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Stolen DNA strengthens immune diversity

Researchers have found that human antibodies can incorporate foreign genetic material from the mitochondria and ends of chromosomes, leading to increased immune diversity. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that antibody diversity results solely from gene mutations.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study: Most people infected with omicron didn’t know it

A new study from Cedars-Sinai researchers found that 56% of people infected with the Omicron variant were unaware they had COVID-19. The study suggests that a lack of infection awareness contributed to the fast spread of Omicron.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 17, 2022

Oncotarget | Glypican-3 (GPC3) is associated with MCPyV-negative status and impaired outcome in Merkel cell carcinoma

Researchers found that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) Glypican-3 (GPC3) is expressed in nearly 70% of MCC tumors and up to 90% of MCPyV-negative cases. GPC3 expression is associated with worse prognosis, including increased risk of death from MCC. This makes GPC3 a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022
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.

HKUMed & HKUST joint study reports broadly neutralising antibody that protects Syrian hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants

Researchers have discovered a broadly neutralising antibody, ZCB11, that protects against all SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. Administration of ZCB11 either prophylactically or therapeutically shields lung infection in golden Syrian hamsters from Omicron viral challenge.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Scientists uncover new therapeutic target for treating colorectal tumors

A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal tumors. Blocking DCIR may prevent ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating these diseases.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New needle-free nasal vaccine shows promise for COVID-19

The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJul 28, 2022
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.

Fast, efficient COVID-19 biosensor under development

Researchers from Indiana University are developing a new biosensor that can analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 90%. The sensor detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virus.

SourceIndiana University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 21, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022
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.

Clever COVID-19

MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

COVID-19 antibodies from eggs

Scientists at UC Davis have successfully produced COVID-19 antibodies in hen eggs, which may be used as a preventative measure or treatment for people exposed to the disease. The antibodies, similar to those found in human blood, were shown to neutralize the virus effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalViruses·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Milk boost: Research shows how breastfeeding offers immune benefits

Researchers found that breastfeeding provides an immune boost to infants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. However, milk also mounts responses to beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disruptive and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·DateJul 12, 2022

Quality control for antibodies

A team led by Dr. Johan Duchêne investigated commercial antibodies against ACKR1, refuting a previous study that claimed its expression on macrophages and monocytes. The study emphasizes the significance of antibody specificity and demonstrates the importance of publishing corrections in scientific research.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 8, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Familiarity breeds exempt: Why staph vaccines don’t work in humans

Scientists have found that prior exposure to Staphylococcus aureus prevents effective vaccination due to immune response memory. To overcome this, the research suggests targeting only the protective component of the protein IsdB, generating a more effective vaccine against MRSA.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 7, 2022

How Omicron dodges the immune system

A study found that Omicron's neutralization capacity outperforms its predecessors, even in vaccinated individuals. Antibody levels against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 are roughly 10 times higher in vaccinated people than those with natural immunity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 6, 2022

Nanoparticle vaccine protects against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses

A new nanoparticle vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses. The vaccine induces the production of cross-reactive antibodies that recognize virtually every SARS-like betacoronavirus strain, providing broad-spectrum protection against future pandemics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2022
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.

Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed

Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified key molecules linked to the mammalian-meat allergy caused by tick bites. The study reveals that a particular antibody type has a natural pocket into which a sugar molecule, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), snugly fits.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by antibodies

Researchers at the German Primate Center found that emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by existing therapeutic antibodies, which may reduce protection against future infections. The study suggests these variants have acquired biological traits allowing for more efficient transmission.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022
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.

Which COVID-19 vaccine type and timing are best during pregnancy?

A study examined maternal immune responses and antibody transfer from mother to fetus for different COVID-19 vaccines across pregnancy trimesters. mRNA vaccination induced higher levels and functions against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, while first and third trimester vaccination led to enhanced maternal immune responses.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2022

Interrupting the treatment of vulnerable people on immune-suppressing medicines, doubles their antibody response to COVID-19 booster vaccination

A clinical trial found that interrupting treatment with methotrexate, a common immune-suppressing drug, doubles the antibody response to COVID-19 booster vaccinations in vulnerable individuals. This improvement is maintained over a 3-month period and has no adverse impact on quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
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.

