A research team at HKUST has discovered the mechanism of DNA melting and how an antibiotic called Myxopyronin inhibits this process. The study found that Myxopyronin binds to a partially closed form of the flexible clamp domain, diminishing the gate's ability to close and eventually inhibiting DNA melting.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2021
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.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a mechanism allowing meningitis-causing bacteria to evade the immune system by sensing temperature changes. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae produce safeguards in response to rising temperatures, boosting their defenses against immune attacks.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 29, 2021
University of Michigan researchers observe RNA regulating protein synthesis in bacteria through transcription-translation coupling. The study reveals the unique mechanism allows for synchronized processes, enabling bacteria to adapt to external threats.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021
Scientists have developed a method to visualize and quantify alternative structures of RNA molecules, identifying a conserved structural switch in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This technique has implications for understanding viral replication and potential targets for antiviral therapy.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 22, 2021
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 at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the gene-cutting system CRISPR-Cas9 can be used as a genetic dimmer switch, allowing scientists to develop new ways to genetically engineer cells. The long form of tracrRNA was found to repress CRISPR-related genes and protect bacteria from excessive activity.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a link between non-coding RNA mutations in the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium and severe invasive meningococcal disease. They also developed a PCR test to detect these mutations, which may aid in speedy identification and treatment.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateDec 7, 2020
Researchers have developed a sensitive testing system that can detect resistance in bacteria using tiny cantilevers. This method allows for the detection of not only entire resistance genes but also individual point mutations within minutes, paving the way for faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.
SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalGlobal Challenges·DateDec 7, 2020
Researchers developed virus-like probes that can validate rapid COVID-19 tests across the globe. These stable probes are made from viral particles and have improved accuracy, stability, and cost-effectiveness compared to existing positive controls.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 1, 2020
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.
A research team at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena has identified a small ribonucleic acid that influences the antibiotic-resistance of Vibrio cholerae. The protein CrvA plays a crucial role in maintaining cell form and is essential for survival on contact with penicillin.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2020
Researchers at University of Hawaii discovered that bacteria can direct squid hosts to change gene-expression programs for a more inviting home. A specific bacterial sRNA influences the squid's immune reaction, allowing the bacteria to persistently colonize and deliver beneficial effects.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 18, 2020
Scientists have discovered how a common virus infects and takes over bacterial cells, enabling targeted manipulation of the gut microbiome. The crAssphage virus uses its own enzyme to produce RNA copies of its genes, similar to human enzymes involved in RNA interference.
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 developed a complex computer model that explains how bacteria optimize their protein production machinery for faster growth rates. The study reveals that the composition of individual components varies with growth conditions, and real E. coli bacteria use the 'cheapest' configuration to minimize resource usage.
SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2020
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a mutualistic relationship between fungi and bacteria that allows bacteria to travel on fungal highways in exchange for thiamine. The study reveals a new mechanism by which bacteria can disperse and multiply, using the fungus as a 'highway' to colonize new areas.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateSep 24, 2020
Researchers found that worms can 'read' the small RNA of a pathogen and evolve a response to stay healthier, creating a nascent adaptive immune system. The small RNA, P11, is absorbed by the worm intestine and then passed on to subsequent generations.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers discovered that bacteria acquire spacers for their CRISPR 'database' by selecting snippets of bacteriophage's genetic information. This complex mechanism allows the bacteria to recognize and destroy invading viral genetic material.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 8, 2020
Scientists at the University of Delaware have made an unprecedented discovery of bacterial cell fusion, where cells from two different species combine to form hybrid cells. This phenomenon allows microbes to share machinery and increase their odds of survival.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalmBio·DateSep 2, 2020
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to determine how tightly ribosomes bind to hundreds of thousands of RNA sequences in a single experiment, using machine learning and deep sequencing technology. This approach enables precise control over protein production in bacteria, with potential applications in genetic diseases.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020
Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020
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 from the University of Copenhagen have mapped and analyzed the atomic structure of the Cmr-β complex, a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this complex's immune response against phages and its potential therapeutic applications in fighting antibiotic resistance.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 29, 2020
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that phage therapy could be a game-changer in treating complex bacterial infections in prosthetic joints. The treatment has shown promising results in patients with biofilm-related infections, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate with antibiotics.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 2020
Researchers at McGill University have discovered bacterial organelles involved in gene expression, suggesting that bacteria may not be as simple as once thought. These findings could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics to combat drug resistance.
SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers have discovered a single protein derived from a harmless bacteria that can halt the CRISPR-Cas13 editing process. This 'kill switch' enables scientists to edit RNA with more precision and exact control, potentially benefiting coronavirus researchers and applications.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Research team found that gut Piezo1 stimulates serotonin production in enterochromaffin cells, regulating gut and bone health. Serotonin is critical for gut function, emotion regulation, and blood pressure control.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCell·DateJul 7, 2020
Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020
Researchers analyzed bacterial RNA and protein expression patterns during plant-bacterial interactions, revealing the impact of plant immunity on bacterial mRNAs and proteins. The study identified previously unknown transcriptional regulators controlling bacterial gene expression and virulence.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 15, 2020
A research team at the University of Bonn has discovered that the TLR8 immune sensor plays a crucial role in defending human cells against bacteria and other pathogens. The enzymes RNaseT2 and RNase2 break down bacterial RNA into characteristic fragments, allowing TLR8 to recognize and respond to the invasion.
Children's National Hospital researchers isolated bacterial extracellular vesicles from healthy donors, revealing the gut microbiome communicates with the brain. The discovery could lead to a novel way of addressing antibiotic resistance by targeting bacteria-derived RNA.
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.
Researchers have identified a new class of RNA caps in bacteria that play a crucial role in stress response and degradation under starvation conditions. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation.
SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2020
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.
SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers develop effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The novel therapy, AB569, kills the bacteria by targeting multiple processes, offering hope against superbug infections.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020
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.
Scientists develop genetically engineered bacteria to target Varroa mites and deformed wing virus, increasing survival rates by up to 70%. The approach could one day scale up for agricultural use, improving bee health and food production.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020
A team of scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum has uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind Yersinia pseudotuberculosis's ability to trigger an infection in humans. By analyzing RNA thermometers, which signal temperature changes, researchers found that deactivated thermometers render the bacteria unable to cause illness.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 20, 2020
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a key mechanism by which TB infects and manipulates macrophage cells, shutting down the host's natural response. By targeting microRNA-21, scientists may develop improved immunotherapies or vaccine strategies to combat TB infection.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 8, 2020
Scientists identify a new type of RNA modification in bacteria that is attached under stress and removed quickly. The sulfur-containing base modification helps regulate protein synthesis and could serve as an efficient detoxification mechanism to remove reactive chemical groups.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019
A new study reveals the critical role of c-di-GMP in controlling the transition from vegetative growth to sporulation in Streptomyces bacteria. The signaling molecule binds to master repressor BldD, controlling gene activity and ultimately preventing reproductive hyphae from differentiating into spores.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 3, 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.
Researchers have identified RNase T2 as a central component in the innate immune response, which activates the receptor TLR8 when recognizing foreign RNA fragments. The enzyme is highly conserved across species and plays a crucial role in the activation of the receptor.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateDec 2, 2019
LMU researchers found that a central component of the innate immune response is activated by two short RNAs generated by site-specific cleavage of a precursor RNA molecule, mediated by the same enzyme RNase T2. The activation of one receptor, TLR8, is triggered by binding of these degradation products.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateNov 29, 2019
Researchers discovered that enhancing RNA sensor activities can inhibit Mtb growth and increase production of interferon and IFITM3, key elements of the immune response against tuberculosis. A repurposed antiparasitic drug called nitazoxanide may complement traditional regimens by boosting host defenses.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournaliScience·DateNov 12, 2019
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.
Scientists at EPFL have engineered aerolysin, a bacterium-produced toxin, to form narrow pores that can sense biomolecules with high resolution. This discovery opens new opportunities for sequencing biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins, and could lead to breakthroughs in gene sequencing and diagnostics.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019
Researchers at Newcastle University have confirmed that bacteria can lose their cell wall to avoid detection by antibiotics, leading to recurring urinary tract infections. The study found that L-form switching allows bacteria to survive and re-form their cell wall, making it harder for the immune system to target them.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2019
Researchers are studying how cells remove non-coding junk DNA to make sense of the remaining RNA instructions. By examining how simple organisms perform this task, scientists can gain insights into more complex lifeforms, including humans, and develop RNA-based therapeutics for diseases.
