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Engineered llama antibodies neutralize COVID-19 virus

Researchers at The Rosalind Franklin Institute have engineered llama antibodies that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, blocking its entry into human cells. These nanobodies show promise as a potential treatment for patients with severe COVID-19.

SourceThe Rosalind Franklin Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

Antilupus drug prevents low heartbeat condition in newborns

A new study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers shows that the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) in newborn babies, a rare and sometimes fatal condition. CHB affects as many as one in 15,000 live births and is strongly linked to immune proteins in mothers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2020

Fast-spreading mutation helps common flu subtype escape immune response

A fast-spreading mutation in the H3N2 flu subtype has effectively blocked antibodies from binding to a key viral protein, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study suggests that flu vaccines focusing on one protein may not be enough to protect against evolving viruses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 10, 2020

Influenza exposure and antibody response

A study in ferrets and children aged 2-6 found that early influenza infections can alter the immune system's response to later strains. This priming effect may impact an individual's susceptibility to other strains.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Unlocking the key to an effective vaccine

A recent study by Monash University suggests that components within vaccines can play a major role in aiding the lifespan of individual plasma cells. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunological Reviews·DateJul 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

B-cell protectors

Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Superbug impact on the gut

The study found that C. difficile massively activates a human enzyme called plasminogen to destroy gut tissue and spread infection. Researchers developed an antibody that prevents plasminogen activation, stalling infection progress and tissue damage.

SourceMonash University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

SARS-CoV-2: New insights on antibody testing and RNA testing

Two studies provide new insights into antibody testing and RNA testing for SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that antibody tests are highly accurate, but repeat testing is necessary to confirm infection status. The gold standard rt-PCR test can detect current infection, but false positives can occur.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJun 22, 2020

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through testing

Testing is vital to identify cases, track superspreading events, and spot previously infected individuals. Innovative approaches are helping to overcome bottlenecks in testing efforts, with the US still struggling to match countries like New Zealand and South Korea.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalRNA·DateJun 18, 2020
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.

Detecting antibodies with glowing proteins, thread and a smartphone

A new system for detecting antibodies uses a microfluidic thread-based analytical device that relies on light-emitting sensor proteins held on a thread. The device can detect antibody levels within five minutes and does not require extensive handling and incubation steps.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 17, 2020

COVID-19 antibody tests: How reliable are they?

COVID-19 antibody tests measure antibodies produced by the body after infection, providing insights into community spread. While early tests had questionable accuracy, recent developments have led to more reliable tests with high sensitivities and specificities, offering a better understanding of long-term protection.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 10, 2020
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.

Fighting mosquito-borne viruses requires a precise balance of immune cells

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that antibodies against one virus can make another more severe. However, a specific type of T cell can counteract this effect. The study suggests the need for future vaccines to elicit a balanced response from both antibodies and T cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 5, 2020

A better model for neutrophil-related diseases

Researchers have developed a more effective neutrophil depletion model that outperforms existing methods. This improvement enables scientists to study the role of neutrophils in various diseases, including COVID-19, with greater accuracy and precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

Blood test as a potential new weapon in the fight to eliminate malaria

A new blood test has been developed to detect recent Plasmodium vivax infections and identify individuals with hypnozoites, which can cause relapsing malaria. The test offers high sensitivity and specificity, and mathematical models suggest it could reduce P. vivax prevalence by 59-69%.

SourceEhime University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2020
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.

More effective human antibodies possible with chicken cells

Researchers developed a technique to generate human antibodies faster than existing methods using chicken immune system cells. The ADLib system can produce diverse antibodies with improved binding affinity, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and other medical applications.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateMay 26, 2020

New technology can detect anti-virus antibody in 20 minutes

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a new method to detect anti-avian influenza virus antibody, which could be used to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The technology uses a portable fluorescence polarization analyzer that can examine multiple samples and detect the antibody in just 20 minutes.

SourceHokkaido University·DateMay 21, 2020
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.

Designing vaccines from artificial proteins

Researchers at EPFL have developed an algorithm to design artificial proteins that precisely guide the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies. The proteins were tested in animal models, triggering a strong immune response against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of serious lung infections.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2020
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.

IU School of Medicine study tracks COVID-19 spread in pediatric dialysis unit

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine tracked COVID-19 spread in a pediatric dialysis unit using antibody testing on patients, staff, and healthcare workers. The study found a high occurrence of COVID-19 antibodies among individuals interacting in the unit, suggesting that more healthcare workers may be antibody-positive.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 14, 2020

SARS-CoV-2: A new song recalls an old melody

Researchers stress importance of detecting neutralizing antibodies in recovered patients. Studies on animal models inform vaccine design to prevent severe disease and death. Professor Subbarao draws parallels between SARS and COVID-19 viruses.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 13, 2020

Understanding the initial immune response after dengue virus infection

Researchers identified a significant fraction of antibodies expressed by B cell plasmablasts circulating after DENV infection, particularly in individuals experiencing their first infection. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tools and a safe, efficacious dengue vaccine.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 1, 2020
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.

