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Infection control experts outline guidance for animal visitations in hospitals

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 2, 2015

UW researchers develop new approach to diagnosing TB -- oral swabs

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new approach to diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) using oral swab samples, greatly improving on standard diagnostics. The method was tested in 20 healthy individuals and 20 TB patients, detecting TB in 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2015
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.

Scientists find potential way of controlling leaf blotch disease in wheat

Researchers at Durham University have found a genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of Septoria leaf blotch (STB) disease, caused by a fungus threatening wheat yields. By manipulating TaR1 protein levels in wheat, they demonstrated earlier activation of plant defenses, potentially allowing for more effective control of the disease.

SourceDurham University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 5, 2015

Unnecessary antibiotics frequently given for respiratory infections in outpatient settings

A new study found that nearly half of patients with respiratory tract infections were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in an outpatient setting. The study suggests implementing comprehensive education about antimicrobials and stewardship into medical school curricula to prevent establishment of poor prescribing practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 4, 2015

Area-wide management a must for Asian citrus psyllid

The Asian citrus psyllid can travel at least two kilometers in a twelve-day period, infesting neighboring groves and exacerbating citrus greening disease. Area-wide management practices are recommended to control the insect and prevent further losses.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateFeb 2, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Support found for peer-mentoring diabetes management program

A study found that most teens and young adults with type 1 diabetes are interested in a peer mentoring program to improve diabetes control, despite social barriers. The researchers also found that those with supportive friends and family members were more likely to be interested.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalThe Diabetes Educator·DateJan 29, 2015

Scientists identify important mechanism involved in production of mosquito eggs

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified microRNA-8 as a crucial regulator of mosquito reproduction, which plays an essential role in the female mosquito's 'fat body'. Depletion of miR-8 results in severe defects in egg development and deposition, highlighting its potential as a novel control strategy for mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Early blood glucose control lengthens life in people with type 1 diabetes

Research funded by the National Institutes of Health found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose levels can live longer than those who do not. The study, which followed participants for an average of 27 years, found a 33% reduction in deaths among those who received intensive treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateJan 6, 2015

Infection control preparedness measures control avian flu in Hong Kong hospital

In a Hong Kong hospital, proactive infection control measures implemented since March 2013 successfully controlled the spread of Avian flu (A H7N9), with only two patient cases and no staff infections reported. The integrated approach utilized active surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and hand hygiene protocols.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 5, 2015

How economic insecurity impacts diabetes control among patients

A study of 411 patients found that economic insecurity is associated with poor diabetes control and increased healthcare use. Material need insecurities, such as food insecurity and cost-related medication underuse, were significant predictors of poor diabetes control.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 29, 2014
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.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus unlikely to reach epidemic status

New studies suggest that MERS-CoV is unlikely to reach epidemic status due to effective infection control measures. The virus exhibits a high mortality rate, but hospital-acquired infections dominate the epidemiology. Prolonged infection control measures are crucial in severely ill patients with MERS-CoV.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 11, 2014
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.

Using wash cloths in jails shows promise for reducing costly infections

A randomized, controlled trial showed that providing detainees with wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate significantly decreased S. aureus colonization. The use of plain water wash cloths also effectively reduced S. aureus hand and/or nose carriage.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 25, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Superbug in SE Michigan shows recent decline

A recent study found a significant decrease in vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan. The prevalence of VRSA precursor organisms decreased by 2009, coinciding with the last reported case in Michigan.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 25, 2014

When vaccines are imperfect

Researchers analyzed vaccine failures and found that leaky vaccines lead to higher infection rates in the long run. The study also showed that all-or-nothing and waning vaccines have distinct dynamics following mass vaccination, providing an alternative explanation for disease resurgence.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateNov 20, 2014
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.

High blood pressure control in United States continues to improve

The study found that more than half of US adults with high blood pressure now have readings below 140/90 mmHg. Despite progress, nearly half of those with hypertension remain uncontrolled, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize blood pressure management at every medical visit.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateNov 16, 2014

QUT helps China to better predict dengue fever outbreaks

QUT researchers have developed a system that can predict dengue fever outbreaks in China by combining internet search metrics with environmental factors. The system achieved a 99.8% success rate in detecting outbreaks within three days, highlighting the potential for early warning systems to reduce the impact of infectious diseases.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2014

In developing countries, child-mortality rates fell most among poorest families

A new study found that child-mortality rates declined the fastest among the poorest families in developing countries, resulting in a narrowing gap between wealth groups. The study also identified four factors contributing to this convergence: government effectiveness, rule of law, corruption control, and regulatory quality.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 10, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How important is long-distance travel in the spread of epidemics?

