New technique developed to rapidly detect genetic changes in malaria parasites

New technique developed to rapidly detect genetic changes in malaria parasites

Scientists have developed a technique to rapidly and reliably detect genetic changes in malaria parasites in Ghana, using just a gaming laptop and portable MinION sequencer from Oxford Nanopore. Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University of Ghana were able to demonstrate for the first time that end-to-end, real-time pathogen monitoring from clinical blood … Read more

Kiwi cafés sizzle with success on meat-free mondays, cooking up environmental change

Kiwi cafés sizzle with success on meat-free mondays, cooking up environmental change

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers conducted interviews and online surveys with hospital café employees to investigate support and implementation variables towards the Meat-Free Mondays (MFMs) movement. More than half of the 194 participants in the survey were actively contributing to the movement, and nearly 60% supported the movement. Study findings … Read more

Next-generation vaccine candidates protect against multiple strains of influenza and last longer

Next-generation vaccine candidates protect against multiple strains of influenza and last longer

Recent preclinical results indicate novel next-generation vaccine candidates developed at Cleveland Clinic protect against multiple strains of influenza and last longer than vaccines currently in use. The vaccines are part of Cleveland Clinic’s global vaccine research program, led by Ted Ross, PhD, Global Director of Vaccine Development at Cleveland Clinic. Published in Scientific Reports, the … Read more

How cryptic fungal pathogens threaten human health and food security

How cryptic fungal pathogens threaten human health and food security

In a recent study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, researchers discussed cryptic fungal pathogens, which are genetically distinct from pathogens but morphologically indistinguishable. Fungal pathogens threaten global health and food security. Diagnosing and treating fungal infections are complicated, leading to severe illness and death. Besides, cryptic fungal species can also cause infections, and their … Read more

Stratified sampling more effective than random sampling for detecting contaminants in infant formula

Stratified sampling more effective than random sampling for detecting contaminants in infant formula

Producers of infant formula employ comprehensive food safety systems, including product testing to ensure those systems are working. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finds that some testing methods are more powerful at catching contaminants than others. Spacing out samples over time in a stratified sampling pattern is better at catching risky … Read more