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Uncovering how ascidians measure time to adulthood

Researchers have discovered that ascidians measure time to adulthood by accumulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), ensuring a reliable timing of metamorphosis. The study's findings provide insights into time-measurement mechanisms in other organisms and may aid in aquaculture and marine biofouling control.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaleLife·DateJul 10, 2025

Some gut bacteria could make certain drugs less effective

A new study reveals that specific gut bacteria can break down certain drugs, altering their efficacy. The research found that 30 out of 127 tested drugs were heavily metabolized by human gut microbiota, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for personalized medicine and drug ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 3, 2025
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.

New pathways discovered for drugs to act on cells

Researchers have identified new gateways for drugs to modulate proteins regulating cellular activity. These discoveries may facilitate the creation of new medications or improve existing ones, leading to more targeted therapies and reduced side effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2025

Images of crucial cell receptors show promising new drug targets

Researchers at UChicago captured complete images of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors, revealing their complex extracellular region's interaction with the transmembrane region. The findings suggest alternative means of activating the receptor without separating the GAIN domain.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2024

New tool enhances control of cellular activity

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new synthetic receptor, PAGER, that can accommodate a broader range of inputs and produce a more diverse set of outputs. The tool enables control of neuronal activity, immune responses, and therapeutic treatments in lab experiments.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2024
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.

Leipzig biophysicists decipher functionality of adrenaline-binding receptor

Researchers deciphered how the β2 adrenergic receptor transmits signals at an atomic level, revealing its three-dimensional structure and biochemical cascades. The study provides new insights into G-protein coupling and may lead to improved drug development for obesity research.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

New study reveals promising drug target for treating osteoporosis

Researchers have identified a novel target downstream of parathyroid hormone signaling that suppresses bone formation. Gprc5a negatively regulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by partially suppressing BMP signaling, potentially increasing teriparatide effectiveness in non-responding patients.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

Chasing down a cellular ‘short circuit’

A team of researchers at University of California San Diego has identified a biochemical mechanism that can interrupt cellular communication chains, disrupting the signaling pathways related to many diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of growth factors and G protein-coupled receptors in cell signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 4, 2024

New avenues to developing personalized treatments for schizophrenia

A new study has identified two proteins that play a vital role in modulating cell responses in schizophrenia. The researchers found that these proteins can be targeted to develop drugs that address specific symptoms of the disease, potentially leading to more effective and personalized treatments.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2024
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New regulator of eating behaviour identified

Researchers have identified a new regulator of eating behavior, the latrophilin 1 receptor, which is linked to obesity. The receptor, primarily studied for its role in synapse formation, was found to be present in brain regions controlling food intake and adipose tissue.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Researchers discover how we perceive bitter taste

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered the detailed protein structure of the TAS2R14 bitter taste receptor, revealing how it identifies and activates bitter tastants. The discovery has potential applications in drug development for metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trip or treat?

Scientists at Medical College of Wisconsin create biased agonists that reduce hallucinogenic effects while preserving therapeutic potential. These compounds, designed to selectively activate serotonin receptors, show promise in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Team from the University of Ottawa develops new drug discovery platform

A team from the University of Ottawa has developed a comprehensive screening platform and cellular interrogation tool to facilitate novel drug discovery targeting various human diseases. The 'Tango-Trio' platform can identify small molecule modulators for orphan GPCRs, which have significant untapped therapeutic potential.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 5, 2023

Cellular traffic controllers caught managing flow of signals from receptors

Researchers have observed beta-arrestin molecules directly controlling receptor-mediated signals in living cells using advanced microscopy. The study reveals a new mechanism of how these proteins interact with receptors on the plasma membrane, enabling efficient control of signal flow and desensitization.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 4, 2023

How opioid drugs get into our cells

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateApr 19, 2023

Scientists thought they knew how the nose ‘knows,’ new research suggests otherwise

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

A role for cell ‘antennae’ in managing dopamine signals in the brain

A new study found that neuronal cilia play a crucial role in ensuring proper signaling of dopamine receptors, which regulate motivated behavior and movement. Mice lacking functional cilia on dopamine receptor 1-expressing neurons became obese and sedentary, highlighting the importance of cilia in dopamine-dependent neural signaling.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 9, 2022

Researchers crack 30 year old mystery of odor switching in worms

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism behind worm olfaction, revealing how they discriminate between over 1,300 scents despite having only 32 olfactory neurons. The discovery involves the conserved protein arrestin, which helps fine-tune multiple sensations in both worms and humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2022

Single-molecule techniques illuminate mechanisms of GPCR activation

Researchers used single-molecule imaging to study GPCR activation, gaining insight into cellular signal relay and potential drug targets for various disorders. The findings show that the receptor tail plays an autoinhibitory role, controlled by agonist binding, which affects signaling intensity and duration.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Pop-up factories beneath the cell membrane

Scientists have found complex signaling pathways in cells, using a technique called fluorescence microscopy to visualize nanodomains beneath the cell membrane. These domains can be thought of as pop-up factories that process signals from receptors on the cell surface.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

The link between electrical voltage and brain flexibility a new study by Tel Aviv university found, for the first time; a direct and significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and the brain’s ability to adapt to external changes

A Tel Aviv University study found a significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and brain adaptability. Disabling the voltage sensor of these proteins caused uncontrolled brain flexibility, leading to excessive habituation to odors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 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.

