Researchers found that the risk of developing asthma in infants depends on a complex interplay among the infecting virus, airway microbial composition and function, and the infant's immune response. Infants with distinct metatranscriptome profiles had unique risks of developing asthma by age five.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021
A novel vaccine, TOH-Vac1, replicates inside the body's cells and generates a powerful immune response in mice and monkeys. The vaccine is based on a strain of vaccinia virus used to vaccinate against smallpox and can be programmed to protect against multiple variants.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateDec 15, 2021
Researchers are exploring how an engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) can compensate for missing protein or swap out genetic mutations that cause vision problems. AAV has been found to be beneficial and is being used as a tool to deliver genes that work as they should.
Researchers mapped how HTLV-1 transforms T-cells into cancerous cells, revealing the virus over-activates them and makes them more vulnerable to DNA damage. This study provides new directions for potential treatments to prevent cancer development.
SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 14, 2021
A new study found that Omicron's immune-evading capabilities are significant, but some vaccinated and previously infected individuals have 'stronger' protection. However, the protection from Omicron may be compromised over time.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2021
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 white paper shares practical strategies to inform stewardship efforts and ensure appropriate use of antibiotics, citing the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance leading to 23,000 preventable deaths each year. Implementation science principles can bridge the evidence-practice gap.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 2, 2021
Researchers found 2.4 times the rate of arbovirosis as originally reported, including coinfections, suggesting underestimation of the incidence of the three viruses. The study enriches epidemiological information on these arboviruses, which can help improve estimates of burden and resource allocation.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
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
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.
A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.
SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how gamma delta T cells recognize the MHC-like molecule MR1, providing key insights into the immune system's ability to detect infections and diseases. The study sheds light on the unique ways these cells interact with MR1, paving the way for new immunotherapies.
SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
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.
Researchers developed an algorithm predicting COVID-19 patient outcomes based on individual data, achieving high accuracy (over 90%) for up to ten days. This innovation enables hospitals to allocate staff and resources efficiently, potentially saving lives during future pandemic waves.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 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
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2021
A gene-silencing therapy harnessing nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery has protected against Zika virus transmission in pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses. The treatment reduced fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.
SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 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 found that geriatric cotton rats given ibuprofen cleared RSV more quickly than those without the drug. Ibuprofen improved immune response by lowering aging-related inflammation, suggesting a potential role for the drug in providing lasting immunity against RSV.
SourceOhio State University·JournalVirology·DateNov 9, 2021
Dendritic cells, crucial in detecting infectious agents, need boosting when they are scarce in healthy tissue. A new process, dubbed 'emergency' dendritic cell response, rapidly replenishes these cells from bone marrow upon infection.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 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
Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 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.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment reduces the activity of proteins involved in cirrhosis, potentially indicating an early sign of liver recovery. The study suggests a possible pathway toward healing scarred liver tissue after virus elimination.
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021
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 published in eLife reveals that the shape of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plays a crucial role in determining infection outcomes. Researchers found that RSV viruses change from long, rod-shaped particles to more rounded ones during infection, which affects the activation of complement proteins by the immune system.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021
Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
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 study from the University of Southampton demonstrates a safe method to clean and reuse facemask respirators using advanced low-temperature plasma technology. This technique can remove 99.99% of coronavirus while maintaining filter performance, reducing plastic waste by approximately 70%.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAIP Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 13, 2021
Research at Florida Atlantic University found that green sea turtles in polluted environments have impaired immune systems, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The study suggests a positive feedback loop where pollution compromises immunity, making turtles more prone to Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 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 Texas A&M study found that over half of American adults resumed risky social and travel activities before vaccines were widely available. The survey also revealed that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and fiscally conservative respondents were more likely to engage in such behaviors.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2021
A new study reveals hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been infecting humans for millennia, tracing its evolution from prehistory to the present. The research highlights HBV's dispersal routes and shifts in viral diversity mirroring human migrations and demographic events.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021
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
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.
