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Two COVID-19 vaccines show safety, strong immunity in infant model

Researchers have developed two COVID-19 vaccines that elicited durable neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical research. The Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate showed strong immunity in infant rhesus macaques, with no adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 15, 2021

Discovery of circadian rhythm gene in mice could lead to breakthroughs

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a novel gene, Per2AS, that controls the sleep/wake cycle in mice, revealing the importance of non-coding genes in regulating biological processes. The study's findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding internal body clocks and their role in various diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 8, 2021

Immunity boost in the gut

A comprehensive review suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in immune responses to vaccinations. The study aims to improve vaccine effectiveness by understanding the microbiota's impact on B and T cell immune responses.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Metabolic hormone ‘leptin’ linked to vaccine response

A University of Queensland study has found that reduced levels of metabolic hormone leptin are associated with poor vaccine antibody responses in both young and older individuals. The research could lead to the development of new strategies for improving vaccine protection in vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2021

Dengue immune function discovery could benefit much-needed vaccine development

Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered new biomarkers for predicting clinical and immune responses to dengue virus infection. These findings could aid in the development of more effective vaccines against all four dengue strains, a crucial step in combating this deadly disease.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

Combining immunotherapies against cancer

Researchers developed a microparticle-based cancer vaccine that kickstarts an immune response, increasing the proportion of mice cured of tumors to 75%. Combining the vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improves treatment success, offering a promising approach to improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

How plankton hold secrets to preventing pandemics

A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that invertebrate immunity can prevent disease transmission, offering insights into COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases. Researchers observed that some plankton can stop fungal spores from entering their bodies, while others clear infections within a limited window after exposure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMay 17, 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.

Sperm help 'persuade' the female to accept pregnancy

Sperm deliver signals that increase the chances of conception by persuading female reproductive tissues to accept the male partner's genetic material. Factors like age, diet, and environmental exposures can affect sperm quality, impacting pregnancy health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 16, 2021

Urban traffic noise causes song learning deficits in birds

Young zebra finches exposed to traffic noise developed songs with lower accuracy and were delayed in their vocal development. Chronic stress due to noise also suppressed the birds' immune function, leading to potential long-term health issues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2021

Jab-free dengue immunity could be just a click away

A dengue virus vaccine candidate has produced a protective immune response in infected mice, offering a promising alternative to existing vaccines. The UQ-developed vaccine uses an Australian insect virus and can be administered via a microarray patch for easy, needle-free delivery.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateMay 12, 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.

Kefir packs less of a probiotic punch than labels claim

A new study found that five major kefir brands fell short of their claims, delivering between 10 million to 1 billion bacteria per gram. The researchers also identified discrepancies between the labeled species and those present in the products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJDS Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Corals that "spit" algae

Corals use an ancient immune mechanism to select suitable microalgae as symbionts, tolerating them over time. The 'vomocytosis' process involves immune suppression that allows algae to establish a niche within the coral's cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 29, 2021
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.

Shift-work causes negative impacts on health, affects men and women differently

New research from the University of Waterloo reveals shift work disrupts the circadian clock, affecting immune response and increasing risk of infection. The study shows sex differences in immune system reactivity, with males more prone to overactivation and females better prepared to fight off infections.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 21, 2021

The immune link between a leaky blood-brain barrier and schizophrenia

A study by Penn researchers found that people with schizophrenia have a compromised blood-brain barrier, allowing the immune system to improperly influence the central nervous system. This inflammation contributes to the condition's symptoms. The findings may also apply to other mental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBrain·DateApr 20, 2021

New findings suggest organ tissues become increasingly immune throughout life

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that organ tissues develop immunity to viruses over time, leading to a broader understanding of the immune system's role in surveillance. The research reveals that up to 25% of cells in organs are immune cells, significantly contributing to the body's cellular makeup.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2021

Federal policy to reduce deaths from sepsis was mostly ineffective

A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 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.

BIO Integration Journal, Volume 2, Issue Number 1, publishes

The journal publishes an editorial, two mini review articles, two opinion articles, and an interview on various topics including COVID-19 diagnosis, dental implant biomaterials, ferroptosis resistance in cancer, and sonoporation. BIO Integration Journal is a peer-reviewed, open access international journal dedicated to modern medicine.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateApr 15, 2021

Shape-shifting Ebola virus protein exploits human RNA to change shape

A new study reveals how Ebola virus's VP40 protein uses human mRNA to transform into different shapes, adapting to various functions. This discovery sheds light on the fundamentals of genome-encoded information and highlights VP40 as a key vulnerability for effective therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 14, 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.

