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Resetting the biological clock by flipping a switch

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Nagoya University developed a compound that can elongate the 24-hour cycle and be activated or deactivated using light. The study shows that it is possible to change the 24-hour cycle in cells or tissues to a 28-hour cycle, providing a new approach to analyzing the circadian clock system.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2021

One step closer to efficient cannabis production

UConn researchers have successfully developed a micropropagation technique for cannabis, which can produce large quantities of healthy clones with predictable qualities. The method has the potential to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis by providing consistency and reliability in crops.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalHortTechnology·DateMay 4, 2021

Biological artificial organs like skin, vessels...now produced more easily

A Korean research group has developed a new cell co-culture platform that enables the differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types without special pretreatment. The platform displays surface traits similar to those of the extracellular matrix, providing cells with an environment similar to that of the body.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 7, 2021
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.

Decoy receptor neutralizes coronavirus in cell cultures

A team of scientists has engineered a decoy receptor protein that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and blocks infection in human cells. The research found that this decoy receptor is attractive to the virus due to subtle mutations, making it an ideal candidate for neutralizing the virus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2020

Scientists find optimal age of stem cells

Researchers have found that reprogrammed stem cells between days 15 and 28 of maturation can successfully restore heart tissue. This 'window of opportunity' makes it possible to use stem cells that the body recognizes as its own, allowing for more effective regenerative medicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2020
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.

Print me an organ -- Why are we not there yet?

Recent advancements in 3D bioprinting have the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation by enabling customized organs for patients. However, significant technical challenges need to be overcome, including biomimicry, vascularization, and tissue maturation.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalProgress in Polymer Science·DateDec 11, 2019

Brain tissue kept alive for weeks on an artificial membrane

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to keep brain tissue viable for months using a semi-permeable membrane, allowing gas exchange while preventing dehydration or drowning. This breakthrough enables long-term study of biological development and organogenesis, facilitating drug discovery and tissue research.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAnalytical Sciences·DateOct 9, 2019

Researchers advance organ-on-chip technology to advance drug development

The researchers developed a 3D organ-on-chip platform using bioelectrical sensors to measure the electrophysiology of heart cells in three dimensions. This platform enables studying cell communication in multicellular systems, potentially screening drugs on human-like tissue.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 23, 2019

Measuring stress around cells

Researchers developed sensors to map cell-generated forces in 3D tissues, finding that small tensions can balance large compressive loads. This insight could help understand developmental processes and develop novel tissue-engineering strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2019
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.

Making an eye for you

A team at Kyoto University has discovered that individual cells sense and modulate themselves to form the spherical shape of the eye through a process called self-bending. This phenomenon generates a hinge that pushes cells into the cup-like structure, resulting in the formation of an optic cup.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2018

Muscle-building proteins hold clues to ALS, muscle degeneration

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder found that amyloid-like structures play a beneficial role in the development of healthy muscle tissue during regeneration. The discovery sheds new light on potential origins of diseases such as ALS, inclusion body myopathy, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Heart tissues of different origins can 'beat' in sync

Scientists successfully merged heart tissues from different species and ages, demonstrating the potential for artificial heart patches to function with host cardiac tissue. The study overcomes a major hurdle in regenerative medicine by proving electrical coupling between cells of different origins.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateJul 18, 2017

Saving the paintbrush lily from extinction

A major conservation effort is underway to conserve the last remaining paintbrush lilies in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. The species, Haemanthus pumilio, has declined drastically due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The garden aims to increase the population through micropropagation and control burns.

SourceStellenbosch University·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

Glycans as biomarkers for cancer?

Scientists have developed a bioorthogonal labeling approach to identify sialylated glycoproteins in prostate cancer tissue, which could serve as tumor markers. The method allows for direct assessment of tumor metabolism in its natural environment, providing insights into cancer biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2017

Looking to the future of organs-on-chip

Advances in lab-on-a-chip technology allow for more accurate analysis and translation of research to the clinic. Organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technology has great potential in helping screen drugs in a more cost-effective manner, reducing failures and costs.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateJun 6, 2017

Zika infection of placental macrophages in culture

Researchers found that Zika virus productively infects primary human placenta-specific macrophages, with 10-15% of placental macrophages infected. The study suggests that placental macrophages may play a role in maternal-fetal Zika transmission and warrants further investigation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Threatened plant gets boost from biotech lab

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a tissue culture procedure to propagate the rare and threatened woodland agrimony, multiplying its numbers by 1013. The study aimed to understand why this species is in decline, with results suggesting grazing deer as an important factor.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNative Plants Journal·DateMar 16, 2016

Functional heart muscle regenerated in decellularized human hearts

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has successfully regenerated functional heart muscle in decellularized human hearts using stem-cell derived cells. The study involved the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from skin cells, which were then differentiated into cardiac muscle cells and reseed...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 11, 2016

Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix

Scientists at Brown University have successfully cultured cells to produce extracellular matrix with strength comparable to natural tissues. By using specialized molds to guide cell growth and alignment, the researchers created ECMs with specific mechanical properties, such as collagen fibers aligned along a tendon-like structure.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 9, 2015

An accessible approach to making a mini-brain

The researchers created mini-brains using living tissue from a single rodent, which can form complex neural connections and produce electrical signals within two weeks. The approach is expected to reduce animal use in neuroscience research and make it more accessible to labs without advanced equipment.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 1, 2015

Bioengineers put human hearts on a chip to aid drug screening

Researchers have created a human heart-on-a-chip that models the structure and function of human heart tissue, enabling accurate testing of cardiovascular medications. The system successfully replicated the effects of four well-known drugs on heart cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 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.

