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Bypassing broken genes

Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 21, 2021

Shift-work causes negative impacts on health, affects men and women differently

New research from the University of Waterloo reveals shift work disrupts the circadian clock, affecting immune response and increasing risk of infection. The study shows sex differences in immune system reactivity, with males more prone to overactivation and females better prepared to fight off infections.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 21, 2021

Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease

Scientists at Beam Therapeutics have created a redesigned base editor that successfully repairs the single-base mutation causing sickle-cell disease. The therapy targets an upstream regulatory pathway to express fetal hemoglobin, offering a potential solution for this genetic disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shedding light on the long and the short of plant growth

Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered two genes, ATH1 and DELLA, controlling plant compactness and elongation. These findings may lead to more precise ways to modify crop shape and height in agriculture.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Scaling up genome editing big in tiny worms

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce thousands of mutations into C. elegans worms, then analyze the effects on physical traits and functions. They discover a surprise finding that mutations in specific microRNA binding sites can affect gene expression.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 13, 2021

Bioengineers learn the secrets to precisely turning on and off genes

Bioengineers have discovered a way to harness multiple forms of regulation in living cells to strictly control gene expression. This breakthrough enables precise regulation of biochemical processes involved in producing chemicals, medicines, and other products, leading to improved biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Scientists uncover the underlying genetics that make flies champion fliers

Researchers found that multiple genes and genetic variants are linked to flight performance in flies, with a central gene called pickpocket 23 regulating interactions. This study highlights the importance of genome-wide association studies in understanding complex traits like flight, which involve numerous genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 18, 2021

Yeast epigenome map reveals details of gene regulation

A high-resolution protein architecture of the budding yeast genome was mapped using ChIP-exo, revealing two distinct gene regulatory architectures. The study identifies a surprisingly small number of unique protein assemblages used repeatedly across the yeast genome, expanding the traditional model of gene regulation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2021

The 3Rs of the genome: Reading, writing, and regulating

A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

WOX9: A jack of all trades

Researchers discovered that the WOX9 gene can induce more flowers to form in various plant species by changing its regulation, suggesting potential for improving crop yields. Genome editing allowed them to reveal the gene's additional functions without altering its protein product.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2021

New algorithm identifies 'escaping' cells in single-cell CRISPR screens

A new computational tool called mixscape has been developed to help understand the function and regulation of human genes. Mixscape identified a molecular mechanism for regulating immune checkpoint proteins that govern the immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 1, 2021
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.

Super-resolution RNA imaging in live cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed a novel fluorescence marker called RhoBAST to enable super-resolution RNA imaging in live cells. The method reveals details of subcellular structures and molecular interactions involving RNA, improving image resolution.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 25, 2021

Air pollution puts children at higher risk of disease in adulthood

A new Stanford-led study investigates air pollution's effects at the single cell level and its impact on cardiovascular and immune systems in children. The analysis reveals that brief exposure to fine particulate matter can alter gene regulation, potentially leading to increased risk of disease later in life.

SourceStanford University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2021

Not a living fossil: How the Coelacanth recently evolved dozens of new genes

Scientists reveal that the African Coelacanth gained 62 new genes through encounters with other species, which arose from transposons. The genes likely play a role in gene regulation and are tissue-specific, with evidence suggesting they were introduced multiple times throughout evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 9, 2021

Distinctness of mental disorders traced to differences in gene readouts

Researchers found modest differences in gene expression between individuals with a mental disorder and those without, but more pronounced differences in transcript levels. The study identifies specific transcripts associated with each disorder, providing insights into their distinctness and potential treatment responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 8, 2021

Epigenomic map reveals circuitry of 30,000 human disease regions

A comprehensive epigenome map has been created, revealing genetic control elements linked to hundreds of human traits. The researchers identified 300 modules controlling specific biological processes and predicted links between control elements and target genes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Simulating evolution to understand a hidden switch

Researchers used computer simulations to study evolution and phenotypic switching in organisms, finding that a 'hidden' switch mechanism is used for stability, and can be activated in response to environmental changes. The study suggests that this mechanism helps organisms maintain gene expression levels under stable conditions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJan 15, 2021

New insights into the control of inflammation

The EGR1 transcription factor inhibits expression of pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages, blunting their activation and the immune response. This discovery sheds light on the fundamental process of macrophage maturation, which is critical for inflammation.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 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.

