Scientists have grown rousette bat 'organoids' that reproduce intestines in vitro, providing a new model for studying virus-bat relationships. The organoids were found to be susceptible to certain viruses but not others, offering insights into why bats can host multiple pathogens without getting sick.
SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateDec 29, 2021
A UTEP research team found SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in over a third of Texas deer blood samples, indicating widespread infection among white-tailed deer. The study suggests that deer should not be neglected as a possible source of human infection.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateDec 23, 2021
Researchers at UNICAMP discovered that total parasite biomass is a better predictor of complications in patients with P. vivax malaria than parasitemia. The study highlights the importance of parasite biomass in the bone marrow and spleen, which play a major role in vivax malaria complications.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournaleLife·DateDec 22, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
The University of Ottawa's CoVaRR-Net has received a $9 million grant extension to continue its rapid research on COVID variants, including the Omicron variant. This renewed funding will allow researchers to accelerate their work and keep policymakers informed of their latest findings.
Researchers identified 'pre-resistance' signs in bacteria, predicting future resistance to antibiotics. This discovery allows doctors to select the best treatments for bacterial infections and paves the way for personalized genomic therapy.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021
Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School found that Zika virus infection disrupts the glucose metabolism pathway in infected foetuses, leading to birth defects and death. A potential supplement, pyruvic acid, may protect foetuses from these impacts.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021
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.
Researchers developed a high-throughput platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds, targeting the macrodomain protein. The platform identified existing drugs that block macrodomain activity, including dasatinib, which shows promise as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 14, 2021
A clinical trial has revealed that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have less surfactant in their lungs due to the virus. The researchers suggest that giving extra surfactant for a longer period could help save lives by supporting breathing and allowing lung cells to repair after the infection passes.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2021
Researchers found fecal transplants increase IL-25, reducing tissue inflammation and boosting immune system response to C. difficile infections. The transplants also promote beneficial microbial diversity, helping patients heal from life-threatening diarrhea.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalmSphere·DateDec 13, 2021
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 found that transient depletion of regulatory T cells induces dendritic cell maturation and generates adaptive immune responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 antigens. This discovery may improve current vaccine strategies by eliminating the need for adjuvants.
SourceNagoya City University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
Researchers found that a combination of natural infection and vaccination produces maximally potent antibodies against COVID-19. The study suggests that repeated exposures to the spike protein can improve the immune system's ability to produce high-quality antibodies against variants.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalmBio·DateDec 8, 2021
A recent study suggests that severe COVID-19 may cause long-term damage to the testes, leading to reduced sperm count and quality. The virus's interaction with testicular cells and potential effects on fertility are being explored through an experimental framework.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateDec 7, 2021
A study of HIV-positive black and Latino men found that methamphetamine use combined with intimate partner violence boosts inflammatory and antiviral genes, leading to immune system exhaustion. This combination may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive Lyme disease dashboard to define hotspots and map the disease across the US and Canada. The dashboard provides valuable insights for public health awareness and research collaboration.
A recent study found that 19.9% of trans feminine individuals and 2.56% of trans masculine individuals were HIV positive, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts. The researchers called for increased focus on this population's unique needs.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2021
A recent study estimates that COVID-19 vaccination prevented almost 470,000 deaths among people aged 60 years and older across Europe. The authors found that early implementation of vaccination was associated with the largest reduction in expected deaths.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2021
A cohort study of 165 patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma found that treating the virus with direct-acting antivirals reduces tumor progression and metastasis. The study showed a 72% reduction in tumor progression and an 88% reduction in risk of death from HCC.
SourceOsaka City University·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
Researchers from Osaka University found that over half of intensive care workers experienced moral distress during the pandemic due to limited communication with patients and families. Virtual communication and psychological support were identified as potential solutions to prevent burnout and ensure proper medical care.
SourceOsaka University·JournalAsian Bioethics Review·TypeSurvey·DateNov 22, 2021
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.
Previous antibody responses to harmless coronaviruses contribute to SARS-CoV-2 immunity, reducing infection severity and hospitalization rates. Researchers found that people with strong immune responses to other human coronaviruses have some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021
Researchers have identified compounds that interfere with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments. These compounds show promise as antifungal agents, effective even against drug-resistant strains of fungi.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2021
Scientists sequenced Plasmodium falciparum genomes to understand malaria parasite populations and track drug resistance biomarkers. The study identified population-specific SNPs that can be used to determine transmission routes and monitor drug resistance.
SourceOsaka City University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2021
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 at East Carolina University have discovered a new way to detect SARS-CoV-2 by testing air passing through building ventilation systems. The method revealed the presence of the virus in air samples with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and reduced transmission.
SourceEast Carolina University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 10, 2021
Researchers have identified specific bacterial interactions in disease-resistant children that protect against chronic middle ear infections. This discovery could lead to new treatments and preventative measures for Indigenous communities, which are disproportionately affected by the condition.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateNov 9, 2021
Researchers have developed a database of parasite-host interactions among ancient ocean animals, shedding light on the evolution of biodiversity and the impact of parasitism on ecosystems. The study suggests that parasites can positively stabilize coastal ecosystems, making them more stable despite individual harm to hosts.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021
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.
Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
Scientists have engineered enzymes to manufacture molnupiravir, resulting in a shorter and higher-yielding synthesis. The new method reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for newly diagnosed patients, showing promise as an antiviral treatment.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 3, 2021
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateNov 2, 2021
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.
Researchers aim to predict and contain the spread of SCTLD by tracking coral immune responses. The study will examine which factors contribute to a successful immune response, where corals can recover and survive.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a wearable, self-sustaining fever detector that uses thermal energy harvesting to power its electronic device. The device can generate an unprecedented 87 millivolts per degree Celsius, making it large enough to operate typical wearable electronics.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021
A recent study found that adding tamoxifen to standard antifungal treatment did not speed up the clearance of fungal infection from spinal fluid in patients with meningitis. The study also showed increased heart toxicity in the tamoxifen group, highlighting the need for new anti-cryptococcal drugs.
SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021
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.
A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 25, 2021
The global illegal wildlife trade has a substantial impact on biodiversity loss, human health, and ecosystems. The trade results in estimated costs of $162.7 billion annually and contributes to the extinction of native species.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 21, 2021
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in CF patients' sinuses vary widely, with evolution following two stages: pathoadaptive community formation and fragmentation. This discovery may inform new therapeutic approaches by focusing on strongest evolutionary pressures.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
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.
Infection with measles virus triggers the activation of both RNA and DNA virus immune responses. The virus affects mitochondrial growth and division, causing their fusion and release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm. This leads to the activation of the cGAS immune response, which is also triggered by DNA viruses.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 14, 2021
A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, effective against all known variants. The antiviral molecule is also suitable for prevention purposes and has shown promising results in mouse tests, with a low dose being extremely effective.
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.
A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021
Dr. Gack's research focuses on identifying broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets and has implications for developing effective treatments against COVID-19 and other viral threats. The $5.6 million NIH grant will support her investigation into targeting human enzymes essential for virus replication.
A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2021
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers proposes abandoning the R rate for tracking pandemics in favor of nowcasts, which forecast daily new cases and deaths based on growth rates. The Harvey-Kattuman model has already proved accurate and effective in predicting COVID-19 waves and spikes worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021
Researchers found that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria induce the resorption of alveolar bone, a key component of periodontal tissue. The study suggests that positive and negative bacteria are responsible for periodontitis symptoms.
SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
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.
A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
A new study reveals a strong connection between infection rates and strains of authoritarianism in public attitudes and politics. The research found that the more infectious US cities and states had more authoritarian-leaning citizens, with correlations between higher disease rates and conservative voting patterns.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that antibodies from people infected with the original COVID-19 strain do not effectively bind to newer variants. This has implications for vaccine efficacy and the design of possible boosters.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2021
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 at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 16, 2021
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nearly one-fifth of young people with tuberculosis (10-24 years old) in Brazil experienced adverse treatment outcomes. Factors associated with these outcomes included poverty, HIV, homelessness, and drug use, highlighting the need for greater attention to this age group in tuberc...
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 14, 2021
Research reveals that stronger lettuce stems are a key part of disease resistance against Sclerotinia spp., the causative agent of lettuce drop. The study found that wild lettuce species exhibit increased stem strength and reduced symptom development, while modern commercial cultivars are susceptible to rapid basal stem rot.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
A study from Texas A&M University found that COVID-19 was the leading cause of maternal death, with a lethality rate higher than in the US. Maternal mortality also increased due to deaths related to hemorrhage and hypertension. The pandemic's impact on healthcare access and care quality highlighted the importance of timely prenatal care.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021
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.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2021
Researchers at UC San Diego develop precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control mosquito populations. The system uses CRISPR to alter genes linked to male fertility and female flight in Aedes aegypti, reducing disease transmission.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021
Researchers found that two drugs can suppress ACE2 protein production, reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus entry. Cigarette smoke extract and the drugs activate a receptor that inhibits ACE2 expression, making it harder for the virus to infect cells.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2021
A study conducted by RCSI has demonstrated that a saliva PCR test is almost as accurate as the standard nose and throat swab, enabling greater capacity for frequent testing. The saliva screening represents a less invasive alternative with the potential to increase compliance with screening.
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.
Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from victims of epidemics in Mexico and found evidence of newly introduced viruses, including smallpox, measles, and mumps. The study suggests that European colonists brought these viruses to North America, contributing to devastating epidemics among Indigenous communities.
The study evaluated the impact of the program on patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Patient engagement rates reached 78.9%, highlighting the efficacy of virtual care at home during the pandemic.
SourceMayo Clinic·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateSep 3, 2021
Project 2VIDA! aims to increase access and use of COVID-19 vaccines in San Diego's most heavily affected neighborhoods. The program directly educates the public on vaccine safety and addresses health disparities through a door-to-door outreach approach.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 1, 2021
Two studies found that breathing humid and salt-enriched air reduced respiratory droplet generation by approximately 50% within 10 minutes. The study suggests this mechanism may contribute to the effectiveness of cotton face masks in reducing COVID-19 incidence and death.
SourceWorld Scientific·JournalMolecular Frontiers Journal·DateSep 1, 2021
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.