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Insight into the Ebola virus nucleocapsid assembly mechanism

Researchers solved the structure of Ebola virus nucleoprotein core domain to 1.8 Å resolution, revealing RNA binding groove similarities with other viral NPs. The findings provide valuable insights into EBOV genome assembly and transcription mechanism, as well as potential antiviral therapies targeting RNP formation.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateMay 6, 2015
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.

Scientists X-ray anti-inflammatory drug candidates

Researchers from Universities of Hamburg and Aarhus decode molecular structure of two promising drug candidates from Spiegelmers for the first time. The results provide a deeper understanding of the mode of action of these substances that have already entered clinical trials.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015

Combined effort for structural determination

Researchers combined powder diffraction data with electron crystallography to solve modulated structures. The technique provides unprecedented detail down to sub-angstrom resolution, improving the reliability of crystal structure investigation.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 15, 2015

Making carboxyl(ate) friends

Researchers Luigi D'Ascenzo and Pascal Auffinger classify 17 carboxyl(ate) motifs in crystal structures using stereochemical considerations. They provide a systematic naming system and implications for crystal engineering, pharmaceutical research, and biomolecular sciences.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rodeo in liquid crystal

Researchers successfully created and controlled defect pairs in liquid crystals using optical tweezers. This achievement opens the door to controlling light flow using specific frequencies in liquid crystal photonic microdevices, with potential applications in photonics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 31, 2015

Nanoscale worms provide new route to nano-necklace structures

Researchers developed a novel technique to craft nanometer-scale necklaces using tiny star-like structures threaded onto a polymeric backbone. The technique creates hybrid organic-inorganic shish kebab structures from semiconducting materials with unique properties.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 27, 2015

New transitory form of silica observed

A team of scientists has discovered five new forms of silica under extreme pressures at room temperature, revealing a four-to-six configuration shift in the deep Earth. The findings provide valuable insights into the transition between different chemical phases under high-pressure conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2015

The ecstasy and the agony: Compression studies of MDMA

Researchers investigated MDMA's behavior under extreme pressure, finding no change in polymorph despite elevated pressures. The study suggests that non-hydrostatic conditions may lead to a polymorphic change.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateMar 18, 2015
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.

Second natural quasicrystal found in ancient meteorite

A team from Princeton University has discovered a second natural quasicrystal in an ancient meteorite, bringing to two the number of natural quasicrystals ever discovered. The newly found quasicrystal has a decagonal symmetry and is made up of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2015

Cells target giant protein crystals for degradation

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute engineered fluorescent protein that rapidly assembles into large crystals in living cells. Cells actively targeted the crystals for degradation, a process known as autophagy, suggesting potential evolutionary pressure to discourage crystal formation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 12, 2015

X-ray imaging of a single virus in 3-D

Researchers have successfully imaged the 3D structure of a giant mimivirus using an X-ray free-electron laser, without relying on crystal formation. This achievement paves the way for imaging important pathogenic viruses like HIV and influenza.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2015
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.

Beyond silicon: New semiconductor moves spintronics toward reality

A new semiconductor compound is bringing fresh momentum to the field of spintronics, an emerging breed of computing device that may lead to smaller, faster, less power-hungry electronics. The compound's unique low-symmetry crystal structure offers much greater flexibility, enabling precise control over conductivity and magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 19, 2015

High-powered X-ray laser unlocks mechanics of pain relief without addiction

Scientists have developed a new X-ray source to study how non-addictive painkillers work, revealing the target of binding to neuroreceptors. This breakthrough could lead to designing molecules to generate specific responses and address critical health issues related to opioid abuse.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Announcing the winners of the 2015 Protein Society Awards

This year's winners are Dr. C. Robert Matthews, Dr. Eva Nogales, Dr. Marina Rodnina, Dr. Sachdev Sidhu, and Dr. Anna Mapp. They were honored for their groundbreaking research in protein folding mechanisms, structural biology, protein synthesis, engineering, and chemical biology.

SourceThe Protein Society·DateFeb 5, 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.

The rarely understood ammonium carbonate monohydrate

Researchers have clarified the compound's phases, thermal expansion and hydrogen bonds, shedding new light on its properties. The study uses advanced methods to determine the crystal structure and electronic structure of ammonium carbonate monohydrate.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateFeb 3, 2015

Scientists in China and US chart latest discoveries of iron-based superconductors

Recent breakthroughs in iron-based superconductors feature the highest transition temperatures next to copper oxides, with a focus on understanding their unconventional superconductivity. The study outlines the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, electronic properties, and crystal structures of these materials.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 28, 2015

Pictured together for the first time: A chemokine and its receptor

The study reveals that one chemokine binds to just one receptor in the CXCR4-chemokine complex and that the contacts between the receptor and its binding partner are more extensive than previously thought. This new information could aid the development of better small molecular inhibitors of CXCR4-chemokine interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2015

Researchers from MIPT predict properties of surface

Researchers from MIPT use the USPEX method to predict the structure and properties of rutile's surface. This resolves existing discrepancies between empirical and theoretical data, paving the way for understanding chemical reactions on the catalyst.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 13, 2015
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.

