Researchers at the University of Surrey used non-invasive skin swabs to collect sebum from hospitalised patients and found it to be surprisingly accurate in detecting Covid-19. The study compared results with blood and saliva samples, revealing that skin swab tests scored around 0.88, close to the accuracy of blood samples.
A novel point-of-care biosensing device has been developed to detect measles virions in human saliva, potentially aiding in viral spread control. The device, smaller than a €1-cent coin or U.S. quarter, utilizes lab-on-a-chip technology and showed high accuracy in experiments.
Researchers found enteric viruses like noroviruses replicate in the salivary glands of mice and can be transmitted through their saliva, potentially explaining high infection rates worldwide. This discovery could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for diseases caused by these viruses.
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.
Researchers at Ural Federal University created a sensor to detect human saliva pH levels using a reusable, non-toxic fluorophore. The sensor can pick up small fluctuations in pH and provides accurate results in just 5-7 seconds.
A recent Binghamton University study found that women experience reduced stress levels on weekends due to increased downtime. The research also discovered that physically fit individuals relax faster and can benefit from incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.
A molecule in mosquito spit called sialokinin has been identified as a potential new target for vaccination against Yellow Fever, Dengue and Zika. Researchers found that sialokinin causes blood vessels to become permeable, allowing viruses to infect the host.
A wireless pacifier developed by researchers at Washington State University can monitor infants' electrolyte levels without the need for invasive blood draws. This non-invasive method provides real-time monitoring of sodium and potassium ion concentrations in saliva.
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 at North Carolina State University discovered that female German cockroaches averse to glucose reject male offers of body secretions containing sugars and fats. The study shows that glucose-averse females sense a bitter taste when mixing their saliva with the male secretions, ending the courtship ritual.
A new portable COVID-19 test can detect and differentiate the alpha variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from earlier strains in saliva samples. The test uses a genetic phenomenon called S-gene target failure to identify the alpha variant, and can be used at home or other settings.
Researchers identified ephrin ligands in saliva samples of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, strongly associated with severe diagnosis. Saliva analysis could provide a simple, non-invasive method to detect infections and guide care.
Genetic testing of saliva samples has been shown to be more quick and sensitive than nasal swab testing for detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus, with implications for improving public acceptance of COVID-19 testing and reducing healthcare worker risks
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.
New research from University of Utah biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer reveals that human mucus and saliva may prevent the spread of coronaviruses when dry on a surface. Mucins in mucus form a barrier around live virus, preventing infection by binding to sugars on viruses instead of cells.
A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...
A novel technology has been developed for fast and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples using a flow virometer that utilizes fluorescent light markers. The device achieved high sensitivity and specificity in a blind test on over 50 patients, outperforming commercial antigen tests.
A new low-cost, portable instrument uses photonic technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with high sensitivity and speed. The device can measure small quantities of virus like PCR tests but is as fast as rapid antigen tests.
Developed by University of Seville researchers, the new methodology has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.5%. It can detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and synthetic viruses with minimal equipment and training.
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.
Researchers developed a new reagent-free detection technique for SARS-CoV-2 using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning. The method shows an accuracy of 80% in detecting COVID-19 infections from saliva samples, overcoming limitations of RT-PCR testing.
Surveillance testing using saliva-based PCR tests significantly reduced community COVID-19 spread, catching 62% of positive cases in the Fall 2020 semester. By combining testing with mitigation strategies like masking and social distancing, Georgia Tech reduced positivity rates from 4.1% to below 0.5%.
A new portable $51 testing kit can provide fast and reliable COVID-19 detection in resource-poor regions, refugee camps, and disaster zones. The non-invasive saliva sampling system uses a technique similar to PCR testing, with costs comparable to commercial tests.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Young children and babies use saliva sharing as a cue to determine strong relationships and mutual obligations. Research found that babies expect people who share saliva to offer help when distressed, suggesting a vital skill for learning social relationships.
Researchers have developed a label-free detection technique that digitally counts intact SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in saliva or exhaled breath. The approach uses an aptamer attached to a biosensor to selectively recognize and capture viruses, providing lower cost and reduced time to diagnose infections.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
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.
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.
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 chewing gum infused with plant-grown ACE2 protein can neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva, potentially reducing transmission risk. The gum, developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, was tested on saliva samples from COVID-19 patients and found to significantly reduce viral load.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.
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.
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.
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.
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 The Journal of Sex Research found that higher testosterone levels are associated with having multiple partners in men and solitary sexual activity in women. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 4,000 adults, highlights the complex relationship between hormones and human sexuality.
A new study is examining the relationship between cytokines in saliva and COVID-19 infection to predict severity in children. Levels of two cytokines were found higher in those with severe COVID-19 compared to those without severe infection.
A team of researchers has developed a low-cost and low-waste device that uses Tootsie Roll candy as an electrode to monitor ovulation status or kidney health. The sensor works by detecting changes in salt levels in saliva, with preliminary tests showing promising results.
Researchers found that children tend to have similar levels of sulfur volatiles in their saliva as their parents, suggesting shared oral microbiomes. Children who produce high amounts of sulfur volatiles dislike raw Brassica vegetables the most.
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 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.
