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Study in twins identifies fecal microbiome differences in food allergies

A new study identified novel metabolites and specific gut bacteria distinguishing healthy from food-allergic twin pairs. The research found that certain bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium faecium and Ruminococccus bromii, played a protective role against food allergies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2021
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.

New definition of sustainability overcomes flaw hampering global transformation efforts

Researchers have developed a new definition of sustainability that recognizes the interdependence of living beings and their wellbeing, expanding the concept to non-human species and their needs. This new approach has wide-ranging applications in fields such as landscape planning and urban greenspace design, aiming to enhance human-wil...

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalGlobal Sustainability·DateDec 8, 2020

The microbiome of Da Vinci's drawings

Researchers analyzed seven Da Vinci drawings using Nanopore sequencing, finding a dominance of bacteria over fungi, with many exhibiting human or insect microbiomes. The study also identified human DNA, likely introduced by restoration workers, and correlations with geographical location.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateNov 20, 2020
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.

Immune protein orchestrates daily rhythm of squid-bacteria symbiotic relationship

Researchers found that an immune protein in squid controls the movement of immune cells to deliver nutrients to bacteria, influencing daily rhythms. This discovery could provide clues on factors affecting human microbiome rhythms and has implications for understanding symbiotic systems.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2020

New live biotherapeutic products will require regulatory and scientific innovation

The review highlights the need for clear scientific and pharmaceutical standards when developing live biotherapeutic products. Key challenges include ensuring quality, demonstrating safety, and evaluating efficacy. The PRI's publication provides a framework for stakeholders in microbiome-based product development.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020
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.

Princeton lab uncovers small fratricidal molecule

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a small molecule named Streptosactin, which exhibits fratricidal activity in the human microbiome. This is the first time a small molecule has been found to kill its own kind.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 14, 2020

Whale 'snot' reveals likely poor health during migration

Researchers found significantly less microbial diversity and richness in humpback whales' respiratory microbiota during the return leg of their migration, suggesting they were likely in poorer health. This study provides new insights into using airway microbiota as a non-invasive method for monitoring whale health.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 29, 2020

Comprehensive description of the human tissue virome in healthy individuals

Researchers have comprehensively described the human tissue virome atlas using next-generation sequencing technology. They detected 39 viral species in somatic tissues from 547 individuals and found associations between virus infection and human gene expression and disease onset.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalBMC Biology·DateJul 21, 2020
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.

Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Prize winner uncovers microbes' role in tissue repair

Scientists discovered that Staphylococcus epidermidis interacts with the immune system to promote wound healing and prevent inflammation. The study's findings may lead to therapies for conditions like atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases, affecting millions worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateJul 9, 2020

Microbiome confers resistance to cholera

A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Blautia obeum, can deactivate the disease-causing mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae, preventing it from colonizing the intestines. Increasing levels of this bacterium in the gut may provide a natural defense against cholera.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2020

Microbes might manage your cholesterol

A team of researchers has discovered a species of gut bacteria that can affect cholesterol levels in humans. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics, such as probiotics or enzyme delivery to the gut, to help people manage their blood cholesterol levels.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 17, 2020

'Microbial Noah's ark' initiative should move to next phase, study finds

A Rutgers-driven proposal to create a 'microbial Noah's ark' is feasible and should move forward into a pilot project phase, according to a new study. The Microbiota Vault would gather beneficial germs from human populations with uncompromised microbiomes to address global health problems caused by modern society.

SourceRutgers University·DateJun 11, 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.

A return to the wild for better immune health

A study found that revegetated urban green spaces have more native plant species and greater microbiota diversity, similar to natural environments. This can lead to improved immune function and reduced non-communicable diseases. Urban design principles could be influenced by the environmental microbiome to create healthier public spaces.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateMay 24, 2020

Journal of Dental Research special issue explores a new era for the oral microbiome

The June 2020 issue of Journal of Dental Research explores the latest research on the oral microbiome, highlighting rapid progress in understanding its dynamics. The papers cover topics such as analyzing microbial communities, cultivating species, and their connections to oral health conditions like cancer and diabetes.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMay 21, 2020

The origin of feces: CoproID reliably predicts sources of ancient poop

Researchers developed CoproID, a reliable method to distinguish between human and dog feces based on ancient host DNA and microbiome composition. This technique enables the investigation of changes in the human gut microbiome throughout time, shedding light on food intolerances and other health issues.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 17, 2020

What is an individual? Information Theory may provide the answer

Researchers propose a new approach to understanding individuality in biology using Information Theory, focusing on dynamical processes and environmental influences. This perspective suggests that individuals are best thought of as continuous, emergent entities rather than stationary objects.,

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalTheory in Biosciences·DateApr 15, 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.