Integrated space-group and crystal-structure determination

The new SHELXT program solves the phase problem for single-crystal reflection data using a novel dual-space algorithm, extending resolution and accommodating missing data. With high success rates, it has already solved thousands of structures.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateJan 8, 2015

Stacking 2-dimensional materials may lower cost of semiconductor devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that stacking 2D materials can create semiconductor junctions with efficient charge transfer, even when the crystalline structures don't match. This discovery could make the manufacture of semiconductor devices an order of magnitude less expensive.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 11, 2014

Penn researchers show commonalities in how different glassy materials fail

Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2014

Unraveling the complexity of proteins

Researchers successfully analyzed all known complete proteomes using X-ray crystallography and homology modeling, covering 25% of protein clusters. The study highlights the potential for knowledge-based target selection to increase structural model production, particularly in eukaryotes and archaea.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateNov 27, 2014
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.

Asteroid impacts on Earth make structurally bizarre diamonds

New research from Arizona State University reveals that lonsdaleite is not a separate type of diamond but rather a structurally disordered form of ordinary diamond. The study found defects in the crystal structure caused by shock metamorphism, plastic deformation, or unequilibrated crystal growth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2014

New form of crystalline order holds promise for thermoelectric applications

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a new form of crystalline order that exhibits both crystal and polycrystalline properties. The 'interlaced crystals' arrangement has ideal properties for thermoelectric applications, which could increase power generation efficiency and reduce energy costs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2014

A greasy way to take better protein snapshots

Researchers at RIKEN developed a new technique to analyze protein structures by suspending crystals in a greasy substance, enabling the use of smaller samples and faster data collection. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of dangerous proteins, such as those containing mercury.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 10, 2014
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.

X-ray vision of photosynthesis

Researchers have used X-ray diffraction to investigate photosystem II, revealing structures yet unknown. The results show that photosystem II proteins are arranged within crystals as extended rows, similar to their natural environment.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalStructure·DateNov 5, 2014

Figuring out how we get the nitrogen we need

Researchers have successfully crystallized carbon monoxide bound to the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase, a long-sought structure that could reveal the enzyme's mechanism. The breakthrough, achieved by Thomas Spatzal and colleagues, uses optimized crystallization methods and tiny crystal seeds to accelerate growth.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2014

Synapses always on the starting blocks

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that neurotransmitter vesicles are already in close contact with the cell membrane before fusion occurs. This discovery provides insight into how synapses rapidly transmit information and could lead to new medical research benefits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateOct 27, 2014
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.

Towards controlled dislocations

A group of scientists from the US used atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and X-ray spectroscopy to analyze two types of dislocations in CdTe, a binary II-VI semiconductor. The study could lead to improved conversion efficiency in CdTe solar cells and advance understanding of crystal structure defects.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateOct 20, 2014

Crystallizing the DNA nanotechnology dream

Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have designed the first large DNA crystals with precise depth and complex 3D features, enabling the creation of revolutionary nanodevices. The breakthrough uses a modular 'DNA-brick self-assembly' method to build complex structures with nanometer precision.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2014

Breakthrough allows researchers to watch molecules 'wiggle'

A new crystallographic technique enables time-resolved crystallography, allowing researchers to study how molecular structures work. This breakthrough is expected to provide a major boost in areas of research that rely on understanding molecule function.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 5, 2014

Longstanding bottleneck in crystal structure prediction solved

Researchers at Princeton University have overcome a major challenge in predicting material properties by accurately calculating the lattice energy of benzene to sub-kilojoule/mol accuracy. This breakthrough enables polymorphism to be resolved, a crucial step towards understanding material behavior and development of new materials.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

2-D materials' crystalline defects key to new properties

Scientists have found that defects in a 2D material called tungsten disulphide can create unusual characteristics, making it useful for electronic devices and hydrogen gas liberation. The researchers used an advanced microscope to visualize the defects, revealing a low-energy barrier that allows them to be easily displaced.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014

Case Western Reserve University on track to become No. 1 synchrotron lab in world

The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will assemble cutting-edge Nnew beamlines at Brookhaven National Laboratory, delivering ultra powerful x-rays to visualize nano-scale structures of molecules and proteins. The new facility will enable scientists to pinpoint disease-causing vulnerabilities and target therapeutic interventions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateSep 23, 2014

Penn research helps uncover mechanism behind solid-solid phase transitions

Researchers from Penn and HKUST discovered a surprising mechanism facilitating one of the two main routes for solid-solid transitions. The process involves the parent phase producing liquid droplets, which then evolve into the daughter phase, revealing new insight into material development and natural processes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 2014

Protein secrets of Ebola virus

A team of scientists at UVA has obtained the crystal structure of a key Ebola virus protein, revealing a novel tertiary fold that could lead to insights into viral assembly and antiviral drug design. The study's results may provide a potential target for the development of new treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateSep 15, 2014
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.

