Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study: Lyme bacteria survive 28-day course of antibiotics months after infection

A recent study published in PLOS ONE and American Journal of Pathology suggests that Lyme bacteria can survive a 28-day course of antibiotics for months after infection. The study found living B. burgdorferi spirochetes in ticks and multiple organs of primates treated with doxycycline, as well as persistent infections in some subjects.

SourceTulane University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 13, 2017

Homosexuality and maternal immune response

A study of 142 women and 12 men found an association between maternal immune response to the Y-linked protein NLGN4Y and sexual orientation in male offspring. Higher antibody concentrations were detected in mothers of homosexual sons compared to those with heterosexual sons or no sons.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

New Lyme disease tests could offer quicker, more accurate detection

Researchers say new diagnostic methods can accurately detect Lyme disease earlier, improving patient outcomes and avoiding severe long-term health problems. The improved tests are less susceptible to false-positive or false-negative results associated with current antibody-based tests.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 7, 2017

Computer analysis fills gaps in antibody blueprint

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used computer analysis to study IgG antibodies and reveal new steps in the glycosylation pathway. The findings confirmed predictions made by an algorithm and were replicated using genome-wide association studies and laboratory experiments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017
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.

Malaria: Protective antibodies following natural infection

Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that natural infection with malaria induces a strong immune response, producing antibodies that protect mice from infection. The study's findings will help develop more effective and specific vaccines against the disease.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalImmunity·DateNov 28, 2017

To trim away a protein

Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

A structural clue to attacking malaria's 'Achilles heel'

Scientists provide detailed picture of how human antibodies bind to malaria parasite's circumsporozoite protein, a key target for vaccine development. The study could lead to enhanced efficacy and duration of protection against malaria.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2017
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.

Dengue immunity can protect against Zika virus

A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology reveals that dengue immunity can confer protection against Zika virus. Cytotoxic T-cells have been identified as crucial in defending against both viruses, suggesting that vaccines targeting either dengue or Zika could be effective.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2017

H3N2 mutation in last year's flu vaccine responsible for lowered efficacy

A new study found that a mutation in the H3N2 strain of the virus is responsible for the low efficacy of last year's influenza vaccine. The team suggests investing in new technologies to produce egg-free vaccines, while emphasizing the importance of annual flu vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

University of Louisville lab helps discover new disease that causes kidney failure

Researchers at the University of Louisville discovered a new autoimmune disease that causes kidney failure, dubbed anti-brush border antibody (ABBA) disease. The disease was identified after analyzing biopsied kidney tissue from patients with acute kidney injury, and it affects the nephrons' brush borders by coating them with antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 3, 2017

Long-term study of Nicaraguan children reveals key window in which...

A new study in Nicaraguan children pinpoints a narrow window of antibody levels that enhances reaction to severe dengue, shedding light on the long-standing phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The findings hold important implications for vaccine development against dengue and related flaviviruses like Zika.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

Study shows antibody-biogel partnership can be stronger defense than previously thought

Scientists have discovered that weak binding between antibodies and biological gels like mucus is more effective in trapping pathogens, making it a stronger first line of defense. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of various diseases by providing new targets for engineered antibodies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2017

Preventing autoimmune disease after a viral infection

A study published in Nature Immunology has found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular regulatory cells, plays a crucial role in preventing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus after viral infections. These cells prevent the generation of self-reactive antibody responses whil...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 2, 2017

Fast and accurate 'dipstick' test for diagnosing Zika

A newly-developed dipstick test sensitively identified Zika virus and all four dengue virus subtypes with no cross-reactivity. The test detected viral proteins at lower concentrations, making it a potential tool for diagnosing emerging pathogens.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

New test rapidly diagnoses Zika

A new paper-based test developed by MIT researchers can diagnose Zika infection within 20 minutes, accurately distinguishing it from Dengue virus. The test uses antibodies specific to Zika virus's NS1 protein, avoiding false positives common with existing tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017
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.

Study finds being in a good mood for your flu jab boosts its effectiveness

A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that a positive mood on the day of flu vaccination can significantly increase its protective effect. The study, which measured factors such as mood, physical activity and diet, showed that good mood was associated with higher levels of antibody after vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 25, 2017

Two antibodies are better than one for preventing HIV infection

Researchers found that a combination of two broadly-neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies protected primates against infection with a mixed population of HIV viruses. The findings suggest that combination therapies might be essential to prevent HIV in people, highlighting the need for regimens that protect against several targets.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 20, 2017
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.

