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New findings on B cells may improve vaccine design

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that B cells choose between cell fates to balance acute and memory responses. This understanding could optimize vaccines against viruses or other pathogens.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

COVID-19 antibodies persist, reduce reinfection risk for up to six months, study finds

A Michigan Medicine study found that most patients with mild COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that persist and protect them from reinfection for up to six months. Nearly 90% of participants produced spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses, and all but one had persistent antibody levels at follow-up.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

Texas Heart Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and 7 Hills Pharma pioneer significant vaccine research

Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Impaired T cell function precedes loss of natural HIV control

A study found that the ability to lose control over HIV is linked to a decrease in proliferative and cytolytic ability of immune cells, years before actual virus loss. In contrast to other infections, T cell dysfunction here impairs their response only to HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Lasting immunity and protection from new single-shot, room-temperature stable COVID-19 vaccine

A novel gene-based COVID-19 vaccine leveraging an adeno-associated viral vector platform was highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibody responses and cellular immunity from a single dose. The vaccine provided near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in nonhuman primates for at least 11 months.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

A gene that controls the severity of colon cancer

Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021

Biological clue to why stressed out fruit flies die sooner

Researchers found that stressed fruit flies have the biggest change in their microbiome, suggesting a link between social stress, immunity, and longevity. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies and found sex- and age-specific variations in their microbiome composition.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 8, 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.

How do pathogens evolve novel virulence activities and why does it matter?

Scientists are still unraveling how pathogens adapt to changing conditions, including climate change and global trade. Genome sequencing and big data technologies have revealed that dramatic events like hybridization between pathogen species can lead to rapid evolution of virulence on new host plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New study: Heat stress in dairy cows damages health of calves

A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Immune response to COVID-19 may be proportional to illness severity, duration

A Rutgers study found that people with severe or prolonged COVID-19 have higher antibody levels against the virus. The study of 831 participants showed that immune responses vary by symptom severity, with those having persistent symptoms producing more antibodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021
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Scientists decipher how neuro-immune interactions burn deep fat

Researchers uncover a neuro-immune process by which brain signals instruct immune function in visceral fat stores, providing new approaches for fighting obesity and related illness. The study identifies a critical mediator of neuro-immune communication, mesenchymal cells, and reveals the molecular messages exchanged across all steps.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2021

Russian scientists investigate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers assessed effectiveness of T-cell immune response to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying HLA gene variants with significantly changed virus peptides. The T-cell COVID-19 Atlas portal (T-CoV) provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of viral mutations on immunity.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 15, 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.

A COVID-19 vaccine strategy to give the body ‘border protection’

A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 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.

Researchers uncover a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers have found a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer by targeting a protein called PIKfyve. Blocking PIKfyve with the inhibitor ESK981 has been shown to increase tumor death and recruit immune T cells, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Off-target antibodies undermine HIV vaccine efforts

A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 28, 2021
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.

Blocking how the malaria parasite suppresses the immune response

Researchers define the atomic-level architecture of a protein-receptor connection that allows the malaria parasite to evade the immune response. A drug designed to fit into this space could block the interaction, allowing the immune system to clear away the pathogen and potentially reducing severe malaria cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2021

Eija Kononen wins IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Research in Oral Biology

Eija Kononen is a Professor and Chair of Periodontology at the University of Turku, Finland, known for her pioneering work on oral microbiology and its role in immune response. Her novel salivary diagnostic method, the Cumulative Risk Score, has been used in several studies to diagnose periodontal status.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJul 21, 2021

When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

Researchers at TMDU discovered a novel disorder resulting from a mutation in the AIOLOS protein, which causes immune deficiency and interferes with IKAROS protein function. The study found that the mutant protein forms a heterodimer with IKAROS, recruiting it to incorrect regions of the genome and leading to immunodeficiency.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 16, 2021

New study provides data on protections of ebola vaccines

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 14, 2021

Study reveals how our immune system reacts to COVID-19 variants

Australian scientists found that COVID-19 survivors produced sustained antibodies but they were less effective against contemporary variants. The study suggests vaccination is more effective than the body's natural response and highlights the need for new vaccine designs to keep pace with emerging variants.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 7, 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.

Why wild African fruits can supplement low protein staple foods

Research from University of Johannesburg uncovers essential amino acids in wild African fruits. The study reveals several species exceed daily nutritional values recommended by WHO. The white olive and jacket plum are good candidates to boost immune function against viruses due to high lysine content.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalPlants·DateJul 7, 2021

Researchers discover way to improve immune response

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 5, 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.

COVID-19-mRNA vaccine induces good immune response against coronavirus variants

A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 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.

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 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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.