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Can a smart app encourage HIV-self testing in Canada?

A new smartphone and tablet application called HIVSmart! has been evaluated among an at-risk population in Montreal, showing that it is feasible and accepted by the community. The study found that 99.3% of participants who self-tested negative received counselling, while 98.8% found the app useful.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of International Medical Research·DateNov 30, 2018
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 produce six antibodies to combat Zika virus

Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 29, 2018

At-home HPV tests could be powerful tool for hard-to-reach US women

A pilot study from Ohio State University found that mailing at-home HPV tests to hard-to-reach women resulted in an 80% return rate, with about a quarter testing positive for cancer-causing HPV. The study aims to explore the potential of at-home testing as a tool to increase screening rates among underserved communities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateNov 28, 2018

ECDC issues integrated hepatitis and HIV testing Guidance

The ECDC Guidance promotes integrated testing strategies to reduce undiagnosed cases of hepatitis B, C, and HIV. The guidance outlines key principles, including accessibility, confidentiality, and linkage to care, to improve public health outcomes by 2030.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateNov 23, 2018

PCORI board approves $54 million to support comparative effectiveness research

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $54 million to fund 12 new studies comparing different treatments for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and age-related hearing loss. These studies aim to answer important questions that can inform patient care and outcomes.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateNov 20, 2018

Eyes of CJD patients show evidence of prions

Scientists have discovered evidence of infectious prions in the eyes of deceased Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of this fatal neurodegenerative disease. The finding raises concerns about the safety of routine eye exams and corneal transplants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateNov 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cellphone technology developed to detect HIV

A portable and affordable mobile diagnostic tool utilizing nanotechnology can detect HIV viruses from a single drop of blood. The device offers high detection precision and is suitable for individuals with limited access to medical care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2018

Mailed HPV tests can help find women at-risk for cervical cancer, study finds

Researchers found that mailing self-collection kits to test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection detected high-risk HPV in all cases of women with high-grade, abnormal cervical precancerous growths. This approach has the potential to boost cervical cancer screening, especially among low-income women who are overdue for testing.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 7, 2018
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.

The Lancet Oncology: For new HPV DNA test, study finds there may be little benefit in screening women aged 55 with a negative test

A new modeling study suggests that older women who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a DNA test may be at low risk of cervical cancer and could safely stop screening. However, regular cytology screening up to age 75 can still prevent cancers and is recommended for countries using HPV testing.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 1, 2018

Biomarker blood test confirms remission in patients with HPV+ oral cancer

A highly sensitive liquid biopsy test detects minute traces of cancer-specific DNA, accurately determining whether HPV+ oral cancer patients are free from cancer following radiation therapy. The test reduces the need for costly radiological studies and provides a more precise count of tumor DNA in the blood.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

Texas Biomed scientists researching Ebola-malaria connection

Researchers aim to understand how malarial infections impact people exposed to Ebola virus, with a goal of developing tailored therapeutics for co-infection cases. The study will assess molecular impacts using an animal model and may involve testing in nonhuman primates.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·DateOct 17, 2018

Lassa fever vaccine shows promise and reveals new test for immunity

A new Lassa fever and rabies vaccine has demonstrated effective protection in animal models of disease, suggesting a new way to test for protection against the virus. Researchers have also identified a new surrogate measure of protection that could aid in vaccine development.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

New techniques can detect Lyme disease weeks before current tests

Researchers have developed new techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, indicating active infection and enabling quicker treatment. The new direct tests detect DNA or protein from Borrelia burgdorferi, increasing the accuracy of an early diagnosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 11, 2018

Glow-in-the-dark paper as a rapid test for infectious diseases

Researchers developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip that can detect the presence of infectious diseases using antibodies in blood, offering a quick and affordable alternative to traditional lab tests. The test measures antibody concentration by analyzing blue-green light produced through bioluminescence.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 3, 2018
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.

Lupus discovery could help manage disease in African patients

Two variants of autoimmune disease SLE were identified in black Africans, including one previously unacknowledged. This breakthrough enables better management of the disease in southern Africa, where incidence and mortality rates are high.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateSep 17, 2018

Simple test detects disease-carrying mosquitoes, presence of biopesticide

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify the species of mosquitoes that carry diseases such as Zika virus and dengue. The tool uses a smartphone camera and detects the presence of biopesticide Wolbachia, which helps curb disease transmission. With high accuracy of over 97%, this innovative technology represents a significan...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

Unexplained illness in Tanzania puts pathogen discovery to the test

Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateAug 22, 2018

Research informs new national cervical cancer screening recommendation

A comprehensive analysis found high-risk HPV testing excellent for detecting pre-cancerous cells and cancer, with a higher detection rate compared to Pap smears. The research also showed that while high-risk HPV tests are effective, they can lead to more treatments with potential harms due to false positives.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·DateAug 21, 2018

Annual pap test a 'thing of the past?'

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer every three to five years with primary hrHPV test alone or co-testing. This new approach aims to reduce participant burden and increase efficiency in cervical cancer screening.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 21, 2018
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.

