Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Turning the tables on the cholera pathogen

Researchers have developed a probiotic intervention that suppresses Vibrio cholerae colonization in the intestinal tract and detects its presence through stool sampling. The approach leverages Lactococcus lactis to create an inhospitable environment for V. cholerae and incorporates synthetic gene circuits to sense secreted signals from...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018
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.

MIT engineers recruit microbes to help fight cholera

A new probiotic mix of natural and engineered bacteria can diagnose and treat cholera by detecting a specific molecule and producing an enzyme that kills the bacteria. This approach offers an inexpensive and quick means to track the disease and provide treatment, potentially replacing traditional antibiotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

Transformative cholera vaccine designed to offer rapid protection

A preclinical study shows a new cholera vaccine can provide long-term immune response and immediate protection within 24 hours. Mathematical modeling predicts the vaccine could save up to 20,000 infections compared to traditional vaccines.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

AI detects patterns of gut microbes for cholera risk

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to identify patterns within human gut bacteria that predict susceptibility to cholera. The study found that a set of 100 microbes associated with the disease can be predicted by AI, potentially leading to improved vaccines and preventive approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 7, 2018

Fast-acting antidote in sight for cholera epidemics

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the onset of cholera, paving the way for a fast-acting antidote. The study shows that mice without a specific receptor can still get diarrhea after consuming cholera toxin, offering new possibilities for producing a drinkable antidote.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 19, 2018
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.

Focusing on cholera hotspots could cut Africa's cholera burden in half

New studies suggest that concentrating control measures in high-incidence districts and areas surrounding cholera victims' homes can significantly reduce the disease's impact. By targeting these hotspots, Africa could cut its cholera burden by 50 percent.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 1, 2018

Running rings around cholera outbreaks

A study modeling cholera epidemics suggests that targeting vaccine and other interventions to areas around existing cholera cases is an effective way to control outbreaks. The results indicate that oral cholera vaccine is the most effective intervention, with a radius of 70-100 meters being optimal for administration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Cholera hotspots found at Uganda's borders and lakes

Researchers have identified 22 high-risk districts in Uganda where cholera outbreaks are more likely due to proximity to international borders and bodies of water. These districts are recommended for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to control the spread of cholera.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 28, 2017
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.

Single-dose vaccine could provide faster protection in cholera epidemics

A high-dose live oral vaccine has been found to be more effective in rapidly protecting individuals from cholera than the standard two-dose killed vaccine approach. This breakthrough could lead to improved control of outbreaks and lower mortality rates, particularly in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2017

Risk of cholera epidemics estimated with new rule-book

Researchers developed a new 'rule-book' to estimate the risk of different cholera strains causing epidemics. The study found that 7PET strains from Asia repeatedly introduced into two main regions of Africa: West Africa and East/Southern Africa, leading to massive epidemics in some cases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 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.

Charting the course of the current cholera pandemic throughout Africa and Latin America

Researchers analyzed genomic data to identify the source of the seventh cholera pandemic, linking it to human-related transmission factors. The study found that the pandemic strain was introduced into Africa at least 11 times since 1970, replacing drug-susceptible populations with multidrug-resistant bacterial sublineages.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2017

Review: Cholera vaccines effective for adults, much less so for children

A review of clinical trials and observational studies found that cholera vaccines reduce the risk of getting cholera by 58% in adults but only 30% in children under 5. The findings could inform policymakers on how to use the vaccine, particularly in outbreak settings like Yemen.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 9, 2017

Soft shelled turtles, food in China, likely spread cholera

Research finds that soft shelled turtles in China are spreading cholera due to the presence of Vibrio cholerae pathogens. The study used bioluminescent proteins to observe the bacteria's colonization on the turtles' surfaces and intestines.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 9, 2017

Drinking iced tea may boost cholera risk in endemic countries

Researchers found a link between drinking iced tea and increased risk of cholera in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. Drinking iced tea was associated with an increased risk of contracting the disease, possibly due to Vibrio cholerae bacteria found in ice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 13, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

El Nino shifts geographic distribution of cholera cases in Africa

Cholera cases in East Africa increase by roughly 50,000 during El Niño years due to increased rainfall and vulnerable water systems. This research can help health ministries anticipate future cholera surges and save lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017

Cocktail of bacteria-killing viruses prevents cholera infection in animal models

A team of scientists from Tufts University has developed a virus cocktail that prevents cholera infection in animal models. The treatment, which uses bacteriophages to target the cholera bacteria, was found to be effective in eliminating the bacteria and reducing symptoms in over half of treated animals.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2017

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016
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.