Angling chromium to let oxygen through

Researchers have discovered a new semiconducting material that allows solid oxide fuel cells to operate at two-thirds lower temperatures than current technology. This breakthrough enables more efficient fuel cells with wider applications, including quieter, pollution-free power generation in vehicles and neighborhoods.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2014

Continuing Bragg legacy of structure determination

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made significant advances in crystallography, allowing them to study chemical reactions in their native state. The new technique uses a metal-organic framework to bind reactants and enables the examination of reaction products without isolating or growing crystals.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2014

Computer simulations visualize ion flux

A team of researchers used computer simulations to study how ion flux works in voltage gated sodium ion channels. The results revealed that a specific amino acid, glutamic acid, plays a crucial role in regulating channel flux and enabling selective sodium influx.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 1, 2014
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.

Plug n' play protein crystals

Scientists from Aalto University create ordered structures by mixing oppositely charged proteins and virus particles, enabling modular functionalization with various ligands. The method opens possibilities for biomedical and materials science research.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2014

ORNL scientists uncover clues to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors

ORNL scientists uncover clues to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors, finding localized magnetism correlated with high critical temperature and influencing material performance. The study provides experimental evidence that local magnetic fluctuations can influence the behavior of iron-based superconductors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 21, 2014

Worm virus details come to light

The research reveals the viral capsid structure, showing similarities to other viruses, and identifies potential binding sites for modification. The findings may lead to new information on host-virus interactions and the development of custom-made viruses to target parasitic or pathogenic worms.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014

New material allows for ultra-thin solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a semiconductor structure consisting of two ultra-thin layers, tungsten diselenide and molybdenum disulphide, which exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties. This material has the potential to be used in future low-cost solar cells with improved efficiency and flexibility.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

Uncovering the 3-D structure of a key neuroreceptor

Scientists have determined the 3D structure of 5HT3-R, a receptor involved in conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and anxiety. The high-resolution structure reveals the receptor's molecular anatomy, providing insights into its function and potential targets for novel medicines.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2014

Technique simplifies the creation of high-tech crystals

Researchers propose a new method to create defect-free crystals using inexpensive ingredients, dispelling current methods' reliance on difficult-to-synthesize particles. By adding polymers to colloidal suspensions, scientists can impose order on crystal formation and tailor crystal structures.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014

SLU scientists hit 'delete': Removing regions of shape-shifting protein explains how blood clots

Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that deleting disordered sections of a protein's structure reveals the molecular mechanism of blood clotting. By crystallizing prothrombin, they found that the deleted version is activated to thrombin faster and provides key information on the mechanism of prothrombin activation.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2014

Neutron crystallography solves long-standing biological mystery

Scientists solved the long-standing question of whether ferryl heme in Compound I involves just an oxygen atom or a hydroxyl group, with implications for drug development. The study used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of Compound I at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2014
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.

Stanford engineers envision an electronic switch just 3 atoms thick

The team created a crystal that can form a paper-like sheet just three atoms thick and exhibits remarkable ability to behave like a switch. It can be mechanically pulled and pushed, back and forth, between two different atomic structures.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

Study helps unlock mystery of high-temp superconductors

Scientists have discovered a density wave structure in copper-oxide high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on their exotic properties. The breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in electricity delivery and technology.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Crowdsourcing the phase problem

Researchers develop a crowdsourcing game to tackle the phase problem, achieving successful results in low-resolution phasing puzzles. The approach leverages human pattern recognition capabilities to guide the search process.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateJun 17, 2014
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.

Scientists capture most detailed images yet of tiny cellular machines

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has captured the most detailed images yet of spliceosomes, which help make proteins in our bodies. The images reveal new details about how these cellular machines work and provide insight into the relationship between RNA and protein.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Nano world: Where towers construct themselves

Researchers develop method to control ordering of self-assembling structures, inducing reversible switching and transformation between arrangements. Nano-scale materials with specific properties are crucial for various applications in electronics, photovoltaics and biomimetic material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 2, 2014