A single dose of either the Pfizer or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers around 60% protection against infection from SARS-CoV-2 in residents of long-term care facilities aged 65 and over. Vaccination also reduces the risk of transmission and infectivity, with a protective effect evident from 4 weeks after vaccination.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 23, 2021
Researchers analyzed 7,548 SARS-CoV-2 genomes to find associations between genomic variants and patient deaths. They identified a key mutation linked to changes in the viral spike protein, which plays a crucial role in viral entry.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a cost-effective method for detecting new coronavirus variants. The COVseq technology uses multiplex PCR and pooling to sequence thousands of viral genomes per week, making it an affordable solution for global surveillance.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021
A new study by NYU Langone Health researchers discovered a molecular mechanism hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 that makes it vulnerable to drug candidates. The study showed that coronavirus reproduction requires chemical changes made by the human protein METTL3, which can be inhibited by the compound STM2457.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 23, 2021
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 used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze whole-genome sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and COVID-19 mortality data. They identified a mutation in the spike protein linked to increased mortality, which was later found to be part of the P.1 variant.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalGenetic Epidemiology·DateJun 23, 2021
Researchers found no association in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates between healthcare workers wearing respirator masks and those wearing medical masks. The study suggests that mask utilization is not a significant factor in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission among healthcare workers.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 22, 2021
Researchers developed two groups of molecules that effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants, bypassing mutations and disabling viral entry. The nanobodies recognize a conserved region of the receptor binding domain, blocking viral entry even when human antibodies cannot.
An analysis of antibodies from over 8,000 undiagnosed adults found that nearly 5% of the US population harbored SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The highest positivity rates were among African Americans and young urban dwellers.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 22, 2021
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 by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that women ran slower in the presence of spectators but performed better in shooting than men. This challenges the social facilitation theory and suggests a gender-specific difference in response to audiences or lack thereof.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateJun 22, 2021
The Vigilant platform combines reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) with bacterial enzymes to detect SARS-CoV-2 gene sequences. This method produces comparably reliable results as PCR tests but is cheaper and easier to use, making it suitable for non-laboratory settings.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2021
Researchers analyzed 2.9 million households and found small, informal gatherings like birthdays contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Children's birthday parties are a potentially significant source of COVID-19 spread.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 21, 2021
Researchers mapped epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 to identify potential cross-reactive antibodies, expanding vaccine and therapeutic development options. The study suggests new targets for diagnostics and improved treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an adult who recovered from COVID-19 is reported, highlighting the importance of considering this rare but possible complication. Prompt treatment helped recover the patient. The authors suggest encouraging reporting of cases to facilitate research and improve outcomes.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2021
Researchers from Charité and University of Bonn identify four substances that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells, including niclosamide, a tapeworm drug. These findings suggest potential new treatment against COVID-19.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2021
Commensal gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria have been found to produce compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2. The researchers screened dominant gut bacteria for activity against the virus and discovered several compounds with potential therapeutic value.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers investigated two SARS-CoV-2 variants and found that patients with these variants were less likely to be asymptomatic. Despite no increase in viral load, the variants showed higher transmissibility, leading to increased hospitalization rates.
A study of 300 rheumatism patients found 9% SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rates for IgG, IgM, and IgA, with higher titres in symptomatic patients and those with obesity and multiple comorbidities. The study confirms that the true spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is broader than previously thought, particularly among vulnerable populations.
SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 18, 2021
Researchers from the University General Hospital in Valencia, Spain, analyzed the local transmission pattern of SARS-CoV-2. The study found that the virus was mainly spread through human-to-human contact, with cases primarily reported in urban areas.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 18, 2021
Researchers develop nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells that bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, accelerating viral clearance and reducing lung injury. The therapy could be effective against emerging variants of the virus.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 17, 2021
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 new study found that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the testes of infected hamsters, a finding with implications for men's health. The virus was detected in the testes of all infected hamsters during the first week but tapered off over time.
SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMicroorganisms·DateJun 17, 2021
Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021
Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.
SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021
Researchers identified three previously undiagnosed COVID-19 cases in a UK hospital from throat swabs collected between January and March 2020. The study suggests that testing should have been made available to hospital patients with compatible symptoms earlier in the pandemic.
SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateJun 16, 2021
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments. The sensor uses atomic-level vibrations to identify COVID-positive samples, with results evident in under five minutes.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 16, 2021
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A study of 3,758 individuals found that those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatologic disease, or organ transplants had longer positive PCR test results. The median length of time for negative results was 16-22 days in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised groups respectively.
SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2021
A new study reveals that wastewater sequencing can detect emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants like B.1.1.7 up to 8 weeks before they become prevalent in clinical cases. This early warning system provides a more accurate picture of virus circulation among humans, including asymptomatic individuals.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJun 15, 2021
Researchers analyzed 24,000 blood samples and multiple antibody testing platforms to discover SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than reported. The findings expand on previous studies suggesting the virus was present in the US as early as December 2019.
SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2021
A study by Yale researchers found that the common cold virus can trigger an immune response that halts replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Exposure to rhinovirus was shown to protect against COVID-19 infection, with the immune system responding rapidly to the threat.
SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 15, 2021
The study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels and symptom severity in patients with the virus. Researchers discovered that higher RNA levels were linked to more severe symptoms, suggesting a possible correlation between viral load and disease progression.
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.
