A new multitasking substance has been identified to prevent and treat both flu and COVID-19 infections concurrently. The long-acting recombinant cytokine protein rhIL-7-hyFc demonstrated therapeutic and preventive effects against various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMar 18, 2024
A recent study found that digital reminders for flu vaccination increased vaccination rates among older adults in Denmark by one percentage point. However, it did not improve clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and death rates.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 18, 2024
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that a century-old BCG vaccine can provide cross-protection against influenza A virus and COVID-19 by inducing trained immunity. The study's findings have significant implications for developing vaccines against emerging respiratory viruses.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 26, 2024
A large-scale study published in the BMJ found that children born in October are most likely to be vaccinated and least likely to be diagnosed with influenza, confirming public health guidance of getting flu vaccinations in October. The study analyzed over 800,000 children's health records from 2011-2018.
SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A US study published in The BMJ found that children born in October are less likely to get the flu and more likely to be vaccinated. The study suggests that October is the optimal time for young children to receive an annual flu shot, aligning with current recommendations.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024
Researchers have identified macrophages, immune cells that gobble up foreign substances, in the pleural cavity around the lungs. These cells play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and disease during flu infections.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2024
Despite pandemic disruptions, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit stays were lower for children. However, there were delays in new diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and an increase in diabetic ketoacidosis among children with diabetes. Researchers urge education campaigns to improve future pandemic preparedness.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to combat the seasonal flu by targeting sialic acids in the upper respiratory tract of infants. Using desialylated neuraminidase enzymes, they reduced mouse-to-mouse transmission rates of influenza A by over half, suggesting potential benefits for preventing flu spread in children.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that people hospitalized for seasonal influenza face increased risks of long-term health effects, including death, hospital readmission, and organ system problems. Long flu is more debilitating than initially thought, with patients experiencing health loss similar to tho...
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2023
Commercially available NPBI-based air purifiers significantly reduced airborne virus infectivity, eliminating up to 99.98% of COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses in real-world concentrations.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new study reports that antiviral medications are largely underused in young children diagnosed with influenza, highlighting opportunities for improvement in prevention and treatment. The study found low rates of antiviral use across all age groups, including a significant disparity in geographic regions.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 13, 2023
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a group of T cells known as mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These cells can recognize the same markers whether they come from humans or mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infectious diseases and improving cancer immunotherapies. The study also ...
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023
Novel vaccine candidates using Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens (COBRAs) protect against multiple influenza B strains, including those from different lineages. These vaccines show long-lasting protection, potentially reducing the need for yearly updates.
SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2023
New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2023
Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.
SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A study of over 15,000 individuals with chronic kidney disease found that young age, Black race, and low education and income were linked to lower flu vaccine uptake. The study suggests that targeted vaccination efforts could improve uptake among those with kidney disease.
SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2023
A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 15, 2023
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalViruses·DateSep 13, 2023
Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that certain immune cells were associated with increased protection from flu symptoms, while others were linked to susceptibility. The study's findings have implications for developing tailored vaccine platforms and improving public health strategies.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023
Researchers found that dietary AHR ligands from cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, maintain a healthy barrier in the lungs and prevent infection. The study shows that AHR activity is essential for lung barrier integrity during viral infections.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023
Researchers found that the flu blocks lung liquid secretion, allowing staph to infect lungs. Treatment with a CFTR-activating drug like ivacaftor restores liquid secretion and protects against staph infection.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2023
A new study reveals that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher in-hospital mortality and persisted at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days after discharge. The risk of death was nearly twice that observed in those who were discharged alive from an influenza-related hospital admission.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalBMJ·DateAug 10, 2023
A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSports Economics Review·DateAug 4, 2023
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.
Researchers found serious neuropsychiatric side effects occur in both treated and untreated children with flu. The study highlights the importance of understanding these events in young children and those with underlying conditions.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 24, 2023
Scientists have discovered how the PA-X protein degrades host cell RNA while leaving the virus intact, enabling it to infiltrate and replicate within cells. The findings provide new insights into how influenza A viruses evade the immune system.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 22, 2023
A multinational study identified immune resilience as a critical factor influencing life span, HIV/AIDS, flu, sepsis mortality, recurrent skin cancer, and COVID-19 mortality. Individuals with optimal levels of immune resilience were more likely to resist infections and recover from inflammatory stressors.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 13, 2023
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.
Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.
SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023
Research found that meeting both recommended weekly physical activity targets was associated with a nearly half the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia as those who met neither. Meeting only the aerobic activity target was linked to a 36% lower risk, while muscle strengthening activities showed no significant difference.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023
A clinical trial has started enrolling volunteers to test the experimental H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP vaccine, developed by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, for its safety and ability to induce an immune response. The trial aims to find an optimal dosage and compare it with a current seasonal flu vaccine.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2023
A new immunotherapy treatment developed by UCF researchers uses targeted IL-2 to fight respiratory viral infections with improved outcomes in animal studies. The treatment promotes an antiviral inflammatory response and reduces bronchial inflammation.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2023
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 by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateApr 19, 2023
Researchers studied H7N9 epidemic waves in China from 2013 to 2017, analyzing gene sequences to build phylogenetic trees. They found the virus likely circulated in poultry for months before being detected, and suggest continuous monitoring of animal health is crucial
SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023
A new study by the Peter Doherty Institute found that First Nations populations are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and die from influenza compared to non-Indigenous populations. Influenza-associated hospitalization and mortality rates were consistently higher in First Nations communities globally.
SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023
A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 13, 2023
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Adults hospitalized with Omicron had a higher death rate than those with seasonal influenza, even though Omicron is considered less virulent. The study found patients hospitalized with Omicron were older and had more underlying illnesses, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 6, 2023
Scientists have developed a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of COVID-19 and flu viruses at much lower levels and quickly, using graphene nanomaterials. The sensor returns results within 10 seconds, faster than conventional tests.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023
Researchers analysed wastewater from 10 cities to detect chemical and biological markers of health, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and disease-causing viruses. The study found that analysing wastewater on a large scale could spot new outbreaks of diseases in communities early on.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023
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.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 14, 2023
A study published in Nature found that a small group of neurons in the airway play a pivotal role in alerting the brain about flu infections. The researchers also identified a second pathway from the lungs to the brain that becomes active later in the infection, which may hold promise for developing new treatments.
SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2023
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
SourceNew York University·JournalThe Nurse Practitioner·DateMar 8, 2023
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.
SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023
A new model has integrated two classic approaches to improve disease spread predictions, accounting for age-specific contact patterns and location-specific data. The model outperformed previous approaches in simulation studies and case studies, providing valuable insights into disease prevention and control.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment·DateJan 30, 2023
A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
SourceCorewell Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023
Researchers at UBC identified three compounds derived from natural sources that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. The discovery paves the way for developing new medicines using natural sources.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAntiviral Research·DateJan 9, 2023
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 new microresonator technology is being developed to analyze chemicals using light, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like COVID and diabetes. The device can retain light waves for longer periods, amplifying optical fields and making nonlinear processes easier.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022
A new study reveals that long-lived germinal centers, which can last for six months, are maintained by a dynamic balance between founder B cells and newly introduced naive B cells. The research provides insights into the workings of these microscopic training grounds and could inform future vaccine design.
A study found that children exhale fewer small particles, which are less likely to spread diseases like COVID-19. Larger particles produced by adults and children can transmit infections equally well, highlighting the importance of wearing high-efficiency masks for disease prevention.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalJournal of Aerosol Science·DateDec 22, 2022
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.
A research team at Penn Vet identified p63 as a key factor in inappropriate tissue regrowth after infection, which may lead to new treatments. By removing p63, basal cells can differentiate into functional alveolar cells, promoting lung recovery.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022
Researchers analyzed data from over 80,000 primary care physicians and found no clear connection between MIPS scores and clinical performance. Doctors with low MIPS scores performed worse on some process measures but better on others, suggesting that the system may prioritize paperwork over patient outcomes.
SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 2022
Princeton University researchers found that mask-wearing and social distancing reduce respiratory disease spread in the short term but do not guarantee long-term benefits. Vaccination successfully limits return epidemics, whereas sustained NPIs can lead to increased susceptibility and eventual outbreaks.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022
A new £2.9 million trial will recruit children and adults hospitalised with severe flu from 150 UK hospitals over two years. The adaptive platform trial will test multiple treatments, including anti-viral drugs and steroids, to determine the best use of NHS resources.
SourceImperial College London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 28, 2022
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers developed a multivalent mRNA-based vaccine protecting against all 20 known influenza subtypes, providing broad protection in animal models and paving the way for clinical trials.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2022
A study found that people with COVID-19 infections are more likely to develop seizures or epilepsy within six months compared to those with influenza infections. The increased risk was particularly noticeable in children and those who did not require hospitalization for COVID-19.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 16, 2022
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022
Researchers discovered that a lipid called prostaglandin E2 weakens lung immune cells with age. This increased PGE2 production impairs alveolar macrophage health and leads to a suppressed immune response, making older people more vulnerable to flu infections.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2022
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that vaccination against influenza significantly lowers the risk of stroke among adults. The study analyzed health records of over four million Albertans and showed that the risk of stroke was reduced in all age groups, not just those at high risk.
SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers from McGill University found that pneumococcal vaccination uptake is low among adults at high risk in Canada. Despite the importance of pneumococcal vaccination to prevent pneumonia and other forms of pneumococcal disease, many people missed opportunities for vaccination.
SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022