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Needle-free COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 29, 2021

Prompt procurement and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines are as important as their efficacy

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that prioritizing prompt procurement, distribution, and vaccination pace can maximize public health benefits and economic efficiency. Meeting vaccination targets of 67% or 80% of the population can significantly reduce infections and deaths while minimizing healthcare costs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2021

Cardiac MRI of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 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.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: CoVID-19 vaccines lower risk of infection with delta variant, but infection can still be passed on in household settings

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Chatbot for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

A chatbot tested with 338 individuals showed a 37% increase in positive views of vaccination and a 20% decrease in vaccine refusal after just a few minutes of interaction. The study suggests that the chatbot could be an effective tool to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination incentive program pays off

The study found that the $25 Summer Card Pilot program successfully encouraged more adults to get a COVID-19 vaccine by halving the drop in vaccination rates. The program's design provided guaranteed financial incentives, which were particularly effective among low-income and minority groups.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Long-term immune response to Sputnik-V COVID vaccine

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the Sputnik-V COVID vaccine elicits both robust antibody and T-cell responses. The research suggests that long-term immunity is possible, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccine against local virus variants.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Oral hookworm vaccine could save millions around the world

A breakthrough oral vaccine candidate has been developed to prevent hookworm infection, which affects half a billion people worldwide. The vaccine triggers a strong immune response and reduces worm numbers by up to 94% in mice trials.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalVaccines·DateOct 26, 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.

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

New study finds no risk of pregnancy loss from COVID-19 vaccination

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCase study·DateOct 21, 2021

Study offers snapshot of celebs’ social media influence on COVID-19 info

A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAtlantic Journal of Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021
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.

COVID-19 vaccination strongly protected 12- to 18-year-olds during Delta

Two studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces both COVID-19 hospitalization rates and severe illnesses among adolescents aged 12-18. A CDC-supported study found two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 93% effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2021

Mandates likely work to increase vaccine uptake

Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Two vaccine doses boost antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19

A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 20, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in adolescents

The study shows that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is substantial in adolescents, with a 93% decrease in symptomatic cases and a 90% decrease in documented infections after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness was lower but still significant before the second dose.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Potential immunization strategy to protect against future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
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.

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.

Pregnant and lactating women should adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection

A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination strategies: When is one dose better than two?

Researchers found that vaccinating more people with a single dose can be beneficial when the vaccine waning rate is low, slowing the spread of the virus. The 'prime first' strategy prioritizes speed over double doses under supply constraints, offering an alternative to traditional vaccination protocols.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateOct 19, 2021

Even college campuses with 100% vaccine rates need COVID-19 tests

A study of 5,000 simulated undergraduates found that weekly surveillance testing was associated with a substantial reduction in infections. Even at low vaccine effectiveness rates, quarantine protocols were effective in reducing infections by up to 93.6%.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 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.

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 this year could pay thousands of dollars, study suggests

A new study analyzed 4,000 COVID-related hospitalizations and found that patients with private insurance could face $3,800 bills, while those with Medicare Advantage plans might owe $1,500. The lack of waivers for hospitalization costs could lead to increased financial burden on patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Delta and Delta Plus evade the antibody response

Researchers found that Delta and Delta Plus infect lung cells with higher efficiency than the original virus, evading antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. The new variants were also resistant to some therapeutic antibodies, leading to reduced inhibition.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 15, 2021

COVID-19 lottery announcements, vaccinations

A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates increased in states with cash drawing announcements compared to those without. The analysis suggests a positive association between these announcements and vaccine uptake, providing insight into innovative strategies for improving public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 15, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Attitudes toward vaccine travel requirements

A recent study published in Tourism Management explores travelers' attitudes toward pre-travel vaccination requirements. The researchers found that willingness to vaccinate and beliefs that others should vaccinate are key predictors of support for vaccine mandates. Travelers who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled m...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTourism Management·TypeNews article·DateOct 15, 2021
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.

LSU Health funded to support community health workers for pandemic response

LSU Health has been awarded funding to support community health workers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, enabling them to serve as liaisons between healthcare services and under-resourced communities. The grants will promote health equity and provide essential public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 13, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, access among Black, Latinx communities

A study finds that community-informed insights can inform health care strategies to maximize vaccine acceptance in communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Vaccination rates were found to be lower among Black and Latinx populations compared to other demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 13, 2021

Immune response to COVID-19 vaccine different with prior infection

Researchers found that both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines generate long-term populations of T cells that can recognize multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, individuals with a prior COVID-19 infection showed improved T cell responses in the respiratory tract, suggesting better protection against breakthrough infections.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaleLife·DateOct 12, 2021

Nationwide study shows link between COVID vaccination and reduced household transmission

A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2021
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.

Adverse complications for covid positive pregnant women and their newborns adds further weight to vaccination calls

A new study found a significant increase in adverse outcomes for COVID-19 positive pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, low white blood cell counts, and heavier bleeding during delivery. Respiratory complications were also witnessed in their babies, highlighting the importance of vaccinating all pregnant women against COVID-19.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateOct 10, 2021

Most Americans resumed travel or leisure before COVID-19 vaccines became available

A Texas A&M study found that over half of American adults resumed risky social and travel activities before vaccines were widely available. The survey also revealed that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and fiscally conservative respondents were more likely to engage in such behaviors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 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.

More Swedes had COVID jab when they were paid

An international study by Lund University found that offering a small reward of $24 increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among Swedes by 4 percentage points. The vaccination rate rose to 76 percent in the group offered payment, compared to 72 percent in those not receiving incentives.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

COVID-19 risk in fully vaccinated individuals with substance use disorders

A recent study found that fully vaccinated individuals with substance use disorders have a significantly higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection compared to the general population. The study, published in World Psychiatry, revealed that patients with cocaine and cannabis use disorder had the highest risks.

SourceWiley·JournalWorld Psychiatry·DateOct 6, 2021

Hesitancy over the HPV vaccine has stabilized or risen in some subgroups

A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 6, 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.

Acute myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in adults

A population-based study of 2.4 million people found rare cases of acute myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in young men. The study suggests that the signal of increased myocarditis warrants further investigation into the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 4, 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.

For unvaccinated, reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 is likely

A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateOct 1, 2021

New research reveals that our choices may be making us more individualistic

A recent study by Shilpa Madan found that the salience of choice fuels independence and makes individuals more self-interested. This can lead to a range of positive consequences, including increased tolerance for harassment and discrimination, but also negative consequences for collective action.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2021
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.