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GM spuds beat blight

Scientists boosted potato resistance to late blight without deploying fungicides in a three-year GM research trial. The study found non-transgenic plants were 100% infected while GM plants remained fully resistant., The GM technology triggers the plant's natural defense mechanisms, enabling it to recognize and resist the pathogen.

Cat parasite found in western Arctic Beluga deemed infectious

Researchers have discovered an infectious form of the cat parasite Toxoplasma gondii in western Arctic Belugas, raising public health concerns. The discovery also highlights the impact of climate change on pathogen circulation, allowing previously isolated parasites to spread to new hosts.

Hidden crop pest threat to poorer nations revealed

A study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are greatly underestimated in developing countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. With many nations underreporting pest loads, investment in pest observations is crucial to identifying and controlling losses.

A touch of garlic helps kill contaminants in baby formula

Researchers discovered two garlic compounds that significantly reduce Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in dry infant formula powder. These compounds have the potential to eliminate the pathogen before it reaches consumers, easing concerns for new mothers who opt not to breastfeed.

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.

E-Health services ill-prepared for epidemics

E-health systems face a significant disruption due to inadequate adoption, leading to ineffective response to pandemic diseases like influenza. A multi-pronged approach is proposed to assess preparedness, identify gaps, and implement necessary technology and protocols.

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.

Evolution in the antibody factory

Researchers found that B cells improve antibody molecules through a process of somatic hypermutation, increasing selection pressure on their own products. This mechanism could accelerate vaccination methods by producing optimal antibodies earlier.

Study finds nearly 50% of retail firewood infested with insects

A new study found that nearly half of all retail firewood sold in the US West is infested with live insects. The research highlights the risks of untreated firewood transporting pests and pathogens to uninfested areas. Heat-treating firewood before sale could help mitigate these risks.

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.

Double duty: Versatile immune cells play dual roles in human skin

Researchers reveal that Langerhans cells can perform either immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory functions depending on the situation. They found that LCs induce proliferation of regulatory T cells to maintain tolerance under normal conditions, but also stimulate protective immune responses against pathogens.

History is key factor in plant disease virulence

A new study reveals that the pattern of gene regulation in plant pathogens is shaped by their past environments, not just their genetic makeup. This finding has significant implications for disease control and may require a new approach to regulating microbial activity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ticks can adapt to the Spain's climatic diversity

A study by Spanish researchers confirms ticks' ability to adapt to climate, posing a risk to public health and animal conservation. The parasites carry exotic illnesses and increase the prevalence of endemic pathogens, especially in arid environments.

Escaping parasites and pathogens

A new mathematical model reveals that hosts can gain a unique evolutionary advantage when interacting with parasites through multiple traits. This discovery may help explain how humans, plants, and animals evolve to withstand parasite attacks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Secret of safe sprout production is very clean seeds, expert says

A University of Illinois study found that cleanliness of seeds is crucial in preventing foodborne pathogens in radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts. The study suggests that industry attention to seed cleanliness can help eliminate E. coli and other microorganisms during germination and sprouting.

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.

E. coli can survive in streambed sediments for months

USDA scientists found that non-pathogenic E. coli strains can survive longer in underwater sediments than in water, supporting the use of sediment as an indicator of fecal contamination. The study also revealed that higher levels of organic carbon and fine particles in sediment prolonged E. coli survival.

Does grilling kill E. coli O157:H7?

Researchers applied E. coli O157:H7 to subprimals and found that only 3-4% of the bacteria were transported to the center of the meat after being tenderized. Proper cooking on a commercial gas grill eliminated the microbe, with internal temperatures of 120F, 130F, or 140F killing all remaining cells.

Scientists pitch in to help keep salad mixes safe to eat

Scientists have identified how E. coli O157:H7 colonizes fresh-cut lettuce, providing new insights for food safety. The bacteria breaks down leaf cells, releasing carbohydrates and antimicrobial compounds that can be used as energy sources.

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.

Pitt-Stanford research suggests aimless proteins crucial to disease

Researchers discovered that a supposedly inactive protein ROP5 plays a crucial role in Toxoplasma gondii's ability to cause disease, suggesting the possible role of similarly errant proteins in other diseases. The team engineered strains without ROP5 and found the pathogen was unable to cause disease in mice.

Alternatives eyed for methyl bromide

Researchers are examining a cropping system using molasses to stimulate microbial activity, which could replace the fumigant methyl bromide. The study also explores recently developed fumigants dimethyl disulfide and methyl iodide.

