Researchers have successfully mapped key functional genes in bacterial species that play central roles in maintaining ecological balance. This knowledge may lead to targeted interventions to restore ecosystem health, such as supporting keystone bacteria to mitigate diseases like Parkinson's.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJul 20, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study published in mBio reveals that multiple species of gut bacteria collaborate to protect against Clostridium difficile infections. The research used mathematical modeling and machine learning to identify key bacterial species that confer resistance or susceptibility.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJul 14, 2015
NC State engineers have created an effective and environmentally benign method to combat bacteria using silver-ion infused lignin nanoparticles, which effectively kill E. coli and other harmful microorganisms without harming the environment.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 13, 2015
A new study found that different plant species in standing water influence mosquito larvae growth, survival and egg-laying habits. Native blackberry leaves seemed to attract mosquitoes but hindered larval development, while non-native plants like Amur honeysuckle increased adult mosquito populations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateJul 1, 2015
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 have revealed the Antarctic region is rich in species, with diverse ecosystems and micro-organismal life. The study highlights the need for comprehensive protection of the Ross Sea and improved conservation efforts to preserve this unique biodiversity.
Researchers have identified a new species of Yeti Crab, Kiwa tyleri, found in the Antarctic region surrounding hydrothermal vent systems. This unique crab thrives in extreme environments with temperatures and densities that are challenging for other marine life.
Researchers have successfully transplanted a circadian rhythm from cyanobacteria into bacteria, opening up new possibilities for precisely timed drug release and therapeutic applications. The genetically engineered bacteria can monitor gut microbiota and potentially influence metabolic functions.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2015
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.
A study reveals that Obg plays a crucial role in bacterial persistence, allowing certain cells to survive antibiotics. The researchers' findings suggest that targeting the novel persistence pathway could lead to more effective treatment strategies for bacterial infections.
Researchers discovered how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment by cooperating with each other, stabilizing the community and adapting to new situations. This cooperative behavior helps the bacterial community survive and function despite fluctuations in oxygen levels and nutrient availability.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 2, 2015
A team of researchers has successfully engineered E. coli to produce dozens of new forms of the antibiotic erythromycin, including three that show promise in fighting drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics to combat rising antibiotic resistance.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2015
A new study by CIFAR Fellow John McCutcheon's lab found that bacteria in cicada guts have split into many separate but interdependent species. This phenomenon leaves the cicadas reliant on a bloated genome and multiple species to create essential amino acids.
SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study found a sequential pattern of changes in the intestinal microbial population of patients recovering from cholera, suggesting potential strategies to support recovery. The gut microbiota usually returns to normal after cholera infection.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalmBio·DateMay 19, 2015
Research reveals that diverse bacterial communities in healthy South African women's genital tracts are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory proteins, increasing the risk of HIV infection. The study found that these communities were more than four times as likely to have elevated genital inflammatory cytokines.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateMay 19, 2015
Researchers found that bacterial community structure can accurately predict the presence of contaminants such as uranium and oil. The approach uses DNA sequencing to monitor bacterial communities in environmental sites, providing a potential tool for detecting damage caused by human activity.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 12, 2015
Researchers at Rockefeller University have cracked the code of a fundamental process bacteria use to defend themselves against invaders. The type III CRISPR-Cas system targets both viral DNA and RNA, preventing viruses from copying themselves and infecting more bacteria.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2015
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.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that L-arginine can break down dental plaque, a biofilm that contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This naturally occurring amino acid may provide an alternative to current antimicrobial treatments, which can affect taste and stain teeth.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2015
Researchers have identified a never-before-seen tick-borne illness transmitted by the taiga tick, which may be common in areas where the tick resides. The new species of bacteria, Anaplasma capra, causes symptoms like fever and muscle aches and can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2015
Researchers created the first atlas of airborne microbes across the US, identifying over 110,000 bacterial species and 55,000 fungal species in dust samples from 1,200 homes nationwide. The study provides new insights into human health, animal health, and crop disease, with implications for understanding climate and soil variability.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2015
Researchers at Caltech discovered that certain bacteria in the gut are essential for producing peripheral serotonin. The study found that mice with normal gut microbes had higher levels of serotonin than those without, and that specific species of bacteria elevated serotonin levels.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2015
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.
Scientists have isolated bacteria that inhibit the growth of the white-nose syndrome fungus in laboratory tests. The bacteria may help protect bats from the disease when treated with a bacterial spray applied during hibernation.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015
Scientists discovered a unique set of enzymes in Staphylococcus hominis that break down sweat molecules into thioalcohols, a key component of body odor. The study identified genes responsible for producing these compounds and confirmed their role in malodour production.
