A review of bioprospecting studies identifies biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and sustainable production methods to manufacture low-cost biosurfactants from agro-industrial waste. The study highlights the advantages of biosurfactants over chemical counterparts, including higher biodegradability and lower toxicity.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateMar 9, 2016
Research has isolated tyrosinase inhibitors from diverse chemical classes in both terrestrial and marine environments. Flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids have been found to exhibit potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities, with potential applications in treating skin disorders and neurodegeneration.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Topics in Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2016
A study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2016 found that restoring gut bacteria to a youthful age was linked to improved stroke recovery in old mice. Researchers used fecal transplants to deliver a 'young' set of bacteria to mice with induced strokes, resulting in better recovery rates.
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.
Researchers at UNSW Australia discovered a way to produce tenfold more methane gas from naturally occurring microbes, extending coal seam gas wells' lifespan and improving food waste use. The innovation uses synthetic dye forming needle-like crystals to boost methane-producing microbes' growth.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 15, 2016
Researchers found that chronic alcohol consumption impairs the body's ability to keep microbes in check, leading to bacterial migration and increased risk of liver disease. Restoring natural gut antibiotics may help treat the disease.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 10, 2016
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists found phytoplankton populations double in size above natural oil seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Turbulence from rising oil and gas bubbles brings up deep-water nutrients that phytoplankton need to grow.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 25, 2016
Researchers at DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a molecule that mimics natural vitamins in bacteria, allowing for easier tracking and measurement of nutrient use. The discovery provides insight into the inner workings of living microbes crucial to energy production and carbon cycles.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 21, 2016
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.
A team of researchers from McGill University failed to detect active microbial life in permafrost soil from the University Valley in Antarctica, a location thought to be similar to Martian permafrost. The study's findings suggest that even in the coldest and driest conditions on Earth, it may be difficult to find signs of life.
SourceMcGill University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 19, 2016
A study from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory-based BioEnergy Science Center finds unconventional bacteria could help boost cellulosic biofuel production efficiency. Researchers analyzed six microorganisms to solubilize switchgrass, a potential bioenergy feedstock.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateJan 14, 2016
Researchers at Purdue University and Tsinghua University propose a novel method to teleport the internal quantum state and center-of-mass motion state of a microorganism. This breakthrough has significant implications for potential future applications in quantum information and organism teleportation.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 13, 2016
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.
Researchers have successfully multiplied teeth in mice by splitting tooth germ cells and implanting them into the jaw. This discovery could lead to new treatments for people born with missing teeth or who lose teeth due to accidents or disease.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that can use direct uptake of electrons from an electrode to fuel its metabolic pathway. This finding suggests the existence of electro-ecosystems, where microorganisms sustain life by electrical current, not relying on inorganic substances or light.
SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 16, 2015
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have made groundbreaking discoveries about the behavior of TrCel7a, a cellulase enzyme that breaks down cellulose. By studying the enzyme's movements and interactions with cellulose fibers, researchers found that it operates slowly but is self-propelling, powered by energy from cellulose bonds.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2015
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.
A new study from Kansas State University reveals that gut bacteria play a pivotal role in the communication system of German cockroaches, facilitating aggregation and reproductive maturation. The research identified specific fecal volatile carboxylic acids that reflect the microorganism contents of a cockroach's gut.
SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2015
A new study reveals that cheating microbes, which rely on neighbors for enzyme production, slow down decomposition and increase microbial remains in the soil. This leads to a build-up of organic matter and specifically nitrogen in the soil.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2015
Researchers identify a new type of bacteria, Nitrospira, capable of converting ammonia to nitrate through comammox process, revealing a long-sought organism in the nitrogen cycle. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the environment and wastewater treatment.
