Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to prevent infections from becoming harder to treat due to antimicrobial resistance.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2022
A University of Houston program successfully reduces social isolation among seniors by connecting them with UH students in social work and nursing. Weekly telephone interactions establish trust, resulting in a decrease in loneliness and an increase in participants' well-being.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateApr 20, 2022
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.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2022
Scientists are working on understanding the interplay between flaviviruses and mitochondria in hopes of finding new treatment options. By deciphering this process, researchers may be able to find broad-spectrum therapeutic targets for diseases like Zika, dengue, and West Nile.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study published in mBio discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 viral gene ORF8 plays a crucial role in the severity and spread of COVID-19. Researchers found that mutations in ORF8 contribute to inflammation and disease outcomes, suggesting new treatment options for patients with severe cases.
Indiana University is developing a groundbreaking combination oral rotavirus-norovirus vaccine for infants, aiming to protect against severe vomiting and diarrhea. The vaccine, based on the existing rotavirus vaccine, uses norovirus proteins to trigger an immune response.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 6, 2022
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.
A new tool, SPARCLD, speeds up the development of vaccines and pharmaceutical products by accelerating synthesis and analysis on a nano scale. This breakthrough method allows for the creation of 40,000 different molecules in an area smaller than a pinhead, reducing material, energy, and economic costs.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2022
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022
Researchers found that changes in viral communities may enable persistent HPV infection and progression to cancer, associated with bacterial composition and inflammation. Low Lactobacillus abundance and bacteriophage presence were also linked to increased risk.
SourceArizona State University·JournalmSystems·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2022
Researchers found that one viral protein suppresses infection with hepatitis E. However, experimental studies in mice revealed a different pattern, suggesting the two viruses affect each other in complex ways. Further analysis of liver cells is needed to shed light on the underlying causes of co-infection.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCells·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
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.
The Johns Hopkins-developed sensor combines accuracy levels approaching PCR testing with the speed of rapid antigen tests, offering a strong advantage over existing methods. It can be used for mass testing in disposable chip formats or on rigid or flexible surfaces.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 29, 2022
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2022
Researchers have developed a new compound that prevents and treats COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice. The compound, N-0385, blocks entry at the cell surface without causing detectable cell damage.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022
Scientists have discovered a promising strategy to treat Ebola virus infections by targeting cellular protein GSPT1, which the virus hijacks for polymerase function. An experimental drug CC-90009 degrades GSPT1, halting viral multiplication.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022
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.
Scientists have discovered a human antibody that effectively neutralizes two types of hantaviruses in animal models, providing a promising candidate for developing a 'pan-hantavirus' therapy. Collectively, hantaviruses cause about 50,000 severe and often fatal infections worldwide each year.
SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022
A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 17, 2022
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 new UMaine study shows that a specific combination of pathogens and drugs can effectively treat fungal lung infections. Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa works with fluconazole to eliminate drug tolerance and clear Candida albicans infection, suggesting that nutrient availability can impact treatment efficacy.
SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 15, 2022
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2022
A UC Riverside-led team developed a theory and performed simulations to understand how viruses package their genetic material. The research reveals that capsid proteins are inclined to form shells around viral RNAs due to lower stress distribution, which can aid in designing nanocontainers for drug delivery.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2022
Researchers propose a framework that considers interactions between social, genetic, and environmental factors to inform COVID-19 studies. The work highlights the importance of integrating these factors to determine health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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 from North Carolina State University found that trucks transporting pigs and farm workers can spread porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) among farms. The model estimated that vehicle movements contributed up to 20% of PRRSV transmissions, highlighting the importance of enhancing biosecurity measures ...
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 7, 2022
Researchers analyzed horse samples to understand hepatitis C virus tactics and found a region called hypervariable that changes quickly, protecting the virus from host cells. This study may provide a powerful model for gaining insights into hepaciviral evolution and immune evasion.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalVirus Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalViruses·DateMar 2, 2022
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 have found that HPV and Chlamydia pathogens work together to reprogram cells, leading to cancer. The study used 3D organoids to investigate the interactions between the pathogens and tissues affected by disease.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2022
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin create first-ever biologically authentic computer model of HIV-1 virus liposome, shedding light on replication and infectivity. The study reveals key characteristics of the liposome's asymmetry and its role in shaping macroscopic properties.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022
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.