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Biased beta-agonists may provide better control of asthma and other obstructive lung diseases, drug discovery study shows

A University of South Florida Health-led team discovered a lead candidate that selectively relaxes airway smooth muscle cells with no detectable drug desensitization. The biased beta-agonist, C1-S, offers a therapeutic option for asthma and obstructive lung diseases without the rapid loss of effectiveness seen with traditional β-agonists.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Mechanism that triggers brain neurone response revealed

Scientists have discovered how neurotransmitters and proteins interact to trigger neuronal responses in the brain, with implications for understanding mood disorders and addictions. The study reveals small changes in protein connections control cellular responses, enabling precise regulation of neurotransmitter effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 29, 2021
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.

Individual receptors caught in the act of coupling

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that captures individual receptors on the surface of living cells with unprecedented detail. This breakthrough could lead to a new generation of drugs with greater specificity and reduced side effects, particularly for disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 22, 2021

New molecule stops drug cravings in mice, with fewer side effects

Researchers at Duke University developed a synthetic molecule that selectively dampens cocaine-induced hyperactivity and interferes with dopamine metabolism in the brain's rewards center. The treatment slowed down drug use by 20 minutes to an hour and reduced consumption by over 80 percent in mice.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·DateMay 28, 2020

MIPT biophysicists found a way to take a peek at how membrane receptors work

Researchers at MIPT have developed a method to combine structural and spectroscopic approaches for studying membrane receptors. This allows for a detailed understanding of receptor functioning and behavior inside the cell, which is crucial for developing effective drugs.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalCurrent Opinion in Structural Biology·DateMay 21, 2020

Researchers solve protein structures to fight asthma

Scientists have shed light on the structure and functioning mechanism of CysLT receptors, regulating inflammatory responses associated with allergic disorders. The study identified critical ligand-binding determinants, enabling better understanding of receptor-ligand complexes and potential drug targets.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Designing and repurposing cell receptors

Researchers develop computational method to predict and design allosteric functions in proteins, enabling the creation of novel signaling receptors with precise functions. They successfully designed and repurposed a dopamine receptor into a serotonin biosensor, demonstrating the potential for this approach in personalized medicine.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 2, 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.

Cornell researchers reveal molecular basis of vision

Researchers at Cornell University have solved the three-dimensional structure of a protein complex involved in vertebrate vision at atomic resolution, revealing how signals from photons are amplified in the eye. The study provides insights into G-protein-coupled receptors and their role in human vision, with potential implications for ...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 30, 2019

Coupled proteins

The study uncovered several hundred coupling events between GPCRs and G-proteins, greatly expanding the understanding of how these receptors work. This new data enables better prediction of GPCR-G-protein coupling and potential design of artificial GPCRs with specific signalling properties.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateJul 1, 2019

Key drug target shown assembling in real-time

Researchers outline detailed sequence of events where a GPCR encounters its downstream signaling partner, providing insights into fundamental mechanisms of drug-induced signaling. The new analysis technique can identify precise amino acids most central to GPCR function, enabling potential sites for precision drug targeting.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2019

A good night's sleep may be in sight

Researchers have developed 3D models of the two melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, which will help design drugs that interact only with these receptors, reducing side effects. The findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders, diabetes, cancers, and other health issues affected by melatonin.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2019
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.

A step ahead in pharmaceutical research

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called BRET that allows them to test the activity and potency of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands in living cells. This breakthrough enables faster discovery of novel pharmaceutical substances with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 5, 2018

Cells are pretty much smarter than previously supposed

Researchers have discovered that cells' G protein-coupled receptor signaling systems can pass more than 2 bits of information per interaction with external stimuli, exceeding previous estimates. This finding has crucial implications for biology and drug discovery, particularly in the development of novel anti-cancer agents.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

How receptors for medicines work inside cells

Researchers have discovered that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are active in the cell interior, influencing gene transcription and cell division. This finding has implications for developing innovative drugs targeting receptor function or uptake.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2017

New tool illuminates cell signaling pathways key to disease

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for precise mapping of cellular signaling networks involved in human biology and disease. This breakthrough opens up exciting avenues for understanding and treating psychiatric diseases, including opioid addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Unexpected protein structure findings could lead to new therapies

USC scientists discovered unexpected characteristics of the AT2 protein, which interacts with the angiotensin II hormone regulating blood pressure. The study reveals potential new paths to drugs controlling cardiovascular disease and pain, offering an important first step towards targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Duke team identifies new 'mega-complex' involved in cell signaling

Researchers at Duke Health have discovered a new paradigm for how G protein-coupled receptors activate cell signaling mechanisms. The formation of 'mega-plexes' explains how signals can continue to be sent after internalization, opening up possibilities for targeted drug therapies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 4, 2016

Crystal clear images uncover secrets of hormone receptors

Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize the structure of a neurotensin receptor, shedding light on its mechanism. Binding of neurotensin to the receptor triggers critical conformational changes that activate G protein-coupled signaling pathways.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 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.

Obesity-related receptors have a unique structure

Researchers have elucidated the structure of two adiponectin receptors, revealing a completely new type unlike G protein-coupled receptors. The discovery may lead to new adiponectin receptor agonists for treating obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

Tracing water channels in cell surface receptors

Scientists used computer modeling to trace water channels in cell surface receptors (GPCRs), discovering their role in signal transduction. The study suggests that targeting these internal water pathways could lead to the development of more efficient drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2014

Researcher shines light on the search for new drugs

A researcher is using a $900,000 grant to resolve the debate on whether G protein-coupled receptors form dimers. He suspects that light transfer between constantly moving receptors may be random and not actual relationships. The study aims to find out how many drug targets are there and if they can help in treating various ailments.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 25, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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