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Does autism begin in the womb?

A study led by Kobe University researchers found that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells, leading to immune dysregulation and brain-gut axis disorders. The study used BTBR mice as a model and identified histone deacetylase HDAC1 as a common mechanism underlying these pathologies.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2022

E. coli bacteria exploits Crohn’s disease inflammation

Research finds that intestinal inflammation liberates chemicals that nourish E. coli's growth and promote inflammation, highlighting new treatment targets for Crohn's disease. The study identifies key compounds that feed E. coli, such as phospholipids and amino acids, and shows that these compounds can enhance the bacteria's virulence.

SourceCornell University·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo

Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Chlorinated water supplies don’t disturb healthy gut microbiomes in young children

A recent study published in Nature Microbiology found that chlorine water treatment does not disrupt the normal population of beneficial bacteria in children's developing gut microbiomes. The study suggests that chlorination can actually help reduce disease incidence and limit antibiotic use while keeping microbiomes healthy.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022
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.

What you eat may help shape your personality

A study published in Nutrients found distinct bacteria and metabolomes associated with each personality trait, including mental energy and physical fatigue. The research team discovered unique gut bacteria profiles for different energy and fatigue traits.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNutrients·TypeNews article·DateMar 30, 2022
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.

Experimental Biology 2022 press materials available now

This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...

SourceExperimental Biology·DateMar 25, 2022

Women who report significant antibiotic use in midlife are more likely to experience cognitive decline in later life, perhaps through gut microbiome changes, in study of almost 15,000 U.S. nurses

A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers find out why yogurt lowers the risk of developing diabetes

Researchers at Université Laval found that yogurt's health benefits for obesity may be due to its impact on the gut microbiota and production of branched chain hydroxy acids (BCHA). The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that BCHA can help improve fasting glucose and liver function in obese mice.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cutting through the clutter

A new tool called vibration of effects (VoE) has been developed to analyze the reliability of reported links between gut microbes and various diseases. The tool found that a third of reported microbe-disease associations were inconsistent, with outcomes changing depending on study design and variable inclusion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2022

Healthy gut microbiome improves success of cancer treatment

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has confirmed the link between a healthy gut microbiome and the response to cancer immunotherapy. The study found that certain bacterial species, such as Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Roseburia spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila, are associated with a better immune response.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2022

How some gut microbes awaken zombie viruses in their neighbors

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria can awaken dormant viruses by producing colibactin, leading to cell-killing infections. This finding suggests a possible link between colibactin-producing bacteria and cancer, potentially benefiting the bacteria's own survival.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2022
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.

Composition of gut microbiome predicts the onset of type 2 diabetes

A study found that specific bacterial groups from the Lachnospiraceae family were associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used machine learning techniques and analyzed fecal samples from a large Finnish population cohort, identifying microbial biomarkers that predicted disease incidence.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

Not just a sprained ankle: Scientists show musculoskeletal injury may affect gut microbiome

A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Why do locusts form destructive swarms?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Fecal implants drive behavioral and cognitive changes in Alzheimer’s model

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made a groundbreaking connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive decline in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Fecal implants induced significant behavioral and cognitive changes in mice, offering new avenues for treating or forestalling dementia.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Bile acids may improve skin inflammation in patients with psoriasis

A UC Davis Health study found that taking bile acids or treatments regulating their production levels can help control psoriasis inflammation. Bile acids inhibited skin inflammation by stopping immune T cells from producing proinflammatory protein IL-17A and blocking immune cell movement to the site.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 2, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Human gut bacteria have sex to share vitamin B12

Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Meat, MS and the microbiome

A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022
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.

Make-up of gut microbiome may be linked to long COVID risk

Researchers found a distinct microbial profile associated with long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Patients with long COVID had a less diverse and abundant gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Supplement appears to boost muscle, mitochondria health

A study found that a daily supplement of urolithin A improved muscle function and reduced inflammation in older adults. The supplement, produced by gut bacteria, was shown to stimulate mitophagy, a process that recycles damaged mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2022
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.

