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Antimicrobial resistance and vaccines

Qualitative analyses suggest vaccine-based strategies can outperform antibiotic-centered approaches in certain cases, limiting AMR spread and preserving the human microbiome. Vaccine development is crucial to address growing AMR concerns, as indicated by studies highlighting vaccines' potential economic benefits.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Stop sterilizing your dust

A Northwestern University study reveals that triclosan in dust can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers found higher abundances of genetic markers indicating resistance in dust with higher concentrations of triclosan, suggesting a link between the chemical and antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateDec 11, 2018

Distinguishing resistance from resilience to prolong antibiotic potency

A study by Duke University researchers shows that pathogen responses to first-line antibiotics can be distinguished, allowing for more effective treatment strategies. The researchers developed a method to quantify resistance and resilience, enabling clinicians to prescribe targeted dosing regimens.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 5, 2018

Global review finds consumption of children's antibiotics varies widely

A global review of antibiotic sales in 70 high- and middle-income countries found that consumption patterns vary widely, with low levels of 'Access' antibiotics like amoxicillin. The study also highlights the overuse of 'Watch' antibiotics, which should only be used for specific indications.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 4, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study discovers over 6,000 antibiotic resistance genes in the bacteria that inhabit the human gut

A recent study has discovered over 6,000 antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria that inhabit the human gut, revealing a vast and previously unknown diversity of resistant genes. The researchers used a novel method to identify these genes by comparing their three-dimensional structures to proteins produced by gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 30, 2018

Small RNA renders bacteria more resistant to antibiotics

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have identified a small RNA molecule that significantly affects antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. Without this molecule, the bacteria are more sensitive to penicillins and produce less of the enzyme degrading these antibiotics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalmBio·DateNov 22, 2018

DNA Origami full of potent anticancer agents

A Chinese scientist designed a DNA origami nanoplatform that carries chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA interference to target and kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The platform demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in reducing drug resistance in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 21, 2018

Dodging antibiotic resistance by curbing bacterial evolution

Researchers found DNA translocase Mfd accelerates mutations in bacteria, promoting antibiotic resistance. A new class of anti-evolution drugs targeting Mfd could complement existing antimicrobials and address the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug resistant infections associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates in India

Researchers found that patients infected with multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant bacterial infections, especially Gram-negative infections, had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance, research, and antimicrobial stewardship efforts worldwide.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2018

Resistant bacteria: Can raw vegetables and salad pose a health risk?

A study by the Julius Kühn Institute and BfR found antimicrobial-resistant bacteria with multiple transferable resistance genes on fresh produce, including mixed salads, arugula, and cilantro. Consumers can minimize risk by washing raw vegetables thoroughly and considering heat treatment for immunocompromised individuals.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalmBio·DateNov 15, 2018
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.

Planetary boundaries for antibiotic and pesticide resistance identified

Researchers have published the first estimates of antibiotic and pesticide planetary boundaries, revealing that Gram-negative bacteria are already beyond these limits. The study emphasizes the urgent need for new approaches to manage resistance, including promoting susceptibility to pesticides and antibiotics.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 12, 2018

Transmission of antibiotic resistant E. coli mapped in wild giraffe social networks

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in wild giraffes most likely come from anthropogenic sources. The research suggests that young giraffes are more likely to harbor resistant bacteria, potentially due to competition between strains.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 9, 2018
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.

