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Fomepizole helps overcome antibiotic-resistant pneumonia in mice

Researchers found that fomepizole blocked energy production in bacteria and reduced bacterial burden in mice with pneumonia. The combination treatment prevented invasive disease development, suggesting a potential novel treatment for multidrug-resistant pneumococcal disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2023
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.

How to overcome challenges in forecasting antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to human health, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Researchers identified four research priorities to improve predictive models for antimicrobial-resistant organisms, including better communication and data collection.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2023

Not enough new antibiotics in the pipeline, concludes WHO review – especially those targeting deadly drug-resistant microbes

A recent WHO review reveals a significant shortage of new antibiotics in the pipeline, with only 12 approved drugs introduced between 2017 and 2021. The majority of these drugs target non-critical pathogens, leaving critical ones like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa underrepresented.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 15, 2023
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.

A quick new way to screen virus proteins for antibiotic properties

Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 13, 2023

Rice labs seek RNA programming for ‘smart’ antibiotics

Researchers at Rice University aim to create genetically encoded antibiotics that selectively kill pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes. The goal is to develop targeted, tailored RNA antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·DateMar 13, 2023

The perils of bacteria’s secret weapons

A recent study highlights the perils of bacteria's secret antimicrobial resistance, which can be difficult to detect using traditional methods. Researchers are exploring new approaches, such as genetic analysis, to identify and prevent the spread of these resistant strains.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 10, 2023

Oxygen groups key to unlocking graphene’s antimicrobial potential

Researchers discover that graphene oxide's surface oxygen content is crucial for its antibacterial activity, with different interaction modes leading to distinct effects. Understanding this relationship can help design safer materials and combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

SMART researchers develop novel combination bacterium- and host-targeted therapy for treating vancomycin-resistant bacterial infections

Researchers develop a novel combination therapy using mitoxantrone and vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) infections. The therapy stimulates the host immune system, accelerating wound healing and killing bacteria more effectively.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

'We cannot change the human body, but we can change the environment'

A new research agenda aims to apply evolutionary principles to modern diseases, emphasizing the role of environmental factors. By studying natural world adaptations, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent and treat disease, such as adopting antimicrobial approaches inspired by hyenas' ability to thrive on carrion.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023
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.

Newly discovered virus can kill resistant bacteria

Scientists have discovered a new virus that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The virus, named Fyn8, was found in local creeks near the University of Southern Denmark campus and has been fully sequenced.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How physics changes drug resistance evolution

A deeper understanding of tumor cell responses to treatment is crucial for improving therapy effectiveness. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that physical interactions between cells can allow treatment-resistant cells to survive despite growing slower than non-resistant cells. This balance between mechanical cell-cell...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Uncovering bacteria survival strategies

Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2023

Novel method to design new peptide therapeutics pioneered

Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

Global pharmaceutical sales data reveal that as COVID-19 cases increased, so did purchases of antibiotics

A global analysis of pharmaceutical sales data reveals that as COVID-19 cases rose, so did antibiotics prescribed to patients, averaging less than 10% bacterial coinfection rates. This study emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use during pandemic treatment.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Synthetic compartments stop pathogens from sharing antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers at Duke University have created a new approach to controlling cellular biochemical processes by building synthetic compartments that isolate biomolecules. This technique has the potential to be used to understand and fight disease, including the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Increase in multidrug-resistant pathogens since Ukraine war

A study published by Ruhr-University Bochum found a significant increase in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in German hospitals since the Ukraine war. Patients from Ukraine are at risk and should be screened prior to hospital admission, researchers recommend.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEurosurveillance·DateFeb 2, 2023

Harmful bacteria can elude predators when in mixed colonies

A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
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.

Despite concerns over antimicrobial resistance, global antimicrobial use in animals could increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger restrictions are not applied worldwide

A new study predicts global antimicrobial use in food-producing animals will increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger regulations are not implemented worldwide. The findings highlight the need for stricter controls on antimicrobial use, which has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateFeb 1, 2023

Genomic methods aid study of Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak

A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2023

Silver nanoparticles show promise in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that silver nanoparticles and aminoglycosides work together synergistically to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The combination reduces the amount of antibiotic needed by 22-fold, making it more potent and potentially reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2023
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.

Hidden bacteria presents a substantial risk of antimicrobial resistance in hospital patients

Researchers found that carriers of a specific hidden bacteria have a 14% chance of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection within 30 days of hospitalization. The study highlights the significant risk of infections from multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in patients undergoing 'dirty' surgery.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2023
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.