Study finds distinct gut microbiomes in male and female carnivores

A recent study reveals significant differences between the gut microbiomes of male and female American minks, suggesting a surprising sexual distinction in carnivores. The findings have implications for future wildlife research, as analyzing fecal samples may not provide accurate assessments of population sex.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

New study links gut fungi to intestinal inflammation in Crohn’s disease patients

A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that Candida tropicalis fungus can trigger chronic inflammation in the gut microbiome of Crohn's disease patients. This imbalance of fungi and bacteria can create a predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 10, 2022

A high-fiber diet may improve the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy

A high-fiber diet has been shown to improve the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy by influencing the gut microbiome. Patients who consumed at least 20 grams of dietary fiber per day lived longer without their cancer progressing, compared to those who consumed less fiber.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 23, 2021
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.

High-fiber diet associated with improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

CrAss viral content: When it’s in your gut, it might be good for your health

A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that crAss-like phages, a component of the gut virome, are less abundant in individuals with autoimmune diseases. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies to manage autoimmune conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

Probiotics improve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, according to new study

A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that probiotics can reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by up to 33% and improve quality of life symptoms. The study also identified specific gut microbes associated with higher levels of nausea, suggesting potential biomarkers for future research.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNutrients·DateDec 3, 2021

Texas A&M researchers attacking menacing ‘superbug’

Researchers have discovered that certain microbes can prevent Clostridioides difficile infection by consuming nutrients essential for its growth. This new understanding challenges existing approaches to probiotic treatment options, which focus on restoring secondary bile acids.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeNews article·DateDec 2, 2021

Study highlights diversity of the gut microbiome in gorillas

A new study has shed light on the gut microbiome of gorillas, revealing significant diversity among individuals and institutions. The research found that even healthy gorillas can have unique microbial profiles, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual context for health assessment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimals·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Common medication hindering lung cancer treatment

Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. PPI use was associated with worse survival rates and a significant decrease in the benefit of immune therapy treatment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021

When bees get a taste for dead things

Researchers discovered that these 'meat-eating' bees have a unique gut microbiome enriched with acid-loving bacteria, similar to those found in vultures. The bees' ability to eat dead bodies is surprising, but they can also store honey and have special chambers for meat storage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalmBio·DateNov 23, 2021

Woodrat microbiomes: It’s who you are that matters most

A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021
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.

Grape consumption benefits gut microbiome and cholesterol metabolism

A new clinical study found that grape consumption increased gut bacterial diversity and reduced cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol by 6.1% and LDL cholesterol by 5.9%. This suggests a potential role for grapes in promoting good gut health and supporting heart health.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2021

Cleveland Clinic study links gut microbiome and aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers found diet-associated molecules in the gut are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, linking them to higher levels of metabolites like phenylacetylglutamine and nutrients choline and betaine. The study's findings may have clinical implications for diagnosing and preventing lethal prostate cancer.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateOct 28, 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus linked to altered gut microbiome

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021
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.

Breastfeeding protects babies from bacteria resistant to antibiotics

A study found that infant formula is associated with a 70% higher occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in newborns. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, reduces the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, potentially lessening the risk of difficult infections.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2021

The path from pollutants in food to a heightened allergic response

Cadmium exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies, particularly asthma, in children. Researchers found that gut bacteria over-produce an enzyme degrading vitamin D after cadmium ingestion, mimicking a deficiency, leading to enhanced allergic reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateOct 26, 2021

Study: Heartburn drugs may have unexpected benefits on gum disease

A recent University at Buffalo study found that patients using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn had smaller probing depths in their gums, indicating less severe gum disease. The researchers suggest that PPIs' side effects may be linked to reduced periodontitis severity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalClinical and Experimental Dental Research·DateOct 13, 2021

Artificial sweeteners disrupt bacterial communication and may influence gut microbiota, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev scientists find

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered that artificial sweeteners can significantly impair bacterial communication. Three out of six tested FDA-approved sweeteners were found to inhibit quorum sensing, a key process for bacteria to communicate with each other.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021