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Growing unknown microbes 1 by 1

A new method using SlipChip technology allows researchers to target and grow specific, previously uncultured microbes from the human gut. By isolating individual bacterial species, scientists can better understand their roles in human health and potentially identify beneficial or harmful microbes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Gut microbe levels are linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity

Researchers found changes in gut microbiota composition among people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity compared to healthy individuals. The study identified associations between specific bacterial species and metabolic variables such as BMI, hemoglobin A1c, and waist circumference.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014
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.

Improved identification of war wound infections promises more successful treatment

Molecular methods have improved identification of war wound infections, revealing new insights into microbial species associated with successful and unsuccessful healing. The study found that certain bacteria are linked to poor wound healing, while others are associated with successful recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateMay 29, 2014

Evolution in species may reverse predator-prey population cycles

A new study proposes a theory that explains co-evolutionary changes in predator-prey relationships, revealing unique behaviors at the population scale. The research suggests that evolutionary changes can dramatically affect species relationships, potentially making them more vulnerable or less vulnerable.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2014
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.

Ocean microbes display remarkable genetic diversity

Researchers found hundreds of distinct genetic subpopulations within a single species of ocean microbe, Prochlorococcus, and discovered that these subpopulations are finely tuned for specific ecological niches. The study suggests that the remarkable diversity of Prochlorococcus is not random but rather a result of natural selection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Microbes provide insights into evolution of human language

Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria use combinatorial communication to achieve an effect different from the sum of individual signals, a method previously thought to be unique to humans and some primates. This finding has serious implications for our understanding of language origins.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2014

Theoretical biophysics: Adventurous bacteria

Researchers at LMU München develop a mathematical model that shows how Bacillus subtilis populations benefit from balancing growth and migration. By doing so, they adapt to changing environments more effectively than specialized bacteria.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Faithful allies since the Cretaceous

A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that beewolves control transmission of their bacterial symbionts to mother-to-offspring, stabilizing the alliance over millions of years. The symbiosis originated in the late Cretaceous and has persisted through 170 species of wasps.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

Researchers describe 4 new species of 'killer sponges' from the deep sea

Four new species of carnivorous sponges have been discovered in the deep sea, using intricate microscopic hooks to trap crustaceans and other small organisms. These 'killer sponges' thrive in the dark depths of the ocean, where energy is scarce, and rely on clever trapping mechanisms to survive.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 14, 2014

New light shed on key bacterial immune system

Bacteria have been found to possess a surprisingly flexible immune system that can recognize and neutralize viruses and other foreign DNA invaders. This adaptive immunity, termed CRISPR-Cas, allows bacteria to store genetic memories of past infections and respond quickly to future exposures.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A quicker, cheaper way to detect staph in the body

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a non-invasive chemical probe that can detect Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. The probe uses the bacteria's propensity to cleave DNA, allowing doctors to pinpoint its location and detect infections sooner.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2014

Staph can lurk deep within nose, Stanford study finds

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 2013

Aging out of bounds

A study published in Nature has cataloged 46 species with their mortality and fertility rates, revealing extraordinary diversity in aging processes. This challenges current explanations, which predict that the probability of dying rises with age, as seen in humans, but contradicted by species like the desert tortoise and white mangrove.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2013
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.

Grant supports Clemson study of coastal biodiversity

A Clemson University scientist is studying the impact of environmental changes on lucinids, a common species of clam found in Southern coastal marine sediments. The research aims to understand how these clams contribute to coastal biodiversity and develop strategies to manage natural resources.

