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Two proteins, one goal: New findings on stem cell differentiation

Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered a two-factor system that controls stem cell differentiation, involving the stabilization of the CoREST corepressor complex at gene promoters. This process prevents stem cells from drifting towards differentiation and maintaining their pluripotency.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

New tools to treat retinal degenerations at advanced stages of disease

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed novel promoters that drive specific gene expression in rod and cone photoreceptors, outperforming most currently used promoters. These tools address the challenge of treating advanced stages of inherited retinal diseases, potentially restoring vision.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025

Promoter editing enables researchers to develop heat-tolerant cotton germplasms in response to global warming

Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 genome editing to precisely edit the promoter region of key high-temperature-responsive gene GhCKI, leading to improved anther development and heat tolerance in cotton. The breakthrough provides novel genetic resources for breeding heat-tolerant cotton varieties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists discover new T cells and genes related to immune disorders

Researchers have discovered several rare types of helper T cells associated with immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that genetic variants in bidirectional enhancer DNA are linked to specific immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2024

Differential expression of Mad2 gene in human esophageal cancer

Researchers found Mad2 gene expression levels correlate with chromosomal abnormalities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting potential as a clinical biomarker. The study also revealed the deregulation of the Rb-E2F1 circuit and its impact on histone modifications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two conductors of a chemical reaction

Researchers have successfully observed the operating principle of promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. Using high-tech microscopy methods, they visualized individual La atoms' role in hydrogen oxidation. The study revealed that two surface areas of the catalyst act as pacemakers, controlled by promoter lanthanum.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Making melanoma immortal: Pitt scientists discover key genetic step in cancer’s race to live forever

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a genetic link between melanoma tumors and telomere maintenance, which could lead to new treatments for the disease. The study found that mutations in the TPP1 gene stimulate telomerase activity, promoting long telomeres that enable cancer cells to divide in...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2022
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.

Screening a new promoter library for use in plant synthetic biology

A research team from China has created a systematic approach to screen a library of promoters and terminators for use in plant synthetic biology. The study successfully engineered the betalain pathway in tobacco and found that quantitatively characterized promoters can be used to ensure optimal gene expression.

SourceBioDesign Research·JournalBioDesign Research·DateAug 8, 2022

Scientists engineer new tools to electronically control gene expression

Researchers have developed a new method for precisely altering gene expression by supplying and removing electrons, enabling controlled biomedical implants and bioreactors. The improved system allows for accurate control of gene expression in the presence of oxygen, opening up new possibilities for synthetic biology.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2022

An ‘oracle’ for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 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.

So-called junk DNA plays critical role in mammalian development

A new study has identified a transposon promoter that plays a crucial role in the development of mice and may also be essential for human viability. The discovery suggests that ancient viral DNA has been domesticated to regulate key biological processes, such as cell proliferation and embryo implantation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Genetic enigma solved

A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

The future of medicine is nearer thanks to researchers’ invention

A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2021

Oncotarget: TERT and its binding protein: overexpression of GABPA/B in gliomas

The study confirms the upregulation of TERT in primary glioblastomas and the gradual expression of all GABP components during malignancy progression. The authors found a positive association between TERT and B1L mRNA expression, highlighting the importance of GABPA/B isoforms in mutated TERT promoter-dependent gliomas.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 26, 2021

New technique reduces nicotine levels, harmful compounds simultaneously in tobacco

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to alter plant metabolism, reducing harmful chemical compounds, including nicotine and carcinogenic N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), while promoting beneficial traits like antioxidant-rich anthocyanins. The findings could be used to improve the health benefits of crops.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·DateJul 12, 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.

Tweaking corn kernels with CRISPR

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have successfully applied CRISPR to increase corn kernel numbers by targeting promoter regions that regulate gene activity. This technique holds promise for increasing crop yields per acre and making agriculture more sustainable.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 22, 2021

Using CRISPR, new technique makes it easy to map genetic networks

A new CRISPR-based technique allows researchers to profile a cell's entire genome and identify the DNA sequences regulating specific genes. This enables simultaneous testing of thousands of experiments, paving the way for faster discovery of genetic networks and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Gene switch tied to tomato fruit size and domestication

A gene switch, excessive number of floral organs (eno), plays a crucial role in boosting fruit size during tomato domestication. Analysis reveals that mutations in eno result in larger flowers and fruits, leading to higher yields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
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.

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.

Noncoding mutations contribute to autism risk

A new study found that noncoding mutations in promoter regions contribute to autism risk. The researchers analyzed data from 1,902 families and identified de novo mutations in genes involved in neuronal differentiation and developmental delay.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018

Droplet Digital PCR enables precise detection and quantification of a promoter mutation prevalent in many cancer types

A recent study published online demonstrated that Droplet Digital PCR technology can detect and quantify rare mutations in the TERT promoter region with high sensitivity. The assays detected the mutation in 78% of samples and yielded no false positives, showing its potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring patients.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 30, 2018

Can you evolve while being robust?

Researchers discovered that highly robust regulatory proteins can acquire binding to new promoters in response to mutations, challenging the long-held assumption that robustness and evolvability are mutually exclusive. This finding has significant implications for understanding gene regulation and evolution.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 10, 2018
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.

