Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Malaria spike linked to amphibian die-off

A study from the University of California, Davis found a clear connection between an amphibian die-off and a spike in malaria cases in Costa Rica and Panama. The research suggests that stable ecosystems are crucial for disease prevention and health, and massive ecosystem disruptions can have significant consequences for human well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Malaria vaccine candidate safe and immunogenic following first-in-human trials

Researchers have developed a malaria vaccine candidate that is safe and immunogenic in adults, offering improved protection against the disease. The vaccine combines FMP013 antigen with ALFQ adjuvant, which displays promising immune-enhancing effects.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalVaccine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2022

Partner-drug resistance accelerates resistance of first-line malaria drug

A new study reveals that partner-drug resistance facilitates artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites. The research collaboration found a 10-fold increase in partner-drug resistant genotypes led to earlier artemisinin resistance establishment among these parasites, resulting in significant treatment failures globally.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateAug 29, 2022
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.

Stolen DNA strengthens immune diversity

Researchers have found that human antibodies can incorporate foreign genetic material from the mitochondria and ends of chromosomes, leading to increased immune diversity. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that antibody diversity results solely from gene mutations.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2022

Researchers map incidence of malaria in pregnancy in Brazil

A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateAug 16, 2022

Using mathematical modelling to fight malaria

Researchers developed a statistical mapping tool to predict genetic markers of resistance to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The model uses data from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and fills in gaps by making continuous predictions in space and time.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

New drug blocks transmission of malaria parasites

A new drug, TB31F, has been shown to block the transmission of malaria parasites by mosquitoes, preventing further malaria cases. The antibody was tested in humans and found safe with no important side effects.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 10, 2022
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 new study gives an important understanding of how molecular motor proteins are involved in malaria transmission

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals the significance of kinesins in basic cellular processes needed for malaria parasite development, multiplication and invasion. Researchers found that eight out of nine kinesins present in the parasite genome are required for cell proliferation to cell movement in mosquito hosts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022
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.

Physical activity should be encouraged during pregnancy, even for socially vulnerable women

Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2022

Citizen power mobilized to fight against mosquito borne diseases

A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 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.

Scientists closer to outsmarting malaria parasites

Researchers from Australian National University have discovered how malaria parasites evade treatment by transporting drugs to 'safe zones', which can lead to new and longer-lasting treatments. The discovery could also inform cancer treatment development.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 5, 2022

How mosquito brains encode human odor so they can seek us out

Researchers discovered that mosquito brains use a surprisingly simple mechanism to recognize human odor, involving just two nerve centers. The team identified the specific compounds decanal and undecanal as key components of human scent, which are also present in other mammal odors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

New discovery to improve malaria elimination strategies

Asymptomatic malaria infections have been found to suppress the immune system, preventing it from eradicating parasites from the bloodstream. This new information provides a framework for considering new policies supporting screening and treatment of asymptomatic malaria in endemic areas.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Airport malaria: Rare but with possible serious implications

Two fatal cases of airport malaria were reported in Belgium, highlighting the need for healthcare awareness near airports. The most likely route of transmission was through an imported infectious exotic Anopheles mosquito that was possibly brought via the international airport or military airport.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateApr 25, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Geoengineering could return risk of malaria for one billion people

A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center scientists found that geoengineering the climate could shift malaria transmission regions, increasing the risk of infection in some areas. The research used climate models to simulate malaria transmission under different warming scenarios with and without geoengineering.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2022

Revising the lifecycle of an important human parasite

Scientists tracked Cryptosporidium in real-time, revealing a simplified lifecycle that completes in three days with only three stages: asexual cells, male cells, and female cells. This understanding paves the way for potential vaccines or therapies to combat the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2022

A new understanding of how the immune system deals with malaria

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 19, 2022

Century-old malaria parasite puzzle solved as ape origin traced

Researchers have discovered that P. malariae, a malaria parasite infecting humans, originated in African apes before evolving to infect people. This breakthrough reveals the evolutionary links between the two species and sheds light on how the parasite adapted to infect humans.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022
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.

UC San Diego Biology Lab receives $1.4m grant to fight malaria spread

Scientists at UC San Diego are working on next-generation gene drive systems based on CRISPR technology to combat malaria and reduce mosquito populations. The $1.4 million grant will support the development of new technologies, including a neutralizing system called ERACR, to mitigate risks associated with gene editing in mosquitoes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 30, 2022

Malaria parasite’s survival linked to two proteins

A team of scientists led by Karine Le Roch has identified two proteins, RAP01 and RAP21, crucial to the malaria parasite's survival. Knocking down these proteins can interrupt protein translation in the mitochondria, leading to the parasite's death.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 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.

Largest-ever IPD meta-analysis of malaria patients to inform haemoglobin changes

A new study using pooled individual patient data from over 70,000 patients has found that artemisinin-based combination therapy can suppress the bone marrow response and contribute to anaemia. The analysis identified patients at greatest risk of severe anaemia and highlights potential advantages of alternative treatment regimens.

