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Real-time imaging of contact between cells and between a single neuron’s extensions

Scientists from The University of Osaka have created two new fluorescent markers, Gachapin and Gachapin-C, that can visualize dynamic cell-to-cell contacts and connections within a single neuron's extensions. These indicators allow for the monitoring of complex patterns of connectivity in various cell types, including neurons.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026
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.

Enhancing recombinant protein expression in lettuce

Researchers developed a new system to produce high-yield proteins in lettuce by silencing specific genes. This method increases recombinant protein expression by over two times, making it a promising alternative for large-scale production.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPlant Cell Reports·DateOct 24, 2024

Advancing cancer tracking: DiFC detects rare cells noninvasively

Researchers developed DiFC, a two-color diffuse flow cytometry system that detects rare cancer cells in the bloodstream without invasive methods. The technology provides insights into cancer progression and response to treatments by studying different subpopulations of cancer cells simultaneously.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 7, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cross-species insights: study finds calcium link in plant and animal immunity

A new study has identified a crucial role for plant MLKL proteins in regulating cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration, which is responsible for innate immune responses. The research found that activated plant MLKLs maintain higher calcium levels, activating downstream immune machinery and conferring disease resistance.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

A new way to see the activity inside a living cell

Researchers at MIT have developed an alternative method to study molecular signals in cells, allowing them to track up to seven different molecules simultaneously. The technique uses fluorescent proteins that flicker on and off at different rates, enabling the tracking of specific cellular functions over time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateNov 28, 2023

DNA can fold into complex shapes to execute new functions

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a DNA molecule that folds into a four-way junction structure, allowing it to mimic the activity of green fluorescent protein (GFP). This breakthrough could lead to the development of new DNA-based fluorescent tags for rapid-diagnostic tests and various scientific applications.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2023

Repurposed drug shows promise for treating cardiac arrhythmias

Researchers identified five previously unknown CaMKII inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, which was found to be the most effective at inhibiting CaMKII activity in cell and mouse models of arrhythmias. The study provides a promising new approach for treating heart conditions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023
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.

SpyLigation uses light to switch on proteins

Scientists have developed a method to activate protein functions using brief flashes of light, enabling precise control over when and where chemical reactions occur. This technology has potential uses in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and understanding biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Janelia scientists develop fastest calcium indicators yet

Researchers at Janelia have developed the fastest calcium indicators yet, allowing them to tease out individual neuronal signals with unprecedented speed and sensitivity. The new jGCaMP8 sensors can detect calcium ions nearly as fast as they are released from neurons, enabling scientists to study neural computations at the molecular le...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2023

Nematodes can help us detect indoor air impurities

Researchers developed a new method for measuring indoor air quality using transgenic nematode strains that produce fluorescence when exposed to harmful pollutants. The amount of fluorescence can be measured and used to detect various impurities in the air, including fungal samples, surfactants, and volatile compounds.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPathogens·DateFeb 2, 2023

Antiviral defense regulates intestinal function and overall gut health

Researchers discovered that RNA interference, a viral defence mechanism, also prevents overproduction of body's own proteins in intestinal cells, promoting ER quality control. This interplay is crucial for maintaining protein balance and overall intestinal health.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Imaging the dynamic cellular zoo made easier

Osaka University researchers have synthesized a fluorescent protein with the shortest emission wavelength to date, enabling the simultaneous tracking of multiple processes in cells. The new protein, Sumire, exhibits improved brightness and stability compared to existing fluorophores.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeNews article·DateNov 16, 2022

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a self-detect solution to monitor CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms. The system uses a biosensor guide RNA and reporter protein to trigger the technology's reveal itself, enabling real-time detection of CRISPR activity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateDec 9, 2021

The strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv can be widely used for transient expression and stable transformation of both herbaceous and woody plants

Researchers developed a strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv that shows no harmful effects on plant biological processes, enabling the monitoring of gene expression and protein localization in diverse organisms. This technique allows for efficient, convenient transformation with real-time visualization in various plant species.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 8, 2021
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.

