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Dynamic modeling helps predict the behaviors of gut microbes

A new study from Ophelia Venturelli and her team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses dynamic modeling to predict gut microbiome behaviors, reducing the need for laborious lab experiments. The model also reveals a balance between positive and negative interactions between microbes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How competition and cooperation between bacteria shape antibiotic resistance

New computational simulations suggest that antibiotic treatment can suppress resistant species via attack on sensitive partner species in mutualistic relationships, and spatial arrangement influences cross-protection. The study found that competing species are more susceptible to suppression than mutually interacting species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Researchers devise new way to discern what microbes eat

Researchers developed a new method to identify microbe food sources using carbon stable isotope ratios, providing insights into microbial communities and their impact on animal and plant health. The technique uses mass spectrometry and software to link microbes with substrates, enabling the study of complex microbial relationships.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plant symbioses -- fragile partnerships

A comparative study of 37 plant genomes reveals that the capacity to form root-nodule partnerships has repeatedly been lost during evolution. Despite providing fixed nitrogen, these symbioses no longer benefit many plants due to parasitic bacteria invasion or other factors.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2018

A hidden world of communication, chemical warfare, beneath the soil

Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use chemical signals to defend against each other and devastating crop diseases. The study found that certain bacteria can induce fungi to produce protective compounds, while the fungus's own defense mechanisms are triggered by the bacterial invasion.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2018

AI detects patterns of gut microbes for cholera risk

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to identify patterns within human gut bacteria that predict susceptibility to cholera. The study found that a set of 100 microbes associated with the disease can be predicted by AI, potentially leading to improved vaccines and preventive approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 7, 2018
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.

We still don't know how strange celibate animals evolve

A new study casts doubt on a leading theory for bdelloid rotifers' evolution, suggesting DNA repair following desiccation may not be key to their success. The researchers found no evidence of the predicted differences between species that can and cannot survive desiccation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2018

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of 1.5 million species

The Earth BioGenome Project proposes sequencing genomes of all known eukaryotic species, an undertaking estimated to take 10 years and cost $4.7 billion. This initiative aims to create a complete digital library of life that will guide future discoveries, building on the success of previous genomics projects like the Human Genome Project.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

A new Listeria species from Costa Rica identified

A new bacterial species, Listeria costaricensis, has been identified in Costa Rica, increasing the knowledge of Listeria's pathogenic potential. The discovery was made through a three-year research project that sampled water from an industrial drainage area, revealing the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Swamp microbe has pollution-munching power

A Princeton University researcher has discovered a bacterium that can break down toxic metal pollutants in the absence of oxygen. This microbe, Acidimicrobiaceae bacterium A6, can perform chemical conversion in anaerobic conditions, potentially providing an efficient alternative to costly oxygen-dependent methods.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018

In zebrafish, the cholera bacterium sets off a surprising flush

Researchers discovered that Vibrio cholerae causes a 200-percent increase in intestinal contractions, expelling native gut bacteria in zebrafish. This finding sheds new light on the bacterium's invasion mechanisms and potentially opens doors to therapies targeting its path.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Researchers develop model to show how bacteria grow in plumbing systems

A team of University of Illinois engineers has developed a model to understand how bacteria multiply in plumbing systems. The model uses samples collected from taps before and after stagnation and combines them with city biofilm data and building blueprints, allowing for the assessment of drinking-water quality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 29, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

What do spacecraft, newborns and endangered shellfish have in common?

Researchers developed a microbial detection technique that can reveal previously undetectable bacteria in various environments. KatharoSeq detected bacteria on surfaces at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a neonatal intensive care unit, and an endangered abalone rearing center, revealing new insights for improving environmental health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmSystems·DateMar 13, 2018

Microbial viability in the Atacama Desert

Researchers found evidence of microbial life in the hyperarid Atacama Desert through metagenomics and DNA analysis. The discovery suggests that similar microbes may exist on Mars, adapting to dry conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018
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.

