A new survey-based study found that political partisanship has a significant influence on individuals' decisions to limit their social mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis suggests that partisanship is roughly 27 times more important than local COVID-19 prevalence in explaining individual mobility.
A portable saliva-based smartphone platform provides COVID-19 test results within 15 minutes, comparable to established laboratory tests. The approach uses a fluorescence microscope readout device paired with a smartphone to detect viral load from a CRISPR/Cas12a assay.
The carbon dioxide fertilization effect has declined globally since 1982, impacting climate change projections. This decline is linked to changes in nutrient concentrations and soil water availability.
A review examines the bidirectional causal relationship between poverty and common mental illnesses, depression and anxiety. Interventions improving mental health or economic condition often positively affect those suffering from poverty or mental illness.
Researchers analyzed ten cancer patients with refractory melanoma and found that fecal microbiota transplant improved patient outcomes in three out of ten cases. The treatment was safe and feasible, suggesting a potential role in overcoming resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
A genomic analysis of early SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in Boston found that a small number of importations led to most cases, while superspreading events played a significant role in the spread of the virus. The study tracked the downstream effects of these events and highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation strategies.
Researchers report a shift towards endemism in Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), a fatal transmissible cancer threatening the species' extinction. The study suggests DFTD may go extinct or coexist with populations, reducing the threat of extinction.
A phase 3 clinical trial involving 37 patients showed sustainable improvements in vision after 96 weeks, suggesting the gene therapy could be a safe and effective treatment for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The treatment unexpectedly seemed to work in both eyes, with DNA from the vectors found in both treated and untreated eyes.
Research suggests that weathered microplastic particles are 10 times more likely to be internalized by mouse cells than pristine particles. The formation of a biomolecular crust on the surface of microplastics enhances their ability to be engulfed by cell membranes, potentially leading to inflammation and health risks.
Researchers estimate 76% attack rate in Manaus, Brazil, and 29% in São Paulo, suggesting NPIs and growing immunity played a role in containing the epidemic. The study aims to understand the longevity of population immunity and potential need for booster vaccinations.
Researchers found that IgA antibodies dominate the early COVID-19 response, coming on more quickly than IgG and IgM antibodies. A vaccine designed to induce dimeric IgA may offer protection against the virus.
A new longitudinal analysis of 254 COVID-19 patients reveals that IgA and IgM antibodies disappear quickly during convalescence, while IgG antibodies persist but decline slowly. The study's findings may impact seroprevalence studies and raise questions about vaccination durability.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations suggest driving with all windows down and the passenger seated as far possible from driver reduces transmission of simulated infectious droplets. The opposite scenario, all four windows up, was found to be the riskiest due to highest airflow velocity.
Lung tissue analysis reveals MBD2 as a promising target for treating lung fibrosis, which is characterized by overexpression of this epigenetic regulator in areas occupied by macrophages. Inhibiting MBD2 may prove to be a safe way to treat the chronic and irreversible disease.
A new study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding competitive root behavior, revealing that plants adjust their root growth strategies according to the proximity of competing plants. The research reconciles conflicting hypotheses and demonstrates that roots are likely used to preempt resource capture by competitors in nea...
A new study reveals that a ubiquitous additive in vehicle tires, 6PPD-quinone, turns streams toxic and kills coho salmon. The highly toxic compound is deadly to juvenile salmon at concentrations as low as 1 microgram per liter.
Researchers propose guidelines to continue placebo-controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates even after an effective vaccine is found. This approach aims to address the global pandemic while ensuring valuable data collection from low-risk participants.
A new study demonstrates a high-definition brain prosthesis that can recreate complex shapes and letters in the minds of macaque monkeys. The device, containing 1024 electrodes, successfully evokes phosphenes and allows animals to recognize patterns.
Researchers identified distinct gut microbiome signatures in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), including higher levels of Bacteroides and lower levels of Blautia. A biomarker-based diagnostic tool may help physicians diagnose MDD, providing a companion to clinical interviews.
Research suggests stress hormones and immune cells may contribute to tumor recurrence by reactivating dormant cancer cells. Targeting stress hormones with approved drugs like beta-blockers could potentially prevent tumors from returning.
The 2020 Golden Goose Award winners made significant breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine development, leveraging existing knowledge of coronaviruses and the human immune system. Their research has led to several vaccine candidates currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection.
Translocation of desert tortoises with high genomic variability leads to higher survival rates than those with lower genetic diversity. The study suggests that targeting individuals based on overall genetic diversity may improve conservation outcomes.
A new study found that climate-driven increases in carbon capture lead to earlier leaf senescence in temperate trees. This challenges the long-held expectation that warmer temperatures would cause leaves to stay on trees longer and slow down climate change.
A new study using tree-ring data found that inner East Asia experienced a unique and unprecedented rise in heatwave-drought events over the last two decades. The findings suggest a positive feedback loop between declining soil moisture and increasing surface warming, potentially leading to more frequent and severe events.
Algorithms can adopt collusive pricing rules without human intervention, posing a threat to consumers. A multidisciplinary policy design is proposed to investigate AI pricing algorithms for collusion in controlled environments.
