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PolyU scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation

Researchers at PolyU have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip that can simulate large-structured and complex molecules with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables scientists to tackle complicated quantum chemistry problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

New insights on how bird flu crosses the species barrier

A new study from the Cusack group sheds light on how avian influenza virus can mutate to replicate in mammalian cells. The key enzyme polymerase must adapt to overcome two main barriers: entering and replicating within host cells, as well as acquiring human transmission capabilities.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

TTUHSC’s Guan receives NIH grant to continue cell transport research

Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateAug 12, 2024

SNU researchers develop technology to predict the deformation of DNA origami structures induced by DNA-binding molecules

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a technology to quickly predict the mechanochemical shape changes of DNA origami structures based on the concentration of binding molecules. This methodology enables the design of tunable DNA origami structures that can change shape as needed, contributing to advancements in DNA n...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024
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.

How fungi elude antifungal treatments

Researchers at Michigan State University characterized how fungi restructure their cell walls to thwart current antifungal medications. The study found that fungi enhance their survival odds by making specific changes to the structure and organization of the components in their cell walls, rendering existing drugs ineffective.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2024

Glimpse into the nanoworld: microscope reveals tiniest cell processes

A new type of fluorescence microscope has been developed with a resolution better than five nanometres, enabling the capture of even the tiniest cell structures. This breakthrough allows researchers to visualize fine tubes in cells that are only around seven nanometres wide.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 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.

Escaping from traps

Researchers from MPI-DS investigated how non-reciprocal interactions can help overcome static equilibrium states in complex systems. They found that these interactions can counteract energy barriers, allowing trapped systems to escape and potentially leading to more efficient molecular systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

Folded peptides are more electrically conductive than unfolded peptides

Researchers found that folded peptides are more electrically conductive than their unfolded counterparts due to the formation of a specific secondary structure called the 3_10 helix. This discovery has implications for the design and development of molecular electronic devices.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2024

Modular assembly of ethylene, arenes and heteroarenes

Researchers at NUS have developed a novel method for creating 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethanes using fundamental feedstock chemicals. The new approach enables the modular assembly of diverse molecular scaffolds with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and petrochemical industries.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024
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.

Seeing inside Alzheimer’s disease brain

Researchers have determined the structure of molecules within an Alzheimer's disease brain for the first time using cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy. This study revealed the molecular structure of tau protein and its arrangement with amyloid plaques, providing new insights into the pathology of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

New therapy strengthens the immune system's counterattack on skin cancer

Scientists have developed a new immunotherapy that can identify and fight cancer cells in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment involves stimulating the immune system's T cells against specific elements of the virus involved in cancer formation.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2024

AI model finds the cancer clues at lightning speed

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg developed an AI model called Candycrunch to automate the analysis of glycan structures in cancer cells. The model can identify abnormal structures and biomarkers in just a few seconds, accelerating the discovery of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2024
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.

U of T researchers develop deep-learning model that outperforms Google AI system to predict peptide structures

Researchers at U of T have developed a deep-learning model called PepFlow that can predict the full range of conformations for peptides, which are shorter than proteins but perform similar biological functions. The model combines machine learning and physics to capture precise and accurate conformations within minutes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 27, 2024

How scientists build rotatory machines with molecules

Researchers at UNIST developed zeolitic imidazolate frameworks that mimic intricate machines, exhibiting precise control over nanoscale mechanical movements. The discovery has significant implications for applications in data storage, digital technology, and beyond.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2024

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way

Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

An enzyme with a smart friend

Researchers discovered that enzyme METTL6 interacts with tRNA synthetase to recognize specific tRNAs, enabling precise modification and potential application in cancer treatment. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular machinery of protein production.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 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.

Quantum state mixing in photobiology – new insight from ultrafast terahertz Stark spectroscopy

Researchers used ultrafast terahertz Stark spectroscopy to characterize the molecular quantum states involved in the proton pump reaction of bacteriorhodopsin. The study reveals pronounced quantum state mixing in the early electronic and nuclear dynamics, supporting a picture of mixed excited-state characters.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Protein study could help researchers develop new antibiotics

A team of researchers has created a water-soluble version of the bacterial enzyme histidine kinase, which could be used in high-throughput screens to rapidly test potential drugs that target this enzyme. The new protein retains its natural functions despite being converted from a hydrophobic protein.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2024

Gold nanoparticles that selectively emit left-/right-handed light

Researchers found that chiral gold nanoparticles exhibit high selectivity for left- or right-handed circularly polarized light with a dissymmetry factor of approximately 0.7, outperforming previous materials. The findings suggest potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and quantum information using circularly polarized light.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024
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.

Understanding the atomic density fluctuations in silica glass

A team of researchers from Japan have employed an innovative technique to directly observe the origin of FSDP and the atomic density fluctuations in silica (SiO2) glass. The study reveals alternating arrangements of chain-like columnar atomic configurations and interstitial tube-like voids.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

A new Hungarian method may aid protein research

Researchers develop LoCoHD algorithm to compare protein structures based on chemical information of atoms, enabling analysis of molecular machines and identifying critical amino acids. The method shows promise in predicting protein functions, including studying the internal motion of proteins like podocin.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Editing without “cutting”: Molecular mechanisms of new gene-editing tool revealed

Researchers elucidated the spatial structure and molecular mechanisms of 'prime editor,' a novel gene-editing tool that achieves reverse transcription without DNA cutting. This breakthrough contributes to designing gene-editing tools accurate enough for gene therapy treatments, opening new avenues for both basic and applied research.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Nonlinear photochromic properties in a perylene-substituted rhodamine spirolactam

