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The tightest non-aminoglycoside ligand for the bacterial ribosomal RNA A-site

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel small ligand, ATMND-C2-NH2, with the tightest binding affinity for the bacterial A-site among non-aminoglycoside ligands. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics with reduced toxicity and resistance

SourceTohoku University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateOct 15, 2018

Recording device for cell history

ETH Zurich researchers have created a molecular recording system that writes transcriptional events into DNA, allowing permanent storage and later access. The CRISPR-Cas system records genetic information about pathogens infecting the cell, storing it in a specific stretch of DNA known as a CRISPR array.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

How leaves talk to roots

A microRNA called miR2111 travels from leaves to roots, downregulating a gene that would hinder root responses to symbiotic bacteria. This finding helps understand the mechanisms of efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and potential ways to exploit it agronomically.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Schizophrenics' blood has more genetic material from microbes

Research at Oregon State University found that schizophrenia patients' blood contains genetic material from a wider range of bacteria and archaea compared to healthy controls. The study suggests that the human microbiome plays a significant role in health and disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2018

What bacteria can teach us about combating atrazine contamination

Researchers discover new proteins involved in atrazine degradation, shedding light on bacterial evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for developing targeted enzymes to contain nitrogen runoff and mitigate algal blooms and animal die-offs.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New approach in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Scientists at FAU and University of Oxford have discovered a regulatory checkpoint in bacterial gene expression that could be used to develop new antibiotics. This finding has the potential to help overcome antibiotic resistance, which kills around 700,000 people worldwide each year.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2018

Artificial antimicrobial peptides could help overcome drug-resistant bacteria

Artificial antimicrobial peptides, developed by researchers using a computer algorithm, have shown promise in combating drug-resistant bacteria. The most promising candidate, guavanin 2, has been found to be more potent than naturally occurring peptides and effective against Gram-negative bacteria.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2018

A vaccine for edible plants? A new plant protection method on the horizon

A new collaborative project has developed an RNA-based vaccine for protecting plants against diseases and pests, providing a promising environmentally friendly solution. The vaccine triggers RNA interference, which prevents pest gene expression without affecting the plant's own genes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 5, 2018
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.

Scientists deliver high-resolution glimpse of enzyme structure

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to discover the structure of an enzyme critical for maintaining adequate DNA building blocks in human cells. The human version differs from its bacterial counterpart, suggesting potential for designing antibiotics that selectively block the bacterial enzyme.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2018
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.

Garlic can fight chronic infections

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that a garlic compound can destroy important components in bacteria's communication systems, which involve regulatory RNA molecules. This discovery has led to further development of a potential treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Genetic engineering mechanism visualized

A team of scientists has visualized the dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex using high-speed atomic force microscopy. The study provides unprecedented insights into the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage mechanism, highlighting its potential for gene editing.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2017
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.

Study suggests oysters offer hot spot for reducing nutrient pollution

Researchers discovered that oyster shells contain unique microbial communities with higher denitrification activities than sediments. This finding has important implications for oyster restoration efforts, which may reduce nutrient levels in coastal waters by leveraging the shell microbiomes' active removal of fixed nitrogen.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2017

Predatory bacteria: The quest for a new class of antibiotics

Researchers at OIST have identified genetic manipulation tools for B. bacteriovorus, a type of predatory bacteria that can be used as a living antibiotic to treat various infections. The study also explores potential applications in organic food production and industry.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 11, 2017

Bacteria self-organize to build working sensors

Bacteria self-organize to form a golden shell around their colony using gold nanoparticles, creating a functional pressure sensor. The researchers controlled the size and shape of the device by altering the growth environment, demonstrating a proof-of-principle for fabricating structured materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2017
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 find that accurately transcribing DNA overrides DNA repair

Researchers found that accurately transcribing DNA overrides DNA repair, with bacteria becoming hundreds of times more efficient at repairing DNA damage when the transcription fidelity factor GreA is absent. This discovery challenges traditional understanding and has significant implications for cancer research and evolution.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2017

Research sheds new light on the link between gut bacteria and anxiety

A new study sheds light on the connection between gut bacteria and anxiety, finding that a significant number of miRNAs were changed in the brains of microbe-free mice. The researchers suggest that targeting the gut microbiome may be a potential therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 24, 2017

How head-on collisions of DNA protein machines stop replication

A new study reveals that head-on collisions between protein machines on chromosomes can disrupt DNA replication and increase the frequency of genetic errors. These collisions promote mutations in key genes involved in coping with environmental stresses, which may help bacteria survive hostile environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Programming cells with computer-like logic

A team at Harvard's Wyss Institute has created genetically encodable RNA nano-devices that can perform an unprecedented 12-input logic operation, enabling cells to analyze complex environments efficiently. These programmable devices may enable the construction of more sophisticated synthetic biological circuits.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

One-step protein purification achieves high yields, purity and activity

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a novel method for one-step protein purification that improves yield, purity, and activity by 10- to 500-fold. The CL7/Im7 affinity chromatography purification scheme overcomes weaknesses of current commercially available systems.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

Staphylococcus ribosome structure researched by KFU Structural Biology Lab

Researchers at KFU's Structural Biology Lab have made significant breakthroughs in understanding Staphylococcus ribosomes using cryo-electron microscopy. This discovery holds great promise for developing new treatments against deadly infections, such as pneumonia and septicemia.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 5, 2017

New mechanism to fight multi-resistant bacteria revealed

Researchers identified a compensatory mechanism in bacteria that can be used as a new therapeutic target against multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study found that the pace of adaptation in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains is faster than for strains with single resistance mutations.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 18, 2017

Scientists unveil CRISPR-based diagnostic platform

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diagnostic tool using RNA-targeting CRISPR enzyme for detecting diseases such as Zika virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new system, called SHERLOCK, can detect single molecules of target RNA or DNA, enabling rapid and affordable diagnosis.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017
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.

