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Sustainable way to make a prized fragrance ingredient

Researchers create large-scale production method for sclareol, a prized fragrance ingredient, using bacterial cultures and Clary sage plant DNA. The new technology provides a more sustainable alternative to natural ambergris, which is scarce and expensive.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 19, 2012
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.

Antibiotics based on a new principle may defeat MRSA

Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic principle that selectively blocks the thioredoxin system in bacterial cells, making certain bacteria vulnerable to inhibition. This mechanism could potentially treat conditions like stomach ulcers, TB, and MRSA, providing a new solution for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 18, 2012

RIT scientists decode 3 bacterial strains common to grapevines and sugarcane

Scientists at Rochester Institute of Technology have published the whole genome sequence of three bacteria associated with Jamaican sugarcane and Riesling grapevines. The genomes reveal genetic instructions that make up individual organisms, providing data for the prevention or management of diseases afflicting crops.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateDec 17, 2012

Team solves mystery associated with DNA repair

Scientists have identified how the RecA protein guides a broken DNA strand to its matching sequence on double-stranded DNA, allowing for rapid repair. This discovery explains how DNA repair occurs quickly and highlights the importance of this process in maintaining genome stability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 13, 2012
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 type of bacterial protection found within cells

UCI researchers found that histone proteins stored in lipid droplets can target and kill bacterial infections, providing a novel approach to fighting bacterial growth. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with bad bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateNov 13, 2012

Study suggests new way to prevent recurrent ear infections

Researchers found that eliminating bacteria's DNA and boosting human beta-defensin-3 can kill NTHI bacteria, a major cause of middle ear infections. The study suggests a new treatment approach to target biofilms formed by the bacteria.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalInnate Immunity·DateOct 30, 2012
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 target bacterial transfer of resistance genes

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new approach to inhibit the transfer of antibiotic-resistance genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae. By targeting a protein called CSP, they found that artificial versions of this protein can block gene transfer and reduce the infectious capacity of the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2012

Rejecting arsentate

Researchers discovered that bacteria in arsenic-rich environments developed a protein, PBP, with extreme selectivity for phosphate over arsenate. The unique bond between the protein and arsenate molecule led to repulsion and prevented its entry into the cell.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2012

Kittens: Their microbiomes are what they eat

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that the gut microbiome composition of growing kittens differs depending on their diet, with high-protein diets linked to lower levels of health-promoting bacteria. Conversely, moderate-protein diets were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, potentially promoting bett...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 22, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolution is as complicated as 1-2-3

A team of researchers analyzed 29 genomes from different generations of E. coli bacteria to understand how they evolved to supplement their traditional diet with citrate. They discovered a three-step process: potentiation, actualization, and refinement, which led to the development of new biological functions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2012

Human and soil bacteria swap antibiotic-resistance genes

Researchers found at least seven shared antibiotic-resistance genes between soil bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, suggesting recent gene transfers. The discovery highlights the potential for environmental bacteria to contribute to human health risks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

No more sneezing, allergen-free house plants

Researchers have genetically engineered a type of house plant to be long-lived and produce flowers without pollen. The modified plants also exhibit improved growth characteristics, such as increased branching and leaf density. This breakthrough is great news for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants for longer periods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateAug 30, 2012
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.

Microbes help hyenas communicate via scent

Hyenas' scent glands harbor diverse microbial communities that produce unique chemical signatures, enabling clan recognition and social behavior. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of microbes in animal behavior, with future studies planned to explore their role further.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2012

Writing the book in DNA

Researchers encoded George Church's book 'Regenesis' in DNA using novel strategy and next-generation sequencing technology. The team stored 54,898 unique DNA sequences, each with an address to guide reassembly, for a total of 70 billion copies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2012

Genes carried by E. coli bacteria linked to colon cancer

Scientists have identified a link between E. coli bacteria and colon cancer, with approximately two-thirds of patients with colon cancer carrying specific strains of the bacteria. The bacteria carry pks genes that produce a toxin that damages DNA in the gut lining, promoting cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2012

New scientific method unmasks chronic infections

Scientists have developed a new method to study how the immune system interacts with bacteria during chronic infections. The method uses 5 mm silicone tubes and combines light microscopy and electron microscopy to visualize the interaction between white blood cells and bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateAug 8, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

Jekyll and Hyde bacteria aids or kills, depending on chance

Michigan State University researchers discovered how bacteria flip a DNA switch to transform from harmless microbes to deadly insecticides. The bacteria, bioluminescent insect pathogens, reside in the intestines of worms and aid their survival, but can rapidly grow and produce toxins when the worms infest insects.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012

Searching for an ancient syphilis DNA in newborns

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona successfully extracted the genetic material from two ancient newborns with congenital syphilis. This breakthrough study reveals that younger individuals are more likely to have preserved DNA, shedding light on the historical development of the disease and its geographic distribution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2012

Programmable DNA scissors found for bacterial immune system

Researchers have discovered a new and effective means of editing genomes, revolutionizing the field of genomics. By programming RNA to direct protein cleavage at specific nucleotide sequences, scientists can now edit DNA with unprecedented precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2012

The physics of going viral

Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to measure the rate of DNA transfer from viruses to bacteria. They found that the amount of genetic material within the bacterial cells determines how quickly the bacteriophage's DNA is transferred, not the pressure in the virus itself.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 27, 2012
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.

