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Canadian scientist Aled Edwards on preparing for the next pandemic — Now

Aled Edwards emphasizes the importance of basic and applied research in developing effective COVID-19 vaccines. He also stresses the need for better vaccination implementation, increased global access to vaccines, and a cultural shift towards viewing access to new medicines as a right rather than an asset.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2022

Rate of COVID-19 vaccination among workers in California State prisons

A study of California state prison staff found that COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower among workers compared to incarcerated individuals, resulting in increased risks of further outbreaks. The plateaued vaccination rates posed significant concerns for continued transmission from prisons to surrounding communities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 11, 2022
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.

Immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targets of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

About 16% of couples are divided on COVID-19 vaccination

A Washington State University survey found that 16% of couples in the US are divided on COVID-19 vaccination, with discordant relationships accounting for 15.63% of respondents. The study reveals varying reasons for vaccine refusal, including religious and personal objections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalVaccine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2022

Moffitt study finds cancer patients do benefit from COVID-19 vaccination

A Moffitt study found that COVID-19 vaccination led to seroconversion in most cancer patients, but with differing antibody response rates among various cancer types and treatments. Patients with blood cancers had lower seroconversion rates compared to those with solid tumors, highlighting the need for personalized immune responses.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2022

Machine learning may predict where need for COVID tests is greatest

Researchers at West Virginia University are using machine learning and geographic information systems to identify areas with low COVID-vaccine uptake. They aim to pinpoint counties with increased risk of outbreaks, predict where testing is most crucial, and develop targeted interventions to increase testing rates. By acknowledging comm...

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMar 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 vaccination protects adults on dialysis against infection and severe disease

A study published in JASN found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly protected individuals with kidney failure undergoing dialysis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% and mortality rate by 10% compared to unvaccinated individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 9, 2022

Pandemic protection

A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that vaccines are most effective when distributed in areas with the highest baseline risks. The researchers used absolute risk reduction to guide the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, prioritizing counties and states with lower numbers needed to vaccinate (NNV).

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2022
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.

People with heart defects may be at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness

A study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that people with congenital heart defects who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to require intensive care or need a ventilator. The risk of severe illness was higher among those with additional health conditions, older adults, and men.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMar 7, 2022

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Large U.S. study confirms most mRNA COVID-19 vaccine side effects are mild and temporary

A large US study found that 92% of reported adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were non-serious, with most side effects being mild and decreasing substantially after one day. The study also found that less than 1% of participants reported seeking medical care after vaccination.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

TTUHSC’s Rahman receives Grant extension

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas has awarded a grant extension to Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman, allowing her to provide no-cost mammograms and Pap smears to underinsured and uninsured women in the Permian Basin. The program aims to address high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in West Texas.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateMar 3, 2022

Case study goes inside how Rutgers managed the pandemic

The case study examines Rutgers' comprehensive universitywide plan, leveraging internal expertise to develop a swift and effective response. The university required vaccinations for students, promoting resilience and community, and demonstrated the role institutions can play in addressing significant issues.

SourceRutgers University·JournalElectronic Journal of Knowledge Management·TypeCase study·DateMar 3, 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.

Henipavirus glycoprotein architecture suggests therapeutic strategies

Researchers discover unique glycoprotein structure of Nipah and Hendra viruses, which could provide blueprint for vaccine design and antibody treatments. The findings suggest a multi-pronged approach to prevent and treat these deadly illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022
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.

Partisan media exposure could inform COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

A Washington State University study suggests that partisan media exposure and pre-existing attitudes play a significant role in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate that individuals with positive vaccine attitudes and lower conservative media consumption are more likely to have higher vaccine intention.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Are medicines affecting our response to infections like COVID-19?

Researchers found that some painkillers and fever medications may help fight infection, while others can weaken the immune system. The review highlights the need for more studies on the impact of these medicines on infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Booster critical as COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibodies wane in 6 months, don’t protect against omicron

Researchers found that two-dose mRNA vaccines against the original and early variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus offer little to no protection against the omicron variant. A third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster shot, however, enhances immune response and provides comparable protection to the delta variant.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

CityU research estimates vaccine donation from high to low- and middle-income countries will help end COVID-19 pandemic

A team led by City University of Hong Kong researcher Dr Zhang Qingpeng found that donating 46% to 80% of COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries can significantly reduce infection rates and mortality. The study suggests prioritizing vaccines for countries with high incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2022

A math model to predict COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines confer protection against symptomatic infections. The study found that vaccine efficacy is linked to the level of neutralization titre and could enable testing of future vaccines before clinical trials.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Computational Science·DateMar 1, 2022

OHSU research is latest to characterize potential end of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022
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.

