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Could gene therapy soon curb muscle loss in the elderly?

Researchers discovered a crucial RNA strand called CYTOR that helps build muscle mass, and found it decreases with age. Gene therapy stimulated CYTOR production, leading to increased fast-twitch muscle fibers and improved muscle function in humans and mice.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

DNA design brings predictability to polymer gels

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a tuneable, elastic and temperature-sensitive gel by using complementary DNA strands to connect star-shaped polymer molecules together. The gel exhibits predictable behavior, self-healing properties and durability suitable for medical and engineering applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 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.

Biomolecular explosion

Scientists have observed that ionizing radiation can cause intermolecular Coulombic decay in organic molecules, leading to damage in DNA and proteins. This new understanding could lead to the development of more effective substances for radiation therapy and improve knowledge of how radiation damages healthy tissue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2021

Long-range four-stranded DNA structures found to play a role in rare ageing disease

A special form of four-stranded DNA has been found to interact with the gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty. G-quadruplexes, which form knot-like structures in DNA, specifically bind to a protein called CSB, affecting its function and potentially leading to premature ageing.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Towards self-restoring electronic devices with long DNA molecules

Researchers from Tokyo Tech have developed a long DNA molecule-based junction that shows remarkable conductivity and self-restoring ability under electrical failure. The 'zipper' configuration allows for high electron transport and reveals delocalized ς-electrons moving freely within the molecule.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021
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.

Fingerprinting proteins with force

Researchers develop DNA Nanoswitch Calipers to measure distances within single molecules using force, enabling the identification of single proteins in samples. This technique creates a unique 'fingerprint' that can be used to identify known molecules or infer structural information about unknown ones.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

DNA tangles can help predict evolution of mutations

Researchers found that DNA tangles create mutational hotspots in bacterial genomes, influencing evolution. By altering the sequence to prevent hairpin tangles, they can predict how microbes might mutate under selective pressure.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Promising low-cost method for rapid COVID-19 detection

Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2021
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.

New study shows the potential of DNA-based data-structures systems

A new study by Newcastle University researchers has developed dynamic DNA data structures that can store and retrieve information in an ordered way. The study presents an in vitro implementation of a stack data structure using DNA polymers, which stores and retrieves information in a last-in-first-out order.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Putting functional proteins in their place

Researchers created designed and biologically active 2-D and 3-D protein arrays using DNA-based assembly, maintaining structural stability and biological activity. The method has potential applications in structural biology, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and biocatalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2021

Understanding how DNA repairs itself may lead to better cancer treatment

Researchers at Northwestern University used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize DNA breakage sensing and repair, gaining new insight into the process. The study's findings could potentially form the basis for understanding how cells respond to chemotherapy and radiation, leading to improved cancer treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2021

An on-off switch for gene editing

Researchers developed a reversible gene editing technology called CRISPRoff that allows controlling gene expression while leaving the underlying DNA sequence unchanged. The new method can silence the vast majority of genes with great homogeneity and in a reversible manner.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2021

NIST publishes a beginner's guide to DNA origami

DNA origami is a technique that folds long DNA strands to create mini 3D structures for biosensors and drug delivery. A new guide from NIST provides a comprehensive resource for researchers to design efficient nanostructures using state-of-the-art tools.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateJan 8, 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.

Discovery boosts theory that life on Earth arose from RNA-DNA mix

Chemists at Scripps Research Institute demonstrate a simple compound called diamidophosphate can assemble DNA building blocks into primordial DNA strands. This finding supports the theory that DNA and RNA arose together as products of similar chemical reactions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 27, 2020

Klimov studying origami antibodies for threat sensing

Klimov is developing a computational platform to design antibody-antigen interfaces based on DNA origami. The goal is to predict high-affinity peptide sequences that bind to tetanus toxin, targeting structured or unstructured antigen regions.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateOct 16, 2020

A new twist on DNA origami

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new type of meta-DNA structure that can be used to engineer sophisticated nanoscale structures and devices. The meta-DNA self-assembly concept has opened up new possibilities for optoelectronics, including information storage and encryption, as well as synthetic biology.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2020

Making the DNA melt curve more accurate

Scientists at NIST have found a way to significantly enhance the accuracy of key information on how heat affects the stability of folded DNA structures. The novel mathematical algorithm automatically accounts for unknown effects, allowing scientists to design durable and complex structures made from DNA.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

