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Worm pheromones protect major crops

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Phytopathology·DateJul 25, 2019

An apple carries about 100 million bacteria -- good luck washing them off

A new study found that organic apples contain a more diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which could contribute to improved gut health. In contrast, conventional apples were found to have higher levels of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. The researchers also discovered that the bacteria in organic apples were more c...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2019
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.

Vampire algae killer's genetic diversity poses threat to biofuels

A recent DNA analysis revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that targets commercial algae, posing a persistent threat to the biofuels industry. The discovery suggests that treatment for one algae pest might not work for another, complicating large-scale algae cultivation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhycological Research·DateJul 22, 2019

First impressions go a long way in the immune system

Researchers developed an algorithm that analyzes immune cell responses to predict disease onset and progression. The algorithm uses 'first impressions' from early interactions between immune cells and bacteria to identify patterns that can be applied to real-time blood tests.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2019

Waking up sleeping bacteria to fight infections

Researchers found a way to stimulate the waking of persisters, dormant bacterial cells that evade antibiotics and lead to chronic infections. Breaking links in the 'pore' formed by peptides enables these sleeping bacteria to regain energy and infect the host again.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 18, 2019

Flies may also spread disease among monkeys and apes

Researchers found high densities of flies in primate social groups, recapturing marked flies up to two weeks later. Flies carried anthrax and Treponema pallidum pertenue bacteria, which cause severe lesions in mangabeys.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 16, 2019

New UCI-led study uncovers weakness in C. diff toxin

A new study by researchers from the University of California, Irvine has shed light on the weaknesses of TcdB, a toxin primarily responsible for devastating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The study provides a blueprint for the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics with enhanced potency and broad-reactivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 15, 2019
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.

Researchers publish new study on citrus greening disease

Researchers created a mathematical model to calculate temperature suitability for citrus greening transmission, mapping areas at risk of production collapse. The study provides critical information for crop management and surveillance prevention.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 15, 2019

How plague pathogens trick the immune system

Scientists deciphered how YopO changes its shape to confuse the immune system, disrupting communication and allowing bacteria to evade digestion. Understanding this process may lead to developing targeted, tailor-made substances to inhibit plague pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalStructure·DateJul 11, 2019
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.

Bacteria associated with hospital infections are found in raw meat

A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019
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.

Glow reveals dangerous bacteria

A new ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based method has been developed to rapidly detect Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This test can be carried out in the field and requires no containment laboratory, significantly faster than conventional methods.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 2, 2019

Transmission of MRSA

Researchers found MRSA acquired mainly through community transmission, with higher prevalence among individuals of immigrant background in Norway. The study suggests a need for coordinated initiatives to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019

Scissors get stuck -- another way bacteria use CRISPR/Cas9

Researchers discovered Cas9's ability to block gene activity without cutting DNA in pathogenic bacterium Francisella novicida, regulating disease-causing genes. This finding expands the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome engineering and potential antibiotic resistance solutions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 1, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New method reveals how well TB antibiotics reach their targets

Researchers developed a new technique to visualise the distribution of TB drugs in human macrophages at high resolution. The study found that bedaquiline accumulates in lipid droplets inside host cells, forming a reservoir that supplies the drug to Mtb over time.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2019

Pathogen engineered to self-destruct underlies cancer vaccine platform

Researchers developed a cancer vaccine technology using live, attenuated pathogens as vectors. The novel vaccine causes the bacteria to self-destruct once they've done their job, making it safe for human use. This innovation has potential applications in treating various cancers and infectious diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJun 24, 2019
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.

How bacteria kill host cells from the inside

Researchers found that extracellular pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter host cells and induce cell lysis through the type III secretion system. The study reveals a new mechanism of bacterial killing in macrophages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 20, 2019

How bacteria protect themselves from plasma treatment

Researchers found 87 genes in E. coli bacteria that protect against plasma treatment, including a heat shock protein Hsp33. The study suggests that genetic changes can increase plasma resistance in bacteria.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

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.