Researchers developed a novel compound with nonlinear photochromic properties, achieving enhanced contrast and spatial resolution. The compound exhibits improved coloration efficiency with higher-intensity light, enabling diverse applications in photolithography, 3D printing, and optical disks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Producing novel liquid crystals by stacking antiaromatic units

Scientists have developed a new approach to designing materials with useful electronic and optical properties. By stacking antiaromatic units using van der Waals interactions, researchers created highly conductive liquid crystals. This breakthrough could lead to advances in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and sensing devices.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Researchers tracking down rare hereditary diseases

The study reveals that FLVCR1 and FLVCR2 transport choline and ethanolamine across cellular membranes, supporting cell growth and stability. This discovery contributes to understanding rare diseases and developing new therapies for patients suffering from severe neurological and muscular disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2024
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 develop technique to analyze RNA structures in ultra-high definition

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a powerful method to analyze RNA structures in unprecedented detail. By combining cryogenic OrbiSIMS with advanced computational modelling and automation, they can now determine RNA structures in a matter of days, significantly advancing the field of RNA structural biology.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Insights into functions of micronutrient transporters may pave way for new treatments for neurological diseases

Scientists have discovered the transporters responsible for delivering essential nutrients choline and ethanolamine to human cells. The study sheds light on the atomic structure of these transporters and their role in distributing micronutrients throughout the body, providing a foundation for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
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.

Alkyl-aromatic hybrid micelles formed from emergent umbrella-shaped molecules

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed alkyl-aromatic hybrid micelles that exhibit high stability in water and excellent host functions towards aromatic guests. The new amphiphiles feature a linear alkyl-chain flanked by two aromatic panels, forming an alkyl core surrounded by an aromatic shell.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

Enhancing superconductivity of graphene-calcium superconductors

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology experimentally revealed that high-density Ca introduction enhances superconductivity in graphene-calcium compounds through confinement epitaxy, leading to increased critical temperatures. This breakthrough could enable the development of C6CaC6 superconductors with wide applicability in qu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024
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.

Free-forming organelles help plants adapt to climate change

Researchers have determined the molecular level function of free-forming structures in plant cells that help sense light and temperature, enabling plants to distinguish a range of different light intensities. The formation of these organelles is not random but is linked to specific locations within the cell, particularly near centromeres.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2024

Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method

A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Why you can taste more ethanol in a cold pint of beer or warm glass of baijiu

The study reveals that the formation of pyramid-shaped structures around water molecules is dominant at low ethanol concentrations, but chain-like structures become more prevalent at higher temperatures. This explains why baijiu has a distinct taste at room temperature, which disappears at higher temperatures.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Pattern formation in the nano-cosmos

Scientists developed a model to predict pattern formation by phase separation, considering material properties and molecular arrangements. The new theory can help engineers create specific nanoscopic structures following nature's principles of self-organization.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 24, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Synthesizing π-extended carbohelicene-based circularly polarized luminescence emitters

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new strategy to synthesize 3D π-extended carbohelicenes, overcoming molecular distortions and achieving CPL brightness of up to 513 M–1 cm–1. The study provides a solid groundwork for further research and development of high-performance carbohelicenes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Tracking a protein’s fleeting shape changes

Researchers developed a powerful new technique to generate dynamic structural data of proteins. They applied it to Glt Ph, revealing previously unseen structural states and uncovering the basis of wanderlust kinetics. The approach opens up possibilities to track protein structure in real-time.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

Researchers realize target protein stability analysis by time-resolved ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry

Researchers developed a time-resolved native mass spectrometry strategy to analyze target protein stability and structure unfolding dynamics. The study found that mutations can reduce the non-covalent interactions between protein and cofactor, leading to decreased stability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 17, 2024

An enzyme makes mushrooms “magical”

Researchers discovered a crucial amino acid exchange that enables PsiM to carry out double methylation during evolution. The enzyme plays a key role in psilocybin production, with implications for biotechnological production of the active ingredient.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2024
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.

Cells putting on a face

Researchers have developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into cell populations that form patterns resembling the facial primordium. This allows for the creation of an in vitro model to study early facial development and potential treatments for craniofacial disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

The genesis of our cellular skeleton, image by image

Researchers at the University of Geneva have successfully visualized and reconstructed the assembly of the human centriole, a critical structure in the cell skeleton. By combining high-resolution microscopy and kinematic reconstruction techniques, they were able to model the first 4D assembly of the centriole, providing new insights in...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2024
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.

New insights into cholesterol dynamics shed light on neurodegenerative disease

A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Beetles living in the dark teach us how to make sustainable colors

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have discovered how to produce sustainable colors using beetles that live in the dark. By understanding how these beetles' exoskeletons reflect light, scientists can create environmentally friendly materials for various industries. This breakthrough has significant implicatio...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 13, 2024

A simple and robust method to add functional molecules to peptides

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a unique chemical reaction to attach two distinct functional molecules to the N-terminus of peptides with a glycine amino acid, achieving site-selective modification and stable carbon-carbon bonds. The method shows potential for labeling diverse peptides and larger proteins for purification,...

SourceTohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 11, 2024
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.

This protein pic could help develop new cancer treatments

The study reveals that LAG-3 exists as a dimer, with two molecules forming the functional checkpoint protein. An antibody used to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in animal models blocks activity by binding to the dimer interface. This new understanding may lead to better cancer treatments targeting this protein.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2024