A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that D-serine controls tissue pocket formation, allowing for successful tail regression in marine sea squirts. The study's findings provide insight into epidermal homeostasis and evolutionary perspectives on D-amino acid function.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 2022
Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
A dietary supplement combining 5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium ferrous citrate helps slow down aging-related muscular decline in fruit flies. The study reveals improved muscle architecture and mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic option to address age-related muscle health.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalFEBS Open Bio·DateFeb 5, 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.
Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022
A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateDec 20, 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.
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021
By analyzing pitch, length, octaves, chords, dynamics, and main theme of four pieces from the mid-1800s Romantic era of classical music, researchers created protein songs with improved musicality. The study found that using a specific music style guided the structure of proteins to produce more pleasant melodies and harmonies.
SourceCell Press·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021
A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers discovered that individual taste neurons in fruit flies can detect compounds from multiple taste categories, influencing feeding decisions. The team found that single-taste neurons are capable of responding to more than one tastant category, and that a single tastant category can activate multiple classes of taste neurons.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021
Researchers reprogrammed synthetic E. coli with multiple nonstandard amino acids to exhibit viral resistance. This breakthrough enables the creation of designer proteins with innovative properties.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021
Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.
SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2021
Researchers developed a multidimensional vibrational circular dichroism system using a quantum cascade laser to analyze peptides containing D-amino acid residues. The instrument achieves high intensity and narrow focusing, allowing for the detection of chiral components in proteins.
SourceEhime University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2021
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.
Researchers found prebiotic organic molecule hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, validating theories of its role in forming organic compounds. HMT is thought to be a stable source for ammonia and formaldehyde, which can form other important biological molecules.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020
Researchers from Hokkaido University and the USA confirm the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, supporting models that propose HMT as a key molecule in organic compound formation. The discovery validates theories on extraterrestrial origin of life and provides new insights into prebiotic chemistry.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2020
Researchers identified Sestrin as a key regulator of stem cell function and lifespan in response to dietary amino acids. Increasing Sestrin levels extended fruit fly lifespan and protected against negative diet effects.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Aging·DateNov 24, 2020
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
Researchers develop Single-residue Terminal Labeling (STELLA) to fluorescently tag microproteins without disrupting their function. The method enables visualization of elusive polypeptides from SARS-CoV2 coronavirus, opening new avenues for studying tiny proteins in living cells.
SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 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.
Researchers at JAIST have developed a new method to create water-soluble polyimides with high thermoresistance, featuring high transparency and tunable mechanical strength. The biopolyimides were synthesized using bio-based resources and treated with alkaline metal hydroxide to yield water-soluble salts.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 26, 2020
A new study shows that most meat products, including ribeye steak, have high digestible indispensable amino acid scores, making them suitable for improving nutrition in developing countries. This research uses pigs as a model for humans and finds that processing can affect protein quality.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 21, 2020
Researchers identify a key viral protein with potential drug targets, revealing unique protonation mechanisms that could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral treatments. Small shifts in pH may alter the enzyme's shape, allowing for more effective treatment options against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 15, 2020
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.
A University of Kentucky College of Medicine study reveals how the angiotensinogen (AGT) protein contributes to blood pressure regulation and atherosclerosis. Replacing amino acids in AGT did not affect blood pressure or atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting these proteins may not be critical regulators.
Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering and University of Michigan have modified an enzyme from bacteria to promote regrowth of nerve tissue following injury. The new version is more stable than the natural enzyme, which could lead to new treatments for reversing nerve damage.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 2020
A clinical trial by Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements caused significant weight loss and fat reduction in overweight but otherwise healthy participants. The study also showed improvements in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, with notable benefits for women and heaviest participants.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 12, 2020
Researchers successfully engineered bacteria to produce a synthetic building block, a 21st amino acid, which prompts the bacteria to produce a protein that fluoresces under metabolic stress. This breakthrough enables the design of novel proteins and organisms with useful functions.
Researchers found ProCap DDGS contains more crude protein and amino acids than conventional de-oiled DDGS, and its standardized ileal digestibility is nearly all amino acids. The product also provides approximately 1,200 kcal per kilogram of metabolizable energy more than conventional DDGS.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 24, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers at Caltech have found that amino acid tails on RNA polymerase enzymes help them work with different types of DNA, enabling gene activation. The longer the DNA molecule, the longer the tail.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 14, 2020
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to transform alcohol into amino acids, the building blocks of life. This breakthrough enables the creation of new, unnatural amino acids that can be used to build complex molecules targeting various diseases.
SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2020
Researchers engineered a single messenger protein to induce cellular responses targeting two distinct conditions: neuronal regeneration and lung tumor inhibition. The study demonstrates the potential of bioengineering ligands to treat neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 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.
Scientists found an unexpected intermediate in the peptidoglycan recycling pathway, which regulates cell wall assembly and composition. The study reveals a link between peptidoglycan recycling and de novo biosynthetic pathways.