Cameroon's cholera outbreaks vary by climate region

Researchers discovered that cholera follows distinct outbreak patterns in different climate subzones of Cameroon, with varying relationships between rainfall, temperature, and disease transmission. Locally targeted interventions are necessary to control the spread of the disease, according to the study's findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 17, 2016

Ancient strain of cholera likely present in Haiti since colonial era

Researchers discovered a non-virulent variant of Vibrio cholerae O1 strain in Haitian aquatic environments dating back to the 1500s, sparking concerns about its potential virulence through gene transfer with toxigenic strains. The study sheds light on the history of the pathogen and highlights the need for increased surveillance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2016
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.

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Crab shell signaling helps control the many faces of cholera, study shows

A new study reveals how Vibrio cholerae bacteria regulate their adaptations in different environments, including a key role for crab shells in signaling behavior. The research provides information that could lead to the development of better therapeutic agents against cholera.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 6, 2016

Historian examines environmental cost of tapping alternate sources for water, oil

A historian examines how Saudi Arabia's quest for fresh drinking water led to the discovery of oil and highlights the country's precarious relationship between oil and water. The expert argues that the U.S. must consider the environmental impact of desalination, a technology used to produce drinking water.

SourceIowa State University·JournalComparative Studies in Society and History·DateNov 2, 2015

One dose or 2? Cholera vaccination strategies

A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 25, 2015

Less may be more in slowing cholera epidemics

A mathematical model shows that using one dose of the oral cholera vaccine can prevent more cases and save more lives than the recommended two doses, especially in crisis situations. The study found that a single dose could protect more people in the long run and improve herd immunity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 25, 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.

New diagnostic tools for dehydration severity in children

Researchers have created two simple diagnostic tools to assess dehydration severity in children, using symptoms such as general appearance and tear presence. The tools showed high accuracy rates of 83% and 81% for severe dehydration, and could potentially replace existing systems in resource-constrained clinics.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 21, 2015

Modelling the effect of vaccines on cholera transmission

A model investigates optimal vaccination strategies to minimize cholera-related mortality and costs, considering seasonality in pathogen transmission. The study finds that effective vaccination can significantly reduce disease spread and associated expenses.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

The Lancet: First real-life trial finds oral cholera vaccine protects against endemic disease and could speed up global control efforts

A real-life trial in urban Bangladesh shows that oral cholera vaccine is safe and effective in reducing severe cholera cases by nearly 40% among vaccinated individuals. The vaccine's success lends support to its use in routine mass vaccination programs, particularly in endemic countries where clean water and sanitation are scarce.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 8, 2015
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.

Rice could make cholera treatment more effective

EPFL scientists have found that replacing glucose with starch from rice can reduce the toxicity of the cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, and may lead to a 30% reduction in cholera cases. Oral rehydration therapy using rice starch could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

UTSA microbiologists discover regulatory thermometer that controls cholera

Researchers at UTSA's South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases have discovered a regulatory thermometer in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that controls the expression of virulence factors leading to cholera. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies against this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

War between bacteria and phages benefits humans

Researchers found that phages can force cholera bacteria to give up their virulence in order to survive, making them less fit to cause infection. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating or preventing cholera using phage therapy.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateSep 2, 2014

This week from AGU: Long-term ecological research, predicting cholera outbreaks

Researchers used a modeling study to identify environmental conditions that trigger cholera epidemics near Lake Kivu, predicting potential warning time for health managers. By analyzing satellite data and precipitation patterns, they found the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and human mobility are key factors.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 19, 2014

Early warning system for epidemics

A new software architecture developed by Fraunhofer IOSB enables the visualization of complex relationships between environmental factors and health data on risk maps, leading to a better understanding of cholera epidemic processes. This allows for faster and more effective response measures.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 21, 2014
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.

