Existing methods for detecting and diagnosing COVID-19 are either expensive and complex or inaccurate. Now, scientists have developed a novel biosensing platform to detect and quantify viral particles using a simple optical microscope and antibody proteins. Their versatile approach, based on slowing down light, could pave the way to new...
Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows
In proof-of-concept experiments, scientists say they have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice, potentially advancing efforts to treat muscle injuries and muscle-wasting disorders in people.
Study challenges theories of earlier human arrival in Americas
The new analysis suggests that misinterpretation of archaeological evidence at certain sites in North and South America might be responsible for theories that humans arrived long before 13,000-14,200 years ago.
Got food cravings? What’s living in your gut may be responsible
New research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods.
Cannabis poisoning cases in pets have increased significantly, study finds
A survey of veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada highlights mounting cases of cannabis poisoning among pets and sheds new light on symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.
Pterosaur discovery solves ancient feather mystery
Palaeontologists have discovered remarkable new evidence that pterosaurs, the flying relatives of dinosaurs, were able to control the color of their feathers using melanin pigments.
Air pollution linked to higher risk of COVID-19 in young adults
Residential exposure to ambient air pollutants is linked to an elevated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, an observational study of young adults in Stockholm, Sweden shows.
New global forecasts of marine heatwaves foretell ecological and economic impacts
Researchers have developed global forecasts that can provide up to a year's notice of marine heatwaves, sudden and pronounced increases in ocean temperatures that can dramatically affect ocean ecosystems.
Geoengineering could return risk of malaria for one billion people
Geoengineering the climate would have massive repercussions for the health of billions of people at risk of malaria who live in tropical countries, according to a new finding. This is the first assessment of how geoengineering the climate could impact the burden of infectious diseases.
Portable, point-of-care COVID-19 test discerns alpha variant from earlier strains
A point-of-care COVID-19 test developed by researchers can now detect and differentiate the alpha variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from earlier strains in saliva samples.