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Chemistry breakthrough could speed up drug development

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a new method to grow crystals of organic soluble molecules from nanoscale droplets, allowing for rapid screening of hundreds of experiments in minutes. This breakthrough could transform the analysis of small molecules and accelerate the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalChem·DateMay 8, 2020

Researchers report progress on molecular data storage system

Researchers at Brown University have made significant progress in developing a molecular data storage system, storing over 200 kilobytes of data in custom-synthesized small molecules. The team has shown that this approach has potential advantages over traditional methods, including scalability and higher storage capacity.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

New opportunity for cancer drug development

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have successfully designed small molecules that activate Frizzleds, a receptor family linked to various cancers and disorders. This breakthrough opens up new therapeutic strategies for treating different types of cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A replacement for exercise?

Researchers found that Sestrin, a naturally occurring protein, can improve endurance and respiration in flies and mice. It may also help prevent muscle atrophy, potentially leading to new treatments for aging-related muscle wasting.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2020

Overlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to amplify the light emitted by molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles. By optimizing the spectral frequency overlap between the molecule and nanoparticle, they can enhance signal detection up to 10 times. This technique has potential applications in analyzing catalysts and improv...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 14, 2019
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.

Uncovering drug-like small molecules in the human microbiome

Researchers developed a computational algorithm to identify biologically active small molecules encoded in human microbiome-derived sequencing data. They uncovered novel TII-PKS BGCs with antimicrobial activity against neighboring microbes, as well as anti-cancer effects, in samples from diverse countries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Researchers develop thermo-responsive protein hydrogel

A NYU Tandon-led team created a biocompatible protein-based drug delivery system that can survive in the body for over two weeks and provide sustained medication release. The thermo-responsive protein hydrogel exhibits properties similar to synthetic hydrogels but is more desirable for use in biomedicine.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateSep 18, 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.

Pairing prediction and production in AI-informed robotic flow synthesis

Researchers present an integrated strategy for computer-augmented chemical synthesis, successfully yielding 15 different medicinally related small molecules. Their AI-informed, robotically controlled platform has the potential to greatly improve the synthesis of complex molecules, reducing manual labor and increasing scalability.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

These sharks use unique molecules to glow green

Researchers have identified a previously unknown family of small-molecule metabolites responsible for the bright green color in sharks' skin, which may also aid in identifying other sharks and fighting microbial infections. The discovery opens new questions about the potential functions of biofluorescence in shark biology.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateAug 8, 2019
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.

Solvent additive-free ternary polymer solar cells with 16.27% efficiency

Researchers from Fujun Zhang's group have reported ternary polymer solar cells with 16.27% efficiency, surpassing binary systems without solvent additives. The addition of a third component enhances photon harvesting and optimizes exciton distribution, paving the way for industrialization of organic photovoltaics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 14, 2019

New chemical tool to block endocytosis in plants identified

A new chemical tool has been identified to block endocytosis in plants, a process essential for nutrient uptake and cellular signaling. The compound, ES9-17, was developed through an international collaboration and retains the ability to bind clathrin, a protein involved in endocytosis.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 23, 2019

An antibody-mimicking small molecule protects mice against lethal influenza

Researchers have identified a small molecule that mimics broadly neutralizing antibodies and provides protection against lethal doses of influenza. The discovery paves the way for a new class of 'antibody mimetic' drugs that could be used to neutralize various viral infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 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.

New skeletal disease found and explained

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new skeletal disease linked to an abnormal expression of small RNA molecules. The study reveals that the disease causes skeletal dysplasia, joint pain, and delayed cartilage cell maturation in patients, providing potential diagnostic and therapeutic options.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2019

Simple drug combination creates new neurons from neighboring cells

Researchers at Penn State discovered a simple drug cocktail that converts glial cells into functional new neurons, which can survive for over seven months in a lab culture. The approach has promising implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease, with the potential to be used in a pill form.

SourcePenn State·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Cortexyme announces publication of foundational data for groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in Science Advances

Researchers identify Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease pathology and demonstrate potential for small molecule inhibitors to block the pathogen. The discovery paves the way for Cortexyme's lead compound COR388, which shows promising results in preclinical experiments.

SourceTorch Communications·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

Small molecules come into focus

Scientists at Harvard University and Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new immunoassay technique that measures extremely low concentrations of small molecules using single-molecule detection. The method was tested on two important human body molecules, cortisol and PGE2, achieving up to 50 times greater sensitivity than conventi...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2018
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.

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

Powerful method probes small-molecule structures

Researchers have developed a faster and simpler technique to analyze the structures of small molecules, reducing the time needed for X-ray crystallography. This new method, microcrystal-electron diffraction (MicroED), allows scientists to study small-molecule structures at high resolution in under 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 8, 2018

A molecular sensor for in-situ analysis of complex biological fluids

A KAIST research team developed a molecular sensor that selectively concentrates charged small molecules, amplifying Raman signals and allowing for direct detection without pretreatment. This technology can be used to detect residual drugs or biomarkers in blood or urine, saving time and cost.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalSmall·DateOct 23, 2018

Attacking RNA with small-molecule drugs

Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in targeting RNA with small-molecule drugs, identifying unique pockets within self-splicing ribozymes found in fungi. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating fungal infections and drug-resistant bacteria.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 15, 2018

Halting Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration

Researchers identified SynuClean-D as a potential therapeutic for neurodegeneration, which disrupts amyloid fibrils and inhibits alpha-synuclein aggregation. The compound reversed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in animal models, offering hope for halting Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018
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.

