Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How well did the EU respond to the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic? Experts now give their verdict

A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2021

Wash your hands for 20 seconds: Physics shows why

A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 17, 2021
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.

New epidemiology study reveals clues that can help combat HIV/AIDS in China

A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2021

Evaluation of data from a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study reveals that comorbidities predict positive RT-PCR testing. Study finds equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults

A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2021

Crowding in prisons increases inmates’ risk for COVID-19 infections

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

Graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changes perceptions

A randomized clinical trial found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changed the perception of US smokers, making them more likely to recognize the negative consequences of tobacco use and consider quitting. However, it did not significantly increase quit attempts or reduce nicotine addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 4, 2021
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.

New model shows how cities can safely lift COVID-19 restrictions

A new model developed by NYU Tandon School of Engineering researchers provides a data-centric approach to reopening towns and can serve as a blueprint for areas with low vaccine rates. The model shows that increasing access to social gatherings and public transportation at a certain rate supports a safe, rapid reopening.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2021

Combined effects of masking and distance on aerosol exposure potential

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that wearing masks and maintaining physical distance significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that both disposable paper medical masks and two-layer cloth masks were effective in blocking aerosol particles, with increased distance reducing particle counts to near baseline levels.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 29, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Younger diabetics more worried about Covid-19 – study

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that younger people with diabetes are significantly more concerned about COVID-19 risks and have a higher likelihood of reporting worries. Social support from family, friends, and healthcare teams plays a crucial role in managing these concerns.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPrimary Care Diabetes·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

New research identifies key set of signals that control mucus production in the lung

Researchers have discovered a new set of signals that control the production of goblet cells in the lung, which are often increased in lung diseases. The study found that altering these signals can increase or decrease goblet cell production, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treating conditions like asthma and COPD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 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.

Mapping dengue hot spots pinpoints risk for Zika and chikungunya

A study maps dengue fever hot spots to predict future outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya, revealing a 62% overlap between dengue and Zika hot spots. Targeted indoor residual spraying is shown to be effective in controlling Aedes-borne diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 7, 2021

Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that Ohio's Vax-a-Million lottery-based incentive system did not increase COVID-19 vaccinations. The study suggests that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake, and recommends targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy instead.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJul 2, 2021

Diaries of infection preventionists give inside look at the unsung heroes of the pandemic

A diary kept by infection preventionists during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals the fear, lack of confidence, and shortages of personal protective equipment faced by frontline medical workers. The surveys also highlight the increased visibility and importance gained by IPs among medical teams.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 30, 2021
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.

New report explains microbiome impact on glucose control

A new study by Pendulum Therapeutics presents proprietary probiotic formulations that may improve glucose control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The research shows that Pendulum Glucose Control increases circulating butyrate and ursodeoxycholic acid, supporting the mechanism for improvement in glucose control.

SourceThe Ginger Network·DateJun 28, 2021

Mosquito love songs send mixed message about immunity

Researchers found that male mosquitoes' ability to harmonically converge affects their offspring's immune response, with males investing more energy in mating effort than immunity. Female mosquitoes are better able to resist parasites and pathogens, but may lose immunity as they age.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 24, 2021

Children with asymptomatic malaria a 'hidden risk' to disease control efforts

A study in Uganda reveals that school-aged children with asymptomatic malaria are a significant source of mosquito infections, driving the spread of the disease. Targeting these children for control interventions could help sustain malaria gains and prevent resurgences.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 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.

Alcohol companies earned billions from underage drinking in 2016

A new study found that youth consumption accounted for $17.5 billion worth of alcohol sales in 2016, with three major companies responsible for nearly half of these sales. The research highlights a disconnect between the industry's advocacy for prevention and its own profits from underage drinking.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 10, 2021

Changing community networks impact disease spread

A new study explores how changes in transportation networks impact disease spread, providing insights for future disease intervention strategies. The researchers developed techniques to quantify the effectiveness of different approaches in controlling disease outbreaks by analyzing network structure and hot spot placement.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJun 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major study of diabetes trends shows Americans' blood sugar control is getting worse

A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

How to obtain immune bovine milk to strengthen the body against COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered that bovine milk contains antibodies that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing a natural source of immunity. The study found that consuming dairy preparations with high levels of these antibodies may help control infection and prevent disease.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 3, 2021

Synthetic SPECIES developed for use as a confinable gene drive

Researchers create synthetic fly species with a genetic barrier to limit gene drive spread, offering a safe and reversible method of controlling populations. The technology has potential applications in disease elimination, crop protection, and pest management.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

COVID-19 infection rates of dentists remain lower than other health professionals

A recent study found that COVID-19 infection rates among US dentists are significantly lower than those of other healthcare professionals, with a cumulative infection rate of 2.6%. The monthly incidence rate varied between 0.2% and 1.1%, indicating effective infection control measures.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMay 24, 2021
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.