Researchers identified 99 saliva metabolites related to energy synthesis, digestion, growth, and cell health, with 21 metabolites differing between young and elderly individuals. Age-linked salivary metabolites reflect biological aging, including a 1.96-fold increase in ATP production in the elderly.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have identified food products that can alter a person's saliva to reduce the transmission potential of airborne pathogens. By adding ingredients like ginger, cornstarch, and xanthan gum to food products, people may be able to make masks more effective or even reduce their need for them.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that saliva protein adsorption is influenced by biomaterial surface properties, countering previous studies. The study lays groundwork for improving medical and dental implants' success by controlling the adsorption of proteins from blood plasma.
Weekly saliva tests contributed to low transmission rates among students, teachers, and staff at schools serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Safety protocols, including masking and social distancing, helped maintain low transmission rates.
A new genosensor, developed by a Brazilian research team, can detect the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva or other body fluids with high sensitivity. The device can analyze samples in 30 minutes for a cost of less than $1 per genosensor.
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 tabletop diagnostic device can detect COVID-19 from saliva samples in about an hour, with accuracy comparable to PCR tests. The device uses CRISPR technology and can be programmed to detect specific variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A new method for diagnosing celiac disease using saliva has been developed by researchers from the University of the Basque Country. This non-invasive approach can considerably reduce the number of endoscopies needed, making it a useful tool for screening patients suspected of having celiac disease.
A new saliva collection method involves self-collection by licensed dentists followed by mailing to a laboratory, demonstrating feasibility for large-scale analysis. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative for COVID-19 diagnostics, preserving saliva samples for up to 7-10 days at room temperature with stabilizers.
A new protocol processing saliva samples with a bead mill homogenizer improves COVID-19 detection rate and eliminates challenges of nasopharyngeal testing, researchers report. Saliva testing is found to be more effective than nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 detection in a study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
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 found that normal breathing indoors without a mask can transport virus-laden saliva droplets up to 7.2 feet in just 90 seconds. Masks significantly restrict this movement, reducing the distance to less than 6 feet after two minutes.
Researchers developed a portable saliva screening test that detects SARS-CoV-2 using infrared light technology, offering faster and more efficient testing than current gold standard RT-PCR. The new approach has significant advantages, including speed, ease of use, affordability, and reduced risk to patients and healthcare workers.
A new public platform catalogs and curates data on salivary proteins, providing rich evidence for noninvasive diagnostics and precision medicine. The Human Salivary Proteome Wiki aims to harness the full potential of saliva for diagnosis, risk prediction, and therapy.
A rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva has been developed, showing high accuracy and efficiency for mass-screening. The test uses chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) and can detect the virus within an hour.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate COVID-19 test using saliva samples that can detect as little as one viral particle. The device, called Scalable and Portable Testing (SPOT), is estimated to cost less than $78 and can be operated by anyone with minimal training.
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 new study from Ohio State University dispels the myth that dental procedures increase COVID-19 infection risk. The study found that watery solution from irrigation tools is the main source of bacteria and viruses in dental aerosols, not saliva.
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect specific cells in the salivary gland, which could play a role in transmission to the lungs or digestive system via saliva. The study found live cells from the mouth were present in saliva and the virus replicated within these infected cells.
A study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells in the mouth, potentially explaining widespread symptoms and enabling transmission through saliva. The study revealed RNA for viral entry proteins in certain oral tissues, suggesting these regions are susceptible to infection.
Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells in the mouth, leading to oral symptoms like taste loss and dry mouth. The study suggests saliva may play a role in transmitting the virus to the lungs or digestive system.
Researchers have identified distinct chemical signatures for concussion in the spit of elite male rugby players, suggesting a potential non-invasive diagnostic test. The findings could help diagnose concussions at all levels of participation, particularly at grass-roots levels where medical assessments are not readily available.
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 University of Birmingham-led study has identified a method to accurately diagnose concussion using saliva, providing a new laboratory-based non-invasive salivary biological concussion test. The test uses biomarkers that can indicate if a player has been concussed and provide insights into the body's response to injury.
Using numerical modeling of cough droplets' diffusion produced by coughs, researchers in Italy explore deactivating COVID-19 virus particles via UV-C light. They found that 1 meter of social distancing is not completely safe to avoid virus transmission, while 2 meters can reduce the risk by about 50%.
A study by Hokkaido University reveals that tick saliva contains prostaglandin E2, which suppresses the immune response of helper T cells in cattle. This finding could lead to better protection for cattle against tick-borne diseases.
Researchers found that air purifiers in elevators can increase saliva droplet dispersal and spread COVID-19. Installing an air purifier alters airflow significantly but does not eliminate airborne transmission.
Researchers found that high cortisol concentrations in newborn fawns were associated with lower survival rates. Cortisol levels varied between study areas, suggesting other environmental factors may influence mortality rates.
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 developed saliva-based testing as a sensitive alternative to nasal swabs. High demand for PPE revealed society's dependence on forced labor during the pandemic. No association was found between COVID-19 mitigation strategies and risk of preterm births or stillbirths. A new case report suggests a potential link between SARS-...
A portable saliva-based smartphone platform provides COVID-19 test results within 15 minutes, comparable to established laboratory tests. The approach uses a fluorescence microscope readout device paired with a smartphone to detect viral load from a CRISPR/Cas12a assay.