Researchers used marine controlled-source electromagnetic imaging to map a pattern of alternating ash/soil and basalt layers that trap fresh groundwater while forcing out seawater. This discovery suggests a novel mechanism for transporting freshwater offshore to the submarine flank of the island.
A phase 1 trial involving 12 children with relapsed neuroblastoma found CAR T cells effective against tumors without damaging nerve tissue. The treatment showed signs of antitumor immunity in some patients and may be further modified to boost persistence within tumors.
A new study models trade-offs in COVID-19 testing, suggesting that rapid turnaround times and frequent testing have high epidemiological value for effective surveillance. The study found that delays in diagnosing infections had a significant impact on surveillance plans, emphasizing the importance of fast results.
A marine bacterium has yielded a potent new antifungal molecule, turbinmicin, effective against Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to major classes of drugs. Turbinmicin blocks vesicle trafficking in fungi, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of multidrug-resistant fungal infections.
Researchers found that domesticated Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are more susceptible to acquiring Zika virus than their African counterparts. Genetic differences on chromosome 2 are believed to be the cause of this increased susceptibility.
Researchers have developed two new materials that enhance the capabilities of electronic 'touch,' allowing for more realistic simulations of human skin. These advances enable the creation of wearable healthcare sensors, prosthetics, and artificial skin for robots, with applications in grasping objects without disrupting natural touch.
A new study found that climate warming increases infectious disease risk in cooler-climate species, while reducing the risk for species from warmer climates. Small-bodied pathogens have a greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations than larger hosts.
Researchers found that PBT2 disrupts metals in polymyxin-resistant bacteria, resensitizing them to treatment and boosting survival rates in mice with sepsis. The compound may offer a solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, which poses a grave danger to patients with bacterial infections.
Research highlights the importance of understanding T cell responses in COVID-19, including their role in generating durable immunity and influencing disease severity. Filling knowledge gaps is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
A 10,000-year record of alpine glacier fluctuations reveals that some Rocky Mountain glaciers persisted as smaller glaciers covered in debris or rocks during periods of early Holocene warming. This challenges the long-held idea that all glaciers completely disappeared during these warm conditions.
The article emphasizes the importance of conducting rigorous evaluation to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. Historical experience with vaccine development informs regulatory practices, including pre-licensure monitoring for rare adverse events and post-licensure pauses if serious adverse events are detected.
A clinical study found that baricitinib reduced the rate of death or invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19 by roughly half. The drug also restrained high ACE2 receptor expression in liver cells, helping to reduce viral infection.
A new study reveals that water on Mars is directly transported to the upper atmosphere, where it is converted into atomic hydrogen that escapes to space. The process is more pronounced during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm.
Digital contact tracing apps face challenges due to uncertainties about awareness, privacy risks and effectiveness. An adaptive governance framework is proposed as a solution to address these concerns and promote public engagement, technical, legal and ethical oversight.
Researchers developed a stretchable dual-core optical fiber sensor system that can distinguish and measure complex mechanical movement using only a single sensor. The system, called SLIMS, successfully detected various finger movements and presses in real-time when integrated into a stretchable glove.
This special issue explores innovative cooling solutions to combat rising temperatures, including radiative cooling materials and novel textiles that help keep people cool. The article discusses advancements in data center cooling and the development of more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Researchers engineered a SARS-CoV-2 variant with the D614G substitution to compare its characteristics against the ancestral form in human cells and animal models. The results suggest that the variant does not significantly enhance pathogenicity but may increase transmissibility.
A high-sugar diet in fruit flies reprograms sweet taste receptors, reducing sensitivity to sweetness and promoting unhealthy eating habits. The study suggests that this epigenetic change may contribute to obesity and chronic diseases.
A new protein marker, neurofilament light protein (NFL), has been found to predict stroke severity and long-term outcomes. The levels of NFL in blood correlate with more severe brain damage and poorer survival rates after stroke.
Six entries featuring notable explanatory and investigative reporting on the global COVID-19 pandemic won the 2020 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards. Winners included Ed Yong, Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press for an investigation into state and local health programs.
Researchers estimate 4.3% of Kenyans had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 by June 2020, revealing more extensive exposure than reported case-based surveillance indicates. The findings support the idea that disease may be attenuated in Africa due to Kenya's demographic characteristics.
A Dutch study found that SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs between humans and minks, as well as within mink populations. The virus was initially introduced by humans, evolving over time.
A new study suggests that implementing social distancing measures in the US two weeks sooner could have prevented over a million cases and saved over 59,000 lives. The study's results highlight the importance of quick and aggressive non-pharmaceutical interventions to counter COVID-19 transmission.
Research found preexisting antibody-driven immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in a small proportion of uninfected adults and children, suggesting cross-reactive protection. These antibodies targeted the viral spike protein complex and showed neutralizing activity in cell culture experiments.
Researchers identified nanobodies that bind tightly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, providing a unique prophylactic and therapeutic strategy. These therapeutics have the potential to be produced in bulk from microbes and delivered via aerosol, offering an affordable alternative to monoclonal antibodies.