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Long COVID patients and those with other illnesses experience similar, negative lingering effects during the pandemic

Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

Experimental COVID-19 vaccine offers long-term protection against severe disease

A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Where did Omicron come from?

Researchers found viruses with Omicron-specific mutations in COVID-19 patients in six African countries two months before the variant was detected. The study suggests that Omicron emerged gradually, evolving from existing human immunity, and spreading rapidly across Africa before global detection.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Experimental vaccines offer long-term protection against severe COVID

Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2022

Finding the answers hidden in our antibodies

A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 30, 2022

Clover’s vaccine candidate reduced household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases

A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 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.

New published data point to spike protein interactions with estrogen receptors as a cause for coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, signaling sex effects and a path to improved vaccines

Researchers discovered a novel interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and human Estrogen Receptor Alpha, which may contribute to severe coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that modulating ER signaling could mitigate rare vaccine side effects.

SourceDompe farmaceutici SpA·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Novel device detects COVID-19 antibodies in five minutes

A Brazilian team developed an electrochemical immunosensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, achieving 88.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity in just five minutes. The device can be adapted for other diseases and has potential for monitoring seroconversion and seroprevalence.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 29, 2022

New data suggests COVID vaccine design ideas with better variant resilience

Researchers found that antibodies against one of the two main domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry machinery elicit a broad antibody response against many variants. This suggests strategies for clinical development of variant-resistant vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In some settings, medical masks may offer similar effectiveness to N95 respirators for preventing COVID-19 infection among health care workers

A study of over 1,000 healthcare workers found that medical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection. However, the results varied across countries and were influenced by factors such as vaccine use and variant circulating during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 28, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 detection in 30 minutes using gene scissors

A new microfluidic multiplexed chip uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 and monitor antibiotic levels, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for managing COVID-19 patients. The test omits nucleic acid amplification and can be easily adapted to new virus mutations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 24, 2022

Scientists discover new mechanism associated with severe COVID-19

Researchers found an imbalance in an important immune system signaling pathway associated with severe COVID-19. They detected dysregulation of the immune system mediated by ATP, leading to a pro-inflammatory state and potentially fatal systemic inflammation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 23, 2022

New Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1 resistant to all therapeutic antibodies

A recent study found that the Omicron sub-lineage BQ.1.1 is resistant to all approved antibody therapies, posing a risk to high-risk patients. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing new antibody therapies specifically targeted at currently circulating and future viral variants.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022
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 vaccine gives substantial protection against reinfection

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination provides significant protection against reinfection, with varying levels of effectiveness (60-94%) across different variants. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people in Denmark and showed that vaccination offered up to 71% protection during the Alpha period...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Covid-19: the Spike protein is no longer the only target

A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateNov 22, 2022
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.

Fewer patients with PTSD survive COVID

Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 22, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the association of influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and associated outcomes

A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers may have found a new biomarker for acute COVID-19

A new potential biomarker for severe COVID-19 has been identified by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Elevated levels of the cytokine IL-26 are linked to increased inflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 17, 2022

Synthetic biology meets medicine: ‘programmable molecular scissors’ could help fight COVID-19 infection

Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
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.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

New nasal vaccine strategy could improve COVID-19 protection

Researchers have developed a new nasal vaccine that induces potent lung immunity and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. The vaccine approach, which targets the nose, airways, and lungs, has shown promising results in preventing COVID-19 infection.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022
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.

Evolutionary analysis shows SARS-CoV-2 variants converging

A new web-based tool called Taxonium is helping scientists track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses by analyzing massive genetic datasets. The analysis reveals that COVID-19 variants worldwide are repeatedly evolving the same mutations, suggesting a convergent evolutionary process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 15, 2022

How Covid-19 causes neurological damage

Researchers identified biomarkers that predict severe Covid-19 cases with neurological symptoms, offering potential targets for drug development to prevent consequential damage. They also found a link between impaired blood-brain barrier and excessive immune response.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2022
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.

Maintaining masking requirements at Boston Public Schools protected students, staff

A new study found that maintaining universal masking policies in schools significantly reduced COVID-19 cases among students and staff. The study showed that lifting masking requirements led to a substantial increase in cases, highlighting the importance of universal masking in reducing transmission.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 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.

Global COVID-19 infection rates may be higher than previously reported

A study analyzing seroprevalence data found that global COVID-19 infection rates are likely higher than reported, with 59.2% of the population seropositive as of September 2021. The study suggests that two-thirds of the global population may have antibodies from vaccination or infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

CHOP researchers find COVID-19 vaccination leads to higher antibody levels than natural infection in both pregnant people and their babies

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 9, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 alters RNA in infected cells, study reveals

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 increases methylation of host cell RNA, which can help the virus evade the immune system. This discovery provides insights into how different variants escape immunity and offers potential avenues for novel COVID-19 treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 9, 2022

Brain changes: The lingering effects of COVID-19

Research shows COVID-19 can cause long-term changes to brain function through inflammation, affecting mood, concentration, and cognitive abilities in both young and old patients. Millions are potentially affected by this condition, also known as Long COVID.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2022

Investigating COVID-19 deaths for children and young people

A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2022
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.

Study explores sex differences in the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in young adults

Researchers found significant immunological differences mediating sex differences in COVID-19 responses. Infected females had higher rates of symptoms but lower viral loads, with stronger immune response gene expression and molecular signatures.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Systems·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

How a SARS-CoV-2 virus protein damages the heart

Researchers identified how SARS-CoV-2's Nsp6 protein damages heart cells, hijacking their metabolism to cause damage. A drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, reduced this damage by blocking sugar metabolism, offering a potential treatment for long-term COVID-19 complications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022
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.

Getting to the heart of COVID-19 vaccination and its cardiovascular risks

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists shed new light on key differences in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

New insights on antibody responses to Omicron variants

Recent scientific studies have shed light on the effects of exposure to earlier SARS-CoV-2 forms on immune response to Omicron variants. Researchers identified a pan-variant antibody with ultra-potent neutralizing potency, which may help reduce treatment resistance.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2022

How severe is the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared with earlier variants?

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from March 2020 to June 2022 to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared to earlier variants. The study found that BA.2 was associated with lower mortality rates and reduced need for hospitalizations, invasive ventilation, and intensive care admissions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

Considering COVID a hoax is ‘gateway’ to belief in conspiracy theories

New research finds that believing COVID-19 is a hoax can lead to increased belief in conspiracy theories and even suspect the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. The study proposes the 'gateway conspiracy' hypothesis, suggesting that one conspiracy theory triggers distrust in institutions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 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.

Novel bioink capable of constructing physiological blood vessels

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a novel bioink capable of constructing functional and mechanically strong blood vessels. The bioink enables bioprinting of conduits with key physiological characteristics similar to native vessels, potentially serving as vascular models for grafts in surgeries and disease studies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

HKUMed, University of Michigan and Johannes Kepler University Linz jointly discover the pan-coronavirus antiviral activity and mechanism of the molecularly engineered banana lectin H84T-BanLec

A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Study shows inexpensive, readily available chemical may limit impact of COVID-19

Amino acid GABA shows promise in reducing disease severity, viral load and death rates in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. GABA administration inhibits inflammatory actions of immune cells, potentially providing a generalizable therapy to treat COVID-19 and future novel coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
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.

In pre-clinical trials, drug shows potential to combat exaggerated inflammation associated with COVID-19

A new study suggests that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, shows promise in combating exaggerated inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its inhibition of the inflammasome mechanism, a protein complex present in defense cells.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2022