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Fighting parasites with poo

Researchers at University of Queensland are studying bacteria and fungi in sheep faeces and pastures to discover new natural antiparasitics. The goal is to prevent multi-drug resistance and safeguard livestock, with potential benefits for the environment and farming industry.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateMay 27, 2020

A few months of vaping puts healthy people on the brink of oral disease

Researchers at Ohio State University found that e-cigarette users' mouths contain potent infection-causing organisms, similar to those found in people with periodontitis. The study suggests that vaping can lead to gum disease and cancer, even in healthy individuals who have not smoked. The findings challenge the claim that e-cigarettes...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find one-two punch may help fight against Salmonella

A natural product called dephostatin has been found to be an effective partner for the antibiotic colistin in treating infections caused by the bacteria Salmonella. The combination significantly prolonged animal survival and used a lower concentration of colistin, reducing its toxic effect.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 14, 2020

Microbiome therapy protects against recurrent bacterial vaginosis

Researchers found that LACTIN-V, a product containing healthy vaginal bacteria, significantly reduced the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. The study also suggests that LACTIN-V may have the potential to prevent HIV infection and preterm birth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020
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.

Leap forward in the discovery and development of new antibiotics

Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in the development of new glycopeptide antibiotics, which could provide a vital advantage in the fight against resistant bacteria. By combining natural enzymes with synthetic chemistry, scientists can now explore new antibiotics that have never been made before.

SourceMonash University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2020

When the BumR gives you diarrhea

UT Southwestern researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which Campylobacter jejuni bacteria sense and respond to butyrate, a beneficial fatty acid produced in the large intestine. This finding provides potential therapeutic targets for preventing C. jejuni-induced diarrhea.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Bid to lower COVID-19 deaths

A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.

SourceFlinders University·DateApr 23, 2020

Large population study links blood infection with certain bacteria to increased risk of colorectal cancer

A large population study found a significant association between blood infections with anaerobic bacteria and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study revealed that infections with specific bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum and Bacteroides ovatus, were linked to a substantial increased risk of CRC.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2020

Study identifies last-line antibiotic resistance in humans and pet dog

A study found the dangerous mcr-1 gene in two healthy humans and a pet dog in Portugal, providing resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort. The presence of this gene in humans and animals raises concerns about potential transmission and the emergence of untreatable infections.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2020
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.

RIT researchers build micro-device to detect bacteria, viruses

Researchers designed a new microfluidic device that uses magnetic nano-beads to isolate minute bacterial particles. The device improves the detection of drug-resistant strains and difficult-to-detect micro-particles such as Ebola and coronaviruses.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2020
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.

Small study shows paper towels much more effective at removing viruses than hand dryers

A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 16, 2020

An antibody treatment combats life-threatening sepsis in rodents

Researchers have developed an antibody treatment that improves survival in rodent models of sepsis by targeting a protein called tetranectin. The therapy boosts survival even when started late after sepsis onset, suggesting its potential for treating severe bacterial infections and secondary sepsis in COVID-19 patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2020

Economic impacts of olive tree pathogen

A study by Kevin Schneider and colleagues found that the bacterial strain Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca could have significant economic impacts on olive tree cultivation in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Replanting with resistant varieties or removing infected plants can mitigate these losses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020
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.

Risk factors for carrying pneumonia-causing bacteria revealed

A recent study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that Fijians carrying a pneumonia-causing bacteria are more likely to be of iTaukei ethnicity, young, living in urban areas, or with low family income. The study also linked toddlers and children under six years old to a higher burden of pneumococcal bacteria.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2020

New therapy could combat persistent joint infections in horses

Researchers have developed a platelet-rich plasma lysate that, when teamed with antibiotics, can eradicate bacterial biofilms common in joint infections. The therapy has shown great results in horses and may also be applied to humans and dogs.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateApr 6, 2020

Forgotten tale of phage therapy history revealed

Researchers from University of Jyväskylä uncovered historical data on phage therapy's successful use against dysentery and staphylococcal infections in Brazil. The study sheds light on the revived interest in phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 27, 2020
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 study: Cannabis helps fight resistant bacteria

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabidiol (CBD) enhances the effect of antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a major human pathogen. The combination of CBD and antibiotics showed a more powerful effect than using antibiotics alone, reducing the need for antibiotics to achieve the same outcome.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 24, 2020
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.

New device quickly detects harmful bacteria in blood

Engineers created a tiny device to rapidly detect harmful bacteria in blood, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potentially deadly infections. The device can capture up to 86% of target bacteria, including E. coli, making it ideal for laboratory and healthcare settings.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 23, 2020

Antibiotic intercepts building blocks of the bacterial envelope

Researchers at the University of Bonn have deciphered daptomycin's mode of action, blocking cell wall construction and leading to bacterial death. The study sheds light on the antibiotic's mechanism, paving the way for optimization and combination therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

Published consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations

A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateMar 19, 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.

