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Bacteria like cholera may be crucial in the development of new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered how a bacterium called Vibrio alginolyticus moves using sodium ions, which could lead to new targets for antibiotics. The study provides insights into the flagellum's movement and may help develop novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Asymptomatic infections may underlie recent rise in whooping cough

A new study found that individuals vaccinated with the newer pertussis vaccine show similar immune responses to antigens present and absent from the vaccine, suggesting that asymptomatic infections drive T cell response. This could lead to the spread of the bacteria to vulnerable populations.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
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.

New sensor mimics cell membrane functions

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel sensor that can detect immune molecule CXCL12, which plays a crucial role in several human diseases including cancer. The device uses receptor proteins found in cell membranes, making it a potential tool for early screening of hard-to-diagnose cancers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 2023

A new Achilles heel of the bacterial cell wall

Researchers discovered a central regulator, DipM, controlling multiple autolysins and promoting cell constriction in Caulobacter crescentus. The study reveals DipM's role in coordinating bacterial cell wall remodeling and division processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

SMART researchers uncover novel bacterial communication system to combat antimicrobial resistance

A novel stress signalling system has been discovered by SMART researchers, enabling bacteria cells to adapt and survive against the immune system and certain antibiotics. The breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor may lead to the development of new therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023
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.

The structure of a protein bound to DNA reveals how the toxicity of the cholera bacterium is activated

The study of ToxR's protein structure bound to DNA has revealed how it triggers cholera toxin production. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanism behind Vibrio cholerae's virulence, shedding light on potential treatments for this disease.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Drug precursor biosynthesis hinges on carrier-mediated ring formation

Researchers at Hokkaido University unveil unprecedented carrier protein-mediated ring-forming step in actinopyridazone biosynthesis. The dihydropyridazinone ring is formed through a novel machinery involving Apy3, Apy4, and Apy6 proteins.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Extracellular cytochrome nanowires appear to be ubiquitous in microbes

Researchers discovered that extracellular cytochrome nanowires are widespread in prokaryotic microbes, including both bacteria and archaea. The findings suggest that these nanowires, composed of a long chain of cytochrome proteins, play a crucial role in microbial metabolism by facilitating efficient electron transfer.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023

Unveiling the secret of viruses-bacteria interactions in man-made environments

Researchers found that viruses can insert genes into bacteria to help them adapt and survive in nutrient-depleted man-made environments. The study also identified novel immune systems against viruses in bacteria and detected antibiotic resistance genes in viruses on human skin and surfaces.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2023
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.

Chemists discover why photosynthetic light-harvesting is so efficient

Researchers found that disordered organization of proteins boosts energy transfer efficiency, allowing nearly every photon to generate an electron. This finding could lead to better understanding of photosynthesis and potential applications in artificial systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2023

Pathogenic bacteria use a sugar in the intestinal mucus layer to infect the gut, study shows

A new study reveals that pathogenic bacteria fuel their growth by consuming sialic acid, a key component of the protective intestinal mucus layer. The findings suggest a potential treatment target for intestinal bacterial infections and chronic diseases linked to gut bacteria, including IBD and celiac disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023
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.

A symbiosis in the open ocean

Researchers discovered a symbiotic relationship between diatom Hemiaulus hauckii and cyanobacterium Richelia euintracellularis, with the diatom supplying reduced organic compounds to support nitrogen fixation. The study found that proteins from the endosymbiont play a crucial role in molecule transport across cell membranes.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 27, 2023

Researchers make major strides toward an all-purpose biosensor chip

The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 22, 2023

Study identifies a protein that could be a target for a vaccine against spotted fever

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified a protein in Amblyomma ticks essential to their survival while feeding, making it a promising target for developing a vaccine. The study found that silencing gene expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein reduced bacterial proliferation and made ticks more resistant to infection.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateJun 7, 2023

Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria

Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMay 30, 2023
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.

Stealthy Salmonella escapes host’s defences using two-pronged approach

A new study reveals that Salmonella uses a two-pronged approach to protect itself within the host's defense mechanisms, involving protein SopB. By altering phosphoinositide dynamics and preventing lysosome production, SopB allows the bacteria to survive inside macrophages.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalMicrobes and Infection·DateMay 26, 2023

New insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance

A team from the University of Tsukuba has discovered characteristics of proteins in bacteria that convey antibiotic resistance, providing insights into their function and role. These proteins, known as ARE-ABCFs, work in synergy with other resistance mechanisms to convey extremely high levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2023

A look into the heart of cellular waste disposal

Scientists have rebuilt the complex nanomachine in the laboratory that starts autophagy, revealing its sophisticated cellular mechanism. The study's findings could help develop future drugs to treat diseases based on a faulty autophagy process.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Laboratory fishing expedition reels in a big catch: hidden pathogenic role of a housekeeping enzyme in Listeria

Researchers have discovered that a previously unknown strategy is used by the foodborne bacterium Listeria monocytogenes to invade and infect humans and animals. A housekeeping enzyme called LAP plays a crucial role in this process, and its attachment to the bacterial surface is essential for pathogenesis.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

UCF scientist uncovers roots of antibiotic resistance

Researchers identify OmpU protein variants associated with antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Understanding the evolutionary origins of AMR can inform the development of effective therapeutics against resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2023

How dormant bacteria come back to life

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
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.

