Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
An international team of researchers has identified two receptors on blood vessel cells in the brain that can be blocked to prevent pneumococci from entering. Blocking these receptors with antibodies may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for pneumococcal meningitis.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 17, 2017
A study reveals that recovery from bacterial pneumonia leaves behind immune cells called resident memory T cells, which may be responsible for increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Manipulating these cells could provide novel treatment options for curing pneumonia.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateMay 17, 2017
Researchers discovered a link between a donor and infection in heart, lung transplant recipients caused by Mycoplasma hominis. The bacteria resists most antibiotics and can cause serious complications like pleurisy, surgical site infections, and mediastinitis.
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.
Researchers sequenced genomes of over 1,700 strains, discovering an especially strong group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a city of six million people. The strain, clone type 307, has been identified in parts of Europe and other continents but not previously documented as a common cause of infections in one city.
The lack of access to essential antibiotics, particularly for treating sick babies and children, is a pressing concern. The high costs involved in registering medicines in multiple countries are the primary cause of this issue, combined with the relatively small market for these antibiotics.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateMay 14, 2017
The RESET and MedVet-Staph networks have investigated the development, spread, and mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics in humans and animals. Key findings include widespread occurrence of ESBL- or AmpC-producing E. coli in livestock and increasing hospital-acquired infections with these enterobacteria.
SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateMay 12, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Using a genetic 'toolkit,' scientists observe unprecedented interaction between Brucella and Legionella pneumophila, improving infectious potential of Brucella. The technique creates light-emitting bacteria for easy observation, identification in the lab.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMay 11, 2017
Researchers have found evidence that enterococci bacteria developed antimicrobial resistance around 425 million years ago, when their prehistoric animal hosts transitioned to land. This ancient adaptation enabled the bacteria to survive in a range of challenging environments, including hospital settings.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2017
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered a natural defence mechanism that prevents Mycobacterium tuberculosis from damaging phagosomes, allowing cells to deliver antibacterial components more efficiently. This discovery could help develop treatments for TB without antibiotics.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 10, 2017
A Queen's-led European research project, INBIONET, has made huge strides in tackling antibiotic resistance and its impact on global health. The study found that various pathogens share a common anti-immune strategy, potentially leading to the development of new drugs to treat different types of infections.
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.
Children with MRSA bacteremia have a low mortality rate of 2%, but experience high complication rates that increase with each passing day. The risk of treatment failure is associated with infections in muscles, bones, or blood vessels, and concurrent critical illnesses, highlighting the need for optimized vancomycin dosing and monitoring.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 5, 2017
Scientists at Lund University have identified a novel defence mechanism that uses thrombin fragments to aggregate and neutralize bacteria and toxins in wounds. This discovery could provide an alternative approach to treating bacterial infections, potentially reducing the reliance on antibiotics.
SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2017
Researchers have developed a new class of CRISPR enzymes that can detect specific sequences of RNA, including those from viruses. These enzymes, variants of Cas13a, target different RNA nucleotides, allowing for simultaneous viral diagnostics and potentially expanding the range of diseases they can detect.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 2017
Researchers developed an antimicrobial treatment inspired by naturally-occurring peroxidase enzymes that rapidly kill drug-resistant bacteria. The treatment consists of iodo-thiocyanate complexes producing highly reactive anti-microbial substances without a peroxidase enzyme.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2017
Researchers discovered a bacterium that produces antibiotics to protect beetle eggs from fungal infections. The bacteria also can harm plants when transferred, highlighting the complex relationships between microbes and their hosts.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2017
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.
The study found that advanced age, comorbid chronic diseases, and history of recurrent hospitalization are associated with increased risk of MDR-GNB colonization. The prevalence of MDR-GNB colonization among nursing home residents ranged from 11.2% to 59.1%
SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 27, 2017
A new study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection found that almost all women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) had evidence of bacterial infection, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. This suggests that traditional urine testing may not be necessary for women with UTI symptoms.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateApr 27, 2017
Scientists identify abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), including those with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study suggests that analyzing fecal microbiome may help subtype patients with ME/CFS.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 26, 2017
Researchers have discovered a giant shipworm, Kuphus polythalamia, with a unique symbiotic relationship between bacteria and the animal, which converts sulfur gas into nutrients. This finding may provide insights into how humans can adapt to tolerate beneficial bacteria and how these bacteria cause infections.
SourceNortheastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2017
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 used bacteriophages to treat a patient with a deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The patient recovered well after the treatment, which could be an alternative to failing antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
Researchers develop nanosponges that capture and inactivate bacterial toxins, reducing cellular damage and disease severity. The new approach shows promise as a treatment for severe or antibiotic-resistant streptococcal infections.
Researchers have developed a quick and accurate diagnostic test for bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic. The test can distinguish between bacteria with plasmid-encoded resistance, which is considered more dangerous, and those that are not.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2017
Researchers found that combination therapy is only beneficial for high-risk patients with CPE, while low-risk patients can be treated with a single active antimicrobial. This approach reduces adverse side effects and the risk of drug resistance.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2017
A recent study found that patients with drug-resistant bacteria in their urine or stool samples have a significantly increased risk of developing drug-resistant sepsis. Researchers discovered that the risk is highest soon after detection and can persist for up to three years.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2017
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.
A meta-analysis by ophthalmologists from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center indicates that LASIK surgery has a lower risk of infection compared to contact lens wear. The study found that after one year of daily soft-contact lens wear, there were fewer microbial keratitis cases than after LASIK, approximately two fewer ca...
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalJournal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery·DateApr 21, 2017
Researchers used DNA fingerprinting to track the spread of C. difficile in European hospitals and found strains clustered within countries, suggesting hospital transmission. However, dispersed strains were also found across multiple countries, adding weight to food distribution as a potential route of transmission.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 21, 2017
A new study reveals that newborns are more prone to intestinal infections due to underdeveloped gut microbiomes. Colonization with healthy adult microbes significantly reduces disease in infected infant mice, highlighting a potential way to boost their immune system.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017
Research published in Infection and Immunity found that Giardia infection changed the mouse microbiome, leading to more aerobic bacteria and less diversity of anaerobic species. The study suggests that Giardia may be an ecological disease that disrupts the gut's stable ecology.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 20, 2017
Researchers found that strokes damage immune cells, making patients more susceptible to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. Therapies targeting damaged immune cells or bypassing their dysfunction could help recover from stroke, the study suggests.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2017
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.
A mouse study reveals that Clostridia bacteria provide key protection against infection, in addition to aiding digestion. Newborn mice lack these beneficial bacteria, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The findings suggest that the introduction of protective bacteria may hold promise for preventing gut infections in human newborns.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017
Researchers like Dr. Julie Pfeiffer are studying poliovirus, a highly infectious childhood disease now close to global eradication, to gain insights into other viruses like Ebola, Zika, and influenza. This basic research can lead to new treatments and vaccines for these viruses.
Researchers have identified the structure of NsrR, a bacterial protein that binds to DNA and plays a key role in resisting nitric oxide, a toxic byproduct of the human immune response. The study provides new insights into how bacteria counteract NO and highlights the importance of understanding this complex process.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2017
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.
Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.
SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created lysibodies, human-germ hybrid molecules that target specific carbohydrate molecules on bacterial cell surfaces, helping the immune system fight off microbial pathogens. The approach shows promise for treating life-threatening infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
Researchers developed SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-Cas system that detects viral and bacterial pathogens with high sensitivity, enabling rapid diagnosis. The system's high sensitivity and low cost make it suitable for various applications, including cancer mutation detection.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017
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.
Researchers found that gonorrhea infects the female reproductive tract by breaking connections between cells that normally form a protective barrier. The study uses tissue samples from human endocervix and reveals how Neisseria gonorrhoeae promotes activation of non-muscle myosin II to induce cell shedding and penetration.
The European Union has funded two projects at Goethe University Frankfurt: one on producing environmentally friendly fuels from bacteria that can use carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and another on understanding how bacteria manipulate the ubiquitin system to their advantage in infectious diseases such as Salmonella and Shigella.
