Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021
A novel quantum-based sensor has been developed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus with high accuracy and speed. The sensor uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond to detect minute perturbations in the presence of viral RNA, enabling fast and reliable detection.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 21, 2021
A new aptasensor has been designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva samples, offering higher sensitivity than antigen-based sensors. The sensor can detect concentrations as low as 0.5 nanomolars and works quickly and cheaply.
SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2021
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.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new methodology called E-beacon that can detect SARS-CoV-2 with reliable results in under 2 hours. The E-beacon uses enzymatic beacons to recognize specific sequences in the virus' spike gene, producing a brighter light signal with increasing virus nucleic acid presence.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalChemBioChem·DateDec 20, 2021
Researchers evaluated the quality of supporting evidence for FDA emergency use authorizations of COVID-19-related diagnostic tests, medical devices, and treatments. The study found that some authorizations lacked adequate evidence to support their approval.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 20, 2021
The Lancet infographic reviews COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The study suggests that improved test accuracy could aid in pandemic control measures.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
The CDC found flaws in the assay design and contamination of one component, leading to false positive reactivity in negative controls. A redesign and improved quality control measures have since been implemented.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
University of North Carolina researchers have created a rapid sensing COVID-19 test strip using the natural biology of epithelial cells. The test is inspired by the virus' affinity for sugars in the glycocalyx matrix.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
A new blood test developed at Hebrew University of Jerusalem detects immune and inflammatory activity in tissues by monitoring circulating DNA fragments. This method provides accurate information about immune processes in remote tissues, removing the need for invasive measures.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Researchers developed an RNA-based breath test called the Bubbler that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath, revealing a more direct indicator of current infection. The test also provides additional information on viral load and strain identity.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 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.
The Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test (PASPORT) has been developed with a two-stage process, producing results in minutes and enabling sensitivity comparable to laboratory-based PCR tests. The test's sensitivity was 97% in a clinical study involving over 100 participants.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeCase study·DateDec 8, 2021
A large field hospital study shows that a rapid Covid-19 test is as accurate as PCR detection, with high sensitivity rates for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The rapid antigen test's ease of use, time savings, and cost effectiveness make it an ideal solution to reduce testing disparities in medically underserved communities.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateDec 7, 2021
A new analysis of the COVID Pass tool found that daily symptom attestation helped identify over 100 cases of COVID-19 among healthcare workers. The study suggests that these tools can play a crucial role in preventing transmission events, particularly when combined with testing and proper care.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 6, 2021
A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.
SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021
A local health department in Indiana used surveillance data to identify neighborhoods with high disease burden and set up test sites, resulting in a decline in new cases among targeted groups. The success of this intervention highlights the importance of using data to address systemic racism and promote health equity.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 2, 2021
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 study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who survive severe Covid-19 have a significantly greater chance of dying over the next year. The risk is highest for those under 65, with a 233% increased chance of dying compared to uninfected individuals.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021
Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.
SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021
Researchers have developed a device that detects viruses in seconds from blood samples with 95% accuracy, significantly improving over current rapid tests. The optical sensor uses nanotechnology to accurately identify viruses, making it a promising technology for early treatment and virus detection.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 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 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A new protocol has been developed to identify potential false-positive COVID-19 results, particularly in asymptomatic non-exposed individuals. The method involved retesting all positive results from such patients, revealing 20 out of 288 initial positives to be false positives.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPathology - Research and Practice·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 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.
A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.
SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2021
A new test can determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies within 10 minutes, allowing for larger-scale screening and mass monitoring. The rapid cellulose pull-down viral neutralisation test has been developed using protein engineering technology and offers quick results with high accuracy.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateNov 12, 2021
Researchers at East Carolina University have discovered a new way to detect SARS-CoV-2 by testing air passing through building ventilation systems. The method revealed the presence of the virus in air samples with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and reduced transmission.
SourceEast Carolina University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 10, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers found that rapid antigen tests can detect COVID-19 in saliva samples with high sensitivity early in infection, but later in infection the tests lose sensitivity. Saliva-based tests may offer a more comfortable and convenient option for diagnosing COVID-19, especially in children or younger unvaccinated students.
