Podcasts about wnv

The defendant in the Nathaniel Veltman trial spent another day on the witness stand, the region has its first WNV case of the year, and the OPP urges calm as hate-related incidents increase following the attack on Israel. All the evening headlines on the go.

Hello bug lovers! Today, we're guided by Mike Skvarla into a deep dive on West Nile virus. A mosquito borne illness, West Nile is something the Arthro-Pod crew has learned a lot about over the course of their lives and careers. In fact, one of them even tested positive for it after trying to give blood... Mike was inspired by Episode 1031 of the This Week in Virology podcast, where they discussed a recent paper on the subject. The paper is “Autoantibodies neutralizing type I IFNs underlie West Nile virus encephalitis in ∼40% of patients”, by Gervais et al. published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. Tune in to learn about the history of WNV and the current research focused on it. The virus of concernQuestions? Comments? Follow the show on Twitter @Arthro_PodshowFollow the hosts on Twitter @bugmanjon, @JodyBugsmeUNL, and @MSkvarla36Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!Subscribe to our feed on Feedburner!  

join the triad as we welcome back Ta'jin back to the show and discuss what WNV has brewing and also our takes on the Montgomery Brawl.

In this episode we will discuss Vectors.  Specifically MOSQUITOES! Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases, i.e., malaria, filarial diseases such as dog heartworm, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. CDC Travelers' Health provides information on travel to destinations where human-borne diseases might be a problem. (from the American Mosquito Association)

In this study, we used the Platform for Automated extraction of Disease Information from the web (PADI-Web) as an epidemic intelligence tool to detect West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak signals, and epidemiological information throughout Europe from 2006 to 2021 in online news reports. The purpose of this study is to characterise epidemiological information on an outbreak event (such as: location and date of the event, diseased host, implicated vector and covariate risk factors) found in media reports. This descriptive analysis will allow us to explore the role of media reports and how they can help map disease occurence and predictions in complement with traditional indicator based surveillance.

Will A Colorado River Drought Dry Up Energy Supplies? This week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency that manages water in the Western U.S., started the process of cutting water use allotments along the Colorado River after seven states missed a deadline for coming up with their own reduction plan. The area has been under a long-running drought—and with water in demand for everything from drinking to agriculture to industry, and with the population of the area on the rise, agreements over water use are difficult to come by. The drought has another less obvious effect on the area as well—drops in water allocation could lead to declines in power production in a region that relies on several major hydroelectric facilities. Umair Irfan, staff writer at Vox, joins Ira to talk about the plan for distributing western water and other stories from the week in science—including a possible reprieve for nuclear power plants in Germany and California, a geomagnetic storm sparking an astronomical light show, orders for future supersonic aircraft, and investigations into why thinking hard makes you physically tired.   How Viruses Have Shaped Our World SARS-CoV2. HIV. CMV. HSV-1 and HSV-2. MPX. EBV. HPV. WPV. WNV. The alphabet soup of viruses that infect us may seem long and daunting. But as scientist and author Joseph Osmundson writes in Virology: Essays for the Living, the Dead, and the Small Things In Between, these viruses are vastly dwarfed by the total number of harmless or even beneficial viruses on our planet. “It's a rounding error larger than zero,” he writes. A single ounce of seawater will contain more than seven billion individual viruses incapable of doing us harm. Osmundson's book is both COVID-19 quarantine memoir, and reflections of a self-described queer man coming of age after the identification of the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. In it, he questions the war-like language we ascribe to “fighting” pathogens, explores the non-binary nature of health and illness, and advocates for a world where we are more ready to care for each other. “The problem wasn't illness,” he writes of HIV's death toll before the development of effective treatments. “The problem never is. Illness is a fact of life. The problem is our inability to provide care to all.” Osmundson talks to producer Christie Taylor about making new meanings for viruses through biomedicine and public health interventions. Plus, lessons for the monkeypox global public health emergency, and all the viruses to come. Seagrass Oasis In Gulf Of Mexico Signals Good News For Manatees Florida's offshore marine habitat is in peril. Populations of fish are dwindling in many places, and manatees have been dying in record numbers. The basis for much of this life lies in seagrass just under our boats. We join scientist on a trip into one of the healthiest seagrass meadows in the Gulf of Mexico. Read the rest at sciencefriday.com. Transcripts for each segment will be available the week after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.  