A team of researchers has discovered a strong association between the lifestyles of indigenous communities and their gut microbial ecologies. The study found that hunter-gatherers in South America and Africa have similar gut microbiota profiles, while urban-industrialists have distinct profiles, suggesting a link between lifestyle and ...
SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2015
Researchers found that soil microbes are the primary source of bacteria colonizing grapevines, affecting disease resistance, stress tolerance, and productivity. The study's findings could lead to biotechnological advances in producing hardier crops and improving wine quality.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 24, 2015
Research finds that bacterial communication through autoinducer-2 can restore balance of gut microbiota after antibiotic treatment. The study suggests using bacteria's own language to control and exploit beneficial microbes in the human gut.
SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 19, 2015
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 study published in Cell Reports reveals a potential strategy for promoting the right balance of gut microbes in antibiotic-treated mice by manipulating the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) chemical signal. The researchers found that high levels of AI-2 increased the expansion of Firmicutes phylum, leading to a healthy state of the gut microbiota.
A new microarray-based tool called VaginArray has been developed to rapidly diagnose vaginal infections and assess vaginal microbiome health. The tool uses 17 probe sets specific for representative bacterial species, including those associated with healthy and unhealthy conditions.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 18, 2015
A new study led by Elizabeth Archie found that social interactions directly affect the gut microbiome of wild baboons. Baboons with stronger social bonds have more similar gut bacteria, suggesting physical contact is key to shaping the microbiome.
A new study in baboons reveals that social relationships play a role in shaping an individual's gut microbial makeup. The researchers found that baboons who groomed each other more frequently shared more similar sets of gut microbes, suggesting that physical contact may be a key factor in allowing people to swap gut germs.
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.
Emulsifiers found in processed foods can alter the gut microbiota composition and induce intestinal inflammation, promoting the development of inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that avoiding excess food consumption is crucial, as low-grade inflammation from an altered microbiota can lead to overeating.
SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2015
A study published in PLOS ONE identified wood rats and western gray squirrels as hosts for Lyme disease-causing bacteria in California, but birds were found to be more important than previously recognized. The study also discovered a new subtype of Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia bissettii, in birds for the first time in California.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015
A study found that a single genomic change can turn beneficial bacteria into pathogenic bacteria by boosting bacterial density inside the host. The research team identified a region of the Wolbachia genome responsible for regulating bacterial densities in flies.
SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 10, 2015
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 longitudinal study found that infants who developed type 1 diabetes had a significant drop in microbial diversity prior to disease onset, including a decrease in health-promoting bacteria and an increase in potentially harmful ones. The study also revealed stable biological functions served by the microbiome across individuals.
SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 5, 2015
Researchers create first comprehensive map of NYC subway system microbes, finding mostly harmless bacteria, but also detecting disease-causing and treatment-resistant strains. The study provides baseline data for city-wide disease surveillance and bioterrorism threat mitigation.
SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell Systems·DateFeb 5, 2015
Research reveals that a balanced gut bacterial community is crucial for digestive health, and the immune system plays a key role in shaping this balance. Fecal transplants may also offer new hope for treating IBD by restoring a healthy gut microbiome.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 22, 2015
Researchers have discovered that hoophoe birds cover their eggs with a secretion containing beneficial bacteria that increase successful hatching rates. The bacteria produce antimicrobial compounds that protect the embryo from pathogens and facilitate its development.
SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 13, 2015
A new study found groups of genes linked to imbalanced gut microbes in patients with IBD, offering a step toward developing targeted treatments. The research also confirmed the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiome imbalance, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environment.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGenome Medicine·DateDec 16, 2014
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 have described the intricate relationships within a biological wastewater treatment plant in unprecedented detail. This study provides new insights into the laws governing bacterial function, with potential applications in medicine and environmental conservation.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2014
The study reveals the complex relationships within a model ecosystem, with implications for protecting the environment and human health. The researchers found that Microthrix parvicella, a generalist bacterium, can adapt to various living conditions and dominate the wastewater treatment plant ecosystem.
SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2014
Vultures have developed a tough digestive system to destroy most bacteria ingested, but also appear tolerant of deadly species that flourish in their lower intestine. This adaptation may confer dietary benefits, highlighting the importance of the avian microbiome in evolution.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014
Researchers discovered a functional antibacterial gene in Archaea, which produces a broad-spectrum lysozyme enzyme. This enzyme kills certain species of bacteria, including those resistant to current antibiotics, and could lead to new antibacterial drug development.
