Science 187
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated levels of a contaminant linked to cancer.
Mergers between galaxies trigger activity in their core
Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) play a major role in galaxy evolution. Astronomers from SRON and RuG have now used a record-setting sample of galaxies to confirm that galaxy mergers have a positive effect ...
Mercury levels in shark fins illegal and dangerous to human health
Shark fins recently sampled from markets in China and Hong Kong contained dangerously high levels of mercury.
Coronavirus | Monkeys snatch blood samples in Meerut
A video showing one of the monkeys sitting on a tree and fiddling with one of the sample kits was widely shared on social media.
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated levels of a contaminant linked to cancer.
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated levels of a contaminant linked to cancer.
Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Struck Earth at ‘Deadliest Possible Angle,’ New Research Suggests
When the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hit Earth, it struck at an angle that maximised its destructive potential, according to new computer simulations of the catastrophic event.
Novavax to buy Serum Institute plant to produce 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses
While experts have predicted that a shot will likely take 12-18 months to develop, vaccines are seen by world leaders as the only real way to restart their stalled economies after months of sweeping lockdown
Solar probe to pass through comet's tail for 'bonus science'
The European Space Agency says its Solar Orbiter will unexpectedly pass through the tail of a comet in the coming days.
Scientists revise timelines for coronavirus spread
The first confirmed coronavirus infections in Europe and the United States, discovered in January, did not ignite the epidemics that followed, according to a close analysis of hundreds of viral genomes.
IFPMA industry association conference: ‘no-one left behind’ on coronavirus vaccine
Pharma industry leaders pledged to pull out all the stops to get a vaccine for coronavirus available as soon as possible – perhaps as early as October this year – and make sure that it is available to everyone who needs it around the world.
Monkeys attack lab assistant in India and steal coronavirus blood samples
A gang of monkeys attacked an Indian lab assistant and fled the scene with some coronavirus blood samples.
GSK plans to produces one billion doses of vaccine adjuvant for COVID-19
GlaxoSmithKline has announced plans to produce one billion doses in 2021 of its vaccine adjuvant system to support numerous COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
Scientists raise concern over hydroxychloroquine study
Scientists around the world doubt the data integrity of the study which led to the WHO suspending trials on hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for COVID-19
Solitons from new fibre laser could improve eye surgery
Short and powerful pulses are held together by high-order dispersion
Climate scientists create model for global forest growth through 2060
When it comes to the fight against global warming, our forests offer a valuable service. Trees act as carbon sinks, capturing CO2—the main greenhouse gas heating up the Earth's climate—from the air ...
Study finds black patients have double the odds for coronavirus hospital admission
A new study found that the odds of coronavirus hospital admission were nearly doubled if a patient is black. The study, published on May 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine, set out to find more
Researchers create active material out of microscopic spinning particles
At the atomic level, a glass of water and a spoonful of crystalline salt couldn't look more different. Water atoms move around freely and randomly, while salt crystals are locked in place in a lattice. ...
Evidence found of Kuroshio current strengthening due to intensifying tropical cyclones
A team of researchers from the Ocean University of China and Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, the Second Institute of Oceanography, the Southern Marine Science and Engineering ...
J&J's Ebola vaccine wins EU regulatory panel backing
(Reuters) - A panel of the European health regulator on Friday recommended approving Johnson & Johnson’s two-dose experimental vaccine for Ebola in the European Union.
Integrating satellite and socioeconomic data to improve climate change policy
Bangladesh is on track to lose all of its forestland in the next 35-40 years, leading to a rise in CO2 emissions and subsequent climate change, researchers said. However, that is just one of the significant ...
Monkeys run off with blood samples of four COVID-19 patients in India
A troop snatched test samples from a laboratory technician at a medical college, authorities say
Scientists raise concern over hydroxychloroquine study
Dozens of scientists have raised concerns over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine that led to the World Health Organization suspending clinical trials of the anti-viral drugs as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine, normally used to treat arthritis, is one of
World’s deepest octopus, complete with Dumbo ears, captured on film 4 miles below the surface
(CNN) — The deepest known sighting of an octopus has been captured on film, more than a mile deeper than the previous reliable sighting. The observations of...
