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Berkeley Lab science snapshots April 2019

Researchers developed a statistical method to quantify changes in environmental systems, finding La Nina winters favor mountain snowpack. Scientists also invented synthetic antibodies that could improve disease detection and toxin identification.

Simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer using UV light. The new procedure allows for the production of radioactive drugs and diagnostic agents in under 20 minutes, making it a game-changer for PET imaging and targeted radioimmunotherapy.

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.

NIH researchers make progress toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine

Researchers at the NIH have made progress toward developing an EBV vaccine by identifying key antibodies that block infection. The new vaccine candidates elicited potent anti-EBV antibody responses in animals, offering potential protection against EBV-associated cancers and infectious mononucleosis.

Researchers discover new technique to test for viral infections

Researchers at Colorado State University developed a technology that can detect extremely small amounts of antibodies in a person's blood, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment. The new sensor can detect as few as 10 antibody molecules within 20 minutes, making it more sensitive than current medical testing methods.

Identifying a key player in gut defense development

A joint team from Hokkaido University and Keio University has identified a key player in the gut defense mechanism of infants, a protein called Sox8. This discovery could help understand how infants develop their own intestinal immune systems after weaning.

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.

Edible antibodies to treat and prevent gastrointestinal disorders

Scientists have developed edible antibodies that can survive digestion and reach the gut, offering an alternative to traditional treatments. The technology has potential applications in fighting gut infections, treating inflammatory disorders, and preventing diarrhea in pigs and humans.

Antibodies stabilize plaque in arteries

Researchers found that IgG antibodies play a crucial role in stabilizing arterial plaques, reducing the risk of rupture and clotting. The study suggests that these antibodies may be a new target for mitigating atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health.

Antibodies from earlier exposures affect response to new flu strains

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that antibodies from previous exposures to flu viruses can enhance the immune system's response to new strains, potentially reducing the need for annual vaccinations. The researchers discovered that more than 70% of persistent antibodies targeted invariant parts of the virus.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protective antibodies also found in premature babies

A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that very premature babies carry anti-viral antibodies transferred from the mother, suggesting a previously underappreciated source of protection. The analysis also revealed that the protection offered by these antibodies lasts different durations depending on the virus.

From mirror-image biology to enhanced therapeutic proteins

Researchers from German Cancer Research Center have successfully reconstructed biomolecules in their mirror-image form. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of mirror-image therapeutic proteins that are protected from biological breakdown and do not provoke immune responses.

Rejection of transplanted organs: Long-awaited structure offers new insights

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding antibody-mediated rejection, a major challenge in organ transplantation. They discovered the critical amino acids and binding site of alloantibodies on HLA molecules, providing new avenues for developing therapies to prevent or treat this type of rejection.

These less common proteins may help fend off the flu

Researchers discover that targeting a specific protein called neuraminidase (NA) in flu vaccines can induce a broader protective response against influenza type B viruses. This finding suggests a potential way to boost the efficacy of current vaccines and develop a universal flu vaccine.

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

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.

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.

Lupus strongly linked to imbalances in gut microbiome

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.

Virus promoting love and kindness created for Valentine's day

Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg collaborated with scientists to create a custom virus that increases oxytocin production, associated with feelings of love and empathy. The 'Lovesick' virus is a harmless, non-replicating vector that expresses the hormone oxytocin and a fluorescent protein, allowing cells to glow bright red.

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.

Why your kid's strep throat keeps coming back

A study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology finds that recurrent group A strep tonsillitis is caused by a combination of genetic and immunological factors, including an insufficient antibody response against SpeA. This understanding may lead to the development of a vaccine to protect against strep throat.

Anti-flu antibodies can inhibit two different viral proteins, NIH study reveals

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered that antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin protein on influenza viruses also inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme. This inhibition enhances antibody neutralization and activation of innate immune cells with anti-viral activity. The study suggests a promising approach for uni...

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.

Zika and Chikungunya viruses: Diagnostic pitfalls

Researchers highlight diagnostic pitfalls in Zika and Chikungunya virus detection, particularly for Zika, where false positives can have fatal consequences. Combined testing methods offer higher reliability, with sensitivity improved through the use of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) as a marker.

