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Supply bottleneck impairs nerve function

A recent study published in PNAS found that disrupted mRNA transport into axons leads to impaired nerve function and cell death, exacerbating conditions like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy. The researchers identified a noncoding RNA, 7SK, as playing a crucial role in these transport complexes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inherited mutation leads to overproduction of EPO

Researchers discover first mutation in EPO gene causing increased production of EPO hormone, leading to abnormally high red blood cell mass. The mutation reprograms a second mRNA in the EPO gene, resulting in biologically active EPO production and increased symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2018

JHU scientists discover how extremophiles flourish in stressful environments

Researchers discovered that small noncoding RNAs orchestrate the resilience of Haloarchaea to oxidative stress by degrading messenger RNA and silencing transposons. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how other species, like humans, resist damage from oxidative stress.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 2, 2018

What makes a good egg?

A protein called ZFP36L2 is essential for eggs to complete normal development and fertility. Female mice lacking this protein in their eggs are infertile due to a failure in global transcriptional silencing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 5, 2018
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.

Memory gene goes viral

Scientists have discovered that a gene crucial for learning, called Arc, can send its genetic material from one neuron to another by employing a strategy commonly used by viruses. This new process may allow the toxic proteins responsible for Alzheimer's disease to spread through the brain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateJan 16, 2018

Genetic instructions from mom set the pattern for embryonic development

A recent study published in eLife found that a maternally inherited gene is essential for proper zebrafish embryonic development, and its absence leads to fatal defects. The research reveals the critical role of this gene in regulating cell signaling pathways, including Nodal signaling, which plays a key role in left-right patterning.

SourcePrinceton University·DateDec 15, 2017
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.

New mouse model replicates an underlying cause of intellectual disability

Researchers developed a new mouse model lacking the Upf3b gene to study its underlying role in intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that Upf3b-deficient mice exhibited defects in neural stem cell specialization, dendrite formation, and sensory processing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 2017

Cell economics 101

Researchers discovered that intestinal cells use a strategy to increase protein production within minutes of food entering the intestines, enabling fast and efficient processing. This approach has potential medical implications for diseases such as colitis, Crohn's disease, and bowel cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2017

How head-on collisions of DNA protein machines stop replication

A new study reveals that head-on collisions between protein machines on chromosomes can disrupt DNA replication and increase the frequency of genetic errors. These collisions promote mutations in key genes involved in coping with environmental stresses, which may help bacteria survive hostile environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Circular RNA linked to brain function

Researchers have discovered a circular RNA, Cdr1as, that regulates microRNA levels and modulates synaptic responses in the brain. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of neural function and may hold potential for treating psychiatric diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Neurobiology: Lessons by post

A dedicated transport system has been characterized that delivers specific mRNAs to active synapses, allowing for the modulation of synaptic junctions and enabling learning and memory. The key factor involved in this transport binds specifically to regions of its mRNA cargo lacking protein-coding information.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEMBO Reports·DateAug 7, 2017

How cells control nuclear size becomes clearer

A study by Hiroshima University researchers has discovered that controlling the hoarding of genetic materials in the nucleus causes it to bulk up. The swelling is also enabled by regulating the transport of mRNA and proteins from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, as well as lipid synthesis for nuclear membrane expansion.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2017
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.

Breaking the protein-DNA bond

A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Molecular biology: Fingerprinting cell identities

Researchers compared six methods for single-cell RNA sequencing and found that some commercial kits are ten times more expensive than homemade versions. The choice of method depends on the experiment's conditions and demands. This study is valuable for further developing the technology, particularly in the Human Cell Atlas project.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2017

Glowing mice suggest new gene therapy technique

A novel gene therapy technique, called charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), has been developed to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells. This method overcomes the challenge of delivering mRNA through cell membranes and shows promise for treating diseases by inserting therapeutic proteins.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2017