Genome guardians stop and reel in DNA to correct replication errors

Research from NC State University reveals how MutL and MutS proteins create an immobile structure to prevent replication errors, reducing errors by a thousand-fold. The complex also prevents mismatched regions from being packed back into the cell during division.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2020

Power of DNA to store information gets an upgrade

Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Quantifying the building blocks of DNA is now easier thanks to a novel technique

Researchers have developed a novel method to quantify deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTP) concentrations in small tissue samples, which is useful for studying mitochondrial diseases and cancer. The technique uses DNA polymerase and fluorescent dye, allowing for accurate measurement even in samples with low dNTP concentration.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 24, 2020

Real-time observation of enzymatic processes on DNA

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have visualized the biochemical processes involved in detecting DNA strand breaks using PARP1, a key enzyme in DNA repair. This study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and aging processes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In one direction or the other: That is how DNA is unwound

A study published in PNAS reveals that DNA helicases unwind the double strand more easily in one direction than the other, with the speed of unwinding depending on the sequence composition of the bases. This discovery has implications for understanding gene expression and the regulation of cellular activities.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2019

New CRISPR genome editing system offers a wide range of versatility in human cells

A new CRISPR approach called prime editing has been developed by combining two key proteins and a new RNA to make targeted insertions, deletions, and single-letter changes in human cells. The system expands the scope of gene editing with up to 89% precision and potential correction of disease-causing genetic variations.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2019

Scientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication

Researchers found that intrinsic mechanical properties of chromatin determine how fibers entwine during DNA replication, preventing tangles and ensuring proper segregation. The study highlights the importance of physical principles in biological processes and provides new insights into chromatin behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

DNA 'origami' takes flight in emerging field of nano machines

Researchers are using DNA to build nanoscale devices that can generate, transmit, and sense mechanical forces. These devices have potential uses in drug delivery, nano computers, and nano robots, and could lead to breakthroughs in biomedical research and materials science.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 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.

Little heaps of silver, all wrapped up

Scientists have successfully created a nanocluster of exactly 16 silver atoms stabilized by a wrapping of DNA strands. The crystal structure revealed that each nanocluster is tightly wrapped and almost completely shielded by two DNA strands, with novel silver-silver interactions observed within the cluster.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 11, 2019

UBC scientists capture images of gene-editing enzymes in action

Researchers captured high-resolution images of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9 using cryo-EM technology, revealing new information about its mechanism. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient and precise versions of the enzyme to correct disease-causing DNA mutations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

Research overcomes key obstacles to scaling up DNA data storage

Researchers developed DNA Enrichment and Nested Separation (DENSe) techniques to label and retrieve DNA data files, increasing estimated file names from 30,000 to 900 million. The system uses nested primer-binding sequences and molecular tags for efficient data retrieval.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

A cautionary tale for researchers working on selective drug delivery

A study published in ACS Central Science found that many DNA cage nanostructures are not taken up by cells, but rather degraded by enzymes outside the cell. The researchers' findings have significant implications for the use of DNA strands as a tool for delivering therapeutic agents into diseased cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 9, 2019

DNA is managed like climbers' rope to help keep tangles at bay

Researchers have identified two sets of proteins that work together to keep DNA strands unknotted and tangle-free. These proteins, known as SMC and TopoII, use a mechanism similar to a belay device on climbers' rope to resolve knots and links in DNA.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Tiny light-up barcodes identify molecules by their twinkling

Researchers have developed a technique using time signals 'temporal barcodes' that can label molecules with distinct flashing patterns. This allows for the detection and identification of any number of molecules, including proteins, at the molecular scale, increasing efficiency and reducing costs compared to traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 12, 2019

Protocells use DNA logic to communicate and compute

A new approach called BIO-PC uses semi-permeable capsules containing diverse DNA logic gates for molecular sensing and computation. This method increases speed, modularity, and designability of computational circuits, reducing cross-talk between DNA strands.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

Researchers make world's smallest tic-tac-toe game board with DNA

Caltech scientists develop dynamic DNA nanostructures, enabling the creation of a microscopic tic-tac-toe game board with reconfigurable parts. The technology combines self-assembling tiles and strand displacement to allow for molecular self-reconfiguration, paving the way for more sophisticated nanomachines.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2018

A record-long polymer DNA negative

A team of Polish-American-Italian researchers has successfully created a record-long polymer DNA negative, featuring a sequence with all four nucleobases. The synthetic molecule functions chemically like a normal strand of deoxyribonucleic acid and demonstrates improved properties over natural DNA.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 31, 2018
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.

