A recent study led by Georgetown University researchers found that city wildlife may not be a significant threat for future pandemics. Urban-adapted animals host roughly ten times as many diseases, but after adjusting for sampling bias, the risk of human-infective viruses is no greater than in rural areas.
SourceGeorgetown University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers have identified a new strain of the myxoma virus that has enabled it to leap from European rabbits to Iberian hares, causing lethal disease in both species. The study suggests that this viral adaptation may also improve the virus's ability to replicate in human cancer cells.
SourceArizona State University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
Research suggests that EMFs can cause Alzheimer's disease by building up calcium levels in brain cells. This increase leads to changes in the brain, which develop conditions for Alzheimer's. The study highlights the importance of reducing EMF exposure to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 25, 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.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker that predicts East Coast fever tolerance in cattle, paving the way for breeding programs and potentially reducing livestock losses by up to 100%. The discovery could also lead to more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices in Africa.
SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022
Key signalling pathways blocking by existing drug candidates limit CCHF virus reproduction. The findings offer hope for patients affected by this deadly disease, which has a high mortality rate in humans.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that increasing sun exposure in rehabilitation facilities can enhance health and recovery in green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis. Vitamin D levels increased significantly in turtles exposed to higher UV light, leading to less tumor regrowth and improved overall health.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAnimals·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
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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 at UCF have identified 116 new gene variants in sea turtles that may protect them from a tumor-causing disease. The discovery sheds light on the role of MHC class I alleles in potentially safeguarding sea turtles against fibropapillomatosis.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalViruses·DateMar 2, 2022
A new variant of the Hendra virus has been detected in Australian horses, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The discovery was made possible by a seven-year effort to create a network of frontline veterinarians and researchers aiming to detect new viruses.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 23, 2022
Researchers examine the complex relationship between bushmeat consumption and global health, finding that Western definitions of progress may overlook local cultures. By reframing conservation perspectives, they aim to create a more balanced narrative around this contentious trade.
SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 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.
A new study suggests that implementing primary pandemic prevention actions, such as better surveillance and wildlife management, can reduce the economic costs of emerging infectious diseases by up to 10%. These actions have a substantial co-benefit of preventing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving water supplies.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 4, 2022
Researchers are using a salamander virus to predict the future of biodiversity amid a changing climate. The study aims to create better models to understand how climate change and infectious diseases interact, with potential implications for conserving species at risk of extinction.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a new host protein interaction in chickens that triggers a strong immune response against viral infections. The discovery sheds light on the differences between bird and human immune responses to zoonotic viruses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
A study from North Carolina State University demonstrates the accuracy of a less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health using dried blood spots. Researchers found that this method is comparable to traditional techniques, allowing for easier and less stressful data collection from wild populations.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022
A high protein diet may harm polar bears, with captive bears showing signs of kidney disease and shorter lifespans. Researchers propose adopting a diet with a fat-protein ratio similar to that found in the wild to improve bear health and longevity.
SourceWashington State University·JournalZoo Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 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 UCF researcher is developing nanotechnology to detect and mitigate emerging animal-borne infectious diseases. Her team aims to create an active material that will change color in the presence of pathogens, significantly reducing the work involved in mosquito trapping and analysis.
A UTEP research team found SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in over a third of Texas deer blood samples, indicating widespread infection among white-tailed deer. The study suggests that deer should not be neglected as a possible source of human infection.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateDec 23, 2021
Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 22, 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 report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of risk management to deal with complex environmental risks. Experts from academia and government have identified key sources of data and interventions to reduce multiple types of risk, including air pollution, food insecurity, and zoonotic diseases.
Humans developed natural genetic resistance to anthrax by having a diet of more ruminants and experiencing agricultural practices, leading to fewer anthrax receptors. European populations showed an even greater reduction in anthrax receptor expression compared to other human populations.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2021
Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical modification in the protective molecular bag of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, allowing it to move effectively and cause disease. The discovery, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals that the bacteria acquires this unique sugar modification from ticks.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 30, 2021
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 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.
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2021
A new study has found that increasing temperatures and heavy rainfall reduce the prevalence of Varroa mite disease in UK honey bee colonies, while heavy wind reduces its severity. Climate change is predicted to impact the risk of European foulbrood disease, with a hot spot identified in the South West England.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 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 aim to predict and contain the spread of SCTLD by tracking coral immune responses. The study will examine which factors contribute to a successful immune response, where corals can recover and survive.
A new vaccine has shown significant protection against Valley fever in dogs, offering hope for a potential human vaccine. The study found that two doses provided high levels of protection against the fungal disease.
SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalVaccine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021
A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021
A study explores how human activities on land can affect aquatic animals, specifically the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii. The research found that terrestrial hotspots were likely where spores settled before infecting marine mammals in the Salish Sea.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 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 have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021
Research at Florida Atlantic University found that green sea turtles in polluted environments have impaired immune systems, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The study suggests a positive feedback loop where pollution compromises immunity, making turtles more prone to Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021
Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021
A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that opioids can control gut immune responses, reduce colonic inflammation, and even promote the growth of regulatory T cells. The findings suggest that KNT-127 could be a promising therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.