Brewing hoppy beer without the hops

Scientists at UC Berkeley have developed a way to create hoppy beer without using hops by genetically engineering brewer's yeast. The engineered strains produce two prominent flavor notes found in hops, resulting in beers that are indistinguishable from those made with traditional hopping methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2018

Rice University biologists create toolkit for tuning genetic circuits

Researchers develop a gene promoter library to precisely tune genetic inputs and outputs, allowing for the design of probiotics that can diagnose or fight disease. The toolkit enables the creation of non-leaky promoters that turn on as much as needed, opening new doors for fighting disease.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2018

Zipping DNA

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to compress and decompress DNA, enabling the efficient transfer of large amounts of genetic information into cells. This innovation has potential applications in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and cancer research, improving diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 13, 2017

Chicken embryo development data obtained in FANTOM project

A team of scientists has successfully analyzed chicken embryo development data, paving the way for similar research in humans. The findings provide insights into the regulation of gene transcription and its role in tissue formation.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 30, 2017
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.

Locking down the big bang of immune cells

Scientists at UC San Diego uncover a previously unknown link between non-coding DNA regions and the formation of immune cells. The discovery reveals a precise mechanism for the pairing of promoter and enhancer elements, which brings them into close proximity to initiate immune cell development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateSep 21, 2017

Variation at a central metabolic gene influences male fruit fly lifespan

Scientists at North Carolina State University have found that small variations in the bellwether gene can significantly affect male fruit fly lifespan, but not female lifespans. The study sheds light on sex-specific differences in lifespan and highlights the importance of metabolic genes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017

Study shines light on brain cells that coordinate movement

Researchers developed a new method to target select cells in adult brains, using an optogenetic technique. By altering the function of brain circuits and changing behavior, scientists can better understand the roles of specific cell types in the complex brain circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJun 23, 2017
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.

Plant genes may lack off switch, but have volume control

Scientists discovered that genetic material known as introns can play a dramatic role in plant gene activity. Introns act as volume control for some essential genes, making them silent when removed. This finding suggests that many genes may not have a traditional on/off switch.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 14, 2017

Study finds key mechanism important for sex determination in vertebrates

Researchers have discovered a crucial regulatory mechanism for sex determination in vertebrates, centered on the DMRT1 gene. The study found that the ncEx1 promoter sequence plays a vital role in regulating gene expression, particularly in germ cells and somatic cells.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 6, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Barcodes to identify gene regulators

A group of biologists from the University of Geneva developed a novel technology to identify all transcription factors involved in any process and in response to any signal. The BC-STAR-PROM screening method enables researchers to monitor the activity of thousands of promoters simultaneously, saving time and work.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 6, 2016

Role for enhancers in bursts of gene activity

Enhancers can increase the frequency of gene activity bursts, suggesting these bursts may be critical for genetic regulation. The study found that enhancer location and strength influence bursting frequencies.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell·DateJul 19, 2016

Unsilencing silenced genes by CRISPR/Cas9

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technique to unleash silenced genes, changing cell fates. They used DNA repair mechanism MMEJ with CRISPR/Cas9 to replace off-switches with on-switches, enabling efficient gene expression in cultured cells.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016
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.

Unlocking the secrets of gene expression

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how cells find the right DNA to copy, revealing the role of TFIID and its ability to recognize different sequences for different genes. This finding paves the way for understanding and treating various malignancies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2016
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.

Why some genes are highly expressed

Scientists classify all gene promoters into two distinct types differing in nucleosome stability, with one type found at highly expressed growth-related genes and the other at less frequently expressed genes. The study reveals the role of dynamic nucleosomes in increasing access to promoter DNA for transcription initiation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 5, 2015

Retroviral RNA may play a part in liver cancer

Research suggests that retroviral long-terminal-repeat promoters may contribute to the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found that these elements are highly activated in liver cancer tumors and non-tumor tissue from patients with different etiologies, including viral hepatitis or alcohol use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 28, 2015

Life in 3-D

Researchers at EMBL and Stanford University mapped three-dimensional interactions between enhancers and promoters, revealing new insights into gene regulation. The study sheds light on how genetic variants control gene expression and disease predispositions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 2015

Joining the genomic dots

A new technique called Promoter Capture Hi-C was used to connect regulatory elements in the mouse and human genomes, providing insight into how genes are regulated. The analysis identified long-range interactions between promoters and enhancers, shedding light on the genetic basis of disease.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 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.

Decoding DNA's phonebook

Researchers create genomic interactions catalogue to study promoter interactions, identifying genes involved in inflammatory bowel disorders. The catalogue captures over 1 million interactions, revealing new elements for turning genes on or off.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 2015

Study reveals how FOXO1 slows diabetic wound healing

A study found that FOXO1, a protein promoting tissue repair, acts as an inhibitor of wound healing in diabetes patients. High glucose levels slow keratinocyte migration, while insulin speeds up the process. The research suggests inhibiting FOXO1 could speed healing in diabetic patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 27, 2015

Pulling the strings of our genetic puppetmasters

Duke researchers have developed a new method to precisely control gene activity by chemically manipulating proteins that package DNA. This technology allows for the activation of specific gene promoters and enhancers, which could provide a new avenue for gene therapies and guiding stem cell differentiation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 6, 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.

Scalping can raise ticket prices

A new study by USC Marshall professor Victor Bennett found that resale markets like Craigslist can add value to tickets sold by concert venues and Ticketmaster. This increase in price benefits both the artist and venue, particularly in high-demand shows.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJul 25, 2014

One gene, many tissues

The FANTOM project has published an exhaustive map of specificities in gene expression, revealing the first nucleotides of messenger RNA to identify where genes start synthesizing proteins. This study provides insights into how genes are regulated in different tissues, with implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2014
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.

Science: Cortical convolutions controlled in sections

A study by Byoung-il Bae and colleagues found that a specific gene mutation affects the development of cortical convolutions in the human brain. The researchers discovered that the mutation impacts the production of neuroprogenitor cells around the Sylvian fissure, leading to thinner and more convoluted folds.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2014