Researchers used metaproteomics to study the bacterial response to algal blooms in the North Sea. They found that bacteria initially focus on easy-to-degrade substrates and later shift to harder polymers composed of mannose and xylose.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 9, 2021
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
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.
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.
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
Researchers have discovered how Staphylococcus aureus binds to human corneocytes in atopic dermatitis, providing new insights into the development of targeted treatments.
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
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
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.
Researchers have made significant progress in determining the shape of proteins, a crucial aspect of understanding diseases. An AI solution, AlphaFold, has demonstrated accuracy comparable to laboratory experiments and has the potential to revolutionize life sciences.
SourceCommunity Wide Experiment on the Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction·DateNov 30, 2020
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Researchers at UCSF create customizable antibiotic molecules to evade bacterial resistance mechanisms. By redesigning existing antibiotics, they've found promising variations with activity against dozens of strains of pathogenic bacteria.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·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.
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
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.
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
A RUDN geneticist discovered that a bifidobacterial surface protein can stop excessive inflammation in COVID-19 patients. The protein's fragment has shown effective binding to TNF-α, a key factor of inflammation, opening a prospect for developing new anti-inflammatory drugs.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Researchers created oxygen-insensitive protein-based fluorescent sensors to study gut bacteria responses to metal imbalances. The sensors will reveal molecular mechanisms governing essential metals' impact on the human gut microbiota.
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
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.
Researchers analyzed 200 bacterial strains' genomes to determine which ribosomal proteins are essential for a working ribosome. They found that only nine proteins were completely conserved, while 48 were lost in at least one strain, suggesting a non-random pattern of loss.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 11, 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.
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
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
Researchers discovered multiple cell death systems preventing the spread of Salmonella, a major cause of typhoid fever. Cells use various mechanisms to die and protect against infection, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis.
SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJul 30, 2020
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.
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.
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
Researchers identify a protein called BafA produced by bacteria that induces angiogenesis in human endothelial cells, leading to the formation of new blood vessels and lesions. The discovery opens new possibilities for studying angiogenesis and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for bartonellosis.
SourceFujita Health University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 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.
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
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.
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.
Researchers found that curli amyloid produced by Salmonella bacteria triggers autoimmune reactions in mice, leading to reactive arthritis. The study suggests that curli proteins may play a role in other autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative processes.
SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 9, 2020
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
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
Researchers at Skoltech identify a component of a bacterial self-defense system that works by targeting transfer RNAs for glycine, disrupting translation and protein synthesis. The discovery may lead to the development of powerful new antibiotics by controlling each step of protein synthesis.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 6, 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.
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.
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 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 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
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.
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
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
Bacteria-based nanobiohybrids have the potential to provide a targeted and effective approach for cancer treatment. Nanobiohybrid systems combine bacteria with nanomaterials in cancer therapy, offering advantages such as tumor targeting ability, genetic modifiability, and multimodal therapy.
SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateJun 16, 2020
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.
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