SourceClemson University·DateNov 13, 2013

Structure of bacterial nanowire protein hints at secrets of conduction

Researchers have determined the atomic resolution structure of a bacterial nanowire protein, revealing its shape and form suggest ways for electrons to shuttle along the wire. The study's findings could lead to new applications such as bacterial fuel cells, carbon cycling, and biocomputers.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2013

Infected butterflies lead geneticists up the garden path

Researchers found strong divergences in mtDNA, suggesting cryptic speciation, but no differences in nuclear DNA markers. Wolbachia infections can mimic this phenomenon, leading to false results in DNA barcoding studies. The study warns against relying solely on DNA barcoding for species identification.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2013

Study links intestinal bacteria to rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that Prevotella copri was more abundant in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis than healthy individuals or those with chronic, treated rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between the growth of this intestinal bacteria and the onset of autoimmune attacks on the joints.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

This week in Molecular Biology and Evolution

Plant genes called expansins were transferred from plants to bacteria, fungi, and amoeba, allowing them to weaken plant cell walls and colonize roots. This unique case suggests that rare gene transfers have contributed significantly to the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 22, 2013

New study offers hope for halting incurable citrus disease

A new study has provided hope for halting the incurable citrus greening disease by understanding its impact on trees before infection. The researchers used DNA sequencing technologies to reveal metabolic imbalances and hormonal disruptions caused by the bacterial disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 25, 2013

Autophagy and neurodegenerative disorders

A review article by Kesidou et al. explores the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its role in chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders. The study highlights the complex interplay between autophagy's protective and damaging effects, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its implications.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 12, 2013
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Intestinal flora linked to health of obese people

Research reveals that individuals with lower bacterial species in their intestines are more susceptible to developing complications related to obesity, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. A diverse flora appears to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2013

A home for the microbiome

A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism by which beneficial bacteria reside and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract. By understanding how these microbes colonize, they may be able to correct abnormal changes in bacterial communities linked to disorders like obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2013

Cesareans weaken gut microbiota and increase risk of allergies

A study by Linköping University and Karolinska Institutet found that children born via Caesarean section have a lower diversity of gut bacteria, increasing the risk of allergies. Vaginal birth exposes the child to beneficial bacteria in the mother's birth canal.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGut·DateAug 8, 2013

UCLA researchers find link between intestinal bacteria and white blood cell cancer

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified specific types of intestinal bacteria that contribute to the development of lymphoma. These bacteria can be targeted with antibiotics to reduce cancer risk, while promoting protective bacteria through probiotics may also be effective.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 16, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Grazing slugs hinder grassland restoration

Research shows that selective grazing by slugs can prevent key grassland species from taking hold and reduce overall plant diversity. The team found that some of the most ecologically important species, such as red clover, are particularly tasty to slugs, which may hinder restoration efforts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateJul 11, 2013

Intestinal bacteria may fuel inflammation and worsen HIV disease

Researchers at UCSF discovered changes in intestinal bacteria can perpetuate inflammation triggered by HIV, linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. The study suggests manipulating microbial populations could be a promising strategy to restore gut health and potentially treat HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 10, 2013

Corals cozy up with bacterial buddies

A new study reveals that healthy Red Sea corals harbor bacterial communities deep within their tissues, including the previously unknown species Endozoicomonas. This symbiotic relationship is believed to aid the coral's nutrient recycling, contributing to its overall health and survival.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2013

Assay developed to rapidly detect disease that hurt oyster industry

A new assay has been developed to rapidly detect the toxin secreted by Vibrio tubiashii, a bacterial disease affecting the oyster industry. The test is expected to provide early warning systems for oyster growers, allowing them to take quick action and prevent significant losses.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Microbiological Methods·DateJun 4, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The scoop on bird poop

Researchers found that young birds have a diverse range of bacteria in their guts, while adults have a more stable community of species. As birds mature, the number of bacterial species decreases, and a stable community forms.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMay 31, 2013

Bacteria adapt and evade nanosilver's sting -- new study

Researchers found that certain bacteria can rapidly adapt to nanosilver's antimicrobial action, leading to the emergence of new resistant strains. This has significant implications for the widespread use of nanosilver in medicine and environmental applications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalSmall·DateMay 7, 2013

