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Vulnerability to Ebola and Lassa fever can now be properly assessed

Researchers developed a new methodology to calculate vulnerability based on adaptive capacity, which can help international bodies allocate resources. The study found that the most vulnerable states are not necessarily those with high confirmed cases, but rather those that struggle to cope with the disease.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 4, 2019

Rocky mountain spotted fever risks examined

A comprehensive study in Mexicali, Mexico, found that half of the neighborhoods had diagnosed human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with some areas having almost one in 10 infected ticks. The study also gauged residents' knowledge and found that fewer than half used pesticides to prevent bites.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019

AJTMH tipsheet for May 2019

A California study reveals chronic Q fever cases may be more common than previously believed, with a higher case fatality rate than national averages. Meanwhile, a mass treatment campaign in Bolivia has effectively eliminated human fascioliasis, a parasitic worm disease once prevalent in up to 25% of the population.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019
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.

Catch a virus by its tail

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Vaccine for African swine fever may save our bacon

A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 7, 2019

Case of tick-borne relapsing fever in Mexico

A case of tick-borne relapsing fever was reported in Sonora, Mexico, where the disease gets little attention. The patient's symptoms improved with doxycycline treatment, and spirochetes were detected in her blood, supporting the identification of an endemic focus for the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 11, 2019

Changes in onset of spring linked to more allergies across the US

Research from University of Maryland suggests climate change is driving an increase in seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, with areas experiencing earlier springs having a 14% higher prevalence of the condition. This is due to a longer season for tree pollen and simultaneous blooms of multiple tree species.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diagnostic uncertainty in children with fever impacts health service resources

A new study found that diagnostic uncertainty in febrile children results in increased observation times, inpatient admissions, and precautionary use of antibiotics. The development of rapid diagnostic tests could significantly reduce financial burden on the NHS and avoid unnecessary distress to children and parents.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019
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.

UFZ model in the fight against African swine fever

The UFZ model suggests that managing isolated outbreaks of African swine fever requires swift action, including the removal of 20% of dead wild boars to control virus spread. The model also recommends establishing a central core zone and buffer zone to prevent further spread, highlighting the importance of fast response times.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateDec 11, 2018

New study uncovers why Rift Valley fever is catastrophic to developing fetuses

A new study has found that Rift Valley fever virus can cause high rates of stillbirth in pregnant rats and human tissue, with the virus evading the mother-child barrier more efficiently than other vertically transmitted viruses. The research aims to develop vaccines to prevent the virus from causing miscarriage and birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 5, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genomic analysis offers insight into 2018 Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak

A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 17, 2018

Scientists develop novel vaccine for lassa fever and rabies

Researchers have developed a novel vaccine that protects against both Lassa fever and rabies, with promising results in preclinical testing. The vaccine, called LASSARAB, uses a weakened rabies virus vector to elicit an immune response against both viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018
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.

Providers often fail to consider ehrlichia when treating tick-borne infections

Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered that medical providers in central North Carolina frequently neglect to test for Ehrlichia when treating tick-borne infections. The study found nearly 80% of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but only one-third were tested for Ehrlichia. This dis...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 1, 2018

DNA analysis reveals evidence of ancient pathogen

Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a human skeleton in Scandinavia to determine the genomic blueprint of the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia recurrentis. The study found that the ancient strain had fewer genes for antigenic variation and retained a regulatory gene, suggesting reductive evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Body temperature regulation: how fever comes

A study by Takeo Nakanishi at Kanazawa University found that fever is regulated by prostaglandin E2 and OATP2A1 transporters, suggesting these as potential therapeutic targets for treating fever-related conditions.

SourceKanazawa University·DateSep 3, 2018
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.

Unexplained illness in Tanzania puts pathogen discovery to the test

Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateAug 22, 2018

Exploring the relationship between fever and cancer incidence

Research suggests an inverse relationship between fever and cancer incidence, potentially linked to enhanced gamma/delta T cell activity. This mechanistic hypothesis proposes that repeated exposure to fever boosts the ability of these T cells to detect cellular abnormalities and destroy malignant cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateAug 17, 2018

Deadly Rift Valley fever: New insight, and hope for the future

Researchers identified specific water areas and air temperatures that can permanently eliminate mosquito populations and reduce Rift Valley fever transmission. Understanding these ecological controls is crucial for informing policy makers and developing effective disease management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2018

Major study identifies new hay fever risk genes

A large international study has identified 41 genes that increase the risk of developing hay fever, including 20 new to science. The study found a significant overlap between risk genes for hay fever and autoimmune diseases, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2018

Scientists ID protein exploited by virus ravaging West Africa

A research team has identified DDX3, a protein involved in RNA metabolism, as a key factor promoting arenavirus multiplication. The study may pave the way to new therapeutic treatments for arenaviruses and hemorrhagic fever, which currently have no effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Booklet on childhood fever reduces antibiotic prescriptions if used

A cluster randomized controlled trial found that a parent-focused booklet on childhood fever reduced antibiotic prescribing rates by 11% when used. The study involved 25,355 children and showed that the booklet was effective in promoting self-management strategies and reducing the need for medication.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2018

Ticks on migratory birds carriers of newly discovered hemorrhagic fever virus

A recent study found the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks collected from migrating birds in the Mediterranean basin. The discovery suggests that birds may contribute to the spread of the virus to new geographical areas. Continuing surveillance is essential to understand the ecology of the virus and prevent its potential spread.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2018
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.

