Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.
Researchers found that Neem bark components target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging coronavirus variants. The study showed the bark extract was effective in reducing virus replication and spread in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells.
The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists identified 16 compounds that affect SARS-CoV-2 enzymes Mpro and PLpro, which are essential for viral replication. The team found that combining Mpro and PLpro inhibitors has an additive antiviral effect, providing greater inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These findings offer hope for developing new COVID-19 treatments t...
A Brazilian study of 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021 found that vaccination was the sole predictor of mortality in those over 60 with kidney failure. Vaccination also reduced hospitalization risk among non-vaccinated patients with comorbidities.
A UC Riverside-led study has identified a potential antiviral therapy for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme. The research reveals that subgroup 2b PLpros selectively target specific host immune pathways, making them a promising target for future coronavirus therapeutics.
Researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 variants can emerge more quickly than expected, driven by a short-lived increase in mutation rate. This phenomenon was observed in variants such as Delta, which emerged within six weeks of its ancestral form.
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.
Researchers have identified larazotide acetate as a promising treatment for multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe condition. The study showed rapid improvement in symptoms and faster resolution of gastrointestinal issues among children treated with the drug, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy.
A genomic study found that England's 14-day quarantine measures for travelers helped prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, particularly among 16-20 year olds. The study analyzed contact-tracing data and genome sequences to track the spread of genomes from imported cases.
A novel technology has been developed for fast and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples using a flow virometer that utilizes fluorescent light markers. The device achieved high sensitivity and specificity in a blind test on over 50 patients, outperforming commercial antigen tests.
A new low-cost, portable instrument uses photonic technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with high sensitivity and speed. The device can measure small quantities of virus like PCR tests but is as fast as rapid antigen tests.
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.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.
Researchers developed artificial Sars-CoV-2 virions to study the spike protein's interaction with host cells and its ability to evade the immune system. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop targeted therapies and vaccines.
An analysis of pre-Omicron data found that COVID-19 vaccines retain nearly all their ability to prevent severe disease up to six months after full vaccination. Protection against severe COVID-19 dropped by an average of 10 percentage points over the same interval.
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.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.
A new transistor-based technology has been developed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in blood serum and test the efficacy of new vaccines. The device allows for fast and real-time analysis, reducing response times and costs.
Researchers from Aarhus University have identified a unique immune cell called plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) that contributes to the body's fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pDCs use two separate alarm systems, TLR7 and TLR2, to recognize viral particles and initiate antiviral and inflammatory responses.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet reveals that natural killer cells respond to a specific peptide on the surface of infected cells. This peptide triggers an activation response in NK cells carrying the NKG2A receptor, allowing them to kill virus-infected cells.
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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.
Developed by University of Seville researchers, the new methodology has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.5%. It can detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and synthetic viruses with minimal equipment and training.
New study reveals that T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can predict protection against infection. In healthy individuals, T cells with a specific cytokine profile offered immunity against COVID-19. In contrast, cancer patients showed lower T-cell responses and increased susceptibility to infection.
A study of 296 children aged 5-14 found that self-collected nasal swabs were effective for COVID-19 surveillance testing. The method was deemed feasible and with minimal errors.
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.
A new review of COVID-19 hospitalization data found no reduction in mortality for patients treated with vitamin D, vitamin C, or zinc. However, treatment with vitamin D may be associated with lower rates of intubation and shorter hospital stays.
A new study from Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals that parents in low-income communities are more likely to discuss COVID-19 preventative behaviors with their kids, reducing stress for both families. Despite higher risk of infection, these communities exhibit lower rates of worry and disease burden.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
During the first 18 months of the pandemic, Great Britain's subjective wellbeing mirrored death rates, indicating a strong correlation. Lockdowns only had a short-term impact on depressed mood, with effects lasting only three weeks.
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.
A new study suggests that small respiratory particles can remain moist and airborne for a longer time and greater distance than previously recognized. The mucus shell surrounding these particles likely reduces evaporation rates, keeping viral particles infectious for up to 30 minutes and traveling distances of up to 200 feet.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a human nose organoid model that replicates the complex interactions between human cells and viruses. The model showed divergent responses to SARS-CoV-2 and RSV infection, providing insights into disease progression and potential new therapies.
A team of scientists has identified specific interferon-alpha subtypes that elicit a strong immune response against Sars-Cov-2. These subtypes were found to be highly effective in suppressing the virus, even when combined with antiviral drugs like remdesivir.
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
A new study identifies COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities across four provinces, with concentrations of cases linked to social determinants of health such as income, housing and visible minority status. The study calls for city-specific public health supports tailored to communities at disproportionate risk of COVID-19.
