A scientific detective story unearths how SARS-CoV-2 evolves new variants that evade antibodies. Recurrent deletion generates variants that escape from neutralization; Kevin McCarthy and Paul Duprex Viruses are highly adept at survival…
Anonymous name change policies for a more inclusive publishing world
Image credit: Kieran O’Brien Transgender, non-binary, and/or gender diverse researchers and scholars face unique challenges as a result of a historical unwillingness to change outdated publishing practices. Theresa Tanenbaum is an assistant…
A new material brings scientists closer to a “quantum brain”
An intelligent material that learns by physically changing itself, similar to how the human brain works, could be the foundation of a completely new generation of computers. Image adapted from Unsplash In…
Vaccinating the most vulnerable first may not have the greatest impact on COVID-19, new model suggests
Image created by Charlie Bulmer. Submitted for United Nations Global Call Out To Creatives With the second wave of COVID-19 in full force — with some countries even experiencing a third wave…
Digital CRISPR‐assisted assay for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
The first digital CRISPR/Cas‐assisted assay that can detect SARS‐CoV‐2 in under 30 minutes. Image credit: Testalize.me on Unsplash The discovery of CRISPR enzymes isolated from bacteria has not only transformed our ability…
How do viruses protect their genetic information?
Researchers uncover the mystery of how viruses avoid encapsulating unwanted genetic material from the crowded cell cytoplasm. Image credit: Juan Gaertner/Science Photo Library Understanding the intricate mechanisms behind viral infections is crucial…
New macrocycle antiviral drugs show promise in treating influenza
Creating antiviral drugs to help treat infected patients is more important than ever. Now, researchers report a non-toxic macrocycle antiviral agent that shows high efficacy against several influenza strains. H1N1 influenza virus;…
First hint of radio emissions collected from an exoplanet
Though weak, researchers have detected what could be the first radio emissions collected from a planet outside our solar system. Image credit: Guillaume Le Louarn Unsplash This week, researchers from Cornell University…
Quantum simulator poised to be major breakthrough in quantum technology
Researchers create a quantum nanochip that is capable of producing stable, high-quality qubits and could open doors for powerful quantum computers. Image credit: Clyde He on Unsplash Researchers at the University of…
Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine shown to be safe and effective
The results of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials are the first to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Image credit: Unsplash The first peer-reviewed results regarding the safety and efficacy of…