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Prior zika infection increases risk of subsequent severe dengue and hospitalization, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that prior zika infection significantly increases the risk of developing severe dengue and being hospitalized. The study analyzed samples from over 1,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and identified a higher viral load and inflammatory cytokine levels in those with prior zika infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2024

‘Tiny tornadoes’ around leaves spread deadly plant pathogens

Researchers at Cornell University analyzed plant spore dispersion using high-speed cameras and predicted the trajectory of spores carried by swirling motion created by vibrating leaves. The study aims to design a strategy to reduce pathogens from spreading from leaves.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 31, 2024

Controlling respiratory syncytial virus: real life data from Luxembourg

Early data from Luxembourg's national immunisation campaign against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2023 showed a decline in hospitalisations, especially among infants under six months old. The authors attributed this to the administration of a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, shortly after birth. Additionally, the mean age...

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New analysis shows that disinfection is the most effective way to prevent viral contamination of restroom surfaces

Researchers analyzed viral particle spread in toilets with open and closed lids, finding no difference in contamination regardless of lid status. Disinfecting toilets significantly reduced virus found in toilet bowl water and nearby surfaces.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Tests can reveal whether an antibody can turn into a killer

Researchers discover antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity (ADET), a phenomenon where antibodies can amplify venom's potency. The breakthrough contributes to expediting the development of a new generation of antivenom, potentially saving millions from snakebites yearly.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2024

A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the depths of intensive care medicine

A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 12, 2024

Experiments in infant mice suggest new way to prevent spread of flu in people

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
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.

New rice lines for Africa offer virus protection

A research team has developed rice lines resistant to Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) using genome editing, offering hope for African small-scale farmers. The resistant varieties were created by inserting a resistance gene into Asian rice, which can be easily transferred to local elite varieties.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJan 11, 2024

Chung-Ang University study looks at cardiovascular risks in COVID-19 survivors

A nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 survivors exhibit lower all-cause mortality and congestive heart failure but higher acute myocarditis and deep vein thrombosis risks. Younger, non-vaccinated patients with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors face elevated cardiovascular complications.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2024

Collaborative infectious disease research takes aim at bystander cells

A new research effort, led by University of Oklahoma's Zhibo Yang and San Diego State University's Laura-Isobel McCall, aims to investigate the role of bystander cells in infectious diseases. By examining metabolism changes in non-infected cells near infected cells, researchers hope to gain insights into possible disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJan 11, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Unveiling recurrent foot-and-mouth disease in the Middle East

A comprehensive study reveals repeated incursions of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus in Israel and neighboring areas, emphasizing the importance of improved surveillance, vaccination efforts, and cross-border cooperation. The research underscores the necessity for unified strategies to effectively combat FMD and reduce its economic and ag...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalVirology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

RSV shown to infect nerve cells, cause inflammation and damage

A new study reveals that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can infect nerve cells, trigger inflammation, and cause nerve damage. RSV was previously thought to only infect the respiratory tract, but this finding suggests a potential link between the virus and neurological symptoms in children.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 9, 2024

Some mosquitoes like it hot

New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023
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.

Deadly chicken disease: ancient DNA reveals evolution of virulence

A team of scientists has decoded the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus, a fatal disease in chickens, using ancient DNA from up to 1,000-year-old chicken bones. The study found that the virus was already widely distributed over 1,000 years ago and became increasingly aggressive due to global chicken farming and vaccine use.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2023

Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential

Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated strong boosting capabilities against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccines focus the immune response on the receptor binding domain, potentially providing a more efficient approach to boost immunity.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2023
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 new mechanism by which rotavirus makes you sick

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a new mechanism by which rotavirus induces diarrhea, involving the degradation of DGAT1 enzyme in intestinal cells. This process leads to reduced nutrient absorption and disruption of intestinal function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Researchers awarded $1M to protect coastal communities, aquaculture industry

The BioSPACE project aims to provide farmers, environmental agencies, and water-reliant industries with portable sensors to rapidly detect germs that threaten marine and freshwater life. The economic burden caused by waterborne diseases exceeds $3 billion in direct health care costs each year in the United States.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateDec 4, 2023

Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Research found that being overweight hampers the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to reduced antibody levels and activity. However, vaccination offered protection against COVID-19. The study suggests personalized recommendations for overweight individuals to ensure better COVID-19 management.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateDec 3, 2023
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 patch of protection against Zika virus

A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateNov 30, 2023

Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers

A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

The jigglings and wigglings of atoms reveal key aspects of COVID-19 virulence evolution

A groundbreaking study analyzed the behavior of atoms in COVID-19 proteins to understand its evolution and spread. The research found critical distinctions in mechanical stability among various virus strains, highlighting how these differences contribute to the virus's aggressiveness.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

What leads people to take action on disease prevention?

