New computational simulations of the behavior of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins prior to fusion with human cell receptors show that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is more stable and slower changing than the earlier version that caused the SARS epidemic in 2003.
Tools reveal patterns of Neandertal extinction in the Iberian Peninsula
Neandertal populations in the Iberian Peninsula were experiencing local extinction and replacement even before Homo sapiens arrived, according to a new study.
Researchers’ novel tool to help develop safer pesticides
Researchers have developed a new computational approach to rapidly screen pesticides for safety, performance and how long they will endure in the environment. Moreover, and most importantly, the new approach will aid in the design of next-generation molecules to develop safer pesticides.
Hands, feet, and fins: The connection that explains acral melanoma
Scientists are using zebrafish to understand human skin cancer that attacks the hands and feet.
Deserts ‘breathe’ water vapor, study shows
Deserts may seem lifeless and inert, but they are very much alive. Sand dunes, in particular, grow and move -- and according to a decades long research project, they also 'breathe' humid air.
Study shows that RNA can be targeted by small molecule drugs, creating new possibilities for disease treatment
Until now, proteins have been the target of most medications for the prevention and treatment of human disease. Drug developers have perceived RNA to be too unstable to target with drug therapy. However, a screen of 50,000 compounds has revealed drug-like activity against an RNA prototype called Xist, a result...
Universal flu vaccine candidate
Scientists have leveraged on a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells. This allowed them to prove that a single shot immunization containing M2e was able to trigger long-lasting immune responses that could protect effectively against multiple strains of the flu. The team was also able to demonstrate...
Drought alters Mammoth Mountain’s carbon dioxide emissions
A study suggests the weight of snow and ice atop the Sierra Nevada affects a California volcano's carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main signs of volcanic unrest.
Researchers discover source of super-fast electron ‘rain’
Scientists have discovered a new source of super-fast, energetic electrons raining down on Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon that contributes to the colorful aurora borealis and poses hazards to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts.
Unravelling the mystery of parrot longevity
Bigger brains have led some species of parrot to live surprisingly long lives, new research shows.