A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022
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.
SMART researchers identified a novel phage lysin, Abp013, with promising antimicrobial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study demonstrated Abp013's ability to effectively target complex bacterial environments and could advance treatment methods for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalAntibiotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
Researchers discovered how a single mutation in an enzyme enables bacteria to evade antibiotics by using mirrored structures. This finding has implications for developing more resilient inhibitors and proactive drug designs.
SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2022
A Swedish registry study found no increase in endocarditis cases among high-risk individuals since the removal of prophylactic antibiotics in dentistry. The study monitored over 76,000 high-risk individuals and 396,000 low-risk individuals from 2008 to 2018.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 17, 2022
Researchers discovered a signaling mechanism allowing intracellular bacteria like Salmonella to outmaneuver host defenses. By triggering macrophage death and activating the complement system, these bacteria can safely deliver themselves into another macrophage. This 'hack' enables them to persist within infected hosts.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 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.
A mathematical modeling study predicts that routine immunization with TCV could avert 46-74% of all typhoid fever cases in 73 countries. Vaccination is also expected to reduce the relative prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid by 16%, preventing millions of cases and deaths.
SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022
Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022
A new genomics study has helped guide the development of vaccines against Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children. The research revealed the extent of genomic diversity among Shigella species, highlighting challenges to current vaccine approaches.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022
Scientists discovered that surviving bacteria share a common feature: they accumulate acid in their cells, shutting down protein synthesis. This leads to increased survival and can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial treatments.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022
Decision-making tools, including a double-sided document and video training, were ineffective in reducing antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory infections. Despite this, general practitioners' knowledge of relevant evidence increased significantly after the intervention.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2022
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 at TTUHSC developed novel hydrophilic nanoparticles that target bacterial membranes, killing pathogens while sparing mammalian cells. The nanoantibiotics' size-dependent activity reveals a new blueprint for developing non-toxic and environmentally friendly antibiotics.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022
A new report estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections caused over 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, with the greatest impact on lower respiratory and bloodstream infections. The study highlights the urgent need to combat antimicrobial resistance and provides immediate actions for policymakers to save lives.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022
Rice University researchers developed a microfluidic platform to analyze how infectious bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics. The platform allows for controlled environments and fine-tuning of conditions, revealing previously unknown pathways to resistance.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022
Researchers developed a mathematical model that can predict resistance outcomes for various drug pairs. The model, called JDFE, characterizes mutations available to bacteria and allows for classification of drug pairs into those that facilitate or hinder multi-drug resistance.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2022
Researchers have pinpointed a gene in E. coli ST131 that makes it highly resistant to antibiotics, leading to new treatment strategies and improved tracking of emerging resistance. The study aims to create better treatments to stop deadly E. coli infections.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022
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.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have received a $3.6 million grant to study antibiotic resistance, employing an innovative approach known as the 'evolution machine.' This project aims to shed new light on how bacteria develop resistance and inform more precise antibiotic prescribing practices.
A new EU-funded project, MUSIC, will investigate how bacterial defences influence the spread of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) between bacteria. MGEs can change key traits of bacteria, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a novel compound called macolacin that is highly potent against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to colistin. The compound was discovered using an evolutionary approach to antibiotic discovery and has shown promising results in lab experiments.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022
A study published in Nature found that a type of MRSA called mecC-MRSA originated in hedgehogs over 200 years ago, long before the clinical use of antibiotics. The researchers believe that the bacteria evolved as an adaptation to living on the skin of hedgehogs with a fungus that produces its own antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022
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.
A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
New research combines antibiotics and phage therapy to cure infections more effectively and reduce antibiotic use. The study found that bacteriostatic antibiotics trigger CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity in bacteria, increasing the chances of treatment efficacy.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021
Scientists have discovered a new potential treatment to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. The indole carboxylates class of enzyme blockers can stop MBL resistance enzymes from working, allowing antibiotics like carbapenems to effectively target bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 13, 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.
A new study reveals widespread prescribing of clarithromycin-based regimens for H. pylori infection, defying increasing resistance and suboptimal eradication rates. Talicia, a rifabutin-based therapy, offers an alternative with higher eradication rates and fewer concerns over resistance.
SourceRedHill Biopharma·JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021
Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.
SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021
Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
A new white paper shares practical strategies to inform stewardship efforts and ensure appropriate use of antibiotics, citing the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance leading to 23,000 preventable deaths each year. Implementation science principles can bridge the evidence-practice gap.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study led by Rice University engineers finds that microplastic pollution contributes to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. The researchers discovered that aging polystyrene breaks down into microplastics with high surface areas, trapping microbes and leaching chemicals that enhance gene transfer.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
A recent study found that antibiotic resistance rates for Helicobacter pylori are decreasing in European countries. The use of three antibiotics over 10-14 days resulted in success rates of over 90%. The researchers hope to reduce antibiotic consumption to prevent further resistance.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAntibiotics·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to manipulate key assembly line enzymes in bacteria using CRISPR-cas9 gene editing. This approach could lead to the production of improved antibiotics with potentially improved properties, addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers have found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores, reducing their numbers by over 1,000 times. The technology has the potential to be used to sterilize wounds and disinfect blood products, and may also be used to treat bloodstream infections.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 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.