Gut reactions to improve probiotics

Research explores how gut bacteria respond to common changes in their habitat, revealing that bacterial species can go extinct when environments are altered even slightly. This understanding could lead to the design of targeted probiotics and therapies to make gut microbes more resilient.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 20, 2018

Evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiome revealed

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2018

Study sheds new light on antibiotics produced by ants

Researchers identified powerful antimicrobial agents in some ant species but found that many others don't produce them, challenging conventional wisdom. The study suggests ants could be a future source of new antibiotics to fight human diseases.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 6, 2018

New insight into the molecular weapons of the plant microbiome

A study found that Pseudomonas protegens, a soil-dwelling bacterium, releases toxins through its type VI secretion system to protect plants from diseases. The toxins target NAD+, destroying other bacterial species and allowing the plant-protective bacteria to outcompete them.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2018
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 bacterial duo linked to colon cancer

A bacterial duo has been identified as a potential contributor to colon cancer risk. Escherichia Coli and Bacteroides fragilis alter the gut microenvironment by depleting mucus and inducing inflammation, facilitating E.coli colonization.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

Lone star ticks not guilty in spread of Lyme disease

A comprehensive review of 30 years' worth of research concludes that lone star ticks do not transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but can transmit other human illnesses such as ehrlichiosis and red meat allergy. The evidence, based on over 60 published articles, shows that lone star tick saliva is a barrier against Lyme bacteria.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 31, 2018

Unusual properties within the grass genus Diplachne

The Diplachne genus, consisting of two species, exhibits remarkable features such as high salt tolerance and the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This discovery has significant implications for the reclamation of salinized agricultural soils.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 30, 2018

Microbiome research refines HIV risk for women

Scientists have pinpointed seven bacterial species whose presence in high concentrations may significantly increase the risk of HIV infection in women. The study, which used data from six African nations, found that women carrying these bacteria had a 4.6-to-1 increased odds of acquiring HIV.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 25, 2018
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.

Ancient rice heralds a new future for rice production

Wild Australian rice's unique genetics hold the key to improving drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional benefits in commercial rice production. The study reveals that northern Australia's wild rices contain valuable genetic diversity closely related to domesticated rice, which can be cross-bred for improved crop resilience.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 22, 2018

Bacteria under your feet

A global study reveals that only 2% of the world's bacteria species dominate soil populations, with implications for ecosystem health and climate change mitigation. The findings have important applications for agricultural soils and food productivity.

SourceEuropean Research Council·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2018

Nanowrinkles could save billions in shipping and aquaculture

Researchers have developed nanostructured surface coatings with anti-fouling properties without using toxic components, reducing costs for the aquaculture and shipping industries. The new materials utilize 'nanowrinkles' inspired by carnivorous plants to create slippery surfaces that prevent marine biofouling.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 16, 2018

Can muesli help against arthritis?

Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg found that a fiber-rich diet can reduce arthritis symptoms by changing the intestinal bacteria and increasing short-chained fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help slow bone degradation.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2018
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.

Experts raise concerns over raw meat diets for cats and dogs

A study published in Veterinary Record found that commercial raw meat diets (RMDs) are contaminated with zoonotic bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans. The research highlights the need for pet owners to be aware of these risks and take proper hygiene measures to minimize exposure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJan 11, 2018

What species is most fit for life? All have an equal chance, scientists say

A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that all organisms are nearly equally fit for survival due to a universal tradeoff in energy allocation. This means that each species contributes the same amount of energy per gram of parent to the next generation, regardless of size or life history.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 8, 2018

How bacteria turbocharged their motors

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered how bacteria evolved molecular motors to optimize their swimming. By building a 'family tree' of bacterial motors using 3D imaging and DNA analysis, the team found that sophisticated species had more stators than primitive species, with some having as many as 17 stators.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2018

University of Montana publishes research on unusual gene evolution in bacteria

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery at the cellular level, studying the unique adaptations of bacteria living inside cicada insects. These tiny organisms lost nearly all their genes to survive within their insect hosts and now rely on multiple types of bacteria working together to provide essential amino acids and vitamins.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 5, 2018
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.

Precision editing of gut bacteria: Potential way to treat colitis

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used precision editing to target metabolic pathways in the gut, reducing inflammation in mouse models of colitis. The strategy, which targets specific bacterial species, prevented or reduced inflammation without affecting healthy gut bacteria.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2018

BIDMC researchers use artificial intelligence to identify bacteria quickly and accurately

Researchers at BIDMC used AI to develop an automated microscope system that can quickly and accurately identify images of bacteria, reducing the reliance on human clinical microbiologists. The system achieved nearly 95% accuracy in identifying three types of bacteria, paving the way for a future diagnostic platform.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateDec 15, 2017

Defense at almost any price

In an evolutionary competition, bacteria and ciliates develop attack and defense mechanisms, with defense coming at a high cost for reproduction, reducing intraspecific diversity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2017

Every grain of sand is a metropolis for bacteria

A single grain of sand harbors up to 100,000 microorganisms from thousands of species, showcasing the impressive diversity of bacterial life. This discovery highlights the crucial role sand-dwelling bacteria play in processing carbon and nitrogen compounds and purifying the marine ecosystem.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateDec 13, 2017
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.