A little conversation with senior lab technician Julie Melotti about WNV. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/birdcamp/support

In deze aflevering bespreken Iris en Aimée het Westnijlvirus (WNV). Dit virus is al aangetoond in Nederland en het lijkt dus een kwestie van tijd voordat paardeneigenaren er mee te maken gaan krijgen! De verschijnselen en hoe je je paard kunt beschermen komen aan bod in deze aflevering. Voor meer informatie over WNV: klik hier! Link naar blog over westnijlvirus: Het westnijl virus kan dodelijk zijn, daarom moet je je paard nu enten! (irisvangulik.nl)

FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reports on concerns about a mosquito-borne horse virus that has been detected in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, with the Primary Industries department warning horse owners to be vigilant on animal health and mosquito breeding conditionsRead More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/mosquito-borne-virus-vigilance-required-for-sa-horse-owners

Today's episode of Redefining Medicine features Robyn S. Klein. Dr. Robyn S. Klein received her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She then completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, her fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and post-doctoral training in Immunology at Harvard University. Dr. Klein joined the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) in 2003, where she developed neuroimmunology basic and translational science research programs focused on the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Studies in the Klein laboratory focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms that orchestrate inflammation and CNS dysfunction during both viral and autoimmune encephalitides. The experimental approach involves the development of in vitro and in vivo models of blood-brain barrier function to study the CNS entry of viruses and mononuclear cells, and of the signaling responses that regulate vascular permeability. Studies using in vivo models for both autoimmune and WNV encephalitides focus on identifying the localizing cues that control leukocyte entry, persistent inflammation and neuronal injury. Dr. Klein is currently the Associate Dean for Graduate Education in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences and Director of the Center for Neuroimmunology & Neuroinfectious Diseases at WUSM and Vice Provost of Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

The focus in this week’s interview switches to the subject of mosquitoes and the spread of malaria and other mosquito-transmitted tropical diseases. Something of a change from the more traditional pest management topics discussed in previews interviews, yet still a subject of relevance and opportunity for professionals. No doubt already well known to listeners for his involvement over very many years in the global professional pest market, Rob Fryatt of UK-based Xenex, has for the last 15 years also been heavily involved in mosquito abatement worldwide. Just after the turn of the millennium, Rob was involved with a wider group of people working with the Boston Consulting Group compiling a report for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The brief was to establish how best to invest the Foundation’s financial resources for greatest reward in the area of malaria control. Rob contributed a pest management perspective – basically how to get appropriate technologies into the hands of people in developing markets, in particular SE Asia and Africa. The Foundation quickly picked-up on the use of insecticide treated bed nets – an action Rob views as the biggest intervention in the last 20 years. However, with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, Rob is concerned regarding the future for malaria control with the already thinly stretched resources – it would be all too easy to forego the progress made. Malaria remains the single largest killer of children on the planet, after malnutrition and gastro-enteritis. Emergence of neglected tropical diseases Rob reminds listeners not to overlook the other mosquito-borne diseases – in particular dengue, zika, chikungunya and West Nile (WNF) fever – often referred to as neglected tropical diseases (NTD). In the US over the last 15 years, WNF has grown to such an extent that around 200 deaths are recorded annually, which has expanded the market such that now some 30% of National Pest Management Association (NPMA) members undertake mosquito work leading to a market worth in the order of $500 million. With changes in weather patterns and climate, Rob predicts an upsurge in WNV in Europe – a threat the industry in not prepared for as it has, so far, been ignored. Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry. For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany Instagram: @futuragermany F acebook: @futuragermany If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at info@futura-germany.com and join the conversation @ Futura Germany Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

In this episode we will discuss Vectors.  Specifically MOSQUITOES! Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases, i.e., malaria, filarial diseases such as dog heartworm, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. CDC Travelers' Health provides information on travel to destinations where human-borne diseases might be a problem. (from the American Mosquito Association)  

What happens inside a public health lab when a health threat sends it into overdrive? Find out how the North Dakota lab met a surge in West Nile Virus in 2018 in this APHL in Action Lab Culture Extra. Links: APHL in Action Archives CDC Preliminary Maps and Data for 2018, West Nile Virus CDC ArboNET Disease Map North Dakota Department of Health – West Nile Virus Key Factors Influencing the Incidence of West Nile Virus in Burleigh County, North Dakota

