New study reveals global variations in malaria parasites
Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) presented data on Monday regarding gene sequences and the global variations in malaria parasites. NIAID researchers determined the genomes of approximately 200 P. vivax strains that recently infected people in... Read More »NIH: Engineered anthrax toxins could help treat cancerous tumors
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Monday described how combining engineered anthrax toxin proteins and existing chemotherapy drugs could potentially yield a therapy to reduce or eliminate cancerous tumors. Data was provided by the National Institute of Allergy and... Read More »ECDC preparing for Zika virus in the EU
The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) produced a policy briefing on Monday highlighting preparedness measures to minimize the risk of Zika virus spreading in continental Europe. The briefing is primarily to protect pregnant women and those who wish to become pregnant,... Read More »Katko, House members denied access to Cuba by Cuban government
U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), along with other House members, was blocked by the Cuban government last week from entering the country to assess security risks associated with resuming air travel between the United States and Cuba. The Cuban government signed an accord on Feb. 16 that will allow... Read More »Rochester International Airport expands canine explosives detection program
The Greater Rochester International Airport, in a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, expanded its canine explosives detection program on Friday. A German Shepherd named Lola recently completed a three-month training... Read More »CBP officers seize cocaine, methamphetamine in separate incidents
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized methamphetamine and cocaine in separate incidents last week. Officers working at the Dennis DeConcini crossing on Wednesday were alerted to a suspicious vehicle by a canine narcotics unit. After a brief investigation, officers uncovered... Read More »Emergent BioSolutions receives BARDA order to develop, manufacture Zika vaccine
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.’s Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM) received a task order on Monday valued at up to $21.9 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and manufacture a Zika vaccine. Three cGMP lots... Read More »Subcommittee hearing examines FirstNet’s progress
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet held a hearing on Tuesday to examine the progress of FirstNet, the first nationwide, high-speed network dedicated to public safety. Chairman of the Subcommittee... Read More »