Needle in a haystack

A new method developed by Harvard Medical School researchers can tease out cause-and-effect relationships between gut bacteria and disease, a major hurdle in microbiome research. The approach identified a previously unknown gut microbe that protects against severe colitis.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2017

Lemur study highlights role of diet in shaping gut microbiome

A recent study on lemurs found that a similar diet leads to identical gut microbiomes, highlighting the importance of diet in shaping microbial ecosystems. The researchers also discovered common metabolic pathways between lemurs and humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), raising questions about their role in human health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGut Microbes·DateDec 5, 2017

3-D-printed minifactories

A team of ETH researchers created a novel 3D printing platform that utilizes living matter to produce mini biochemical factories with various properties. The platform uses bacteria-containing ink to create objects with specific characteristics, such as biodegradable materials and sensors for toxic substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 1, 2017
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.

New research provides insights into the skin microbiome

Two Corynebacteria species have been identified as potential targets to improve skin appearance, with one associated with younger people and the other with older people. The 'old skin' bacteria was found to be associated with skin redness, wrinkles, and age spots.

SourceSpectrum Science·DateNov 30, 2017

Ambush in a petri dish

A team of researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology has made a groundbreaking discovery about the chemical communication between algae and bacteria. The study reveals that a specific lipopeptide, orfamide A, plays a central role in this process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Changes in bacterial mix linked to antibiotics increase risk for inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests that antibiotic use in mothers may alter the microbiome of their offspring, increasing the risk for inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that exposure to antibiotics can change the mix of bacterial species in maternal microbes, which are then passed on to their children.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 27, 2017

Bacteria as pacemaker for the intestine

Research at Kiel University has discovered that the bacterial colonization of the intestine controls peristaltic functions. The study found that only a balanced microbiome can regulate tissue contractions, with certain molecules secreted by bacteria intervening in the control mechanism.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

Camponotini ant species have their own distinct microbiomes

A study published in PLOS ONE found that Camponotini ant species have distinct microbiomes, with some stages having unique bacterial populations. This suggests that the microbiome may play a role in shaping the ant's biology and adaptation to its environment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 22, 2017

High risk sex behaviors impact women's health: McMaster

Women involved in high-risk sex behaviors have more diverse vaginal bacterial microbiota, a lower abundance of protective Lactobacillus bacteria, and are at higher risk for STIs and HIV-1 acquisition. The study suggests that low diversity vaginal microbiota is associated with less risk of vaginal infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2017
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 create map of the gut's microbial landscape

A team of researchers created a three-dimensional map of the gut microbiome, revealing a surprising degree of mixing among different bacterial members. The study found that the gut microbiome lacks highly organized structure, unlike other body sites like the mouth.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2017

Study identifies whale blow microbiome

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified an extensive conserved group of bacteria within healthy humpback whales' blow. The discovery could serve as a framework for monitoring the health of this species and others, with potential implications for disease detection and conservation.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalmSystems·DateOct 10, 2017

Warming climate could increase bacterial impacts on Chesapeake Bay shellfish, recreation

Researchers found that warming climate conditions could lead to significant economic and healthcare costs due to increased occurrences of Vibrio bacteria in Chesapeake Bay. The study used a new downscaling framework to project future increases in Vibrio species, highlighting the need for models of climate impact on estuarine environments.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalGeoHealth·DateSep 26, 2017

Imagining a world without species

A theoretical physicist proposes an alternative approach to species classification by considering the dynamics of microbial communities as a whole. This framework may help researchers better understand complex biological systems and their role in human diseases.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateSep 20, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why high-fiber diets do not always lead to weight loss

A new study published in International Journal of Obesity suggests that the effectiveness of high-fiber diets depends on the type of bacteria in a person's intestine. The research found that participants with a specific combination of Prevotella and Bacteroides bacteria lost more weight and body fat when following a high-fiber diet.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 12, 2017

Gut microbes may influence multiple sclerosis progression

Researchers identified specific gut microbes associated with multiple sclerosis, suggesting they play a role in regulating immune responses and potentially contributing to disease progression. The study found that certain bacteria can trigger pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses in the immune system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Bacterial protein acts as aphrodisiac for choanoflagellates

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein, EroS, that induces mating behavior in single-celled organisms called choanoflagellates. Swarming among these unicellular organisms precedes sexual reproduction, and the protein's enzymatic function is responsible for this change.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 31, 2017
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.