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Low-cost, portable system takes OCT beyond ophthalmology

Researchers developed a low-cost, portable OCT system that can image structures in hard-to-reach areas like joints. The device uses an endoscopic delivery system to provide real-time quantitative information on cartilage thickness without damaging the tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Movement patterns predict frailty and disability in the elderly

Elderly individuals with random changes in daily movement are at greater risk of frailty, disability, and death. Analyzing daily motor activity using fractal physiology may help predict wellness and health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

New insights could help block the path of cancer 'super-highways'

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified a key mechanism controlling tissue structure, which could help identify drugs that make it harder for cancer cells to spread. The study found that collisions between cells help create different tissue structures, some of which aid cancer progression and can be targeted by drugs.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 28, 2019
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.

3D printing, bioinks create implantable blood vessels

Scientists fabricate multilayer blood vessels with unique biomolecules that transform into functional blood vessels when implanted. The result is a fully functional blood vessel with enhanced strength and anti-thrombosis functions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 22, 2019

HHS awards major funding award to WFIRM

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $24 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services to advance its lung-on-a-chip technology. The funding will be used to model the effects of chlorine gas on human lungs and develop treatments for resulting injuries.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateOct 8, 2019

Innovative method provides unique insights into the structure of cells and tissues

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new technique that combines two methods to improve the spatial resolution of mass spectrometry imaging. This allows for better understanding of disease processes and potential new strategies for treating them. The technology uses dual-beam laser mass spectrometry, enabling the s...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 6, 2019

Bioprinting complex living tissue in just a few seconds

Researchers develop a high-resolution printing method to create complex tissue shapes in a biocompatible hydrogel containing stem cells. The resulting tissue can be vascularized by adding endothelial cells, enabling the creation of functional bioprinted organs with unprecedented speed and design freedom.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows human cells assembling into fractal-like clusters

New research published in PNAS reveals that human epithelial cells form fractal-like branching structures under certain conditions, mirroring the self-assembly of particles suspended in a liquid. This discovery sheds light on tissue formation and cellular behavior.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019

Puzzling shapes: Unlocking the mysteries of plant cell morphology

Researchers at McGill University used computer simulations and microscopy to show that pectin and cellulose play a crucial role in sculpting epidermal leaf cells. The study suggests that mechanical forces drive plant cell growth, leading to unique shapes like the jigsaw puzzle-like pattern of leaf skin.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 8, 2019

3D printing new parts for our broken hearts

Researchers have developed a new 3D bioprinting technique using rapid changes in pH to create complex collagen-based cardiac structures. The method, called FRESH v2.0, can print tissue architectures up to 10 micrometers resolution and accurately reproduce patient-specific anatomical structures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019
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.

Researchers show how side hit to the head could damage brain, lead to concussion

Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have identified two brain regions vulnerable to side hits that lead to concussions. The study reveals how rotational accelerations cause mechanical vibrations in these regions, resulting in tissue and cell damage. This knowledge can help develop safer sports helmets.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 31, 2019

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Biologists and mathematicians team up to explore tissue folding

Researchers found a redundant network of proteins connecting embryonic cells, enabling tissues to fold into correct shapes even when individual cells are damaged. This discovery sheds light on the robustness of embryonic development and may help understand birth defects like spina bifida.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 25, 2019

New technique could help engineer polluted water filter, human tissues

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a technique to assemble proteins into fractal shapes that resemble flowers, trees, or snowflakes. This innovation could lead to new technologies such as bioremediation filters and synthetic matrices for studying human disease and tissue engineering.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2019

The ancestor of the great white shark

A team of researchers found a peculiar tooth composition in great white sharks and their relatives, which is similar to that of the fossil shark Palaeocarcharias stromeri. The shared tooth histology indicates that this small shark gave rise to one of the most iconic shark lineages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2019
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.