Fluorescence-activating beta-barrel protein made from scratch for first time

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have successfully created a novel, de novo-designed beta-barrel protein that can bind to specific small molecules. The achievement paves the way for custom-designed proteins with precise affinity and functionality.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2018

UCLA-led team develops novel system to track brain chemicals

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method for tracking brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The system uses tiny artificial receptors paired with semiconductor devices that can function in living tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2018

New small molecules pave the way for treating autoinflammatory disease

Scientists have identified two small-molecule compounds that specifically target the STING protein, which plays a key role in triggering an immune response. These compounds effectively blocked STING-mediated cellular activation and demonstrated therapeutic potential in mouse models of autoinflammatory disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 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.

David vs. Goliath: How a small molecule can defeat asthma attacks

Researchers develop novel small molecule, PM-43I, that specifically targets STAT6 pathway, reversing preexisting allergic airway disease in mice. This breakthrough approach offers unique advantages over monoclonal antibodies, with potential benefits for patients who may not need steroid treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2018

Mass production of new class of semiconductors closer to reality

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have created a new class of semiconductors by controlling the orientation and size of single-walled carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to more powerful devices with improved battery life, as they consume less power.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2018

Life's building blocks observed in spacelike environment

Researchers create simulated space environments where small organic molecules form under radiation, potentially offering an alternative explanation for the origin of life. The study used advanced techniques to analyze icy films containing methane and oxygen, producing a variety of complex organic molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 12, 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.

Public resource boosts drug discovery and offers insights into protein function

The new Connectivity Map includes over 1.3 million gene expression profiles from multiple cell lines treated with chemical or genetic perturbations, enabling the study of small molecule and gene function. This expanded resource accelerates drug discovery efforts by predicting how small molecules work and discovering compounds with spec...

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateNov 30, 2017

Metabolites altered in chronic kidney disease

A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease patients have abnormal metabolites in their cells' energy centers, supporting the view of CKD as a state of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers hope to identify novel therapeutic targets for CKD using metabolomics.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 22, 2017

More mouths can be fed by boosting number of plant pores

Scientists at ITbM, Nagoya University have synthesized a new bioactive small molecule that increases stomata numbers on flowering plants without stunting their growth. The team's discovery could help elucidate the stomatal development mechanism in plants and increase crop plant productivity.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 20, 2017

Complex life evolved out of the chance coupling of small molecules

Researchers at Wits University discover that complex life emerged through the random joining of simple RNA molecules, enabling self-replication and kickstarting life. The process, which occurred billions of years ago, involved the ligation of small molecules to form larger, more complex ones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 19, 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.

Storming the cellular barricades to fight fungi

Researchers have created antibody-recruiting molecules targeting fungi (ARM-Fs) that can attach to fungal cell walls and recruit human antibodies to combat infections. These small molecules offer a new strategy for treating fungal diseases affecting thousands of people each year.

SourceYale University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 12, 2017

Biochemists link synthetic compound to hunger-hormone production

Researchers have identified a synthetic triterpenoid as a potential disruptor of the hunger-signaling pathway by blocking an enzyme involved in ghrelin production. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be developed into a treatment for conditions like diabetes and obesity.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 27, 2017

The world's most powerful X-ray laser beam creates 'molecular black hole'

Scientists used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to create a 'molecular black hole' that pulled in surrounding electrons, stripping away more than 50 electrons from a single atom. The results provide fundamental insights into how to better plan and interpret experiments using intense X-rays.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2017
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.

New drug strategy: Target ribosome to halt protein production

Researchers have discovered a chemical compound that selectively stalls the ribosome, halting the production of specific proteins while leaving general protein production untouched. This discovery suggests a new approach to finding drugs that target undesired proteins before they are made.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 21, 2017

Like elephants, large working proteins have small handlers

Researchers have developed a mathematical foundation to explain the role of small molecules in promoting proper protein folding. This understanding has important implications for developing future therapies based on pharmacological chaperones to treat misfolding diseases.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 15, 2017

Fluorescence dyes from the pressure cooker

Scientists at TU Wien create a novel method for synthesizing perylene bisimide dyes without toxic solvents, enabling easy access to these materials. The hydrothermal synthesis is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, overcoming the challenges of working with apolar compounds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

Potential drug appears to ease effects of Prader-Willi syndrome

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome using G9a inhibitors. The study suggests that these small molecules can activate the maternal copy of the gene responsible for the disorder, leading to improved growth and lifespan in mice with Prader-Willi syndrome.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 26, 2016

Selecting good 'drug-like' properties to optimize small molecule blood-brain barrier penetration

Researchers review physicochemical properties necessary to penetrate the BBB and conclude a list of properties that can increase the chances of small molecule penetration into the brain. The study emphasizes the importance of retaining the pharmacophore and working it into a structure that emphasizes the presented properties.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2016
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.

University of Utah spin-off awarded grant to develop new antibiotics

Curza Global, a pharmaceutical startup company, has received a Phase I SBIR grant to develop new antibacterials against Gram-negative infections. The two-year project will focus on structure-based drug design and medicinal chemistry to create potent antimicrobials with high selectivity for bacterial ribosomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJul 6, 2016

New TSRI method opens door to development of many new medicines

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a powerful new method to find drug candidates that bind to specific proteins. The technique can be applied to thousands of distinct proteins and has successfully identified selective inhibitors for two caspase enzymes, which play key roles in multiple diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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