Articles tagged with Biosafety
A two-year field study found that soils amended with heat-treated poultry pellets and composted poultry litter supported longer survival of Escherichia coli compared to untreated soils. Weather conditions, such as humidity and wind speed, also played a significant role in bacterial survival.
A review of nearly two decades of global research on farm biosecurity finds that educating farmers alone often falls short. Interventions addressing incentives, social norms, and practical barriers are crucial to motivating action. The study also highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in achieving better biosecurity.
A new report estimates that sequencing DNA of all complex life in UK and Ireland could benefit the economy through improved crop resilience, medicine, and conservation. The Darwin Tree of Life Project has already saved research costs by providing over 2,500 reference genomes.
Researchers observed nonrandom patterns of spike D614 reversions in SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron BA.2 variants, suggesting a non-spontaneous mechanism. These reversions occurred disproportionately after peak transmission periods and showed geographic clustering.
A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that 100% of children aged 0-2 years had exposure to environmental pollutants, with arsenic being the most neurotoxic element. The study highlights the need for routine biomonitoring programs to track exposure and its impact on early childhood development.
A study found that hydroclimatic extremes and changes in agriculture led to the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. The research analyzed tree ring data and concluded that increased droughts and floods took a toll on the empire's outer borders and agricultural systems.
A new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that small home appliances with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors emit large quantities of ultrafine particles, posing significant health hazards. The study suggests that children are at a higher risk due to their smaller airway diameters.
The new Singapore Standard (SS) 718 leverages Near-Infrared spectroscopy to authenticate edible bird’s nest, providing a fast and non-destructive on-site method. This standard strengthens consumer trust and levels the playing field for producers in the industry.
The inaugural AI in Agriculture Symposium will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest research and real-world applications for agriculture. The symposium will feature a roundtable discussion on multidisciplinary collaborations in agriculture.
A new NC State University study models a rerouting system for livestock trucks to reduce the risk of disease transmission between farms. The system, which considers cleaning and disinfection effectiveness, shows a 42% reduction in contacts between infected and uninfected farms, even without effective C&D.
The H5N1 virus has defied control, spreading to other species and disrupting every stage of the dairy sector. A One Health approach is necessary to mitigate the outbreak, taking into account animal and human health with environmental factors.
Bioengineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a computational model called BrainFlow that simulates cerebrospinal fluid flow in the presence of shunt implants, providing insight into optimal shunt design and placement for hydrocephalus patients.
A new method using artificial intelligence and DNA decoding can predict how well disease-causing bacteria like Listeria tolerate disinfectants. The research may lead to smarter hygiene strategies and faster responses when pathogenic bacteria are present in food production.
A new collaboration aims to develop an affordable and accessible monoclonal antibody therapeutic for CCHFV, treating thousands globally. USAMRIID discovered the antibody in mice, and LifeArc is supporting development of a fully humanized antibody.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
A new grant aims to evaluate the role of soilless substrates on pests and pathogen risks in hydroponic systems. The research will address both human and plant pathogens, providing strategies for safer hydroponic production.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
The special issue explores challenges and opportunities in managing synthetic genomics risks, introducing a common global baseline for nucleic acid synthesis screening. Review articles provide insights into enhancing gene synthesis security and biosecurity practices of synthetic DNA providers.
A new study found that rotating crops, conserving soil nutrients, and deploying diversification strategies can yield major benefits for the environment and people. The research discovered that farmers can achieve more benefits if they employ several agricultural solutions in tandem.
Researchers will collect empirical data on biosafety and biosecurity practices among practitioners, policymakers, and experts to inform the development of innovative policies and procedures. The project aims to expand participation by diverse experts in governance discussions and policy engagement.
Four retinoids (RPalm, RP, HPR, and ROL) show anti-photoaging activities in vitro, while RPalm and RP are superior in a UVB-induced mice model. Topical application of these retinoids shows satisfactory biosafety without significant side effects.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Experts call for a nuanced discussion around gain of function research, highlighting its benefits for human health and its potential to reduce future disease outbreaks. The authors emphasize the need for evidence-based policies that balance safety concerns with the importance of this research in protecting humanity from viral threats.
A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
The article reviews the biosafety of different delivery systems for nucleic acid drugs, highlighting the importance of carrier selection and drug administration method. It also highlights the benefits of carrier-free delivery systems in reducing adverse effects.
The CRISPR/Cas system is being utilized for the treatment and diagnosis of infectious diseases using biosafety materials, highlighting its design principle and efficacy. Advanced biosafety materials are used to detect viral nucleic acids and inhibit viral replication.
Biosafety materials have emerged to address global concerns about COVID-19, with unique strategies for preventing infections by pathogenic microorganisms. Researchers have developed novel protocols for rapid detection and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms.
Researchers developed a reusable respirator hood that is significantly preferred by frontline healthcare workers and support staff due to its safety and comfort. The new PPE strategy has also led to cost savings and reduced environmental impact, with over 80% of staff requesting their respirators for future use.
Researchers found that nanosilver treatment can increase the risk of recurrent infections when used long-term due to pathogen adaptation. Long-term exposure allows bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evolve and resume normal growth upon discontinuation of treatment.
The Journal of ABSA International has been awarded to Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., effective 2021. The publication aims to promote global biosafety awareness and best practices in preventing occupational exposures and adverse environmental impacts related to biohazardous releases.
Researchers at Texas Biomed continue testing Ebola therapies and vaccines in human clinical trials, motivated by promising preclinical data. The goal is to positively impact human lives with effective treatments, building on previous studies involving nonhuman primates.
The next WHO Biosafety Handbook revision should prioritize local relevance, proportionate infrastructure and sustainable work practices. This new approach would ensure safe laboratory procedures with minimal resources in less developed countries.
Researchers successfully created a synthetic horsepox vaccine that offers protection against the vaccinia virus, which is associated with serious side effects. Mice immunized with the chimeric HPXV developed similar levels of protective antibodies as those inoculated with VACV, but had less severe reactions.
Two experts argue different views on balancing biosecurity and potentially life-saving research for H5N1 viruses. Adolfo García-Sastre advocates for enhanced BSL-3 facilities to prevent human exposure while Michael Hanna suggests BSL-4 containment due to vaccine limitations and potential for rapid spread.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.