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Spread of Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant driven by combination of immune escape and increased infectivity

The Delta variant's ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and its increased infectivity have contributed to its spread, making vaccination and infection control crucial in the post-vaccination era. The variant was found to be more efficient at replicating and spreading than other variants, giving it a selection advantage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 vaccine elicits antibodies in 90% taking immunosuppressants

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

Immune response to COVID-19 may be proportional to illness severity, duration

A Rutgers study found that people with severe or prolonged COVID-19 have higher antibody levels against the virus. The study of 831 participants showed that immune responses vary by symptom severity, with those having persistent symptoms producing more antibodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Antibodies block specific viruses that cause arthritis, brain infections

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses, which could form the basis of treatments or serve as a template for a universal vaccine. The antibodies worked against all tested alphaviruses and prevented arthritis and brain infections in animals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Rice, Baylor win defense grant to advance metastasis study

Researchers at Rice and Baylor are expanding their efforts to halt bone cancer metastasis using a molecule targeting osteoporosis and HER2 protein. Their goal is to improve drug concentration at tumor sites, inhibit secondary metastasis, and explore the therapeutic effect mechanism.

SourceRice University·DateAug 19, 2021
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.

Researchers identify mechanisms of resistance to drug for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two separate genetic alterations that enable triple-negative breast cancer cells to develop resistance to a highly effective drug. The findings could help improve therapy and prolong survival for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Shared antibodies may push COVID-19 variants: VUMC study

Researchers found shared clones of antibody-producing white blood cells among COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated individuals, targeting the viral surface 'spike' protein. This discovery could help design more effective vaccines and therapies against emerging variants.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 10, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Covid-19 booster jab in the autumn will offer better protection against variants of concern, suggests new study

Researchers found that a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, especially in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, dramatically increased virus variant neutralising antibody responses. This additional boost increases potential protection against existing and future variants of concern.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2021

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021

Organ transplant recipients significantly protected by COVID-19 vaccination

A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTransplant Infectious Disease·DateAug 5, 2021

International project provides definitive data on how key cancer drugs work

Researchers analyzed patient specimens and clinical trial data from thousands of patients to assess the importance of immune cell molecules called Fc gamma receptors (FCGRs) in the therapeutic efficacy of two antibody drugs. High levels of FCGR2B on tumor cells were found to prevent rituximab efficacy, while obinutuzumab was not impact...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021
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.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers identify approach for potential nontypeable haemophilus influenzae vaccine

Researchers identified two proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, that stimulate protective immunity against diverse NTHi strains. Immunization with these proteins provides protection against bacterial colonization by other strains, highlighting the vaccine potential for a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae vaccine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Highly potent, stable nanobodies stop SARS-CoV-2

Göttingen researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants. The nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus with extreme stability, making them promising agents to treat COVID-19.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021
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 'atlas' charts how antibodies attack spike protein variants

Researchers have created an 'atlas' charting how antibodies attack the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, identifying broadly responsive neutralizers and regions resistant to attack. The study highlights the importance of studying antibody responses for developing effective COVID-19 booster vaccines.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 2021

Study links vaccine immune response to age

Researchers found that older people have lower antibody responses against COVID-19 variants, making them more susceptible to infection. Vaccination still appears effective in preventing severe illness, but promoting vaccinations is crucial to protect the community.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA·DateJul 21, 2021

A rapid method to quantify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

A rapid method to quantify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by scientists at Hokkaido University. The test is highly accurate, quick, and easy to perform, requiring only 20 minutes to complete.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJul 15, 2021

Fungi that live in the gut influence health and disease

Research suggests that fungi in the healthy gut can have a beneficial effect on health, while invasive forms may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Vaccines targeting specific proteins may help restore balance to the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2021
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 of antibodies produced in saliva after Pfizer COVID vaccine shows both importance of second vaccine dose and updating vaccines to combat new variants of concern

Researchers found that vaccination significantly increases neutralizing antibodies in saliva, reducing transmission risk. The study also shows the importance of receiving a second vaccine dose for maximum protection against evolving virus strains.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 9, 2021

McMaster researchers identify how VITT happens

Researchers discovered the molecular mechanism behind vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder. The findings will enable the development of rapid diagnostic tests and new strategies to prevent VITT, making vaccines safer.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

Study reveals how our immune system reacts to COVID-19 variants

Australian scientists found that COVID-19 survivors produced sustained antibodies but they were less effective against contemporary variants. The study suggests vaccination is more effective than the body's natural response and highlights the need for new vaccine designs to keep pace with emerging variants.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 7, 2021

COVID-19-mRNA vaccine induces good immune response against coronavirus variants

A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021
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.

Researchers discover unique 'spider web' mechanism that traps, kills viruses

Immunologists at McMaster University have identified a 'spider web' mechanism that traps pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in neutrophils, creating a sticky tangle to kill viruses. This discovery could lead to new aerosol and nasal spray vaccine technologies to prevent infections before they spread.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Antibodies help identify women protected from placental malaria

Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.

SourceeLife·DateJun 29, 2021

Versatile, fast and reliable SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay

Researchers at TUM created a low-cost, automated rapid test for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. The test can determine antibody concentrations and has the potential to answer questions about corona immunity, vaccinations, and disease progression.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2021

Antibody therapy rescues mice from lethal nerve-muscle disease

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed an antibody therapy that rescues mice from a lethal muscle-weakening disease by targeting another protein in the same signaling pathway. The treatment reverses disease relapse in adult mice, offering new hope for humans with congenital myasthenia.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021
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.

Had COVID-19? One vaccine dose enough; boosters for all, study says

A new study suggests that people who had COVID-19 need only one vaccine dose for protection and that boosters could be necessary for everyone in the future. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines triggered antibody levels similar to those seen after mild COVID-19 infections with one dose.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 23, 2021

NIH study offers new evidence of early SARS-CoV-2 infections in US

Researchers analyzed 24,000 blood samples and multiple antibody testing platforms to discover SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than reported. The findings expand on previous studies suggesting the virus was present in the US as early as December 2019.

SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

For transplant recipients, third time may be the charm for better COVID vaccine protection

Researchers found that a third vaccine dose increased antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 in transplant recipients more than the standard two-dose regimen. The study suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised to determine if they can receive COVID-19 vaccines as standard clinical practice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2021

Prior COVID-19 infection reduces infection risk for up to 10 months

Researchers found that prior COVID-19 infections reduced the risk of reinfection by 85% for care home residents and 60% for staff within a four-month period. The study, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, used antibody testing to determine previous infection status.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateJun 3, 2021

Novel antibody drug wakes up the body's defense system in advanced-stage cancer

Researchers at the University of Turku discovered a novel antibody treatment that reactivates the immune defense system in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The treatment activates killer T cells and lowers the suppressive potential of macrophages, leading to increased inflammation and white blood cell activity.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 3, 2021
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.

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.