$20 blood test could help diagnose hepatitis B patients across Africa

Researchers developed an accurate diagnostic score that uses two simple blood tests to identify patients in need of treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus. The test was found to be as accurate as existing methods but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for sub-Saharan Africa's poorest regions.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJul 1, 2018

Infection blood test of limited value in reducing antibiotic use

A new study found that a procalcitonin biomarker test had little impact on reducing antibiotic use for patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections. The trial involved 1,656 adult patients and showed that physicians already commonly withheld antibiotics based on clinical signs alone.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2018

Plug-and-play diagnostic devices

The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2018
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.

There's a better way to screen for cervical cancer

A new study suggests that high-quality cervical cancer screening can be effectively done using automated technology, which could improve coverage in underserved regions. The researchers developed a novel risk score algorithm based on computer-scanned liquid-based slide features to separate HPV-positive women for treatment.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 11, 2018

New blood test found to predict onset of TB up to two years in advance

A new blood test has been developed to predict tuberculosis (TB) development in high-risk individuals, such as those living with active TB, up to two years before its onset. The 'RISK4' signature measures the expression levels of four genes associated with inflammatory responses and shows improved accuracy compared to existing tests.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 6, 2018

A high-specificity test detects prior infection by Zika virus

A new serological test developed by Brazilian scientists detects antibodies against Zika virus in blood serum with high specificity, outperforming existing tests. The test aims to improve prevention policies for pregnant women and provide more accurate diagnoses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMar 28, 2018
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.

New test extends window for accurate detection of Zika

A new blood test for Zika virus can detect the virus up to 8 weeks after infection, providing a powerful tool for screening pregnant women and adults. The test, called ZIKV-NS2B-concat ELISA, is faster, less expensive, and more accurate than existing options, with rates of false positives and false negatives of less than 5%.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateMar 6, 2018

How reliable is diagnostic testing for Zika?

A study by German Center for Infection Research scientists found that molecular diagnostic tests for the Zika virus in Brazil were not always reliable, resulting in false-positive or false-negative results. This highlights the need for reliable diagnostics to prevent fatal consequences and inform preventive measures.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

First multiplex test for tick-borne diseases

A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateFeb 16, 2018

Organ-on-chip technology enters next stage as experts test hepatitis B virus

Scientists at Imperial College London have developed an organ-on-chip technology to study the interaction of pathogens with artificial human organs. They tested the artificial liver's response to hepatitis B virus infection, revealing intricate mechanisms of immune evasion that could be exploited for future drug development.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2018
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 better HIV test

A new test developed by Stanford chemists combines the convenience of spitting in a cup with the reliability of blood tests to detect HIV infections earlier. The test was shown to correctly diagnose 22 people and demonstrate improved sensitivity compared to existing saliva tests.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Older hospitalized adults are infrequently tested for influenza

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 19, 2018

New test shows when body is fighting a virus

A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 21, 2017
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.

New evidence supports HIV screening in young adulthood

A study suggests that age 25 would be the most beneficial age for a one-time screening HIV test of the general population, improving rates of HIV diagnosis and overall health outcomes. However, youth at high risk should be tested more frequently.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 19, 2017

At long last, a urine test for accurate tuberculosis detection

Scientists have developed a noninvasive tuberculosis test that can detect active infections in HIV-negative patients using urine samples. The test, which traps sugar molecules found on the TB bacterium's outer coat, has shown increased sensitivity and accuracy compared to previous methods.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 13, 2017

Second HIV test helps prevent incorrect HIV diagnosis in infants

A new study suggests that a second HIV test can substantially reduce incorrect diagnoses in infants, saving costs on unnecessary treatment. The study found that confirmatory testing reduces the number of infants incorrectly diagnosed with HIV by 99.6%, leading to cost savings over a lifetime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017
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.

Transgender women take triple the number of HIV tests as trans men

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that transgender women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to receive HIV testing than trans men, whites, or those with stable housing. The research aimed to identify barriers to HIV testing in urban transgender individuals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTransgender Health·DateNov 1, 2017

Pregnant women should be tested more than once for the presence of Zika

A new Brazilian study found that pregnant women with confirmed Zika diagnosis should be tested multiple times due to the intermittent presence of the virus in their urine. The study detected Zika virus in some women's urine for up to seven months after previous tests indicated a non-existent viral load.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 1, 2017
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.

Risk for developing HPV-related throat cancer low

A new study suggests that the risk of developing HPV-related throat cancer remains generally low, making mass screening for oral HPV infection unnecessary. The study found that current tests for oral HPV infections are not very predictive of oropharyngeal cancer risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 19, 2017
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.

Integrated lab-on-a-chip uses smartphone to quickly detect multiple pathogens

A multidisciplinary team has developed a novel platform to diagnose infectious diseases at the point-of-care using a smartphone and credit card-sized test kit. The system achieves detection limits comparable to laboratory-based methods in about 30 minutes, enabling rapid diagnosis and improved disease control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2017