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Human antibody reveals hidden vulnerability in influenza virus

Researchers have discovered a human antibody that recognizes and disrupts a vulnerable region on the hemagglutinin protein of the influenza virus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of effective vaccines against multiple strains of the virus, potentially eliminating the need for annual seasonal flu vaccination.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateMay 16, 2019

Virus screening in kidney transplant recipients

Researchers used VirScan to detect antibodies against viruses in kidney transplant recipients and found results concordant with conventional viral screening. Antibody responses remained largely unchanged one year after transplantation, suggesting a safe and reproducible approach to monitor post-transplant viral infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019
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.

Groundbreaking study could lead to fast, simple test for Ebola virus

Researchers have generated two antibodies that potentially could be used in a simple filter paper test to detect Ebola virus. The study, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, marks a breakthrough in diagnosing Ebola and Marburg viruses, which can cause severe bleeding and organ failure with high fatality rates.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 7, 2019

Berkeley Lab science snapshots April 2019

Researchers developed a statistical method to quantify changes in environmental systems, finding La Nina winters favor mountain snowpack. Scientists also invented synthetic antibodies that could improve disease detection and toxin identification.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateApr 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer using UV light. The new procedure allows for the production of radioactive drugs and diagnostic agents in under 20 minutes, making it a game-changer for PET imaging and targeted radioimmunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·DateApr 23, 2019

NIH researchers make progress toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine

Researchers at the NIH have made progress toward developing an EBV vaccine by identifying key antibodies that block infection. The new vaccine candidates elicited potent anti-EBV antibody responses in animals, offering potential protection against EBV-associated cancers and infectious mononucleosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateApr 9, 2019

Researchers discover new technique to test for viral infections

Researchers at Colorado State University developed a technology that can detect extremely small amounts of antibodies in a person's blood, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment. The new sensor can detect as few as 10 antibody molecules within 20 minutes, making it more sensitive than current medical testing methods.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateApr 8, 2019

Identifying a key player in gut defense development

A joint team from Hokkaido University and Keio University has identified a key player in the gut defense mechanism of infants, a protein called Sox8. This discovery could help understand how infants develop their own intestinal immune systems after weaning.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 7, 2019
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.

Edible antibodies to treat and prevent gastrointestinal disorders

Scientists have developed edible antibodies that can survive digestion and reach the gut, offering an alternative to traditional treatments. The technology has potential applications in fighting gut infections, treating inflammatory disorders, and preventing diarrhea in pigs and humans.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 1, 2019

Levothyroxine treatment in women with thyroid antibodies may not increase live birth rate

A large study led by the University of Birmingham found that treating women with normal thyroid function and thyroid peroxidase antibodies with Levothyroxine did not increase live-birth rates. The researchers suggested that previous recommendations to use Levothyroxine in these women may have been based on limited evidence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2019

Antibodies stabilize plaque in arteries

Researchers found that IgG antibodies play a crucial role in stabilizing arterial plaques, reducing the risk of rupture and clotting. The study suggests that these antibodies may be a new target for mitigating atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateMar 21, 2019
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.

Antibodies from earlier exposures affect response to new flu strains

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that antibodies from previous exposures to flu viruses can enhance the immune system's response to new strains, potentially reducing the need for annual vaccinations. The researchers discovered that more than 70% of persistent antibodies targeted invariant parts of the virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 20, 2019

Protective antibodies also found in premature babies

A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that very premature babies carry anti-viral antibodies transferred from the mother, suggesting a previously underappreciated source of protection. The analysis also revealed that the protection offered by these antibodies lasts different durations depending on the virus.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

Rejection of transplanted organs: Long-awaited structure offers new insights

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding antibody-mediated rejection, a major challenge in organ transplantation. They discovered the critical amino acids and binding site of alloantibodies on HLA molecules, providing new avenues for developing therapies to prevent or treat this type of rejection.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

From mirror-image biology to enhanced therapeutic proteins

Researchers from German Cancer Research Center have successfully reconstructed biomolecules in their mirror-image form. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of mirror-image therapeutic proteins that are protected from biological breakdown and do not provoke immune responses.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

These less common proteins may help fend off the flu

Researchers discover that targeting a specific protein called neuraminidase (NA) in flu vaccines can induce a broader protective response against influenza type B viruses. This finding suggests a potential way to boost the efficacy of current vaccines and develop a universal flu vaccine.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 12, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

Environmental variables may influence B cell development and allergies in children

Researchers examined antibody isotype and B cell receptor composition in young children, finding associations between environmental exposures and increased somatic hypermutation frequencies. This study sheds light on the complex relationships between environmental factors and immune system development in childhood.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2019

Lupus strongly linked to imbalances in gut microbiome

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 19, 2019

Virus promoting love and kindness created for Valentine's day

Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg collaborated with scientists to create a custom virus that increases oxytocin production, associated with feelings of love and empathy. The 'Lovesick' virus is a harmless, non-replicating vector that expresses the hormone oxytocin and a fluorescent protein, allowing cells to glow bright red.

