool provides greater accuracy for medical biosensors

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method using nanopores to advance discoveries in neuroscience and medical applications. The technique allows for real-time detection of dynamic aptamer-small molecule interactions, which can aid in understanding DNA and RNA diseases and drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2023
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.

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers develop “in vivo” RNA-based gene editing model for blood disorders

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers have developed a proof-of-concept model for delivering gene editing tools directly into diseased blood cells within the body. This approach aims to reduce costs and increase access to gene therapies for blood disorders, which currently require chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2023

New sensor mimics cell membrane functions

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel sensor that can detect immune molecule CXCL12, which plays a crucial role in several human diseases including cancer. The device uses receptor proteins found in cell membranes, making it a potential tool for early screening of hard-to-diagnose cancers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 2023

SMART researchers uncover novel bacterial communication system to combat antimicrobial resistance

A novel stress signalling system has been discovered by SMART researchers, enabling bacteria cells to adapt and survive against the immune system and certain antibiotics. The breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor may lead to the development of new therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

NIH grant backs Rice U. lab’s sickle cell disease research

Gang Bao's lab receives a 4-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the safety and efficacy of using gene editing treatments like CRISPR-Cas9 to treat sickle cell disease. The team aims to understand the mechanisms behind large gene modifications and their biological consequences.

SourceRice University·DateJul 18, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists design a nanoparticle that may improve mRNA cancer vaccines

Researchers developed a biodegradable nanoparticle that reaches dendritic cells in mice with melanoma and colon cancer, activating an immune response. The nanoparticle improves survival rates for these cancers, with half of mice surviving long-term after treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 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.

BRAIN LOGISTICS: Missing link explains mRNA delivery in brain cells

Researchers discovered a protein complex called FERRY that plays a crucial role in transporting messenger RNA in neurons. The study provided evidence of the transport of mRNA using Early Endosomes (EEs) and a novel mode of binding RNA via coiled-coil domains.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023
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.

New computational tool identifies novel targets for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a computational platform called IRIS to discover tumor antigens from alternative RNA splicing, expanding cancer immunotherapy targets. Hundreds of predicted TCR targets were found to be presented by human leukocyte antigen molecules.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2023

Simulation tools drive the new generation of therapies based on gene silencing

Researchers developed predictive models to design RNA-binding inhibitors for disease treatment by regulating protein production. The study identified three key features for effective oligonucleotides: thermostability, serum resistance, and RNase H sensitivity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Tuning brain cells with light

Scientists are investigating how brain immune cells called microglia change shape in response to hazards using gene transcripts as molecular mediators. The goal is to gain insights into the mechanisms involved and potentially develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·DateMay 5, 2023
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.

Scientists identify antivirals that could combat emerging infectious diseases

Scientists have discovered potential broad-spectrum antivirals that target multiple families of RNA viruses, which pose a significant threat to future pandemics. The new agents showed promise in preventing and mitigating viral arthritis caused by Chikungunya virus and rescuing cells from harmful effects of other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Humans vs. Bacteria: Differences in ribosome decoding revealed

Human ribosomes decode messenger RNA (mRNA) 10 times slower than bacterial ribosomes, but do so more accurately. This slow-down adds accuracy due to human ribosomes being known to be more accurate at translating the code than bacterial ribosomes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2023

New nanoparticles can perform gene-editing in the lungs

Researchers have developed a new type of nanoparticle that can efficiently deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components to the lungs, allowing for targeted gene editing. In mice studies, the particles delivered mRNA to up to 60% of lung epithelial cells, offering a promising approach to treating genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 30, 2023
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.

Texas A&M researchers detail groundbreaking Angelman syndrome development

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed the first molecular therapeutic for Angelman syndrome, a devastating neurogenetic disorder. The therapy targets an evolutionarily conserved region in the UBE3A-AS transcript and has shown promising results in clinical trials.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 22, 2023

A new control switch could make RNA therapies easier to program

Researchers have designed a new RNA sensor that can selectively activate synthetic genes in specific cells, opening up possibilities for targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases. The system uses an enzyme that naturally exists in most animal cells to detect and repair mismatches in double-stranded RNA.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2023

Lipid nanoparticles highly effective in gene therapy

Gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 lipid nanoparticles has been shown to be highly effective in reducing target protein expression in mice. The new delivery system increases the efficiency of in vivo gene therapy, paving the way for safe and effective treatment.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Targeted prenatal therapy for mothers and their babies addresses longstanding gap in health equity

Targeted RNA therapy aims to treat pre-eclampsia by delivering mRNA to placental cells, reducing maternal blood pressure and restoring fetal circulation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 15, 2023
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.

Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines and her research group uncovers new class of medicinal compounds that target RNA

A team of researchers led by Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines has uncovered a new class of compounds that can target RNA and disrupt its function. The discovery identified a chemical scaffold that could be used to develop RNA-targeted medicines for various diseases.

SourceOhio University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

Argonaute protein slicing and retention of RNA fragments plays a role in the chemical modification of DNA for gene silencing

A team led by Dr. Feng Wang found that Argonaute 4 binds to and retains snippets of ribonucleic acid molecules guiding the chemical inactivation of genes with matching sequences, playing a crucial role in gene silencing through DNA methylation. The retained RNA fragments help tether AGO4-RNA complexes to corresponding DNA sequences, bo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023
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.

