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Revealing the structure of axons

French researchers combine optical and electronic microscopy to observe axonal rings at the molecular scale. They discover that these rings are formed by long braided actin filaments, providing new understanding of axonal architecture.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

NTU scientists uncover structure of key pneumonia virus enzyme

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have elucidated the structure of a key component of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, two closely related viruses causing severe respiratory diseases. The team's findings provide new targets for designing antiviral molecules.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2019

Hiring antibodies as nanotechnology builders

A team of researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata has developed a novel approach to build and dismantle DNA nanostructures using antibodies. They engineered DNA bricks with recognition tags that assemble in the presence of specific antibodies, enabling the creation of intelligent nanostructures with potential applications in ...

SourceUniversità Roma Tor Vergata·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2019

Uncovering the principles behind RNA folding

A Northwestern University research team discovered similarities in RNA folding among riboswitches, which could impact the design of future RNA-specific therapeutics and synthetic biology tools. The findings could also inform efforts to treat diseases triggered by RNA-level misfolding.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 21, 2019
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.

Strained, symmetric, and new

Tetravinylallene, a highly unsaturated molecule with two adjacent double bonds, has been synthesized for the first time, offering a new approach to constructing complex molecular frameworks. Its symmetry enables chemists to perform multiple reactions in one step, making it a potent tool for synthesizing natural products and drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2019

Bottom-up synthesis of crystalline 2D polymers

Researchers at TU Dresden and Ulm University developed a new synthetic route to create crystalline 2D polymers with defined structures. The 2D polymers have promising properties for electronic components and systems, including superior charge transport and chemiresistivity.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2019

Catch-22 in graphene based molecular devices resolved

A research team has found a way to overcome the limitations of graphene-based molecular devices, creating structures that are both electrically and mechanically stable at room temperature. The breakthrough, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses a combination of covalent binding and large ۆ-conjugated head groups to achieve stability.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 2019

DNA repair: Opening the hatch to heal the break

Researchers have elucidated the complete three-dimensional structure of the MR complex, a molecular machine responsible for detecting and repairing DNA damage. The new structure reveals how the complex binds to DNA and initiates repair processes, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms involved.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 4, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Kissing loops' in RNA molecule essential for its role in tumor suppression

A team of scientists has discovered that the three-dimensional shape of an RNA molecule, called MEG3, is essential for its role in tumor suppression. The researchers found two critical elements within the molecule that form 'kissing loops', which interact with each other to maintain its function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 21, 2019

Skoltech scientists found a way to control the electrical characteristics of optical memory devices

Researchers from Skoltech have identified relationships between photochromic material structure and device electrical performance. The study found that certain molecular structures improve switching speed and reliability, paving the way for the development of new organic memory elements.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJun 28, 2019
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.

NSF award funds Pitt research on ionic liquids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are investigating how small amounts of water affect the molecular structure of ionic liquids at solid-liquid interfaces. The goal is to leverage this understanding to achieve better performance in applications such as energy storage devices and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 28, 2019

Scientists dissolve crude oil in water to study its composition

Researchers create a new approach to analyze crude oil composition by dissolving it in water under high temperature and pressure. The method is compliant with green chemistry principles, avoiding hazardous solvents.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2019

New synthesis of complex organic molecules revealed

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have designed a sequential synthesis sequence to create intricate molecules with various practical applications. The new method enables the efficient production of complex organic compounds, overcoming previous challenges related to bulkiness and instability.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

Synthesis of helical ladder polymers

Scientists have successfully synthesized helical ladder polymers using a novel electrophilic aromatic substitution method. The resulting molecules exhibit well-defined right-handed helical geometry and can be modified to create nanoscale architectures for various applications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Identifying the molecular structure of one of Alzheimer's stickier culprits

A team of researchers has mapped the molecular structure and dynamics of an aggressive protein modification linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this modification accelerates disease progression, causing toxic protein fragments to aggregate into sticky plaques that disrupt brain cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2019

Novel molecular multi-step photoswitches caught in the act

Scientists have caught a new class of molecular switches in action, revealing the full sequence of structural transformations. The discovery sheds light on how thermal steps work and provides new control mechanisms to improve switch performance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2019

Tracking charge carriers in the molecular crystal at organic pn junction

The researchers have fabricated an organic semiconductor pn junction with high crystallinity using molecular beam epitaxy, allowing for efficient electron and hole delocalization. This technology enables the realization of new concept organic solar cells with high energy conversion efficiency.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 25, 2019