Care home residents over 70 have a delayed and weaker immune response to vaccines compared to younger individuals, making them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections. This phenomenon has been confirmed by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 11, 2021
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. However, monoclonal antibody therapy may be less effective against these variants.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 10, 2021
A recent US study estimated the incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children among people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant association between MIS-C and severe COVID-19, highlighting the need for vigilance and prompt medical attention.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 10, 2021
New research from Imperial College London found that warmer temperatures and higher population density contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, policy interventions such as lockdowns and social distancing remain the most important drivers of disease spread, even in seasonal variations.
SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2021
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 found that intermediate-sized respiratory droplets emitted while speaking can carry significant amounts of virus and remain suspended in air for minutes. These 'speech droplets' pose a considerable risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021
Researchers analyzed brain scans of 193 COVID-19 patients, finding a link between brain imaging and the virus's presence in cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests hyperintense lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement are indicative of inflammation rather than infection.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateJun 9, 2021
Researchers found that a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine generated strong immune responses against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study suggests non-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses may contribute to protection against COVID-19, particularly in regions with variant prevalence.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 on hospital floors and surfaces, especially after patient onset of symptoms. The virus was often accompanied by the bacteria Rothia, which strongly predicted its presence.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 9, 2021
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inactivates human proteins crucial for immune response, cardiovascular function and blood clotting. This link may explain COVID-19 symptoms of heart damage, blood clots and inflammation.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateJun 9, 2021
A real-world study found the first dose of the BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine to be highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization. The study revealed a significant reduction in infection rates among vaccinated individuals, highlighting the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2021
Researchers found COVID-19 causes a wide range of organs, including the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) with significant mortality rates. Studies showed viruses were directly detected in kidneys of deceased patients, correlating with age and comorbidities.
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 new SARS-CoV-2 variant, T478K, has been identified in over 50% of viruses in North America, particularly in Mexico, where it spreads rapidly among all age groups. The mutation in the Spike protein alters its interaction with the human receptor ACE2, potentially hindering drug efficacy and immune system antibodies.
SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateJun 4, 2021
Researchers at George Mason University discovered that the over-the-counter drink Respiratory Detox Shot (RDS) may broadly inhibit respiratory viruses such as influenza. RDS contains nine herbal ingredients traditionally used in Eastern medicine to manage lung diseases.
SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalCell & Bioscience·DateJun 3, 2021
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found a promising treatment for COVID-19 using the drugs cepharanthine and nelfinavir, which show potential in suppressing SARS-CoV-2. Computational models predict combined therapy could hasten clearance of the virus from patients' lungs.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournaliScience·DateJun 3, 2021
A study of over 1,500 UK dental professionals found 16.3% had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, highlighting the occupational risk of infection. The study also showed ethnicity was a significant risk factor and that COVID-19 vaccination provided rapid and high antibody responses.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 2, 2021
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.
Researchers tracked mobile phone data from millions of users in US metropolitan areas, finding that lower-income neighborhoods had significantly less time at home during the lockdown. Education level also played a role, with higher-income neighborhoods and those with more college degrees spending more time at home.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateJun 1, 2021
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infected various organs in children, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations, including abdominal pain, heart failure, and seizures. The study suggests that the virus's direct action on tissues is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response in children.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 1, 2021
The study found diABZI to be highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The drug stimulates interferon signaling, reducing viral loads and cytokine production in the lungs.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 28, 2021
A study found that cancer patients had lower SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels compared to healthcare workers. Health care workers in Japan had higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, indicating a possible immune response to the virus.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers investigated mRNA vaccination response in Israeli cancer patients. Patients with cancer who received the vaccine showed seropositivity, indicating an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in this vulnerable population.
A study in Lombardy, Italy found that SARS-CoV-2 reinfections are rare events, with patients who have recovered from COVID-19 having a lower risk of reinfection. The observation was limited by the timing of the study, as variants had not yet spread.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021
Scientists from Scripps Research have discovered a cross-reactive coronavirus antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-1 and other coronaviruses, including those causing the common cold. The finding is a promising development for the eventual development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2021
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers developed a DNA vaccine encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which induced long-lasting antibodies in mice and hamsters. The vaccine showed protective efficacy against COVID-19 infection in hamsters, with no loss of body weight or viral RNA in their lungs.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 27, 2021
A new study found that an inhalable nanobody-based treatment can effectively prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections in Syrian hamsters. The treatment, PiN-21, prevents significant weight loss and eliminates the virus after 10 days, regardless of the original route of viral entry.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2021
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital uses an ultrasensitive test to detect circulating antigen in vaccinated individuals, showing a strong immune response. The test found evidence of low viral protein levels followed by antibody production and clearance of proteins from the blood.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 26, 2021
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers analyzed PCR samples from over 25,000 COVID-19 cases to estimate infectiousness. Viral loads were found to be lowest in young children and increased with age. The study provides new insights into the B.1.1.7 variant and highlights individual differences in infectiousness.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2021
Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that human T cells can target more than 1,400 sites on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, revealing a broad and diverse immune response. This analysis can help monitor effective responses to COVID-19 vaccines and track variations in T cell responses.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 25, 2021
Researchers at the University of Oxford and their international team have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 RNA interacts with host cells, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks more than 100 cellular proteins to replicate, providing a potential target for antiviral treatments.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 25, 2021
Researchers developed a method called SARSeq that enables large groups to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 with the same sensitivity as regular PCR tests. The method processes up to 36,000 samples in less than 48 hours and is highly specific and scalable.
SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have identified GRP78 as a molecular chaperone that plays a crucial role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, offering a potential new therapy to combat COVID-19. Targeting GRP78 with therapies could provide additional protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2021
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that neutralizing antibodies and infection-enhancing antibodies are produced after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection-enhancing antibodies increase infectivity, which is more common in severe COVID-19 patients.