The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to test an investigational vaccine intended to provide broad protection against a range of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as Zika, malaria, West Nile fever and dengue fever, and to hinder the ability of mosquitoes to transmit such infections.
IBM and The Weather Company introduced new Mesh Network Alerts technology that provides a mobile method of communicating with underserved populations in developing countries to notify of potential severe weather events or disasters – even in areas with limited Internet connection or when cellular networks are disrupted due to an outage.
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) announced a total of $999,780 in awards to five companies advancing to Phase 2 of the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). The awards are aimed at nontraditional performers to offer solutions to some of the toughest threats facing DHS and the homeland security mission.
Brigham Young University (BYU) engineering professors have created an origami-inspired, lightweight bulletproof shield that can protect law enforcement from gunfire. The new barrier can be folded compactly when not in use, making it easier to transport and deploy. When expanded – which takes only five seconds – it can provide cover for officers and stop bullets from several types of handguns.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it is seeking applicants for its Youth Preparedness Council. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, efforts in making a difference in their communities, and potential to expand their impact as national advocates for preparedness. Students in 8th through 11th grade are eligible to apply.
The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University announced the creation of a National Security Institute (NSI) to bring national security experts together with policymakers to find practical answers to hard national security law and policy questions. NSI will serve as a platform for research, teaching, scholarship, and policy development.
ECDC has released a new Threat Reports app, a free and open access application that gives you direct access to key updates and reports on communicable disease threats of concern to the EU on your mobile device.
A Michigan State University researcher has developed a faster way to detect the bacteria that cause patients to become sick, giving physicians a better chance at saving their lives. The test can produce results within two hours using blood, urine, spit, wound, stool or cerebral spine fluid samples from infected patients.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. announced that it has received a task order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority(BARDA) valued at up to $30.5 million to develop monoclonal antibody therapeutics for viral hemorrhagic fever.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is now launching the Pandemic Prevention Platform (P3) program, aimed at developing the foundational work into an entire system capable of halting the spread of any viral disease outbreak before it can escalate to pandemic status.