Researchers at University of California have successfully created a strain of mosquitoes capable of rapidly introducing malaria-blocking genes into its population, potentially eliminating the disease. The breakthrough uses a gene editing technique that allows for efficient creation of large populations of mosquitoes with this trait.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015
Scientists have developed a fast method to sequence irradiated anthrax spores, which can aid in tracking biocrimes. The new approach uses computer programming to reconstruct full DNA sequences from broken fragments.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2015
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 new study led by University of Georgia marine scientists found that oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, promoting the growth of Colwellia and inhibiting Marinobacter. The presence of dispersants significantly altered microbial composition in Gulf deep water, hindering efficient oil biodegradation.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015
Researchers have discovered two new organisms that play an unknown role in greenhouse gas emissions and consumption, belonging to a previously unexplored group called Bathyarchaeota. The discovery expands our understanding of life on Earth and suggests we are missing other organisms involved in carbon cycling and methane production.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2015
Researchers have elucidated the molecular structure of a plant sugar transporter called SWEET2, which plays a critical role in limiting the sugar supply to beneficial microbes while preventing pathogens from thriving. This discovery provides insights into how plants control carbon sequestration and energy homeostasis.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2015
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a combination of chemicals and UV light to clean patient rooms reduces the transmission of four major superbugs by 30 percent among overnight patients. This method was more effective than standard cleaning strategies, which often fail to eliminate germs on surfaces.
Scientists discovered microbes in Kabuno Bay that oxidize iron through a unique photosynthesis process, depositing large iron formations. This finding supports the theory that microorganisms played a key role in shaping Earth's chemistry and evolution of life.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Research suggests that above-water microbes contribute to the development of hydrogen-sulfide-rich caves through aerobic respiration, producing sulfuric acid. In contrast, underwater microbes only partially burn hydrogen sulfide, creating pure sulfur as a byproduct that is not corrosive to limestone.
SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Geology·DateSep 2, 2015
Researchers have engineered a microbe called Clostridium thermocellum to produce up to 6 grams of isobutanol per liter, a significant improvement over previous results. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient biofuels production and overcome the challenges of recalcitrance in plant biomass.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 14, 2015
Research reveals that humans and animals host highly specialized microbial communities, differing from earlier assumptions of generalist dominance. These findings have significant implications for the structure of biodiversity in microbial ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 13, 2015
A recent study found that endoscopes can harbor residual contamination and viable microbes even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The study tested 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes, detecting contamination on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning.
SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 5, 2015
Researchers found that CF microbes thrive in saliva and mucus with limited oxygen, leading to severe symptoms. Hydrogen sulfide levels in sputum samples correlated with less severe disease.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJul 28, 2015
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.
Researchers are exploring how indoor home microbial environments change after whole-house weatherization projects, aiming to understand the impact on human health. The study will analyze ventilation-system design and its influence on exposure to airborne microorganisms.
The structure of Oskar's two domains has been solved, enabling researchers to understand how the protein functions in developing reproductive cells. The OSK domain binds to RNA, while the LOTUS domain interacts with an enzyme called Vasa helicase, which is crucial for germ plasm formation.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 16, 2015
Researchers at Rice University are developing gas-releasing microbial sensors to study microbe-driven processes that regulate Earth's environment. The sensors will allow researchers to test hypotheses about how microbes control environmental processes and build model ecosystems in the lab.
A newly discovered human protein called intelectin has the ability to selectively identify and distinguish between human cells and those of disease-causing microbes. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics and strategies to combat infectious diseases.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 6, 2015
Research suggests that excessive vitamin A supplementation can shut down the body's trained immunity, rendering it less effective at fighting off past infections. This impaired immune response is due to vitamin A's inhibitory effects on histone methylation modifications in human monocytes.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 2015
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.
A new study found that daily bathing of pediatric patients with antiseptic cuts can reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by 59 percent. The practice also saved approximately $300,000 in one hospital over a six-month period.
SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·DateJun 26, 2015
Researchers found that type II interferon signals cause the release of CXCL10, an attractant for cells promoting inflammation. This study provides a new impetus for treating colitis with antibodies or direct administration of type III interferons.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 2, 2015
A new study reveals a complex marine phosphorus cycle with a hidden role for microbial communities. Microbes transform phosphorus into phosphonates at varying rates depending on depth, shedding light on the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2015
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015
A recent study found that thawing permafrost in Siberia is releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, which is then consumed by microbes and released as carbon dioxide. This process accelerates global warming and creates a runaway effect. Scientists are now studying the impact of this phenomenon on climate change.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2015
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.