A new US-based study published in PLOS Biology found that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected against reinfection for at least six months. The research analyzed data from 4,441 SpaceX employees and estimated an odds ratio of 0.14 to 0.28 for reinfection depending on the time period considered.
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.
A new study finds that certain COVID-19 variants can escape the human immune system's cytotoxic T cell response in a significant portion of the population. The researchers identified 1,222 epitopes associated with major HLA subtypes, covering about 90% of the human population.
Scientists at Scripps Research identified a common target on the spike protein of multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that can be targeted by a broad-spectrum vaccine. The discovery could inform the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies against future coronavirus pandemics.
Researchers found that sewer slime can accumulate SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which could decompose or slough off later. The slime's ability to hold onto the viral RNA was linked to the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases in late fall. Further studies are needed to assess its impact on wastewater epidemiology.
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.
A study by Stanford University found that NCAA D1 student athletes had similar SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rates as nonathletes, despite implemented transmission mitigation protocols. The research suggests that participation in intercollegiate athletics is not associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed an engineered antibody, FuG1, that can interfere with the cell-to-cell transmission ability of SARS-CoV-2. The approach targets the furin enzyme, which is critical for viral transmissibility, and could be added to existing SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails.
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.
A team of scientists has developed a three-dimensional airway model made from patient-derived stem cells to study COVID-19 infection. The model replicates the initial stages of infection and can be used to test potential antiviral drugs, with results showing that multi-ciliated airway cells are the primary entry point for the virus.
A clinical trial of niclosamide in COVID-19 patients found signals of benefit warranting further study. The medication showed potential in reducing contagiousness and symptoms, particularly in higher-risk populations.
A recent study published in Cell found that T cell responses are still robust against the Omicron variant in most individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, offering protection against severe disease. Booster vaccines can enhance T cell responses, substantially increasing immunity against severe COVID-19.
Researchers have confirmed an inhaled vaccine provides long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by targeting the lungs and upper airways. The vaccine induces broad respiratory mucosal immunity, outperforming traditional injected vaccines in terms of efficacy and dose requirements.
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.
Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.
Researchers developed a new reagent-free detection technique for SARS-CoV-2 using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning. The method shows an accuracy of 80% in detecting COVID-19 infections from saliva samples, overcoming limitations of RT-PCR testing.
Researchers examined Kappa and Delta variant structures using cryo-EM, finding Delta's spike protein binds stronger with human ACE2 receptor. This explains the rapid global dominance of the Delta variant. The study provides insight into COVID-19 variants' evolution.
Researchers examined factors associated with disease severity and outcomes in 167,000 US children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Children's age, sex, and underlying health conditions were linked to varying levels of disease severity.
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.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that many cancer patients can build up sufficient immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after the third vaccination. However, patients with blood cancers may not develop protection due to immunosuppressive treatments.
Researchers attribute vaccine effectiveness to mutations shared with previous variants, resulting in relatively small severe cases and deaths among vaccinated patients. The study analyzed over 200,000 genomes and found identical mutations that could serve as targets for future vaccines.
Scientists sequenced the gene expression profiles of more than 170,000 individual cells to shed light on a key mystery: the role of Type I Interferons (IFN) during viral infections. The study reveals interferon plays a crucial role in clearing the virus by alerting immune cells, such as macrophages, to search and destroy infected cells.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in the exhaled breaths and coughs of individuals with COVID-19. The presence of virus RNA was mainly found in cough samples, but also in normal breaths and airway opening breaths.
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 nationwide study led by University of Utah Health found that pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are about 40% more likely to develop serious complications or die during pregnancy than those who aren't infected. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms was a key indicator of heightened risk of pregnancy complications.
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of antivirals to treat COVID-19 by combining brequinar with remdesivir or molnupiravir. The combinations inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human respiratory cells and mice, suggesting increased potency compared to individual drugs.
The Rice team created an easily manufactured adhesive silicone harness that improves the fit of light surgical masks, making them comparable to N95 and KN95 masks in terms of aerosol droplet stopping. The revised design includes a wider harness along the nose slope for better sealing.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A study identified eleven natural compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease, a key player in viral replication and transcription. The virtual screening approach used to discover these compounds has implications for the development of new antiviral therapeutics.
A study of 14 high-risk children found that convalescent plasma provided expected antibody levels without safety concerns. The therapy's effectiveness declined over time, highlighting the need for early administration.
The IEEE forum identified four major challenges to address during the pandemic: healthcare, screening, tracing, and treatment. The panel highlighted socioeconomic and education status as critical factors impacting mortality rates and hospital admission lengths.
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.