Joining forces with nature for new cancer therapies

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic agent from Brazilian lapacho tree bark that targets acute myeloid leukemia cells while minimizing toxic effects on healthy cells. The compound is attached to an antibody that binds specifically to cancer cells, delivering the drug directly to its target.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Where do COVID-19 variants come from?

A new study reveals that COVID-19 variants are formed in chronic patients with weakened immune systems, who experience prolonged infections. This leads to the accumulation of mutations, similar to those found in severe illness variants.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 21, 2022
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.

A glucose meter could soon say whether you have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers develop a rapid test to measure immunity to COVID-19

Researchers developed a rapid blood assay that measures the magnitude and duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2, allowing large-scale monitoring of population immunity. The test takes less than 24 hours to perform and is scalable to use broadly in the population.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 13, 2022

Saving kids from dangerous infections -- with an amoeba

A UVA researcher is using a harmless amoeba to develop an innovative treatment for deadly C. difficile infections in young children. The approach has the potential to deliver specific antibodies directly to the gut, reducing the need for antibiotics and addressing a growing public health threat.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 10, 2022
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.

New tool for visualizing leukocytes in the brain

Researchers have developed a new tool to visualize leukocytes in the brain vasculature during in vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy. The tool uses a fluorescent antibody targeting CD45, a ubiquitously expressed protein on white blood cells, allowing for tracking of circulating leukocytes over time and space.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMay 25, 2022
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.

Studies reveal key clues about COVID-19 immunity, immune recall

Studies found people infected and vaccinated had similarly robust antibody responses against variants alpha through omicron; Immune memory cells against common cold coronaviruses may be markers of longer immunity. Researchers hope to improve vaccines with these insights.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Study shines light on longevity of COVID-19 immune response

A new study analyzing 8 cohorts of COVID-19 patients found that antibody responses in previously infected individuals were relatively stable, providing protection from reinfection unless the new infection was the Omicron variant. Vaccination also boosted protection, with rapid immune responses observed even after a single vaccine dose.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022
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.

How three mutations work together to spur new SARS-CoV-2 variants

A recent study reveals that nearly half of SARS-CoV-2 variants contain the same three mutations, which together improve the virus's ability to infect human cells and evade the immune system. The combination of K417, E484, and N501 mutations enhances viral fitness by balancing positive and negative selection pressures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateMay 18, 2022

Researchers discover effective combination immunotherapy for liver cancer

A new combination therapy using a tumor-suppressing lipid molecule and an antibody for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the strength of tumor-attacking T cells in liver cancer. This promising approach offers hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

'Natural immunity' from omicron is weak and limited, study finds

A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2022
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.

mRNA booster vaccines may be a good investment in developing countries

Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2022

MS patients with higher B cell counts have a better vaccine response

Researchers found that MS patients treated with Rituximab who have higher B cell counts of 40/µL or more develop protective levels of antibodies after vaccination. This suggests that measuring B cell level before vaccination is crucial for increasing the chance of a positive response.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

A fuzzy response from memory B cells can protect against mutant viruses

Researchers discovered that memory B cells produce non-specific antibodies to combat virus mutants, working alongside phagocytes to screen for variants. This mechanism may offer protection against SARS-CoV2 and HIV variants, and could influence vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Usefulness of monitoring IgG against Antigen-85b for prediction of tuberculosis development from latency: From an elephant tuberculosis analysis

Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2022

How a COVID-19 infection spurs antibodies against common colds

Scripps Research scientists found that COVID-19 patients develop more robust antibodies against coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. This increased antibody response may lead to improved vaccine development, targeting a broader range of viruses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2022
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.

An international consortium, led by IRB Barcelona and the biotechnology company Merus, reports the discovery of MCLA-158, the first clinical candidate screened in organoids targeting cancer stem cells of solid tumors

Researchers from IRB Barcelona and Merus have discovered MCLA-158, a bi-specific antibody targeting cancer stem cells. The treatment prevents metastasis and slows primary tumor growth in experimental models of cancer.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
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.

Machine-learning model can distinguish antibody targets

A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a machine-learning model that can predict which pathogens antibodies will target, with an accuracy rate of over 85%. The model uses genetic sequences of antibodies to differentiate between influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalImmunity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers detect coronavirus particles with “slow light”

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022