Researchers have mapped the structure of complement component C1, a protein responsible for spotting foreign agents and triggering the immune response. The study reveals how the complex is assembled from its constituent proteins, shedding light on the immune system's prevention of disease and potential therapeutic applications.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2013
Scientists from the University of Sheffield have partnered with an Indian team to develop a new technology that can rapidly diagnose and treat corneal infections, potentially saving thousands of patients' eyesight. The technology uses polymers that trap bacteria or fungi in place, allowing for easy removal.
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.
A study found that different strains of gut bacteria use mucins in the human gut at varying rates. The ability to break down mucins is linked to specific gene clusters, and these differences can affect which bacteria thrive in the gut. This research may provide new insights into maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2013
Plant genes called expansins were transferred from plants to bacteria, fungi, and amoeba, allowing them to weaken plant cell walls and colonize roots. This unique case suggests that rare gene transfers have contributed significantly to the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 22, 2013
A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 18, 2013
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.
Researchers have identified a variant of common soil-based pathogen Clostridium perfringens type B as a potential multiple sclerosis trigger. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets damaged tissues in MS patients, with levels of epsilon toxin antibodies found to be 10 times higher in MS patients than healthy controls.
SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013
A new microfluidic device can quickly identify harmless bacteria and those that produce biofilms, which are associated with disease. This breakthrough could enable faster diagnosis and more effective treatment of conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013
Researchers at UT Southwestern have developed a new type of antibiotic called PPMO that successfully killed a multidrug-resistant germ common to health care settings. The technology targets specific genes essential for bacterial reproduction and offers promise against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 2013
Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 11, 2013
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created over 650 new compounds that restore or improve effectiveness against drug-resistant pathogens in animal models. The findings could have major impact in the struggle against antimicrobial resistance, which threatens public health globally.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have engineered E. coli to seek out and kill disease-causing pathogens, including those responsible for difficult-to-treat infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The new bacterial strain uses an antimicrobial peptide and enzyme to break down biofilms, offering a potential new treatment option.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 2, 2013
Researchers found resistance genes for five common antibiotics and the Clostridium botulinum toxin gene in vacuum dust, which could lead to infant botulism infections. The study suggests that vacuum cleaners can act as a vehicle for indoor bioaerosol exposure.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2013
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a beneficial relationship between crops and bacteria that could lead to reduced nitrogen fertilizer use. By understanding how legume crops interact with rhizobia bacteria, scientists hope to develop new methods for improving plant nutrition and reducing waste.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2013
A new large animal model was developed to study immune responses to H. pylori, a leading cause of peptic ulcers. The pig model showed an increase in pro-inflammatory CD4+ T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells, mirroring recent human clinical studies.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateSep 25, 2013
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 studying the wild strain of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum discovered that some clones can farm bacteria and carry defensive symbionts to protect their crops. The researchers isolated wild clones from soil and found that these clones were more complex than previously thought.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2013
A recent Penn study found that fish skin and gut immune responses are similar, with key components resembling those in mammals. The study suggests IgT plays a crucial role in regulating host-microbiota homeostasis and may be involved in developing improved fish vaccines.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateSep 13, 2013
Researchers discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis produces an enzyme that enhances collagen-induced arthritis, leading to earlier onset and greater severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The bacteria worsens joint destruction by changing proteins into citrulline, triggering an immune attack.
SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 12, 2013
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a group of viruses associated with the coral epidemic 'white plague,' which has killed 70-80% of some reefs. The study suggests that viral diversity is higher in diseased corals, highlighting the need for further research to prevent this disease.
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.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that copper and copper alloys rapidly destroy norovirus, a highly-infectious sickness bug responsible for over 267 million cases worldwide. Copper surfaces can effectively shut down one avenue of infection, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2013
Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria inside beetles suppress plant defenses against chewing insects, allowing beetles to thrive. The findings suggest a new way plants can be vulnerable to insect attacks.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2013
Researchers found that antibiotics create a nutrient surplus in the gut, allowing pathogens to establish themselves. The study suggests that friendly gut bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients, and when this defense falters, harmful microorganisms can thrive.