Red algae-derived metal-polysaccharide shows promise for anti-microbial applications because of its long and dense spikes

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a new compound derived from marine red microalga that exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungus. The compound's unique structure, featuring long and dense spikes, allows it to poke holes in bacterial membranes and kill off infections.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMarine Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

New transporter for recycling of bacterial cell wall found

Scientists at Umea University found a new transporter controlling bacterial cell wall integrity and resistance to antibiotics. The discovery sheds light on muropeptide recycling and its role in bacteria's ability to thrive.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance

A new antibacterial spray and coating can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in wounds and medical devices. The innovative material has been shown to be effective against MRSA and other resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
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.

Targeted test for antibiotic resistance in clinical Enterobacter species

Researchers have clarified relationships between numerous Enterobacter species and optimised resistance testing. Using genome-based taxonomic studies, they found that Enterobacter xiangfangensis accounted for 68.7% of all detected isolates worldwide.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Aston University creates world first computational reconstruction of a virus in its biological entirety

Researchers at Aston University have created the world's first computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted treatments to kill bacteria that are dangerous to humans, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceAston University·JournalFaraday Discussions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2023

‘Living medicine’ created to tackle drug-resistant lung infections

Researchers have designed a treatment that uses a modified bacterium to target and dissolve biofilms caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading cause of hospital mortality. The treatment has shown significant efficacy in mice, reducing lung infections and doubling survival rates.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Bacterial electricity: Membrane potential influences antibiotic tolerance

Researchers at the University of Cologne discovered that bacterial membrane potential changes during biofilm formation, correlating with increased antibiotic tolerance. The study found characteristic patterns of polarization that evolve in space and time, which are linked to a change in oxygen availability.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 19, 2023

Probiotic markedly reduces S. Aureus colonization in phase 2 trial

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a probiotic reduced S. aureus colonization by 96.8% in the stool and 65.4% in the nose. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis was administered orally, surviving passage through the stomach, and did not harm gut microbiota.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateJan 17, 2023

Scientists discover potential new method to treat superbug infections

Researchers at University of Galway outline a potential new treatment option for MRSA infections using purine nucleosides. The study shows that these sugar versions of DNA building blocks can interfere with bacterial signaling systems, making bacteria more susceptible to penicillin-type antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalmBio·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

How clean hospitals can reduce antibiotic resistance and save lives

A new study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health found that proper hand hygiene in clinical work can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how good or poor hygiene affects resistance evolution, and tested it against data from 691 long-term care facil...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Protective bacterial cultures offer promising path for antibiotic resistant salmonella in food

Researchers at UConn have identified a protective bacterial culture, Hafnia alvei B16, that can prevent infection by two strains of Salmonella, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The culture works by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing their virulence, potentially providing a new path forward in combating su...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalFood Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023
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.

Antibiotic residues in water a threat to human health

Research from Karolinska Institutet found high levels of antibiotic residues in waterways, including wastewater and drinking water, in regions such as China and India. The study suggests these residues contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global threat to human health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 4, 2023

Developing antibiotics that target multiple-drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new class of antibacterial compounds targeting MraY, effective against MRSA and VRE. The findings provide a promising lead for the development of more effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022

Daylong wastewater samples yield surprises

Composite wastewater samples taken over 24 hours reveal a more accurate representation of antibiotic-resistant genes, with levels 10 times higher than 'snapshots'. Chlorination can negatively impact water quality, highlighting the need for improved treatment protocols.

SourceRice University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Florida International University researchers patent synthetic antibiotic

Researchers from Florida International University have patented a synthetic antibiotic, arsinothricin (AST), which is effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team aims to produce large quantities of the drug to combat the growing number of infections that have become resistant to current antibiotics.

SourceFlorida International University College of Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2022

A potential gamechanger in beating antimicrobial resistance

A new project aims to develop a method for producing antimicrobial peptides, which have shown promise in overcoming antibiotic resistance. The peptides' ability to delay microbial resistance development makes them an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateDec 14, 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.

Mapping E. coli to overcome antibiotic resistance

A new study at the University of Tokyo has mapped the evolution and process of natural selection in Escherichia coli bacteria, creating fitness landscapes that help understand drug resistance and potential treatments. The researchers hope their results will be useful for predicting and controlling E. coli and other bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Tracking the global spread of antimicrobial resistance

A global study reveals that antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria are driven by various factors, including geographic regions and hosts. The research identifies key genes conferring resistance to critically important drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms of transmission and the need for collaborative interventions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 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.

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Life and death of an "altruistic" bacterium

Caulobacter crescentus uses a toxin-antitoxin system to regulate programmed cell death in response to oxygen limitation, releasing DNA that promotes sibling dispersion. This mechanism helps maintain biofilm balance and prevents overcrowding.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

How livestock systems act as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria

A recent study found that livestock systems are a significant source of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and genes, which can spread to humans through contaminated manure. The researchers recommend ecosystem-wide surveillance and improved manure disposal practices to combat AMR on a global scale.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2022