Study: Consumers value safer food more than current analyses suggest

A recent study proposes a new method for assessing the societal benefits of mandating more stringent food processing practices. Consumers were surveyed and found willing to pay $305 million annually for a 10% reduction in E. coli contamination, exceeding a previous USDA estimate of $446 million.

$2.7 million research award to aid nursery, floriculture industry

Virginia Tech receives a $2.7 million grant to study integrated management of zoosporic pathogens and irrigation water quality for a more sustainable green industry. The project aims to develop biologically based control methods and best management practices to recycle irrigation water safely.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Vaccines could help what's ailing fish

USDA scientists have developed vaccines to protect farm-raised catfish against key diseases, including Streptococcus iniae and S. agalactiae. The modified live vaccine has been shown to create a lifelong immunity in fish, with previous research breakthroughs benefiting the catfish industry.

Virginia Bioinformatics Institute to model immune responses to gut pathogens

The Virginia Bioinformatics Institute is developing mathematical models to understand immune responses to gut pathogens, aiming to accelerate disease prevention and treatment. The Center for Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens will generate new hypotheses through computer simulations and experimental research.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Not just an innocent bystander

Researchers found that free heme released from red blood cells during infection causes organ failure, but hemopexin can neutralize its toxic effects. Administering hemopexin improves survival rates in mice and may predict mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

NIH scientists find more health benefits from starting HIV treatment early

A new study found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after acquiring the virus have stronger immune responses to other pathogens compared to those who start ART later. Early treatment restores resting memory B cells and reduces immature B cells, leading to improved immune system function.

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.

Immune overreaction may enable recurrent urinary tract infections

Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI cause bladder damage and allow infection to persist longer. Immunodeficient mice lacking these acute inflammatory responses are protected from chronic bladder infection. Researchers hope to identify patients vulnerable to recurrent infection using markers discovered in the study.

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.

Study pins factors behind geography of human disease

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers links the number of diseases in a region to its climate and biodiversity, with hot, wet climates having more pathogens. The prevalence of diseases, however, is influenced by health-care spending, particularly in regions with low spending.

New technology enables machines to detect microscopic pathogens in water

A new system developed by Texas AgriLife Research can automatically scan water samples and detect potential pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia, providing results immediately. This technology has the potential to address key challenges in pathogen detection in food and water, making it accessible globally.

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.

Cross-country runabouts -- immune cells on the move

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered how immune cells, such as white blood cells, move on various surfaces. They found that these cells use a 'clutch and wheels' system, involving cell anchors and cytoskeleton deformation to maintain constant speed, enabling them to adapt to different substrates.

Poorly cleaned public cruise ship restrooms may predict norovirus outbreaks

Researchers found widespread poor compliance with regular cleaning of public restrooms on cruise ships may predict subsequent norovirus infection outbreaks. The study evaluated the thoroughness of disinfection cleaning and found that toilet seats were best-cleaned objects while baby changing tables were least cleaned.

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.

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.

Spit, anyone?

US Department of Homeland Security scientist Mark Nicas builds mathematical models of spittle dispersal to inform countermeasures against potential biological attacks and pandemics. His research aims to reduce the risk of infection transmission on airplanes and in other public spaces, advising people to sit at least three rows away fro...

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.

Connectivity illuminates risk of spread of crop pests, diseases

A graphical analysis assesses the vulnerability of different US crops to pests, identifying soybean and maize as highly connected, while cotton and wheat are less connected. The study suggests encouraging cropping patterns that disrupt connectivity to minimize pest spread.

Food choices and location influence California sea otter exposure to disease

Research reveals that California sea otters living in coastal areas with limited resources are more susceptible to diseases caused by parasites. The study found that diet diversity among individual otters can lead to higher infection rates, highlighting the importance of habitat quality for maintaining healthy populations.

Scientists film inner workings of the immune system

Researchers at Centenary Institute in Australia used high-powered multi-photon microscopy to visualize the spread of a parasite through the body, gaining insights into how pathogens are recognized by the immune system. This discovery has potential to improve current vaccinations and inform vaccine design.

Death by hyperdisease

Genetic research reveals black rats carried a pathogenic protozoan that exterminated two endemic species on Christmas Island. The study is the first to demonstrate extinction in a mammal due to disease, contradicting most scientists' view of pathogens' effect on species.

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 reveal Epstein-Barr virus protein contributes to cancer

Researchers have discovered a link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein and cancer development. EBNA1 protein disrupts structures in the nucleus of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, interfering with tumor-suppressive processes. This finding raises the possibility that EBV could play a role in other cancers.