SourceInfectious Diseases Data Observatory·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2022

Scientists identify key regulator of malaria parasite transmission

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a protein called HDP1 that plays a critical role in activating genes required for the development of male and female stages of the malaria parasite. Without HDP1, parasites are unable to assemble mature gametocytes, leading to their death and inability to infect mosquitoes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Analysis of 20-year study finds malaria control in young children saves lives into adulthood

A 22-year study in Tanzania found that children who slept under bed nets at an early age had a 40% higher survival rate compared to those who didn't. The study tracked over 6,700 children and provided unique insights into the long-term benefits of malaria control in young children.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Untangling a DNA replication mystery may lead to new antimalarial drugs

A team of scientists has discovered that the enzyme DNA topoisomerase VI plays a critical role in removing chromosome tangles in plants, which may lead to new antimalarial drug targets. The study provides unprecedented insight into the mechanism of action of this enzyme and its potential applications in plant breeding.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Automating blood smears for easier malaria diagnosis

Researchers developed autohaem devices to automate blood smears, increasing accuracy and efficiency in malaria diagnosis. The devices can produce high-quality smears equivalent to those created by human experts, reducing errors and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Mosquitoes’ mating game discovery provides new clues to combat malaria

Researchers found that male mosquitoes beat their wings up to 500-1,000 times a second, changing frequency to produce 'distortion tones' more audible to the male ear. This change is partly due to their circadian clock and allows males to detect females in swarms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Traditional medicinal plant relieves malaria symptoms

Researchers from Ethiopia and Germany identified a traditional African medicinal plant that alleviates malaria symptoms in infected mice. The plant extract's active compound, anemonin, shows promise in treating the disease.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Unconventional T cells promote immunity to malaria

A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2021

COVID-19 research released at ASTMH Annual Meeting

Researchers found high rates of SARS-COV-2 infections in Mali but low evidence of severe disease, hospitalization, or deaths. In contrast, COVID-19 patients with high levels of previous malaria infections showed lower risks of severe outcomes in Uganda.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene·DateNov 19, 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.

Scientists create a new best-in-class anti-malarial antibody

Researchers at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a new anti-malarial antibody that provides significant protection against malaria, outperforming existing best-in-class antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to improved distribution of monoclonal antibodies in endemic countries.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Malaria: New knowledge about naturally acquired immunity may improve vaccines

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 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.

Study shows how to debunk health misinformation

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that explicitly addressing falsehoods is more effective in busting misbeliefs than simply stating scientific facts. The study found that two communication campaigns using WhatsApp audio dramas significantly reduced participants' incorrect beliefs about typhoid and malaria.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2021

Unexpected antibody type found in people with malaria infections

Researchers have detected antibodies primarily made in response to mucous membrane infections, not typically thought of as a blood and liver infection, in study participants with malaria. The discovery provides new insight into the human body's response to malaria and may help identify new ways to treat or develop vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Children repeatedly exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to be anemic by the age of two

A Brazilian study found that children exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to develop anemia by age two. The researchers, led by Dr. Marly Augusto Cardoso, followed 1,539 children and discovered that 12.6% were anemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas not covered by the study.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 13, 2021

Catching malaria evolution in the act

Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 13, 2021
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.

An eco-friendly toxic cocktail could be a new weapon against malaria

A study at Stockholm University has discovered a novel, eco-friendly feeding trap that can be deployed to control mosquito populations. The trap uses a beetroot-based mix with added toxins, which attracts and kills female mosquitoes, while leaving male mosquitoes unaffected.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Plasmodium falciparum evolving to escape malaria rapid diagnostics in Africa

Researchers studying blood samples from over 12,000 individuals in Ethiopia found that malaria parasites can evade detection by rapid diagnostic tests due to genetic mutations. The study highlights the need for alternative diagnostic approaches and surveillance across the Horn of Africa.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 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 novel malaria vaccine vector – target to the liver

Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 16, 2021

Bird malaria spreading via global ‘hotspots’

Researchers have identified global hotspots where bird malaria is spreading rapidly, with significant impacts on bird populations. The study found that climate and forest conditions play a crucial role in predicting infection risks, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect bird species from this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateSep 7, 2021

Severe malaria among young African children dramatically reduced through seasonal vaccination and preventative drug combination

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a combination of seasonal vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 E and antimalarial drugs significantly reduces clinical episodes, hospital admissions, and deaths from malaria. The results show a 70% reduction in these outcomes compared to current interventions.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2021

How the malaria parasite defends itself from fever is unveiled

A new study led by ISGlobal has identified a gene called PfAP2-HS that allows the malaria parasite to defend itself from febrile temperatures and other adverse conditions within the host. The study found that this gene activates a protective response against high temperatures, helping the parasite survive in the host's environment.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 16, 2021

Monoclonal antibody prevents malaria in small NIH trial

A new monoclonal antibody called CIS43LS safely prevented malaria for up to nine months in a small clinical trial. The study builds on encouraging early results and will inform additional research to confirm and extend the finding.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.