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.
Scientists at the Universities of Bayreuth and Bonn have found a way to regulate RNA molecule activity using blue light, enabling on/off control of gene expression. This breakthrough discovery is the basis for optoribogenetics, a new field of research.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 26, 2019
Researchers have discovered exponential patterns in RNA diffusion rates within cells, displaying the highest possible degree of disorder or entropy. This pattern is linked to small-scale diffusive behaviors and can be compared to thermodynamic behaviors in larger systems.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2019
Researchers optimized bacteria to produce proteins with unconventional amino acids, a significant breakthrough in synthetic biology. The study demonstrates the potential of semi-synthetic organisms to create new life forms with expanded genetic codes.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 17, 2019
Researchers discovered Cas9's ability to block gene activity without cutting DNA in pathogenic bacterium Francisella novicida, regulating disease-causing genes. This finding expands the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome engineering and potential antibiotic resistance solutions.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 1, 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.
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered an unexpected mechanism of activation and inactivation of RNR, a crucial enzyme for DNA replication. This finding provides a potential means to shut off harmful bacteria by understanding the
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2019
Researchers discovered that bacteria employ Cas13 to counter viral attacks, employing a dormancy strategy to hinder virus replication. This approach offers superior protection against viral mutations and phage escape.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences uncovered the structural and functional mechanism of SigI/RsgI factors, a new class of σ/anti-σ factors responsible for regulating cellulosomes in Clostridia and Bacilli. The study reveals a unique complex structure and critical recognition specificity among different pairs of proteins.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 19, 2019
New research from the University of Notre Dame discovers that extracellular vesicles from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells can activate an immune response against the disease. This approach, when combined with antibiotics, shows promise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMar 14, 2019
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.
Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive method called Cas9n-based amplification reaction that avoids thermal cycles and complicated instruments. The technique uses components from the bacterial immune system to recognize specific DNA sequences and introduce genetic scissors.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 12, 2019
Scientists have deciphered the process by which viruses induce their hosts to transcribe viral genetic information, producing daughter viruses. The discovery sheds light on the 'viral exploitation' mechanism used by bacteriophages, such as lambda phage, and may contribute to the development of new antibacterial drugs.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 6, 2019
Scientists have successfully transferred a key part of the plant's RNA editing mechanism into a bacterium, confirming a long-held theory about its functioning. This breakthrough improves our understanding of this widespread mechanism and opens up new avenues for research.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 1, 2019
Researchers created a lab-grown population of E. coli bacteria that became resistant to ionizing radiation through genetic mutations and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of radiation-resistant bacteria for environmental clean-up, cancer therapy protection, and astronaut protection in space.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 26, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
New research finds that triclosan exposure increases bacterial survival rates, making it harder for antibiotics to kill bacteria. The study suggests that widespread use of triclosan in consumer products may contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 21, 2019
Research suggests the cervical microbiome influences HPV infection, with a richer microbial mix found in high-grade lesions. Mycoplasma bacteria may promote HPV-related lesion growth.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 19, 2019
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy treatment for Chlamydia using nanotechnology, achieving a 65% success rate in preventing infection on a single dose. The treatment targets the PDGFR-beta gene to prevent Chlamydia bacteria from entering cells.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2019
Scientists discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis releases RNA into infected cells, stimulating interferon beta production to support pathogen growth. Mice lacking key protein required for responding to foreign RNA were better able to control MTB infection.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 5, 2018
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.
A study on atmospheric microbes found consistent seasonal variations in diversity and composition. Microorganisms were closely related to specific biomes such as aquatic, cropland, and urban environments.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018
Researchers engineer organisms with hybrid RNA-DNA genomes to explore the transition from RNA to DNA and the origins of mitochondria. This allows them to probe key theories about early evolution and gain insights into the emergence of complex life forms.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018