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Mangrove microbes to munch on plastic

A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateOct 17, 2024
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.

City microbes surviving on disinfectants, research reveals

A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Bacteria thrive by playing nice before going their own way

A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

What turns bacteria into spirals?

A team of researchers discovered a mechanism that determines the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum bacteria, revealing a novel link between cell shape and fitness. The study found that an outer membrane porin-lipoprotein complex modulates elongasome movement to establish cell curvature in R. rubrum.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better together: Gut microbiome communities’ resilience to drugs

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria display communal behaviors protecting sensitive species from drugs, allowing them to grow normally in a community. The study found that high drug concentrations cause microbiome communities to collapse and cross-protection strategies are replaced by cross-sensitisation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2024

Breastfeeding is crucial to shaping infant’s microbes and promoting lung health

A new study shows that breastfeeding beyond three months supports the gradual maturation of a baby's microbiome, which lowers their risk of developing asthma. The study found that breast milk regulates the mix of microbes in infants, setting the pace and sequence for microbial colonization.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2024
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.

New research illuminates the impact of surface properties on bacteria movement

A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalmSphere·DateSep 9, 2024

Open Wide: Human Mouth Bacteria Reproduce through Rare Form of Cell Division

Researchers discovered Corynebacterium matruchotii's unique cell division mechanism, enabling dense networks within dental plaque biofilms. This process allows the bacteria to explore their environment and form beneficial interactions.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

Turning bacteria into bioplastic factories

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

PDO cheeses and milks harbor startling microbial diversity

French PDO cheese producers harbor a staggering array of microbial life in their dairy products, with over 820 bacterial species identified in the cheeses and nearly 1,230 in the milk sources. Regional artisanship plays a significant role in shaping these microbial assemblages.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalISME Communications·DateAug 9, 2024

Boosting plant health: the role of gene exchange with bacteria

Researchers have discovered a dynamic cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between plants and bacteria, transferring 75 genes that enhance carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for biotechnological applications in agriculture.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

UCF biologist continues unraveling mystery of magnetic bacteria

A UCF biologist has compiled a database of animal DNA to study the presence of magnetic bacteria, which may aid in navigation and conservation. The database contains hundreds of millions of genetic sequences showing the presence of various types of magnetic bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalData in Brief·DateJul 9, 2024
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.

Study sheds light on bacteria associated with pre-term birth

A study has found that multiple species of Gardnerella, commonly linked to pre-term birth and bacterial vaginosis, can exist together in the same vaginal microbiome. This discovery adds to the understanding of Gardnerella's effects on human health and its potential role in pre-term birth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalmSystems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2024

Limited adaptability makes freshwater bacteria vulnerable to climate change

Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New class of antimicrobials discovered in soil bacteria

Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple bacteria achieved with handheld sensor

A handheld device developed by Osaka Metropolitan University's team can detect multiple bacterial species within an hour, including disease-causing E. coli and salmonella. The sensor uses organic metallic nanohybrids to distinguish electrochemical signals on the same screen-printed electrode chip.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024
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.

Age and sex associated with patient’s likelihood of antimicrobial resistance

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

The who's who of bacteria: A reliable way to define species and strains

A team of researchers has developed a reliable method to define bacterial species and strains by analyzing genetic diversity. The study found that natural gaps in genetic diversity can be used to differentiate between species, with members of the same species showing high levels of genetic relatedness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024

‘Artificial tongue’ detects and inactivates common mouth bacteria

Researchers have designed a chemical sensor array, or an artificial tongue, that distinguishes dental bacteria and can inactivate them. The artificial tongue uses nanoscopic particles coated in DNA strands to detect the presence of bacteria, and can distinguish between healthy and diseased individuals with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2024
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.

PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

A new mathematical language for biological networks

Researchers developed a new mathematical framework to analyze genetic interactions and identified key regulators in entire biological networks. The approach, which combines geometry and statistics, reveals how individual genes and species influence network dynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

UMass Chan researchers identify molecular link between gut bacteria and excitatory brain signaling in C. elegans

Researchers established a molecular link between specific B12-producing gut bacteria and acetylcholine production in C. elegans, a neurotransmitter important to memory and cognitive function. A diet rich in these bacteria reduced seizure-like behavior in mutant worms by restoring excitatory/inhibitory balance.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Fresh Research for Fresh Air: Harnessing microbes for removing indoor pollutants

Researchers in Chile developed a prototype using microorganisms to remove VOCs and PAHs from indoor air, achieving efficiencies above 90%. The system can operate for 8 months without losing efficiency. This breakthrough offers a potentially low-cost solution to improve indoor air quality.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateDec 19, 2023

Giant bacterium uses unique processes to power itself

The giant bacterium Epulopiscium viviparus has modified its metabolism to make the most of its environment, using a rare method to produce energy and harvest nutrients from its host's gut. This unique approach allows it to thrive in extreme conditions, with similarities to how mitochondria function in more complex organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Breaking down barriers: What happens when the vaginal microbiome attacks

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that certain bacterial species dismantle protective molecules on vaginal cells, dysregulating cell turnover and response to surrounding bacteria. This study may help explain the association between bacterial vaginosis and adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 29, 2023
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.

Specific gut bacteria increase risk of severe malaria

Research identifies specific gut bacteria that increase risk of severe malaria in humans and mice, sparking new approaches targeting gut microbiota. The study's findings could lead to prevention strategies for severe malaria-related deaths.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

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

How bacteria can organize themselves

Researchers developed a model demonstrating that chasing interactions can induce dynamical patterns in bacterial organization. The structure becomes visible on a higher level, without requiring adhesion or alignment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Atopic dermatitis: Viruses discovered as new therapy option

Researchers have identified viral components of the skin's microbiome that drive the development of innovative therapies for atopic dermatitis. Bacteriophages, or 'bacteria eaters', were found to help certain bacteria grow faster in AD patients, contributing to the overpopulation of the skin microbiome.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 29, 2023

Elk hoof disease likely causes systemic changes

A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 28, 2023

Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater

Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAIChE Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Singling out a bacterium from the crowd

A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 13, 2023

Novel mouse model may help to develop treatment for neurobrucellosis

Researchers have created a novel animal model to study the pathogenesis of neurobrucellosis, a severe complication of brucellosis. The model reveals that innate lymphoid cells and interferons play a crucial role in limiting brain damage during Brucella infection.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Mechanism underlying bacterial resistance to the antibiotic albicidin revealed

A new study reveals that bacterial resistance to albicidin is caused by an increase in the number of copies of a specific gene, leading to up to a 1,000-fold increase in resistance. This discovery highlights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and underscores the need for effective strategies to combat it.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Bacteria as Blacksmiths

Researchers at ISTA use swimming bacteria to assemble materials, introducing a novel strategy for fabricating soft materials. The study demonstrates the potential sustainability benefits of harnessing energy from bacteria in material production.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023