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Stanford study reveals immune-system paralysis in severe COVID-19 cases

A Stanford study reveals that severely ill COVID-19 patients experience immune system paralysis, leading to enhanced inflammation and lung damage. The research identified three molecular suspects associated with lung inflammation and bacterial debris in the blood, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for combating COVID-19.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2020
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.

AI may offer a better way to ID drug-resistant superbugs

A machine learning algorithm using high-temporal-resolution growth curves distinguishes bacterial pathogen strains with 92-98% accuracy, predicting antibiotic resistance as well as genetic-based methods. The method has the potential to be faster, simpler, and less expensive than current techniques.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Cold-sensitive staphylococci reveal a weakness

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020

Compounds show promise in search for tuberculosis antibiotics

Compounds tested for their potential as antibiotics have demonstrated promising activity against tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study found that the compounds exploit well-known targets for drugs, including the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJul 30, 2020

Peering into the secrets of phages to see how they kill bacterial superbugs

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the intricate choreography of phage assembly and its impact on bacterial infections. The research provides new insights into the mechanism of action of phages, which could lead to more precise and effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2020
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.

Megaphages harbor mini-Cas proteins ideal for gene editing

Researchers have discovered a compact Cas protein, CasΦ, in megaphages, which could make gene editing easier and more efficient. This protein targets specific regions of DNA with high accuracy and can cut both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, making it a promising tool for crop improvement and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

New molecular tool precisely edits mitochondrial DNA

A team at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard developed a new molecular editor that can precisely edit mitochondrial DNA, enabling modeling of disease-associated mutations. The editor, engineered from a bacterial toxin, enables researchers to study genetic changes associated with cancer, aging, and more.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2020
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.

A new antibiotic binding site was found in the ribosome

A team of scientists discovered a new antibiotic binding site on the ribosome, blocking protein synthesis in bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs that overcome existing antibiotic resistance.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 29, 2020

Function-based sequencing technique permits analysis of just a single bacteria cell

Researchers have developed a function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers to analyze individual bacteria cells, enabling direct genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing from a single cell. This breakthrough technology supports rapid antibiotic selection and more precise treatment of bacterial infections.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalSmall·DateJun 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RNA structures by the thousands

Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020

Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health

A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateJun 16, 2020

From bacteria to you: The biological reactions that sustain our rhythms

A team of Kyoto University researchers has discovered an intimate connection between methylation and the body's circadian rhythms, linking ancient mechanisms in bacteria to humans. Disruption of methylation can cause various pathologies, including cancer, and inhibiting it in mice and human cells disrupted their body clocks.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 11, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

National survey shows different bacteria on cell phones and shoes

A recent study found that cell phones and shoes harbor distinct communities of microbes, with shoes displaying greater diversity. The research also uncovered a substantial proportion of 'microbial dark matter' groups, previously unexplored in lab settings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 9, 2020

International Consortium of Scientists Propose New Naming System for Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea

A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020

A few months of vaping puts healthy people on the brink of oral disease

Researchers at Ohio State University found that e-cigarette users' mouths contain potent infection-causing organisms, similar to those found in people with periodontitis. The study suggests that vaping can lead to gum disease and cancer, even in healthy individuals who have not smoked. The findings challenge the claim that e-cigarettes...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

Microbial cyborgs: Bacteria supplying power

Scientists at KIT have developed a programmable biohybrid material system that uses bacteria to generate power. The system consists of a nanocomposite and the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium, which produces electrons. The team achieved controlled electron flow with increasing bacterial cells on the conductive matrix.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 25, 2020

Dynamics of gut bacteria follow ecological laws

Researchers discovered mathematical relationships describing gut microbiome dynamics, including Taylor's power law and drift rates. These principles help identify abnormal bacterial behavior and predict how dietary changes affect microbiomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2020

Designing flexible and stretchable single crystal electronic systems

The study created flexible single crystal electronic systems by using organic semiconductors that can be stretched over 10%, exceeding the elastic limit of most single crystals. This breakthrough could enable new applications in sensors and robotics.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 13, 2020

New dataset helps tomato growers reduce spread of bacterial canker

A new dataset and diagnostic platform have been developed to help tomato growers detect and prevent bacterial canker, a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis. The platform uses genetic regions specific to the pathogen, reducing false positives and making it easier for growers to screen infected plant and seed materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateMay 11, 2020

Division of labor on the surface of bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Exeter have found that Thermus thermophilus bacteria possess two types of tiny surface hairs, or pili, with different functions. The thick pili are used for DNA capture, while the thin pili facilitate movement on surfaces.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2020
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.

SMART researchers uncover new anti-phage defence mechanisms in bacteria

Researchers from SMART have discovered a new defence mechanism found in some bacteria that uses phosphorothioates to protect their DNA. This discovery enables scientists to tackle existing challenges in bacterial resistance to antibiotics and has huge implications for phage therapy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 6, 2020

New DNA test will improve tracking of Salmonella food-poisoning outbreaks

Researchers have developed a sensitive and specific assay to detect different serotypes of Salmonella, enabling rapid tracing of infection origins. The new DNA test can distinguish between subtypes of Salmonella in just eight minutes and has the potential to simplify and accelerate food-borne illness investigations.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 28, 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.

