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Synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria to increase the efficiency of protein production. This technology enhances full-length translation, leading to up to 250% increase in protein yield and over two-fold increase in target metabolite production levels.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 8, 2021

What happens in the mouth ... doesn't stay in the mouth

Research ties oral health issues to systemic diseases like type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease, highlighting the importance of a healthy mouth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can prevent oral diseases and promote overall well-being.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 8, 2021
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.

Infection biology: How one pathogen evades the immune system

Researchers have identified a mechanism that allows Trypanosoma brucei to express only one surface protein variant, avoiding detection by the immune system. This finding has implications for understanding and potentially inhibiting antigenic variation in pathogens.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 13, 2021

Turning sweat against itself with a metal-free antiperspirant

Researchers have developed an evaporation-based approach using propylene glycol to create a gel-like plug that blocks sweat ducts, slowing perspiration. This metal-free antiperspirant could provide a comfortable and effective alternative to traditional products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 16, 2020

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 15, 2020

Toxin provides clues to long-term effects of diarrhea caused by E. coli

Researchers discovered that E. coli's heat-labile toxin changes gene expression in human intestinal cells, inducing them to manufacture a protein used by the bacterium to attach to the intestinal wall. This attachment allows the bacterium to benefit itself at the detriment of the host.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virginia Tech lab proves the concept of a natural approach to antiperspirants

Researchers at Virginia Tech prove that the mixture of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, urea, and bicarbonates in sweat can clog sweat ducts naturally, replacing metallic salts. A lab experiment demonstrates this concept using artificial sweat and a microchannel, showing a gel-like plug forms to seal the duct.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 16, 2020

Yale scientists identify protein that protects against Lyme

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein called Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 (PGLYRP1) that helps protect hosts from infection with the Lyme spirochete. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, found that mice lacking this protein had higher levels of the bacteria and showed signs of immune system dysfunction.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 11, 2020
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.

Scientists use bacteria as micro-3D printers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a technique to guide bacterial colonies into creating highly customized three-dimensional objects made of nanocellulose. The objects show great potential for medical use, including supporting tissue regeneration and replacing damaged organs.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2020

Princeton researchers find key to piercing harmful bacteria's armor

Researchers at Princeton University have identified a new protein involved in the assembly and maintenance of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of transporting phospholipids between membranes, a critical step in preventing bacterial infection.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

New protein nanobioreactor designed to improve sustainable bioenergy production

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new protein nanobioreactor that can improve hydrogen production efficiency by up to 550%. The bioreactor uses bacterial protein cages and enzymes to produce clean energy. The study offers a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2020

In your gut: How bacteria survive low oxygen environments

Researchers at ITQB NOVA and Institut Pasteur have identified flavodiiron and rubrerythrin proteins as essential for C. difficile's ability to tolerate oxygen damage, a key step towards understanding its mechanisms of resistance.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalmBio·DateNov 2, 2020

The sweet spot of flagellar assembly

Researchers identified a critical glycosylation step and a control protein that regulate flagellum assembly. The discovery sheds light on bacterial motility and provides insights into protein synthesis and cytoskeleton formation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 27, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How bacteria adapt their machinery for optimum growth

Researchers have developed a complex computer model that explains how bacteria optimize their protein production machinery for faster growth rates. The study reveals that the composition of individual components varies with growth conditions, and real E. coli bacteria use the 'cheapest' configuration to minimize resource usage.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2020

Penn Medicine scientists engineer bacteria-killing molecules from wasp venom

Scientists at Penn Medicine have engineered bacteria-killing molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The new antimicrobial molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes and summoning immune cells, showing promise as potential treatments for sepsis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

New study finds novel functions of the pyruvate-sensing protein PdhR in E. Coli

Researchers identified novel targets and functions of PdhR, a pyruvate-sensing protein, in E. coli including regulation of bacterial movement and fatty acid degradation. The study expanded the role of PdhR beyond known pathways, providing insights into E. coli metabolism and potential applications for bioengineering.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateSep 28, 2020

Creating 'green' protein from the air

Gas-to-protein technology uses bacteria to ferment gases, producing up to 70% protein-rich biomass that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process has the potential to transform agriculture and food production, making it a game-changer for sustainable food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 23, 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.

Engineered bacteria churn out cancer biomarkers

Researchers at Cornell University have engineered bacteria to produce glycoproteins, which are complex molecules attached to proteins. The goal is to create therapeutic reagents for cancer treatment and potentially develop a subunit vaccine against COVID-19.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 17, 2020

From plastic to protein powder

Researchers at Michigan Tech and the University of Illinois are working on a project to convert plastic waste into protein powder and lubricants using chemical and high heat deconstruction. The team aims to develop a system that can break down plastic quickly, producing nutritional supplements and fuel.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateSep 16, 2020

Tiny protein motor fuels bacterial movement

Bacteria use a tiny rotary motor powered by a stator unit to swim and change direction. The stator unit is also a rotary motor that powers the large flagellar motor, contradicting existing theories. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for bacterial-based diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateSep 15, 2020

Flipping light on-off turns bacteria into chemical factories

Researchers at Princeton University have created a system to control genetically engineered bacteria using light, allowing for precise production of chemicals and proteins. This method, called OptoLac, enables easy tuning and reversal of induction signals, reducing costs and carbon footprint.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 9, 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.