Pioneering use of oral cholera vaccine during outbreak

A mass vaccination campaign of over 300,000 people in Guinea demonstrated the feasibility of using an oral cholera vaccine during a cholera outbreak. The campaign achieved high coverage rates and was well accepted by the local community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 17, 2013

Vaccine confers long-term protection against cholera

A clinical study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases shows that an oral cholera vaccine (ShancholTM) provides sustained protection against cholera in humans for up to five years. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for vaccination strategies and cost-effectiveness in developing countries.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2013

Biologists uncover mechanisms for cholera toxin's deadly effects

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a biochemical mechanism that makes cholera toxin so deadly. By weakening cell junctions and increasing sodium ion flow, the toxin causes severe diarrhea. The study's findings could guide the development of new therapies against cholera and other intestinal disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 11, 2013

Tufts scientists develop new early warning system for cholera epidemics

Researchers have established a new technique to predict seasonal cholera epidemics months in advance with greater accuracy, utilizing remote satellite imaging and measuring organic matter. The 'satellite water marker' index was found to be more accurate than previous methods, reducing error rates by up to 30%.

SourceTufts University·DateAug 15, 2013
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.

The genetic key to conquering cholera

A team of Harvard scientists has identified genetic areas in the genome that may help protect against cholera by regulating immune system functions and fluid loss. The study's findings suggest a new approach to understanding host immunity and developing vaccines and therapies for this deadly disease.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 19, 2013

Genetic signals reflect the evolutionary impact of cholera

Researchers found regions of genome associated with cholera susceptibility, including pathways regulating water loss and innate immune system responses. The findings suggest a potential fingerprint for cholera's genetic impact, such as the relative rarity of blood type O, which may confer increased risk of severe symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2013

How cholera-causing bacteria respond to pressure

Researchers analyzed the membrane components of V. cholera that enable it to withstand increases in osmotic pressure, revealing comparable gating and conductive properties with E. coli channels. The study found that V. cholerae was more sensitive to abrupt decreases in osmolarity than E. coli.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJun 24, 2013

Haiti cholera mutations could lead to more severe disease

The altered El Tor strain has acquired two additional signature mutations that may further increase virulence and is evolving to be more like an 1800s version of cholera. This unique pattern of infection accounting for the severity of disease noted during the Haiti cholera outbreak may be triggered by these genetic changes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmBio·DateApr 16, 2013
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.

Johns Hopkins receives funding for cholera vaccine initiative

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School will provide relief agencies and governments with technical assistance on using oral cholera vaccine. The DOVE program aims to detect outbreaks in remote areas and contain the disease, improving global efforts to combat cholera.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateDec 27, 2012

University of Maryland researchers detail 2010 Haitian cholera

A study published in PNAS found two distinct strains of Vibrio cholerae bacteria that may have contributed to the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. The genomic diversity of Haitian isolates revealed significant complexity and relationship to past epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2012
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.

50-year cholera mystery solved

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the mechanism behind V. cholerae's resistance to human immune responses. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics that target the bacteria's defenses, rather than directly killing them.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2012

Scientists reveal how cholera bacterium gains a foothold in the gut

Researchers at University of York uncover key mechanism by which Vibrio cholerae gains foothold in the intestine, exploiting sialic acid for survival. The discovery could pave way for targeted treatments for the deadly intestinal disease that kills over 100,000 people annually.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2012

New study: Cholera in Haiti tracked more rapidly by social media than traditional methods

A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that internet-based news and Twitter feeds were faster at detecting the onset and progression of the cholera epidemic in post-earthquake Haiti. Researchers used HealthMap, an internet tool, to capture coverage and mentions of cholera from various sources.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJan 9, 2012
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.

Mobile phone data in Haiti improves emergency aid

Researchers monitored two million anonymous mobile phones after Haiti's earthquake and cholera outbreak, providing real-time data on population movements. The method improved humanitarian aid delivery by tracking the migration patterns of people in need of help.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 31, 2011