Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Whole genome sequencing found to rapidly enhance infection control

Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$10 million grant funds 5-year citrus greening research project

A $10 million grant from the USDA will support a 5-year research project to develop treatments for citrus greening disease, which threatens the US citrus industry. The project aims to use systems biology approaches to block the transmission of the disease-causing bacterium and develop resistant citrus varieties.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 8, 2015

How Salmonella synchronizes its invasion plan

Researchers at the Institute of Food Research discovered how Salmonella bacteria synchronize gene expression for invasion. They found that RpoS, DksA and ppGpp work together to coordinate the deployment of SPI1 and SPI2.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 2015
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.

Bacteria may cause type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that prolonged exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rabbits, mirroring the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Anti-bacterial therapy or vaccines may hold promise for preventing or treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalmBio·DateJun 1, 2015

Scientists discover protein that plays key role in streptococcal infections

Researchers discovered that the protein NFAT plays a central role in the host's inflammatory response to strep infections. This finding suggests that targeting NFAT activity could be useful in treating severe streptococcal infections and limiting antibiotic use.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 1, 2015
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.

Many UK patients with gonorrhea prescribed outdated antibiotics

Research published in BMJ Open found that many UK patients with gonorrhoea are being prescribed outdated antibiotics. The study analyzed electronic health records and found that between 2000 and 2011, nearly 17,000 people were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, accounting for 6-9% of all cases in England.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 28, 2015

Bladder cells regurgitate bacteria to prevent UTIs

Researchers discovered that bladder cells can physically eject bacteria that invade the host cell, similar to vomiting. This finding may help treat recurring UTIs by eliminating bacterial reservoirs in the bladder cells. The study also identified a potential way to accelerate and amplify this expulsion mechanism using chemical targets.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

New chip makes testing for antibiotic-resistant bacteria faster, easier

Researchers at University of Toronto designed a diagnostic chip to test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in just one hour. The chip uses electrochemical detection to analyze the effects of antibiotics on bacteria, allowing doctors to quickly prescribe targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 26, 2015

Anti-stroke drug effective treatment for middle-ear infections, researchers say

Researchers at Georgia State University found that an existing anti-stroke drug, Vinpocetine, is effective in suppressing mucus overproduction and improving bacterial clearance in animal studies. The study could lead to a novel, non-antibiotic treatment for otitis media, potentially reducing hearing loss and enhancing host defense.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 21, 2015

Re-engineered antibiotic shows potential for treatment of drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a second-generation antibiotic that effectively combats common bacterial infections resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The spectinomycin analogs block the growth of strains and demonstrate increased antibacterial activity against various pathogens.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

Horizontal gene transfer in E. coli

E. coli O104:H4 acquired genes through horizontal gene transfer, increasing virulence and antibiotic resistance. The bacterium's genome comprises prophage elements involved in Shiga toxin production.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications·DateMay 19, 2015
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.

Gel filled with nanosponges cleans up MRSA infections

Researchers developed a gel filled with toxin-absorbing nanosponges that effectively treat skin and wound infections caused by MRSA without using antibiotics. The treatment keeps bacterial toxins under control, allowing the immune system to kill the bacteria more easily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 18, 2015

Antibody's unusual abilities might inspire vaccine strategies

A novel antibody, Ab926, has been discovered that can prevent E. coli from attaching to human cell surfaces and also dislodge bacteria already attached. This antibody works by binding to the side of the FimH pocket, rather than directly competing with free-floating mannose.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 14, 2015

Frontline immune cells can travel for help

Researchers found that neutrophils can travel to lymph nodes within 8 hours of infection and prime other immune cells for attack. This collaboration between innate and adaptive arms may improve anti-microbial responses and prevent microbial spread.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2015

Bacteria shown to suppress their antibiotic-resistant cousins

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria can block their own growth and that of resistant mutants, providing a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. This finding could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInterface·DateMay 12, 2015
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.

Group B Streptococcus breaches the blood-brain-barrier

A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

Researchers reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics

A team of researchers from UC Merced and American University has discovered a way to restore the efficacy of antibiotics and help doctors deal with resistant bacteria in a clinical setting. The study found that combining lab work with mathematics and computer technology can reverse bacterial resistance and provide optimal treatment opt...

SourceAmerican University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2015

Fecal microbiota transplant cures C. diff, blocks multi-drug resistant pathogens

A fecal microbiota transplant successfully cured a patient's C. difficile infection, eliminating populations of multi-drug resistant organisms from the gut and other body sites. The treatment method replenishes normal gut flora, stopping the release of antibiotic-resistant microbes and potentially saving lives.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateMay 6, 2015

Molecular homing beacon redirects human antibodies to fight pathogenic bacteria

Researchers developed a novel approach using a molecular homing beacon that attracts pre-existing antibodies to attack pathogenic bacteria. The technology shows promise in targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, and could potentially be applied to other infections, viruses, or cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateMay 6, 2015
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.

Study finds swine farming is a risk factor for drug-resistant staph infections

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than people without current swine exposure. The researchers followed a group of 1,342 Iowans for 17 months and discovered that farmers with livestock exposure, particularly swi...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2015

C. difficile rates highest in Northeast region, spring season

Rates of C. difficile infection were highest in the Northeast region and during the spring season over the last decade, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study found that adults and older adults followed overall trends, with pediatric CDI being highest in winter.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 28, 2015
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.