Biosensor chip detects single nucleotide polymorphism wirelessly, with higher sensitivity

A team at the University of California San Diego has developed a wireless chip that can detect genetic mutations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in real-time. The chip is at least 1,000 times more sensitive than current technology and could lead to cheaper, faster, and portable biosensors for early disease detection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2018

The world's tiniest first responders

Researchers at USC Dornsife have discovered how the cell's emergency response team, known as paramedics, uses walking molecules to transport damaged DNA to the nucleus for repair. This process is crucial for preventing cancer formation and has implications for human health and genome editing.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Built for speed: DNA nanomachines take a (rapid) step forward

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a DNA walker that can rapidly traverse a track, significantly increasing speed and paving the way for new innovations in DNA nanotechnology. By optimizing DNA strand length and sequences, the device can cover ground up to 100 times faster than previous devices.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 7, 2018

Untangling DNA knots

MIT researchers have discovered the factors that determine whether a DNA knot moves along the strand or jams in place. By manipulating the electric field strength, they can induce knots to move towards one end of the molecule, potentially enabling more accurate genome sequencing and knot removal methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2018

Newly discovered CRISPR mechanism may help prevent dangerous errors

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new CRISPR mechanism that can help prevent gene-editing errors. The discovery reveals how the Cas9 enzyme determines where and when to cut DNA strands, allowing for more precise control over gene editing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 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.

Using DNA strands to design new polymer materials

Scientists have created asymmetrical polymer structures that bind together in a spatially defined manner, similar to atoms coming together to make molecules. This breakthrough technique could lead to new materials for applications ranging from drug delivery to 'soft robotics',

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2017

The world's smallest Mona Lisa

Researchers at Caltech developed a method to assemble large DNA structures with customizable patterns, creating a 'canvas' that can display any image. They used fractal assembly to recreate the world's smallest Mona Lisa using DNA origami.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2017
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.

DNA-origami surpasses important thresholds

The team built larger objects, including gears for nanomotors and microtubes with sizes comparable to bacteria. They also constructed closed cage structures with discrete-size cages attaining molecular weights and sizes comparable to viruses and small cell organelles.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2017

Gene regulation: Risk-free gene reactivation

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to reactivate gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells without causing DNA damage. The new pathway involves enzymatic oxidation of the methyl group attached to cytidine, converting it into 5-formylcytidine, which is then rapidly converted back into unmethylated cytidine.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 1, 2017

Precise chiral cluster assembly by design

Researchers develop a method for assembling colloidal clusters using origami DNA, allowing precise control over particle orientation and properties. The technique enables the creation of clusters with specified chirality, which could lead to improved understanding and utilization of particles with unique optical or magnetic properties.

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

Sorting molecules with DNA robots

Researchers develop a single-strand DNA robot that can autonomously pick up and sort molecules into distinct regions on a surface. The robot successfully sorted six scattered molecules in 24 hours, and its design can be generalized to work with dozens of types of cargos.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 14, 2017

That's one small step for a DNA robot, one giant leap for mankind

Researchers have created miniature DNA robots that can pick up particles and deliver them to different areas using origami tracks. The robots, which move randomly along the track, have an 80% chance of successful delivery and can perform tasks such as assembling chemical compounds or rearranging nanoparticles on circuits.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 14, 2017

Revolutionary process could signal new era for gene synthesis

A breakthrough in gene synthesis has been achieved using a chemical method that overcomes limitations of existing methods by incorporating epigenetic information into genes. This new approach, click DNA ligation, enables rapid and efficient assembly of modified DNA fragments into functional genes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 11, 2017

Switchable DNA mini-machines store information

Researchers have built simple machines out of DNA consisting of arrays whose units switch reversibly between two different shapes. The arrays' properties shed light on how to build structures with more complex, dynamic behaviors. By harnessing these DNA mini-machines, scientists may be able to create nanotech sensors and amplifiers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017
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.

Close-up view of DNA replication yields surprises

Researchers watched individual DNA strands replicate and found that polymerases on the leading and lagging strands are completely autonomous, with no coordination. The study reveals a new stochastic view of DNA replication, challenging conventional wisdom and providing insights into this essential biological process.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

Rattling DNA hustles transcribers to targets

New simulations reveal DNA's constant motion enables rapid transcription factor diffusion, contradicting the long-held assumption of rigid DNA. The findings have significant implications for understanding cell processes and potentially boost speed and accuracy in biological and medical research.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 12, 2017