A computer simulation found that rapid SARS-CoV-2 tests detected almost 90% of infectious travelers at the airport, while a five-day quarantine was effective in preventing importation of infections. The study suggests standardized testing and quarantine policy could minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 22, 2021
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.
Researchers found associations between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 test results in White and Black individuals, with higher levels linked to positive test results. The study suggests that racial differences in vitamin D levels may play a role in varying COVID-19 outcomes.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2021
A large-scale study in Denmark reveals that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected from catching it again for at least six months. However, elderly patients are more prone to reinfection, with only 47% protection against repeat infection compared to 80% for younger people.
A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021
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.
A new study found that some air purifiers, marketed for COVID-19, can create a suite of other pollutants. The devices, which use ionizing technology, can decrease some VOCs but increase others, including harmful substances like formaldehyde and ozone.
SourceColorado State University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateMar 16, 2021
Recent studies suggest that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by elevated inflammatory markers and autoantibodies. Researchers have documented significant elevations of five inflammatory markers in patients with POTS, similar to those seen in other autoimmune disorders.
SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateMar 15, 2021
Scientists have developed a technique to identify Parkinson's based on compounds found in sebum, a oily substance that coats the skin. The test shows promise for diagnosing the condition quickly and painlessly, with 85% accuracy.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2021
A study found that US states with Republican governors experienced higher COVID-19 cases and deaths after mid-summer, possibly due to differing policies. The analysis suggests that governor party affiliation may contribute to public health policy decisions, influencing the pandemic's impact.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 10, 2021
A new study led by Yale University suggests that home testing for SARS-CoV-2 could significantly reduce total infections and mortality at a reasonable cost. By providing households with rapid antigen tests to identify potential contagion, individuals can self-isolate before spreading the disease.
SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021
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 global collaboration of over 15,000 surgeons found that delaying surgery for at least seven weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis significantly reduces mortality risk. Patients operated within two weeks of diagnosis have higher postoperative death rates.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new colorimetric RT-LAMP assay called Cap-iLAMP, which extracts viral RNA from gargle lavage samples. The improved testing method outperforms previous methods, reducing false positives and increasing detection accuracy.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2021
A study found SARS-CoV-2 present on ocular surfaces in 52 of 91 patients with COVID-19, suggesting potential detection through non-invasive methods. The virus may also be detected when nasopharyngeal swab results are negative.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 4, 2021
Scientists developed a new model to assess the efficiency of group testing for COVID-19, accounting for dilution effects and detection limits. The model optimizes group size to minimize false negatives and determine contaminated individuals in a population.
SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 4, 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 proposed a novel protocol for pooling COVID-19 tests to monitor spread and detect outbreaks in closed communities. The method accounts for false-negative test results using mathematical models that estimate the risk of diluting positive samples.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 4, 2021
A rapid microbiological point-of-care test for respiratory infections has proved popular with GPs and may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. The study found that clinicians changed the diagnosis in one in five patients following testing and were more certain of the diagnosis after detecting a virus or bacterium.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFamily Practice·DateMar 3, 2021
Researchers at UC San Diego used sewage-handling robots to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and predicted COVID-19 cases with excellent accuracy. The system extracts RNA from sewage samples, runs PCR to search for virus signature genes, and can process 24 samples every 40 minutes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 3, 2021
Swollen lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination can be managed with proper documentation and follow-up care. Imaging centers should document vaccination information to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created coronavirus-like nanoparticles to serve as positive controls for COVID-19 tests, ensuring reliability and accuracy. These new controls can be used with existing tests or adapted to newer assays, making them a valuable tool for mass testing in underserved areas.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 2, 2021
Researchers developed a rapid and cost-effective early warning system using high-throughput analysis of wastewater samples to detect new COVID-19 cases. The system automates most analysis, enabling quick turnaround time and reducing human error.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateMar 2, 2021
A new study found that the Binax NOW rapid antigen test is comparable to PCR testing in adults with symptoms of seven days or less. However, the test detected lower rates of COVID-19 cases in symptomatic children, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and potential use of PCR confirmatory tests.
Researchers developed a new method called biological activity-based modeling (BABM) to identify promising drug compounds. BABM uses a compound's activity patterns to predict its effectiveness against a new target or in a new drug assay.
SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 1, 2021
Researchers developed a model to identify optimal pooled testing strategies that require minimal expertise and resources. This approach can increase the number of infections identified by up to 20 times per day compared to individual testing, making it a powerful tool for public health efforts.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2021
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.
Researchers have developed a novel test to identify viral infections in uncultured bacterial populations, enabling faster and more affordable detection. The test, which involves fusing viral and bacterial genes together, allows for the tracking of viral infections and potential environmental consequences.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 25, 2021
Researchers developed two new rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19, one to detect variants and another to differentiate with other illnesses. These tests use the CRISPR/Cas9 system and can produce results in under an hour.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalBioengineering·DateFeb 23, 2021
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a mathematical model to assess the clinical sensitivity of various COVID-19 test kits. The study found significant variations in test accuracy, with some assays missing up to 60% of positive cases.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2021
Researchers at King's College London found that restricting COVID-19 symptom testing to the 'classic triad' of cough, fever and loss of smell may have missed up to a third of cases. Extending the list to include fatigue, sore throat, headache and diarrhoea detected 96% of symptomatic cases.
SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Infection·DateFeb 18, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive antibody test that can detect all known human coronaviruses, including new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The test uses 29 immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2 and has been validated with a high specificity and sensitivity rate.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCommunication Research·DateFeb 16, 2021
A portable, suitcase-based laboratory provides rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 testing in regions with limited infrastructure. The mini-lab uses a recombinase polymerase amplification method, producing results in under 15 minutes.
SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 11, 2021
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that a mail-in sperm testing kit can accurately analyze semen up to 52 hours after collection, surpassing the current one-hour test. This innovation allows men to provide specimens from home, improving flexibility and accessibility for fertility evaluations.
SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 11, 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 algorithm detects hidden fingerprints in routine blood test results to identify people silently developing liver cirrhosis. The CIRRUS algorithm has an accuracy rate of 90% and can pick up over 70% of cases months or years before emergency admissions.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 11, 2021
A new study from the University of Chicago found that asymptomatic cases contribute to community transmission, making up at least 50% of driving force of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This finding supports the crucial role of mask wearing and social distancing in reducing community transmission.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2021
Researchers screened over 1,100 point-of-care COVID-19 tests and identified 5 direct (antigen/RNA) tests and 6 indirect (antibody) tests that meet the WHO 'desirable' Target Product Profile criteria. These tests have been found to be effective in detecting acute and prior infections.
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 new machine-learning framework estimates actual COVID-19 infections in the US and 50 countries, revealing severe undercounting. The model suggests that cumulative numbers of actual cases are at least five times higher than confirmed cases in some countries.
A US study published in The Lancet Public Health journal suggests that weekly COVID-19 testing with a two-week isolation period is the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus in high-transmission areas. Monthly testing and one-week isolation are more cost-effective when transmission rates are low to moderate.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 4, 2021
A study of over 200,000 veterans found that delays in colonoscopy after an abnormal stool blood test increase the risk of colorectal cancer and death. Colonoscopy within one year of an abnormal stool test is recommended to prevent polyp progression and stage migration of colorectal cancer.
SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 2, 2021
A new study found that delaying colonoscopies after abnormal at-home screenings by over 12 months increases the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death. The odds of being diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer increased by approximately 33% at 16 months.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 2, 2021
Researchers developed a 10-minute COVID-19 diagnostic test using nanoparticles that can detect IgG antibodies and is priced at about 1/5 of similar devices on the market. The test costs around $5.50, or 30 Brazilian Reais, once approved by ANVISA.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateFeb 2, 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.
The Holonyak lab team has developed a simple, 15-minute sample-to-answer test for detecting COVID-19 antibodies at a cost of less than $2 per test. This low-cost test demonstrates great potential for widespread use in various settings, including clinics and physician offices.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalTalanta·DateFeb 1, 2021
BIOinFOOD's new test uses genetically modified brewer's yeast to detect SARS-CoV-2 presence in saliva, promising high sensitivity and speed. The test is expected to be available by mid-2021 and may use red light for easy identification.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 29, 2021
Researchers at UArizona are developing a COVID-19 testing method that uses a smartphone microscope to analyze saliva samples, delivering results in about 10 minutes. The method combines the speed of existing nasal swab antigen tests with the high accuracy of PCR tests.
SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 29, 2021
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 review found that routine surveillance is unlikely to affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings, and may even have unintended negative consequences. Low infection rates among asymptomatic healthcare providers make routine testing impractical.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 28, 2021
Experts argue that UK government should focus on supporting people in high-risk occupations and living conditions with free accommodation, income protection, and job security. A lack of resources and fear of financial consequences are major barriers to self-isolation, leading to low adherence rates among certain groups.
Researchers have developed ultra-absorptive nanofiber swabs that can absorb and release more viruses and biological specimens, improving the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. The new swabs detected SARS-CoV-2 at a 10-times lower concentration than traditional cotton or flocked swabs.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 27, 2021
A new electrical detector has been developed for the fast and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, allowing for rapid point-of-care testing with a turn-around time of around 10 minutes. The device uses graphene field-effect transistors to detect RNA and offers an ultra-low limit of detection of 0.1 fg/mL.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJan 25, 2021
A UK modelling study suggests that completing the WHO-recommended 14-day quarantine period after COVID-19 exposure can prevent 59% of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Testing people on the seventh day of quarantine with a PCR or lateral flow antigen test may reduce quarantine time to 7 days without raising transmission risk.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJan 20, 2021
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.
Researchers developed a simple, affordable test to detect hidden blood in feces, helping identify those at risk of developing colorectal cancer. The test has shown exceptional performance in detecting the disease in patients with low-risk symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJan 18, 2021
A study found that sudden deaths outside the hospital in New York City followed the geographic distribution of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting an association between the two. The rate of sudden death in 2019 was also predictive of increased sudden deaths during the pandemic surge.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 18, 2021
Scientists have developed a rapid blood test that can predict which COVID-19 patients are at highest risk of severe complications or death. The test measures mitochondrial DNA levels in the bloodstream, which is linked to cell death and inflammation.
Researchers developed a versatile antibody test to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, detecting asymptomatic cases and finding suitable blood samples for therapies. The study offers a powerful tool for controlling the pandemic, with approximately 80% of donor blood samples being potentially suitable.
Experts warn that the Innova lateral flow test lacks supporting evidence and may cause serious harm. The government's plan to widen its use risks misleading the public about test accuracy and implications. Experts call for pause in rollout and clearer messaging on risks until better data is available.
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 research team at Florida Atlantic University has developed a simplified COVID-19 testing protocol that detects minimal quantities of SARS-CoV-2 using saliva samples. The protocol requires minimal molecular biology equipment and expertise, making it easily adaptable to high-throughput platforms.
A recent study published in MMWR found that shortening the length of COVID-19 quarantine for college athletes can increase compliance without increasing risk. The analysis showed that nearly 49% of positive test results occurred within the first two days of quarantine, and the positivity rate decreased over time.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateJan 12, 2021
Experts argue that UK government's mass testing strategy in schools risks spreading COVID-19, particularly if pupils test negative and return to class. The 'serial-testing' approach is criticized for its reliance on inaccurate INNOVA rapid lateral flow tests, which may not rule out COVID-19 in symptomless individuals.
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 massive community-based testing blitz in San Francisco found that COVID-19 infections disproportionately affect the city's Latinx low-income workforce, with 79% of positive results coming from this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address the ongoing pandemic and support vulnerable communities.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 11, 2021
A study of 1,733 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China found that 76% experienced at least one symptom six months after initial infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, and anxiety or depression.
The researchers are developing two self-administered scratch-and-sniff smell tests to detect COVID-19. The first test identifies odors such as smoke, strawberry, chocolate, and onions, while the second test reveals sensitivity to different concentrations of the same odor.
A study found that supervised, self-administered swabs were as effective as professional-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. The researchers identified cases where antigen tests missed infections were associated with low viral loads, but correctly identified high-load samples.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateDec 21, 2020
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 reliable COVID-19 test developed by Anglia Ruskin University professor Stephen Bustin could reduce virus spread by cutting false negatives and delivering faster results. The Cov2-ID test targets three viral genes, achieving 100% accurate results from nearly 30 patient samples.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2020
Researchers are developing a low-cost, easy-to-use platform to diagnose viral infections in point-of-care settings. The novel technology has high sensitivity and specificity, detecting viral proteins with high accuracy.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateDec 16, 2020
The Innovation Partners Institute at Purdue University has launched a new technology tool, KeepOthersSafe, to help organizations monitor COVID symptoms, track test results, and connect users to support tools. The app uses interactive questions to reinforce healthy behaviors based on CDC guidelines.
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.