Fast-spreading mutation helps common flu subtype escape immune response
Strains of a common subtype of influenza virus, H3N2, have almost universally acquired a mutation that effectively blocks antibodies from binding to a key viral protein.
Global wildlife surveillance could provide early warning for next pandemic
Researchers propose a decentralized, global wildlife biosurveillance system to identify — before the next pandemic emerges — animal viruses that have the potential to cause human disease.
Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19
Bats carry many viruses, including COVID-19, without becoming ill. Biologists are studying the immune system of bats to find potential ways to ‘mimic’ that system in humans.
Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19
Bats carry many viruses, including COVID-19, without becoming ill. Biologists are studying the immune system of bats to find potential ways to ‘mimic’ that system in humans.
Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19
Bats carry many viruses, including COVID-19, without becoming ill. Biologists are studying the immune system of bats to find potential ways to ‘mimic’ that system in humans.
Biologists trace plants’ steady mitochondrial genomes to a gene found in viruses, bacteria
(Colorado State University) CSU biologists have traced the stability of plant mitochondrial genomes to a particular gene – MSH1 – that plants have but animals don’t. Their experiments, described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could lend insight into why animal mitochondrial genomes tend to mutate.
Twenty-year study tracks a sparrow song that went ‘viral
With the help of citizen scientists, researchers have tracked how one rare sparrow song went ”viral” across Canada, traveling over 3,000 kilometers between 2000 and 2019 and wiping out a historic song ending. The study reports that white-throated sparrows from British Columbia to Ontario have ditched their traditional three-note-ending song in favor of a unique two-note-ending variant — although researchers don’t know what made the new song so compelling.
Smart structures: Structural cells of the body control immune function
Researchers analyzed the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in structural cells. They found widespread activity of immune genes, suggesting that structural cells are deeply involved in the body’s response to pathogens. Moreover, the study uncovered an epigenetic potential that pre-programs structural cells to engage in the immune response against pathogens. These findings highlight an underappreciated part of the immune system and open up an exciting area for research and future therapies.
Learn from the pandemic to prevent environmental catastrophe, scientists argue
(University of Cambridge) COVID-19 is comparable to climate and extinction emergencies. All share features such as lagged impacts, feedback loops, and complex dynamics. Delayed action in the pandemic cost lives and economic growth, just as it will with environmental crises – but on a scale ‘too grave to contemplate’, say scientists from UK and US.
Measuring air pollution could help London transport planners fight COVID-19
Measuring air quality across London could help fight COVID-19 by providing a rapid means of deciding whether to reduce public transport movement — given strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission, a new study reveals.
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