Sewer slime can hang on to SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater
During the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring the levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater entering treatment plants has been one way that researchers have gauged the disease's spread. But could the slimy microbial communities that line most sewer pipes aff.....»»
Assessing the potential activity of salen against proteins of SARS-CoV-2
Researchers found out that salen is able to effectively bind a number of proteins of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Scientists used the method of molecular docking and discovered that salen shows activity to the non-structural protein nsp14, which preve.....»»
Grimy windows could be harbouring toxic pollutants
Dirty windows can harbor potentially harmful pollutants under protective films of fatty acids from cooking emissions—and these can hang around over long periods of time......»»
Shape of coronavirus affects its transmission, study finds
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, images of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, have been seared in our minds. But the way we picture the virus, typically as a sphere with spikes, is not strictly accurate. Microscope images of infected tissues have.....»»
Creating an artificial protein shell to combat COVID-19
During the first COVID-19 wave, when Saumitra Das and colleagues were sequencing thousands of samples every day to check for SARS-CoV-2 variants as part of INSACOG, the Government of India's genome surveillance initiative, they were racing against ti.....»»
Scientists uncover how SARS-CoV-2 blocks antiviral defenses
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found one way SARS-CoV-2 manipulates the environment within human cells to prevent them raising a full antiviral response......»»
Engineered multivalent self-assembled binder protein against SARS-CoV-2 RBD
Since it appeared in 2019, COVID-19 has claimed over 6 million lives and upended society across the globe. The condition, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, attacks cells in the lungs, heart and brain, among other organs. Researchers soon realized that.....»»
Modified nucleotides used in COVID-19 vaccines work as designed
The remarkable effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has generated much interest in synthetic mRNA therapeutics for treating and preventing disease. But some basic science questions have remained about whether the modified nucleotides use.....»»
SARS-CoV-2 has evolved an incubation time more like seasonal coronaviruses
Meta-analysis finds the gap between infection and symptoms has gradually shortened. Enlarge (credit: Getty | picture alliance) The incubation period for COVID-19—the time between when SARS-CoV-2 first infects a person and wh.....»»
Should we be trying to create a circular urine economy?
Urine has lots of nitrogen and phosphorus—a problem as waste, great as fertilizer. Enlarge (credit: Peter Dazeley) Removing urine from wastewater and using it as fertilizer has the potential to decrease nutrient loading in w.....»»
Dutch anglers save fish as Rhine drought bites
Angler Mark Kouwenhoven grins as he wades into what's left of a dried-up Dutch lake where his colleagues are throwing slime-coated fish into buckets......»»
New method can remove dyes from wastewater
North Carolina State University researchers have demonstrated that a synthetic polymer can remove certain dyes from water, and that the polymer can be recovered and reused. The findings offer a new potential method for cleaning wastewater after use b.....»»
With California expected to lose 10% of its water within 20 years, Gov. Newsom calls for urgent action
With California enduring historic drought amplified by global warming, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday released a new plan to adapt to the state's hotter, drier future by capturing and storing more water, recycling more wastewater and desalinating seaw.....»»
SARS-CoV-2 genomic recombination is uncommon but disproportionately occurs in spike protein region
An analysis of millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes finds that recombination of the virus is uncommon, but when it occurs, it is most often in the spike protein region, the area which allows the virus to attach to and infect host cells......»»
Scientists identify mechanism crucial for COVID-19 virus replication
A team led by UT Southwestern researchers has identified how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, builds a structure called the RNA cap that's critical for successful viral replication. The finding, published in Nature, could lead to new strat.....»»
Disturbing Robotic Slime Can Move Around Inside the Body, Pick Up Objects
The appropriately named "magnetic slime robot" doesn't need any internal electronics -- it's a combination of several different materials, allowing it to be controlled with external magnetic fields. The result is a.....»»
The Risk of Heart Disease after COVID
Some studies suggest that the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, remains high even many months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection clears up.....»»
58% of human infectious diseases can be worsened by climate change
77,000 studies were scoured to map the pathways. Enlarge / Flooding from hurricanes like Irma in Florida can overwhelm sewer systems and spread pathogens in other ways. (credit: Brian Blanco | Getty Images) Climate change can.....»»
Kids" noses can better fight COVID-19
University of Queensland-led research has found the lining of children's noses is better at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infections than adult noses......»»
Newly developed COVID-19 test detects and identifies specific variants with 100% accuracy
University of California, Irvine researchers have developed a COVID-19 test that detects and identifies specific SARS-CoV-2 variants with 100% accuracy. In a study, the RNA-encoded viral nucleic acid analytic reporter correctly determined the Alpha,.....»»
Nano-sponges with potential for rapid wastewater treatment
Efficient adsorbents for industrial wastewater treatment are important to minimize potential environmental damage. In particular, organic dyes, as a significant group of industrial pollutants, are usually highly water soluble, non-degradable and many.....»»