Scaffold helps cells repair torn meniscus in lab tests

A new scaffold derived from a pig's meniscus has shown promise in repairing torn meniscus tissue. In lab tests, repairs aided by the scaffold resulted in stronger meniscus repairs after four weeks compared to natural healing.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 2019

3D printed tissues and organs without the scaffolding

Researchers have developed a process for 3D printing biological tissues without scaffolds using stem cells in a hydrogel bead bath. The printed cells form stable connections and mature into functional tissues, offering potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJun 17, 2019

Five-year outcomes for Brigham face transplant recipients

Patients who underwent face transplants experienced significant improvements in motor function and sensory perception, with a notable trend towards enhanced quality of life. The study's findings support the potential benefits of this surgery for patients with severe facial injuries.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019
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.

Producing tissue and organs through lithography

Researchers are developing a top-down lithography method to create complex tissues and their anatomical microstructures. This approach uses light sheet illumination and special hydrogels to form branched chain structures that serve as a matrix for cell colonization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 23, 2019

A new way of diagnosing and treating disease -- without cutting skin

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a specialized microscope that can diagnose diseases like skin cancer and perform precise surgery without cutting skin. The technology uses ultrafast infrared lasers to scan tissue quickly and selectively treat diseased structures.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 15, 2019

Researchers grow cells in 'paper organs'

Researchers have successfully grown 3D paper organs with artificial blood vessels that can be populated with cells, providing a more complex structure than traditional 2D cell cultures. The paper organs can mimic the architecture of real tissues, influencing how cells grow and respond to external stimuli.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 1, 2019

Team measures puncture performance of viper fangs

A team of scientists measured the puncture performance of viper fangs using a custom-built machine. The study found that the angle of the fang's tip contributes most to its sharpness, with narrower tips performing better than wider ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 16, 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.

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.

Treatment deficiencies, research disparity in pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a debilitating disorder that affects half of all women over 50. Researchers at Virginia Tech hope to address the problem through new tissue models and surgical mesh grafts. The goal is to develop treatment approaches that are patient-specific, reducing the risk of complications such as pain and infection.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 20, 2019

New device mimics beating heart with tiny pieces of heart tissue

Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Rules of inheritance rewritten in worms

Researchers at KAUST created a library of fluorescently marked, GPR-1-overexpressing strains to interrogate gene function and study transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This tool allows scientists to generate worms with recoded genomes for synthetic biology applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2019
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.

Fibers from old tires can improve fire resistance of concrete

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new method to protect concrete from fire damage using recycled tire fibers. The fibers reduce spalling and strengthen steel reinforcements, preventing collapse and structural failure.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalFire Technology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Measuring stress around cells

Researchers developed sensors to map cell-generated forces in 3D tissues, finding that small tensions can balance large compressive loads. This insight could help understand developmental processes and develop novel tissue-engineering strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2019

How sponges undermine coral reefs from within

Scientists found that sponges hollow out and take over reef skeletons to protect themselves from predators, using chemical and mechanical techniques. Ocean acidification enhances this process, making it possible to predict future coral reef conditions more accurately.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2019
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.

NC State researchers create 3D-printed soft mesh robots

Researchers at NC State University have created 3D-printed flexible mesh structures that can be controlled with applied magnetic fields while floating on water. The structures can also mimic the properties of water striders and have potential applications as soft robots or tissue scaffolds.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJan 23, 2019

Cultivating 4D tissues -- the self-curving cornea

Researchers created a self-curving cornea by molding cells to form a desired shape, mimicking the natural cornea. The 4D tissue structure was achieved through innovative cell actuators that forced surrounding tissue to move in a predetermined manner.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 17, 2019

New method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery

Russian scientists developed a new method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery, improving the accuracy and safety of eye surgeries. The method uses optical coherence tomography (OCT), which visualizes tissue structure by infrared light scattering, to quantify mechanical properties changes before and after laser...

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateJan 9, 2019

Using sound to independently levitate a range of objects is achieved for the first time

Scientists develop acoustic tweezers capable of independently levitating a range of small-sized objects using sound waves. This technology offers several advantages over optical tweezers, including the ability to penetrate biological tissue safely and non-invasively, making it ideal for cell manipulation applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 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.