Solving the riddle of superbug toxin damage to gut

A bacterial superbug can prevent stem cells in the gut from regenerating the inner lining of the intestine, causing potentially severe disease. This damage impairs tissue repair and recovery from disease, particularly in older adults.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Fecal microbiota transplants successfully treat patients with C. diff

Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) have shown high success rates in treating C.diff infection, with 78% of patients experiencing no recurrence of diarrhoea within 90 days. This treatment is particularly effective compared to antibiotics, which have lower success rates for relapsing infections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMar 15, 2020

X-ray eyes peer deeper into deadly pathogen

A new study reveals unprecedented details of the bacterium Francisella tularensis' key membrane protein Flpp3, responsible for its virulence. The researchers used X-ray free electron laser technology to gather detailed structural information, which will help develop targeted drugs and effective vaccines against tularemia.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·DateMar 5, 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.

Novel sepsis treatment enhances bacterial capture by neutrophil 'traps'

Researchers developed a novel treatment that compacts and stabilizes neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to enhance bacterial capture, resist degradation, and improve sepsis outcomes. The treatment improved survival in mice with sepsis by reducing severity of illness and decreasing bacteria levels.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·DateMar 5, 2020

SFU team helps discover potential superbug-killing compound

Researchers discover potential superbug-killing compound AB569 that targets priority pathogens and additional bacteria causing foodborne illness. The compound has shown promising results in treating a wide range of infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Scientists discover new 'Jekyll and Hyde' immune cell

Researchers have identified a rare immune cell type that expresses both alpha-beta and gamma-delta T-cell receptors, which can both protect against infection and trigger autoimmune responses.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2020

New immunotherapeutic strategy shows promise in eradicating infectious biofilms

Researchers at Temple University Health System have developed a new monoclonal antibody that can break apart communities of harmful bacteria, allowing for more effective treatment of infections. The therapy has shown promise in eradicating biofilms on medical devices and reducing the risk of sepsis.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Vaping changes oral microbiome, increasing risk for infection

A new study led by NYU College of Dentistry researchers found that vaping alters the oral microbiome, making users more prone to inflammation and infection. E-cigarette users were found to have different bacteria in their mouths compared to smokers and non-smokers.

SourceNew York University·JournaliScience·DateFeb 26, 2020

Lab-free infection test could eliminate guesswork for doctors

A new paper-based device has been developed to enable quick diagnosis of bacterial infections at the point of care. The test uses lasers to identify the presence of bacteria and determine which antibiotic is most effective in treating it.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 25, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Tools used to study human disease reveal coral disease risk factors

A team of researchers used a statistical technique to identify ecological risk factors affecting coral diseases, including growth anomalies and white syndromes. They found larger corals had higher disease risk, with certain conditions such as high fertilizer and pesticide runoff associated with growth anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Potential drug against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed AB569, a combination of acidified nitrite and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The agent was found to be nontoxic to human cells at bactericidal concentrations, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for ...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2020

Immune cells consult with neighbors to make decisions

Researchers discovered that immune cells count their neighbors before activating to avoid overreactions. This new understanding could lead to improved cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020
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.

Second antibiotic no advantage for treating super-bug Golden Staph

A new clinical trial has found that using more than one antibiotic to treat MRSA infection provides no health benefits and increases the risk of side effects. The three-year study involved over 350 patients and tested whether adding a second antibiotic improved health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2020

Right beneath the skin we all have the same bacteria

A new study found that the same bacteria are present in the dermis layer of skin across all ages and genders, contradicting the long-held assumption that each person's microbiome is unique. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalmBio·DateFeb 12, 2020

Antibiotics discovered that kill bacteria in a new way: McMaster

A new group of antibiotics, corbomycin and complestatin, have been discovered with a unique approach to killing bacteria by blocking the function of the bacterial cell wall. The researchers demonstrated its effectiveness in mice against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2020

Study: Diet makes a difference in fight against hospital-acquired infection

A new UNLV study found that a high-carbohydrate diet nearly eliminated symptoms of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections in mice, whereas high-fat/high-protein diets exacerbated the infection. The research suggests that diet may promote microbial groups that can be protective against C. diff even after antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalmSystems·DateFeb 12, 2020
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.

Pneumococcal vaccines are effective -- But new strategies needed to reduce meningitis

Researchers suggest new vaccines targeting all pneumococcal strains colonizing the nose and throat, irrespective of capsular type, will be needed to prevent meningitis. Emerging non-PCV type strains cause meningitis at least as severely as targeted types, highlighting the need for updated vaccination strategies.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateFeb 7, 2020
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.

Half of lupus rashes harbor high levels of bacteria responsible for infections

Researchers found that 50% of lupus skin rashes contained high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A protein called interferon increases the stickiness of staph to the skin. This discovery highlights the increased risk of infection and spreading in lupus patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Extreme difficulty breathing and swallowing linked to teen's vaping?

A teenage girl's symptoms improved with treatment, but further testing revealed no evidence of infection, highlighting the potential health risks of vaping. The case report suggests that e-cigarettes may be a plausible cause of subacute epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 5, 2020
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.