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017

Study clears important hurdle towards developing an HIV vaccine

Researchers have found a way to generate long-lasting immune cells that can respond to and stop HIV virus infection. The team demonstrated that a modified gp140 protein approach improves B-cell responses, boosting the ability of B-cells to make protective antibodies against HIV.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 13, 2017

Storming the cellular barricades to fight fungi

Researchers have created antibody-recruiting molecules targeting fungi (ARM-Fs) that can attach to fungal cell walls and recruit human antibodies to combat infections. These small molecules offer a new strategy for treating fungal diseases affecting thousands of people each year.

SourceYale University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 12, 2017
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.

Metal simplifies synthesis of antibody drugs

Rice University scientists have developed a method to efficiently modify natural antibodies that can deliver drugs to target cells by adding rhodium, a rare transition metal. The new technique allows labs to test the relative function of various antibody sources and antigen targets to see which will work best on tumor cells.

SourceRice University·DateAug 24, 2017

New therapeutic antibody for dog cancers

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody that induces immune responses and tumor regression in dogs with malignant cancers. The antibody targets PD-L1-positive cancers, including oral malignant melanoma and undifferentiated sarcoma.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2017

Contraceptive pill linked to lowered risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a link between prolonged use of oral contraceptives and reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, breastfeeding was not associated with a significant protective effect after accounting for influential factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 17, 2017

Can previous exposure to west Nile alter the course of Zika?

A new study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso researchers explores the impact of prior West Nile virus exposure on Zika infection. The team collected blood samples from 500 individuals and tested for West Nile antibodies to determine whether previous exposure could inhibit or enhance Zika infection severity.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·DateAug 15, 2017
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.

New type of blood cells work as indicators of autoimmunity

Scientists have discovered a specific type of immune regulatory cell, T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr), in patients with Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Blood Tfr cells are immature and unable to suppress antibody production, but their levels increase in response to flu vaccine exposure.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 11, 2017

Scientists develop improved, potentially safer Zika vaccine

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a plant-based Zika vaccine that is more potent, safer and cheaper to produce than existing alternatives. The vaccine targets the DIII domain of the Zika virus and has been shown to induce 100% protection against multiple Zika virus strains in mice.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2017

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Prior dengue or yellow fever exposure does not worsen zika infection in monkeys

A new study found that prior dengue or yellow fever exposure does not increase susceptibility to severe Zika virus infection in rhesus macaques. The researchers observed no significant differences in clinical factors between previously infected and uninfected monkeys after Zika virus infection.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 4, 2017

Drug therapy from lethal bacteria could reduce kidney transplant rejection

Researchers found that treating patients with IdeS drug before transplantation significantly reduced donor-specific antibodies, allowing successful kidney transplants. The enzyme, produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, can remove organ-rejecting antibodies, making kidney transplantation possible.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop new method to generate human antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method to generate specific human antibodies in the laboratory using nanoparticles. This technique can produce high-affinity antibodies within days, offering potential for rapid therapeutic antibody production and accelerated vaccine development.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2017

Silk 'micrococoons' could be used in biotechnology and medicine

A team of researchers has successfully manufactured microscopic versions of silkworm cocoons, which can store and protect sensitive molecular materials. The tiny capsules, made from silk nano-fibrils, have the potential to increase the stability and lifetime of antibodies used in pharmaceuticals for treating severe diseases.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2017

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

A team led by Prof. Arne Skerra has identified an antibody that tightly binds benzopyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antibodies to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated drinking water.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017
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.

