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Wild yeast discovery enables non-GM brewing of ornithine-enriched craft beer

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a practical, non-genetically modified brewing yeast that produces over nine times higher intracellular ornithine levels than the original yeast. The improved yeast retained normal brewing performance, making it suitable for value-added fermentation.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune system keeps mucosal fungi in check

A study by University of Zurich researchers has shed light on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis with mucosal fungi. The team discovered that the fungus Candida albicans uses a toxin called candidalysin to survive in the mouth, and that interleukin 17-mediated immunity prevents it from growing out of control.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

An ‘oracle’ for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

UV light may be a greater risk for melanoma than suspected

A WSU study found that UV light induces new types of DNA damage that may cause malignant melanoma, supporting its role in cancer development. Researchers discovered rare mutations linked to melanoma in irradiated yeast cells, expanding previous understanding of UV damage.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 17, 2020

Yeast study yields insights into longstanding evolution debate

A Yale study shows that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of gene networks in yeast. The research suggests that epigenetic factors can be passed on to offspring, contributing to stable and heritable gene expression states.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 27, 2020
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.

Inhibition of sphingolipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases

Inhibiting sphingolipid metabolism in neurons improves neurodegeneration symptoms and increases survival in a mouse model, according to new research. The findings suggest that compromised sphingolipid metabolism in GARP mutations may be a potential cause of neurodegeneration.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Scientists reveal how proteins team up to repair DNA

Researchers discovered a crucial DNA repair process in yeast that involves a protein called Rad51 and two helper proteins called Swi5-Sfr1. This finding may help understand why DNA repair processes fail to function properly in humans, leading to diseases like cancer and inherited conditions.

SourceeLife·DateMar 24, 2020

Understanding probiotic yeast

Researchers have found that Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast, produces uniquely excessive amounts of acetic acid. This discovery may pave the path towards improved treatments for intestinal diseases. The study also showed that modifying the yeast's genetic basis could enhance its probiotic effects.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 30, 2019

Life in evolution's fast lane

Scientists discovered a lineage of budding yeasts that has lost dozens of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle processes. These gene losses result in the yeast's genomes changing rapidly, leading to unique biological characteristics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2018

Genetic mutations thwart scientific efforts to fully predict our future

A new USC Dornsife study reveals that genetic mutations can behave unpredictably due to interactions with the environment and pre-existing genetic differences. This complexity makes it difficult to predict how these mutations will affect individuals, even for well-studied diseases.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2018

Mutation and 3D modeling reveal new structure to cell division process

Researchers at OIST Graduate University challenge cohesin's ring-shaped model by demonstrating that a mutation can't break down the complex, suggesting it may have a different structure. A new hold-and-release model proposes cohesin is like a jaw that holds chromatids in place and then opens to allow chromatin to move.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

New CRISPR technology 'knocks out' yeast genes with single-point precision

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 technology that enables precise editing of any gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by deleting single nucleotide changes. This allows for individual gene studies and optimization of genome engineering, potentially increasing productivity in industries such as ethanol production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 7, 2018
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Cure for fission yeast genes could have bigger things ahead

Researchers at OIST Graduate University found rapamycin can 'cure' cells with genetic defects, restoring normal cell function. The study identified 12 genes responsible for temperature-triggered defects in fission yeast cells.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 12, 2018

Scientists tweak CRISPR to speed up genomic editing

Scientists have developed a new CRISPR method to analyze the effects of thousands of gene edits in parallel, improving their ability to identify harmful genetic changes. This technique enables researchers to rapidly distinguish between damaging and harmless edits, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 9, 2018

How a genetic mutation can interfere with the powerhouses of cells

A genetic mutation in the MPP gene can lead to impaired functioning of proteins needed for mitochondrial protein import, resulting in accumulation of immature proteins and interference with mitochondrial functions. This study identified the molecular consequences of this mutation, providing a fundamental explanation for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 23, 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.

In a severe childhood neurodegeneration, novel mechanism found

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism underlying severe childhood neurodegeneration, caused by gene mutations that disrupt mitochondrial energy production. The study found that these mutations interfere with the function of an enzyme involved in protein transport into mitochondria.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 22, 2018

Scientists map the portal to the cell's nucleus

Researchers at Rockefeller University have mapped the architecture of the nuclear pore complex in yeast cells, revealing a massive cylindrical configuration with flexible components. The study provides insights into cell transport and may aid efforts to understand and treat diseases linked to defects in the pore complex.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2018

When physics gives evolution a leg up by breaking one

Researchers at Georgia Tech found that physical stress drove the evolution of multicellular bodies in yeast cells, allowing them to grow larger and more robust. This process was mainly driven by forces within the cells' physical structures, which pushed the snowflakes to evolve towards bigger, tougher bodies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 27, 2017

Lego proteins revealed

Researchers have discovered that self-assembling protein complexes can form long, stiff filaments through a single mutation. This phenomenon has implications for both biological research and nanoscience, as it may indicate that Lego-like assemblies are more common than previously thought.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017

A surprising new role for baker's yeast

Researchers used baker's yeast to test natural compounds from soil-based bacteria, discovering diverse agents affecting various cell processes. These compounds may be used to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 7, 2017
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.

