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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Most women receive inappropriate treatment for urinary tract infections

A study of private insurance claims data found nearly half of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections received the wrong antibiotics and three-quarters received prescriptions for longer than necessary. Rural areas tend to have inappropriately long treatment durations, which can lead to adverse events and antibiotic resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Antibiotic tolerance study paves way for new treatments

A recent study reveals how bacteria develop tolerance to beta-lactam antibiotics, leading to persistent infections. The researchers identified a system that mitigates iron toxicity in tolerant bacteria, opening the door for new therapies that exploit oxidative damage and iron influx.

SourceCornell University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 22, 2021

X-factor to help antibiotics regain their spark

A University of Queensland-led project combines old antibiotics with a new compound to revive their effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria. The goal is to combat the growing threat of superbugs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateFeb 22, 2021

Biological therapy has proved a suitable alternative to antibiotics

Researchers have isolated monoclonal antibodies that effectively target and inhibit the growth of tuberculosis germs in laboratory mice. These biological antibiotics show promise as an alternative to traditional chemical antibiotics, offering a safer and more stable treatment option.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Metabolic mutations help bacteria resist drug treatment

A study by MIT researchers has identified a class of metabolic mutations in bacteria that helps them develop resistance to antibiotics. The findings suggest that forcing bacteria to burn more energy could make them more susceptible to antibiotics, and may lead to the development of new drugs to enhance existing antibiotic effectiveness.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

Older adults and antibiotics: Study shows healthy attitudes but unhealthy practices

A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 18, 2021

Low-value health care drops only marginally despite effort to curb practices

A new study by RAND Corporation found that low-value healthcare spending among Medicare recipients decreased marginally from 2014 to 2018, but three services - opioid prescriptions for back pain, preoperative laboratory testing, and antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections - accounted for two-thirds of the wasteful care. The fin...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 16, 2021
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.

New weapon against resistant bacteria

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new effective antibiotic to combat resistant bacteria, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The substance, from the pleuromutilin class, fights multiple types of resistant bacteria via a unique mechanism of action.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 10, 2021

Study: 'Hidden' genes could be key in development of new antibiotics

A study from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that membrane-localized phage proteins may help revitalize and enhance existing antibiotics. Researchers identified 35 unique lysis genes in E. coli bacteria, which could potentially represent new mechanisms for bacterial cell lysis.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 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.

UTEP fights superbugs with $1.2 Million NIH grant to produce antibiotics

Dr. Chu-Young Kim's research team is working on modifying existing antibiotic molecules using microorganisms that naturally synthesize them. This approach aims to overcome resistance and provide affordable treatment options for patients. The goal is to engineer bacteria to produce modified antibiotics via fermentation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateFeb 2, 2021

Why antibiotic-resistant cells persist

The researcher aims to identify common mechanisms among persister cells and their unique metabolic processes. The goal is to develop new strategies for understanding and combating bacterial persistence.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 1, 2021

By changing their shape, some bacteria can grow more resilient to antibiotics

Research at Carnegie Mellon University reveals that certain bacteria can change their shape in response to antibiotic exposure, enabling them to overcome stress and resume fast growth. The study demonstrates how cell shape affects bacterial reproduction and survival, providing insight into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 29, 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.

Livestock workers face high MRSA risk

Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 28, 2021

Detecting trace amounts of multiple classes of antibiotics in foods

Researchers have developed a method to simultaneously measure 77 antibiotics in various foods, including meat, eggs, milk, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The new approach allows for the detection of multiple classes of antibiotics at trace amounts, which can contribute to increased antibiotic resistance and gut microbiome imbalance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Neonatal antibiotic use associated with reduced growth in boys

A new study found that exposure to antibiotics within the first 14 days of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to age six. However, antibiotic use after neonatal period leads to higher body mass index (BMI) in both boys and girls during childhood.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 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.

Message in a bottle: Info-rich bubbles respond to antibiotics

Researchers found that membrane vesicles, which carry biological information between bacteria and cells, produce more info-rich bubbles in response to antibiotics. This may lead to the transmission of warning signals to neighboring cells and potentially foster antibiotic resistance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 20, 2021

Unlocking 'the shape of water' in mechanisms of antibiotic resistance

A new study reveals that a single water molecule is essential for the binding of macrolide antibiotics to bacterial ribosomes, explaining why resistant bacteria are immune to these drugs. This discovery offers a promising lead in developing new antibiotics that do not require this water molecule for binding.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 19, 2021

Synthesis of potent antibiotic follows unusual chemical pathway

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a unique enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the production of thiostrepton, a potent antibiotic that can also target breast cancer cells. The breakthrough, detailed in a new Nature Chemistry study, could lead to the development of more effective human medicines.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 18, 2021
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.

Gene-editing produces tenfold increase in superbug slaying antibiotics

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to increase formicamycin production in Streptomyces formicae bacteria, which could lead to new antibiotics against MRSA. The over-producing strain can be used to purify enough formicamycins to study their mode of action and development as antibiotics.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 12, 2021
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.

Fluoride to the rescue?

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new approach to addressing the challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by replacing antibiotics with fluoride. The method uses a genetically engineered cell that can survive in the lab but dies when exposed to fluoride, preventing its propagation into the natural environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2021

With COVID exacerbating superbug threat, researchers ID new weapon

Scientists at University of Colorado Boulder develop new compound JD1 that targets Gram-negative bacteria by exploiting innate immune response, reducing survival and spread by 95%. Further studies underway to explore compounds like JD1 for commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 23, 2020
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.