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

Researchers at TUM have identified an antibody that tightly binds benzo[a]pyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of antibodies against other PAHs and improved methods to separate contaminants from drinking water.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 11, 2017

Antibodies halt placental transmission of CMV-like virus in monkeys

A recent study by Duke University researchers demonstrates a vaccine approach that appears to protect fetuses from congenital CMV infection. The findings, published in JCI Insight, suggest potent antibodies can prevent viral transmission and severe disease in developing fetuses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

How cats and cows protect farm children from asthma

A recent study by the University of Zurich found that exposure to sialic acid from farm animals can prevent asthma in children. This protective effect is due to an anti-inflammatory response triggered by regulatory T-cells, which dampen incorrect immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 6, 2017

CNIC scientists discover an essential mechanism in the immune response

Researchers at CNIC reveal CTCF's crucial role in antibody generation and germinal center formation, shedding light on the immune response mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of CTCF for maintaining proper immune function and has implications for vaccine research.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2017

Discovering the early age immune response in foals

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a new way to measure tiny amounts of antibodies in foals, helping to understand how quickly they start producing their own. This will aid in optimizing vaccination schedules for young horses.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 29, 2017

Promising new therapeutic approach for debilitating bone disease

Researchers have demonstrated a new therapeutic approach that can re-build and strengthen bone, offering hope for individuals with the debilitating bone cancer, multiple myeloma. The treatment targets a protein called sclerostin, which halts bone formation, and found to double bone volume in some mice.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalBlood·DateJun 29, 2017
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.

New antibody appears to re-activate immune system in cancer therapy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new antibody that can restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy rituximab in leukemia patients with natural resistance. The study found that adding the antibody to rituximab increased cancer cell death by 45% in five out of 11 patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2017

A new test to detect reliably an autoimmune disease

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed a new test to detect anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease affecting around 0.5% of the population. The test targets the specific antibody that binds to cells, producing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic factors, offering improved accuracy and standardization.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHaematologica·DateJun 14, 2017

Rules of the neural roads: Traffic control in your synapses

Researchers elucidate mechanisms behind synaptic vesicle motion, finding that type, size of synapse and vesicle composition impact motility. Tracking vesicles reveals active transport to specific destinations, providing clues for neuronal diseases.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 14, 2017
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.

Pregnancy problems not necessarily tied to Zika viral load or Dengue fever

Researchers found that Zika viral load and dengue antibodies were not associated with severe symptoms or fetal harm, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest a lack of correlation between the amount of virus in the blood and severity of symptoms in pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2017

Scientists make first crystal model of under-diagnosed autoimmune disease

Researchers developed a 3-D crystal structure of the disease's molecular interactions with a neural receptor, providing a clear view of how it attacks and destroys proteins. The model could accelerate research and lead to new therapies for myasthenia gravis, which affects an estimated 36,000 to 60,000 Americans annually.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 12, 2017

'Immunoswitch' particles may be key to more-effective cancer immunotherapy

Scientists at Johns Hopkins created a nanoparticle that carries two different antibodies to simultaneously switch off cancer cells' defensive properties while switching on a robust anticancer immune response in mice. The 'immunoswitch' particles dramatically slowed the growth of mouse melanoma and colon cancer, even eradicating tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 7, 2017

Overcoming immune suppression to fight against bovine leukemia

Researchers developed an anti-PD-1 antibody that blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, reinvigorating antivirus immune response and decreasing BLV counts. The new treatment could be effective against various intractable infectious diseases in cows.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

Approach tested at FAU first to look at dolphin immune system

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University identified 11 cross-reactive terrestrial-specific antibodies for dolphins, allowing them to assess changes in immune cell populations. The study shows significant differences in the absolute number of cells expressing specific markers within lymphocyte and monocyte fractions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateMay 25, 2017

Special delivery: Macromolecules via spider's 'bite'

Researchers use a redesigned spider venom peptide to deliver biomacromolecules like antibodies into cells, enabling tracking and interaction with target proteins. The technology improves understanding of protein behavior and could lead to new treatments and drug delivery.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2017
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.

Antibody for fighting cancer emerges

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an antibody that can precisely target regulatory T cells, unleashing the immune system to kill cancer cells. The antibody decreased tumor growth in models of melanoma, glioblastoma, and colorectal carcinoma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 19, 2017

New way of preventing pneumococcal brain invasion

An international team of researchers has identified two receptors on blood vessel cells in the brain that can be blocked to prevent pneumococci from entering. Blocking these receptors with antibodies may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for pneumococcal meningitis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 17, 2017

Antibody biosensor offers unlimited point-of-care drug monitoring

Scientists at EPFL developed an antibody-linked biosensor that can track drug concentration in the blood by changing color, enabling patients to monitor their treatment levels at home. The biosensor can be adapted to detect virtually unlimited number of molecules.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 16, 2017
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.