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Evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiome revealed

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Special UV light safely kills airborne flu virus, finds study

A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that far-UVC light can efficiently kill aerosolized influenza viruses in the air without harming human tissues. The use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, schools, and other public spaces could provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza epidemics.

Antibacterial applications of graphene oxides

Research highlights graphene oxide's exceptional antibacterial properties, which differ from traditional antibiotics. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding structure-activity relationships and molecular initiating events to improve biosafety.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surprise finding points to DNA's role in shaping cells

Researchers discovered that DNA acts as an 'air-in-a-balloon' mechanism to inflate bacterial cells, beyond its genetic information role. This finding has implications for understanding cell formation and growth, potentially revealing insights into the origins of cellular life.

A pair of RNA scissors with many functions

Scientists at the University of Freiburg discovered RNase E as a crucial enzyme in CRISPR/Cas systems, enabling correct gene expression and immune defense. The findings suggest stronger interaction between CRISPR/Cas systems and host organisms, increasing potential for its applications.

Workbench for virus design

Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.

Bacteria play critical role in driving colon cancers

Researchers found that Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli bacteria work together to create a microenvironment that induces chronic inflammation and DNA damage, supporting tumor formation. This discovery could lead to more effective screening and prevention strategies for colon cancer.

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.

A bacterial duo linked to colon cancer

A bacterial duo has been identified as a potential contributor to colon cancer risk. Escherichia Coli and Bacteroides fragilis alter the gut microenvironment by depleting mucus and inducing inflammation, facilitating E.coli colonization.

Computer models reveal best way to kill deadly bacteria

A new study uses computer-based models to identify mechanisms used by bacterial spores to evade extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation. The researchers determined the optimal conditions for killing harmful bacteria, revealing a unique 'freeze-dried' state that protects the DNA machinery.

Viruses that infect bacteria abound in bladder

Researchers found 457 novel phage sequences in bacterial genomes from the female urinary microbiome, suggesting a common set of phages that reside in the bladder. The study also indicates that phage may contribute to urinary health and offers potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections.

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.

Bacterial immune systems take the stage

Researchers have identified 10 previously unknown bacterial immune defense mechanisms, which may provide new insights into the evolution of human immunity. These systems include novel Toll-Interleukin Receptor domains and genes 'borrowed' from non-defensive bacterial systems.

Leprosy's drug resistance and origin revealed by genome analysis

A recent study has shed new light on the biology of M. leprae, revealing genes associated with antibiotic resistance and potentially leading to new treatments. The research also suggests that leprosy originated in the Far East, challenging long-held assumptions about its origins.

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.

'Magic pools' approach can hurry studies of novel bacteria

Researchers use a new method called magic pools to study hundreds of transposon systems in parallel, speeding up the process of identifying functional transposons. This approach enables scientists to test multiple genetic variants simultaneously, reducing the trial and error process and accelerating the development of new genetic tools.

Danish researchers reveal how the MRSA bacterium handles stress

Researchers at Aarhus University have determined a fundamental mechanism by which staphylococci bacteria handle stress when exposed to antibiotics. The discovery reveals that bacteria produce an enzyme capable of modifying DNA building blocks into signal molecules, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatment.

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.

How bacteria turbocharged their motors

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered how bacteria evolved molecular motors to optimize their swimming. By building a 'family tree' of bacterial motors using 3D imaging and DNA analysis, the team found that sophisticated species had more stators than primitive species, with some having as many as 17 stators.

Cellular division strategy shared across all domains of life

The study reveals that archaea use the same mechanism to regulate cell size as bacteria and budding yeast, with some variability in precision. The researchers found that Halobacterium salinarum controls its size by adding a constant volume between two events in the cell cycle.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Boosting the antibiotic arsenal

MIT researchers discovered a way to make bacteria more vulnerable to quinolones, enabling existing drugs to kill bacteria that cause chronic infections. Delivering quinolones along with glucose and fumarate can eliminate several types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Teaching life a new trick: Bacteria make boron-carbon bonds

Researchers at Caltech have created bacteria that can produce chemical compounds with boron-carbon bonds, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. The findings could lead to more economical and environmentally friendly ways to manufacture pharmaceuticals and other products.

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.

World's smallest tape recorder is built from microbes

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a microscopic data recorder using CRISPR-Cas technology, allowing bacteria to monitor their surroundings and record temporal changes. The system has proven its ability to handle multiple signals and record for days.

Camponotini ant species have their own distinct microbiomes

A study published in PLOS ONE found that Camponotini ant species have distinct microbiomes, with some stages having unique bacterial populations. This suggests that the microbiome may play a role in shaping the ant's biology and adaptation to its environment.

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.

Bacteria in a beetle makes it a leaf-eater

A leaf-eating beetle has evolved a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that allows it to break down pectin, a plant cell wall component. The bacterium, which has a tiny genome, has the power to degrade pectin, enabling the beetle's digestive system to access nutrients.