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.
A new method developed by Michael DiMarzio identifies and tracks antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strains, which account for 15% of human salmonellosis infections. The study uses CRISPR sequences to separate isolates with common resistance patterns in both animals and humans.
SourcePenn State·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 29, 2013
A new study analyzes dozens of tuberculosis genomes to understand why TB is so prevalent and how it evolves to resist countermeasures. The analysis shows that the bacterium takes advantage of human population growth and history, evolving to thrive in crowded and wretched conditions.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 2013
Researchers evolved hyperswarmable Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which formed less dense biofilms than their non-hyperswarmable counterparts. This could lead to the development of new anti-biofilm therapies.
A study found that MRSA strains in humans originated from cattle, with a 40-year timeline for the emergence of resistance to methicillin. The bacteria's genetic analysis revealed that bovine strains were closer to the root of the phylogenetic tree, indicating a common ancestor.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 13, 2013
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.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found a novel way to block the social communication of bacteria P. aeruginosa, which enables it to cause infection.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 13, 2013
A new study reveals that SIGIRR protein suppresses the gut's immune response to bacteria, allowing beneficial microorganisms to thrive. This balance is crucial in preventing infection and inflammatory diseases.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 8, 2013
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the importance of balancing the gut microbiome to prevent food-borne infections. The researchers found that SIGIRR protein plays a critical role in protecting the gut against bacterial pathogens, and its dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to colonization by harmful microbes.
Scientists from Norwich BioScience Institute have gathered data to assess the hazards of lower temperature cooking in sous vide, filling a knowledge gap. They propose a way forward to ensure consistent and effective safety assessments, commensurate with any risk to public health.
Researchers found that certain stimuli, such as flu infection, fever and stress hormone release, trigger bacteria to leave biofilms in the nose and enter sterile organs, revealing increased virulence. Understanding this mechanism could lead to ways to block the transition to disease.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalmBio·DateAug 6, 2013
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.
EPFL researchers dismantled a bacterial nano-machine that kills host cells by piercing membranes. The discovery opens new therapeutic perspectives, including coating catheters with substitute peptides to prevent infection.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2013
Researchers have identified a staph-killing compound and developed a new mouse model to test its effectiveness. The study may lead to new strategies for restoring bone balance, even if the infection is not fully eliminated.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 1, 2013
Researchers identified a novel component of Legionella's replication system, RidL, which disrupts an intracellular transport system needed for bacterial elimination. This allows the bacteria to survive and replicate in phagocytic cells.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 18, 2013
Researchers found antibiotic-resistant strains in specific spots along the Hudson River, including Flushing Bay and Newtown Creek, which are likely linked to untreated sewage. The microbes identified pose risks to human health, particularly for those with compromised immune systems.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJournal of Water and Health·DateJul 18, 2013
Kansas State University researchers have discovered how Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium causing hospital-associated infections, uses its regulatory system to resist the host's innate immune defense. The team has identified a protein called Eep as a key stress response that can be targeted with novel drug compounds.
SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJul 17, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A probiotic strain of E. coli reduces Salmonella colonization by competing for iron, leading to decreased Salmonella counts in the gut. The approach has potential for treating other gut bacterial pathogens that require iron to grow.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 17, 2013
A study found that whole chickens purchased from farmers markets had significantly higher levels of bacteria like Campylobacter and Salmonella compared to those from grocery stores. This suggests interventions like antimicrobial rinses may be necessary to lower pathogen loads on poultry carcasses.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Safety·DateJul 11, 2013
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified neutrophils, white blood cells, as a major source of interferon-gamma, a protein that stimulates the immune system to fight viruses and other pathogens. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the role of neutrophils in immunity.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2013
A new four-year grant will support research on Fusobacterium, a prevalent oral bacteria linked to stillbirth, post-birth sepsis, and premature births. The study aims to understand why some subspecies enter the bloodstream and cause diseases, potentially leading to disease prevention.
