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A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs

A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs is being developed to target the PCSK9 protein, which regulates LDL receptor degradation on cells. These therapies have shown promise in reducing LDL levels with fewer side effects than statins.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 2, 2022

Genomics study helps guide Shigella vaccine development

A new genomics study has helped guide the development of vaccines against Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children. The research revealed the extent of genomic diversity among Shigella species, highlighting challenges to current vaccine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

New atomistic level insight into drug-target residence time

Researchers identified water molecules' impact on protein dynamics and drug target residence time, suggesting that a long target residence time can be important for drug efficacy. This understanding enables more rational drug design in the early stages of drug discovery projects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Team IDs mechanism underlying rare children’s blood cancer

Researchers identified a mechanism by which two antiviral genes, SAMD9 and SAMD9L, promote childhood cancer when mutated. The study found that this protein region performs the toxic function through binding to nucleic acids.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Nuclei-free cells prove utility in delivering therapeutics to diseased tissues

Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 14, 2022
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.

Scientists identify antibodies that can neutralize omicron

Researchers identified antibodies targeting conserved sites on the spike protein, showing promise against future variants. Antibodies from vaccinated individuals retained some activity, while those with prior infection had reduced effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 27, 2021

A new “epitope” for universal influenza vaccines

Researchers identify a previously overlooked site on the HA protein, known as the 'anchor epitope', which can neutralize a wide range of influenza strains. This discovery has significant implications for the development of universal influenza vaccines and antibody therapies.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2021
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.

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? UCLA study points the way

Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Potentially serious side effect seen in patient after immunotherapy

A case study published in Nature Medicine reports a patient experiencing progressive neurological features resembling Parkinson's disease after CAR-T cell therapy, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for neurotoxicity in patients receiving BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 10, 2021

Are scientists homing in on a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Discovering new drugs with Darwin

Chemists at UNIGE have developed a new method to rapidly generate millions of molecule combinations using DNA-pairing processes, finding the best match for target proteins within two weeks. This technique uses evolutionary forces to amplify the best combinations and generates diversity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
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.

Using AI for accurately predicting synergistic cancer drug combinations

A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

New target for COVID-19 vaccines identified

Researchers have discovered a new target for COVID-19 vaccines that could complement existing vaccines by inducing an immune response against 'replication proteins', essential for the viral cycle. The approach may lead to the creation of a pan-coronaviruses vaccine protecting against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

Research Snapshot: New target identified for rapid antidepressant drugs

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a new target for rapid antidepressant drugs using ketamine's role in synaptic effects. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for approximately half of patients whose current antidepressants are ineffective, significantly reducing the risk of suicide.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 10, 2021
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.

Blood plasma protein fibrinogen interacts directly with nerve cells to cause brain inflammation

A USF Health study reveals that fibrinogen can directly interact with neurons, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. The researchers found that blocking the binding of fibrinogen to its receptors may alleviate short-term memory problems associated with these diseases.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBiomolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

New monoclonal antibody shows promise for severe asthma

Itepekimab, a novel monoclonal antibody, has been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate-to-severe asthma. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma control events compared to placebo.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers discover new nanobodies that can disable a key SARS-CoV-2 structural protein and disrupt viral replication

Researchers identified two nanobodies that specifically target and stabilize the tetrameric form of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9, potentially repressing viral replication. These findings suggest a new antiviral strategy for diagnosis and treatment against COVID-19.

SourceNew York University·JournalAdvanced Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021
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.

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021

Researchers identify protein that prevents serious brain damage, reduces risk of fatal HSV-1 infection

University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 7, 2021
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.