A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014
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.

Texas A&M awarded grant to help reduce obesity, chronic disease

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received a $783,000 grant to support national efforts to reduce chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles. The program will focus on improving access to healthy foods and safe locations for physical activity in Hidalgo County.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 3, 2014

Lessons from the 'Spanish flu,' nearly 100 years later

A Michigan State University study of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic offers insights into infection control measures for the flu and other epidemic diseases. The research found that locations close to an entry point will have extremely short windows of time to deal with a virulent pathogen, emphasizing emergency management.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateOct 22, 2014
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.

Study suggests altering gut bacteria might mitigate lupus

Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 20, 2014

New study finds hospital patients are not washing their hands

A study found that hospital patients washed their hands only 30% of the time following a bathroom visit, highlighting the need for patient-centric hand hygiene protocols. Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in hospitals.

SourceMaRS·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 8, 2014
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.

Is Internet-based diabetes self-management education beneficial?

A new review article published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that internet-based diabetes self-management education can lead to better glycemic control and enhanced diabetes knowledge. The study compared the effectiveness of various methods of delivering diabetes education via the internet and concluded that this method i...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateOct 6, 2014

Is Australia prepared for Ebola?

Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateOct 1, 2014
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.

'Deadly diarrhea' rates nearly doubled in 10 years: Study

Rates of intestinal superbug C. difficile infections rose from 4.5 to 8.2 discharges per 1,000 hospitalizations between 2001 and 2010, despite no improvement in patient mortality rates. Antibiotic exposure remains the leading risk factor for CDI incidence.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateSep 29, 2014

Sharks' skin has teeth in the fight against hospital superbugs

Researchers have developed a surface micropattern called Sharklet that mimics shark skin's natural texture, reducing bacterial contamination by up to 94% compared to smooth surfaces. This technology could potentially curb the spread of MRSA and MSSA in hospital settings.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateSep 16, 2014

Study: Web-based training can reduce campus rape

A web-based training program, RealConsent, was found to reduce sexually violent behavior and increase the likelihood of male students intervening to prevent sexual assault. The study involved over 700 male undergraduate students, who showed improved behavior after completing the training.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 15, 2014
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.

Ebola paper demonstrates disease transmission rate

Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateSep 11, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: 1 in 4 people with diabetes worldwide live in China, but a new approach could help transform their care

A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 10, 2014

Healthcare workers wash hands more often when in presence of peers

A study found that healthcare workers' adherence to hand hygiene is improved when other workers are present, with a 7% higher rate of hand hygiene compliance. The results suggest the importance of social environment in healthcare settings and have implications for understanding disease spread within hospitals.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 10, 2014

Researchers identify new rare neuromuscular disease

A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Global epidemic of diabetes threatens to jeopardise further progress in tuberculosis control

A new series published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology finds that the growing global diabetes epidemic is hampering progress in controlling and eliminating tuberculosis. With over 1 million cases annually, diabetes-associated TB cases are expected to offset the present downward trend in global TB cases by 8% or more by 2035.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 3, 2014

Global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows how to control the disease

A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateSep 2, 2014
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.

Penn study: Electronic alerts significantly reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections

The Penn Medicine team found that targeted automated alerts in electronic health records significantly reduced urinary tract infections in hospital patients with urinary catheters. Simplifying the alert design increased the rate of catheter removals, leading to a dramatic decrease in infections.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 22, 2014

Gene that controls nerve conduction velocity linked to multiple sclerosis

A new study identifies a novel gene, Inpp4b, that controls nerve conduction velocity and is linked to multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that polymorphisms in this gene affect nerve conduction speed in both mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and humans with MS.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 13, 2014
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.

Fist-bumping beats germ-spreading handshake, study reports

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria than handshaking or high-fiving. The research suggests that adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 28, 2014