Researchers investigate the chemistry of the earliest fluids in the Solar System by studying the framboidal magnetite grains in the Tagish Lake meteorite. They propose that a lack of amino acids may be due to insufficient precursor materials.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateApr 2, 2020
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 at TUM designed an artificial binding protein with a unique chemical composition to bind to biological sugar structures. This protein has superior affinity to natural lectins and can inhibit cell growth, making it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like cancer and infectious diseases.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 17, 2020
Researchers use machine learning to translate protein structures into musical scores, generating new proteins with unique properties. The method has the potential to design entirely new biomaterials and improve existing enzymes.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 17, 2020
The durian tree emits a potent smell due to the amino acid ethionine, which is released by a plant-specific enzyme during fruit ripening. The amino acid has been linked to liver damage and cancer in animal tests, but low concentrations may have positive immunomodulatory effects.
SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2020
A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 21, 2020
A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.
SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2020
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.
Researchers at University of Groningen develop novel artificial enzyme using unnatural amino acid and copper complex, demonstrating potential for improved industrial chemical catalysis. The study showcases the power of combining abiological components to achieve active site creation, paving way for new enzymatic options.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 10, 2020
A collaborative research effort has identified key amino acid sequences responsible for liquid-liquid phase separation in proteins. The study's findings reveal that spacers play a crucial role in diluting the interaction strength of sticky amino acids, allowing proteins to condense into liquids.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020
Scientists have developed a 'bilingual' molecule that combines DNA and protein codes, enabling communication between nucleic acids and proteins. The molecule holds potential for diagnostics, gene therapy, and drug delivery targeted to specific cells.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2020
Lehigh University professor Brian Chen is developing software that can predict protein interactions, reducing the need for human interpretation. The software has already successfully demonstrated the ability to predict something completely unknown in a collaboration with Rutgers University.
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.
A recent study from the University of Illinois discovered that human-grade dog foods are not only highly palatable but also more digestible than initially estimated. The researchers tested six commercial dog foods made with minimally processed human-edible ingredients, finding high protein quality and low stool volume in dogs.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTranslational Animal Science·DateDec 17, 2019
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to monitor enzyme workflows, allowing them to target the amino acid composition of enzymes. This enables more efficient enzyme design, leading to lower drug costs, reduced CO2 emissions, and greener chemistry.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2019
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique bacterial regulatory mechanism called T-boxes, which facilitate basic functioning in bacteria. Understanding the structure of these elements could lead to designing targeted antibiotics, offering hope against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 18, 2019
Three peptides from Australian fungus Penicillium exhibit unique amino acid structures, leading to development of bilorphin and bilactorphin as novel analgesics acting on opioid receptors. These findings suggest a new pathway for pain management with reduced adverse effects.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019
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.
Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.
A team of researchers found that the amino acids, a fundamental set of life's building blocks, may have special properties that helped bootstrap themselves into their modern form. The study suggests that each time a modern amino acid was discovered and embedded in biology's toolkit during evolution, it provided an adaptive value unusua...
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2019
Researchers have discovered a second molecular zipper in the beta amyloid protein that may contribute to the formation of brain fibrils in Alzheimer's disease. This kinked form is more harmful and can initiate a cascade of events leading to dementia.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2019
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.
A new study at the University of Hawaii found that a tropical marine sponge obtains essential nutrients from its symbiotic bacteria, not from filtering seawater. This discovery provides insight into the biology of sponges and highlights the importance of marine microbes in their diet.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateAug 14, 2019
Researchers report that prebiotic amino acids can stabilize prebiotic fatty acid membranes in the presence of magnesium ions or sodium chloride. The findings propose how the first cell membranes might have formed and how key cellular components might have co-localized.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019
Researchers discovered that amino acids can stabilize membranes against magnesium ions, enabling the first cells to encode genetic information. The study suggests that amino acids and RNA building blocks co-localized in watery environments, providing a potential mechanism for life's emergence.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019
A Belgian team developed a two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging, combining MRI and photoacoustic imaging techniques. The bimodal probe enhances sensitivity while minimizing risks for patients.
SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2019
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find that proteinaceous amino acids react more efficiently, leading to the formation of complex life forms. The study suggests a possible explanation for the selection of positively charged amino acids in proteins.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2019
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.
Researchers discovered that proteinaceous amino acids readily form short chains resembling modern proteins, hinting at their potential role in the origin of life. The study suggests these amino acids were selected based on reactivity advantages over nonproteinaceous ones.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019
Researchers developed a new technique to enhance the infection-fighting potential of natural chemicals and test them quickly. Three synthetic molecules were found to be four times more effective at killing bacteria than their natural predecessor.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019
MIT researchers have created a set of five fundamental parts that can be assembled into various functional devices, including a tiny walking motor. The new system uses 'digital materials' and offers an alternative approach to constructing robots, which could lead to the development of standardized kits for specific tasks.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 2, 2019
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.
A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.
SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 18, 2019
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a faster and more efficient way to build amino acid chains, known as polypeptides. This breakthrough could enable mass production of protein chains used in various industries, including chemistry and biology.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have characterized the structure of BasC, a LAT family member, to understand its function and molecular defects associated with diseases like autism and age-related hearing loss. The study identifies the site where amino acids bind and reveals the mechanism underlying their interaction with cells.
SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2019