A computational protocol has been established by University of Kent researchers to accurately identify reactions that can result in successful drug candidates for Chagas disease. This approach reduces the need for trial-and-error, prioritizing promising compounds earlier and making the drug discovery process faster and more affordable.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalChemistryOpen·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2026
The inaugural US-based Chagas disease conference will strengthen research and patient care efforts in the US, building on recognition of the disease as a national concern. Approximately 300,000 Americans are infected with Chagas disease, and improved surveillance, testing, and research can help address severe heart complications.
A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateJan 6, 2026
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.
A simple echocardiography method analyzes myocardial deformation to predict cardiac complications in chronic Chagas disease. The study found that patients with a greater GLS value had a higher risk of death and complications.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 4, 2025
A new study found that over 30% of kissing bugs in Florida harbor the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. The researchers suggest preventative measures such as inspecting homes for entry points and removing wood piles to safeguard against transmission.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2025
Researchers at Texas A&M University and the University of Georgia are working on interventions to impact both canine and human health. The study combines field and laboratory research, treating dogs, measuring clinical outcomes, and studying ecological factors to advance Chagas disease research.
Researchers at Auburn University and FIOCRUZ have made significant strides in understanding Chagas Disease mechanisms through novel molecular dynamics simulation. The study identifies new potential targets for therapeutic intervention, which could lead to the development of drugs to block the infection process.
SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalBiochemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2025
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.
UTEP researchers have developed a new diagnostic method that significantly enhances the sensitivity of parasite detection in blood samples, making it a more reliable indicator of parasites in the blood. The method uses magnetic beads to extract parasitic DNA from blood samples, outperforming traditional silica columns.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 20, 2025
A landmark study led by ISGlobal found that combining rapid diagnostic tests with conventional serology improves access to diagnosis for Chagas disease. The prevalence of Chagas is six times higher in an indigenous community in Paraguay compared to the capital.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2025
Switzerland is affected by Chagas disease, a tropical disease that can cause severe cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. The Swiss government has established the Swiss Chagas Network to address this issue through coordinated measures.
SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalSwiss Medical Weekly·DateDec 20, 2024
A novel diagnostic test combining LAMP molecular amplification with a 3D printer-based DNA extraction system shows comparable sensitivity to PCR, offering a simple and rapid solution for detecting T. cruzi infection in newborns. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which was successfully applied in the study.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024
Chronic Chagas Disease can cause irreversible heart damage due to the destruction of adipose tissue by Trypanosoma cruzi, releasing particles that induce dysfunction. The study reveals that adipome release regulates immunometabolic signaling and promotes inflammation in cardiac remodeling.
SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically modify kissing bugs, opening a door to controlling Chagas disease. The new method, ReMOT Control, allows efficient and targeted editing of genes in eggs.
SourcePenn State·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024
The article discusses the high prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in naturally infected dogs and monkeys in the US, which can inform human infection detection and treatment strategies. This abundance provides a unique opportunity to advance solutions for Chagas disease, as information from other species can directly inform researchers on ...
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
SourceTulane University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateSep 5, 2023
UC researchers investigate signaling pathway of Trypanosoma cruzi to transform and reproduce, aiming to find better drug targets to kill the parasite. The study reveals crucial proteins involved in the parasite's survival and transmission, highlighting potential strategies for disease control.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study found nearly 2,800 Latin Americans were infected with the parasite causing Chagas disease upon arrival in Barcelona. The majority had heart lesions, emphasizing the need for screening and prevention programs.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2023
A 16-year analysis of Brazilian research funding reveals stagnant funding for neglected tropical diseases, including chikungunya, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and malaria. Systematic underfunding is observed even among these diseases, which are considered neglected tropical diseases.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 16, 2023
Researchers identified a genetic variant linked to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas megaesophagus, a disorder characterized by esophageal dilation and loss of motility. The study suggests that increased interferon-gamma production leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the development of the disease.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomedicines·DateDec 5, 2022
A new antiparasitic compound has shown 100% efficacy in eliminating T. cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, in mice and non-human primates. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to current medications with significant side effects and variable efficacy.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 8, 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.