Syphilis eludes immune attack by altering a single gene

Researchers found that syphilis bacteria alter a single gene, called tprK, which provides instructions for a protein on its surface. This change allows the bacterium to evade the immune system and resist eradication, contributing to its ability to hide in the body for decades.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 24, 2020

Researchers get important glimpse into microbiome development in early life

Researchers have characterized how the gut microbiome develops in the first hours of infancy, providing a critical baseline for understanding the impact on health and disease later in life. The study found that multiple strains of bacteria emerged early, influencing metabolite levels and protein consumption.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateApr 16, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Research sheds light on how silver ions kill bacteria

Researchers used advanced imaging to study proteins at the molecular level in live E. coli bacteria. Silver ions caused paired DNA strands to separate and protein binding to weaken, resulting in faster protein movement. This new understanding could help develop better antibiotics using silver nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 9, 2020

Harnessing the power of electricity-producing bacteria for programmable 'biohybrids'

Researchers have created a material that supports the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria while efficiently conducting electricity in a controlled manner. By incorporating DNA strands into a nanocomposite scaffold, they can tailor the conductivity and properties of the material by varying the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 8, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers uncover importance of aligning biological clock with day-night cycles

Researchers at University of California San Diego discovered that internal circadian clocks regulate DNA uptake in cyanobacteria, increasing its efficiency during nighttime hours. This finding highlights the crucial role of synchronizing biological processes with environmental rhythms for human health and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Images reveal how bacteria form communities on the human tongue

The study reveals that microbial biofilms on the tongue have a complex spatial organization, with key bacterial genera such as Actinomyces, Rothia, and Streptococcus. The images show patchy community structure, with consorcia dominated by single taxa, and suggest a model for how these communities are generated.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 24, 2020
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.

Bacteria cause problems for genetic research

Researchers at Linköping University discover that bacteria, not human cells, are responsible for the detection of epigenetic mark 6mdA. The team finds multiple methods used to detect 6mdA produce false positive results due to bacterial contamination and technical issues.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

New nano strategy fights superbugs

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy to destroy antibiotic-resistant genes, known as superbugs, in sewage system wastewater. The nano technology traps and degrades these genetic remnants before they can infect other bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 11, 2020
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.

Bacteria killed by new light-activated coating

A new light-activated coating has been developed that successfully kills bacteria in low-intensity ambient light, including <em>Clostridioides difficile</em> and <em>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus</em>. The coating works by producing hydrogen peroxide, a mild reagent used in contact lens cleaner solutions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Anti-evolution drug could stop antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered 46 drugs that block bacterial competence, preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance in mice and human lung cells. These 'anti-evolution drugs' could be combined with antibiotics to extend their lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 3, 2020

A common gut microbe secretes a carcinogen

Researchers at Hubrecht Institute and Princess Máxima Center found that Escherichia coli bacteria induce unique DNA mutations in human cells, similar to those found in colon cancer patients. The study establishes a direct link between the microbes inhabiting our bodies and genetic alterations that drive cancer development.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2020
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.

Genetic 'fingerprints' implicate gut bacterium in bowel cancer

Researchers found unique DNA damage patterns in cells lining the gut and bowel cancer tumours, linked to a specific strain of E. coli toxin colibactin. The discovery could enable early detection and prevention of bowel cancer through targeted screening tests.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2020

Otago researchers shed light on 'arms race' between bacteria and viruses

A recent study published in Nature found that CRISPR anti-viral immunity is often a disadvantage to bacteria when infected by certain viruses. The research suggests that triggering the powerful defense systems can be risky for a bacterium, leading to significant implications for treatment design.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Researchers uncover the Moscow subway microbiome

A group of ITMO University researchers analyzed the Moscow Subway and found a microbiome similar to that of New York's public transportation. The study used high-throughput DNA sequencing and discovered identical types of bacteria, including Dietzia, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas.

SourceITMO University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

Huge bacteria-eating viruses close gap between life and non-life

Researchers identified 351 large phages carrying bacterial genes, including CRISPR and ribosomal proteins, which blur the line between life and non-life. These enormous phages use these genes against their bacterial hosts and have the potential to provide new tools for genome engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2020
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.

Understanding gut microbiota, one cell at a time

A novel technique called SAG-gel allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple draft genomes from raw data, identifying bacteria that respond to dietary fiber without reference genomes. The study reveals specific gene clusters and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down inulin.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 7, 2020

Scientists examined bacterial cannibalism

Scientists investigated allolysis, a phenomenon where bacteria kill genetically identical neighbors under certain conditions. This process may help develop new antibacterial medicines by targeting community dynamics rather than individual cell killing.

SourceSechenov University·JournalAntibiotics·DateFeb 3, 2020
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.

Traditional Chinese medicinal plant yields new insecticide compounds

Researchers have identified 10 compounds with insecticidal activity produced by symbiotic microbes in a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, potentially leading to new natural pesticides. The substances were strongly toxic to aphids and moderately toxic to spider mites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 29, 2020

Stressed-out dust is sharing antibiotic resistance genes

A Northwestern University study found that indoor dust bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance genes, potentially making infections more difficult to treat. The researchers believe this could lead to the spread of resistant pathogens, highlighting the need for increased caution in managing indoor environments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 23, 2020