Two plant immune branches more intimately connected than previously believed

Recent discoveries have revealed a complex picture of plant defense, with responses to PRR receptor signaling and NLR signaling extensively overlapping. The two immune branches are now considered to be more intimately connected than previously thought, leading to a re-thought model of separate ETI and PTI pathways.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 1, 2021

Study predicts which kids hospitalized with RSV likely to worsen

A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that children hospitalized with RSV are likely to get sicker if they have high levels of defective viral genomes. These defective genomes can trigger a strong antiviral immune response, but timing matters in determining the course of illness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 1, 2021

When synthetic evolution rhymes with natural diversity

A new study reveals a complex co-evolutionary relationship between bacterial antigens and plant immune receptors, with implications for our understanding of the plant microbiome. The research found that synthetic experiments can mimic natural diversity in molecular signals, allowing plants to detect and respond to 'non-self' pathogens.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 25, 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.

Modifying an implant: Dental implant biomaterials

The use of dental implants for tooth replacement requires careful consideration of biomaterials, which must integrate into the body while minimizing negative immune responses. Researchers have compared titanium and zirconia, highlighting the importance of surface modification processes and coatings in optimizing implant performance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMar 22, 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.

Three-dimensional imaging provides valuable insight to immune responses

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that allows them to visualize immune T cells in three dimensions, revealing specialized niches that determine their function. The study identifies avenues for therapeutically targeting effector and memory cells, which could lead to improved vaccine strategies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 19, 2021

Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have developed a cell-based assay that identifies highly potent IDO1 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, which could lead to promising immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing cell-free assays and holds promise for ...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2021

New study points to novel drug target for treating COVID-19

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Florida have identified a novel mechanism that leads to MDA5 activation during virus infection, and found that inhibiting the PLpro enzyme may help strengthen the human immune response against SARS-CoV-2. This could potentially lead to new anti-COVID-19 therapeutics targeting the PLpro enzyme.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 16, 2021

New compound targets enzyme linked to autoimmune disorders, severe COVID-19

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University have developed a compound called ASO-1 that targets the TYK2 enzyme, which is linked to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, as well as severe COVID-19. The compound has been shown to potently reduce TYK2 levels and inhibit immune signalling pathways.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalImmunoHorizons·DateMar 10, 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.

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 insight into antibody-induced protective immunity to COVID-19

Researchers found that high levels of antibodies against a specific part of the virus may be key to understanding immune response to COVID-19. Individuals with stronger antibody responses showed immune functions associated with natural protection, offering a promising avenue for vaccine development and effective global rollout.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2021

One dose of COVID-19 vaccine provokes strong immune response in those previously infected

A recent study published in Eurosurveillance found that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine triggers a strong immune response in people who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed similar responses across multi-ethnic groups, suggesting that vaccination priority for those previously infected may not be n...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateFeb 11, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine from new vaccine platform effective in mice

A new DNA-based vaccine platform has been shown to induce potent immune responses in mice, generating high levels of antibodies and strong T cell responses. The vaccine was found to be immunogenic, efficiently neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus after a single immunization.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 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.

Intranasal influenza vaccine spurs strong immune response in Phase 1 study

A new intranasal influenza vaccine demonstrated a durable immune response in a Phase 1 study, producing higher antibody levels compared to oral vaccination. The vaccine induced mucosal immunity and neutralizing antibodies at 26 weeks after vaccination, with sustained protection lasting up to five years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 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.

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.

ACE2 protein protects against severe COVID-19: Study

A recent study found that female COVID-19 patients experience less severe complications due to stronger immune responses triggered by their X chromosome-linked genes. Women's immune systems are enhanced by the presence of Toll-like receptor seven, allowing them to better tolerate virus infections.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateDec 17, 2020

Drug may boost vaccine responses in older adults

A preliminary study found that a drug helping immune cells self-clean can improve vaccine protection in older adults. The drug boosts autophagy, which is blunted in older individuals, restoring immune cell function and enhancing vaccination efficiency.

SourceeLife·DateDec 15, 2020

A protein has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for leishmaniasis vaccines

A study published in Cell Reports identified a protein called SHP-1 as a key player in the Leishmania parasite's evasion of the human immune system. By activating SHP-1, the parasite can limit the capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders and protecting itself from an immune response.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 11, 2020

The immunomodulatory activity of a drug would improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer

A new study suggests that targeting the RANK signaling pathway can enhance antitumor immune responses, making breast cancer more responsive to immunotherapy. The findings come from a clinical trial and preclinical research, demonstrating the potential of this approach to convert 'cold' tumors into 'warm' ones.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2020

AI may predict response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with metastatic melanoma

A computational method combining clinicodemographic variables and deep learning of pre-treatment histology images accurately predicts response to immune checkpoint blockade. The model, validated in an independent cohort, achieves high accuracy and can stratify patients into high versus low risk for disease progression.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 18, 2020
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.