Scientists are studying Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to understand the behavior of living fluids, which could lead to new treatments for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis. The research team discovered that the algae changes its swim pattern dramatically in elastic fluids, which possess both liquid and solid-like properties.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that fast-swimming bacteria can form two-dimensional crystals by clustering together in a lattice structure. The crystals are held together by the rotating motion of individual cells, which creates a unique pattern similar to atoms in mineral crystals.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2015
Researchers found that root secretions can promote soil carbon loss by freeing organic compounds from protective associations with minerals. This mechanism is known as 'priming' and challenges the assumption that mineral-associated carbon is protected from microbial cycling over millennial timescales.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 31, 2015
A research team found oxygen in the entire thickness of nutrient-poor seafloor areas, contrary to previous beliefs that only surface layers contain oxygen. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of microbial life, geochemical processes, and Earth's interior composition.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in detecting methane using TILDAS, which provides details on the environment in which methane-producing microbes thrive and helps identify the temperature at which methane forms.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015
Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have invented a microbe-powered battery that can remove salts and organic contaminants from oil and gas wastewater simultaneously, producing additional energy.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science Water Research & Technology·DateFeb 25, 2015
Scientists studied the impact of Deepwater Horizon oil on Pensacola Municipal Beach's microbial communities, finding that generalist microbes were most successful in expanding their populations. After a year, microbial populations buried in beach sands looked similar to pre-spill levels, with some unexplained differences.
A study by scientists from Scripps Research Institute found that certain microbes promote nutritional harvest in fruit flies, rescuing their health and longevity when fed nutrient-poor diets. This natural symbiosis may offer a new strategy to treat and prevent malnutrition in humans.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015
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.
Researchers discovered a type of sulfur bacteria preserved in rocks over 1.8 billion years old, which remain unchanged and indistinguishable from modern bacteria found in the same region. This finding supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by suggesting that evolution occurs only when environmental conditions change.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2015
Researchers found that corn co-products have lower energy concentration than corn, but can still be used in growing pig diets. Amino acid digestibility was also reduced in the co-products, requiring additional protein sources.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 28, 2015
A new study found that ultra-high pressure processing can improve the color, hardness, and chewiness of salmon flesh. The treatment also inhibited microorganism proliferation, increasing shelf life.
SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJan 21, 2015
Researchers have discovered new microbes beneath the ocean crust that breathe sulfate, breaking down organic material and producing carbon dioxide. These microbes play a vital role in the global carbon cycle, which is being disrupted by human-made carbon dioxide emissions.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 14, 2015
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.
New research reveals hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets, increasing the risk of infection. Studies found airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers compared to paper towels.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateNov 20, 2014
A new computer model developed by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts that warming temperatures will return less soil carbon to the atmosphere than previously thought. The model takes into account the complex interactions between soil microbes and their surroundings, which vary over time and place.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 17, 2014
Researchers have used synthetic biology to produce affordable alternatives to anti-malaria drugs, clean fuels, and pharmaceuticals. The technology has the potential to reduce costs by up to 85% for future long-duration space missions, including those to Mars and the Moon.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 6, 2014
The discovery of novel microbial life through genomic technologies has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of Earth's biodiversity. Eddy Rubin proposes a new framework for categorizing microbial life into explored, unexplored, and undiscovered categories.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2014
A new species of microbe, Methanoflorens stordalenmirensis, has been found to control the release of methane from thawing permafrost soils, affecting global climate change predictions. The study reveals that this microbe plays a significant role in amplifying climate change by controlling greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Researchers use electrostatic force microscopy to visualize charge propagation in Geobacter's protein filaments, demonstrating metallic-like conductivity. The discovery has important environmental and practical implications for energy conversion and production.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 19, 2014
A new model developed by Argonne National Laboratory scientists predicts that peatlands in the Arctic will release more methane and less carbon dioxide as they warm, significantly affecting climate change forecasts. The research aims to improve greenhouse gas emission models and address concerns about accelerated warming in the Arctic.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateOct 3, 2014
Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.
SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 18, 2014
Researchers have adapted a biomedical technique to study ocean organisms, identifying and measuring proteins to understand biochemical reactions. The study reveals how microbes respond to environmental cues and ecosystem changes over large regions.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2014
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.
Researchers have adapted a biomedical technique to study the ocean, revealing how single-celled marine organisms and ecosystems are operating. By measuring proteins, scientists can identify biochemical reactions happening within organisms and diagnose how the oceans respond to pollution and climate change.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2014