Don't kill the messenger RNA

Researchers at Salk Institute use mRNA therapy to deliver instructions for clotting protein, achieving normal clotting and minimal immune response in mice. The therapy shows potential as a cost-effective and safer alternative to existing treatments for hemophilia B and other genetic diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

New Zika vaccine candidate protects mice and monkeys with a single dose

A new Zika vaccine candidate has shown promising results in preclinical tests, protecting mice and monkeys with a single dose of mRNA-based vaccine. The innovative approach induces strong immune responses without adverse events, offering a potential solution to the global fight against Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2017

CAS scientists discover BCAS2 involved in alternative mRNA splicing in spermatogonia and the transit to meiosis

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences found that BCAS2 plays a crucial role in alternative mRNA splicing during mouse spermatogenesis, leading to impaired meiosis initiation. The study provides evidence for the importance of alternative splicing machinery in regulating germ cell development.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2017

Manipulating gene expression precisely using light

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a new technology that can precisely control gene expression by light illumination, overcoming existing limitations. The method uses ultraviolet and blue light to start and stop protein production in embryos, enabling precise timing and duration of gene expression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 23, 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.

Cell biology: Take the mRNA train

Researchers have characterized the structure of a macromolecular complex involved in mRNA transport, showing how RNAs are recognized and bound by binding proteins in the nucleus. The complex allows for the specific recognition and transport of mRNAs from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 17, 2017

An ancient mechanism helps a cell to resist stress

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University demonstrate how an evolutionary ancient mechanism of protein biosynthesis helps a cell resist stress. They developed a technique called FLERT, which allows studying the impact of cell stress on protein synthesis in a short-time scale.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2016
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.

Scientists learn more about how motors maneuver our cells' roadways

Researchers have identified a new adaptor protein on the microtubule roadway that helps motors navigate proteins to their correct destinations. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about motor function and has implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateDec 6, 2016

Protein synthesis: Ribosome recycling as a drug target

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism to recycle bacterial ribosomes stalled on messenger RNAs lacking termination codons. This process, involving the protein ArfA, has emerged as a promising target for developing new antibiotics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2016

Neural stem cells serve as RNA highways too

Researchers discovered that neural stem cells serve as RNA highways, transporting proteins and messenger RNAs to the endfeet. FMRP was found to be responsible for controlling mRNA movement and is linked to autism-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 1, 2016
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.

The messenger in Huntington's disease

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified a new pathway to therapy discovery for Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking the activity of messenger RNA (mRNA) is enough to revert alterations associated with the disease.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2016

Gene regulation: Shaping up to make the cut

Researchers have discovered that distinct conformations of a protein essential for spliceosome assembly on mRNA precursors significantly influence splicing efficiency. The findings suggest that different structural configurations adopted by the large subunit of U2AF regulate splicing operations, affecting protein synthesis rates and fi...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Gatekeeping proteins to aberrant RNA: You shall not pass

Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered a complex system of cell regulation that acts as quality control for genetic information transport out of the nucleus. They found that proteins associated with aberrant strands of genetic code are regulated, enabling gateway proteins to recognize and block them from exiting the nucleus.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2016

Vigilin, the lock keeper

Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

A tail of gene expression

Researchers found that messenger molecules in flatworms have alternate forms with varying tail lengths, affecting gene expression. The study provides insights into stem cell regulation and tissue regeneration.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·DateSep 6, 2016

The RNA that snips and stitches RNA

A recent SISSA/CNR-IOM study reconstructed the cleavage process for group II introns using computer simulations, shedding light on the human spliceosome's complex mechanism. The research provides valuable information for fighting diseases related to aberrant splicing, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 30, 2016
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.