Bacterial supermachine reveals streamlined protein assembly line

Researchers have discovered a defined architecture of the bacterial expressome, allowing for a better understanding of how bacteria impact human health. This finding may lead to the development of new antibiotics that target bacteria but leave human cells unharmed.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

Anthrax spores use RNA coat to mislead immune system

Researchers discovered that anthrax spores stimulate the host immune system by activating a distinct set of immune sensors that don't recognize the active form of Bacillus anthracis. This triggers an unfavorable immune response, hindering the body's fight against the bacterium after germination.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 11, 2017

Rutgers researchers determine structure of tuberculosis drug target

Rutgers scientists determine the structure of tuberculosis drug target Mtb RNA polymerase and discover a new class of compounds, Na-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanamides (AAPs), that potently inhibit it. The findings reveal potential for developing improved anti-tuberculosis drugs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

Gut bacteria associated with cancer immunotherapy response in melanoma

A study found that patients with metastatic melanoma who responded to PD1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy had a greater diversity of gut bacteria and larger volumes of specific bacteria than non-responders. The researchers also discovered increased immune infiltrates in responders' tumors, correlated to the abundance of a specific bacterium.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateFeb 21, 2017

Santa Fe Institute researchers look for life's (lower) limits

Santa Fe Institute researchers investigated the lower bound of energy required for life and found that smallest species are most protein dense. As cell size increases, RNA concentrations grow, leading to a decrease in protein density, with larger cells eventually reaching an energy limit.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 6, 2017
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.

An anti-CRISPR for gene editing

Scientists have isolated three families of proteins that can turn off CRISPR-Cas9 systems specifically used for gene editing. This discovery offers a new strategy to prevent unintended changes in the genome, making gene editing more precise and controlled.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 8, 2016

New study explains mysterious source of greenhouse gas methane in the ocean

A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explains that bacteria break down dissolved organic matter in seawater, creating methane as a byproduct. The researchers found that microbes use polysaccharides to access phosphorus, a rare nutrient in seawater, which is essential for their survival.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 17, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bacteria: Third RNA binding protein identified

Scientists at University of Würzburg have discovered a third RNA binding protein, ProQ, which controls gene activity and allows bacteria to quickly adapt to changing conditions. ProQ binds to nearly 100 regulatory RNAs in Salmonella enterica, influencing their activities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2016

Sick or healthy? Bacterial metabolism tells us which -- and why

Researchers have developed a new approach to study the gut microbiome, revealing that diabetes patients and healthy individuals have similar bacterial species composition but differing metabolic activity. The study discovered that changes in gut bacteria metabolism can exacerbate type 1 diabetes by affecting vitamin levels.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 10, 2016

Specialized test detects bacterial infections in youngest infants with fever

A new diagnostic test analyzes ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression in the bloodstream to distinguish bacterial infections from other causes of fever in infants up to 2 months old. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, potentially reducing painful exams, unnecessary antibiotic treatments, and hospitalizations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 23, 2016
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.

Biologists home in on paleo gut for clues to our evolutionary history

A new study reveals that the evolution of gut bacteria in humans and hominids parallels ape evolution, suggesting a long-term co-evolution between hosts and microbes. The research sheds light on the importance of the human microbiome and its connection to our evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

Phage therapy: Fundamental action mechanisms revealed

Researchers from Institut Pasteur and Université catholique de Louvain identify genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of a bacteriophage. The study reveals that RNA metabolism plays a crucial role in the infection strategy of the bacteriophage, with control mechanisms involving small RNA and antisense RNA.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2016

Changes to mitochondrial metabolism allow the immune system to adapt to infection

Scientists at CNIC discover how immune cells adapt to live bacteria through mitochondrial metabolism changes. The study found that detection of live bacteria triggers a change in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enabling macrophages to redirect metabolic routes for efficient energy production.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

Diarrheal pathogen measures human body temperature

Scientists mapped all RNA structures of a diarrheal pathogen at once, identifying temperature-responsive structures that sense temperature changes. These 'RNA thermometers' can reveal gene sequences and proteins controlling disease progression.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2016

Researchers unlock new CRISPR system for targeting RNA

Researchers have characterized a new CRISPR system that targets RNA, enabling temporary changes to be made with greater specificity. This approach has the potential to accelerate progress in understanding, treating, and preventing disease by manipulating gene function more broadly.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2016

A CRISPR system for editing RNA

A CRISPR system targeting RNA has been developed and tested, allowing for precise editing of single-stranded RNA. This breakthrough holds implications for various biological applications, including RNA modification and regulation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2016
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.

How researchers teach bacteria new behaviors

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully taught bacteria to swim by combining various RNA modules in a new way. The team used riboswitches and RNA thermometers to control the bacterium's behavior and responded to temperature and metabolic products.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 25, 2016

Cpf1: CRISPR-enzyme scissors cutting both RNA and DNA

Scientists discovered that Cpf1, a CRISPR-associated enzyme, can cut both RNA and DNA. This dual activity enables efficient targeting of multiple sites in parallel, or multiplexing, for sequence-specific genome engineering.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2016

Study finds vast diversity among viruses that infect bacteria

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals a vast diversity of RNA viruses that infect bacteria, with over 122 new types identified. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological dynamics between bacteriophages and bacteria, and potentially developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 24, 2016