Antibiotic commonly prescribed for bladder infections less effective than others

Research suggests that nitrofurantoin is less effective at treating bladder infections in older women with low kidney function compared to other antibiotics. The study found that patients taking nitrofurantoin were more likely to experience treatment failure and require a second antibiotic prescription or hospital visit.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 27, 2015

Finding new life for first-line antibiotics

Researchers have identified a single, simple metric to guide antibiotic dosing that could bring first-line antibiotics back into the fight against drug-resistant pathogens. A computer simulation revealed that a regimen based on a pathogen's recovery time could eliminate an otherwise resistant strain of bacteria.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cirrhosis deaths drop 41 percent from 2002 to 2012

A new study found a significant decline in hospital mortality rates among patients with cirrhosis and liver failure. The study analyzed over 780,000 hospitalizations and found that inpatient mortality decreased steadily during the period, despite increases in patient age and medical complexity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 22, 2015

Immune cells support good gut bacteria in fight against harmful bacteria

Research at University of Chicago Medical Center reveals how immune system shapes gut microbiota to limit infections, providing a potential new approach to prevent bacterial infections without antibiotics. The study identifies a critical protein ID2 that plays a key role in this process.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateApr 21, 2015

The connection between mouth bacteria and inflammation in heart disease

The study found a significant association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, particularly among men and younger individuals. Researchers suggest that alternative therapies, such as cholesterol-lowering medication, may prevent both oral infections and cardiovascular inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateApr 16, 2015
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.

Could maple syrup help cut use of antibiotics?

Researchers found that a concentrated maple syrup extract makes disease-causing bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics, leading to lower antibiotic usage. The extract also reduces biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria, making it a potentially simple and effective approach for reducing antibiotic resistance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 16, 2015

NIH funds 9 antimicrobial resistance diagnostics projects

The NIH has awarded $11 million to develop diagnostic tools for hospital-associated pathogens, including those resistant to most antimicrobials. The goal is to provide rapid and efficient tests that can detect the presence of these bacteria in three hours or less.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 9, 2015
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.

Gene study helps explain Legionnaires' probe complications

A DNA study of bacteria samples from the 2012 Edinburgh outbreak found four subtypes of Legionella that probably existed at the source for months. The genetic diversity of these bacteria suggests that tracing future infections may be challenging, with possible influences on disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 8, 2015

Cigarette smoke makes superbugs more aggressive

Researchers found that cigarette smoke made MRSA bacteria more resistant to killing by the immune system, increasing their ability to invade human cells. In mouse experiments, smoke-exposed MRSA caused pneumonia with a higher mortality rate.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 2, 2015
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.

Could a tiny particle stem the plague of citrus greening?

Researchers are testing Zinkicide, a nanoparticle bactericide, to combat citrus greening in Florida. The treatment aims to target the bacteria that causes Huanglongbing, a disease that has devastated the state's $10.7 billion citrus industry.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateApr 2, 2015

Study finds eyeliner application may cause eye problems

Researchers found that particles from eyeliner can contaminate the eye's tear film, leading to discomfort and potentially irritating sensitive or dry eyes. The study suggests people who wear contact lenses are more likely to notice problems if eyeliner is stuck to their lenses.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEye & Contact Lens Science & Clinical Practice·DateApr 1, 2015
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.

Date syrup shows promise for fighting bacterial infections

Date syrup's antibacterial compounds inhibit growth of disease-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The natural syrup outperforms manuka honey in lab tests, offering potential health benefits through its antibacterial activities.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2015

Researchers observe major hand hygiene problems in operating rooms

A study at a Swedish hospital found that caregivers missed 90% of opportunities for using alcohol-based hand rub and aseptic techniques during invasive procedures. The lack of adherence to aseptic techniques led to an increase in hospital-acquired infections, highlighting the need for improved teamwork and training.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateMar 30, 2015

Endoscopes linked to outbreak of drug-resistant E. coli

A Washington state hospital outbreak of a novel, drug-resistant E. coli strain was linked to contaminated endoscopes. The study highlights the importance of rigorous cleaning procedures and calls for more stringent evaluation and maintenance schedules for these devices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 30, 2015

Study debunks common misconception that urine is sterile

Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found bacteria in the bladders of healthy women, contradicting the long-held belief that normal urine is sterile. This discovery has significant implications for understanding bladder health and disease, particularly lower urinary tract disorders.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 30, 2015
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.

Fecal transplants successful for treating C. difficile infection

A recent study published in Microbiome reveals that fecal microbiota transplantation can effectively treat C. difficile infections, with sustained changes observed for up to 21 weeks. The research has significant implications for the regulation of treatment and suggests that current frameworks may not be applicable.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateMar 29, 2015

C. difficile doubles hospital readmission rates, lengths of stay

A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found that patients with C. difficile infection are twice as likely to be readmitted to the hospital, with significantly longer hospital stays. Researchers recommend improving antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures to prevent CDI rates.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMar 27, 2015
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.

How the human immune system keeps TB at bay

Researchers developed a tissue culture model to study latent tuberculosis infection, finding that the human immune system generates an early response that protects against active disease. However, some bacteria can adapt and survive in these high-pressure environments, increasing the risk of reactivation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalmBio·DateMar 26, 2015

Harmless bacteria may be helpful against meningococcal outbreaks

Researchers found that nasal drops of harmless bacteria can inhibit the spread of meningococcal disease-causing bacteria. The study suggests a possible new approach for preventing outbreaks using a related but harmless type of bacteria, which appeared to prevent the disease-causing pathogen from colonizing the upper airway.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 26, 2015

HBV exposure matures infants' immune systems

A Singapore-led study reveals that HBV exposure before birth matures infants' immune systems, countering bacterial infections. This paradigm shift may change treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients, especially young adults and potentially even children.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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