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.....»»
Study reveals mechanisms of increased infectivity, antibody resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Combining structural biology and computation, researchers have identified how multiple mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein independently create variants that are more transmissible and potentially resistant to antibodies......»»
Researchers discover unique "spider web" mechanism that traps, kills viruses
Immunologists have discovered a previously unknown mechanism which acts like a spider web, trapping and killing pathogens such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19......»»
A detailed simulation of air flow after sneezing
By the beginning of April 2021, the number of people infected during the COVID-19 pandemic had risen to more than 130 million people of whom more than 2.8 million died. The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 is transmitted particularly by drop.....»»
How Dangerous Is the Delta Variant, and Will It Cause a COVID Surge in the U.S.?
A new, more transmissible form of SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly spreading in the country and poses a threat to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Key mutations in Alpha variant enable SARS-CoV-2 to overcome evolutionary weak points
One of the key mutations seen in the 'Alpha variant' of SARS-CoV-2—the deletion of two amino acids, H69/V70—enables the virus to overcome chinks in its armour as it evolves, say an international team of scientists......»»
Structural changes in the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Beta variants identified
New SARS-CoV-2 variants are spreading rapidly, and there are fears that current COVID-19 vaccines won't protect against them. The latest in a series of structural studies of the SARS-CoV-2 variants' "spike" protein, led by Bing Chen, Ph.D., at Boston.....»»
SARS-CoV-2 virus can find alternate route to infect cells
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists identified how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, gets inside cells to cause infection. All current COVID-19 vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics were designed to disrupt this route into cells,.....»»
Versatile, fast and reliable SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay
During the continued progression of the Corona pandemic, rapid, inexpensive, and reliable tests will become increasingly important to determine whether people have the associated antibodies—either through infection or vaccination. Researchers at th.....»»
Identification of two pathways for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideally, to prevent its spread, treatments should target the early stages of infection before the virus penetrates cells. A joint investigation by INRAE and Heidelberg University, Germany.....»»
Tree pollen carries SARS-CoV-2 particles farther, facilitates virus spread
Most models explaining how viruses are transmitted focus on viral particles escaping one person to infect a nearby person. A study on the role of microscopic particles in how viruses are transmitted suggests pollen is nothing to sneeze at......»»
Engineering nanobodies as lifesavers when SARS-CoV-2 variants attack
Scientists are pursuing a new strategy in the protracted fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus by engineering nanobodies that can neutralize virus variants in two different ways......»»
Don’t buy a MacBook today — wait until tomorrow
Can't wait to pick up a MacBook deal this Prime Day? Hang around until tomorrow and you're guaranteed the best deals around, with no buyer's remorse......»»
Gene edited indoor veggie gardens, advanced wastewater treatment to tackle food crisis
Climate change, rising populations, and shrinking farmlands are all threatening global food security. As the future of food hangs in the balance, innovative research and the development of sustainable urban food solutions could tip the scales back in.....»»
"Nanodecoy" therapy binds and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 virus
Nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells (LSCs) can bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, promoting viral clearance and reducing lung injury in a macaque model of COVID-19. By mimicking the receptor that the virus binds to rather than targeting th.....»»
Study finds potentially druggable process of SARS-CoV-2 replication
Of all the proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the pathogen that causes COVID-19), the spike protein is the one that gets the most attention. This attention is well-deserved—the spike protein is essential for latching on to cells and infecting a host.....»»
Graphene can be used to detect COVID-19 quickly, accurately
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have successfully used graphene—one of the strongest, thinnest known materials—to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments. The researchers say the discovery could be a breakthrough i.....»»
Ikea’s $199 Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker lets you hang your tunes on a wall
Ikea's third collaborative project with Sonos is the $199 Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker, a Wi-Fi speaker that hangs on a wall and has swappable art covers......»»
When sharks need a power nap, they go surfing
Surf's up! Gray reef sharks can't hang ten, but they're still pretty rad surfers......»»
Study confirms safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer
In a review of 200 patients with a wide spectrum of cancer diagnoses, researchers found that after full vaccination, 94 percent of patients overall demonstrated seroconversion, which was determined by the presence of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spik.....»»
Compound blocks SARS-CoV-2 and protects lung cells, study finds
Researchers report that Elovanoids, bioactive chemical messengers made from omega-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, may block the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering cells and protect the air cells (alveoli) of the lung......»»