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Deadly virus structures point toward new avenues for vaccine design

Scientists at Scripps Research have determined the structure of the critical protein complex that lets Lassa virus infect human cells, identifying new antibodies and vaccine targets. The research also found a high level of conservation across different lineages of the virus, paving the way for more effective vaccines and treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does your vaccine type matter in the battle against COVID?

The study found that vaccine type significantly impacts the immune response to COVID-19, with Pfizer and Moderna offering a stronger antibody response than Johnson & Johnson. Age, sex, BMI, and smoking status also affect vaccine effectiveness, with smokers experiencing a 240% lower response.

Even as SARS-CoV-2 mutates, some human antibodies fight back

Researchers discovered a 'cocktail' of human antibodies that show promise in fighting severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, including Omicron variants. The study revealed how the original Moderna vaccine could prompt the body to produce these broad-spectrum antibodies.

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.

Keeping COVID-19 in check likely to require periodic boosters

New research from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that updated booster shots targeting specific COVID-19 variants can elicit a broad antibody response capable of neutralizing new variants. Periodic boosters may be necessary to maintain population immunity as the virus continues to evolve.

Unmasking the secret of broadly neutralising COVID-19 therapeutic antibodies

A study published in Nature Immunology found that antibodies from previously infected patients can neutralize variants of the COVID-19 disease, including the Omicron variant. These broadly neutralizing antibodies have unique biochemical and structural features that enable them to block the virus from entering human cells.

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.

Why men are at higher risk from COVID-19

Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.

Durable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies bind to two viral targets at once

Scientists have identified a new class of 'bivalent' antibodies that can bind to two viral targets at once, neutralizing multiple Omicron variants. These potent antibodies retain efficacy against early SARS-CoV-2 variants and several later Omicron sub-lineages.

Nanoscopic tool assesses alternative COVID-19 prevention

Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a nanoscopic tool using high-speed atomic force microscopy to assess alternative COVID-19 prevention methods. They found that viral surface roughness can enhance the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants, but spike-neutralizing antibodies neutralize the Delta variant spike protein.

How antibody therapy impacts COVID vaccines

Research finds that individuals who received monoclonal antibodies before COVID vaccination exhibit a diverse antibody response, increasing the coverage provided by vaccines. This phenomenon, known as antibody feedback inhibition, is beneficial for diversifying immune responses to viruses.

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.

New Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1 resistant to all therapeutic antibodies

A recent study found that the Omicron sub-lineage BQ.1.1 is resistant to all approved antibody therapies, posing a risk to high-risk patients. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing new antibody therapies specifically targeted at currently circulating and future viral variants.

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.

New insights on antibody responses to Omicron variants

Recent scientific studies have shed light on the effects of exposure to earlier SARS-CoV-2 forms on immune response to Omicron variants. Researchers identified a pan-variant antibody with ultra-potent neutralizing potency, which may help reduce treatment resistance.

New Lassa fever therapy may be on the horizon

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a new therapy for Lassa fever using a trio of rare human antibodies that can block viral infection. The therapy, called Arevirumab-3, was tested in non-human primates and proved 100% effective in treating the disease.

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.

The longer the bootcamp, the better the antibodies

Researchers found that a 'slow delivery, escalating dose' vaccination strategy can prompt B cells to spend months mutating and evolving their antibodies, leading to more effective long-lasting vaccines. This breakthrough has implications for vaccines against pathogens like influenza, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Neutralizing antibodies from single COVID-19 booster steadily decline

A study found that neutralizing antibody levels against COVID-19 decline by at least 15% per month after a single booster shot, but can be restored with a second dose. Researchers tested serum from vaccinated adults and found a higher rate of decline in neutralizing antibodies against the BA.5 omicron variant.

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.

UBC researchers discover ‘weak spot’ across major COVID-19 variants

Researchers at UBC have discovered a key vulnerability across all major COVID-19 variants that can be targeted by neutralizing antibodies. The 'master key' identified is the antibody fragment V H Ab6, which effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by attaching to the epitope on the spike protein.

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.

Vaccine-induced immune response to omicron wanes substantially over time

A new clinical trial found that COVID-19 booster vaccinations in adults elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant, but these antibody levels decrease substantially within 3 months. The immune response to Omicron sub-lineages shows reduced susceptibility to rapidly emerging variants.

Booster shots offset some of Omicron immune evasion tactics

A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

COVID booster needed for broad protection against omicron variants

Two studies found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine generates high enough antibody levels to neutralize BA.2 and deltacron, as well as other omicron sublineage variants. Booster shots show stronger protection against these variants than just two doses, particularly against deltacron.

mRNA booster vaccines may be a good investment in developing countries

Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.

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.

Improved cell response seen with hybrid immunity

Researchers found that people who had COVID-19 and then got vaccinated generated an immune response more specific to fighting viral infections, producing a broader antibody response. This hybrid immunity also produced a cellular immune response called Th1 response, which is antiviral.

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.

These scientists are racing to beat Omicron

Researchers are working tirelessly to develop vaccines against the Omicron variant, a crucial step in combating the pandemic. By understanding the biology of Omicron, scientists hope to create effective treatments and boosters to protect against future pandemics.

Breakthrough COVID-19 infections spur strong antibody responses

A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.

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.

SARS-CoV-2 goes ‘underground’ to spread from cell to cell

A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 limits viral particle release and instead spreads through cell-to-cell transmission, enabling efficient infection without the need for antibodies. This stealthy transmission method makes it challenging for the host immune system to target and neutralize the virus.