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Mucosal antibodies in the airways protect against omicron infection

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that mucosal antibodies in the airways significantly reduce the risk of omicron infection. High levels of these antibodies more than halved the risk of becoming infected, while also being associated with lower viral replication.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine

Duke-NUS study highlights blind spot in SARS-CoV-2 immunity research, suggests breakthrough infection may confer extra protection to vaccinees

Researchers found virus-specific T cells in the noses of people who received vaccines and later became infected with SARS-CoV-2, providing an additional layer of protection. These cells persisted for at least 20 weeks and could recognize various viral proteins, including those from the Omicron variant.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study

Light-based therapy weakens antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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.

Immune therapies against Chronic Hepatitis B

Researchers propose various immune therapy designs to treat Chronic Hepatitis B, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects. Immune therapies offer an alternate approach to antiviral drugs, which have limitations such as cost and low efficacy.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology

New test may predict COVID-19 immunity

A new test developed by MIT researchers measures neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample to predict COVID-19 immunity. The easy-to-use test could help people decide on necessary protections and may be particularly useful for those with weakened immune systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Methods

Immune boosting benefits of tuberculosis vaccine seen in infants more than a year after vaccination

A new study has shown that the TB vaccine can produce a long-lasting 'trained immunity response' in infants, lasting more than 14 months after vaccination. The research found that the BCG vaccine's off-target effects on the immune system can lead to reprogramming of genes in a specific blood cell type, known as monocytes.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

New vaccine formulation protects newborn mice against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

A new vaccine formulation has protected newborn mice against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and evoked strong responses in human immune cells. The vaccine uses an adjuvant combination that stimulates type 1 T-helper responses, which are hard to stimulate in newborns but are needed for a strong defense against viral pathogens.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New needle-free nasal vaccine shows promise for COVID-19

The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio

Scientists develop effective intranasal mumps-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Researchers create a modified live attenuated mumps virus for delivery, showing it induces stronger immune responses and provides superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. The new vaccine candidate uses a prefusion version of the spike protein and offers potential to enhance MMR childhood vaccine.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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.

Maintenance of immunity to COVID-19 after infection or vaccination

A new study found that COVID-19 serologically-positive donors had strong antigen-specific memory B cell-associated responses after recovery from natural infection. Post-vaccination, donors showed robust antibody responses against spike protein, which waned over time. The study suggests how long immunity to COVID-19 may last.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViral Immunology·TypeCase study

Fast, efficient COVID-19 biosensor under development

Researchers from Indiana University are developing a new biosensor that can analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 90%. The sensor detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virus.

SourceIndiana University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Protective T cells remain 20 months after COVID-19

Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study

Vaccine protection against COVID-19 short-lived, booster shots important, new study says

A new study by Yale School of Public Health researchers found that COVID-19 vaccine protection against infection and severe illness is short-lived. The study suggests that booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity and preventing breakthrough infections.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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.

Milk boost: Research shows how breastfeeding offers immune benefits

Researchers found that breastfeeding provides an immune boost to infants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. However, milk also mounts responses to beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disruptive and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health

How Omicron dodges the immune system

A study found that Omicron's neutralization capacity outperforms its predecessors, even in vaccinated individuals. Antibody levels against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 are roughly 10 times higher in vaccinated people than those with natural immunity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article

Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers

A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study

Beyond the spike: New antibody analysis predicts severe COVID-19 outcomes

Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study
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.

