A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool allows for larger DNA edits, enabling researchers to study disease and normal function in humans and other organisms. This advancement will facilitate the development of new treatments and improve our understanding of the human microbiome.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 19, 2020
A probiotic bacterial species significantly worsens multiple sclerosis severity in a mouse model. The study reveals the critical role of Lactobacillus reuteri in modulating disease risk, with colonized mice exhibiting more severe symptoms.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2020
Researchers at Tufts University found that bacteria in cheese can sense and respond to compounds produced by fungi, enhancing the growth of some species over others. This discovery provides a model for understanding and modifying other microbiomes, such as soil or the gastrointestinal tract.
SourceTufts University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2020
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.
Researchers characterize a new bacterial species causing severe respiratory disease in peccaries, contributing to better understanding of rare pathogens. The discovery uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid and reliable identification.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateOct 13, 2020
Researchers at University of São Paulo characterized a novel family of anti-bacterial toxins present in bacteria like Salmonella enterica. The toxins inhibit cell wall synthesis in rival bacteria, facilitating colonization and causing imbalances in established microbial communities.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that microbial community diversity increases when nutrients are seasonally available, contradicting a long-held assumption. The study found that certain species, known as the 'early bird,' can gain an early growth advantage by consuming easily accessible nutrients and outcompeting others.
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 at McGill University have discovered that bacteria and carpenter ants collaborated to alter the development of the ant embryo, creating a single complex life form. The study reveals that this integration occurred in a series of steps, with the bacteria exploiting existing genetic loci within the ant embryos.
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 study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.
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.
A new study finds that oxygen therapy can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the lungs, contributing to lung injury. The researchers used mice and found that high concentrations of oxygen led to an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which are more likely to cause infections.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020
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.
A 34-species artificial bacterial community was exposed to different antibiotic levels, showing changes in composition and eventually recovering to its initial state. Repeatability of responses across replicate communities suggests certain traits may predict future community behavior.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 10, 2020
Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 6, 2020
A new analysis found that microorganisms causing human diseases can be present in vultures, including multi-resistant bacteria. However, there is no clear evidence that vultures spread pathogens to humans and other species, but they may help prevent disease transmission by consuming carcasses.
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.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020
Researchers have compiled an unparalleled inventory of the human gut ecosystem by sequencing over 200,000 bacterial genomes from more than 4,600 species. The new databases reveal tremendous diversity in human guts and pave the way for microbiome research.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 27, 2020
A web-based database, Archaeal Proteome Project (ArcPP), collects and makes available datasets to further research on archaea, a domain of microorganisms. The platform provides easily accessible data and expertise for analyzing proteomics studies, yielding significant new insights into archaeal biology.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2020
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish exhibit flexible diets, consuming a range of algae types and even biofilm to avoid starvation. This adaptability complicates age prediction and outbreak forecasting for the species, which poses a significant threat to coral reefs.
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.
Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 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 have identified a common suite of 21 bacterial taxa present in more than 80% of samples, and six bacterial taxa present in all 63 samples. The study found palmerolide levels were high across all samples but no trends between sites or microbiome bacteria.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalMarine Drugs·DateJun 25, 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.
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights how benthic assemblages impact coral and giant clam species' dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. The researchers found that DMSP concentration is modulated according to the complexity of species assemblages, suggesting a connection between neighbors and metabolism.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2020
A study found that genetic variation affects the types of bacteria that infect wounds and the healing process. The researchers identified specific genes associated with microbiome diversity in chronic wounds, which could lead to predictive biomarkers and targeted therapies for patients at risk of persistent infections.
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
Scientists have developed peptides that can remodel the gut microbiome, reducing cholesterol levels and inhibiting atherosclerosis in mice. The treatment significantly slowed the growth of undesirable gut bacteria and reduced atherosclerotic plaques by 40%.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 15, 2020
A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 12, 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.
A new methodology catalogues the intestinal microbial community's effect on oral medications, identifying 57 cases of gut bacteria altering existing drugs. The framework aids in personalized treatment by predicting drug behavior and suggesting changes to therapeutic strategies.
A special issue of Austral Ecology celebrates the work of Professor Mike Bull, a leading expert in lizard behavior and ecology. The issue features 12 new studies on species like pygmy bluetongues and sleepy lizards, exploring topics such as parasites, environmental change, and sociality.
SourceFlinders University·JournalAustral Ecology·DateJun 9, 2020
A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020
Researchers found that four bacteria species can survive and multiply on a minimal diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements from space. This adaptation process makes them less virulent, but still poses a risk to astronauts' immune systems during space travel.
SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 26, 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 discovered distinct microbiotypes in giant clams, with one linked to clam mortality. The study highlights the impact of benthic species assemblages on giant clam health, suggesting a negative correlation with increasing water temperatures.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMicrobiome·DateMay 14, 2020
Researchers discovered mathematical relationships describing gut microbiome dynamics, including Taylor's power law and drift rates. These principles help identify abnormal bacterial behavior and predict how dietary changes affect microbiomes.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2020
A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers proposes a technique called SPARC to manipulate certain parameters in a mathematical gut microbiome model toward a target composition. This approach offers a systematic understanding of how environmental factors and species interactions can be controlled to achieve a stable gut microbiome.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 13, 2020
Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a novel plasma medicine technique that effectively targets and kills bacteria in liquid cultures without developing resistance. The process uses low-temperature plasma generated from atmospheric pressure or liquids, creating reactive particles with antibacterial effects.
SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study found 26 bacterial and 31 fungal species in coffee roots, indicating beneficial relationships and improving management practices for climate change predictions.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 30, 2020
A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.
SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2020
Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.
SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered the structure of adhesive pili in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major bacterial pathogen causing gum disease. The study sheds light on how these pili assemble and provides insights into combating diseases associated with P. gingivalis.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 13, 2020
Researchers at University of California San Diego discovered that internal circadian clocks regulate DNA uptake in cyanobacteria, increasing its efficiency during nighttime hours. This finding highlights the crucial role of synchronizing biological processes with environmental rhythms for human health and disease prevention.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 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.
Scientists discover how wild tomatoes resist bacterial canker by colonizing protoxylem vessels. The pathogen's inability to spread through the xylem in wild tomatoes holds promise for future breeding efforts.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateApr 7, 2020
Researchers at Goethe University discover a unique metabolism in Acetobacterium woodii that enables the bacterium to recycle hydrogen, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. This discovery has implications for our understanding of ancient life forms and their metabolic capabilities.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 30, 2020
A study by the Dynamical Systems Biology lab reveals that bacteria can make each other more tolerant to antibiotics when coexisting. The response of bacteria to antibiotics depends on other species they live with, suggesting new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 12, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Research at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência uncovered two new mechanisms in the microbiota's evolution, driven by aging and nutrient competition. In mice, E. coli adapts to inflammation and scarce nutrients in older individuals, leading to potentially pathogenic changes.
SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2020
A new study published in Environment International links poor air quality to changes in the human gut microbiome, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Young adults exposed to higher levels of ozone showed less microbial diversity and more species associated with obesity and disease.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 11, 2020
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a previously unknown response to indole in the beneficial gut bacteria E. coli, which seems to both repel and attract bacteria. The Janus response displays sophistication and could lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the gut microbiome.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020
Researchers discovered that bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, can sense the ratios of different bacterial groups in their environment. This ability allows them to adjust their behavior and make informed decisions about their surroundings.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.
A new research tool allows biologists to watch in real time the cell renewal process that keeps gut tissue healthy, as well as the interactions between bacterial species that make up the microbiome. Researchers discovered regional differences in microbiome stability that mimic the regionality of stem cell activity.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.
SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020
Research at MIT found that transient invaders can lead to a rapid takeover of the ecosystem, but then disappear. This phenomenon occurs when the invader's growth produces metabolic byproducts that raise the pH, making the environment less hospitable for itself and other species.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020
Marine bacteria, such as Polaribacter, develop distinct niches with respect to algal polysaccharides, avoiding direct competition. Closely related clades partition available resources through unique sugar utilization strategies.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateFeb 19, 2020
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.
Eating a Mediterranean diet for a year boosts beneficial gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and may help curb frailty and cognitive decline in older people. The diet is associated with increased diversity of the microbiome, improved brain function, and reduced harmful inflammatory chemicals.
Scientists have uncovered a crucial role of mucosal antibodies, specifically IgT, in regulating the microbiome and defending against pathogens in fish. By manipulating the immune system of rainbow trout, researchers found that IgT plays two paradoxical roles: reducing bad microbes while promoting beneficial bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2020
A novel technique called SAG-gel allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple draft genomes from raw data, identifying bacteria that respond to dietary fiber without reference genomes. The study reveals specific gene clusters and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down inulin.
SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 7, 2020
Scientists investigated allolysis, a phenomenon where bacteria kill genetically identical neighbors under certain conditions. This process may help develop new antibacterial medicines by targeting community dynamics rather than individual cell killing.
SourceSechenov University·JournalAntibiotics·DateFeb 3, 2020
Researchers have developed color-changing bandages that can sense drug-resistant and drug-sensitive bacteria in wounds and treat them accordingly. The bandages change color to indicate the type of bacteria present, allowing for targeted treatment with antibiotics.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 29, 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.
Cornell University researchers found that wild tomato varieties are less affected by bacterial canker, with the pathogen remaining confined to specific xylem vessels. The team's study confirms that wild tomatoes are susceptible to bacterial canker, but with less severe symptoms than cultivated varieties.
SourceCornell University·JournalPhytopathology·DateJan 27, 2020
Scientists at University of Gothenburg discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Scandinavium goeteborgense, isolated from an infected wound. The bacteria exhibit novel genetic variants of resistance, highlighting the need for precise treatment choices.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 20, 2020
Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 14, 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.
Recent research in Caenorhabditis elegans suggests that a moderately acidic digestive tract may actually make bacterial pathogens more potent. This finding could have significant implications for addressing antibiotic resistance worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 9, 2020