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Getting wired: How the brain does it

Researchers at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in brain connectivity. The study found that inhibiting the interaction between Calcineurin and NFAT resulted in more dendritic branches and synapses, suggesting a potent role for CaN in regulating neural connections.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

New papers offer insights into process of malarial drug resistance

Two new papers by University of Notre Dame biologist Michael Ferdig suggest that genomics and bioinformatics may hold the key to combating malaria. The research reveals previously unrecognized transcriptional complexity in Plasmodium falciparum, a key driver of drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2008
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.

UCLA researchers unravel a mystery about DNA

Researchers at UCLA and Rutgers University have solved the mystery of DNA transcription, revealing a new mechanism involving the 'scrunching' of DNA during transcription. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in combating bacterial diseases that kill millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2006

A splice of the action: Translational role for WT1 isoform

Dr. Hammarskjold's team reveals WT1(+KTS) promotes translation by facilitating mRNA transport and stability, highlighting links between transcription and post-transcriptional gene regulation. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for alternative splicing in regulating genes like WT1 during normal development and disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 1, 2006

How E. coli bacterium generates simplicity from complexity

Researchers at UCSD found that E. coli exhibits only six distinct functional states regardless of the carbon source or electron acceptor used, suggesting a surprising level of simplicity in its metabolic processes. The study suggests that this principle may be generalizable to other species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2005

Temperature regulates circadian clock in zebrafish

Researchers found that daily temperature cycles can reset zebrafish clocks, triggering changes in specific clock genes. This discovery sheds light on how temperature affects biological systems and may have implications for mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 26, 2005
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.

New technique helps identify multiple DNA regulatory sites

Scientists developed a new bioinformatics technique to analyze key DNA regions controlling gene activity. The approach uses machine learning to predict binding site combinations and regulate genes, achieving success rates comparable to existing methods.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

In gene regulation, small is beautiful

Researchers create synthetic transcription factors, mimicking natural regulators to probe gene regulation and explore new treatment approaches. The artificial activation domains developed in Mapp's lab were as effective as a natural activation domain at turning on genes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 22, 2004

'Noisy' genes can have big impact

Researchers identify source of random noise in gene expression, finding that promoter preparation and remodeling contribute to variability. This variation can affect protein levels and cell behavior, with implications for evolution and development.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2004

Making sense of the genome

A new two-step method for identifying transcription factors has been developed, reducing irrelevant regulators by 85%. The tool, ConSite, uses a combination of sequence scanning and conservation analysis to pinpoint regulatory elements.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateMay 22, 2003
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.