Ancient gut microbiomes shed light on human evolution

A new study suggests that our ancestors' gut microbiomes were critical for their survival in new environments, allowing them to digest and detoxify local food sources. The findings also imply that social sharing of microbes might have led to local adaptations, influencing human migration and settlement.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 19, 2020

More than just a carnival trick: Researchers can guess your age based on your microbes

A new study has found that researchers can accurately predict a person's chronological age using machine learning algorithms and microbiome samples. The study analyzed data from over 4,400 participants across various body sites, including skin, saliva, and feces, and found significant gender-specific differences in gut microbiome results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmSystems·DateFeb 11, 2020

Lung microbiome may help predict outcomes in critically ill patients

Research suggests that lung bacteria can predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with certain bacteria associated with worse outcomes and the presence of gut-associated bacteria found in the lungs. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapies to prevent and treat critical illness.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 24, 2020

Human fetal lungs harbor a microbiome signature

Researchers found that human fetal lung microbiomes show changes in diversity during fetal development, with some taxonomic overlap between the placental and lung microbiomes. The study suggests that maternal-fetal microbial DNA transfer may play a role in normal lung and immune system development.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do you cultivate a healthy plant microbiome?

A new study by University of California, Berkeley, identified a core microbiome in commercial tomatoes that is robust and stable. The researchers used experimental evolution to select for microbes that best survived on the plants, resulting in a healthy plant microbiome.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2019
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.

Study of African animals illuminates links between environment, diet and gut microbiome

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Even the fetus has gut bacteria, study shows

A recent study has confirmed that a fetus has its own microbiome, which is transmitted from the mother. This finding opens up potential interventions during pregnancy to stimulate the fetal microbiome and improve preemie growth and immune system.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 23, 2019
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.

Sentinels in the mouth

Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2019

Uncovering drug-like small molecules in the human microbiome

Researchers developed a computational algorithm to identify biologically active small molecules encoded in human microbiome-derived sequencing data. They uncovered novel TII-PKS BGCs with antimicrobial activity against neighboring microbes, as well as anti-cancer effects, in samples from diverse countries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Cooking food alters the microbiome

A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019
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.

ORNL scientists shed light on microbial 'dark matter' with new approach

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to isolate specific microbes from complex human oral microbiome samples using antibody engineering. They successfully isolated three different species of TM7 and another uncultivated bacterial group, SR1.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 30, 2019

Did microbes assist life in colonizing land?

A comparative microbiome study has identified significant differences in the composition of microbial communities between aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The researchers suggest that microorganisms may have played a key role in the evolutionary transition from purely aquatic life to life on land.

SourceKiel University·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 17, 2019

Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research

A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Each cell is a small world: the microbiome of ciliates has been studied

Researchers investigate the microbiome of Stentor coeruleus and find a distinct bacterial community associated with the ciliate. The study reveals that different ciliates can host unique bacterial populations, highlighting the importance of further research into protistan microbiomes.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 2019

Genetic census of the human microbiome

The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from over 3,500 human microbiome samples, revealing nearly 46 million bacterial genes. More than half of these genes were unique to each individual, performing specialized functions and suggesting a key role in microbial evolution.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 14, 2019
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.

Microbiome diversity builds a better mouse model

A new study created lab mice by implanting embryos from laboratory animals into wild mice, resulting in a model that accurately predicts human response to drugs. This novel approach has the potential to improve translational research value for immunology, potentially preventing failed clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019
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.

Researchers show that the composition of human skin microbiome can be modulated

Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra and S-Biomedic demonstrated the use of living bacteria to temporarily modulate skin microbiome composition. The study, published in Microbiome, found that probiotic solutions from donor microbiomes can be applied to recipients, leading to a shift towards a healthier microbiome state.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalMicrobiome·DateJul 8, 2019

A common gut virus that maps our travels

A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Zero-calorie sweeteners on trial again

Researchers found that maternal exposure to sucralose and acesulfame-K during pregnancy and lactation led to altered intestinal flora and liver toxicity in mouse pups. The study suggests that artificial sweeteners may be safe for adults when used in moderation, but not a substitute for sugar.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 25, 2019

Discovery of performance-enhancing bacteria in the human microbiome

Researchers discovered that Veillonella bacteria in elite athletes' gut microbiomes can enhance exercise performance in mice by breaking down lactate and producing propionate, a short-chain fatty acid. This breakthrough paves the way for highly-validated performance-enhancing probiotics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 24, 2019
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.

Assembly of the human oral microbiome age 1 to 12

A study examining oral bacterial microbiome composition in children aged 1 to 12 found that species richness increased with age in both supragingival and subgingival plaque. The results suggest a common pattern of maturing microbial communities, becoming more complex with advancing age and including a stable core of major species.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 20, 2019

New tool can pinpoint origins of the gut's bacteria

A UCLA-led research team developed FEAST, a faster and more accurate tool to determine microbiome origins. The software can analyze large genetic information datasets in just a few hours, offering insights into the unseen ecological processes affecting human health.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 12, 2019

Gut microbes respond differently to foods with similar nutrition labels

A new study reveals that the correlation between food consumption and gut microbiome changes is not as straightforward as previously thought. Researchers found that considering the relationships between foods can reveal stronger associations between dietary nutrients and specific strains of microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 12, 2019

A pluralistic approach to thinking about the human microbiome

Researchers Nicolae Morar and Brendan J. M. Bohannan examine five common conceptual frameworks describing the human microbiome, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The study suggests a pragmatic approach considering all metaphors to explore therapies for diseases and disorders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateJun 5, 2019
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.

New findings from Human Microbiome Project reveal how microbiome is disrupted during IBD

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

NIH-funded study links microbiome composition to African American preterm birth risk

A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019
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.

Fleming's method in miniature

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019