Pfizer and BioNTech announce vaccine candidate against COVID-19 achieved success in first interim analysis from Phase 3 study. Image credit: NCI A potential vaccine candidate currently being developed by Pfizer and German…
Coronaviruses mimic immune proteins and hide in plain sight
New study finds coronaviruses are masters of mimicry, reproducing their host’s immune proteins to remain invisible and help promote infection. Colorized scanning electron micrograph of a VERO E6 cell (blue) heavily infected…
Better “artificial bone” coating to make implants safer and more effective
Superior coating performance achieved compared to existing clinical products, allowing better artificial bone synthesis and coating on the surface of metal and polymer materials. Titanium piece coated with artificial bone. Image credit:…
New test captures elusive blood biomarker to help identify severe COVID-19 before symptom onset
An inventive new approach lowers the limit of detection for a common assay, allowing researchers to identify elusive biomarkers in complex fluids, like the blood. Image credit: Didar lab McMaster University Biomarkers…
Is there long-term immunity for SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found in patients’ blood up to 7 months after infection, and researchers are hopeful. SEM image of SARS-CoV-2 (round gold objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in…
Growing new cartilage with magnetic fields and hydrogels
Researchers use an enhanced technique to pattern unaltered cells within a 3D hydrogel, allowing them to recreate complex biological tissue for regenerative medicine. Image credit: Dr. Manuel González Reyes on Pixabay The…
Could restoring peatlands be key to saving the planet?
Peatlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth but when damaged are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Recently rewetted fen in NE Germany where cattail has been planted for…
Astronomers record last moments of star as it’s devoured by a black hole and turned into “spaghetti”
New observations capture a star experiencing spaghettification as it’s sucked in by a supermassive black hole. A star experiencing spaghettification as it’s sucked in by a supermassive black hole. Image credit: ESO/M….
Nanomaterials for enhanced fiberoptic cables
New hybrid optical fibers contain 2D materials that enhance light-matter interactions and open doors for a range of new technological advancements. Image credit: Jens Meyer (University of Jena) The interaction between light…
Black holes take 2020 Nobel prize in physics
Three laureates share this year’s Nobel prize in physics for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe: the black hole. Image credit: Niklas Elmehed. © Nobel Media…