Desire to travel increases likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination, study says

A new study from Washington State University finds that people with a strong desire to travel are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The research also reveals that emotional appeals and loss-based messaging can be effective in changing vaccine intentions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Does severe COVID-19 affect pregnancy outcomes?

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateFeb 24, 2022

Association between COVID-19 vaccine, sudden hearing loss

A study of 2.6 million patients in Israel suggests a possible association between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The effect size is very small, indicating that further research is needed to confirm this potential link.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2022

February research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 24, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Assessment of sudden hearing loss after COVID-19 vaccination

A study analyzing 185 million COVID-19 vaccine doses found no connection between vaccination and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The results indicate that vaccination is not associated with the development of this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2022

WHO European Region: Diphtheria immunisation success but still sporadic cases

The WHO European Region has seen significant success in diphtheria immunization, with high coverage rates and only a few reported cases. However, suboptimal surveillance systems and inadequate laboratory capacity may contribute to the persistence of sporadic cases.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Limited efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron

A study by MedUni Vienna found that dual-vaccinated and recovered individuals have virtually no protection against infection with the current Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, a third Corona vaccination provides partial blockade of Omicron.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateFeb 22, 2022

Omicron variant: surgery and anaesthesia experts issue update on timing of elective surgery following emergence of omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2

Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateFeb 22, 2022
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.

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is rare among 12- to 20-year-olds who have received COVID-19 vaccination, study suggests

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Study looks at Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2022
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.

Risk of second allergic reaction to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2022

T-cell responses may help predict protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with and without cancer

New study reveals that T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can predict protection against infection. In healthy individuals, T cells with a specific cytokine profile offered immunity against COVID-19. In contrast, cancer patients showed lower T-cell responses and increased susceptibility to infection.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 18, 2022
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.

Social media echo chambers spread vaccine misinformation

Researchers analyzed 60 billion tweets to understand vaccine hesitancy on social media. They found that anti-vaxxer profiles often share links to YouTube videos and commercial sites selling alternative health products, highlighting the spread of misinformation in echo chambers.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

VA research spells out COVID’s down-the-road risks for mental health

A VA research team found increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in individuals who had COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed medical records of nearly 154,000 patients with COVID-19 and compared them to over 11 million people without COVID-19.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

‘Prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 only in large-scale randomized trials’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTherapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2022
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.

Harnessing vaccine technology to heal bone

Researchers have discovered that messenger RNA can be used to regenerate bone at low doses, producing high-quality tissue with no side effects. The new method is superior to existing treatments and may not require repeat doses.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2022

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

New study finds COVID-19 vaccination boosts mental health along with immunity

A new study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with statistically significant declines in multiple psychological distress factors. Vaccination was linked to reductions in perceived risks of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
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.

UH sociologist finds disparities in initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution

A new study by University of Houston sociologist Kathryn Freeman Anderson reveals significant disparities in the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout in five urban Texas counties. The research found that Black and Latino neighborhoods were less likely to receive vaccines due to existing healthcare resource shortages.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022

3 doses of Pfizer–BioNTech COVID vaccine better than 2

A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateFeb 14, 2022

Analysis of vaccination rates, new COVID-19 infections in US counties

A study analyzed the association between vaccination rates and new COVID-19 infections in US counties from July to August 2021, finding a positive correlation between higher vaccination rates and lower new infection rates. The analysis used data from over 3,000 counties and shed light on the impact of vaccination on pandemic trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.

Proportion of women reporting side-effects after the 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose of the Pfizer vaccination almost twice (1.9 times) that among men

A recent study published in Vaccines found that the proportion of women reporting side-effects after Pfizer vaccinations is almost twice that of men. The highest frequencies of side-effects were reported after the second vaccination, with pain in the entire arm and weakness being notable examples.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalVaccines·DateFeb 10, 2022