How antibody therapy impacts COVID vaccines

Research finds that individuals who received monoclonal antibodies before COVID vaccination exhibit a diverse antibody response, increasing the coverage provided by vaccines. This phenomenon, known as antibody feedback inhibition, is beneficial for diversifying immune responses to viruses.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2022

Experimental vaccines offer long-term protection against severe COVID

Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2022

Covid-19: the Spike protein is no longer the only target

A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateNov 22, 2022

Promising new drug target for a rare liver cancer

Researchers have discovered that targeting a specific mutation in fibrolamellar tumors can reduce tumor growth in mice, offering a promising approach to treating this nearly incurable cancer. The findings highlight the potential for novel therapies against an intractable disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2022
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.

SARS-CoV-2 alters RNA in infected cells, study reveals

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 increases methylation of host cell RNA, which can help the virus evade the immune system. This discovery provides insights into how different variants escape immunity and offers potential avenues for novel COVID-19 treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 9, 2022

Identifying how inflammation affects stroke recovery

A new CAPSTONE study aims to identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with positive and poor outcomes in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes. By analyzing patient blood and plasma samples, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments to prevent long-term brain degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateOct 6, 2022

New RNA-based tool can illuminate brain circuits, edit specific cells

Researchers have developed an RNA-based editing tool that targets individual cells, enabling precise modification of cell functions to manage diseases. The tool uses the ADAR enzyme to selectively add proteins of interest, offering endless potential applications across the animal kingdom.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Finding an RNA target and tool to fight premature aging

Scientists have identified long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) RNA as a promising new target for treating progeroid syndromes. Increased L1 RNA expression in cells from patients with these disorders led to deactivation of an enzyme, causing cell aging.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 4, 2022

RNA-editing tool a fast, sensitive test for COVID-19

Researchers developed an engineered Cas13 system that detects SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples with high sensitivity and speed. The new platform outperforms traditional PCR testing, finding 10 out of 11 positives and no false positives in clinical samples.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

Untangled blinking: Fluorescence patterns aid medical diagnostics

A new DNA-based fluorescence technique using single-molecule electron-transfer kinetics can identify point mutations in mRNA, facilitating the diagnosis of gliomas and potentially treating the disease. This breakthrough may lead to real-time cancer diagnostics during surgical biopsies, reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Using mRNA, Tufts researchers teach muscle cells to produce antibodies

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel mRNA-based approach to generate complex antibodies in muscle cells, which can be used to treat various diseases including botulism and cancer. The technique has shown promising results in neutralizing lethal doses of botulinum neurotoxins in mice.

SourceTufts University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study uncovers what happens inside artery plaque to trigger strokes

A study at Tulane University found that recently formed stroke plaques contain messenger RNA that causes inflammation and degrades a protective cap, leading to rupture. This discovery could lead to new tools to stop strokes from happening and develop new drugs or diagnostics to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

SourceTulane University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2022

New screening technique could accelerate and improve mRNA therapies

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new screening technique called DNA barcoding, which accelerates the discovery of effective lipid nanoparticle carriers. The technique allows for simultaneous testing of many experiments and has improved nanoparticle pre-clinical screening.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

University of Houston biochemistry researchers repair and regenerate heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Cardiovascular Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022
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.

Decoding how a protein on the move keeps cells healthy

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how the RNAi process keeps cells healthy. They discovered that the workhorse protein Argonaute (Ago) uses phosphorylation to break its grip on mRNA targets, allowing it to repress other proteins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournaleLife·DateMay 31, 2022

Novel supramolecular CRISPR–Cas9 carrier enables more efficient genome editing

A team of researchers from Kumamoto University has developed a transformable polyrotaxane carrier that can facilitate genome editing using Cas9RNP with high efficiency. The carrier, called amino-PRX, is multi-step transformable and has low cytotoxicity, making it an enormously promising candidate for safe and efficient delivery.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Boosting liver mRNAs curbs appetite, body weight in obese mice

A breakthrough discovery has identified a novel approach to tackle metabolic diseases by inhibiting a liver enzyme that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. The treatment, which stabilizes key proteins in the blood, resulted in significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
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.

The nanodrug that attacks the cancer twice A single nanoparticle does two jobs: enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reinvigorating the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a drug delivery system based on lipid nanoparticles that utilize RNA to boost personalized cancer care. The nanodrug enhances chemotherapy effectiveness and reinvigorates the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cancer cells.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

Uncovering a cooperation between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that keep transposable element RNAs under control

Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Prior COVID-19 infection linked to robust, accelerated immune response after first vaccine dose, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University found that individuals with prior COVID-19 infection experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, but showed little increase after the second dose. This contrasts with those without a history of infection, who exhibited massive responses after the second dose.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 29, 2022

CSU, biotech company partnering on RNA-based method for weed control

Researchers at Colorado State University are developing an RNA-based method for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds using gene-silencing technology. The goal is to create a non-genetically modified, shelf-stable spray that targets specific strands of RNA in weed cells, leaving crops untouched.

SourceColorado State University·DateMar 8, 2022
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.