A University of Washington study suggests that monitoring and potentially treating monkeys that co-exist with humans in affected areas may be part of the global strategy for eradicating yaws, a tropical disease. The researchers found that infected monkeys were more common in regions experiencing recent upsurges in reported cases.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 12, 2017
Researchers at NSU discovered that shaking bacteria can create confusion, preventing them from coordinating an attack. This strategy has promise in reducing the need for antibiotics and combating antibiotic resistance. The team plans to test their theory in more species of bacteria and eventually in mice.
SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2017
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that lactate produced in the upper throat can initiate the dispersal of Neisseria meningitidis microcolonies, allowing the bacteria to invade the body and cause meningitis. The researchers suggest that high concentrations of lactate serve as a signaling molecule for bacterial dispersal.
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.
Researchers at INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre have developed a strategy to increase the antimicrobial activity of cationic peptides against biofilms. The modified peptide demonstrated a 60-fold enhanced antimicrobial effect, paving the way for potential therapy combinations with clinically relevant antibiotics.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2017
Researchers found a natural way to enhance antibiotic action by combining maple syrup extract with commonly used antibiotics. This approach works on various bacterial strains, including E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, allowing for up to 90% less antibiotic use while maintaining effectiveness.
Researchers developed a new treatment pathway removing antibodies from the bloodstream to reduce chronic infections and hospital stays. The approach showed positive outcomes for two patients with resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2017
A new study found that a type of vaginal bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis, can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by damaging bladder cells and allowing E. coli to multiply. The researchers suggest that this may be why some women experience UTIs after having sex.
Exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis, a common vaginal bacterium, awakens dormant E. coli and triggers recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The study suggests that G. vaginalis damage to bladder tissue can lead to reactivation of E. coli infection.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
CARB-X is investing $24 million to support 11 biotech companies in developing new life-saving antibacterials and diagnostics. The pipeline includes three potential new classes of small molecule antibiotics, four non-traditional products, and seven new molecular targets against Gram-negative bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered that Chlamydia trachomatis influences mitochondria to prevent programmed cell death, allowing the bacteria to replicate. The study found that miR-30c-5p microRNA is increased in infected cells, downregulating tumor suppressor protein p53 and promoting mitochondrial division
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 28, 2017
Research at Mayo Clinic found that patients using gastric acid suppression medications are at a higher risk for developing recurrent C-diff infections. The study suggests these medications may increase the risk, and caution is advised when prescribing them to patients with a prior C-diff episode.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017
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.
Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017
The study found extensive variation among Burkholderia cenocepacia isolates from cystic fibrosis patients, with changes in clinically relevant bacterial phenotypes. Genetic determinants of motility and biofilm formation may be promising targets for anti-virulence drugs.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 21, 2017
The study used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect biomolecular changes in white blood cells stimulated with bacterial components, revealing a threefold increase in microvesicle production and altered lipid content.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 20, 2017
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.
A breakthrough has been made in preventing biofilm formation by staphylococci on medical devices. The research team discovered a small blocking molecule that targets the SdrC protein, stopping bacterial attachment and growth.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017
Researchers at NIMBioS developed a more sensitive test for detecting paratuberculosis in cattle, shedding light on the early stages of the disease. The new macrophage-based assay produces reliable diagnoses and could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the disease.
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2017
A new study in mice reveals that gut inflammation enables bacterial viruses to infect and replicate within bacterial pathogens. Administering a vaccine that reduces gut inflammation may help treat some infections by hindering gene transfer and the evolution of pathogens.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2017
Researchers have developed a new class of compounds called lysine-conjugated aliphatic norspermidine analogues (LANAs) that effectively kill certain bacteria, including MRSA. Testing on mice showed that the compounds can eliminate MRSA skin infections with no signs of acute toxicity or resistance development.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2017
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.
A UTHealth study has found that a pill form of treatment for Clostridium difficile infection can be as effective as traditional methods, with an 83% cure rate among participants. The pill form uses freeze-dried microbiota and could make treatment more convenient for patients and physicians.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateMar 14, 2017
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThorax·DateMar 13, 2017
Researchers have developed more realistic 3-D co-culture models of intestinal tissue, incorporating immune cells like macrophages, to study Salmonella infections. The models better recapitulate the natural infection process and offer a powerful new tool for understanding enteric pathogenesis.
SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateMar 10, 2017
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.