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Bacterial discovery solves 20-year-old molecular paleontology mystery

A fatty molecule thought to be unique to flowering plants has been found in bacteria from the Adriatic Sea, solving a 20-year-old paleontological mystery. The discovery challenges the assumption that isoarborinol's presence indicates land and flowering plant life.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2017

Peptides vs. superbugs

A team of researchers has successfully developed liquid-crystalline nanostructures that protect antimicrobial peptides, allowing them to target and destroy bacteria without being degraded. This innovative approach could provide a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Isotope study determines fish were more prominent in early Alaskans' diets

A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks made a groundbreaking discovery after analyzing stable isotopes and lipid residues at prehistoric hearths along the Tanana River. The study found that early Alaskans' diets were more complex than previously thought, with salmon and freshwater fish playing a prominent role.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

New class of molecules play key role in influencing the immune system

Resolvins and maresins, naturally produced omega-3 fatty acid molecules, regulate subsets of white blood cells that play a central role in inflammation. The findings suggest these molecules may be useful for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Insulin pill could make diabetes treatment 'ouchless'

Researchers have developed a new technology called Cholestosomes that can encapsulate insulin and deliver it orally without degrading. The vesicles are made of naturally occurring lipid molecules and can pass through the stomach intact, allowing for high bioavailability and effective insulin delivery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2016

New breakthrough in understanding dystonia

Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have unraveled the mechanism by which DYT1 dystonia causes cellular defects, linking it to dysregulation of lipids. The findings may lead to new medical approaches to overcome this poorly understood condition.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 9, 2016

Highly curative hep C treatment safe and effective for drug users

Research suggests removing drug use barriers to effective hep C treatment for opioid-addicted patients. The elbasvir-grazoprevir treatment showed high sustained virologic response rates in a randomized trial. In contrast, lipid screening evidence is lacking for younger adults.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How females store sperm

Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJun 13, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 10, 2016

Award winners and plenary lecturers at the 2016 ASBMB annual meeting

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honored prominent researchers with various awards, including the Herbert Tabor Research Award, FASEB Excellence in Science Award, and ASBMB Plenary Lectures. These recognition include notable scientists such as Robert G. Roeder, Bonnie L. Bassler, Peter Walter, Charles Brenner...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 2, 2016

Living off the fat of the land

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that cancer cells can synthesize lipids from non-glucose sources, contradicting the long-held glucose hypothesis. This finding raises questions about diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for cancer.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 31, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find 'outlier' enzymes, potential new targets to treat diabetes, inflammation

Two unique enzymes, AIG1 and ADTRP, have been discovered that play a role in metabolism and inflammation, potentially targeting type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. The enzymes are moderately inhibited by lipase inhibitors, suggesting they may be used to boost FAHFAs, which normalize glucose levels and reduce inflammation.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 28, 2016

New insights into human tears could lead to more comfortable contact lenses

Researchers at Stanford University developed a machine to mimic the surface of the eye, allowing for systematic testing of tear film behavior on contact lens surfaces. This innovation could lead to more comfortable contact lenses that protect users from painful dry eye symptoms.

SourceStanford University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 25, 2016

BPA substitute can trigger fat cell formation

A new study found that exposure to bisphenol S, a chemical used in BPA-free products, can encourage the formation of fat cells. Researchers created a human cell model and tested the effects of BPS exposure on fat cell metabolism.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMar 22, 2016

Starving eye cells contribute to blindness in elders

Researchers found that photoreceptors use both glucose and lipids as fuel substrates, debunking previous scientific beliefs about the cause of abnormal blood vessel growth leading to blindness. This discovery opens new therapeutic avenues for retinal diseases such as AMD.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016
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 new view of age-related macular degeneration: Fuel-starved light receptors

A study published in Nature Medicine found that fuel-starved light receptors contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration. The researchers discovered that photoreceptors need lipids, not just glucose, to function properly and that blocking a specific receptor can prevent abnormal vessel growth.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 14, 2016

Syracuse University chemists expose side effects of antimalarial drug

Researchers discovered that saposin B binds to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, potentially leading to toxicity due to prolonged binding instead of removing damaged lipids. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating saposin B's role in other conditions, such as lysosomal storage diseases.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalChemMedChem·DateFeb 25, 2016

New 'lipidomics' method could bring fast cancer diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new analytical tool that can identify 'isomers' in lipid molecules, which may lead to the early diagnosis of cancer. The method uses tandem mass spectrometry and the Paternò-Büchi reaction to pinpoint the location of double bonds in lipids.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Renewable fuels from algae boosted by NREL refinery process

A new biorefinery process developed by NREL has significantly improved ethanol production from algae, with a yield of 126 gallons of gasoline equivalents per ton of biomass. The process, called Combined Algal Processing (CAP), reduces costs by nearly $10/GGE compared to traditional methods.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalAlgal Research·DateFeb 16, 2016

Expanded understanding of promising blood fat-lowering protein

Researchers at Umea University have found that the protein FGF21 redistributes fatty acids through two mechanisms, leading to improved pharmaceutical treatment options for obesity-related diseases. The study also shows that FGF21 can activate the enzyme Lipoprotein lipase, increasing the hydrolytic cleavage and uptake of blood lipids.

SourceUmea University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 11, 2016
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.