Pulling the plug on viral infections: CRISPR isn’t just about cutting

A new study reveals that a Cas protein and a membrane protein work together to enhance anti-viral defense in bacteria. The team found that the membrane protein forms a pore-like structure that disrupts energy production and hinders virus replication, effectively 'pulling the plug' on viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Near-universal T cell immunity towards a broad range of bacteria

A recent study has discovered a shared protein sequence among bacterial pathogens, recognized by human T cells in a conserved manner. This finding suggests that T cells may provide broad antibacterial immunity against a range of diseases, potentially informing the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceMonash University·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Synthetic biology meets fashion in engineered silk

Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Study gives insight into cause of severe inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified a genetic variant associated with increased risk of developing perianal Crohn's disease, a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. The study highlights the importance of targeting the alternative complement pathway and Complement Factor B (CFB) in treating this condition.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalGut·DateApr 20, 2023

Gum disease may lie at the root of some arthritis flare-ups

Research published in Science Translational Medicine found that gum disease may trigger an immune response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Breaches in damaged gums allow oral bacteria to seep into the bloodstream, activating an immune response that targets the body's own proteins and causes flare-ups.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2023

NUS researchers uncover new differences in bacteria’s sugar coat to aid pneumococcal vaccine development

Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023
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.

Eye-opening origin story: Scientists trace key innovation in our camera-like vision to bacteria

Researchers at University of California - San Diego found that vertebrates acquired a special protein from bacteria more than 500 million years ago. This discovery reveals a new piece of genetic material introduced from foreign bacterial genes, leading to unique functionality in vertebrate eyes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2023

Blind dating in bacteria evolution

Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study protein interactions in cyanobacteria, finding that they can evolve independently of direct selection pressure. The discovery challenges classical evolutionary theory and suggests that fortuitous compatibility may be the basis for a significant fraction of cellular interactions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2023

White-tailed deer blood kills bacteria that causes Lyme disease

A new study published in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases demonstrates that the serum of white-tailed deer blood is lethal to the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The researchers hope this discovery may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Form is (mal)function: Protein’s shape lets bacteria disarm it

Researchers have discovered that Shigella bacteria can infect humans but not mice due to differences in the shape of a key protein, gasdermin-B. The protein has six different forms, and some isoforms cause cell death while others do not, explaining why Shigella is unable to infect mice.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bacterial injection system delivers proteins in mice and human cells

Researchers developed a programmable bacterial injection system that can deliver a range of proteins, including those for gene editing, to different cell types. The system has shown promising results in targeting cancer cells and delivering proteins to the brain in live mice without provoking an immune response.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Linker histone bridges gaps in plant immunity knowledge

Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 26, 2023

Looking at a cellular switch

Scientists analyzed the lysine riboswitch in Bacillus subtilis to understand its dynamics with secondary ligands like potassium, cesium, and sodium. They found that these ligands can interact cooperatively with lysine, suggesting a more complex regulatory mechanism than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Researchers discover way to reverse infertility by reducing HDL cholesterol

Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

A quick new way to screen virus proteins for antibiotic properties

Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 13, 2023

Engineered bacteria find tumors, then alert the authorities

Researchers have created a bacterial 'suicide squad' that targets tumors and attracts immune cells to destroy them. The engineered E. coli bacteria release their contents when they reach a quorum inside a tumor, triggering an immune response.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

RIPE researchers put plant protein mechanism into bacteria to help move forward 50 years of effort

A team from Australian National University has modified the protein folding properties of bacteria by adding multiple components from plant chloroplasts. This enables them to study and speed up plant Rubisco, a slow protein that requires 'chaperones' for operation.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateFeb 22, 2023
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.

New diagnostic test is 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional tests

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test called p-LFAs that can detect and quantify protein concentrations to identify bacterial and viral infections. The test is 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional tests, returning results in just 20 minutes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

'We're not all that different': Study IDs bacterial weapons that could be harnessed to treat human disease

Researchers discovered a cluster of enzymes in bacteria that can be reprogrammed to edit proteins and potentially treat human diseases such as Parkinson's and Crohn's. The study also identified key components of the bacterial immune system, including two on-off switches, that could be targeted therapeutically.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Catching the wrongdoers in the act: HKU chemists develop a novel tool to decipher bacterial infections in real time

A research team led by Professor Xiang David LI has developed a novel chemical tool called photo-ANA to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time. This approach enables scientists to comprehensively profile host–bacteria protein interactions during infection, revealing known and newly discovered interactions.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
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.

Deciphering the inner workings of a bacterium

The study reveals unexpected mechanisms that enable Aromatoleum aromaticum EbN1 T to adapt to changing environments. By analyzing its metabolic network, researchers developed a model to predict growth under diverse conditions.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
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 gut bacteria evade the immune system

Researchers identified a new type of flagellin in the human gut that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 without inducing an inflammatory response. This discovery provides a mechanism for the immune system to tolerate beneficial microbes while remaining responsive to pathogens.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How a CRISPR protein might yield new tests for many viruses

Researchers discovered a new CRISPR protein that can degrade single-stranded RNA, DNA, and double-stranded DNA, enabling the development of inexpensive and highly sensitive diagnostic tests for various infectious diseases. The test could combine high sensitivity and accuracy with rapid at-home diagnostic features.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023