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Could a new medical approach fix faulty genes before birth?

A new study in mice shows a unique mRNA delivery method can successfully edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. The technology has the potential to stop progression of genetic-based neurodevelopmental conditions like Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome before birth.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Don’t kill the messenger RNA!

The Max Planck Institute team has developed a strategy to extend mRNA lifespan by protecting it from degradation. This protects potentially health-promoting proteins, such as tumor suppressors and nuclear receptors, from premature breakdown.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Siloxane nanoparticles unlock precise organ targeting for mRNA therapy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a novel means of directing lipid nanoparticles to target specific tissues. By incorporating siloxane composites into ionizable lipids, they were able to achieve tissue-specific delivery, particularly to the liver, lungs, and spleen.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024
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.

How cells boost gene expression

A research team from Göttingen University has discovered that antisense RNA (asRNA) plays a crucial role in cell transport, allowing cells to accelerate gene expression and produce proteins quickly in response to environmental stress or harm. This new understanding sheds light on the function of asRNAs and their potential link to disea...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

CCR4-NOT complex in stress resistance and longevity in C. elegans

The CCR4-NOT complex plays a crucial role in regulating RNA metabolism and stress response in C. elegans, compromising stress resistance and decreasing lifespan when depleted of subunits. This study highlights an important new role for the CCR4-NOT complex in normal aging and longevity.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 11, 2024

Decoding development: mRNA's role in embryo formation

Researchers developed a method to quantify mRNA transcription and degradation rates within individual cell types, uncovering varied regulatory rates across genes. The study provides novel insights into how pluripotent cells adopt specialized identities through gene expression.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Enabling rapid screening of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine through divergent synthesis; towards alternative mRNA-vaccines

Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for diversifying reactive end-groups on poly(2-oxazoline)s, enabling rapid exploration of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine platforms. The approach was shown to produce POx-based lipid nanoparticles comparable in transfection capability to their PEGylated counterparts.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

A new coating method in mRNA engineering points the way to advanced therapies

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a novel method for coating engineered messenger RNA molecules with polyethylene glycol (PEG), allowing selective delivery to the spleen. This breakthrough enables fine-tuned control over mRNA therapy, facilitating effective treatment of diseases previously considered inc...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalSmall Science·DateApr 10, 2024
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.

Neonatal outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

A large population-based study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were not associated with increased neonatal adverse events in infants born between June 2021 and January 2023. The study included 94,000 vaccinated infants and 102,000 control infants, indicating a lower risk of serious health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2024

Covid vaccine for pregnant women safe for newborn infants

A large study of nearly 200,000 newborns in Sweden and Norway found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants. In fact, babies born to vaccinated mothers had lower mortality rates and fewer serious complications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Effectiveness of bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents ages 5 to 17

A recent study published in JAMA found that bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were highly effective in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19 in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17. The study, involving 2,959 participants, demonstrated the significant benefit of COVID-19 vaccination in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2024
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.

Location, location, location: The hidden power of intracellular neighborhoods

Researchers found a code directing mRNAs to specific neighborhoods for translation, revealing the cytoplasm's compartmentalization. This discovery sheds light on fundamental cellular biology and holds promise for increasing or altering protein production in mRNA vaccines and therapies.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Discovery: Plants use “trojan horse” to fight mold invasions

Plant scientists have discovered a sophisticated RNA defense system that plants use to attack gray mold cells, sending mRNA molecules that disrupt fungal cellular processes. This innovative approach could lead to the development of eco-friendly fungicides with minimal environmental impact and no harm to humans or animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 20, 2023

Scientists in Germany develop a new analytical method, which enables improved insight into (mRNA) nanoparticles and similar pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products

Scientists in Germany developed a new analytical method to precisely elucidate the size of particles, structure, and RNA molecules in pharmaceutical products. This information can help evaluate product quality, enabling improved development of new products.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Mineral coatings could enable shelf-stable mRNA therapies

Researchers have developed a mineral coating that maintains mRNA activity for up to six months at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the storage of mRNA therapeutics like COVID-19 vaccines on medical shelves, bridging the gap between rich and poor communities.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Mice possess natural gene therapy system

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has discovered a new role for 4.5 SH RNA in mice, which plays a crucial role in regulating alternative splicing and may be the first identified member of a new class of regulatory RNAs.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Novel stem cell therapy using technology from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may stimulate natural repair in treatment of chronic and acute liver disease

A new stem cell treatment using mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines has shown promise in regenerating liver tissue, potentially reversing chronic and acute liver diseases. The treatment stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the liver by activating specific receptors on stem cells.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2023
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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

From A to Z: An alternative base modification for mRNA therapeutics

Researchers developed a new base modification, Z-mRNA, that demonstrates low immunogenicity and reduced cytotoxicity compared to unmodified mRNAs. The modified mRNA can induce a substantial immune response and has potential therapeutic applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournaliScience·DateOct 3, 2023

A novel bone regeneration technique with clinical potential

A team from Tokyo Medical and Dental University has developed a technique to improve bone regeneration over large areas in rats, using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Runx2. The combination of these two RNAs led to better regenerative responses in bone cells than each RNA alone.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalInflammation and Regeneration·DateJul 25, 2023

How cfRNA could revolutionize preeclampsia diagnosis – BGI perspectives

Researchers detected distinct RNA patterns in healthy and preeclampsia-affected pregnancies, identifying messenger RNA, microRNA, and long noncoding RNA as potential biomarkers. The study developed classifiers for predicting preterm and early-onset preeclampsia with high accuracy.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 20, 2023
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.

