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Engineering the microbiome to potentially cure disease

Researchers have developed a novel approach to engineering live bacterial therapeutics by using native microbes that can survive in the gut. This method overcomes previous limitations of introducing engineered bacteria into the gut, demonstrating potential for long-term therapy and reversal of disease pathologies in mouse models.

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 lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

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.

Plastic pollution in ocean may harbor novel antibiotics, study shows

A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.

Unprecedented case series advances promise of phage therapy

Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...

New type of pneumococcal vaccine developed by KI scientists

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

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.

Two DNA defense systems behind resilience of 7th cholera pandemic

The study found two DNA defense systems in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that work together to eliminate plasmids and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. These defense systems, called DdmDE and DdmABC, are encoded within distinct pathogenicity islands and help the bacteria survive pandemics.

Striking lane-like patterns found in bacteria populations

Researchers from OIST found that Escherichia coli bacteria form lanes of genetically similar individuals when constrained to a channel, aligning parallel to the barriers. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic platforms and simulations to observe population dynamics over several generations.

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.

Harmless or deadly? New study examines evolution of E. coli bacteria

Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.

Understanding bacterial biofilms

Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.

Trust your gut: how your gut microbiota can save you from cancer

A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.

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.

Researchers find hybrid metabolism in fermented food microbe

Scientists have found a new energy metabolism in lactic acid bacteria that combines features of respiration with fermentation. This hybrid metabolism enables the bacteria to thrive better and faster, potentially improving gut health by manipulating its growth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smart windows can significantly reduce indoor pathogens

Researchers found that smart windows with dynamic tinting can completely disinfect surfaces within 24 hours, reducing bacterial growth rates and viability. In contrast, traditional windows with blinds blocked almost all daylight, promoting contamination on glass, plastic, and fabric surfaces.

Aphid ‘honeydew’ may promote bacteria that kill them

Researchers found that half of Pseudomonas syringae strains benefited from the presence of aphids, but only the honeydew itself boosted bacterial populations. The study suggests using this phenomenon to develop alternative pest control methods.

Tracking down the origin of cholera pandemics

Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that contributed to the emergence of the seventh cholera pandemic. The study found that modified Vibrio cholerae bacteria used their type 6 secretion system (T6SS) to outcompete and kill older strains, leading to their displacement.

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.

A step toward “living biotherapeutics”

The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.

Scientists develop promising vaccine method against recurrent UTI

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.

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.

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

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.

New nanomaterial for treatment of skin infections

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

When stubborn bugs refuse to make drugs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used comparative metabologenomics to study the genomes of Streptomyces bacteria and identify key factors that influence drug production. The study found that fine-tuning of specific nucleotides can control antibiotic production, offering new insights for next-generation drug discovery.

Researchers surprised to find bacterial parasites behind rise of 'super bugs'

Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.

Keeping bacteria under lock and key

Scientists at the University of Delaware have made progress on a biological containment strategy using synthetic auxotrophy, keeping a strain of E. coli stable for 100 days. The research also shows promise for treating diseases and cleaning up the environment safely.

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.

Persistence pays off in the human gut microbiome

Researchers investigated bacterial persistence in the human gut microbiome, identifying three dispersal strategies and finding that most strains are highly persistent. The study's results will inform targeted probiotic and treatment approaches to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

A new bacteria, made in Belgium (and UCLouvain)

Researchers discovered a new bacterium, Dysosmobacter welbionis, present in 70% of the population, which produces butyrate and has anti-inflammatory effects. The bacteria was found to increase mitochondrial activity, lowering sugar levels and weight in mice, suggesting potential for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How a Vietnamese raw pork snack could help us keep food fresh, naturally

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a bacteria-killing compound in Nem Chua that can destroy more dangerous bacteria, potentially leading to a safe and all-natural food preservative. The compound is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause life-threatening diseases like Listeria.

A 'jolt' for ocean carbon sequestration

Scientists have discovered that bacteria found in brackish sediments can 'eat' electricity and absorb climate-warming carbon dioxide. This unusual skill was previously thought to be exclusive to freshwater bacteria, but may be common in marine bacteria.

Plant-microbe homeostasis: A delicate balancing act

Research finds that a balance between immune-suppressive and non-suppressive bacterial strains in the plant microbiota is crucial for maintaining microbe-plant homeostasis. This balance allows plants to promote growth while preventing excessive defense, reducing disease susceptibility.

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.

Microneedle patch delivers antibiotics locally in the skin

Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivers vancomycin directly into the affected skin area, significantly reducing MRSA bacterial population. This innovative approach aims to transform the treatment of skin infections by improving quality of life for patients.

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.

Fasting acts as diet catalyst

A five-day fast followed by a healthy diet reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improving cardiovascular health. Long-term effects include lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure, and decreased antihypertensive medication use.

Full evolutionary journey of hospital superbug mapped for the first time

A new study has mapped the full evolutionary journey of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, a common cause of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals. The research shows that antibiotic resistant strains developed earlier than previously thought, influenced by agricultural and early medical practices.

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.