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New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise

A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

USTC reveals nonequilibrium mechanism of bacterial flagellar motor switching

The study proposes a novel nonequilibrium mechanism for allosteric regulation of motor switching, based on precise measurement of the bacterial flagellar motor's switching dynamics at stall. This mechanism has implications for other molecular motors and explains dynamic properties under all loads uniformly.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 7, 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.

Louisville researchers reveal how oral bacteria suppress protection against viral growth

Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found that oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis can suppress the production and effectiveness of proteins that protect humans from viral infection. This suppression increases vulnerability to infection, allowing viruses to enter the body more easily.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

A novel compound might defeat multidrug-resistant bacteria common in hospitals

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a novel compound called macolacin that is highly potent against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to colistin. The compound was discovered using an evolutionary approach to antibiotic discovery and has shown promising results in lab experiments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Superbug MRSA arose in hedgehogs long before clinical use of antibiotics

A study published in Nature found that a type of MRSA called mecC-MRSA originated in hedgehogs over 200 years ago, long before the clinical use of antibiotics. The researchers believe that the bacteria evolved as an adaptation to living on the skin of hedgehogs with a fungus that produces its own antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New species of bacteria named after the John Innes Centre

A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Where does the special scent of thyme and oregano come from?

A team of researchers has fully identified the production process of thymol and carvacrol in thyme and oregano, respectively. The findings could lead to improved plant breeding and the development of new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

PET scans help guide drug to best treat orthopaedic implant bacterial infections

Researchers used PET scans to quantify antibiotic levels in orthopaedic implants, discovering rifampin penetration is only about 14% as much as previously believed. A higher dose of rifampin achieved higher bacterial killing and fewer antibiotic-resistant strains, suggesting a shorter treatment regimen may be effective.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 16, 2021
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.

New liquid biopsy detects local immune activity

A new blood test developed at Hebrew University of Jerusalem detects immune and inflammatory activity in tissues by monitoring circulating DNA fragments. This method provides accurate information about immune processes in remote tissues, removing the need for invasive measures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 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.

How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Boosting the body’s response to infections with a bio-inspired peptide

Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·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.

Widespread vaginal condition could lead to emergency caesarean section

A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateDec 1, 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.

First study of its kind to investigate a high priority but little known pathogen found in Irish hospitals: Trinity research

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Analysing resistance to antibiotics of Helicobacter pylori infection

A recent study found that antibiotic resistance rates for Helicobacter pylori are decreasing in European countries. The use of three antibiotics over 10-14 days resulted in success rates of over 90%. The researchers hope to reduce antibiotic consumption to prevent further resistance.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAntibiotics·DateNov 29, 2021

New findings on bacteria that increase risk of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that certain bacteria from the digestive system can cause damage to pancreatic cells, increasing the risk of malignant tumours. The study suggests that antibiotics could prevent this damage, offering a potential prophylactic intervention.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 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.

Ultrashort-pulse lasers kill bacterial superbugs, spores

Researchers have found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores, reducing their numbers by over 1,000 times. The technology has the potential to be used to sterilize wounds and disinfect blood products, and may also be used to treat bloodstream infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 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.

Scientists develop promising vaccine method against recurrent UTI

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2021

When the gut's internal ecosystem goes awry, could an ancient if gross-sounding treatment make it right?

Research using ring-tailed lemurs shows that fecal microbiota transplants can stabilize and restore a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotic use. The study confirms the effectiveness of this ancient treatment for reducing the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut, which can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
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.

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2021

New approach could overcome fungal resistance to current treatments

Researchers have identified compounds that interfere with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments. These compounds show promise as antifungal agents, effective even against drug-resistant strains of fungi.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2021

A way in: Newly-identified state in bacteria has major implications for antibiotic treatment and resistant strains

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover a 'disrupted' state in bacteria that resists current antibiotics, requiring new pharmacological agents to combat. The breakthrough model predicts bacterial population responses to treatments, offering avenues for better treatments against cancer cells.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 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.