Chagas disease affects 8 million people in the US and Latin America, causing significant healthcare costs and economic impact. Researchers are investigating a potential treatment using the carnitine molecule, which may help compensate for negative effects of infections and reduce drug resistance.
A nationwide survey in El Salvador identified areas with high Chagas disease transmission, highlighting the need for targeted vector control measures. The study suggests that continued efforts are necessary to combat this neglected tropical disease.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2022
Despite advances in biology and medicinal chemistry, research on schistosomiasis and other parasitic worm diseases remains at an early stage. Novel molecular targets and parasite signaling pathways may contribute to the development of new treatments.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDrug Discovery Today·DateJul 5, 2022
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMay 19, 2022
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.
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 found that Chagas trypanosomes change the bacterial community in predatory bugs' intestines, leading to a decrease in diversity and an increase in certain pathogenic bacteria. The study also identified four bacteria species crucial for bug survival, which could be used to develop defensive substances against the parasite.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022
Researchers have discovered that scorpion venom molecule VmCT1 is effective against all three stages of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Novel analogs with arginine substitutions displayed enhanced biological activity and better selectivity, offering new prospects for treatment.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalParasitology·DateDec 21, 2020
The metabolic state of a disease-causing parasite influences its resistance to current drugs, according to a new study published in eLife. The research found that the sensitivity of amastigotes to azole drugs increases significantly in the presence of certain concentrations of glutamine.
A new study examines local attitudes towards Chagas disease and its transmission, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive campaigns. The findings suggest that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping public perception, particularly regarding preventive measures and treatment options.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 30, 2020
A more intensive treatment schedule with currently available therapeutics has been shown to completely clear the infection in infected mice. Researchers used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to view intact whole organs from infected mice and found that a less frequent dosage of benznidazole could be effective.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020
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 new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine reveals that asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. The risk more than doubles among patients with acute infections, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 31, 2020
Researchers have synthesized novel lipophilic guanylhydrazones, finding that adamantane derivatives with hydrophobic bulky substituents exhibit synergistic trypanocidal activity. The most potent compound, G8, demonstrates nanomolar efficacy against T. brucei.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateApr 30, 2020
Combining two rapid diagnostic tests effectively diagnoses chronic Chagas disease in the field, showing a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 96.1%. High prevalence of infection was also observed in the region, highlighting the potential for these tests to detect infected individuals.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 19, 2019
Researchers report that two commercially-available rapid diagnostic tests can be combined for conclusive diagnosis of Chagas disease. The tests provided a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 96.1%, outperforming the conventional serological method.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 19, 2019
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.
A Brazilian consortium is working with international partners to develop new treatments for Malaria, Chagas disease and visceral leishmaniasis. The goal is to create a rapid-acting anti-malarial molecule that can eliminate the parasite without resistance development.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 26, 2019
Memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to reduce parasite levels by 40% and increase survival rates of mice with Chagas disease. The treatment also lowered parasite levels in the hearts of infected animals, providing a promising alternative therapy for this neglected tropical disease.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 19, 2019
Scientists have discovered that the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, responsible for Chagas disease, can reproduce sexually after analyzing its genomic code in unprecedented detail. The study reveals that some groups of parasites exhibit high levels of sexuality, while others remain abstinent.
SourceOhio University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019
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.
University of Alberta researchers found a critical protein called PEX3 in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment options for millions suffering from diseases. The discovery could lead to effective drug treatments that target and kill parasites without harming human hosts.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateAug 26, 2019
Researchers identified key genes involved in parasite adherence using a non-disease-causing species Crithidia fasciculata. The study found significant transcriptional differences between the swimming and adherent forms of the parasite.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 30, 2019
A new AI-powered tool can identify triatomine bugs, also known as 'kissing bugs', that spread the incurable disease Chagas with high accuracy, allowing public health officials to target prevention efforts. The algorithm achieved 95.8% and 98.9% correct identification rates for Mexican and Brazilian species, respectively.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 20, 2019
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.
DNDi and Atomwise collaborate to develop first-in-class treatments for Chagas disease using AI, delivering drug-like compounds that will undergo further optimization and potential drug development. The research aims to address a public health challenge affecting millions worldwide.