Scientists studied color change from green to red in the fluorescent protein

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU have deciphered the molecular mechanism of GFP's green-to-red photoconversion, shedding light on its practical implications. The study suggests that understanding this process may hold key to uncovering ancestral proteins' functions and mitigating photobleaching in microscopy.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateSep 16, 2020
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 cells decide the way they want to recycle their content

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered a key phosphorylation site on the protein Ulk1 that regulates alternative autophagy, a process by which cells recycle dysfunctional contents. The study found that this site is essential for the activation of alternative autophagy under genotoxic stress conditions.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2020

Cell membrane proteins imaged in 3D

Scientists developed a new technique to image proteins in 3D with nanoscale resolution using lanthanide-binding tags, enabling researchers to identify precise protein locations within individual cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2020

Strong signals show how proteins come and go

Bioscientists at Rice University have developed a novel system to amplify gene expression signals, allowing for more sensitive detection of target genes. The system, consisting of two modules, provides high-resolution dynamic information on gene expression dynamics, which are critical for understanding cell behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2020

How electric fields affect a molecular twist within light-sensitive proteins

Researchers studied green fluorescent protein to understand how electric fields impact its twisting motion. They found that tuning the chromophore's electronic properties can significantly alter this process. This discovery could lead to developing light-sensitive proteins for biological imaging and optogenetics.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

Scientists find way to supercharge protein production

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Ramping up to divide: An unstable protein is the master switch for cell division

Scientists at the University of Groningen discovered that an unstable protein, Cln3, triggers cell division in budding yeast by assessing environmental conditions favorability for protein production. The concentration of Cln3 peaks before initiating division, indicating a decoupling between protein synthesis and metabolic processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

How to enable light to switch on and off therapeutic antibodies

Researchers developed optogenetic platform 'optobody' that activates antibody fragments with blue light, enabling temporal control over protein functions in living cells. The tool has great clinical promise for therapeutic strategies in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 14, 2019

It's not an antibody, it's a frankenbody: A new tool for live-cell imaging

A new frankenbody tool has been developed to enable live-cell imaging, using a genetically encoded probe that binds to specific targets. This probe offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fluorescent protein tags, allowing for real-time visualization of protein dynamics and RNA translation in living cells.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2019

It's not an antibody, it's a frankenbody: A new tool for live-cell imaging

A new antibody-based probe, called a frankenbody, enables live-cell imaging of proteins by binding to specific targets, like the classic HA tag. This tool allows for real-time visualization of protein dynamics and has applications in RNA translation studies, providing a low-cost solution.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2019

Novel methods for analyzing neural circuits for innate behaviors in insects

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a method to visualize and manipulate neural circuits in insects, shedding light on the generation of innate behaviors. The study found that a specific neural cluster plays a crucial role in regulating motivation during courtship behavior.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 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.

Green fluorescence from reef-building corals attracts symbiotic algae

Researchers discovered that corals emit green fluorescence, attracting symbiotic dinoflagellates and potentially aiding coral recovery after bleaching. This biological signal enhances the chances of meeting new symbionts, suggesting a possible mechanism for corals to recover from heat stress-induced losses.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2019

How reef-building corals attract photosynthetic symbionts

Reef-building corals use green fluorescent protein to lure in photosynthetic symbionts. The study found that corals emit green light, which attracts Symbiodinium algae, increasing their density by 10-fold.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019

Nanoscale platform aims to control protein levels

Rice University scientists invented a bifunctional recognition system called NanoDeg to target specific proteins and regulate their degradation. This plug-and-play system allows for precise control over protein expression levels, enabling the study of cellular dynamics and synthetic gene circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 30, 2017

Chemists from the MSU have explained the origin of the green fluorescence

Researchers from MSU and Denmark have discovered the mechanism behind green fluorescent protein's sensitivity to light exposure. They found that an isolated chromophore group can emit light outside the protein environment, while the protein enhances its fluorescent properties.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 6, 2017
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.

New fluorescent dyes could advance biological imaging

Chemists have developed a technique to create a spectrum of glowing dyes, offering scientists a way to adjust the properties of existing dyes deliberately. This expanded palette could help researchers better illuminate the inner workings of cells.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 4, 2017

Start codons in DNA may be more numerous than previously thought

A team of researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has discovered at least 47 possible start codons in DNA, which can trigger protein synthesis. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that only a small number of three-letter sequences in mRNA could initiate translation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 21, 2017

Fluorescent jellyfish gene sheds light in 'fitness landscape'

Researchers have mapped the 'fitness landscape' of a jellyfish gene, showing how multiple mutations interact to affect protein function and fluorescence levels. The study provides insights into how genetic changes combine to influence traits and diseases.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2016
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.