A study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that individuals' behavior to prevent disease spread depends on their personal information sources and living situation. The researchers discovered a strong link between medical information consumption before the outbreak and mask-wearing behaviors, while s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023
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.

Air cleaners don’t stop you getting sick, research shows

A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 16, 2023

Rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats

Researchers found rabies virus variants closely related to those in White-tufted marmosets in bats, highlighting potential for human transmission. Genetic sequencing revealed complex spillover dynamics between hosts, emphasizing the need for public health measures and animal conservation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateNov 16, 2023

New research shows maternal dengue immunity worsens birth defects caused by Zika virus

A recent study led by Duke-NUS Medical School found that prior maternal dengue immunity substantially increases the risk of severe birth defects induced by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers with pre-existing dengue antibodies are more likely to experience microcephaly and brain damage in their foetuses after Zika ...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023
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.

Vigorous exercise, rigorous science: What scientists learned from firefighters in training

Scientists analyzed body fluids from firefighters after rigorous training to understand the effects of intense physical exercise on the body. They found a decrease in inflammatory signals, which can improve breathing, but also increase vulnerability to viral respiratory infections.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMilitary Medical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Temperature increase triggers the viral infection

A study by Lund University researchers mapped the effects of temperature on a virus particle's genetic material, revealing its rapid injection into cells at elevated temperatures. The findings suggest that higher body temperature may increase the risk of infection spread.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2023
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.

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Spanish scientists identify changes in dendritic cells during the immune response with promising implications for vaccine design

A team of Spanish scientists discovered profound changes in dendritic cells during the immune response, which could lead to novel vaccines against bacterial and viral infections. The study found increased lipid peroxidation and MHC-I upregulation in post-synaptic dendritic cells, triggering efficient priming of CD8+ T cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

At least 14% of Americans have had long COVID

A large-scale investigation found that one in seven people in the US reported having had long Covid by the end of 2022. Long Covid is associated with anxiety, low mood, and physical mobility problems. The risk of these symptoms appears to be lower for those who have been vaccinated.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 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.

Viral impostors: Breakthrough for virus research

Researchers at the University of Würzburg developed a new method to precisely analyze infection pathways of dangerous virus variants using 'clickable' pseudoviruses. These harmless impostors retain their activity and are highly fluorescent, allowing for better visualization of viral infections in living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

How cruise ships can steer clear of viral spread

Researchers found that higher ventilation rates do not necessarily prevent the spread of airborne diseases in cruise ship cabins. The ideal ventilation strategy involves medium flow rates during occupancy and increased airflow after evacuation to minimize droplet spreading.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 31, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists develop deep learning-based biosensing platform to count viral particles better

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a deep learning-based biosensing platform called DeepGT, which can accurately quantify nanoscale bioparticles, including viruses. The platform harnesses the advantages of Gires-Tournois biosensors and AI to refine visual artifacts and extract relevant info...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Today·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Self-sampling proves effective in diagnosing asymptomatic mpox

A pilot study in Catalonia found that self-sampling is a feasible and acceptable method for diagnosing asymptomatic mpox. The study identified 7 positive cases, including 3 asymptomatic individuals, and estimated the prevalence of infection at 6.19%.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 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.

Uncovering novel mechanisms of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have uncovered a novel mechanism for sorting endocytic cargo, revealing a specific compartment within the trans-Golgi network that determines the fate of cargo. This discovery has implications for understanding basic life processes and diseases caused by disruptions in endocytosis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Paxlovid or Lagevrio use and severe outcomes from Omicron infections

A study of 68,000 patients with COVID-19 found that using Paxlovid or Lagevrio significantly reduced mortality and hospitalization rates in those at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, regardless of age, race, or virus strain. These medications can be used to treat non-hospitalized patients at high risk of severe disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 21, 2023

Unveiling Australia’s fastest next-gen mpox diagnostic tool

A new CRISPR-based diagnostic tool, MPXV-CRISPR, has been developed in Australia to detect the monkeypox virus with high precision and speed. The tool can detect the virus in clinical samples in just 45 minutes, making it faster than current methods.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

Research on bee virus origins uncovers buzz-worthy breakthrough

New research reveals that the Deformed wing virus DWV-A originated in Asia, contradicting previous European origins. The study found that Varroa mites transmitted the virus to European honey bees after their introduction to Asia, leading to widespread infections and colony declines.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2023
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.

Facebook's design makes it unable to control misinformation

Researchers at George Washington University found that Facebook's core design features undermine its policies aimed at removing Covid-19 vaccine misinformation. The platform's architecture, designed to build communities around shared interests, can inadvertently facilitate the spread of misinformation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 15, 2023