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SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, and how maternal COVID-19 vaccination could prevent stillbirth

A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAJOG Global Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 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.

Landscape of molecular contacts: How the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 communicates with human cells

A team of scientists has identified over 200 direct protein-protein contacts between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and human cells, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19. The study reveals chains of connections between viral proteins and infection-relevant human genes, with implications for disease severity and treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 19, 2022

A difficult key factor

Researchers used excess mortality data to calculate a significantly lower R0 value of 1.34 for SARS-CoV-2 infections in March 2020, contrary to earlier estimates which ranged from 1.95 to 6.49.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Blessing or curse? How the pandemic and the war impact energy transitions

The Covid-19 pandemic and European conflict have exposed the vulnerability of the global energy system, with reduced investments in clean energy projects and increased fossil fuel reliance. This is likely to create lock-in effects that could take decades to reverse, making a sustainable energy transition increasingly challenging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergies·DateOct 17, 2022
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.

Long COVID implications: increased health care use after infection with SARS-CoV-2

A study on long COVID found increased rates of healthcare use two months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly among women. The largest increase was seen in a small subset of patients, who required an extra week or more in hospital compared to uninfected individuals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

Protein IDs, drug candidates, show promise for COVID science

A comprehensive study reveals SARS-CoV-2 viral-to-human protein interaction network, showing how the virus hijacks human proteins. Researchers identified 23 candidate drugs, including an FDA-approved beta-blocker that shows promise in inhibiting viral infection.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 17, 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 Omicron subvariant largely evades neutralizing antibodies

A study reveals that BA.2.75.2, a new Omicron sublineage, largely evades neutralizing antibodies and is resistant to several monoclonal antibody treatments, posing an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections this winter.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Unvaccinated adult cancer patients with COVID seven times more likely to die from any cause than comparable patients without COVID infection

A recent study published in JMIR Cancer found that unvaccinated adult cancer patients with COVID-19 were seven times more likely to die from any cause of death compared to those without the infection. The study, conducted by researchers at Regenstrief Institute, analyzed data on adult cancer patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2020.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJMIR Cancer·DateOct 13, 2022
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.

NSF backs bid to speed environmental tests for viruses

Researchers at Rice University have received National Science Foundation support to speed up the analysis of wastewater for coronaviruses from hours to seconds. The team will develop bioelectric sensors that deliver immediate notice about the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

SourceRice University·DateOct 11, 2022

Independent Task Force on COVID-19 and other Pandemics: origins, prevention, and response

The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.

SourceEcoHealth Alliance·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2022
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.

Other SARS-CoV-2 proteins are important for disease severity, aside from the spike

Researchers identified genes that affect immune system response and replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Missing ORF3a/b gene led to milder infections, while missing ORF8 gene worsened lung inflammation. Spike protein severity varied across variants, with mutations in accessory proteins altering clinical presentation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic may have decreased breastfeeding

Research at LAC+USC Medical Center found a 11% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding and a 4% decrease in any breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Hospital staffing changes and access to breastfeeding training may have contributed to these declines.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 7, 2022
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.

Findings suggest COVID-19 rebound not caused by impaired immune response

Researchers analyzed eight patients who experienced COVID-19 rebound after taking Paxlovid and found robust T-cell responses. The study suggests that rebound symptoms could be driven by the cellular immune response to residual viral RNA rather than an impaired immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 6, 2022

Scientists shed light on COVID-19 booster dose effectiveness among the elderly in Japan

Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Mouthwashes may suppress SARS-CoV-2

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

New type of RNA discovered that inhibits a broad range of viral infections

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute discover new class of immunostimulatory dsRNAs that potently induce IFN-I production while limiting inflammation. The dsRNAs inhibit pandemic viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in mouse and human Organ Chip models.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Coronavirus formation is successfully modeled

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalViruses·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 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.

Masks saw more than 90% of deaf people struggle to communicate during pandemic

A University of Essex study found that over 90% of deaf people struggled to communicate while wearing masks, with 76% missing vital information and 59% feeling disconnected from society. The researchers hope their findings will inform public policy in future health emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2022

New drug has potential to turn COVID-19 virus against itself

A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 29, 2022

Positive effects of omega-3 on the immune system in cases of severe COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

A rapid, highly sensitive method to measure SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

A new method, EPISENS-S, has been developed to measure SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater with high sensitivity. This allows for the estimation of COVID-19 prevalence, including asymptomatic cases. The method was found to be approximately 100 times more sensitive than existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Did the pandemic change our personalities?