A 'clear' choice for clearing 3-D cell cultures

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to clear 3-D cell cultures, allowing for clearer imaging and analysis of neural tissues. The ClearT2 method works within 1.5 hours and preserves the size of the tissue, making it ideal for studying neural growth and development.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 3, 2014

Bioengineers make functional 3-D brain-like tissue model

The Tufts team created a modular design that replicated fundamental features relevant to the brain's tissue-level physiological functions. The model exhibits biochemical and electrophysiological responses, offering new options for studying brain function, disease, and trauma, and treatment.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014
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.

Maglev tissues could speed toxicity tests

Scientists use magnetic levitation to create laboratory techniques for growing tissues virtually identical to those found in people's bodies. Researchers combined four cell types to replicate bronchiole deep inside the lung, creating realistic lung tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering Part C Methods·DateJan 24, 2013

Human umbilical cord blood cell co-culture supports embryonic stem cell expansion

Researchers have developed a safe co-culture system using human umbilical cord blood cells to support the expansion of human embryonic stem cells. This method eliminates the risk of tumor formation associated with traditional feeder cultures, making it a more feasible option for cell transplantation.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateNov 15, 2012

Spectroscopic imaging reveals early changes leading to breast tumors

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new imaging technique to detect subtle changes in breast tissue, which may help determine a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. The technology uses vibrational spectral microscopy to identify early precancerous stages and study the impact of fatty acids on breast tissue.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 6, 2012

New method makes culture of complex tissue possible in any lab

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new method for culturing complex tissue in three-dimensional arrangements. The approach allows for the production of tissue culture scaffolds with multiple structurally and chemically distinct layers, enabling broader accessibility and potential applications in tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 9, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

World's blueberries protected in unique, living collection

The USDA has safeguarded a diverse collection of blueberries, including wild relatives and lesser-known species, to ensure their preservation for future generations. The genebank will provide plant breeders with access to these plants as parents for new and improved blueberry varieties.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMay 5, 2011

Preserving a world favorite flavour

Scientists at the University of Nottingham's Malaysia campus are working on a new method to improve the commercial production of vanilla plants through tissue culture. The research aims to overcome issues with genetic instability in micropropagated sub-clones, which can lead to reduced quality and yield.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateApr 15, 2011
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.

The world is not flat: Exploring cells and tissues in three dimensions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new 3D cell culture method that better mimics the in vivo environment, allowing for more accurate study of infectious diseases. This innovation has the potential to expand our understanding of disease onset and progression, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateOct 18, 2010

Brown rice and cardiovascular protection

Researchers found that the subaleurone layer of brown rice inhibits angiotensin II, a protein linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. This discovery suggests that consuming half-milled or brown rice may offer cardiovascular protection.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 26, 2010

The book of life can now literally be written on paper

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to grow cells in three dimensions using paper stacks, mimicking real tissues. This technique allows for uniform oxygen and nutrient delivery, making it easier to study cancer and other diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009

Automatic slicing system: Ex-vivo culture normal and cancerous pancreatic tissue

Researchers have developed an automatic slicing system to culture normal and cancerous pancreatic tissue from patient specimens, allowing for reproducible testing of novel treatment options, including gene therapy. This new ex-vivo model assesses cellular heterogeneity and extracellular matrix accumulation in human tumors.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 24, 2009
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.

Advancement in tissue engineering promotes oral wound healing

A research team developed an autologous full-thickness oral substitute that mimics the characteristics of gingiva, providing a promising solution for oral cavity reconstruction. The study's results support the need for larger clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of this new tissue-engineered product.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 3, 2009

Female genital tissue not foolproof barrier to HIV sexual transmission

Scientists at Northwestern University found that HIV can penetrate female genital tissue by moving quickly between skin cells, allowing the virus to reach immune cells. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that the female genital tract is an efficient barrier to viral penetration.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 16, 2008

Scientists replicate diseases in the lab with new stem cell lines

Researchers have created disease-specific stem cell lines for ten genetic disorders, including muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. These lines will enable scientists to model human diseases in a laboratory setting, making it possible to study the development of various tissues relevant to these conditions.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008
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.

Researchers create system to build transplant tissue

Cornell engineers develop gel scaffold that can nourish growing tissues, supplying oxygen and nutrients. The system mimics a vascular system at the cellular scale, allowing for fine-tuning of biochemical environments and desired tissue outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 8, 2007

Thymus transplants gives hope to babies with fatal immune disease

Recent study results show 75% of babies receiving thymus transplants survive after one year. The procedure has led to survival for most infants who would otherwise die from DiGeorge anomaly. Thymus transplantation is a treatment option that offers new hope to families affected by this rare condition.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateMay 15, 2007
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.

Expanding waistlines triggered by your genes

Researchers at U-M's Life Sciences Institute discovered that the MT1-MMP gene regulates fat cell size and metabolic gene expression. In three-dimensional environments, the gene plays a critical role in adipocyte development, potentially leading to novel therapeutics for obesity prevention.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 2006
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Chicago researchers find why uncircumcised men have more HIV

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that uncircumcised men are more susceptible to HIV due to high concentrations of target cells in their foreskin tissue. This tissue contains higher densities of CD4+ T cells, macropahges and Langerhans' Cells than in circumcised individuals or cervical tissue.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 4, 2002

Women with low levels of HIV in blood may still harbor virus in genital tract

A study published in The Lancet found that HIV-positive women can shed the virus in their genital tracts even when their blood levels are low, posing a risk of transmission to others. The researchers analyzed samples from 311 HIV-positive women and found that about a third had HIV-1 shedding in their genital region.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2001

Harmless virus prevents HIV variant from spreading in human tissue blocks

Researchers found that HHV-6 inhibits early-stage HIV variants by blocking CCR5 receptors, slowing their reproduction. The harmless herpesvirus may create favorable conditions for later-stage HIV variants that use CXCR4 receptors.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001
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.