SourceLund University·JournalInfection Ecology & Epidemiology·DateNov 10, 2021
A study of nearly 2000 healthcare workers found that being vaccinated against COVID-19 decreased asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection detection compared to unvaccinated staff. Vaccination status was associated with reduced risk of infection.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 10, 2021
Researchers found that omitting or altering the buffer solution can generate false positive results, highlighting its essential role in test function. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for public health worldwide, as the rapid antigen test has been distributed to over 120 countries.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identified as cost-efficient strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study suggests that desynchronization of teams had limited effectiveness due to economic constraints.
SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021
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.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2021
Researchers at UC San Diego have created a CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic technology that detects SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19. The new SENSR system is designed to simplify SARS-CoV-2 detection with a goal of eventual adaptation for in-home use.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
The NIH emphasizes the need to engage with vulnerable communities in research design and implementation to ensure safe in-person schooling during COVID-19. This approach addresses significant gaps in previous studies conducted primarily in affluent neighborhoods.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 4, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A study by the Universities of Basel and Saarland found almost no risk of coronavirus infection in football players, contradicting previous assumptions about team contact risks. The research team collected data from over 1,300 cases and concluded that outdoor sports with minimal physical contact pose a very low risk of infection.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 2, 2021
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published new guidelines to improve the US' ability to respond to emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The recommendations focus on better collaboration between public health, clinical laboratories, and government agencies.
SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 1, 2021
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a deep neural network that detects disease biomarkers with high accuracy, achieving 98 per cent detection of peptide features. This breakthrough could enable earlier and more accurate disease detection through tissue sample analysis.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2021
A new breath test developed by Ohio State researchers can identify COVID-19 infections in critically ill patients with high accuracy. The non-invasive technology uses nanosensors to detect specific biomarkers in exhaled breath, allowing for rapid screening and exclusion of non-infected patients.
SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2021
A mathematical model suggests that high test administration, short testing delays, and intense non-pharmaceutical interventions decrease SARS-CoV-2 infection burdens. Increasing testing capacity can reduce reliance on costly interventions like distancing and shutdowns.
SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 28, 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.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021
Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021
Researchers developed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins without antibodies, giving results within minutes. The technology enables rapid diagnostics for Covid-19 and future pandemics, reducing economic loss.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 2021
A study of 5,000 simulated undergraduates found that weekly surveillance testing was associated with a substantial reduction in infections. Even at low vaccine effectiveness rates, quarantine protocols were effective in reducing infections by up to 93.6%.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A team of researchers at the University of Warwick has demonstrated a novel glycan-recognition technology for detecting SARS-COV-2 using sugars. The prototype devices showed promise in identifying COVID-19 positive swabs across various viral loads, including variants of concern.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 15, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateOct 15, 2021
A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021
Researchers developed a computational method to estimate new infection rates from genomic sequences, revealing decreased case detection in Europe during summer 2020 due to relaxed testing criteria. The study also highlights the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 spread.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 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 team of researchers developed a new nanomechanical technique to fast-track the detection of COVID-19 variants. The method provides real-time insights into infection immunity and enables direct classification of variant-binding properties.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNanoscale Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021
Researchers evaluated D-Dimer blood test to rule out blood clots in COVID-19 patients, finding it effective. The study also highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 8, 2021
A team of scientists has developed an air sampling surveillance system that can detect COVID-19 in indoor environments, producing a higher detection rate compared to surface swab samples. The system's potential for early warning of infection risks makes it valuable in hospitals and nursing homes.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalIndoor Air·DateOct 8, 2021
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
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 found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalViruses·DateOct 7, 2021
Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.
SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021
Studies found distinct patterns in nasal microbiota of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, with symptomatic patients showing reduced bacterial counts and increased presence of certain bacteria. The findings suggest that altered microbiota may impact immune response to the virus.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalDiagnostics·DateSep 28, 2021
Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.
Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021
Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 23, 2021
Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications·DateSep 23, 2021
A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Researchers found that salivary HR-HPV DNA can detect HPV-driven head and neck cancers (HNC) in most patients at the time of diagnosis. The study showed a clear survival advantage for salivary HR-HPV-positive patients, with high-risk strains detected in most cases.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
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.
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 16, 2021
A new study confirms that Rockefeller University's saliva test is as sensitive, if not more so, than FDA-authorized nasal and oral swab tests. The test has been used tens of thousands of times to identify and isolate infected individuals on campus and has the potential to improve safety in communities.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2021