Despite advancements in disease research, neglected tropical diseases and others continue to require attention, with only a small proportion of new drugs addressing these conditions. Novel treatments like bedaquiline and tafenoquine offer hope, but much work remains to be done.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 21, 2019
A two-week treatment course showed similar efficacy and fewer side effects than the standard eight-week treatment in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. The results bring new hope for people living with this silent disease and could change access to treatment in endemic countries.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·DateMar 14, 2019
A two-week treatment course for adult patients with chronic Chagas disease was shown to be as effective as an eight-week standard treatment in improving sustained parasitological response at six months. The new regimen also significantly reduced side effects, encouraging wider adoption by the medical community.
SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·DateMar 14, 2019
Experts warn of a surge in vector-borne diseases as Venezuela's humanitarian crisis worsens, with malaria cases increasing by 359% since 2010. The crisis is also leading to a resurgence of other diseases like Chagas disease and dengue, threatening public health gains in the country.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 21, 2019
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.
High research intensity relative to published global disease burden was found for influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, while paratyphoid fever had low research intensity. Certain neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and leprosy also showed high research intensity.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018
Researchers found benznidazole improves clinical and parasitological outcomes in Chagas patients treated early, lowering mortality rates and parasite counts. This study provides evidence for using benznidazole to treat early-stage Chagas disease.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 1, 2018
A new study reports that over 100 working dogs in the US have been infected with Chagas disease, a tropical parasite known to cause heart problems. The dogs were tested for antibodies to the parasite and many showed signs of heart abnormalities associated with the disease.
Researchers analyzed DNA from kissing bugs to understand the complex interactions between humans, parasites, and microbes involved in Chagas disease. The study found two strains of Trypanosome cruzi and a higher bacterial species richness in infected insects.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 18, 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.
UTEP scientists have received a $6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop new regimens and biomarkers for Chagas disease treatment. The researchers aim to improve the efficacy and safety of current treatments, which are toxic and have low effectiveness.
Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, has spread to the US and other countries, carrying a high risk of heart disease. Early detection is critical for treatment, which can be cured with medications having a 60-90% success rate.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 20, 2018
FIND and DNDi partner to generate evidence for policy change and scale-up of HCV diagnosis and treatment in Malaysia. Decentralized screening using pre-qualified rapid diagnostic tests will be initiated, linking positive cases to direct-acting antiviral treatment.
SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·DateJul 23, 2018
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 found that PI3Kγ expression increases during T. cruzi infection, essential for avoiding excessive inflammation and controlling heart parasitemia. The enzyme's absence in macrophages impairs their ability to kill parasites and control inflammation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2018
Researchers successfully attached miniature radio transmitters to kissing bugs in Texas, tracking their movements and revealing average distance traveled of 12.5 feet. The study opens the door for more in-depth studies into kissing bugs' movements and potential impact on Chagas disease.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 9, 2018
Two clinical trials evaluate the frequency and type of adverse reactions to benznidazole in chronically infected adults. The studies found that the majority of adverse reactions (90%) were mild and appeared within the first month of treatment.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 20, 2018
A retrospective study found that 49% of Latin American migrants screened positive for Chagas disease, with a higher percentage of patients with strongyloidiasis infected by the parasite. The authors recommend implementing a combined screening program to address both infections.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 14, 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.
A new case study reveals the potential for Chagas disease transmission among individuals with family ties to Central and South American nations. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious long-term effects such as heart failure.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 13, 2017
A UTEP team has made significant progress in developing a human vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease affecting thousands worldwide. Their research results in a 96% decrease in lesions and an 86% protection rate from the disease in mice.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 15, 2017
Research has found that most Central American 'kissing bugs' infect people with just two strains of the Chagas disease parasite, TcI and TcIV. The study identified a high level of genetic variation within these strains, which may impact vaccine development and treatment.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 28, 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.
Researchers used computational drug discovery and in vitro enzyme assays to identify potential therapeutic protein inhibitors for Chagas disease. The study successfully selected four drug-like compounds that interacted with a key amino acid, demonstrating the promise of docking simulation for identifying effective treatments.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2017