The cholera bacterium's 3-in-1 toolkit for life in the ocean

Researchers discovered a grappling hook-like appendage called type IV pili that enables Vibrio cholerae to take up DNA, bind to nutrient-rich surfaces and recognize 'family' members. The findings reveal a multifunctional toolkit for the bacterium's survival in ocean environments.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 10, 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.

Bid to beat superbugs boosted by immune defense discovery

Researchers have discovered a molecule called LL-37 that changes cell behavior when infected with bacteria, triggering the production of neutrophils to destroy bacterial threats. The study's findings could lead to new approaches in treating multi-drug resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 3, 2019

New records show spread of parasitic deer flies across the US

Deer keds, a type of parasite fly that occasionally bites humans, have been found in more locations than previously thought, according to Penn State researchers. The team mapped their distribution across North America, documenting new state and county records, and warned that they may transmit disease-causing bacteria.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMay 31, 2019

Certain antidepressants could provide treatment for multiple infectious diseases

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that certain antidepressants, known as FIASMAs, can halt the growth or kill four different intracellular bacterial pathogens. These drugs target cholesterol trafficking in cells, bypassing direct bacterial targeting and potentially providing an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateMay 31, 2019
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.

Bacteria's protein quality control agent offers insight into origins of life

Researchers discovered that Rqc2 marks protein fragments with a flag, allowing proteases to cut up bad fragments. The study sheds light on the ancient mechanism used by bacteria to recycle incomplete proteins, which has implications for understanding life's origins and developing new treatments for diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2019

New genetic engineering strategy makes human-made DNA invisible

A new genetic engineering approach removes a specific component of human-made DNA to make it invisible to bacterial defenses, allowing for more efficient and time-saving gene editing. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer clinically relevant bacteria with reduced resources and increased flexibility.

SourceForsyth Institute·DateMay 28, 2019

Cranberries join forces with antibiotics to fight bacteria

A new study has found that cranberry extract makes bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics, reducing resistance and allowing for lower doses to be effective. This breakthrough could help combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 28, 2019

New compounds could be used to treat autoimmune disorders

Researchers at Rockefeller University developed small molecules that inhibit cGAS, an enzyme implicated in misguided immune responses. These compounds could lead to new treatments for people with certain autoimmune disorders and shed light on autoimmunity.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When macrophages are deprived of oxygen

Under hypoxic conditions, fewer metabolites are produced in the citric acid cycle, reducing bacterial reproduction in macrophages. This discovery provides a new method for pathogen control that doesn't rely on oxygen levels.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 2019

Paper stickers to monitor pathogens are more effective than swabs

Using paper stickers to collect pathogens is more effective and less expensive than swabbing for monitoring in food processing plants. Researchers found that stickers can trap both bacterial and dead pathogens, providing a record of contamination over several weeks.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 24, 2019

How bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance in the presence of antibiotics

Researchers discovered that previously drug-sensitive bacteria can survive exposure to antibiotics long enough to express resistance genes, rendering them immune. The mechanisms underlying this process involve a drug-jettisoning pump and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like bacterial conjugation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2019
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.

Systems biology of antibiotics

Dr. Ana Rita Brochado's research focuses on gram-negative bacteria, which are difficult to treat due to their complex cellular envelope. Her work has shown that certain bacterial strains can be effectively combated using antibiotic combinations and food compounds, like vanillin.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMay 23, 2019

Natural environments favor 'good' bacteria

A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 22, 2019
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.

Civil War plant medicines blast drug-resistant bacteria in lab tests

A new study finds that extracts from three Civil War-era plants have antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria, which were commonly used in treating wound infections. The research suggests these plant-based remedies may have saved limbs and lives during the war.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2019

Synthetic biologists hack bacterial sensors

Researchers have created a system that can systematically rewire two-component systems in bacteria, allowing them to identify the function of an unknown sensor. This technology has wide-ranging implications for medical diagnostics, pathogen study and environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Dangerous pathogens use this sophisticated machinery to infect hosts

Researchers at Caltech have unveiled the 3D molecular architecture of Legionella pneumophila's Type IV secretion system, a sophisticated machinery used by dangerous pathogens to infect human cells. The discovery could enable the development of precisely targeted antibiotics to combat diseases like Legionnaires' disease and whooping cough.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 17, 2019
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.