A new variant of the Hendra virus has been detected in Australian horses, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The discovery was made possible by a seven-year effort to create a network of frontline veterinarians and researchers aiming to detect new viruses.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 23, 2022
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnual Review of Physiology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 2022
A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
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 Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateFeb 14, 2022
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022
Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022
A recent study revealed that current tomato cultivars are vulnerable to the emerging ToBRFV, a damaging virus affecting tomatoes and other crops. The research also developed a molecular detection tool to identify infectious virus particles carried on contaminated seeds.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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 human polyomavirus (HPyV9) has been identified as a cause of severe skin rash and subsequent organ failure in solid organ transplant recipients. Routine testing for the virus is now recommended to prevent such cases, with the use of a new technique called VirCapSeq-VERT.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers examined Kappa and Delta variant structures using cryo-EM, finding Delta's spike protein binds stronger with human ACE2 receptor. This explains the rapid global dominance of the Delta variant. The study provides insight into COVID-19 variants' evolution.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCase study·DateFeb 4, 2022
Researchers have developed a method to assess drug potential for rare disorders by profiling FDA-approved drugs. The study identified NMD modulators that could potentially treat hundreds of disorders associated with nonsense-mediated RNA decay.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers are using a salamander virus to predict the future of biodiversity amid a changing climate. The study aims to create better models to understand how climate change and infectious diseases interact, with potential implications for conserving species at risk of extinction.
A recent study found that most common hand disinfectants are ineffective against the hepatitis E virus (HEV), a leading cause of acute liver inflammation worldwide. Despite being non-enveloped and highly resistant to chemical influences, HEV can still be infectious after exposure to certain disinfectants.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateJan 27, 2022
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 school simulation model that shows how the virus spreads in different settings and calculates the effectiveness of measures against its spread. The model reveals that elementary and lower secondary schools can keep reproduction rates below 1 with classroom ventilation, wearing masks, and class size reduction.
SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022
A new study by Washington State University scientists reveals that viral proteins interact with each other to disable plant defenses, allowing viruses to hijack their hosts. When some of these proteins are disabled, the virus cannot move from cell to cell, highlighting a promising approach to prevent crop losses.
SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a new host protein interaction in chickens that triggers a strong immune response against viral infections. The discovery sheds light on the differences between bird and human immune responses to zoonotic viruses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at University of Washington developed a fast, cheap test for COVID-19 that combines speed of antigen tests with accuracy of PCR tests. The Harmony COVID-19 test detects genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 virus with 97% accuracy and provides results in under 20 minutes.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022
Researchers created a novel molecular diagnostic platform that can detect COVID-19 genes after only 8 cycles of amplification, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis. The new SERS-PCR platform uses gold nanoparticles to produce high-sensitivity signals, providing an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022
Biologists at the University of Leeds created high-resolution images of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, revealing fibril structures that play a key role in replication. These findings could lead to new antiviral treatments for diseases caused by the virus.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 17, 2022
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.
A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue-infected mosquitoes are more attracted to mammals and bite more often, increasing disease transmission chances. The research found that infected mosquitoes have difficulty locating blood vessels for feeding, leading to increased biting attempts and transmission events.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022
The Seattle Flu Study's efforts to conduct COVID-19 testing were hindered by conflicting and uncoordinated regulatory actions. The study highlights the importance of a sustainable surveillance system to inform public health policy makers.
SourceBrotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 10, 2022
Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022
Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.
SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 30, 2021
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 discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.
SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021
Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021
New research combines antibiotics and phage therapy to cure infections more effectively and reduce antibiotic use. The study found that bacteriostatic antibiotics trigger CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity in bacteria, increasing the chances of treatment efficacy.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021