Study questions popular COVID test, proposes new marker of disease severity

Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalViruses·DateOct 7, 2021

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021

Protein that helps zika virus invade cells could be target for novel antivirals

Researchers found a correlation between high levels of Gas6 and zika-induced neurological complications. Gas6 helps the virus invade human cells, facilitating viral replication and aggravating infection. The discovery paves the way for future research on developing drugs to combat the virus.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateOct 1, 2021

Researchers illuminate the working mechanism of important drug target proteins

Scientists have discovered the working mechanism of an important class of drug target receptor proteins, shedding light on their role in the body's immune response. The study highlights a novel approach to targeting these receptors and blocking excessive cytokine release, which could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 1, 2021

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021
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.

Study maps immune system genes involved in resistance to SARS-CoV-2

A study analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and found associations between certain genetic variants and efficient activation of natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells to prevent disease development.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 28, 2021

Early signs of efficacy of new targeted agents and immunotherapies reported for multiple cancers at ESMO Congress 2021

New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 24, 2021

From Alpha to Epsilon: Consortium study illuminates surfaces of Spike most resistant to antibody escape

A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
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.

Inhibiting targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteases can block infection, study shows

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

How a plant virus could protect and save your lungs from metastatic cancer

Researchers developed a treatment using cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles that target lung tumors, slowing tumor growth and preventing cancer spread. The treatment showed efficacy against aggressive cancer cell lines and may offer protection to patients at high risk of metastatic disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Thousands of tiny anchors keep our cells in place – and now we know how

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have found the specific protein responsible for keeping cells attached to collagen, a key finding for cancer research. The discovery could lead to new directions for cancer treatment by targeting the protein tropomyosin, which is involved in forming the anchor's chain.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021
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.

Ancient marsupial 'junk DNA' might be useful after all, scientists say

Researchers found that viral fossils in Australian marsupials are used to make non-coding RNAs that protect against outside infection. The study suggests that these viral fossils may be helping to immunize animals, potentially providing a mechanism similar to vaccination.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVirus Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Discovery facilitates search for drug to sabotage replication of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists at CIBFar have discovered the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2's main protease, which enables the virus to replicate in host cells. The study provides valuable insights into the process and has immediate applications for developing antiviral drugs.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateSep 8, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

CRISPR screening tool identifies new drug target for leukemia

A CRISPR screening tool identified ZMYND8, an epigenetic regulatory protein, as a potential new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting ZMYND8 has been shown to leave cancer cells with smaller tumors and better survival in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
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.

Study reveals structure of receptor implicated in type 2 diabetes and more

Researchers have determined the structure of human leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (hBLT1), a protein involved in inflammation and disease. The analysis reveals how the receptor recognizes its binding partners and interacts with them, opening up avenues for designing better drugs.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2021

Toxin sponges may protect poisonous frogs and birds from their own poisons, study suggests

Researchers have discovered that toxic animals produce 'toxin sponges' to mop up deadly toxins and prevent them from binding to vital proteins. This alternative autoresistance strategy may offer a general means of toxin protection, including the development of antidotes against various toxic agents.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

A more complete molecular picture of lung squamous cell carcinoma comes into view

A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New therapeutic target discovered for a number of aggressive cancers

Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target, METTL1, to treat aggressive cancers by inhibiting an RNA-modifying protein. The study found that targeting METTL1 effectively destroys cancer cells in laboratory models and mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 4, 2021

Harnessing AI to discover new drugs

Researchers at ETH Zurich used AI to identify target molecules of natural substances, paving the way for a new class of pharmaceutical agents. The algorithm successfully predicted human receptors and enzymes that interact with natural compounds, leading to the discovery of simpler, cheaper alternatives.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

Researchers use multivalent gold nanoparticles to develop efficient molecular probe

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new approach to identifying and tagging specific proteins. They used multivalent gold nanoparticles as a scaffold to attach carbohydrate ligands and electrophiles, which allowed them to highly efficiently and selectively label carbohydrate-binding...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 2021

Three-in-one approach boosts the silencing power of CRISPR

Scientists developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based tool that induces long-term gene silencing by epigenetic editing, offering potential treatment options for cancer and genetic ailments. The innovative dCas9-KAL construct achieves stable repression of target genes.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·DateJul 2, 2021