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While viruses have been studied for over a century, virologists have made the first breakthrough in identifying the mechanism through which viruses infect cells.
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Science has led to an improvement in pet food over the past few decades, but can chemistry go further? Researchers have undertaken chemical analysis of dog food in order to encourage the fussiest of eaters.
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New research finds that the composition of gut microbes transferred from mother to child influences how the skeleton of a child develops. This presents an important step in understanding the influence of the microbiome on health.
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As global communities struggle to cope with both coronavirus infections that manifest as COVID-19 and the restrictions that come with the health emergency, the reality is dawning that we may always have to live with this virus and potentially others.
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By AFP
The march of time can be unkind to the human body but new research hints at a cause -- and possible solution -- for some of the ailments and decline that often come with age.
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By AFP
Central Europeans of the Bronze Age used bronze rings, ribs and axe blades that were roughly standardized in their shape and weight as an early form of "euros," according to a new study.
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A face mask that utilizes graphene technology has proven efficacy for capturing viruses at a level comparable with surgical masks and then to inhibit the capture virions through the activity of the graphene. Digital Journal reviews.
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By AFP
The whimsical, wafting flight of butterflies may not give the impression of top aerodynamic performance, but research published on Wednesday suggests their large flexible wings could be perfectly designed to give them a burst of jet propulsion.
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From the environmental perspective, what has been the effect of the pandemic upon the environment? The results are mixed, depending upon which aspect of ecology is examined. We look at four contrasting cases in this week's Essential Science.
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By AFP
Iceland has genetically sequenced all its positive Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, an increasingly vital practice as worrying new strains emerge from Britain and South Africa.
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The connection between COVID-19 symptoms and other underlying health conditions continues to be researched. A new finding draws a connection between symptom severity and intestinal health, in relation to the gut microbiome.
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A new treatment for the disease caused by the coronavirus, intended to prevent severe illness, has been launched in England. The novel method to address COVID-19 is based on a protein-based inhalation treatment. This could be administered by the patient.
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The world's vital insect kingdom is undergoing "death by a thousand cuts," according to the world's top bug experts. Insects, considered vital to the food chain, are slowly disappearing, and for a variety of reasons.
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Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say they have found a new variant of COVID-19 in Columbus. The new variant carries a mutation identical to the U.K. strain.
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Health officials in 12 states have now confirmed the presence of the more contagious B.1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2 in their states.
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The first complete map of a platypus genome has just been released, and it's every bit as strange as you'd expect from a creature with 10 sex chromosomes, a pair of venomous spurs, a coat of fluorescent fur, and skin that 'sweats' milk.
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Currently there are six COVID-19 vaccines for which certain national regulatory authorities have authorized the use. There are many potential COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently in development. How are these vaccines developed?
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A greener transport solution could becoming to the UK. A Scottish project plans to have a train powered using a hydrogen fuel cell operational by the end of this year.
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A new study has successfully used gene therapy to cure paralyzed rats. Some degree of limb function was restored to the rats. The success raises hopes that the treatment could be deployed to assist people who are unable to move their limbs.
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Some new coronavirus related research demonstrates how spike protein, from the outer shell of the virus, can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means there is the potential for the COVID-19 virus entering the brain.
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A new study indicates that consumer wearable devices (such as a Fitbit), when configured to continuously measure vital signs, has a reasonable predictive ability for assessing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
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Rising temperatures in the North Pole are causing parts of the polar vortex to split off and move southward, leading to the possibility of a particularly harsh winter in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
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A new variant of the coronavirus that has been identified in South Africa is more of a risk than the mutation found in the U.K., according to Britain’s health minister.
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Challenging the notion that only certain domesticated animals can engage in communication with each other and, to and extent, with humans, new research finds that it is not only dogs and horses that have the ability to visually 'talk', kangaroos do too.
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As though global tantrums weren’t already enough fun, a new world is opening up as a new venue for conflicts. Mining the Moon is likely to happen very soon, and it’s bringing big money with it.
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A new, more accurate method for forecasting weather based on artificial intelligence has been developed in the U.S. It is hoped that the AI driven model will begin to issue far more accurate forecasts for rain, snow and other weather events.
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New research, centered upon seasonal variations, finds that natural variations in ultraviolet radiation can influence the ease of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and rates of COVID-19.
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An increasing number of medical reports show the success of fecal microbiota transplants in addressing metabolic diseases. Any new therapy faces a juncture, in terms of regulation and commercialization, and it is here that an ethical framework is needed.
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The search for new antibiotics and other antimicrobials continues to be a pressing need in humanity's battle against bacterial infection. A new class of antibiotics, called immuno-antibiotics, may present the answer.
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By AFP
A 2,000-year-old fast-food stall unearthed from the ash of Pompeii has given researchers new clues about the snacking habits of the ancient Romans.
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If the idea that the universe was a big computer simulation was about the equivalent of science fiction B movie, this is the mystic version - The universe simulates itself for information and meaning. Do tell.
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A new and more infectious strain of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected in England over the past week. By infectious, the virus is spreading far more easily although the new strain does appear to produce worst symptoms.
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By AFP
Climate change and biodiversity loss are laying bare our dependence on the natural world for everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
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A female wolf pup mummy, perfectly preserved as it remained locked in permafrost for 57,000 years, is finally giving up some of its secrets, including how the grey wolf died and ended up alone in the ice so long ago.
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New research looking at mechanisms to increase life expectancy, or at least to reduce aging, has demonstrated how blood pressure drugs may have some beneficial effect. Data so far relates to an animal model.
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Many people are gifted with potted Norfolk Island Pines during the holidays. My daughter gave this journalist one for Christmas., but I had no idea how to care for it. My curiosity took me on a journey of discovery about the beautiful houseplant.
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The shortest day in what feels like the longest year has arrived. Monday is the Winter Solstice. Sky gazers will have a special treat tonight - The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Viewers will see two bright "stars" left of where the sun sets.
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A special type of atomic clock has been developed to keep time even more precisely. The new concept deploys entangled atoms. A useful application with the clock will be with the detection of dark matter and the effect of gravity upon time.
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How coronavirus is distributed within the indoor environment setting continues to be an important focus for scientists trying to understand the dynamics of viral particle deposition. A new hospital study sheds some light.
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Aboriginal stories have a lot to say about kangaroos. If you’ve ever met one in the wild, they make a lot of sense. Now, finally, European science is starting to agree… In a sort of oblique way.
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By AFP
The United States on Friday authorized Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, as the country grapples with a brutal winter surge that is killing over 2,500 people a day.
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