Dr. Justin Willer interviews Dr. Athar Parveen on her article, Long‐term neuromuscular outcomes of west nile virus infection A clinical and electromyographic evaluation of patients with a history of infection. The study found that 33% of these patients (10 of 30) showed abnormalities on either nerve conduction or needle electromyography due to primary or secondary outcomes of WNV infection. Most common electrodiagnostic findings and causes of long-term disability were related to anterior horn cell poliomyelitis (WNV poliomyelitis). Electrical data on these patient populations were similar to those observed in chronic poliomyelitis. With more than 16,000 cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease reported across the USA since 1999, understanding clinical outcomes from infection will provide a resource for physicians managing long-term care of these patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 77-82, 2018.

Dr. Justin Willer interviews Dr. Athar Parveen on her article, Long‐term neuromuscular outcomes of west nile virus infection A clinical and electromyographic evaluation of patients with a history of infection. The study found that 33% of these patients (10 of 30) showed abnormalities on either nerve conduction or needle electromyography due to primary or secondary outcomes of WNV infection. Most common electrodiagnostic findings and causes of long-term disability were related to anterior horn cell poliomyelitis (WNV poliomyelitis). Electrical data on these patient populations were similar to those observed in chronic poliomyelitis. With more than 16,000 cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease reported across the USA since 1999, understanding clinical outcomes from infection will provide a resource for physicians managing long-term care of these patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 77-82, 2018.

Dr. Justin Willer interviews Dr. Athar Parveen on her article, Long‐term neuromuscular outcomes of west nile virus infection A clinical and electromyographic evaluation of patients with a history of infection. The study found that 33% of these patients (10 of 30) showed abnormalities on either nerve conduction or needle electromyography due to primary or secondary outcomes of WNV infection. Most common electrodiagnostic findings and causes of long-term disability were related to anterior horn cell poliomyelitis (WNV poliomyelitis). Electrical data on these patient populations were similar to those observed in chronic poliomyelitis. With more than 16,000 cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease reported across the USA since 1999, understanding clinical outcomes from infection will provide a resource for physicians managing long-term care of these patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 77-82, 2018.

Con una breve e fresca puntata estiva, Scientificast è online anche oggi. In studio Paolo Bianchi e Valeria Cagno.Come prima cosa parliamo del virus West Nile (WNV) che come ogni anno sta interessando ampie zone di Italia in particolare in Piemonte e nel triveneto. Con Valeria cerchiamo di capire l'origine di questo virus e le sue implicazioni per la salute dell'uomo.Trattiamo anche delle recenti, sconfortanti notizie riguardanti la prevenzione del Dengue, che nelle Filippine ha portato anche a casi di malasanità e proteste vigorose.Torna poi Marco Zambianchi di Astronauticast per parlarci delle nuove capsule spaziali made in NASA e dell'ormai prossima fine del programma della Stazione Spaziale Internazionale.Come sempre grazie a chi ci segue e a chi interagisce con noi mediante i consueti canali social e Telegram. Grazie anche a chi spende qualche dollaro ogni mese per sostenere le nostre attività associative e sul web tramite la nostra pagina Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scientificastIn studio: Paolo Bianchi, Valeria CagnoServizio: Marco ZambianchiMontaggio: Paolo Bianchi

The TWiV scientists reveal that mosquitoes transmit different West Nile virus populations with each blood meal, only to have the diversity purged in a bird host. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler   Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Driving past a milestone (TWiP 100) Debug Fresno (Verily blog) What could possibly go wrong? (TWiV 388) Chestnut blight (ProMedMail) Hypovirus molecular biology (Adv Virus Res) Mosquitoes transmit unique WNV populations (Cell Rep) Teaching science using pseudoscience Image credit Letters read on TWiV 451 Weekly Science Picks Kathy - Approaching Jupiter and Michigan parents about vaccination Rich - Math Limericks from Futility Closet Alan - NASA flyover of Pluto Vincent - Talk show host nominated as USDA chief scientist Listener Pick Neil - These smart girls are here to debunk anti-vaxxer nonsense John - John Sever AMA Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees. Send your virology questions and comments to twiv@microbe.tv