A study led by New York University researchers found that the FDA-approved hepatitis C treatment telaprevir can increase bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance. The antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing an opportunity to repurpose the drug to use alongside antibiotics.
SourceNew York University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 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.
Researchers have identified compounds that interfere with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments. These compounds show promise as antifungal agents, effective even against drug-resistant strains of fungi.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2021
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2021
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new group of small antibacterial compounds that inhibit the formation of bacterial cell walls, showing promise against antibiotic-resistant strains. The molecules work by binding to lipid II, a crucial molecule for bacterial cell wall construction.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.
SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2021
Scientists used computational strategies to evaluate antibiotic candidates, identifying a promising new variant that is up to 56 times more active than existing antibiotics. This approach enables faster and more affordable development of new antibiotics, helping to combat resistance.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.
Research identifies way of using nanoparticles to target and disrupt bacterial cells, making them more susceptible to standard antibiotic treatments. Laboratory studies show a strong effect in killing a range of bacteria, including some linked to hospital-acquired infections.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021
A new study found that most pregnant women with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic, but rather have Group B Strep or need antibiotics for labor. Testing for penicillin allergy can help reduce antibiotic exposure and ensure safer treatment options.
SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021
The need for new antibiotics is critical due to rising antibiotic resistance, which kills over 35,000 people annually in the US. Research by Harvard Medical School aims to develop better antibiotics by targeting essential bacterial proteins.
SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2021
A new technique measures bacterial metabolic activity with an electric probe to identify antibiotic resistance in less than 90 minutes. This rapid method enables doctors to quickly determine which antibiotics will or won't work for a patient's infection, improving treatment decisions and potentially saving lives.
SourceWashington State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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.
Researchers have made a giant leap in fighting antibiotic resistance by using supercomputers to redesign existing antibiotics. The new approach shows that the redesigned antibiotic is up to 56 times more active than two existing antibiotics on the World Health Organisation's list, and potentially effective against three top-ranked bact...
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2021
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that interleukin-26 plays a critical role in bacterial pneumonia by directly killing bacteria and modulating the immune system. This finding positions IL-26 as a new potential target for biological treatment of pneumonia, an increasing global health threat.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 29, 2021
A new study reveals that iboxamycin effectively fights both gram-negative and gram-positive drug-resistant bacteria in mouse models. The researchers discovered the molecular mechanism that allows this drug to overcome resistance, which is important for developing new antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that temocillin was effective in treating febrile urinary tract infections with fewer resistant bacteria. Temocillin acts specifically against E. coli and other intestinal bacteria, reducing the risk of treatment failure.
SourceLinköping University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021
A study found that infant formula is associated with a 70% higher occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in newborns. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, reduces the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, potentially lessening the risk of difficult infections.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 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.
Researchers revealed that β-lactam antibiotics like penicillin kill MRSA by forming small holes in the cell wall, which gradually enlarge and lead to bacterial death. This discovery provides new avenues for treatment developments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021
Researchers have recorded the sharpest images of living bacteria, revealing a complex architecture that makes them harder to kill by antibiotics. The study found that bacteria with protective outer layers may have stronger and weaker spots on their surface.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University used machine learning to predict the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, identifying potential networks of exchange and driving factors. The approach could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance and develop new targets for novel antibiotics.
SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 22, 2021
Researchers have developed new qPCR assays to quantify the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using water and wastewater samples. These methods provide a more exact way to determine AMR by measuring DNA in wastewater samples.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 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.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a novel resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus, which protects the bacteria from vancomycin. By binding vancomycin to its cell wall, the strain prevents the antibiotic from reaching the membrane and killing the bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
Researchers identified a bacterium on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections in humans and pets. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MRSP infections in dogs and potentially other inflammatory skin diseases.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaleLife·DateOct 19, 2021
A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
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.
A new hydrogel treatment kills drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, and induces the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptides in human skin cells. The gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and scalable.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have contributed to a study on a new antibiotic that may cure Lyme disease and eradicate its occurrence from the environment. The antibiotic, hygromycin A, targets the ribosomes of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and shows promise in treating the disease.
The cost of establishing laboratories to track antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asian hospitals is substantial, making it challenging for many countries to implement such programs. Financial support is crucial to overcome these costs and provide effective antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 13, 2021
Researchers at the University of Exeter develop a new method to mimic microenvironments in the human body, overcoming a major obstacle to using phage therapy. The study finds that phage can effectively kill bacteria in these environments without promoting genetic resistance.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021