Nicking in new nucleotides

A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2017

Protein complex prevents genome instability

A protein complex called MRX plays a vital structural role during early DNA repair, stabilizing broken ends of DNA without requiring another protein cohesin. This study found that the Xrs2 member of the MRX complex ensures correct molecule presence at DNA damage sites, offering insight into genomic instability and cancer development.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 19, 2017

Why bad genes aren't always bad news

A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016
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.

'Super yeast' has the power to improve economics of biofuels

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have engineered a strain of yeast that can convert all plant sugars, including xylose, into ethanol. This breakthrough could enable the widespread production of biofuels from cellulosic biomass, transforming the economics of ethanol production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 17, 2016

Shedding new light on protein aggregates and the diseases they cause

Researchers have developed a system to quickly screen millions of yeast cells for protein aggregates, offering new ways to explore their causes and potential therapies. The technology was used to study prions, Huntington's disease, and prion-switching, providing insights into the toxic effects of misfolded proteins.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateJul 13, 2016
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.

May repairs full of mistakes develop into cancer?

Researchers at Osaka University found that DNA damage response errors can lead to tumor formation when proteins are not removed correctly. Ku protein plays a key role in DNA repair, but its incorrect function can result in genetic information loss and cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 24, 2016

Yeast study charts survival impact of genetic mutations

Scientists have mapped thousands of genetic mutations in yeast to understand their impact on cell survival. The study found that different combinations of mutations can influence survival and revealed a new technique for predicting the shapes of molecules encoded in our genes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2016

Yeast against the machine: Bakers' yeast could improve diagnosis

A team led by Professor Fritz Roth found that bakers' yeast can identify harmful genetic mutations more reliably than leading algorithms. By testing the effects of human mutations in yeast, they identified 62% of disease variants as damaging, outperforming computational methods.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 6, 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.

Mutant cells that can't copy DNA keep dividing when they shouldn't

Researchers have developed a yeast model to investigate a gene mutation that causes massive DNA damage and allows cells to continue dividing. The study reveals how cells ignore genetic damage and form micronuclei, which are commonly found in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateAug 6, 2015

Genetic discovery uncovers key tool for morphine production in poppies

Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline Australia have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in poppies that could lead to more effective painkillers. The discovery of the STORR gene provides new insight into how poppy plants produce morphine, a key step towards developing bespoke poppy varieties.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2015

A CNIO team succeeds in doubling the life span of mice suffering from premature aging

A CNIO team has developed a method to rescue premature aging in mice by increasing the body's capacity to produce DNA building blocks. By introducing a mutation that boosts nucleotide production, the researchers doubled the lifespan of ATR-mutant mice from 24 weeks to 50 weeks, also alleviating symptoms of Seckel syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 1, 2015
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.

Thermotolerant yeast can provide more climate-smart ethanol

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created thermotolerant yeast that can grow at 40 degrees, allowing for more efficient bioethanol production. This breakthrough could reduce cooling costs and increase the use of residual waste as a raw material, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2014

Paired enzyme action in yeast reveals backup system for DNA repair

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a robust backup DNA repair mechanism in yeast cells that prevents common genetic mutations. This finding suggests a similar system may exist in humans, providing potential new targets for controlling some cancers and treating Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2014

Deletion of any single gene provokes mutations elsewhere in the genome

Researchers found that deleting a single gene in yeast cells leads to compensatory mutations in another gene, which could affect genetic analysis in cancer and other fields. This discovery suggests that genomes are highly interconnected and that removing one part can cause another part to warp elsewhere.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 13, 2013
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.

Architecture of chromosomes: A key for success or failure

Research reveals that chromosomal rearrangements, such as inversions or translocations, can be beneficial in certain environments, leading to improved growth abilities. This discovery sheds light on how natural selection shapes chromosome structure to favor specific conditions.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2013

Evolution picks up hitchhikers

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that evolution is driven by a group of beneficial mutations, including genetic hitchhikers. About five to seven specific mutations are needed for an organism to succeed, rather than just one mutation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Genetics Society of America's Genetics journal highlights for September 2012

This September 2012 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features studies on weak selection in molecular evolution, a new method for mapping quantitative trait loci onto phylogenetic trees, and the role of DNA replication defects in causing chromosome rearrangements. Additionally, researchers investigate ultraconserved el...

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateSep 10, 2012

500 years ago, yeast's epic journey gave rise to lager beer

Researchers have identified Saccharomyces eubayanus as the wild yeast that fused with domesticated yeast to create lager beer. The discovery resolves a long-standing mystery and sheds light on the origins of one of the world's most popular beers.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Innovative screening method identifies possible new treatment for fatal childhood disease

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed an innovative yeast-based screening method to identify a possible new treatment for the fatal childhood disease NP-C. The approach, known as 'exacerbate-reverse', has shown promising results in repairing genetic pathways that exacerbate lethality in yeast models.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 18, 2011
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.

Knockouts in human cells point to pathogenic targets

Researchers developed a genetic screen for human cells to pinpoint specific genes and proteins used by pathogens. The study identified new genes essential for host-pathogen interactions, including those involved in diphtheria and E. coli infections.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2009

A yeast cancer model for mapping cancer genes

Researchers have developed a yeast model to identify genes that contribute to cancer growth. The study found that point mutations in just a few genetic loci are responsible for the faster growth of cells, rather than aneuploidy. This discovery could help guide the search for new cancer genes in humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 27, 2009
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.