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Breakthrough in β-lactam synthesis using nickel catalysts

Researchers have made a significant advancement in the synthesis of β-lactam scaffolds, structural components frequently found in essential antibiotics. The breakthrough uses nickel catalysts to overcome challenges in β-lactam synthesis, enabling more efficient and simplified production of high-value materials.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

EU research program to increase shelf-life of berries

A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateMay 15, 2023

Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Birch reduction simplified to a one-minute mechanochemical process

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simplified Birch reduction method that avoids liquid ammonia and can be carried out in ambient air, making it faster and more eco-friendly. The mechanochemical approach uses a ball mill to break through the surface layer on lithium metal, enabling the Birch reduction to proceed.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023
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.

Technology to protect bioactive compounds from food during digestion

Researchers have developed a novel technology for nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds, specifically anthocyanin, using pectin and lysozyme. The methodology ensures slow release of the compound, allowing it to survive gut bacteria and digestive enzymes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateMar 28, 2023

Muffins that could be good for your health

Researchers developed a new muffin recipe using Hibiscus sabdariffa extract, which provides high levels of antioxidants like phenolics. The muffins also have improved nutrition, containing less sugar, saturated fat, and white flour, making them a healthier option.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFoods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Breastfeeding may reduce arsenic exposure in infants in arsenic-contaminated areas

A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 8, 2023

One-pot reaction creates versatile building block for bioactive molecules

Chemists at the University of Groningen have developed a simple one-pot reaction to produce chiral Z-alkenes, previously inaccessible molecules. This method uses a phosphine molecule as a starting point, reducing the need for purification and allowing for the creation of complex functionalised alkenes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023
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.

Rice University scientists get fungi to spill their secrets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a multiplex base-editing platform that significantly improves the pace of new drug discovery by inducing fungi to produce more bioactive compounds. The technique has been deployed as a tool for mining fungal genomes for medically useful compounds, reducing research timeline by over 80%.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

New methodology for the synthesis of benzazepines, a highly interesting bioactive molecule

Researchers at CiQUS developed a new methodology for synthesizing chiral benzazepines, a highly interesting bioactive molecule. The method uses a palladium metal and a newly designed chiral ligand to activate specific C-H bonds, enabling the efficient production of these compounds.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateOct 17, 2022

Going to extremes to tackle oil contamination

Researchers at KAUST have identified thermophilic bacteria with potential to degrade oil contamination. The study reveals that certain bacteria can secrete surfactants and absorb emulsified petroleum into their cells for degradation via enzymatic activity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMicroorganisms·DateOct 2, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Eating sea squirts may reverse the signs of ageing, study shows

A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

From rare soil microbe, a new antibiotic candidate

Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Study reports potential target and compounds to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease

A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Researchers’ novel tool to help develop safer pesticides

Researchers at George Washington University developed a novel tool to rapidly screen pesticides for safety and performance. The new approach can aid in the design of next-generation molecules to develop safer pesticides, with only 7% of analyzed compounds meeting safety criteria.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2022

Study shows that intranasal Rx halts memory decay in experimental Alzheimer’s model

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans and Karolinska Institutet found that intranasal application of pro-resolving lipid mediators arrested memory loss and brain degeneration in an experimental Alzheimer's model. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 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.

Fungus found to synthesize valuable compounds in perennial plant found in Northern Asia

A study discovered that fungus Cyanodermella asteris synthesizes valuable compounds in plant Aster tataricus, influencing its growth. The interaction reveals a two-way dialogue between the microbe and host, with the fungus producing beneficial compounds while also being influenced by plant hormones.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.

In search of (un)desired side effects

Researchers develop a method called Cell Painting that uses morphological profiling to detect side effects of substances on cells, enabling the identification of tubulin-modulating compounds. The study reveals over 1% of tested substances have this effect, including previously unknown reference substances.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Novel Light-Based Method Shows the Changing Face of Bioactive Molecules

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel light-based method for rapidly racemizing chiral sulfoxides, a crucial step in producing desired enantiomers. This breakthrough utilizes photocatalysts to achieve rapid racemization under moderate conditions, bypassing the need for high temperatures previously required.

SourceTokyo University of Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
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.

Hidden in the seeds: Bacteria found to survive the harsh interior of passion fruit seeds

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiologyOpen·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Scientists revealed usefulness of culinary herbs

Researchers discovered significant antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition in various culinary herbs, including rosemary, oregano, and lemon myrtle. These findings suggest that these herbs may have preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, as well as cognitive decline.

SourceSechenov University·JournalApplied Sciences·DateMay 5, 2020

Cooking vegetables: healthier with extra virgin olive oil

Researchers found that cooking vegetables with extra virgin olive oil increases the absorption and release of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. This process may explain the anti-inflammatory effects observed in tomato sauce, suggesting a potential role for Mediterranean gastronomy in improving health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecules·DateJun 13, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Is there a 'healthy' obesity gene?

A recent study found that a specific gene linked to fat tissue inflammation may protect against diet-induced obesity-related health problems. The researchers discovered that overexpressing this gene increased fat deposition while suppressing inflammatory responses and improving insulin sensitivity in genetically modified mice.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2012

2 catalysts are better than 1

Researchers have successfully used two catalysts to produce valuable compounds for biomedical research. The cooperative catalysis approach allows for rapid, efficient and controlled production of large amounts of a key building block for many pharmaceuticals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 27, 2010