Das West-Nil-Virus (WNV) ist ein zur Familie der Flaviviren gehörendes Arbovirus, das weltweit zunehmende Verbreitung findet. Das natürliche Reservoir des Virus sind Vögel. Nach Übertragung durch Stechmücken kann es zu Infektionen von „Fehlwirten“, insbesondere Pferden und Menschen, kommen. Die meisten Infektionen verlaufen asymptomatisch oder mit der Entwicklung des West-Nil-Fiebers, einer relativ milden, Grippe-ähnlichen Erkrankung. In einigen Fällen, vor allem bei immungeschwächten und älteren Individuen, können aber auch lebensbedrohliche Infektionen mit schwerer neurologischer Symptomatik (z.B. Enzephalitiden) die Folge sein. WNV-Impfstoffe sind bisher nur für die Veterinärmedizin zugelassen und diese benötigen für einen effektiven Schutz häufige Auffrischungen. Außerdem gibt es keine effizienten Therapiemöglichkeiten. Aus diesem Grund ist die Entwicklung weiterer wirksamer WNV-Impstoffe wünschenswert. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, verschiedene rekombinante Vakzinkandidaten auf Basis des Modifizierten Vacciniavirus Ankara (MVA) zu entwickeln, zu analysieren und bezüglich ihrer Eignung als Vektorvakzin zu bewerten. Das in seiner Replikationsfähigkeit extrem limitierte und hoch attenuierte MVA gehört bei der Entwicklung neuartiger rekombinanter Virusvakzine zu den viel versprechendsten Kandidaten. Potentielle WNV-Vektorvakzine beruhen überwiegend auf der Expression der beiden viralen Hüllproteine prM/M und E oder Teilen davon. Gerade das E-Protein stellt nach einer Infektion das Hauptzielantigen der adaptiven Immunantwort dar, indem es eine Vielzahl an immunogenen und protektiven Epitopen aufweist. Die fünf in dieser Arbeit hergestellten rekombinanten Viren exprimierten zum Teil das E-Protein in unterschiedlicher Ausführung oder prM/M und E simultan. Damit wurden verschiedene Ansätze zur Induktion einer Immunantwort generiert und untersucht. Alle rekombinanten MVA-Vektorviren waren bis auf die inserierten Zielsequenzen identisch und erwiesen sich als genetisch stabil. Die Replikationsdefizienz der Viren in den humanen und equinen Zielzellen konnte eindeutig nachgewiesen und somit ihre biologische Sicherheit belegt werden. Für die Erzeugung hochtitriger Virusstocks und zur Impfstoffproduktion in größerem Umfang war es notwendig zu zeigen, dass sich die ins MVA-Genom inserierten Sequenzen nicht negativ auf das Vermehrungspotential der Viren in permissiven Zellen auswirkten. Es konnte belegt werden, dass alle Konstrukte dem Wildtypvirus ähnliche, und somit zur Produktion ausreichende, Wachstumsfähigkeiten besaßen. Als weitere wichtige Voraussetzung für die potentielle Verwendung der rekombinanten Viren als Kandidaten-Vakzine galt eine effiziente rekombinante Proteinexpression. Durch die Analyse der Proteinsynthese mittels Westernblot konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass diese bei allen Konstrukten stabil und produktiv verlief. Auch die Lokalisierung der rekombinanten E-Proteine durch Immunfluoreszenzfärbung und nachfolgender Konfokalmikroskopie infizierter Zellen brachte das erwartete Ergebnis. Abschließend wurden zur ersten Einschätzung der Immunogenität der rekombinanten Viren WNV-spezifische Antikörper- und T-Zellantworten im Mausmodell untersucht. Alle Vektorviren waren in der Lage humorale und zelluläre Immunantworten zu induzieren. Hierbei erwies sich MVA-WNVESOL, was die, mittels Antigen-ELISA ermittelte, Antikörperantwort anbelangt als viel versprechendster Kandidat. Bezüglich der CD8+-T-Zellantwort konnte sich dies jedoch nicht bestätigen. Es ist anzumerken, dass weiterführende Untersuchungen der Testimpfstoffe in anderen präklinischen Modellen in Zukunft noch durchzuführen sein werden. Die in dieser Arbeit hergestellten rekombinanten Viren und gewonnenen Erkenntnisse belegen die Fähigkeit von MVA als viel versprechenden Vektorvakzin-Kandidaten gegen WNV. Die nachgewiesene Sicherheit und zugleich gute Vermehrungsfähigkeit in permissiven Zellen, die effiziente WNV-Antigen-Expression und die ersten positiven Daten zur Immunogenität aller Konstrukte sprechen für eine zukünftige, weitere Nutzung und Untersuchung dieser Vektorviren, um als langfristiges Ziel einen potenten WNV-Impfstoff zu erhalten.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9A2 Open City Hall debutsAnn Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.Fire restructure proposal meetings In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city's five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road.Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.   Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.    Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room.Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand. More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website. Be street savvyThe streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city's “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.Fall/Winter registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.Solid waste plan updateThe City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings.After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations. Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.)Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December. Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates.CTN hours changeBeginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Wednesday: 4–9 p.m.CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information. CERT Program registrationThe Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion.The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlightsAnn Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje's Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor's latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights. The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured.LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs. Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality.Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilotAccording to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow.U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M's Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world. The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website. WATS public meetingThe Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative. Connecting William StreetJoin the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot. Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites.To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills. To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.  At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting.Better Buildings for Michigan ProgramWith winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).  The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible. Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.  High-rise lighting reminderAnn Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.  In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to rememberDog SwimAfter Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it's your four-footed friend's turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.  Prevent West Nile VirusWest Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn. Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Empty water from mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddy pools or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV.Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.When you're running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV.All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour!Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour's air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny T