Antibodies against one hemorrhagic fever virus found to disarm a related virus

Scientists have identified a common site on both viruses that renders them defenseless to the same antibodies, paving the way for broad-spectrum therapies. The findings provide molecular proof of an anecdotal observation and could lead to the development of a universal vaccine against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2018

Trials in Africa support conditional day 3 follow-up for children with fever

Two cluster-randomized trials in Africa found that conditional day 3 follow-up for children with uncomplicated fever is non-inferior to universal follow-up, allowing caregivers to return only when symptoms persist. The studies suggest that current WHO guidance may be reconsidered and could lead to more efficient use of resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Dengue fever linked to increased risk of stroke

A new study found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, with the incidence being 5.33 per 1000 person-years. The risk of stroke is as high as 2.49 times in the first 2 months following infection.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 12, 2018

Disappearing act

Researchers found the Asian tiger mosquito vanished from Palmyra Atoll following rat eradication, as humans became the sole host for mosquitoes to feed on. The study highlights a potential new approach to combatting mosquito-borne diseases by eradicating key hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.

Influenza transmission via airborne particles

A chamber design separates airborne influenza particles by size, revealing that ferrets transmit the virus via particles ranging from 15 μm to 1.5 μm before fever onset and after infection. This study provides insights into the efficient transmission ranges for influenza in ferrets.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2018

Smart Thermometer improves flu forecasting

Researchers found that de-identified smart thermometer data was highly correlated with traditional public health surveillance systems, improving flu forecasting by up to four weeks. The data also revealed age-group specific incidence and estimated the duration of fevers during flu season.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 8, 2018

Possible cause of early colonial-era Mexican epidemic identified

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Harvard University use ancient DNA analysis to uncover the possible cause of a devastating epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico. The study found evidence of Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C, a pathogen that causes enteric fever, in skeletons of victims of the cocoliztli epidemic.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 15, 2018
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.

How fever in early pregnancy causes heart, facial birth defects

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that fever in early pregnancy can cause heart and facial birth defects, but using a fever reducer like acetaminophen may help prevent these defects. The study used zebrafish and chicken embryos to demonstrate the impact of fever on development.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 10, 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.

Fever during labor may present risk to mother

A Tel Aviv University study found that intrapartum fever, which occurs during labor, is associated with higher rates of operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. Women with positive bacterial cultures had a increased risk of neonatal complications compared to those with negative cultures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

UC research shows ticks are even tougher and nastier than you thought

Researchers at UC are studying tick populations to develop strategies for preventing tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. The study focuses on the distribution of four species in southwest Ohio, their ability to withstand winters, and the diseases they carry.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Insect Physiology·DateSep 25, 2017

Researchers develop Lassa fever treatment effective eight days after infection

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a treatment for Lassa fever that provides 100% protection against the deadly virus in nonhuman primates, even when administered up to eight days after exposure. The treatment uses monoclonal antibodies and has been shown to be well-tolerated.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 5, 2017

NIH awards $4.8 million to UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence

The University of Arizona Health Sciences has received a $4.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a live vaccine for Valley fever. Scientists aim to test the vaccine in dogs, with potential next steps including human evaluation and approval.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateAug 24, 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.

Death rates from rheumatic heart disease falling since 1990

The risk of dying from rheumatic heart disease has dropped globally over the last 25 years, but progress is uneven, particularly in the world's poorest countries. An estimated 347,500 deaths occurred in 1990 and 319,400 in 2015, with a 48% decrease in death rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 23, 2017

Autism risk linked to fever during pregnancy

A study found that fever during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, increases autism spectrum disorder risk by 40 percent. The risk is further elevated for children of mothers who experienced three or more fevers after the twelfth week of pregnancy.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 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.

Perseverance pays off in fight against deadly Lassa virus

A team led by Kathryn Hastie and Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute has solved the structure of Lassa virus's surface glycoprotein, a key step in developing a vaccine. The breakthrough provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine, which could help combat the deadly arenavirus family.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Proteins on the loose in a rare childhood disease

Researchers have identified a key feature of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare genetic condition, by finding untethered proteins in the cells of children with the disease. This discovery could help fast-track diagnosis and provide new insights into the disease process.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 10, 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.

AGU's newest open access journal GeoHealth publishes first articles

The newly launched GeoHealth journal by AGU and Wiley focuses on the growing connection between Earth sciences and human health. Researchers are discussing impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with human health and disease. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on environmental and health issues.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateMar 6, 2017

People can 'suppress' hay fever with three years of pollen pills or injections

A new study published in JAMA found that a three-year course of treatment with immunotherapy using grass pollen extract can effectively reduce severe hay fever symptoms for several years, but a two-year course is not enough. The research bolsters previous findings that more time is needed to achieve lasting benefits.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 14, 2017

Global partnership launched to prevent epidemics with new vaccines

A global partnership, CEPI, aims to create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases with a $460m initial investment from governments and foundations. The Coalition will target MERS-CoV, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, as well as Ebola and Zika, to develop safe and effective vaccines that can be deployed rapidly to contain outbreaks.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateJan 18, 2017

Here's why you don't feel jet-lagged when you run a fever

Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016
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.