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.
Research found a strong correlation between Aβ42 peptide levels in companion dog brains and cognitive decline, supporting the use of dogs as models for Alzheimer's disease. The study's results demonstrate the potential of canine cognitive dysfunction as a tool for understanding human aging and age-related diseases.
SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021
Carnivorous animals lack key genes needed to detect and respond to infection, making them asymptomatic carriers of disease-causing pathogens. This can lead to the formation of undetected disease reservoirs that can mutate and become a risk to human health.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 24, 2021
Global health practitioners urge integrating surveillance of zoonotic diseases into health security intelligence systems to effectively handle future pandemics. Companion, zoo, and shelter animals pose significant risks due to limited monitoring and stress levels, leading to potential transmission of animal infections to humans.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 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 new approach to modeling infectious diseases considers ecological and anthropological contexts, predicting disease emergence and spread. This framework integrates disease agents into general ecosystem models, enabling scientists to simulate pathogen behavior and predict risk.
SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 18, 2021
A new study by the University of Sydney suggests that climate change and environmental pressure are key factors in predicting the emergence of pandemics. The researchers found a link between higher human population density, forest coverage, and disease diversity, particularly in countries with larger land areas and more dense populations.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMar 29, 2021
A new study by Oxford Brookes University warns that the legal wildlife trade poses a significant risk of spreading zoonotic diseases, with many diseases originating in animals. The researchers emphasize that monitoring the legal trade is crucial to prevent future pandemics.
SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateMar 4, 2021
A study examines nearly 1,000 Instagram posts and finds that most gorilla trekking tourists were close to the animals without face masks on, risking disease transmission. Strengthening tour regulations is crucial to protect these already imperiled great apes from further threats.
SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 16, 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.
Aged African green monkeys developed severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with symptoms similar to those in human cases of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests these monkeys may be suitable models for studying severe forms of COVID-19.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 19, 2021
The study suggests that tropical peatlands could reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of new diseases jumping from animals to humans. Conservation efforts in these areas could mitigate zoonotic disease transmission, protect human health, and strengthen arguments for their conservation and restoration.
Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 9, 2020
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.
Bats use unique strategies to tolerate zoonotic viruses, preventing overactive immune responses that protect them from diseases. The team identified mechanisms that balance key proteins involved in immunity and inflammation, enabling bats to harbour pathogens without getting sick.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
A $100M program will utilize a large consortium of wildlife and human disease experts to reduce the risk of zoonotic viral spillover and spread. The program aims to enhance capacity in Africa and Asia to identify and respond to spillover events.
A recent Oregon State University study found that disease-spreading mosquitoes are more abundant in human-impacted areas than in protected national parks. The study suggests that modifying habitats may be a more effective strategy for reducing disease-carrying mosquito populations.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2020
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.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that depleting the key protein Reelin can protect against multiple sclerosis symptoms and promote recovery. By reducing monocyte adhesion on blood vessel walls, Reelin levels may be a novel way to treat MS.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020
A new study found that animals carrying diseases known to infect humans are more common in landscapes intensively used by people. The research suggests altering land use to reduce the risk of future spillovers of infectious diseases.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020
Researchers recommend a decentralized disease surveillance system to monitor pathogens in wildlife and humans, expanding beyond human disease outbreaks to encompass broader understanding of pathogens. The network aims to provide early warnings of spillover potential and assist in containment and development of therapeutic treatments.
SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020
A global system is proposed to monitor wildlife pathogens and prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks. Decentralized surveillance using portable molecular diagnostic technology could identify emerging diseases before they become global health crises.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020
A mathematical model reveals that territorial behaviors can dampen disease prevalence, but at the cost of increased disease persistence. This study suggests that indirect communication could play a more important role in disease transmission than previously thought.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 11, 2020
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 animals' movement across their territories can lower the number of infected but increase disease persistence within populations. This finding challenges traditional views on disease transmission and highlights the importance of considering individual animals' movement in studies.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 11, 2020
Changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, alter animal behavior, leading to increased disease emergence in humans. Research highlights the need for further studies on disease spread and its link to animal ecology, pathogen ecology, and land-use change.
A team of experts has conducted a review study on the impact of land-use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, on the behavior of animals and the risk of disease transmission to humans. The study reveals that there are significant gaps in understanding how these factors affect the spread of diseases from mammals to humans.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 3, 2020
Researchers found that high-infection plant species in flowering strips increase pathogen intensity in bumble bee colonies. However, exposure to these strips also boosts bee reproduction, highlighting the complex relationship between food resources and disease in pollinators.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
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 methylene blue reduces tissue damage, inflammation, and degree of necrosis in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. The drug also improves heart rate and blood pressure in animals.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateMay 5, 2020
A new study reveals the emergence of a deadly viral disease in UK honey bee colonies, with clusters of chronic bee paralysis becoming more frequent. The disease is caused by a virus that leads to infected bees dying within a week, resulting in whole colonies being lost.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020