Searching for the surface of water through a single molecule

Researchers have isolated single H2O molecules using cryogenic ion spectroscopy and observed individual frequencies of related OH groups. The vibrational frequencies demonstrate site-dependent behavior and reveal that bound OH companions account for lower energy bands in the spectrum.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2019

Inner electrons behave differently in aromatic hydrocarbons

A new study investigates the Auger effect in aromatic hydrocarbons, revealing that molecules with pi electrons have a lower double ionization threshold. This finding favors Auger decay over saturated hydrocarbons, with potential applications in cancer treatment and atomic identification.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 11, 2019
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.

Programmable 'Legos' of DNA and protein building blocks create novel 3D cages

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to assemble protein and DNA building blocks into three-dimensional cages. The technique allows for precise control over cage structure and size, opening up new possibilities for targeted delivery, structural biology, biomedicine, and catalytic materials.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 2, 2019

Illuminating water filtration

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular structure of membranes used in reverse osmosis, a leading method of purifying brackish water into drinking water. The study found that the perpendicular packing motif is better correlated with optimal filtration properties and may be related to how water pathways are oriented.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateMar 28, 2019

Molecular motors run in unison in a metal-organic framework

Organic chemists at the University of Groningen have created an ordered array of light-driven rotary motors in a 3D solid-state material, achieving cooperative action. The system contains 3 x 10^20 motors per cubic centimeter, all running in unison and performing work on a macro scale.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 2019

Drying without dying: How resurrection plants survive without water

Researchers discovered that resurrection plants control their water structure to survive dehydration by accumulating water molecular dimers and molecules with 4 hydrogen bonds. This regulation allows them to preserve tissues against dehydration-induced damages, enabling survival in dry states.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2019

$1 million award lets UVA open new portal to submicroscopic world

A UVA researcher is developing a new approach to determine molecular structures, which could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery and disease treatment. The method, called Serial Solution Scattering Structure Determination (S4D), aims to collect small amounts of information from many easily prepared samples.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateFeb 21, 2019
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.

Scientists discover new 'architecture' in corn

Researchers reveal a different internal structure of corn that can help optimize its conversion into ethanol. The discovery opens doors for new approaches to improve biofuel production efficiency.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2019

Enhanced NMR reveals chemical structures in a fraction of the time

MIT researchers have developed a new NMR technique that enhances sensitivity, enabling the analysis of complex protein structures in minutes. This breakthrough could provide insights into Alzheimer's and other diseases by studying amyloid beta protein and membrane-bound proteins.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2019

Chemical synthesis of nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Tokyo successfully synthesized a phenine nanotube with intentional periodic defects, which imbue it with semiconductor characters. The discovery uses a novel process starting with benzene and platinum atoms to create a controlled defect structure.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2019

Self-sorting through molecular geometries

Researchers discovered that specific pentagonal and hexagonal molecular building blocks can self-sort through geometric complementarity. This phenomenon allows for the creation of nanostructures with predictable geometries, such as tubular structures with pentagonal pores.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Freeze-frame microscopy captures molecule's 'lock-and-load' on DNA

Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed snapshots of the TFIID molecule's dynamic structure as it interacts with DNA. The high-resolution images reveal new insights into the molecular mechanism and provide opportunities for developing drugs that target its structural changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2018

From beaker to solved 3D structure in minutes

A joint UCLA/Caltech team has developed a new technique to determine the 3D structures of small molecules, such as hormones and medications, in under 30 minutes. The method uses micro-electron diffraction and relies on the presence of tiny crystals within the samples.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 12, 2018

AI and NMR spectroscopy determine atoms configuration in record time

Researchers developed a machine-learning program that can predict atomic responses to magnetic fields in record time, combining with NMR spectroscopy to identify complex compound structures. This breakthrough accelerates drug discovery and makes larger molecules accessible.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2018
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.

The significance of water in a promising biomarker against cancer

Researchers discover water molecule stabilizes Tn antigen structure, leading to different interactions with cell receptors and antibodies. This finding has implications for developing synthetic molecules that can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 11, 2018

Decoding the structure of an RNA-based CRISPR system

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered the molecular structure of CRISPR-Cas13d, a promising enzyme for emerging RNA-editing technology. This breakthrough enables scientists to visualize how the enzyme guides and targets RNA, paving the way for new strategies to treat RNA-based diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 2018
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.