Genetic engineering mechanism visualized

A team of scientists has visualized the dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex using high-speed atomic force microscopy. The study provides unprecedented insights into the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage mechanism, highlighting its potential for gene editing.

MSU biologists have found out how long can microorganisms live on Mars

Researchers studied microbial communities in permafrost sedimentary rocks under low temperature and pressure conditions similar to those on Mars. They found that these communities showed high resistance to simulated Martian environment, with some bacteria surviving even after doses of ionizing radiation exceeding 80 kGy.

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.

Several reasons why whole grains are healthy

A large Danish study found that whole grains reduce inflammation in the body and lead to weight loss in overweight adults. The study suggests that choosing whole grains over refined grains can have numerous health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

CSIC tightens the noose around superbugs

A team of CSIC scientists has designed new molecules capable of destroying resistance to conventional antibiotics in bacteria. By targeting the cellular mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance, these molecules can break down the proteins responsible for making bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.

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.

Diversity and immigration increase productivity in microbial communities

A recent study by scientists at the University of Exeter found that mixing diverse microorganisms from different sources can increase productivity and stability in microbial communities. This phenomenon was observed when methane-producing communities were combined, leading to a higher biogas yield.

New antibiotic resistance genes found

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have discovered 76 new types of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes can provide bacteria with the ability to degrade carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics.

Bacteria self-organize to build working sensors

Bacteria self-organize to form a golden shell around their colony using gold nanoparticles, creating a functional pressure sensor. The researchers controlled the size and shape of the device by altering the growth environment, demonstrating a proof-of-principle for fabricating structured materials.

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.

Computer model unravels knotty problems in DNA

Researchers used computer modeling to understand how E. coli bacteria can unlink tangled DNA by a local reconnection process. The study found that undoing one link at a time is the preferred route to separate the circles of DNA, with implications for other complex systems in nature.

International competition benchmarks metagenomics software

Scientists evaluated metagenomics software using international competition benchmarks to assemble, classify, and analyze complex pools of bacterial DNA. The results showed that different algorithms perform better in various contexts, highlighting the need for researchers to choose software based on specific questions.

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.

Imagining a world without species

A theoretical physicist proposes an alternative approach to species classification by considering the dynamics of microbial communities as a whole. This framework may help researchers better understand complex biological systems and their role in human diseases.

Fish food for marine farms harbor antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers found 132 antibiotic-resistant genes in commercially available fishmeal, which can boost the growth of harmful bacteria in marine farm sediment. This discovery suggests that fishmeal could be a reservoir for these genes, promoting their distribution globally.

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.

Innate immunity

Researchers discovered that cGAS forms a ladder-like complex with cytoplasmic DNA to detect infections. The length of the DNA is critical for this process, and only longer DNA strands activate the innate immune system.

Revolutionary process could signal new era for gene synthesis

A breakthrough in gene synthesis has been achieved using a chemical method that overcomes limitations of existing methods by incorporating epigenetic information into genes. This new approach, click DNA ligation, enables rapid and efficient assembly of modified DNA fragments into functional genes.

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.

Fish food for marine farms harbor antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers found 132 antibiotic resistance genes in commercially available fishmeal, which can potentially confer resistance to common antibiotics. The application of fishmeal to marine farm sediment samples increased the abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes, boosting potential human pathogenic bacteria.

A new estimate of biodiversity on Earth

Researchers estimate 2 billion species, with bacteria dominating the 'Pie of Life'. This new estimate incorporates DNA sequence data and parasite-host associations to arrive at a higher number than previous estimates.

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.

Are stem cells the link between bacteria and cancer?

Researchers have found that Helicobacter pylori infection increases stem cell turnover in the stomach, leading to increased cell division and cancer risk. The bacteria sends a signal to stem cells, putting them into overdrive, which may explain why chronic infections with H. pylori are linked to stomach cancer.

Soil microbes persist through National Mall facelift

Researchers found that the bacteria communities in the National Mall's soil did not change significantly before and after the renovation. The study highlights the importance of understanding how changes in the soil microbiome can impact plant productivity and health.

MRSA survival chances predicted by DNA sequencing the superbug

Researchers used DNA sequencing to identify patients at risk of death from MRSA infections, predicting survival chances with high accuracy. The study found that different strains of MRSA kill patients in distinct ways, shedding light on the pathogen's deadly mechanisms.

Deciphering potent DNA toxin's secrets

A team of Vanderbilt University researchers has worked out the molecular details of Yatakemycin (YTM), a potent bacterial toxin that prevents DNA replication. The study reveals how YTM stabilizes DNA, making it resistant to repair mechanisms, and could be used to fine-tune its antimicrobial properties.

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.

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston are developing mathematical models to understand how cells in large colonies of bacteria communicate with each other. Their goal is to design colonies that can perform computations and make sophisticated decisions, mimicking the ability of tissues to maintain homeostasis.

Bacteria found in Alzheimer's brains

Researchers have discovered increased bacterial populations and specific bacteria differences in Alzheimer's brains compared to healthy brains. The findings suggest that bacterial infection and inflammation could play a role in the disease.