How stressed-out bacteria may trigger autoimmune response

A study published in mSystems found that stress caused changes in intestinal bacteria that stimulated immune cells, increasing the likelihood of an autoimmune attack. The researchers also identified specific bacterial species and genes associated with autoimmunity.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateMay 14, 2019

Symbionts as lifesavers

A recent study has found that endosymbionts in amoebae significantly influence the proliferation and spread of Legionella pneumophila. The researchers discovered that these bacteria weaken the infectivity of Legionella by competing for nutrients, ultimately leading to slower multiplication and reduced virulence.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalmBio·DateMay 14, 2019

Princeton scientists bioengineer a cellular speedometer

Researchers at Princeton University have engineered Pseudomonas bacteria to sense the speed of flowing fluids, which can be used as a flow sensor. The bacteria's genetic response is tuned to the speed, allowing it to detect and measure fluid flow in real-time.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2019

Study details bacteria's role in recurrent urinary tract infections

A new study reveals that several species of bacteria reside in bladder tissue of postmenopausal women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. The findings provide a better understanding of the interaction between bacteria and host tissue, which may lead to more effective treatment strategies for this chronic condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 13, 2019
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.

Study sheds new light on urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women

A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that several species of bacteria can invade the bladder walls in postmenopausal women with urinary tract infections. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may not be effective due to high levels of bacterial resistance and a lack of targeted therapies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 10, 2019

Plants and the art of microbial maintenance

A joint study reveals that plants utilize their root-derived chemicals to shape and maintain diverse microbial communities. The findings provide a gateway to engineering plant root microbiota in major crops, potentially leading to improved productivity and sustainability.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019
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.

Scientists discover how superbugs hide from their host

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a mechanism used by bacteria E. faecalis to hide from the immune system, paving the way for new treatments. The study found that the bacteria modifies its cell surface to evade recognition by host immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 2, 2019

Pathogens find safe harbor deep in the gastric glands

Researchers discovered that H. pylori exploit a specialized niche within gastric glands to maintain stable bacterial reservoirs. This allows the bacteria to serve as stable populations and prevents incoming bacteria from establishing themselves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 2, 2019

Darwin can help your doctor

A team of scientists, led by microbiologist Marjon de Vos, conducted a review to explore the application of evolutionary theory in clinical microbiology. By analyzing microbial communities and genetic data, they identified potential solutions for treating cystic fibrosis patients and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 2019

Major findings help understand bacteria's 'superglue'

Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Queensland discovered how UpaB protein in bacteria sticks to human body parts, enabling new anti-microbial development opportunities. The study provides fundamental science that could inform future solutions to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2019

Bactericidal action of violacein revealed

Researchers describe violacein's mechanism of action against bacteria, including its ability to kill drug-resistant pathogens and disrupt membrane organization. The study's findings suggest violacein's potential as a target for future antimicrobial research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateApr 26, 2019
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.

High school students publish paper with RIT scientists analyzing rare bacterium

Three Rochester Prep High School seniors, working in the RIT Genomics Lab, isolated and genetically sequenced a Yimella bacterium that produces antibiotic compounds against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The discovery is significant in addressing antibiotic resistance, a growing concern worldwide.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·DateApr 25, 2019

Bacteria reveal strong individuality when navigating a maze

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that bacteria in a microfluidic T-maze exhibit diverse chemotactic sensitivity due to genetic variations, allowing some individuals to outperform others. This phenotypic heterogeneity may provide an evolutionary advantage for the bacteria, enabling them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

How drug-resistant E. coli succeeds as a public health menace

Researchers analyzed over 850 drug-resistant E. coli genomes to identify survival strategies, finding that clones use niche separation and NFDS to evolve and succeed in the host environment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding bacterial ecology to develop effective prevention methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019
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.