SourceIntegral Molecular·DateFeb 14, 2019
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.

Why your kid's strep throat keeps coming back

A study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology finds that recurrent group A strep tonsillitis is caused by a combination of genetic and immunological factors, including an insufficient antibody response against SpeA. This understanding may lead to the development of a vaccine to protect against strep throat.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2019
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.

LSTM and Imperial College Researchers design new anti-influenza drugs

Researchers at LSTM and Imperial College London have designed drugs that target the receptors of human cells to combat flu pandemics. The engineered biologicals block interactions between influenza viruses and human cells, offering a potential solution to deadly strains.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 25, 2019

Anti-flu antibodies can inhibit two different viral proteins, NIH study reveals

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered that antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin protein on influenza viruses also inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme. This inhibition enhances antibody neutralization and activation of innate immune cells with anti-viral activity. The study suggests a promising approach for uni...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

Zika and Chikungunya viruses: Diagnostic pitfalls

Researchers highlight diagnostic pitfalls in Zika and Chikungunya virus detection, particularly for Zika, where false positives can have fatal consequences. Combined testing methods offer higher reliability, with sensitivity improved through the use of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) as a marker.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJan 17, 2019
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.

New immune system understanding may lead to safer nanomedicines

Scientists have identified natural antibodies within protein corona that trigger immune system response to nanoparticles. Depleting these antibodies reduces complement system activation, enabling safe delivery of cancer-fighting drugs and imaging agents.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 14, 2019

DNA origami: A precise measuring tool for optimal antibody effectiveness

Scientists have developed a precise measuring tool using DNA origami to optimize antibody effectiveness, with distances of approximately 16 nanometres providing the strongest bond. This technology can help better understand the immune response and design more effective antibodies for vaccines and immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 14, 2019

Fighting another virus? Blame your parents

A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 8, 2019
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.

Nebraska virologists discover safer potential Zika vaccine

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a potential Zika vaccine that induces strong T-cell responses and substantial protection without producing antibodies. This breakthrough could be a 'huge leap' for immunology, potentially overcoming the obstacle of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2018

Vaccine could help address the opioid epidemic

Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. The vaccine could help combat opioid addiction and reduce overdose deaths by blocking the analgesic effects of these potent drugs.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 13, 2018

Human antibody discovery could save lives from fungal killer

Researchers have developed a new technique using antibodies cloned from patients who recovered from Candida infections, showing potential in treating and diagnosing these life-threatening fungal infections. The discovery could lead to the development of novel antifungal drugs through mycoBiologics, a spinout company.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

VCU researchers test effectiveness of anti-opioid vaccine

Researchers at VCU are testing a vaccine that blocks heroin and fentanyl effects in patients with opioid use disorder. The vaccine prompts the immune system to generate anti-opioid antibodies, preventing drug molecules from crossing the blood brain barrier.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateDec 6, 2018
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.

Small molecules come into focus

Scientists at Harvard University and Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new immunoassay technique that measures extremely low concentrations of small molecules using single-molecule detection. The method was tested on two important human body molecules, cortisol and PGE2, achieving up to 50 times greater sensitivity than conventi...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2018

Researchers produce six antibodies to combat Zika virus

Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 29, 2018

Danger in the desert

Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 30, 2018

Structure of spherical viruses aren't as perfect as we thought

New study using cryo-EM reveals structural asymmetry in spherical viruses like dengue and Zika, challenging long-held assumptions about icosahedral symmetry. The research found that many viruses have nearly icosahedral structures, with unique features like 'belly buttons' on their outer layer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2018
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.

Study points to new method to deliver drugs to the brain

Researchers have discovered a potentially new approach to deliver therapeutics more effectively to the brain, harnessing the brain's waste removal system. This method could revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 18, 2018

Latest Cornell dot features a new cancer weapon: Antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method for imaging breast cancer using Cornell dots, which are smaller than 8 nanometers and can be cleared by the kidneys. The dots are equipped with antibody fragments that target HER2-positive breast cancer cells, achieving high in vivo tumor uptake rates of up to 17.2 percent.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Timing of third-trimester maternal Tdap immunization associated with levels of whooping cough antibodies in newborns

A recent observational study of 626 pregnancies found that maternal Tdap immunization in the third trimester is associated with higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies in infants. Immunizing mothers earlier in the third trimester may maximize these antibody levels, but definitive immunity levels for whooping cough are unknown.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 9, 2018

DOD grant to fund potential treatment for metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center aim to find a less toxic, more effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer using a novel therapeutic antibody and innovative molecular imaging tools. The study will investigate the calcineurin/NFAT pathway's role in tumor growth and its potential inhibition by the antibody.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 5, 2018
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.

Glow-in-the-dark paper as a rapid test for infectious diseases

Researchers developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip that can detect the presence of infectious diseases using antibodies in blood, offering a quick and affordable alternative to traditional lab tests. The test measures antibody concentration by analyzing blue-green light produced through bioluminescence.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 3, 2018