The mystery of the Red Sea

Biologists from Moscow State University found new luminescent creatures in the Red Sea, with unique fluorescent patterns that can help identify different species. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals insights into the role of glow in attracting prey and exploring symbiotic relationships.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2016

Protein Photonics special section in Journal of Biomedical Optics honors Osamu Shimomura

The Journal of Biomedical Optics special section honors Osamu Shimomura's work on green fluorescent protein, enabling researchers to observe molecular-level activity in live cells. Recent studies detail new applications of protein photonics, including multicolor imaging and monitoring cellular magnesium levels.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 3, 2015

New mechanism unlocked for evolution of green fluorescent protein

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a novel mechanism driving the evolution of green-to-red photoconvertible phenotype in green fluorescent proteins. The study reveals that hinge migration, driven by long-range dynamic motions, can lead to the acquisition of red fluorescence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·DateJan 27, 2015
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.

Adeno-associated virus serotype-5 delivery to the rat trigeminal ganglion

Researchers successfully delivered adeno-associated virus serotype-5 (AAV-5) to the rat trigeminal ganglion, demonstrating transduction efficiency in sensory neurons. The study's findings support the use of AAV-5 based gene therapy approaches for evaluating target proteins and potential treatments for trigeminal pain disorders.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Watching how the brain works

Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014
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.

'Designer sperm' inserts custom genes into offspring

Researchers have successfully inserted custom genes into mouse sperm, which are then inherited by their offspring and subsequent generations. The study paves the way for a new frontier in genetic medicine, where diseases can be effectively cured and new human attributes may be possible.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 2, 2013

A faster vessel for charting the brain

Researchers at Princeton University created enhanced proteins that respond quickly to changes in neuron activity, allowing for a more precise view of neuron signals. The new sensors can be customized to react to different rates of neuron activity, giving scientists a comprehensive understanding of brain-cell communication.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2013

What do memories look like?

Researchers have developed a way to see where and how memories are stored in the brain by attaching fluorescent markers to synaptic proteins. The microprobes allow scientists to observe live excitatory and inhibitory synapses for the first time, showing how they change as new memories are formed.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNeuron·DateJun 19, 2013

Cell on a chip reveals protein behavior

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created a two-dimensional cell-like system on a glass chip, enabling precise observation of gene expression and protein behavior. The system allows for the simultaneous production and trapping of multiple proteins, revealing a spectrum of protein activities.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 2013

Cell circuits remember their history

Researchers at MIT have designed new synthetic biology circuits that combine memory and logic, enabling the creation of long-term environmental sensors and efficient controls for biomanufacturing. These circuits can be used to program stem cells to differentiate into other cell types and provide precise long-term memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2013
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.

Chemists devise inexpensive, benchtop method for marking and selecting cells

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have devised an inexpensive and sensitive method to mark and select cells. The technique utilizes the tight binding of two proteins that are cheaply obtainable but not found in human or other mammalian cells, enabling efficient cell sorting with minimal unwanted side effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 8, 2013

A new glow for electron microscopy

Researchers from MIT have developed a new tag, APEX, that enables high-resolution visualization of proteins in cells using electron microscopy. The APEX tag allows scientists to label and identify specific proteins with unprecedented clarity, resolving open questions regarding protein locations and functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 22, 2012

Video shows the traffic inside a brain cell

Researchers capture video footage of protein traffic inside a neuron using bioluminescent proteins, showing proteins are directed to compartments and then stopped. The new imaging technique provides insight into the brain's continuous renovation process.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 22, 2012
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.

New NIST 'Cell assay on a chip': Solid results from simple means

The new device, created by Javier Atencia, features a diffusion-based gradient generator that reduces the risk of cell damage and offers simplicity. In experiments, cells were exposed to cycloheximide, resulting in increased fluorescence levels as the chemical concentration decreased.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 8, 2012

Breakthrough lights way for RNA discoveries

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College developed an RNA mimic of green fluorescent protein called Spinach to track the mysterious workings of various forms of cellular RNA. This technology will help unlock secrets of RNA's diverse roles in human biology and disease.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2011