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 new study reveals that high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver cells are associated with resistance to hepatitis C virus infection. Lipid peroxidation occurs on PUFA-enriched membranes where viral replication machinery is anchored, ultimately shutting off its ability to replicate the viral genome.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateSep 30, 2021
Researchers have identified a new prophage-mediated defence system in Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 called BstA, which efficiently suppresses phage attacks. This discovery opens up a new avenue of research and could potentially lead to the development of new biotechnologies.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 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.
Researchers discovered a cheap and naturally occurring chemical compound that can prevent or reverse the effects of the deformed wing virus in bees. Bees fed with this compound before becoming infected were nine times more likely to survive the virus after five days.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021
Researchers found that viral, fungal, or bacterial infections impact blood vessel repair in the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular injury. Infected animals took longer to repair damaged blood vessels, leading to permanent cognitive dysfunction and brain damage.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 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
A study published in SLEEP reveals an association between early lower respiratory tract infections and the development of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Children who had a history of severe RSV bronchiolitis during early infancy were found to have a higher risk of developing OSA.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 15, 2021
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.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that respiratory emissions produced during labor and vaginal delivery can increase the risk of respiratory disease transmission. The findings support the recommendation of providing full PPE, including N95 masks, to healthcare workers in labor and delivery units to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021
CD8+ T cell priming in the spleen generates long-lived, stem-like memory T cells with enhanced ability to differentiate into T effector cells. Spleen-primed T cells have superior capacity to respond to rechallenge infection and expand into infection-fighting T effector cells.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021
Researchers successfully simulated the capsid disassembly step of hepatitis B viral infection at an unprecedented atomic level, identifying specific regions of the capsid protein that contribute to breakage. This high-accuracy simulation can help design drugs to interrupt these processes and prevent chronic infection.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a new framework to create the most optimal oxygen concentrator, capable of producing high-purity oxygen and adapting to changing patient needs. The LiLSX-based system outperformed other zeolites in simulation tests.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 30, 2021
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 at the University of Helsinki discovered a potential contributing mechanism to kidney dysfunction in acute hantavirus infection by investigating the body's response to the virus. Elevated levels of free light chains were found to be associated with kidney problems and may play a role in other infectious diseases.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 26, 2021
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
A recent study published in PLoS One found that young adult patients with COVID-19 are at risk of severe disease and readmission, especially those with comorbidities. The study also identified over 50 lingering symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, which can last weeks to months after initial recovery.
SourceHouston Methodist·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 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.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses, which could form the basis of treatments or serve as a template for a universal vaccine. The antibodies worked against all tested alphaviruses and prevented arthritis and brain infections in animals.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 17, 2021
A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.
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.
Research from the University of South Florida found that individuals who wrote about their relationship troubles from a neutral observer's point of view had less conflict and aggression with their partner. The study surveyed 716 American adults and asked them to fill out a baseline assessment and then complete a brief writing exercise.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCouple and Family Psychology Research and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2021
A study published in The EMBO Journal identified several host proteins that interact with the Ebola virus protein VP30, inhibiting viral transcription and replication. These findings suggest a novel target for preventing Ebola virus infection, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021
Researchers have developed nanobodies that target the cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can cause life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. These nanobodies bind to the US28 protein and interrupt signals that keep the virus dormant, enabling the immune system to detect and destroy the virus.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 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.
An interdisciplinary research team at TUM has developed nano-capsules tailored from genetic material using the DNA origami method to engulf and neutralize viruses. The strategy has been tested against hepatitis and adeno-associated viruses in cell cultures and may prove successful against corona viruses.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 15, 2021
Experts urge UK government to prioritize vaccination over mass infection, citing unacceptable risks to vulnerable populations. The strategy is deemed 'unethical and unscientific' by Dr Deepti Gurdasani and colleagues.
A Skoltech team developed a model to assess infection risks for supermarket customers. The composite model incorporates social forces and retail space layout, suggesting that social distancing is the primary factor in reducing infection rates. Filling stores to capacity has little economic sense during the pandemic.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 13, 2021
Researchers discovered that viral expansions can transition from 'pulled' to 'pushed', where the expansion is driven by viruses arising behind the front, retaining genetic diversity for longer. This finding suggests that viral populations in infected organisms may be more adaptable than previously thought.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 10, 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.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021
Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.
SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 2, 2021