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In mice, gene editing repairs a mutation that causes rare liver disorder

Scientists corrected a genetic disease of the liver in mouse models and human patient cells using gene editing, building a foundation for a potential new therapy for Zellweger spectrum disorder. The breakthrough restored function of the liver and peroxisomes, reducing toxic buildup.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study

Computational chemistry and supercomputers to help understand the mechanisms of life

A new study from IIT, Uppsala University, and AstraZeneca uses computational chemistry and supercomputers to better understand splicing, a key process in gene expression. The results provide precise insights into splicing dynamics and help explain previously difficult-to-interpret data.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Groundbreaking AI aims to speed lifesaving therapies

A new open-source AI tool, ProRNA3D-single, has significantly increased accuracy in predicting and visualizing protein-RNA complex structures. This method can generate finely detailed images of molecules in 3D, enabling drug developers to design treatments by analyzing where viruses attach to human proteins.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Systems

Funding for training and research in biological complexity

The European consortium, funded by €4.5M, will recruit and train 15 PhD researchers to develop new models and methods for understanding complex biological systems. The network, coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, aims to create a framework grounded in physics that can be applied systematically.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen
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.

Microscopic pores in brain cells may be a key to Parkinson’s

A new study from Aarhus University reveals microscopic pores in brain cells formed by toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which constantly open and close like tiny revolving doors. This dynamic behavior may help explain why brain cells don't die immediately, but further research is needed to replicate the findings in biological tissue.

SourceAarhus University·JournalACS Nano

From chaos to clarity: new tool finds connections in complex cell data

A new computational tool, CellWalker2, integrates different forms of biological data to reveal relationships between cell types. The tool identifies precise cell types and assigns broader labels based on hierarchical relationships, enabling scientists to compare cell types across experiments and species.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Genomics

Machine learning brings new insights to cell’s role in addiction, relapse

A team of researchers used machine learning to analyze changes in astrocyte cells' structure, shedding light on heroin addiction and relapse. The study, published in Science Advances, found that specific subpopulations of astroglia exhibit more pronounced morphological changes during drug use.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study

Aging triggers inflammation and stress in retinal cells, raising risk of vision loss

Researchers discovered that aging causes inflammation, oxidative stress, and gene disruption in the retinal pigment epithelium, a vital layer of cells in the eye. This study provides a clearer understanding of why aging leads to eye disease and introduces a reliable laboratory model for testing new therapies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microtubule mysteries revealed

Researchers used NSF-funded Frontera supercomputer to model microtubule tips, revealing new behavior and key differences in structures depending on GTP or GDP binding. This basic research could aid in understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as design cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Study finds universality in moving cells – a discovery that could impact health and robotics

Researchers found that collective cell movement exhibits robust invariance across diverse systems, including cancer cells and bacteria. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of oncological diseases and tissue engineering, as well as applications in robot navigation and artificial intelligence.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

MD Anderson Research Highlights for March 12, 2025

Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in understanding pancreatic cancer's evolutionary process and developing new treatment strategies. They also discovered that surgical resection can enhance antitumor response in patients receiving immune checkpoint therapy for advanced kidney cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study

Using alternative protein sources: Improving the mouthfeel of plant-based foods with fava beans

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFoods·TypeExperimental study
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.

When hepatitis E viruses attack nerve cells

Hepatitis E viruses can directly infect nerve cells, which are unable to protect themselves due to a low immune response. This discovery may explain the neurological effects of HEV infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

A new approach to modeling complex biological systems

A team of MIT engineers has developed a new computational method for analyzing complex biological systems, including the immune system's response to tuberculosis vaccination. The approach uses probabilistic graphical networks to identify key interactions and mechanisms, shedding light on how vaccines induce immunity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems
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 beneficial effects of fermented black garlic extract on prostate cancer are evaluated

Researchers found that fermented black garlic extract reduced tumor aggressiveness parameters, including cell proliferation, without affecting normal prostate cells. The extract altered key signaling pathways related to inflammation, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement to prevent or slow down prostate cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study

Human cell model developed at Texas Biomed helps fuel discovery

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed a human cell culture model of alveolar macrophages, which helped make a key finding about the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in tuberculosis (TB). The study found that TNF is critical to protect against TB but not other infectious diseases.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study
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.

Innovative field experiments shed light on biological clocks in nature

A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

Leaf-like solar concentrators promise major boost in solar efficiency

Researchers propose a leaf-inspired luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) design to overcome scalability limitations. The innovative setup enhances photon collection and transfer, improving efficiency and reducing self-absorption issues.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy

Chinese Medical Journal study evaluates embryo using an artificial intelligence model

A Chinese Medical Journal study developed an AI-based system to automate embryo selection and eliminate subjectivity in IVF. The system improved human embryo assessment and selection, achieving higher accuracy in embryo aneuploidy screening than experienced embryologists.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeExperimental study

Align or die

Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

3D bioprinting advances research on respiratory viruses

Researchers from POSTECH and KRICT created a 3D artificial lung using bioprinting technology, closely mimicking the human respiratory tract. This model allows for accurate testing of COVID-19 drugs and development of therapeutic treatments, potentially shortening the drug development process to under 5 years.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiomaterials
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Preventing Parkinson’s disease may lie in seaweed antioxidants

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Ecklonia cava polyphenols can protect against neurodegeneration and improve motor function in Parkinson's disease model mice. The antioxidants activate the AMPK enzyme and inhibit reactive oxygen species production, reducing neuronal cell death.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study

Cracking the code of life: new AI model learns DNA’s hidden language

Researchers developed an AI model called GROVER that treats human DNA as a text, learning its rules and context to draw functional information about the DNA sequences. The tool has the potential to unlock the genetic code and advance personalized medicine.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article

Drug-chemo combo increases cancer treatment efficacy

A new study finds that combining an inhibitor of a metabolic pathway with chemotherapy could improve treatment outcomes in triple negative breast cancer brain metastases. Inhibiting fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival, shows promise in improving chemotherapy efficacy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·TypeExperimental study
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.