Novel antibiotic shows promise in treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that zoliflodacin cured most cases of uncomplicated gonorrhea, with cure rates ranging from 98% to 100%, depending on the dose. The antibiotic also showed promise in treating rectal and throat infections, although performance varied between doses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018

Water experts to study emerging threat of antibiotic resistance

Two Virginia Tech professors, Amy Pruden and Marc Edwards, are leading studies on antibiotic resistance in recycled water and plumbing. Their research aims to identify effective disinfectants and designs for preventing the spread of resistant bacteria in water systems, a growing concern that affects public health.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 6, 2018

33,000 people die every year due to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria

The study estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause a substantial burden of disease in the EU/EEA, with 75% attributed to healthcare-associated infections. The annual number of deaths due to these infections is comparable to that of influenza, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 6, 2018

Supermarket produce harbors antibiotic-resistance genes

Researchers found that supermarket produce is a reservoir for transferable antibiotic resistance genes, which can evade traditional detection methods. The study highlights the importance of characterizing the resistome in produce and emphasizes the need for improved detection methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateNov 6, 2018
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.

Antibiotic resistance increases relapse in urinary tract infections

Patients with drug-resistant urinary tract infections are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes and relapses within a week. The study highlights the importance of close follow-up and proper antibiotic treatment to curb antibiotic resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 30, 2018

Mycoplasma genitalium's cell adhesion mechanism revealed

Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which Mycoplasma genitalium adheres to human cells, a crucial step in bacterial infection and disease development. The study reveals the three-dimensional structure of the P110 adhesin protein interacting with sialic acids on human cell surfaces.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2018

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: New investigational antibiotic effective against drug-resistant bacteria in phase 2 trial

A new investigational antibiotic, cefiderocol, has been found effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a phase 2 randomised trial. The study suggested that patients treated with cefiderocol had a higher and more sustained level of pathogen eradication compared to those treated with imipenem-cilastatin.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 25, 2018
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.

Breakthrough test screens for all known bacterial infections

The BacCapSeq platform detects signs of antibiotic resistance and virulence in 4.2 million genetic probes, outperforming traditional methods in sensitivity and speed. It has the potential to reduce mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs by providing accurate, early differential diagnosis of infectious diseases.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateOct 23, 2018

Breastfeeding protects infants from antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Infants who were breastfed for at least six months had a smaller number of resistant bacteria in their gut than babies who were breastfed for a shorter period. Antibiotic treatment of mothers during delivery increased the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the infant gut.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2018
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.

Irrigating vegetables with wastewater in African cities may spread disease

A new study reveals that urban farmers in African cities are unknowingly spreading disease by irrigating vegetables with wastewater rich in virulent human pathogens. The risk of spreading bacteria and antimicrobial resistance among humans and animals is high, posing a significant health threat to millions of people.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateOct 12, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Louisiana amphibian shows unique resistance to global disease

The three-toed amphiuma, a common species in Louisiana, has shown resistance to the fungus causing amphibian populations to decline worldwide. Researchers discovered compounds that inhibited fungal growth, highlighting its unique properties and potential for protection against chytridiomycosis.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 9, 2018

New study hints at potential antibiotic breakthrough

Researchers develop structure-disrupting peptides to target bacterial proteins' structural core, reducing likelihood of resistance development. The study finds promising results in inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria growth and treating gonococcal infections.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenic Escherichia coli from elderly patients

A study of 768 E. coli isolates from elderly patients with urinary tract infections found a high prevalence of resistance to β-lactams and other antimicrobials. Independent risk factors for multi-resistant E. coli included diabetes, recurrent infections, hospitalization, and exposure to β-lactams.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Infectious Diseases Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

FDA researchers report first evidence of ESBL producing E. coli in US retail meat

A new study found all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from US retail meat were resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes, carrying various types of CTX-M type ESBL genes. The presence in food-producing animals and retail meat supplies may contribute to a greater incidence of infections.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMicrobial Drug Resistance·DateSep 21, 2018
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.

Superbug discovery renews hope for antibiotic treatment

Research at the University of Edinburgh found that a previously thought-to-be ineffective antibiotic, fosfomycin, can actually kill Listeria bacteria in infected cells and mice. This breakthrough may provide new treatment options for life-threatening Listeria cases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2018
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.