  In episode 40 of "This Week in Virology", hosts Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, and Alan Dove consider Reston ebolavirus in swine, historical perspective of H1N1 influenza virus emergence and circulation, Tamiflu-resistant H1N1, Tamiflu in Japanese river waters, transmission of H1N1 virus in ferrets, and pneumonia and respiratory failure from H1N1 in Mexico. Links for this episode Reston ebolavirus in Philippine swine Historical perspective on H1N1 virus Salk's 1947 article on flu vaccine failure Persistent legacy of 1918 H1N1 virus Tamiflu resistant H1N1 virus (AP article) Tamiflu in Japanese river waters H1N1 infection of ferrets (article one and two) Pneumonia and respiratory failure from S-OIV in Mexico DNA-based equine WNV vaccine (thanks Peter!) Fundamentals of Molecular Virology by Nicholas Acheson Weekly Science Picks Alan Coming to Life by Christiane Nusslein-VolhardDick Monsters Inside Me from Discovery ChannelVincent Microbeworld

In episode 29 of This Week in Virology, hosts Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove and Dick Despommier talk about insect and human dengue virus host proteins, equine vaccine for WNV and EEEV, return of swine flu to humans, spread of polio in Africa, and listener email. Links for this episode: Discovery of insect and human dengue virus host proteins Immunize your horse with PreveNile Swine flu returns to California, Texas, Mexico Polio spreads from Nigeria to 15 African countries Dead Chinese woman on Russian train: no SARS or influenza Jenny McCarthy body count Ten dumbass reasons why people don’t get their flu shots Science blog of the week: Science-based medicine Science podcast pick of the week: WNYC’s Radio Lab Science book of the week: Flu by Gina Kolata

West Nile Virus: What is the Risk? by Jeffrey T. Bradley, Ann Arbor Skyline High School, Health & Medicine Magnet In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.SkylineHealthMedicine.com Summary The students will investigate (1) What happens when West Nile Virus (WNV) shows up in a community? (2) What is the risk of an individual contracting the disease? (3) What can you do to lower your risk? Learning Outcomes • Students will be able to describe the life cycle of a mosquito and relate it to how humans become infected with WNV. • Students will be able to identify risk factors that increase their exposure to WNV. • Students will be able to determine statistically what the relative risk of contracting WNV is for various groups. • Students will be able to assess the risk of intrauterine transmission of WNV from a mother to her unborn child. Materials 1. Students will need access to computers with an Internet connection. 2. Copies of all the handouts for each student. 3. A sign that reads “CDC Epidemic Investigation Headquarters”.