Hitting reset to start a new embryo

Researchers identified OBOX genes as master regulators of zygote genome activation, enabling the newly formed embryo to develop according to its own genetic program. The study found that these genes facilitate Pol II locating to the correct genes, allowing for the activation of transcription factors and subsequent development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
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.

Progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed by prospective study of immune responses to COVID vaccines between December 2020 and June 2021

A prospective study of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines found progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed that CLL patients experienced reduced antibody responses to the vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2023

Helping the human body to fight diseases

A German federal funding program will support a five-year research collaboration to develop specialty lipids and auxiliaries for mRNA vaccines. The project aims to enhance production capacities and improve the resilience of supply chains for future mRNA therapeutics.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 14, 2023

New method enables study of nano-sized particles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method called single-particle profiling (SPP) to study bioparticles in health and disease. The SPP enables the measurement of thousands of particles between 5 and 200 nanometres in size, with potential applications in vaccine development and creating more effective nanocarriers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Personalized vaccines may revolutionize cancer treatment

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating melanoma by adding an mRNA vaccine tailored to individual tumour genetics to common immunotherapy, significantly improving survival and disease recurrence rates. After two years, cancer-free survival increased to 78.6%, and the risk of death or cancer returning was reduced by 44%.

SourceEdith Cowan University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

BRAIN LOGISTICS: Missing link explains mRNA delivery in brain cells

Researchers discovered a protein complex called FERRY that plays a crucial role in transporting messenger RNA in neurons. The study provided evidence of the transport of mRNA using Early Endosomes (EEs) and a novel mode of binding RNA via coiled-coil domains.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

How tasty is the food?

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that ghrelin activates specialized nerve cells in the amygdala, promoting food consumption and conveying hunger feelings. The study uncovers the physiological processes behind feeding behavior, which may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for eating disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 24, 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.

Uncovering new mechanisms for wheat rust resistance

Researchers have cloned the wheat rust resistance genes Lr9 and Sr43, revealing that they encode unusual kinase fusion proteins. This breakthrough enables new options for addressing disease resistance in bread wheat and could lead to heat-resistant versions of the Sr43 gene to adapt to climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 22, 2023

A ribosomal traffic jam that breaks the heart

Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023

The beginning is the end

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that specific start sites (TSSs) are linked to distinct end sites (TESs), shaping the RNA landscape unique to each tissue. Dominant promoters, which overrule conventional signals, drive this process and are conserved across species.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

LincRNA paints a target on diseased tissues

Researchers have discovered a novel feature of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) that can serve as markers indicating specific types of tissue. This finding has the potential to lead to highly specific disease treatments by targeting diseased tissues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
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.

More efficient and cost-effective mRNA vaccines: Researchers from Graz University of Technology produce pseudouridine by means of biocatalytic synthesis

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have developed a novel method for producing central components of mRNA vaccines using biocatalytic synthesis. This approach achieves a yield of 92-95% compared to 40-50% for chemical processes, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Vaccine printer could help vaccines reach more people

Researchers at MIT have created a vaccine printer that can produce hundreds of vaccine doses in a day, using microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature. The printer can be deployed anywhere vaccines are needed, providing on-demand vaccine production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 24, 2023

One of first studies to assess new bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine shows it is highly effective in reducing deaths and hospitalizations

A new study found that the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine reduced hospitalization and death risks by 72% and 68%, respectively, in adults aged 65 years and older. The study highlights the importance of bivalent booster vaccination in high-risk populations.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

Risk of new retinal vascular occlusion after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

A large study of over 3 million patients receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine found extremely rare cases of retinal vascular occlusion. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence suggesting an association between the vaccine and newly diagnosed RVO, rates similar to those of other vaccinations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 13, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

UM School of Medicine researchers chart path forward on developing mRNA vaccines for infections beyond COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are using mRNA vaccine technology to combat various infectious diseases. A new clinical trial aims to test an mRNA-based vaccine against malaria, with hopes for a rapid adaptive response to virus evolution and the manufacture of combination vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2023

RNA: Don't kill the messenger

A protein complex formed of HuR and YB1 is crucial for messenger RNA stability during muscle-fiber formation. Further research could help scientists influence protein synthesis and develop novel therapeutics for muscle-related pathologies.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 8, 2023
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.

UC Davis study uncovers age-related brain differences in autistic individuals

A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2023