DNA origami: A precise measuring tool for optimal antibody effectiveness

Scientists have developed a precise measuring tool using DNA origami to optimize antibody effectiveness, with distances of approximately 16 nanometres providing the strongest bond. This technology can help better understand the immune response and design more effective antibodies for vaccines and immunotherapy.

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.

Fighting another virus? Blame your parents

A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.

Nebraska virologists discover safer potential Zika vaccine

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a potential Zika vaccine that induces strong T-cell responses and substantial protection without producing antibodies. This breakthrough could be a 'huge leap' for immunology, potentially overcoming the obstacle of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease.

Vaccine could help address the opioid epidemic

Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. The vaccine could help combat opioid addiction and reduce overdose deaths by blocking the analgesic effects of these potent drugs.

Human antibody discovery could save lives from fungal killer

Researchers have developed a new technique using antibodies cloned from patients who recovered from Candida infections, showing potential in treating and diagnosing these life-threatening fungal infections. The discovery could lead to the development of novel antifungal drugs through mycoBiologics, a spinout company.

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.

VCU researchers test effectiveness of anti-opioid vaccine

Researchers at VCU are testing a vaccine that blocks heroin and fentanyl effects in patients with opioid use disorder. The vaccine prompts the immune system to generate anti-opioid antibodies, preventing drug molecules from crossing the blood brain barrier.

Small molecules come into focus

Scientists at Harvard University and Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new immunoassay technique that measures extremely low concentrations of small molecules using single-molecule detection. The method was tested on two important human body molecules, cortisol and PGE2, achieving up to 50 times greater sensitivity than conventi...

Researchers produce six antibodies to combat Zika virus

Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.

Danger in the desert

Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.

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.

Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

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.

Structure of spherical viruses aren't as perfect as we thought

New study using cryo-EM reveals structural asymmetry in spherical viruses like dengue and Zika, challenging long-held assumptions about icosahedral symmetry. The research found that many viruses have nearly icosahedral structures, with unique features like 'belly buttons' on their outer layer.

Study points to new method to deliver drugs to the brain

Researchers have discovered a potentially new approach to deliver therapeutics more effectively to the brain, harnessing the brain's waste removal system. This method could revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and brain cancer.

Latest Cornell dot features a new cancer weapon: Antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method for imaging breast cancer using Cornell dots, which are smaller than 8 nanometers and can be cleared by the kidneys. The dots are equipped with antibody fragments that target HER2-positive breast cancer cells, achieving high in vivo tumor uptake rates of up to 17.2 percent.

DOD grant to fund potential treatment for metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center aim to find a less toxic, more effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer using a novel therapeutic antibody and innovative molecular imaging tools. The study will investigate the calcineurin/NFAT pathway's role in tumor growth and its potential inhibition by the antibody.

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.

Glow-in-the-dark paper as a rapid test for infectious diseases

Researchers developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip that can detect the presence of infectious diseases using antibodies in blood, offering a quick and affordable alternative to traditional lab tests. The test measures antibody concentration by analyzing blue-green light produced through bioluminescence.

UVA developing 'two-headed arrow' to kill ovarian cancer

Researchers at UVA are developing a new antibody-based approach that combines targeting two receptors on ovarian cancer cells to increase its effectiveness. The approach has shown promising results in lab tests, with antibodies being more than 100 times more effective than existing therapies.

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.

Protein modifications pointing to cancer

Scientists have developed a method to investigate all proteins in tissue samples that are modified by ADP-ribosylation, a stress response pathway. This allows for conclusions to be drawn about activated signaling pathways and potentially leads to new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for cancer and other diseases.

Post-epidemic seroprevalence of Zika virus in Nicaragua

Researchers studied blood samples from 3,740 children and 1,074 adults in Managua, Nicaragua, after the 2016 Zika epidemic. The study found a high post-epidemic seroprevalence of 36% in children and 56% in adults, with immunity rates higher in females and increasing nonlinearly with age.

Candidate for universal flu vaccine protects against multiple strains

A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.

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.

Taking a closer look at unevenly charged biomolecules

A team in Japan developed a new technique to detect and analyze biomolecules with inhomogeneous charge distributions by adjusting the solution. They achieved improved sensor response, allowing researchers to determine the Debye length and map out a molecule's uneven charge distributions.