UCR research advances oil production in yeast

A UCR team adapted CRISPR-Cas9 for use in Yarrowia lipolytica, a yeast strain that converts sugars into useful lipids and hydrocarbons. This breakthrough enables the production of new biofuels, specialty polymers, adhesives, and fragrances from cheap raw materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJan 26, 2016

Tiny plankton can play a major role in CO2 storage in the oceans

Research reveals that tiny plankton can store large amounts of CO2, potentially doubling estimates of ocean carbon absorption. The copepod lipid pump mechanism is a significant discovery, as it was not previously considered in climate models.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2015
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 marker for migraine?

Researchers found a new biomarker in ceramides that may help diagnose and treat episodic migraine. Women with episodic migraine had lower levels of ceramides in their blood compared to those without headaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 9, 2015

Using DNA origami to build nanodevices of the future

Scientists at Kyoto University developed an approach to assemble DNA origami units into larger structures by using a double layer of lipids. This method allows for more freedom of movement and interaction between origami structures, enabling them to form nanomachines such as nanomotors for targeted drug delivery

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2015

Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor

Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Keeping algae from stressing out

Researchers identify two transcription factors that regulate lipid accumulation in stressed algae, enabling sustainable fuels production. The study also demonstrates a strategy for overexpressing PSR1 to trick cells into producing lipids without dying.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 4, 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.

Key protein controls nutrient availability in mammals

Researchers found that KLF15 helps maintain metabolic balance by controlling the availability of nutrients in the body. The discovery may also contribute to understanding diseases characterized by excessive bile acid production.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2015

WSU scientists turn white fat into obesity-fighting beige fat

WSU scientists demonstrate that resveratrol converts excess white fat into beige fat, reducing weight gain by 40%. Polyphenols found in fruit enhance fat oxidation, preventing obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Increasing fruit consumption can boost total polyphenolic intake.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 18, 2015
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.

Study: Top salads with eggs to better absorb vegetables' carotenoids

Research from Purdue University found that adding eggs to a salad with raw vegetables significantly improves the absorption of carotenoids. This is due to the lipid content in whole eggs, which enhances the absorption of these fat-soluble nutrients.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 5, 2015

A step toward avoiding the dreaded chocolate 'bloom'

Researchers discovered that lipids in chocolate products move through pores and cracks, softening and dissolving solid cocoa butter into liquid form. By reducing pore number and liquid cocoa butter content, chocolatiers can minimize the formation of blooming coatings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 6, 2015

Scientists X-ray chocolate

Researchers at Hamburg University of Technology, DESY, and Nestle found that reducing porosity, storing products at ideal temperatures, and controlling crystallization can help minimize fat bloom. This study provides new insights into the formation of fat bloom, an issue affecting millions in the food industry.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 6, 2015
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.

Fat turns from diabetes foe to potential treatment

Researchers have discovered a new class of potentially therapeutic lipids, FAHFAs, which are found at lower levels in people with insulin resistance. Administering FAHFAs to diabetic mice improved glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, suggesting a potential avenue for developing novel medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

Pigs gain the same with corn-ethanol co-product as with corn-soybean meal diet, says study

A recent study found that pigs fed diets containing corn-ethanol co-products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), had no significant differences in growth performance compared to those fed a traditional corn-soybean meal diet. The study showed that conventional, high-protein, or uncooked DDGS can be safely included at...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 20, 2015

A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Skin based immunity secrets revealed

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 2, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

A control knob for fat?

A new study found that protein Maf1 controls fat levels in C. elegans worms, suggesting a similar function in humans. Increasing or decreasing Maf1 levels resulted in significant changes in stored lipids.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2014

Precise measurements of microbial ecosystems

Researchers have described the intricate relationships within a biological wastewater treatment plant in unprecedented detail. This study provides new insights into the laws governing bacterial function, with potential applications in medicine and environmental conservation.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2014
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.

Contact lens discomfort linked to changes in lipid layer of tear film

A new study found that contact lens discomfort is associated with degradation of the lipid layer in the tear film. Applying a liposomal eyelid spray increased stability of the tear film and improved dry eye symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for patients with contact lens discomfort.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 20, 2014

Fat a culprit in fibrotic lung damage

Researchers discovered that excess lipids in the lungs trigger an inflammatory response, leading to scarring and pulmonary fibrosis. The team's findings suggest a new direction for developing novel therapies by targeting lipid handling in the lungs.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateNov 20, 2014
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.

Researchers identify a new class of 'good' fats

Researchers have identified a new class of lipid molecules that enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, offering a promising direction for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. The fatty acid hydroxyl fatty acids (FAHFAs) are produced and broken down inside the human body and may serve as an early marker for the risk of...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2014

Study: Marine pest provides advances in maritime anti-fouling and biomedicine

Researchers from Clemson University have discovered that lipids play a crucial role in the adhesion mechanism of barnacle cyprid larvae, paving the way for novel anti-fouling paint for ships and boats. The findings also provide insight into the development of new bio-adhesives for medical and industrial applications.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2014

Scissoring the lipids

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new strategy for disconnecting molecules, which could be used to create a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. The method, described in Nature Chemistry, enables the synthesis of complex lipids like hydroxyphthioceranic acid in just 14 steps.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2014

On the link between periodontitis and atherosclerosis

Researchers discover that P. gingivalis modifies its lipid A structure to evade host defenses and establish chronic infection, leading to persistent systemic low-grade inflammation. This mechanism contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis in blood vessels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 10, 2014