Newer COVID-19 subvariants are less vulnerable to immunity induced by vaccination and previous infection, researchers find

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that newer Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 escape neutralizing antibodies induced by both vaccination and previous infection. These variants are now responsible for over 21% of new cases in the US, highlighting a shift in the COVID-19 landscape.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine

COVID-19 rebound after taking Paxlovid likely due to insufficient drug exposure

A UC San Diego study suggests COVID-19 rebound symptoms after taking Paxlovid are likely caused by insufficient drug exposure, not resistance or impaired immunity. The study found the virus remained sensitive to the drug and no relevant mutations were detected.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases

Rethinking the rabies vaccine

Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Broadly neutralizing antibodies could provide immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers have identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies that can effectively neutralize all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 subtypes. The antibodies, Cv2.1169 and Cv2.3194, were found to be fully active against Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study

IgG antibodies in breast milk help shape infants’ gut bacteria and immunity

A new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers shows that naturally-produced IgG antibodies in breast milk can protect infants from infection-induced diarrheal illness. These antibodies enhance infant immunity against bacterial pathogens causing gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Immunology

Pregnant women produce super antibodies to protect newborns, now scientists know how

Researchers discovered that pregnant women produce super antibodies to protect their newborns by altering the structure of sugars attached to the antibodies. This molecular change allows immunoglobulin G to stimulate immunity through receptors that respond specifically to deacetylated sugars, providing expanded protective role.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature

Unvaccinated children mount COVID-19 immune response, but vaccination may be key to strengthening immunity

A study found that unvaccinated children develop a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but limits the development of an immune memory response. Vaccination is believed to strengthen immunity by inducing key components such as memory T cell and B cell responses.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalImmunity·TypeObservational study
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Discovery could lead to better cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that a specific population of CD4-positive helper T cells initiates antitumor immunity defenses, which can enhance the effectiveness of killer cell attacks on cancer cells. This finding holds promise for improving cancer immunotherapy response rates.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Three doses of the same or mixed covid jabs work equally well against infections

A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review

Overestimating population immunity contributed to U.S. Delta variant surge

A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Study shines light on longevity of COVID-19 immune response

A new study analyzing 8 cohorts of COVID-19 patients found that antibody responses in previously infected individuals were relatively stable, providing protection from reinfection unless the new infection was the Omicron variant. Vaccination also boosted protection, with rapid immune responses observed even after a single vaccine dose.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·TypeObservational study

Studies reveal key clues about COVID-19 immunity, immune recall

Studies found people infected and vaccinated had similarly robust antibody responses against variants alpha through omicron; Immune memory cells against common cold coronaviruses may be markers of longer immunity. Researchers hope to improve vaccines with these insights.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study
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.

'Natural immunity' from omicron is weak and limited, study finds

A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature

Dynamics of adaptive immunity in tuberculosis uncovered

Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports

mRNA booster vaccines may be a good investment in developing countries

Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications
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.

Why do some people get sicker than others from COVID?

Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell Reports

New modelling shows that ‘shielding’ strategies instead of lockdowns would have led to tens of thousands more deaths

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that shielding vulnerable populations while allowing the virus to spread through the rest of the population would have failed. The research reveals that even with perfect shielding, healthcare capacity would have been overwhelmed, and tens of thousands more deaths would have occu...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

Rates of COVID-19 among unvaccinated adults with prior COVID-19

A new study assesses the degree and duration of protection against COVID-19 associated with natural immunity in 120,000 unvaccinated individuals. Researchers found that those who previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had lower rates of subsequent COVID-19 infections.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study

Maximizing the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines a step closer

Researchers have made a breakthrough in enhancing the antiviral T cell response triggered by therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B. By removing natural killer cells and activating them with cytokines, they boosted the control of HBV infection.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study
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.

A small mutation can make Zika virus even more dangerous

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study

Researchers outline need for new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·TypeCommentary/editorial
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.

Scientific consortium established by national institutes of health provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial

NIH experts discuss controlling COVID-19 in commentary on herd immunity

Achieving classical herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may be unlikely due to virus mutations and asymptomatic transmission. However, widespread use of current public health interventions can control COVID-19 with minimal disruption.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases

Improved cell response seen with hybrid immunity

Researchers found that people who had COVID-19 and then got vaccinated generated an immune response more specific to fighting viral infections, producing a broader antibody response. This hybrid immunity also produced a cellular immune response called Th1 response, which is antiviral.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study
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.