What Parkinson's disease patients reveal about how art is experienced and valued

Researchers found that Parkinson's disease patients demonstrate stable preferences for abstract art but diminished perception of movement in paintings. The study suggests that the brain's motor system interprets non-representational visual cues as abstract representations of movement, influencing aesthetic experiences.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateApr 22, 2021

Decennial day to set the agenda for advancing safe healthcare

Researchers and healthcare professionals will discuss future innovations in patient care, effective practices for improving healthcare quality, and strategies for combating emerging pathogens. The event aims to identify gaps in infection control and expand prevention approaches across healthcare settings.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·DateApr 9, 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.

The Lancet: Seroprevalence study from Wuhan suggests 6.9% of population had COVID-19 antibodies by April 2020 -- including 40% with neutralizing antibodies that lasted for at least 9 months -- but 82% of cases were asymptomatic

A seroprevalence study of 9,542 residents in Wuhan found that 6.9% had COVID-19 antibodies, including 82% with asymptomatic infections. Neutralizing antibodies developed by 40%, remaining stable for at least 9 months.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 18, 2021
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.

Health promotion, prevention, and psychosocial health

An interdisciplinary team proposes an action model to promote psychosocial health by synergistically combining health promotion and prevention concepts. The model includes five elements: psychosocial health, health promotion, disease prevention, and their relationships.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateMar 17, 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.

Chickpea genetics reduce need for chemicals

Researchers have identified chickpea varieties with natural resistance to Pythium ultimum, a soil-born water mold threatening the crop's production. These resistant varieties will be used to breed new kabuli chickpea varieties with improved disease resistance.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 3, 2021

Using landscape connectivity to control deadly mosquito-borne viruses

A Yale-led research team created a new method to track how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes move through the environment, combining genetic and environmental data. The results suggest that these mosquitoes travel through a mix of natural and human-aided dispersal, making eco-friendly control methods more crucial than ever.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 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.

Tap water access linked to dengue risk

Researchers have identified tap water access as a strong predictor of dengue risk in urban environments. Poorly accessed colonies showed higher risks of exposure and recent infection compared to wealthier areas, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 11, 2021

Research identifies more sustainable, cost-effective approach to treating citrus canker

Researchers have developed a more sustainable approach to treating citrus canker, which reduces copper usage by up to 80%. The new technique involves using less water and copper, resulting in lower costs and environmental impact. By adopting this method, citrus growers can minimize the risk of developing copper-resistant strains.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateFeb 3, 2021
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.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission from people without COVID-19 symptoms

Researchers estimated that more than half of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs among asymptomatic individuals, suggesting a significant role for these carriers in the spread of the virus. The study's findings have important implications for public health strategies and contact tracing efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 7, 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.

$3.9M project on self-deleting genes takes aim at mosquito-borne diseases

A new Texas A&M AgriLife Research project aims to enable temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes, which then remove themselves from the population. The goal is to test and fine-tune a self-deleting gene technology to control mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 28, 2020

ECDC releases COVID-19 vaccination rollout strategies for EU/EEA

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has released four COVID-19 vaccination strategies for EU/EEA countries, developed using mathematical modeling to inform prioritization. The strategies prioritize groups at high risk of severe disease and death, highlighting the importance of vaccination of healthcare workers.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateDec 22, 2020

David Calfee to be sixth Editor of Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology

David P. Calfee will lead the journal with a strong vision for publishing top healthcare epidemiology research and collaborating with SHEA staff. The journal, ICHE, has improved visibility under previous editor-in-chief Suzanne Bradley's leadership and launched critical digital platforms.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 16, 2020

'Boss' genes could save human hearts - and the reef

Researchers have discovered rare decision-making genes that control cell responses, potentially helping to prevent diseases such as heart attacks and organ failure. This new knowledge can also be applied to understand how aquatic animals respond to global warming and improve human health, agriculture, ecology, and marine biology.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 13, 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.