Same day test identifies secondary infections in COVID-19 patients

A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2021

Southampton researchers kill bugs with nanoparticles

Scientists at the University of Southampton have created nanoparticles that can target and kill deadly bacteria hiding in human cells. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment method using injectable or inhalation-based antibiotic-laden capsules, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

New technology improves antibiotic treatment decisions

Zheng's sensor can determine effective antibiotics for treating bacterial infections in patients, providing detailed information about microbial growth faster and more sensitively than conventional approaches. The device achieves single-cell spatial resolution and 15-second temporal resolution over a centimeter-scale field of view.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Going for gold to reduce antibiotic resistance

Research identifies way of using nanoparticles to target and disrupt bacterial cells, making them more susceptible to standard antibiotic treatments. Laboratory studies show a strong effect in killing a range of bacteria, including some linked to hospital-acquired infections.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 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.

Test determines antibiotic resistance in less than 90 minutes

A new technique measures bacterial metabolic activity with an electric probe to identify antibiotic resistance in less than 90 minutes. This rapid method enables doctors to quickly determine which antibiotics will or won't work for a patient's infection, improving treatment decisions and potentially saving lives.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Hand washing and sanitizing not enough: Close that toilet lid after flushing!

A global review found bioaerosols can be transmitted throughout a building by defective plumbing and that opening toilet lids after flushing disperses contaminated droplets. Uncovered rubbish bins and poor surface cleaning also contribute to high bacterial loads.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2021

Study identifies new potential drug target for pneumonia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that interleukin-26 plays a critical role in bacterial pneumonia by directly killing bacteria and modulating the immune system. This finding positions IL-26 as a new potential target for biological treatment of pneumonia, an increasing global health threat.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 29, 2021

How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system

A new study reveals that mice infected with bacteria or parasites develop a unique tolerance mechanism to shield their enteric neurons from death. This finding has potential clinical implications for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, where neuronal loss can lead to severe gastrointestinal disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 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.

Lower antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria with forgotten antibiotic

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that temocillin was effective in treating febrile urinary tract infections with fewer resistant bacteria. Temocillin acts specifically against E. coli and other intestinal bacteria, reducing the risk of treatment failure.

SourceLinköping University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

Researchers discover a way to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics

A new research discovery at Monash University has found a way to make antibiotics more effective against 'superbugs' by attaching chemoattractants to antibiotics, enabling the recruitment of immune cells and improving killing ability. The findings have shown a 2-fold increase in effectiveness with lower doses.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Sharpest images ever reveal the patchy face of living bacteria

Researchers have recorded the sharpest images of living bacteria, revealing a complex architecture that makes them harder to kill by antibiotics. The study found that bacteria with protective outer layers may have stronger and weaker spots on their surface.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 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.

Lower airways are distinct in cystic fibrosis even at younger ages

Researchers found a higher burden of infection, more inflammation, and lower diversity of microorganisms in children with cystic fibrosis compared to disease controls. This divergence was noted as early as toddlerhood, suggesting potential for earlier treatment and prevention of severe lung disease.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2021

How staphylococci protect themselves against antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a novel resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus, which protects the bacteria from vancomycin. By binding vancomycin to its cell wall, the strain prevents the antibiotic from reaching the membrane and killing the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
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.

Research reveals potential new strategy to combat urinary tract infections

A potential new therapy for urinary tract infections has been discovered using the FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug dimethyl fumarate, which activates the NRF2 pathway. This balance between eliminating bacteria and minimizing tissue damage is crucial to treating UTIs.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Meningitis: Researchers find possible treatment strategy without antibiotics

A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

Vitamin D supplement may enhance dairy cows’ immune health

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Quest for bacterial cocktails to fight infections

Researchers identify beneficial bacteria like Klebsiella oxytoca that can combat hospital germs like K. pneumoniae. The study found that co-infection with these 'good' bacteria reduces susceptibility to infections and promotes a quicker recovery after antibiotic therapy.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 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.

Nanosilver no ‘silver bullet’ in long-term treatment of infections

Researchers found that nanosilver treatment can increase the risk of recurrent infections when used long-term due to pathogen adaptation. Long-term exposure allows bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evolve and resume normal growth upon discontinuation of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Understanding variations in Salmonella virulence

Researchers from the University of Seville discovered that a single amino acid mutation in Salmonella enzymes enables them to modify more proteins in infected cells, leading to increased virulence. This finding has significant implications for developing inhibitors as alternative antibacterial treatments.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 11, 2021

Patients with kidney transplants more vulnerable to common, usually harmless bacterium

A national review of nocardia infection in kidney transplant patients found that those with compromised immune responses are more vulnerable to the opportunistic agent. Nocardiosis can lead to pneumonia and brain abscess, and screening is crucial, especially in combination with pneumonia symptoms.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 11, 2021