Researchers discovered that bacteria like Burkholderia cenocepacia share small molecules to become resistant to antibiotics. This novel communication mechanism protects not only itself but also other susceptible bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013
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.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower diversity of gut bacteria and decreased amounts of three critical bacteria. This finding implies that a diverse gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a robust bacterial community, and may be linked to the development of ASD symptoms.
SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Lahore University of Management Sciences are developing affordable test strips to detect pathogenic bacteria in drinking water. The project aims to address water safety concerns in Lahore, where over 60% of water sources are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 2, 2013
A Kansas State University-led study reveals that the TonB protein plays a central role in the uptake of iron by Gram-negative bacteria, which cause diseases like typhoid fever and meningitis. The research found that TonB acts as an electric motor that rotates in response to cellular energy flow, enabling iron acquisition into the cell.
SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created an atomic-scale structure of a ribosome attached to a molecule that controls its motion, shedding light on how bacterial ribosomes work. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target the specific weaknesses of bacterial ribosomes.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2013
Researchers at Yonsei University have developed a technique to coat glass with silver ions, which can prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The technology could be used to protect medical equipment and be particularly useful in disaster recovery and military environments.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanotechnology·DateJun 27, 2013
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.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has found that CRISPR-Cas RNA-guided nucleases can cause off-target mutations in human cells, with rates potentially higher than at targeted sites. This limitation highlights the need to improve the precision of these gene-editing tools for therapeutic applications.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 23, 2013
A new compound has been identified that can kill staph bacteria causing bone infections. A mouse model has also been developed to test the compound and generate additional therapeutic strategies.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 19, 2013
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new three-dimensional microfluidic device that can customize channel shapes to mimic natural conditions. The technology has potential applications in water and food safety, as well as biological terrorism detection.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateJun 19, 2013
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that platelets actively search for specific bacteria and seal them off from the body, reducing the risk of infection. This mechanism is crucial in combating harmful bacteria like MRSA, which can lead to serious conditions.
SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 18, 2013
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.
Researchers reconstructed medieval leprosy bacteria genomes from 1,000-year-old skeletons and biopsies, revealing minor genetic changes over the last 1000 years. The study suggests improved social conditions and other factors influenced the end of the leprosy epidemic.
The researchers discovered that altering the expression of the glgS gene affects the production of structures involved in bacterial pathogenicity, which indirectly impacts glycogen production. This finding may provide clues for future strategies to combat bacterial infections by modulating glycogen production.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateJun 14, 2013
Researchers from the University of Toronto have created an electronic chip that can analyze samples for panels of infectious bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technology can identify multiple pathogens and determine antibiotic resistance, addressing the urgent need for rapid diagnosis.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2013
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an experimental vaccine that prevents the virulent TB bacterium from invading the brain and causing TB meningitis. The new vaccine was tested in guinea pigs and showed promise in reducing brain damage and death, with higher levels of protective antibodies and interferons.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 11, 2013
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.
A computational model of E. coli has been developed, enabling researchers to compute the temperature sensitivity of proteins and predict weak points that limit heat tolerance. This study opens up possibilities for creating heat-tolerant microbial strains for industrial applications.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2013
Research reveals higher diversity in gut microbiota enables more robust immune responses to vaccines. Scientists found that diverse gut bacteria may help humans resist enteric pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a strong correlation between poultry farm contamination and later processing plant contamination. The findings suggest that reducing pathogens on farms can reduce contamination levels at processing plants, potentially lowering the risk of foodborne illness.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 31, 2013
Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 30, 2013
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.
A novel songbird disease has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host in just two decades, according to a new study. The research found that the disease became more virulent in both regions studied, with birds exposed to later disease strains developing more swollen eyes that took longer to heal.
SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 28, 2013
A former University of California, Riverside graduate student built a system that replicates a human colon, septic tank, and groundwater to understand the impact of bacteria on groundwater. His research found that pathogens could potentially linger longer in aquatic environments, posing a risk to water quality.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 28, 2013
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered how Neisseria meningitidis attaches to human airways, a key step in the development of invasive disease. This breakthrough understanding may lead to the identification of new risk factors and treatment procedures.
SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 22, 2013
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.