Certain antibiotic-resistant infections on the rise, new research shows

A California emergency department study found nearly 6% of urinary tract infections were caused by drug-resistant bacteria, with no identifiable risk factor for infection in many cases. The researchers urge wider use of urine culture tests and improved follow-up systems to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 21, 2018

Progress toward plugging an antibiotic pump

Using computer modeling, researchers have teased out the details of how an antibiotic pump works, revealing its 'lock' and mechanism. This breakthrough aims to develop new drugs that can plug the pump, potentially restoring antibiotics' effectiveness.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018
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.

Inching closer to a soft spot in isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis

A recent study published in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics has uncovered changes in TB strains that make them vulnerable to other antibiotics. The research also reveals a potential target for developing new drugs against isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateAug 14, 2018

Research may help rescue antibiotics' effectiveness in the face of drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have discovered synergy between colistin and other antibiotics, offering hope for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Combination therapy may allow clinicians to use lower effective doses of antibiotics, reducing toxicities and slowing antibiotic resistance development.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 10, 2018
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.

The hidden hazards of antibiotic resistance genes in air

Research reveals airborne transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARGs) across the globe, with high levels detected in urban areas. ARGs resistant to multiple antibiotics, including vancomycin, were found in air samples from cities worldwide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

Antibiotic resistance in a leech's gut

Research by UConn microbiologists found that tiny amounts of antibiotics in chicken blood can encourage bacterial resistance. The study used leeches as a perfect test case and discovered that low levels of ciprofloxacin in poultry blood were selecting for antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 2018

Environment key battle ground in fight to tackle antibiotic resistance

New research reveals that very low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistant bacteria, highlighting the environment as a critical battleground in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The study found that sewage waste water and natural environments can be breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, which can th...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 2018
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.

Overuse of antibiotics not what the doctor ordered

A global study reveals 62% of antibiotics sold without prescription in community pharmacies worldwide, posing a significant risk to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the urgent need for better enforcement of laws regulating antibiotic sales.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Infection·DateJul 18, 2018

Stop antibiotics before resistance 'tipping point'

New evidence suggests that reducing antibiotic course length can reduce the risk of resistance. Microbial communities can reach a tipping point when exposed to antibiotics, leading to an irreversible shift towards drug resistance. Stopping treatment too soon may not prevent resistance from occurring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 10, 2018

Biomarker discovered for pathogen that can blind or kill healthy young people

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered biomarkers that can accurately identify hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, a rare but increasingly common strain of the bacterium. The discovery provides a clear roadmap for developing a diagnostic test to optimize patient care and epidemiologic surveillance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2018

High prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in a VA healthcare system

A study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that nearly half of all prescriptions reviewed were prescribed unnecessarily, with a third of cases involving non-face-to-face encounters. The research highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in outpatient clinics.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 2, 2018

Financial incentives help to drive down unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions from GPs

A study published by Imperial College London shows that financial incentives led to a 3% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for common respiratory tract infections. The reduction was particularly notable among children and those with sore throats, highlighting the potential of this approach to curb excessive antibiotic use.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJun 27, 2018
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.

Baboons shed light on antimicrobial resistance

A study involving wild and captive baboons found evidence of antibiotic resistance in their gut microbiomes, even without human-produced antibiotic exposure. The researchers used functional metagenomics to identify resistance genes, revealing a surprising enrichment of Actinobacteria in wild baboon populations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJun 26, 2018

£2.9 million awarded to tackling antibacterial resistance in Thailand

A new study aims to identify drivers of antibacterial resistance in Thailand, focusing on two species of bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The researchers will investigate how farm management practices, chemical pollution, and human behaviors influence transmission of these bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJun 22, 2018
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.

How competition and cooperation between bacteria shape antibiotic resistance

New computational simulations suggest that antibiotic treatment can suppress resistant species via attack on sensitive partner species in mutualistic relationships, and spatial arrangement influences cross-protection. The study found that competing species are more susceptible to suppression than mutually interacting species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 21, 2018