Gene-editing produces tenfold increase in superbug slaying antibiotics

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to increase formicamycin production in Streptomyces formicae bacteria, which could lead to new antibiotics against MRSA. The over-producing strain can be used to purify enough formicamycins to study their mode of action and development as antibiotics.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 12, 2021

How the circadian clock regulates liver genes in time and space

Researchers at EPFL and Weizmann Institute of Science study spatial shifts of gene expression within liver lobules in relation to the circadian clock. The study reveals that many liver genes are both zonated and rhythmic, regulating key metabolic functions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 11, 2021

New cyberattack can trick scientists into making toxins or viruses -- Ben-Gurion University researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered a new end-to-end cyber-biological attack that can trick scientists into generating dangerous toxins in their labs. The attack uses malware to interfere with biological processes within the victim's lab, exploiting weaknesses in biosecurity screening protocols and cybersecurity controls.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 30, 2020
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.

Triclosan, high fat diet, and liver disease

Researchers found triclosan suppressed FGF21 expression and altered genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Triclosan also accelerated liver disease development in mice with type I diabetes and changed gut microbiota similar to NASH patients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Revealing the unexpected structure of iron-exporter ferroportin

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made significant discoveries about the 3D structure of mammalian ferroportin, revealing two iron-binding sites and a unique mode of action. This new understanding has potential implications for treating iron overload diseases, such as anemia and cancer.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The Popovich of floral nectar spurs

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key gene POPOVICH responsible for floral nectar spur development, a crucial innovation in plant evolution. This discovery provides insight into the origin of this trait and its role in promoting biodiversity among flowering plants.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

How organ functions were shaped over the course of evolution

Heidelberg researchers discovered that RNA synthesis and protein translation play crucial roles in shaping organ functions. The study analyzed over 100 billion gene expression fragments, revealing the importance of regulatory mechanisms at both layers of gene expression.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers discover proton regulator of essential cancer microRNA

Scientists have discovered a new RNA-centric mechanism that regulates the creation of a crucial cancer microRNA. The findings reveal that environmental stimuli can activate a 'hidden' layer of regulation, enhancing the efficiency of miR-21 processing and potentially leading to disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 27, 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.

Moles: Intersexual and genetically doped

Researchers discovered two genetic mutations in moles that lead to the development of ovarian and testicular tissues, resulting in high levels of testosterone and aggression. The study sheds light on how DNA changes contribute to evolution and the formation of unique sexual features in mammals.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020

The male Y chromosome does more than we thought

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has found that Y chromosome genes may regulate cellular functions differently than previously thought, potentially explaining why men are more susceptible to certain diseases like Covid-19. The discovery could also provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of male health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2020
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.

Are male genes from Mars, female genes from Venus?

Research highlights sex differences in gene expression, finding over a third of genes display sex-biased expression in at least one tissue. Sex-linked disparities contribute to increased cancer rates in males and autoimmune disorders in females.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2020

GTEx findings reveal genetic regulatory variation across tissues and cell types

The GTEx resource provides an important tool to address the relationship between genetic variants and gene regulation, with analysis discovering eQTLs and sQTLs for the vast majority of genes. The study details mechanisms of how genetic effects from coding and non-coding regions affect gene expression and splicing regulation.

SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Biological sex affects genes for body fat, cancer, birth weight

A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that biological sex has a small but significant impact on gene expression in every type of human tissue. The researchers found over 37% of genes were expressed differently in males and females, with diverse molecular functions involved, including disease-related traits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

MDIBL scientists decipher role of a stress response gene

Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory have discovered the role of Klf9 in regulating the physiological response to cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind chronic stress-induced inflammation and its contribution to age-related diseases.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2020
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.

Antagonistic genes modify rice plant growth

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered two genes, ACE1 and DEC1, that counteract each other to regulate rice plant stem growth. The findings suggest a new approach for genetically modifying rice crops to improve yield and adaptability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Researchers discover protective factor against psychological trauma

A specific gene, NTRK2, is associated with reduced PTSD risk after traumatic experiences, leading to weaker and less severe memories. The study's findings suggest that increased regulation of this gene may reduce memory formation and lower the risk of developing PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020
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.

Novel approach reduces SCA1 symptoms in animal model

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism to regulate ATXN1 levels, reducing protein accumulation and improving SCA1 symptoms. Gene therapy targeting the cerebellum showed promising results by lowering ATXN1 levels and enhancing motor coordination in animal models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 7, 2020

HudsonAlpha scientists help identify important parts of the human genome

Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have contributed to the ENCODE Project, a decade-long effort to understand the human genome. By analyzing millions of DNA switches, they identified novel associations between transcription factors, bringing researchers closer to understanding how the human genome functions.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 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.

NIH-funded project details the inner workings of the human and mouse genome

The ENCODE Project has added millions of candidate DNA switches that appear to regulate gene expression in humans and mice, providing a new registry for assigning biological categories. Researchers used biochemical approaches to explore the entire genome rapidly and comprehensively, identifying regions with potential functional roles.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020

Smart structures: Structural cells of the body control immune function

Researchers discovered widespread expression of immune genes in structural cells, which contribute to the response to pathogens. The study highlights that structural cells are not only essential building blocks but also play a key role in defending against infections.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020
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.