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.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 10, 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 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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 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.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceTufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 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.
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.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.
SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 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.
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.
SourceWiley·JournalInfluenza and Other Respiratory Viruses·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
SourceRice University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
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.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateFeb 7, 2022
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a greater risk for common pregnancy complications, including cesarean delivery and preterm birth. The study also highlighted the importance of vaccination to protect pregnant women and their babies.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 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.
A study at a midwestern university examined the relationship between vaccine coverage and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants during in-person learning. The results showed a correlation between higher vaccination rates and reduced spread of variants, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccines in mitigating COVID-19 transmission.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 3, 2022
A study found that severe COVID-19 is associated with endothelial dysfunction, strong inflammatory processes, and a dysfunctional immune system. The researchers discovered seven plasma proteins linked to severe disease, which are also involved in the regeneration of the endothelial barrier during recovery.
SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022
Researchers detect four cryptic variants of SARS-CoV-2 in NYC wastewater samples, suggesting possible animal origins. The variants' mutations could help identify the next variant of concern for COVID-19.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 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.
A team of researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in more areas of the Olympic village than clinical testing indicated. The study found that daily screenings missed asymptomatic and post-quarantine patients, highlighting the need for alternative methods.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022
A new Northwestern Medicine study found a probable variant of concern, eta, circulating in Nigeria in early 2021, but was grossly underreported globally. The study discovered that eta had characteristics of a variant of concern and outcompeted the alpha variant in West Africa.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2022
The first US peer-reviewed study on omicron patient outcomes found significant differences in infection behavior. Ominron patients are significantly younger, have increased vaccine breakthrough rates, and are less likely to be hospitalized compared to patients with alpha or delta variants.
SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022
Research shows that mask mandates are effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission in rural US counties with lower population density. The study found a 16.9% reduction in cases after mask mandates were introduced.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022
A combined treatment strategy targeting SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and severe lung tissue injury is essential to minimize lung sequelae. Researchers are exploring therapy using lung epithelial stem and progenitor cells to mitigate virus-induced inflammatory storm and promote tissue regeneration efficiently.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews·DateFeb 2, 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.
A study has identified specific signaling pathways that determine when immune cells develop into long-lived protective T cells. The researchers found a distinct molecular signature of these memory cells, which helps to unravel the complex way in which immunological memory is formed and maintained.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022
The novel vaccine combines immune focusing and self-assembling nanoparticles to elicit a strong protective response. In animal studies, it showed higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than existing vaccines and protected mice from death in lethal challenge experiments.
SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
Scientists have found evidence that carnosic acid in rosemary can block SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce inflammation. The compound has been shown to inhibit the powerful inflammatory pathway active in severe COVID-19 and other diseases.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 1, 2022
A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022
Researchers at MedUni Vienna have developed a new Covid-19 mouse model that can be used to study the disease mechanisms and develop effective treatments. The model uses viral mutations that enable efficient virus infection and replication in mice, allowing for the study of symptoms and potential therapies.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournaleLife·DateJan 31, 2022
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.
Scientists at UC Riverside and UCLA have engineered nanoparticles to serve as 'molecular traps' that bind to SARS-CoV-2, preventing it from attacking macrophages and inducing inflammation. The findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for treating COVID-19-associated diseases.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022
A novel analysis applied to anonymous location information from mobile devices helped health officials stem community outbreaks and allocate testing resources. The study successfully predicted initial waves of cases, localized outbreaks, and areas of high transmission risk.
SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2022
A study by the University of Leeds found that changing drills from air-powered to electric drills can significantly reduce aerosol spray and create a safer environment for patients and dental teams. The research resulted in a 99.98% reduction in virus spread, potentially allowing millions more treatments to be carried out.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJan 31, 2022
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 new study aims to improve antibody responses in kidney and liver transplant recipients to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses, exploring the impact of reduced immunosuppressive medication. The CPAT-ISR trial will enroll up to 400 adults with a history of organ transplants and evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJan 31, 2022
Researchers found that current COVID-19 vaccines provide robust protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron variant through induced cellular immunity. The study showed that CD8+ T cell responses were over 80% cross-reactive with the original strain, suggesting a key role in vaccine protection.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022
A Dartmouth study reveals that consumers using at-home COVID-19 self tests may misinterpret the implications of their test results, leading to either unnecessary or inadequate quarantine. The study suggests that individuals at high risk for infection should still quarantine after a negative test result.
SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022
A large real-world study published by Israel's Clalit Research Institute found that parental vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine decreased the risk of infection for unvaccinated children by 58.1%, regardless of household size or child age. Vaccination also reduced transmission from infected parents to their unvaccinated children.
SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 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.
A Rutgers study found measurable airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of most homes where COVID-19 infected individuals were isolating, suggesting airborne transmission beyond isolation rooms poses a risk to other occupants. The study also showed that infected individuals often did not strictly adhere to self-isolation protocols.
SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022
A Brazilian study found that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in patients for over a month before becoming negative on diagnostic tests. Researchers tracked 38 COVID-19 patients and found that the virus remained detectable in three cases for more than 70 days, raising concerns about quarantine periods.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2022
Researchers developed a school simulation model that shows how the virus spreads in different settings and calculates the effectiveness of measures against its spread. The model reveals that elementary and lower secondary schools can keep reproduction rates below 1 with classroom ventilation, wearing masks, and class size reduction.
SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022
A team of researchers from Boston University School of Medicine has identified extracellular vimentin as an attachment factor facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry into human endothelial cells. The study found that depletion of vimentin significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection, while over-expression with ACE2 increases the infection rate.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
A recent study found that adding a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine to fully vaccinated adults elicits an immune response and is safe. The trial, sponsored by the NIAID, used 458 adults who received a full regimen of any EUA or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 26, 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.
A new portable $51 testing kit can provide fast and reliable COVID-19 detection in resource-poor regions, refugee camps, and disaster zones. The non-invasive saliva sampling system uses a technique similar to PCR testing, with costs comparable to commercial tests.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
The Omicron variant diverged from previous variants through adaptive evolution, with more than 30 mutations in its spike protein. The team found evidence of positive natural selection and partial immune evasion contributing to its rapid spread.
Researchers at George Washington University have created a blood test that can identify COVID-19 infections and predict their severity. The test detects changes in neutrophil activity and T-cell response, which can help doctors determine the best treatment plan for patients.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022
Lab tests show current anti-COVID pills remain effective against omicron, but available antibody therapies are substantially less effective. Researchers tested various treatments and found that some antibodies have lost their ability to neutralize omicron at realistic dosages.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 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.
Researchers have determined the precise structural changes in omicron's spike protein, which allows it to evade antibodies against previous variants. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new countermeasures, such as vaccines or therapeutics, against omicron and future coronavirus variants.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
A new study finds that breakthrough infections following vaccination and natural infection followed by vaccination provide roughly equal levels of enhanced immune protection. Researchers at OHSU found that both groups generated greater levels of immunity compared to those who were vaccinated with no infection.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
A new study reveals the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a wide range of antibodies effective against both Delta and Omicron variants. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies could be improved by leveraging this broad immunity.
SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
Researchers found a markedly increased risk of carditis associated with BNT162b2 vaccination, particularly in adolescents after the second dose. The study's findings highlight the need for refined vaccination strategies to balance risk and benefits across different sub-populations.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJan 24, 2022