An unprecedented discovery of cell fusion

Scientists at the University of Delaware have made an unprecedented discovery of bacterial cell fusion, where cells from two different species combine to form hybrid cells. This phenomenon allows microbes to share machinery and increase their odds of survival.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalmBio·DateSep 2, 2020

How bacteria adhere to fiber in the gut

Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

Sulfur-scavenging bacteria could be key to making common component in plastic

Researchers found a new microbial pathway producing ethylene, providing a potential avenue for biomanufacturing a common plastic component. The discovery also sheds light on a long-standing mystery about how ethylene is produced in anaerobic soils and points to potential paths to prevent crop damage from high levels of ethylene.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

Stronger together in the microbiome: How gut microbes feed each other to overcome dietary deficiencies, change host behavior, and improve reproduction

A team of researchers found that two specific gut bacteria establish a metabolic cross-feeding mechanism, enabling them to grow in diets lacking essential nutrients. This interaction also affects the fly's feeding behavior, reproduction, and brain function, making the microbiome more resilient to dietary changes.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 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.

Are antivitamins the new antibiotics?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 24, 2020

Shock to bacteria activates nature's electrical grid

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a way to activate nature's electrical grid using a short electric field shock. This innovation could lead to the creation of self-healing electronics from living cells, utilizing the unique properties of bacterial nanowires.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 17, 2020

Programmed bacteria have something extra

Researchers successfully engineered bacteria to produce a synthetic building block, a 21st amino acid, which prompts the bacteria to produce a protein that fluoresces under metabolic stress. This breakthrough enables the design of novel proteins and organisms with useful functions.

SourceRice University·JournalChem·DateAug 12, 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.

How cells keep growing even when under attack

Researchers discovered that stressed bacteria's damage-containment system can become overwhelmed, prompting cells to activate alternative pathways for DNA replication and growth. This response allows cells to maintain normal functions under stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 5, 2020

Anatomy of an acne treatment

Researchers at Yale University discovered how sarecycline's chemical structure makes it an effective antibiotic for treating acne. The study found that sarecycline binds to messenger RNA in bacterial ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis and boosting its effectiveness.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Genetic mutations help MRSA to become highly resistant to antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have discovered genetic mutations in MRSA that allow it to become highly resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. This finding reveals important details on how MRSA evolves resistance and provides insight into developing new treatments and drugs.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 24, 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.

Machine learning reveals recipe for building artificial proteins

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has developed an AI-led process to design artificial proteins using big data and machine learning models. The breakthrough reveals relatively simple design rules for building artificial proteins, which performed chemistries rivalling those found in nature.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJul 24, 2020

Specialized cellular compartments discovered in bacteria

Researchers at McGill University have discovered bacterial organelles involved in gene expression, suggesting that bacteria may not be as simple as once thought. These findings could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics to combat drug resistance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

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

Listeria protein provides a CRISPR 'kill switch'

Researchers have discovered a single protein derived from a harmless bacteria that can halt the CRISPR-Cas13 editing process. This 'kill switch' enables scientists to edit RNA with more precision and exact control, potentially benefiting coronavirus researchers and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2020

Cystic fibrosis: why so many respiratory complications?

The Vav3 protein creates bacterial docking stations on airways' surface, facilitating recurrent infections in cystic fibrosis. Inhibiting this protein may prevent respiratory complications by limiting bacterial adhesion.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

Spider silk made by photosynthetic bacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria have been engineered to produce spider silk, which is ultra-lightweight and as tough as steel. The discovery could lead to the mass production of sustainable materials such as tear-resistant clothing and biomedical applications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2020

How good gut bacteria help reduce the risk for heart disease

Researchers discovered a beneficial protein in good gut bacteria that reduces production of a chemical linked to clogged arteries. This interaction eliminates the compound's harmful effects, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities for this microbe.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2020
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.

How the body fights off urinary tract infections

Researchers discovered that uromodulin forms long filaments that envelop pathogens, neutralizing them and preventing infection. The findings offer pointers for developing new treatments and drugs to prevent urinary tract infections without antibiotics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Anammox bacteria generate energy from wastewater while taking a breath

Researchers discovered that anammox bacteria can transfer electrons to solid-state matter outside their cells, bypassing traditional electron acceptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable wastewater treatment, energy production, and the global nitrogen cycle.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2020

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

Researchers discover critical new allergy pathway

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a new allergy pathway triggered by house dust mites, which can lead to asthma and allergic rhinitis. The study found that blocking this pathway may be a potential preventive or treatment strategy against these disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 25, 2020

From Jekyll to Hyde: New study pinpoints mutation that makes E. coli deadlier

Scientists have identified a specific protein mutation in E. coli that increases bacterial virulence, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial substances. The mutation affects the lipopolysaccharide transporter, causing the bacteria to produce more outer membrane vesicles and become more deadly.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 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.

Click... Resistant bacteria caught in the act!

Scientists have caught BAM guard towers red-handed, revealing their role in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This discovery provides unprecedented insight into the mechanism of bacteria, offering a new angle for targeting BAM during antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 22, 2020

Earth's species have more in common than previously believed

An international team of researchers mapped proteins in 100 species, revealing common characteristics such as a focus on metabolism and maintaining protein balance. The study also doubled the number of experimentally confirmed proteins using advanced mass spectrometry technology.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

C. diff captures blood cell cofactor to build defensive shield

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that C. diff uses a protein system called HsmRA to capture heme from blood cells, building a protective shield against threats from the immune system and antibiotics. This finding suggests novel strategies for weakening its defenses.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 10, 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.

New technique pinpoints locations of individual molecules in their cellular neighborhoods

A new microscopy technique has pinpointed the locations of individual proteins within bacterial cells, revealing their precise positions and interactions. The technique, called CIASM, combines fluorescent imaging with cryogenic electron tomography to produce high-resolution images of molecules in their cellular neighborhoods.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020