Collagen nanofibrils in mammalian tissues get stronger with exercise

Researchers found that collagen fibrils in mammalian tissues become stronger and tougher when repeatedly stretched and relaxed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding tissue mechanics and designing better biocompatible materials for wound healing and tissue growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateDec 13, 2018

Transparent fruit flies

Scientists have made fruit flies transparent using a new clearing method, allowing for high-resolution imaging of complex neural networks. This breakthrough enables the study of the connectome and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, with potential applications in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2018

Making an eye for you

A team at Kyoto University has discovered that individual cells sense and modulate themselves to form the spherical shape of the eye through a process called self-bending. This phenomenon generates a hinge that pushes cells into the cup-like structure, resulting in the formation of an optic cup.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2018

Self-assembling protein filaments designed and built from scratch

Researchers designed proteins that snap together spontaneously to form long, helical structures, mimicking natural protein filaments. The creation of these self-assembling filaments could lead to the development of new materials, including fibers stronger than spider silk and nano-scale wire circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

3D bioprinting technique could create artificial blood vessels, organ tissue

Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a 3D printing method that allows for fine-grain control over rigidity, enabling the creation of complex geometries similar to those found in blood vessels. This technology could lead to personalized treatments for hypertension and vascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Professor Karen Kasza wins Packard Fellowship

Karen Kasza, a researcher at Columbia Engineering, has won a Packard Fellowship for her work on understanding tissue development and morphology. Her lab aims to use novel approaches to engineer functional tissues for medical applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 15, 2018

3D bioprinting of living structures with built-in chemical sensors

A team of researchers has created a breakthrough in 3D bioprinting by integrating oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles into gel materials, enabling real-time monitoring of metabolic activity and microenvironment of cells within living structures.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

New Cluster of Excellence to unravel the 'physics of life'

The Cluster of Excellence PoL aims to understand the organization of living matter and its mechanisms. The researchers hope to shed light on tissue formation and structure, which will provide solutions to pressing bioengineering and health issues.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateSep 27, 2018

UTA researcher creates hydrogels capable of complex movement

Kyungsuk Yum and his doctoral student Amirali Nojoomi developed a process to program 2-D hydrogels for space- and time-controlled swelling and shrinking, enabling the formation of complex 3-D shapes and motions. The technology has potential applications in bioinspired soft robotics and artificial muscles.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2018

New ultrasonic wave phenomenon leads to improved safety for society

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered a new ultrasonic wave phenomenon that enables precise and nondestructive detection of fatigue and early damage in thin plate materials. This technology surpasses conventional methods, allowing for accurate evaluation of material damage even before it occurs.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateSep 12, 2018
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.

Low-severity wildfires impact soils more than previously believed

New research reveals that low-severity burns weaken soil structure, increasing risk of erosion, while also releasing organic carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Soils in burned areas show deteriorating physical properties over weeks and months.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateSep 10, 2018

Careful -- You are made of glass

Researchers used state-of-the-art techniques to measure cell forces and stresses in zebrafish embryos, discovering a fundamental physical mechanism for shaping embryonic tissues. This finding provides insight into human health issues like cancer formation and organ engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018
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.

Biomechanics of chewing depend more on animal size, not diet

A study published in PLOS ONE found that the jaw joint bone structure of carnivorans is more closely related to their body size than their diet. Researchers used 3D printing and CT scans to analyze the mandibular condyle, a key joint in the jaw, and discovered no significant correlation between diet and jaw joint strength or complexity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 30, 2018

One step closer to bioengineered replacements for vessels and ducts

Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers have developed a method to bioprint complex tubular structures that mimic native vessels and ducts in the body. The 3D bioprinting technique allows for fine-tuning of printed tissues' properties, enabling potentially viable replacements for damaged tissue.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 24, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nano-optic endoscope sees deep into tissue at high resolution

Researchers have developed a new class of endoscopic imaging catheters that overcome the limitations of current systems, achieving higher resolution and functionality. The nano-optic endoscope incorporates metalenses into its design, enabling high-resolution imaging at extended depth of focus without complex optical components.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 30, 2018

Creating 'synthetic' fossils in the lab sheds light on fossilization processes

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new experimental protocol to create synthetic fossils in the lab. This method uses sediment filtration to mimic the conditions of deep burial and has successfully preserved soft tissues, including feathers and leaves, similar to exceptional fossils. The findings offer insights i...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 25, 2018