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 at the University of East Anglia have made a significant discovery in bio battery technology, enabling the generation of clean energy from bacteria. The study reveals how electrons hop across bacterial proteins and find that the rate of electrical transfer is dependent on protein orientation and proximity.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 18, 2014
Researchers have found that bats carry the bacterial species Bartonella mayotimonensis, which causes deadly human infections in the USA. Bats are ideal reservoirs for pathogenic viruses and play a vital role in natural ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 6, 2014
New research reveals that gut bacteria convert red meat's L-carnitine into trimethylamine-N-oxide, a compound promoting atherosclerosis. Gamma-butyrobetaine, another metabolite produced by gut bacteria, also contributes to cardiovascular risk.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 4, 2014
A study found that a type of gut bacteria called Clostridium ramosum promotes obesity in mice, particularly when fed a high-fat diet. The bacteria appears to improve nutrient uptake, leading to increased energy conversion and weight gain.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 30, 2014
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 recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a vast array of bacteria living on tropical tree leaves, including over 400 species found on a single tree. The discovery has significant implications for understanding forest health, disease resistance, and the impact of climate change.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014
Research reveals that 57 Panamanian tree species have distinct bacterial communities on their leaves, with some bacteria linked to nitrogen fixing and methane consumption. The study provides a comparable understanding of the host attributes that explain patterns of microbial diversity in the plant microbiome.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014
A University of Montana research lab has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cicada's symbiotic relationship with bacteria. The study found that instead of two bacterial symbionts, there are actually three, including two previously unknown species of <i>Hodgkinia</i>. This new understanding of the symbiosis reveals a more complex...
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCell·DateAug 28, 2014
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 have discovered that cicadas' gut bacteria split into two species about 5 million years ago, leaving them reliant on double the species to create essential nutrients. This event is an example of non-adaptive evolution, where genetic change occurred by chance without clear benefits for the organism.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a handful of bacteria that may drive inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found a correlation between high levels of an antibody coating on the surface of these bacteria and inflammatory responses in the human intestine.
Researchers using supercomputers at TACC analyzed bacterial communities for gum disease, diabetes, and Crohn's disease. They found that these microbes adjust their metabolism in response to disease, suggesting new ways to prevent or reverse the conditions.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalmBio·DateAug 12, 2014
Researchers discovered that a type of bacteria called Asaia blocks invasion of Wolbachia into mosquitoes' germlines, stopping the insects from transmitting Wolbachia to their offspring. This finding provides a potential answer to why some insect species are infected with Wolbachia while others are not.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014
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 used mathematical models and genetic analysis to discover that cooperative bacteria are better equipped to adapt to environments, increasing their ability to infect multiple species. This knowledge could help predict and manage health threats from animal-borne diseases.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2014
Bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico's deep sea plume consumed gaseous hydrocarbons and certain toxic compounds released during the Deepwater Horizon spill. However, the most toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) persisted, causing long-term health problems like cancer.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 31, 2014
When worms mate with different species, their bodies are unable to tolerate the aggressive sperm, resulting in sterility and death. The sperm's premature fertilization of eggs and subsequent damage to the ovaries lead to these outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 29, 2014
Research by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that diet impacts male and female gut microbiomes differently. In some cases, different bacterial species dominate in one sex versus the other. This difference highlights the need for therapies to be tailored for each sex when it comes to nutrition-based treatments.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014
A smartphone app study tracked daily activities and stool samples to analyze the impact of life events on gut microbiota. The results showed that specific events, such as moving abroad or getting food poisoning, significantly altered the composition of gut bacteria.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 24, 2014
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 discovered a small molecule produced by benign bacteria influences the behavior of Staphylococcus aureus, causing it to form biofilms. This finding could lead to new ways to manage bacterial communities and prevent infections.
Researchers found that bacteria like Caulobacter crescentus actively carve out a helical trajectory through the water using their entire body, contributing to swimming motion. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of cell body shape and has implications for understanding disease propagation and fertility.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014
Researchers at Northeastern University developed a device that cultivates a single bacterial species, allowing scientists to study and identify the millions of microorganisms that populate the world. The device solves the problem of natural competition between species, enabling the isolation of pure, single-species samples.
SourceNortheastern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2014
Researchers model primordial ribosomes using modern structures, showing how new structures were added to the surface without altering the core. The study reveals the universal biology of translation, with distinct fingerprints in ribosomes across species.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014
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.