The many faces of the bacterial defense system

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research identify diverse CRISPR-Cas gene variants, opening possibilities for targeted genetic manipulation and medical applications. These newly discovered gene variations can be used to develop novel therapies, including gene editing.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalRNA Biology·DateApr 30, 2013

Feast clue to smell of ancient earth

Fossils from 1,900 million-year-old rocks in Lake Superior's Gunflint chert provide evidence of ancient heterotrophy. The team discovered microbes consumed other bacteria, producing a 'rotten egg' whiff similar to modern bacterial activity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2013
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Changing cellulose-forming process may tap plants' biofuel potential

Scientists find that altering the structure and assembly of cellulose can make it more easily broken down, leading to more efficient biofuel production. By modifying the synthesis process, plants can produce cellulose with fewer structured bundles, reducing the need for time- and energy-intensive industrial processes.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 26, 2013

Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs

Research at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria is likely the cause of bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The condition affects one in every three women and often does not cause significant symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New grant expands beach water research at Presque Isle State Park

Mercyhurst University has received a $20,000 grant to extend its research on emerging contaminants in Lake Erie waters at Presque Isle State Park. The study will focus on five chemicals, including fluoxetine, triclosan, estradiol, diuron, and sucralose, which have been shown to have negative health consequences.

SourceMercyhurst College·DateMar 6, 2013

Hailstones reveal life in a storm cloud

Researchers found a rich diversity of microbial life and chemicals in hailstones from a storm cloud, suggesting specific processes during cloud lifetime impact bacterial distribution. The study suggests that these processes could affect long-distance transport and geographical distribution of microbes on Earth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2013

Synchrotron infrared unveils a mysterious microbial community

Scientists unveil the biochemistry of a unique microbial community living together in a cold sulfur spring, revealing symbiotic relationships between archaea and bacteria. The study uses synchrotron infrared to identify metabolic activities and protein structures, shedding light on a previously unknown lifestyle.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJan 22, 2013
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.

The neurobiological consequence of predating or grazing

Researchers compared pharyngeal nervous systems of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and predator/omnivore Pristionchus pacificus, finding large differences in neuronal connections. These differences reflect the fundamental differences in feeding behaviors between the two species.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateJan 17, 2013

Bugs need symbiotic bacteria to exploit plant seeds

Researchers discovered that firebugs and cotton stainers rely on symbiotic bacteria to thrive on Malvaceous plant seeds. The bacterial community helps provide essential nutrients and detoxify toxic chemicals, making it a key factor in the bugs' survival and success.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 9, 2013

Breast milk contains more than 700 bacteria

Spanish researchers have discovered a diverse range of bacteria in breast milk, including over 700 species. The study found that mother's weight and labor type affect microbiome diversity, with heavier mothers having fewer bacteria in their milk.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 4, 2013
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.

Not without my microbes

A comprehensive study found that adult beetles of the European forest cockchafer species house the same microbial species as larvae, despite metamorphosing from one stage to another. The microbes include clostridia and other bacterial species that aid in digesting plant materials.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 19, 2012

2 UT Southwestern scientists honored as rising stars in Texas research

Two UT Southwestern researchers, Dr. Lora Hooper and Dr. Youxing Jiang, are recognized for their innovative work on immune mechanisms and ion channels. Their discoveries have significant implications for understanding and treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disorders and channelopathies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateDec 11, 2012

About one million species inhabit the ocean

A new study suggests that up to one million marine species may inhabit the world's oceans. The current number of identified species is around 230,000, but estimates vary widely, ranging from 540,000 to 972,000. Despite this uncertainty, researchers agree that only about 1/3 of ocean biodiversity has been discovered.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

It pays to cooperate

In a study, MIT physicists found that cooperative yeast members outperform cheaters when competing with bacteria in an experimental setup. This is because cooperators have easier access to sugars and can spread less due to population density constraints.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 13, 2012

Did bacteria spark evolution of multicellular life?

A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateOct 23, 2012

New Queen's University Belfast plasma jet gives 'cold' shoulder to superbugs

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012