Development, validation, and utilization of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against Brucella species in marine mammals

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was developed by using a whole-cell antigen from a marine Brucella sp. isolated from a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). The assay was designed to screen sera from multiple marine mammal species for the presence of antibodies against marine-origin Brucella. Based on comparisons with culture-confirmed cases, specificity and sensitivity for cetacean samples tested were 73% and 100%, respectively. For pinniped samples, specificity and sensitivity values were 77% and 67%, respectively. Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi; n = 28) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus; n = 48) serum samples were tested, and the results were compared with several other assays designed to detect Brucella abortus antibodies. The comparison testing revealed the marine-origin cELISA to be more sensitive than the B. abortus tests by the detection of additional positive serum samples. The newly developed cELISA is an effective serologic method for detection of the presence of antibodies against marine-origin Brucella sp. in marine mammals

Educational experiments: learning and 'living together' in contested places

No abstract available

Space 2030: Space for the future, space for all

To strengthen the contributions of space activities and tools in addressing global development challenges, building stronger partnerships, and bridging the space divide between developed and developing nations, the UN are developing a "Space2030" Agenda (UN, 2018b, pp.6-7). The agenda- setting process takes place at a time of rapid change in the space sector, with an increasing number of private actors entering the scene and major technological advances. Space2030 presents a unique opportunity to insert ideas into the discussion about the next ten years of space collaboration and, in particular, about how to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through the use of space science and technology. This report focuses in particular on the perspectives of the Economic South and their priorities for a vision for the next decade. It also provides practical examples which highlight how space technology and applications create environmental, economic, and social benefits for all and help to attain the goals of the international development agendas