Hair follicle models from the 3D printer

A team of scientists has created a 3D-printed model of human hair follicles to test new treatments against hair follicle infections. The model, which replicates the natural environment of hair follicles, allows for early-stage testing of drug candidates without animal testing.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study

Advanced ‘Parkinson's in a dish’ model accelerates brain disease research

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a 'Parkinson's in a dish' model that rapidly converts stem cells to brain cells with protein structures characteristic of the disease. The study enables the study of Parkinson's disease pathology in a petri dish, paving the way for personalized diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron

Pioneering the cellular frontier

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an effective way to image a single cell using multiple techniques, providing significant implications in medicine and agriculture. The team used advanced X-ray imaging technologies to capture high-resolution images of the cellular structure and chemical processes within cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis

Organs on demand? UVA prints its first voxel building blocks

A UVA research team has developed biomaterials with controlled mechanical properties matching those of various human tissues, representing a significant leap in bioprinting technologies. Their unique digital assembly of spherical particles (DASP) technique can deposit particles of biomaterial in a supporting matrix to build 3D structur...

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications
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.

Endometriosis typology and ovarian cancer risk

A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA

Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice

The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study
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 3D imaging method offers promise of better IVF outcomes

A novel 3D imaging model has been introduced to identify features of blastocysts associated with successful pregnancies, potentially transforming current IVF selection methods. The study found that parameters related to size and specific features of the inner cell mass and outer layer are linked to higher pregnancy rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

University of Cincinnati study: Brain organ plays key role in adult neurogenesis

Researchers found that removing the choroid plexus leads to a reduction of newly born immature neurons and fewer repairing damage caused by a stroke. The study suggests that the choroid plexus keeps regenerative cells ready to deploy to injured areas in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

Scientists create first mouse model with complete, functional human immune system

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model with a fully functional human immune system, enabling the study of immunotherapy development, disease modeling, and vaccine development. The new model, called TruHuX, mounts specific antibody responses and can develop full-fledged systemic lupus autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study
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.

Simulating blood flow dynamics for improved nanoparticle drug delivery

A team of engineers has created a new mathematical model to accurately simulate the effects of blood flow on the adhesion and retention of nanoparticle drug carriers. The model, developed by University of Illinois professors Arif Masud and Hyunjoon Kong, was tested in vitro and demonstrated promising results.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Heart disease model puts cells to work

Researchers develop a model of heart disease by tricking stem cells to behave like mature heart cells with a mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study reveals the connection between mechanical stress and electrical function in hearts, shedding light on why genetic mutations can cause arrhythmias.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaliScience
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.

Fertility treatments could get boost from stem cells

Researchers discovered a breakthrough in mouse embryo development, where primitive endoderm cells can generate an embryo on their own. These cells also have the potential to improve IVF outcomes by developing into stem cell-based embryo models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell

Activating molecular target reverses multiple hallmarks of aging

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a small molecule compound that restores physiological levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), reducing cellular senescence and tissue inflammation. TERT restoration also spurred new neuron formation with improved memory and enhanced neuromuscular function.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell

We may soon be able to detect cancer with AI

Researchers have trained an AI model to identify DNA methylation patterns indicative of different cancer types, achieving 98.2% accuracy. This breakthrough could enable early detection and screening of cancers, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeExperimental study

New cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 reflect the clinical diversity of the disease

Researchers have developed three new cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 that accurately represent the clinical diversity of the disease. The models show great heterogeneity in genetic expansion and molecular alterations, making them suitable for studying pathophysiology and testing therapeutic options.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study
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.

A railroad of cells

A new approach by researchers at ISTA reveals how cells navigate through complex environments and interact with each other. The study uses computer simulations to visualize different scenarios, showing that cells move in trains like an all-wheel drive system, while clusters are slower due to collisions.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study

Texas A&M researcher receives grant for work on phase separation

Dr. Jeetain Mittal's NIH grant will support multiscale computational models investigating phase separation in biology, particularly heterochromatin formation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The research aims to elucidate the molecular origins of phase separation using innovative models and methods.

SourceTexas A&M University
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.

Depression, antidepressants, epigenetic age acceleration, and mortality in postmenopausal women

A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study

Proteomics uncover sexual dimorphism and immune changes in aging mice with Werner syndrome

Researchers found that Werner syndrome mice experience age-dependent and sex-specific changes in their livers and immune systems, including fatty liver accumulation and altered lipid metabolism. These findings suggest a potential link between immunoglobulin variants and fatty liver progression in the disorder.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study