What's that smell? Scientists find a new way to understand odors

Researchers at Salk Institute and Arizona State University develop mathematical model to organize odor molecules by frequency of co-occurrence in nature, mapping pleasant directions. This breakthrough enables construction of artificial pleasant odor mixtures, with potential implications for understanding diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

Biomimetic chemistry: Carbohydrate capture

Researchers have designed and synthesized a molecular structure featuring a helical binding pocket that selectively captures xylobiose, a disaccharide class of carbohydrates. The molecule's synthesis and characterization were published in Angewandte Chemie, with the journal editors rating it as 'very important.'

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 23, 2018

Hybrid catalyst with high enantiomer selectivity

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a hybrid catalyst that combines simple rhodium and organic catalysts to selectively produce molecules with high enantiomer selectivity. This technology is expected to assist in rapid and low-cost drug synthesis, particularly for nucleotide medicine.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 9, 2018
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.

Taking the lead toward witchweed control

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed the first specific inhibitor for uncontrollable plant pest Striga hermonthica, a parasitic plant affecting global food security. The breakthrough discovery uses a binding molecule to inhibit seed germination.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 19, 2018

Model automates molecule design to speed drug development

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine-learning model that automates molecule design for pharmaceuticals, speeding up the process while producing better results. The model uses molecular graphs to select lead molecule candidates and modify their structures for higher potency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 6, 2018

Breakthrough synthesis strategy could mean wave of new medicinal compounds

Researchers at Florida State University develop novel, modular scheme for producing large quantities of 5-8-5 ring structure, opening door to new medicinal compounds. The simplified methodology could aid scientists in understanding potential medicinal properties of synthetic products.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 3, 2018
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.

Building bridges with water molecules

A team at TU Wien has uncovered the mystery behind water molecule structures on iron oxide surfaces, revealing complex bridge-like structures that play a significant role in chemical reactions. These findings have wide-ranging implications for processes such as corrosion and catalyst function, and pave the way for further research into...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2018

Nature: Tricky feat with stand-up molecule

The Forschungszentrum Jülich team successfully oriented a platelet-shaped PTCDA molecule as desired using a scanning probe microscope. The molecule is surprisingly stable in the upright orientation and can be used to create new electronic functionalities, such as logic and sensor circuits.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2018
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.

Researchers develop molecular assembly method for cancer therapy and diagnostics

A team of researchers has developed a method to modify the surface of micro- and nanoparticles with biological molecules, enabling them to serve as both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The particles can deliver drugs to cancer cells while providing diagnostic information, opening up new possibilities for targeted therapy.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bringing biology and mathematics together

The NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard University will focus on three fundamental questions: molecular networks, sophisticated structures, and organisms' adaptability. The center aims to integrate mathematical, statistical, and engineering approaches with biology.

SourceHarvard University·DateMay 24, 2018

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

Combining GANs and reinforcement learning for drug discovery

The Adversarial Threshold Neural Computer (ATNC) model, a proof-of-concept, combines Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) with Reinforcement Learning (RL) to generate novel small organic molecules. The GAN-RL architecture demonstrated the ability to produce valid and unique molecular structures, paving the way for future drug discovery.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateMay 10, 2018

Plants get a brace to precisely shed flowers and leaves

Researchers discovered that plants create a molecular brace composed of lignin in the detachment zone to facilitate precise shedding. Additionally, they form a protective coating made of cutin on newly exposed cell surfaces, preventing infection and external harm.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell·DateMay 3, 2018
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.

The 'missing link' in conducting molecules, butadiene -- solved

Scientists have solved the puzzle of trans 1,3-butadiene's electronic-structural dynamics using ultrafast laser spectroscopy. The research reveals an ultrafast competition between ethylenelike and polyenelike dynamics in butadiene.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 24, 2018

Molecular scaffolding aids construction at the nanoscale

Researchers have designed and synthesized molecules that can interact together to assemble complex molecular structures at the nanoscale. By mimicking biological self-assembly processes, chemists can learn new methods of chemical synthesis for nano/micro-structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 18, 2018

Team finds a mechanism for the composition of liquid droplets in cells

A team of researchers has found that RNA molecules recognize specific 3D shapes to condense into the same droplet. This mechanism is essential for forming RNA-protein condensates that may serve as 'crucibles' for enhancing biological reactions. The discovery provides insight into the formation of liquid droplets in cells and their pote...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2018