Dietary fiber alters gut bacteria, supports gastrointestinal health

A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 27, 2012

More accurate diagnostic test may reduce deaths

A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2012

Gut microbes battle a common set of viruses shared by global populations

Researchers have identified a set of viruses shared among individuals from different parts of the world, which target the gut microbiota. The study found that nearly 80% of these viruses are common to two or more individuals, suggesting a global reservoir of phages attacking our gut bacteria.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 24, 2012
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.

The American Society for Microbiology honors Anthony R. Richardson

Anthony R. Richardson has been honored with the Merck Irving S. Sigal Memorial Award for his pioneering work on the metabolic adaptations of Staphylococcus aureus to host immunity. His research has profound implications for understanding the evolution and emergence of highly virulent pathogens.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2012

The American Society for Microbiology honors Susan Sharp

Dr. Richardson's research focuses on the role of basic bacterial physiology in the virulence of human pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus. His work has shown that certain compounds can be lethal to the pathogen, leading to new insights into the battle between host and bacterium.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2012
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.

How one strain of MRSA becomes resistant to last-line antibiotic

Researchers found that MRSA strain CC5 is adept at acquiring resistance genes, including the one making it resistant to vancomycin, by co-existing with other bacteria. The strain's unique traits, such as lacking bacteriocin production and producing enterotoxins, enable it to thrive in mixed infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2012

Agricultural bacteria: Blowing in the wind

A new study reveals that wind erosion can carry away beneficial microbes from soil, reducing microbial diversity and depleting topsoil of essential bacteria. However, certain groups of microbes, such as Actinobacteria, remain in the parent soil despite erosive conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 9, 2012

'Rogue DNA' plays key role in heart failure, study shows

A study by British and Japanese researchers shows that rogue DNA from the heart's own cells mistakenly activates the body's immune system, leading to inflammation and reducing the heart's ability to pump blood. This process can kick-start in heart failure, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2012
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.

NIH scientists link quickly spreading gene to Asian MRSA epidemic

Researchers found that the sasX gene is more prevalent in MRSA strains from China than previously thought, with its frequency increasing significantly over the past decade. The gene plays a pivotal role in establishing MRSA epidemics and may be involved in molecular processes that help bacteria spread and cause disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

Study on inflammatory bowel disease in First Nations people adds to understanding of disease

A new study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Canadian First Nations people reveals distinct genetic variations and immune response patterns compared to white populations. The research found lower numbers of genetic variants involved in recognizing bacteria, potentially impacting the disease's progression.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 10, 2012

Study shows unified process of evolution in bacteria and sexual eukaryotes

Researchers found that gene sweeps can sweep through populations on their own, similar to sexual eukaryotes. This suggests a unified method of evolution for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, challenging traditional views of species classification.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2012
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.

Decade-long study raises new questions about antibiotic use for cystic fibrosis

Researchers found that suppressing bacterial communities with antibiotics may actually help treatment-resistant bacteria flourish, leading to more infections. The study suggests new avenues for developing more effective treatments and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

When dying, bacteria share some characteristics with higher organisms

Researchers have discovered a novel cell death pathway in bacteria that shares similarities with apoptosis in higher organisms. The newly described Apoptotic-Like Death (ALD) pathway is characterized by DNA fragmentation and depolarization of the cell membrane, similar to eukaryotic apoptosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 6, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Adapting personal glucose monitors to detect DNA

Scientists have developed a method to adapt personal glucose monitors for detecting DNA, allowing for rapid testing of viruses and bacteria in human body fluids and food substances. This technology has the potential to improve health and reduce costs, particularly in developing countries or rural areas with limited medical resources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 29, 2012

Making the most of what you have

Scientists at EMBL discovered that bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae tune proteins to perform multiple tasks, leveraging post-translational modifications. This strategy may be an ancient evolutionary tactic shared with complex cells.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

New way to tap largest remaining treasure trove of potential new antibiotics

Scientists have identified two new possible antibiotics, fasamycin A and B, that work against deadly resistant microbes like MRSA. The metagenomics method allowed researchers to analyze substances made by soil bacteria's DNA in the lab, enabling the discovery of these potential life-saving medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 22, 2012

In the mouth, smoking zaps healthy bacteria, welcomes pathogens

A new study found that smoking disrupts a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, making smokers more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. The researchers suggest that dentists should offer more aggressive treatment for smokers and encourage them to quit.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateFeb 15, 2012

Protein study gives fresh impetus in fight against superbugs

Researchers have mapped the molecular structure of restriction enzymes found in many bacteria, shedding light on how they control bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This knowledge could aid in developing new treatments for superbugs like MRSA, which become resistant to most drugs through genetic exchange.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 31, 2012
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.

Viruses con bacteria into working for them

Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 26, 2012

New way to learn about -- and potentially block -- traits in harmful pathogens

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new way to identify genes of harmful microbes using chemicals and genomic sequencing. This approach can rapidly pinpoint genes responsible for specific traits in Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2012
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.

UGA scientists 'hijack' bacterial immune system

Researchers have discovered how to harness the bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes. This finding has far-reaching implications for biotechnology and biomedical research, allowing for the modification of gene expression in bacteria used for biofuels and pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2012

Badwater Basin: Death Valley microbe thrives there

Researchers have identified a new type of magnetic bacteria, BW-1, in Badwater Basin that can produce both greigite and magnetite. The discovery may lead to novel applications in drug delivery and medical imaging due to its unique properties.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateDec 27, 2011