A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Blood test could predict who is likely to get long Covid

A blood test taken at the time of Covid-19 infection could predict who is most likely to develop long Covid. Researchers identified a 'signature' in protein levels that predicted persistent symptoms after one year.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2022

SARS-CoV-2: Fourth vaccination also protects cancer patients

A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 23, 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.

Acquired immunity against random food allergens may protect some lucky people against COVID-19

A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

DNA nets capture COVID-19 virus in low-cost rapid-testing platform

Researchers developed DNA nets to detect and impede COVID-19, offering a fast, sensitive, and low-cost testing platform. The technique also showed potential as an antiviral treatment, inhibiting the virus's spread in live cell cultures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study reveals breakthrough infections increase immunity to COVID-19

A new study from OHSU reveals that breakthrough infections following vaccination can provide a potent immune response against COVID-19, with increased protection for those 65 and older. The research found an equally strong immune response among people who received a third vaccine booster dose three months prior.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalMed·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Novel method to predict behavior of different COVID-19 waves in the vaccinated or previously infected

Researchers developed a faster, more affordable method to analyze serological data and predict COVID-19 wave behavior. The study showed that vaccination boosted immunity, with hybrid immunity producing higher protection levels. Antibody levels rose quickly after the first dose, especially in cities where case numbers were highest.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalVaccines·DateSep 22, 2022

Global consortium study, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, aims to shed light on viruses’ impact on the brain

A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022

Wind music causes less transmission than singing

A study by the Max Planck Institute found that playing wind instruments releases fewer viruses into the air than singing, but still more than breathing quietly. Wind instruments act as filters for larger particles, reducing transmission risk, while smaller particles spread further and pose a higher risk.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalJournal of Aerosol Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
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.

RNA-editing tool a fast, sensitive test for COVID-19

Researchers developed an engineered Cas13 system that detects SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples with high sensitivity and speed. The new platform outperforms traditional PCR testing, finding 10 out of 11 positives and no false positives in clinical samples.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Scientists have found a potential basis for a cure for coronavirus

Researchers found that salen can effectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, preventing destruction and potentially leading to new treatments. The study, published in Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, shows promise for developing effective coronavirus therapies.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalPolycyclic Aromatic Compounds·DateSep 22, 2022

Newly discovered COVID-like virus could infect humans, resist vaccines

Researchers have discovered a COVID-like virus in Russian bats that can infect human cells and is resistant to current vaccines. The new virus, named Khosta-2, poses a threat to global health and highlights the need for developing universal vaccines to protect against sarbecoviruses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 22, 2022

National study calls into question COVID-diabetes link in young people

A new Scottish study found no direct association between COVID-19 infection and increased type 1 diabetes risk in adults and children under 35, suggesting testing explanations for the observed link. Increased testing around the time of diagnosis may be partly responsible for the observed increase.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 22, 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.

Severe COVID-19 caused by “senile” interferon response in older patients, researchers suggest

A team of researchers found that aged mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited impaired type I interferon signaling and reduced levels of type II interferon IFN-γ, leading to increased susceptibility to severe disease. Treatment with IFN-γ protected these animals from severe illness.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

The longer the bootcamp, the better the antibodies

Researchers found that a 'slow delivery, escalating dose' vaccination strategy can prompt B cells to spend months mutating and evolving their antibodies, leading to more effective long-lasting vaccines. This breakthrough has implications for vaccines against pathogens like influenza, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeNews article·DateSep 21, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 mimics could accelerate vaccine research, make it safer

Researchers have developed SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) that can mimic the virus's behavior, allowing for safer vaccine development and testing. These VLPs could help scientists understand how the virus invades the central nervous system and potentially lead to more effective vaccines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateSep 21, 2022

Delayed intervention makes eliminating monkeypox more difficult

A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

How to tell the difference between Kawasaki Disease and MIS-C

UC San Diego researchers created the first diagnostic tool to differentiate between Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) using a novel artificial intelligence-guided algorithm. The algorithm achieved accuracy exceeding 90% with simple test results and physical exam features.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateSep 20, 2022

Canada needs a better detection system for respiratory pathogens

A better detection system for emerging and re-emerging respiratory pathogens is crucial in Canada, suggests a new analysis published in CMAJ. Waste-water testing, population-based testing, and genomic sequencing are key components of the proposed system.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 19, 2022
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.

Disease spillover risk poorly communicated, oversimplified during COVID-19 pandemic

A literature review found that only 53% of primary research supported the association between land change and zoonotic disease risk. Webpage content often overstated the evidence, neglecting uncertainty. The authors recommend more accurate and nuanced science communication to improve understanding.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 16, 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.