Antibiotics for C-sections effective after umbilical cord clamped

A large study challenges the conventional practice of administering antibiotics before C-section incisions, finding them equally effective when given after clamping. This discovery may benefit newborns' developing microbiomes, potentially affecting immune system development and future health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateDec 21, 2020

New recipe for antibiotic could prevent deafness

Researchers developed a method to reformulate gentamicin, reducing the risk of irreversible hearing loss. The new formulation, C2b, shows comparable effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020
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.

Antimicrobial Stewardship course honoured at Antibiotic Guardian Awards

The University of Huddersfield's Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wound Management course has been honoured at the Antibiotic Guardian Awards. Over 8000 healthcare professionals have completed the course with high praise, exploring antimicrobial resistance and implementing infection control measures.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateDec 9, 2020

Johns Hopkins develops potential antibiotic for drug-resistant pathogen

Scientists have developed a potential new antibiotic for Mycobacterium abscessus, a pathogen resistant to medications with cure rates less than 50%. The compound T405 demonstrated superior potency against the bacteria, as well as an ability to prevent resistance when combined with avibactam.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 8, 2020

New device offers faster way to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A new device can detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria in just five hours by measuring naturally occurring electron transfers. The device, developed by Binghamton University researchers, has the potential to serve as an important point-of-care diagnostic tool in areas with limited resources.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 1, 2020

'Anti-antibiotic' allows for use of antibiotics without driving resistance

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Michigan have developed an inexpensive therapy to prevent antibiotic resistance. The 'anti-antibiotic', cholestyramine, reduces fecal shedding of daptomycin-resistant bacteria by up to 80-fold, providing a potential solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 1, 2020

Experimental evolution reveals how bacteria gain drug resistance

A research team at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research successfully evolved Escherichia coli under antibiotic pressure, identifying mechanisms and constraints underlying drug resistance. The findings can be used to develop strategies that minimize the chance of bacteria developing resistance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020
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.

Commonly used antibiotic shows promise for combating Zika infections

Researchers found that methacycline, a widely used tetracycline-based antibiotic, is effective at preventing brain infections and reducing neurological problems associated with Zika virus infections. The study also identified other potential candidates, including anti-inflammatory medicines and failed anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateNov 24, 2020

Insights in the search for new antibiotics

A research team is working on developing new tools to guide the discovery and optimization of new antibacterial agents, addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 19, 2020

Understanding lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis

A new model of CF lungs using pig lungs and synthetic mucus shows that S. aureus aggregates in mucus, rather than invading lung tissue, sparking debate over antibiotic treatment. This discovery could lead to reduced use of antibiotics and improved treatment for MRSA infection in cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMicrobiology·DateNov 19, 2020

Compound for Alzheimer's combats bacterial resistance to last-resort antibiotics in mice

Researchers found that PBT2 disrupts metals in polymyxin-resistant bacteria, resensitizing them to treatment and boosting survival rates in mice with sepsis. The compound may offer a solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, which poses a grave danger to patients with bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

Environmental scientists' new ozonation method treats water from antibiotic residues

Environmental scientists at TalTech have developed a new ozonation method to treat drinking water contaminated with pharmaceutical residues. The study compared the efficiency of ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide and ozone/persulfate processes in degrading sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, finding promising results for the O3/PS process.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateNov 17, 2020

Antibiotic exposure in children under age 2 associated with chronic conditions

A study of 14,572 children found that antibiotic use during the first two years of life is associated with an increased risk of asthma, respiratory allergies, eczema, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Antibiotic exposure was also linked to metabolic diseases, immunological diseases and cognitive conditions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 16, 2020
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.

Clinicians who prescribe unnecessary antibiotics fuel future antibiotic use

A Harvard Medical School study found that clinicians who prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections increase the likelihood of patients seeking care for similar infections in the future. This leads to a significant increase in antibiotic prescriptions, exacerbating the problem of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary spending.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 9, 2020

Resensitizing 'last-resort' antibiotics for treatment of infections

Researchers repurpose an antirheumatic gold drug, auranofin (AUR), to revive the potency of 'last-resort' antibiotics against multi-drug resistant superbugs. The combination therapy shows promising results in eradicating multidrug-resistant bacteria in animal models.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2020

Harnessing the 'wisdom of crowds' can help combat antibiotic over prescription

A new study demonstrates that pooling treatment recommendations from multiple prescribers using the 'wisdom of crowds' concept can improve decisions on antibiotic prescribing and reduce overuse. Using international survey data, researchers found that groups of three or more prescribers showed significant benefits in guideline compliance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New tricks for old antibiotics

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalImmunity·DateOct 22, 2020

Boron nitride nanofilms for protection from bacterial and fungal infections

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed antibacterial nano-coatings based on boron nitride that are highly effective against microbial pathogens, including up to 99.99% efficacy against E. coli bacteria. The coatings work by releasing the antibiotic gentamicin locally, reducing the need for high doses and minimizing side effects.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 20, 2020
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.

Benefits, risks seen with antibiotics-first for appendicitis

The CODA trial found that antibiotics can avoid surgery for more than 70% of patients with appendicitis. However, patients with an appendicolith may face higher complications and a greater risk of needing surgery.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020
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.