Cracking the Lyme disease code

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key protein in Borrelia burgdorferi that shields the immune system from fighting Lyme disease. By understanding this 'VlsE' protein, they hope to develop effective vaccines against the disease.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 30, 2020

Antibodies from llamas could help in fight against COVID-19

Researchers linked two llama antibodies to create a new antibody that binds tightly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking viruses from infecting cells. The team aims to conduct preclinical studies and eventually test the treatment in humans to develop a potential COVID-19 therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2020
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.

Sensor detects biomarker of early-stage multiple sclerosis

A new diagnostic strategy has been developed by Brazilian researchers to detect biomarkers of early-stage multiple sclerosis. The method uses a nanobiosensor that can accurately identify specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateApr 23, 2020
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 reveals a new malaria vaccine candidate

Researchers have identified a promising new strategy for combating malaria by targeting the parasite's 'kill switch' with PfGARP antibodies. The approach, which involves generating anti-PfGARP antibodies or directly infusing them into individuals, has shown promise in nonhuman primates and holds hope for preventing severe malaria.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Antibodies could provide new treatment for OCD

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a link between a specific immune system protein and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Treating mice with an antibody that neutralised the protein reduced anxiety levels, suggesting a potential new treatment for human patients.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateApr 21, 2020

Nasal smear as an allergy screening test

A new diagnostic method for allergic rhinitis has been developed using nasal smears, providing a gentle alternative to blood tests. The method detected identical allergic sensitization patterns in both blood and nasal secretions for a wide range of airborne allergens.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAllergy·DateApr 17, 2020

An antibody treatment combats life-threatening sepsis in rodents

Researchers have developed an antibody treatment that improves survival in rodent models of sepsis by targeting a protein called tetranectin. The therapy boosts survival even when started late after sepsis onset, suggesting its potential for treating severe bacterial infections and secondary sepsis in COVID-19 patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2020
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.

'Directing' evolution to identify potential drugs earlier in discovery

Scientists at the University of Leeds and AstraZeneca developed a technique to screen antibody fragment susceptibility to aggregation caused by structure disruption much earlier in drug discovery. This approach increases the chances of success by selecting protein sequences that can withstand industrial-scale manufacturing stresses.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2020

Autoimmunity may be rising in the United States

The study found significant increases in antinuclear antibody prevalence in the US population, particularly among males and adolescents. The researchers suggest changes in lifestyle or environment may be involved in these increases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 8, 2020
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.

COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows promise in first peer-reviewed research

A new vaccine candidate, PittCoVacc, has generated a surge of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within two weeks of injection. The vaccine follows a more established approach, using lab-made viral protein pieces to build immunity, and is delivered through a novel microneedle array that can be manufactured at scale.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 2, 2020

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a natural mosquito-killing compound that could lead to safer and more effective anti-mosquito products. Researchers have also made progress on developing fast-charging batteries and created a new library of artificial antibodies with molecular precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2020

Research on the fossil

The study reveals that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar adaptive immune systems, despite independent evolution for over 500 million years. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to disable a gene in lampreys, showing that they rely on a shared tool-kit to create antibodies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

Receptors for the immune defense

Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

Severe peanut allergy may be a 'gut reaction'

Researchers found IgE-producing plasma cells abundant in the stomach and duodenum of patients with peanut allergy, highlighting a potential mechanism for severe allergies. The study suggests that targeted prevention of class switch recombination in the gut may be a promising treatment approach for severe peanut allergy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

A better diagnosis of rare diabetes to adapt treatment

Scientists from UNIGE and HUG identify monogenic diabetes in 42% of pediatric patients, enabling tailored treatments. The study highlights the need for precision medicine to address chronic hyperglycemia, suggesting a systematic diagnosis approach to minimize long-term complications.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 21, 2020
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 new approach to calm that angry nose

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that semaphorin protein contributes to allergic reactions and development of nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels of semaphorin protein were associated with disease severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Potential antibody treatment for Sudan ebolavirus

Researchers developed an antibody cocktail that protects nonhuman primates against the related Sudan ebolavirus through in vitro and rodent studies. The treatment showed effectiveness in protecting against the virus, which has caused eight outbreaks and 412 deaths since 1976.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020