Researchers find a likely cause of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are linked to a deficiency in nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), which deactivates the cell's quality control system and leads to increased inflammation. This finding may lead to new treatments for rare masses of immune cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 27, 2016

Scientists illuminate a hidden regulator in gene transcription

Scientists at MIT and HHMI use a new imaging technique to observe short-lived enzyme clusters that play a central role in triggering mRNA production and controlling gene transcription. These clusters, which remain stable for up to 24 seconds, can significantly impact gene expression.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 26, 2016

Shedding light on the 'dark matter' of the genome

Researchers have developed a method called 'LIGR-Seq' to explore the functions of non-coding RNAs in human cells. The study revealed new roles for small nucleolar RNAs in regulating protein-coding mRNA stability and abundance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 19, 2016

Role of poly(A) tails in mitosis

A new study by the IBS Center for RNA Research has found that poly(A) tail length is not linearly correlated with translation efficiency in somatic cells. The researchers used two techniques to compare poly(A) tail length and translation efficiency, finding a correlation between the two in a limited range.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 5, 2016

Scientists reveal how cell corrects errors made in gene transcription

Researchers at HKUST elucidated the dynamics of backtracking in RNA polymerase II, revealing a stepwise process that detects mis-incorporated RNA and corrects errors. The study provides insight into fundamental mechanisms of transcription and may help understand human diseases and aging related to transcription infidelity.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New cytoplasmic role for proteins linked to neurological diseases, cancers

A team of researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified a second role for RNA-binding proteins, which may contribute to neurological diseases such as autism and epilepsy. The study suggests that these proteins play a key regulatory role in translating messenger RNA into proteins.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

New RNA letter regulates gene expression

A new study published in Nature finds that an extra letter in RNA, m1A, regulates gene expression and is linked to increased protein synthesis. Thousands of genes are decorated by this modification, allowing cells to control the expression of proteins needed for key biological processes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateFeb 16, 2016

Scientists shed new light on workings of genetic regulation

A team of scientists has uncovered greater intricacy in protein signaling than previously understood, shedding light on the nature of genetic production. The research found that both protein synthesis and mRNA production are highly regulated processes, with different patterns and responses to outside stimuli.

SourceNew York University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJan 25, 2016

UZH scientists predict activity of human genes

Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that the nucleus acts as a passive filter to regulate gene activity, reducing random noise. By visualizing subtle physiological details with microscopic dyes, they were able to detect and predict the activity of individual genes in human cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell·DateDec 17, 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.

Good news for feast lovers? Obesity-promoting genes discovered

Researchers at OIST discovered a molecular mechanism involved in storing and burning fat. They found that mice lacking two specific genes remain lean even after eating a high-fat diet due to increased expression of Ucp1, which helps convert stored fat into heat.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 17, 2015

New ASU worldwide resource for exploring genes' hidden messages

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a worldwide resource to explore genes' deep and hidden messages, specifically the untranslated elements (UTRs) of the human genome. The UTRome library contains over 1,400 human 3'UTRs and is freely available for researchers to study gene regulation and disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateDec 11, 2015

Cell suicide prevention squad

Researchers have identified a key mechanism in regulating cell survival by controlling mRNA stability, shedding light on programmed cell death mechanisms. The study suggests that the CCR4-NOT complex plays a vital role in maintaining cellular integrity and that its component protein CNOT3 is crucial for cell viability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2015
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.

Genes for a longer, healthier life found

Researchers identified 30 genes influencing ageing process across three species, finding that blocking these genes extended lifespan by at least five percent. The bcat-1 gene, which degrades branched-chain amino acids, was found to be particularly influential in extending nematode lifespan.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2015

New approach to spinal cord and brain injury research

Researchers at UofSC have identified a molecular pathway that promotes nerve regeneration in the central nervous system, bridging the recovery gap between peripheral and central nerves. The discovery could lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·DateJul 14, 2015
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.

DNA protection, inch by inch

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have found a way to identify and silence 'jumping genes' that can alter the genetic code, using tiny RNA molecules called piRNA. These piRNAs guide proteins to destroy the genes, preventing uncontrolled changes in DNA.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 9, 2015