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What we do and don’t know about the many ways COVID-19 can impact pregnant women and their babies

The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2022

Study shows COVID-19 vaccines offer lasting protection

A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that COVID-19 vaccines maintain protection from severe disease nine months after the first shot. Boosters are crucial for older adults, according to lead author Danyu Lin, PhD.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 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.

Unique Irish study sheds new light on long-term SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses in older nursing home residents

A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 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.

Health fears can increase pandemic isolation habits in older Europeans

A new study found that older Europeans who underestimate their health are more likely to adapt their behavior in response to COVID-19 concerns. This group may face increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateJan 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using a different language can reduce vaccine hesitancy

A new study found that providing health information in a foreign language can reduce vaccine hesitancy. In a study conducted in Hong Kong, participants who received the same information in Cantonese showed lower willingness to get vaccinated compared to those who received it in English. The researchers suggest that language choice shou...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJan 10, 2022

Vaccinated women pass COVID-19 antibodies to breastfeeding babies

A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that vaccinated women transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving them passive immunity against the coronavirus. The research also showed a correlation between vaccine side effects and antibody levels in infant stool.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2022

New: COVAX results

A registry study found that people with inflammatory RMDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, tolerate their COVID vaccine well, with short-lived reactions being the most common side effect. The majority of participants were able to continue on their normal medication with no changes.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 7, 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.

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.

New study adds more evidence for Omicron immune evasion

A new study finds that the Omicron variant can evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines, with antibodies from double-vaccinated individuals showing reduced neutralizing activity. The study suggests the need for new vaccines and treatments to combat evolving variants.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

*Free* COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs and boosters

Recent studies have shown that booster doses can restore vaccination effectiveness to over 90% in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, continued research highlights the importance of nonpharmaceutical interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing in reducing COVID-19 cases and limiting variant emergence.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021

The Lancet: Phase 3 trial reports one dose of Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, including against severe disease

A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 23, 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.

What makes an mRNA vaccine so effective against severe COVID-19?

A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2021

COVID-19–vaccinated kidney transplant recipients are especially vulnerable to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

New research reveals that COVID-19 vaccinated kidney transplant recipients have impaired antibody responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.351 and B.1.617.2. The study found that these patients require additional vaccinations to maintain high levels of neutralizing antibodies.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New vaccine allocation model focuses on fairness and diversity

Researchers developed a fair-diverse allocation optimization framework to optimize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and testing supplies. The model aims to get limited resources to the most vulnerable subgroups while ensuring fairness and diversity, independent of demographic background.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalSocio-Economic Planning Sciences·DateDec 22, 2021

The role of trust and knowledge in overcoming vaccination hesitancy

A study published in PNAS found that trust and knowledge about vaccination are stronger predictors of vaccination than Covid-specific factors. Background beliefs and behavior regarding vaccination in general were more than twice as predictive of the change in vaccination as beliefs about the pandemic itself.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

Covid-19 infections in nursing homes: Simulation model for optimal prevention and vaccination strategies

Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021

Mechanism for DNA invasion of adenoviral Covid-19 vaccines discovered

A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Serosurvey in Sierra Leone points to underreporting of cases, risk of new variants

A COVID-19 antibody survey in Sierra Leone found significant underreporting of cases and low vaccination rates, posing a risk to populations with limited immunity. The study's findings call for rapid vaccine deployments and support for intellectual property waivers to address the pandemic's progression.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 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.

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.

Gains in HPV vaccination coverage after interventions sustainable for several years

A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Breakthrough infections generate ‘super immunity’ to COVID-19, study suggests

A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists find new details about how immune system builds long-term memory

Researchers have discovered a fundamental role of the TBK1 enzyme in deciding B cell fate, crucial for developing effective vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 and malaria. The study reveals that TBK1 is necessary for germinal center formation and high-quality antibody production.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
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.

Once upon a BCG vaccine

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

A step toward “living biotherapeutics”

The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 10, 2021

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine incentive lottery programs

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that implementing lottery programs as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination led to substantial increases in vaccine uptake. The study analyzed data from over 40 states and showed a strong correlation between the implementation of these programs and subsequent vaccine adoption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 9, 2021
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.

Which factors determine whether a person decides to get vaccinated?

A survey of 9 European countries and the US found significant differences in vaccine skepticism, with Russia having the lowest percentage at 62% and the UK the highest at 93.9%. Factors such as media use, mental health, and government communication played a role in shaping attitudes towards vaccination.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2021

Infection plus vaccination yields better antibodies against COVID-19 variants

Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Impact of obesity and metabolic disorders on severity of COVID-19 and vaccine-breakthrough infections

A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Differences among parents to vaccinate children against COVID-19

A survey of 1,100 parents found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy differed by factors such as racial and ethnic background, education level, and previous experience with COVID-19. The study highlights the need for tailored vaccination strategies to address these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 6, 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.

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

A new particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant has been shown to alter lymph flow and modulate adaptive immunity. This study demonstrates the potential of this ingredient as a more effective vaccine booster.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Rapid test identifies antibody effectiveness against COVID-19 variants

A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Hospitals have ethical obligation to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients

A new opinion piece argues that hospitals have an ethical duty to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients, even if it means delaying non-emergency procedures for vaccinated individuals. The author suggests a contingency care standard prioritizing emergency life-support regardless of vaccination status.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 3, 2021
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.

COVID-19 Delta variant may have increased ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the COVID-19 Delta variant may have a reduced ability to be neutralized by vaccines. The researchers analyzed serum samples from vaccinated individuals and found that the Delta variant was more effective at evading vaccine-induced immunity than other variants, such as Beta and Alpha.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Scientists identify animal model for two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses

Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021