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Cell membranes behave like cornstarch and water

Researchers discovered that cell membranes behave as viscoelastic materials, bouncing back like rubber when quickly perturbed. This finding challenges the long-held notion of biological membranes being simple Newtonian fluids.

Researchers discover novel mechanism protecting plants against freezing

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a novel mechanism that protects plants from freezing temperatures, which could also help understand drought tolerance. The discovery was made in Arabidopsis thaliana, a common mustard weed, and involves the formation of a lipid that retains membrane integrity.

Where the fat's at

A team of UC San Diego researchers has created a novel map of lipid locations in a single cell, providing insights into how lipids influence disease processes. The study identified over 220 individual molecular lipid species and found that numerous lipids change in abundance once a macrophage becomes active.

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.

UC nanotech researchers develop artificial pore

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have successfully developed an artificial pore that can transmit double-stranded DNA through a membrane. The engineered channel was created by inserting the modified core of a nanomotor into a lipid membrane, allowing for the movement of single- and double-stranded DNA.

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.

Liquid or solid? Charged nanoparticles in lipid membrane decide

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new way to stimulate patchiness in phospholipid membranes using charged nanoparticles. This phenomenon allows the membrane to coexist in two phases - solid and liquid - depending on what binds to it, offering a new mechanism for modulating stiffness in membranes.

Researchers discover how stealthy HIV protein gets into cells

A multidisciplinary team from the University of Illinois has solved the mystery of how the HIV virus's TAT protein crosses cell membranes. The findings reveal that the protein creates a 'saddle splay curvature' in the membrane, making it porous and allowing molecules to pass through.

On the (sound) track of anesthetics

Denmark's researchers claim anesthetics are based on sound pulses rather than electrical impulses. The membrane of the nerve is similar to olive oil and can change state with temperature, allowing concentrated sound pulses to propagate without heat.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Biophysical Society announces winners of 2007 International Travel Awards

The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend the 51st annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The awards recognize outstanding biophysicists from countries experiencing financial difficulties and honor their scientific merit and proposed presentations at the meeting.

Studying membranes at the nanoscale

Scientists have successfully mapped the chemical composition of lipid membranes at the nanoscale, shedding light on their dynamic behavior and structural organization. This breakthrough uses Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze membrane components, offering new insights into cell function and vulnerability to viruses.

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.

Nanomaterials to mimic cells

Scientists at UC Davis create porous aerogel supports to study artificial membrane systems, aiming to replicate biological membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into how real cell membranes behave in platelet cells that form blood clots.

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.

Artificial cell gets light-powered nanopump for calcium ions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a light-powered molecular pump that shuttles calcium ions through a phospholipid membrane. The operation is controlled by an artificial reaction center molecule, which donates and reabsorbs electrons in response to light. This innovation could be used for various applications, incl...

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.

Clotting cells switched on by cold

A study has shown that chilling causes changes in the platelets' outer membrane, leading to the formation of lipid rafts. This process is a general first step in platelet activation, which can lead to blood clots and heart attacks.