How the world's largest and fastest supercomputers are being used to understand the coronavirus | ZDNet
The UK is the first country outside the US to join the COVID-19 High Performance Computing consortium, which provides access to the world's fastest supercomputers for work on tackling the pandemic.
Sun Pharma to test two drugs for treatment of Covid-19, stock up 3.5%
At present there are three clinical trials underway to test nafamostat in Covid19 patients around the world
Novartis to make US researchers' COVID-19 gene therapy vaccine hopeful
Novartis re-entered vaccine making on Thursday, inking a manufacturing deal with a US team whose COVID-19 candidate relies on technology similar to that of the Swiss drugmaker's $2.1 million-per-patient gene therapy, Zolgensma.
Biophysicists reveal molecular mechanism behind light-driven sodium pumping
An international research team has for the first time obtained the structure of the light-sensitive sodium-pumping KR2 protein in its active state.
Regulator Asks 5 Firms To Recall Diabetes Drug Over Carcinogen Concerns
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Thursday it has recommended five pharmaceutical firms to voluntarily recall their diabetes drug metformin after the agency found high levels of a possible cancer-causing impurity in some versions of the medication.
Climate could cause abrupt British vegetation changes
Climate change could cause abrupt shifts in the amount of vegetation growing in parts of Great Britain, new research shows.
Science News Briefs from All Over
Here are some brief reports about science and technology from around the planet, including one about an incredibly well-preserved horned lark ( Eremophila alpestris ), like the one pictured, that lived 46,000 years ago.
Algorithm quickly simulates a roll of loaded dice
The fast and efficient generation of random numbers has long been an important challenge. For centuries, games of chance have relied on the roll of a die, the flip of a coin, or the shuffling of cards ...
Worshippers at Jewish temple dating back 2,700 years 'took cannabis'
The discovery of cannabis in the form of hashish has shocked Biblical scholars
Covid-19: The world is still far from herd immunity for coronavirus
Rest of World News: The percentage of people who have been infected with Covid-19 across the world so far is still in the single digits. The numbers are a fraction of the
Hydroxychloroquine combination risky for cancer patients with COVID-19: Study
Cancer patients with COVID-19 who were treated with a drug combination promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to counter the coronavirus were ...
Fitness wearables provide early-warnings for Covid symptoms, study finds
US News: WASHINGTON DC: Preliminary research has found that constant stream of data from wearable devices such as Oura rings, Fitbits and Apple Watches reveal .
Why US, Europe were hit harder by Covid-19? Scientists look at regional disparities, immune system
Researchers examined differences in genetics and immune system responses, separate virus strains and regional contrasts in obesity levels and general health.
Scientists Simulate Unmanned Aircraft Striking, Deflecting Asteroid From Earth
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have come up with a novel way to deflect asteroids from Earth by having unmanned vehicles collide with the threatening...
The Planet's Forests Are Becoming Younger And Shorter As Climate Change Bites
The world’s forests are dramatically changing. A destructive cocktail of deforestation and climate change are leading to younger and shorter forests across
Coronavirus: Sun Pharma to test pancreatitis drug in COVID-19 patients in India
Sun Pharma said the pancreatitis drug, nafamostat mesilate, has been identified as a potential candidate for COVID-19 patients by scientists at University of Tokyo and Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Germany
Panic Grips Residents of Indian City of Meerut as Monkeys Steal COVID-19 Blood Samples - Video
New Delhi (Sputnik): India has been under a lockdown since March due to the fear of COVID-19 spread. As the restrictions are easing in their fourth phase, India’s...
Madhya Pradesh: Samples of 1,700 people taken for ICMR's COVID-19 survey
Samples of people collected from four districts in Madhya Pradesh: Indore, Dewas, Ujjain and Gwalior, who have not shown any symptoms of this disease.
Monkeys steal coronavirus blood samples in India
Monkeys grabbed and fled with the blood samples of four Covid-19 patients, says doctor
Novartis will start making coronavirus vaccine this month
Swiss drugmaker Novartis will start producing a genetic coronavirus vaccine this month under a deal with Massachusetts researchers. AveXis, Novartis’ gene-therapy arm, agreed to manufacture the
Baby born with two mouths due to 'extremely rare' condition - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics
A baby girl has been born with two mouths due to a condition so rare that it has only been seen in 35 recorded cases since 1900.Doctors were...
UK joins COVID-19 High Performance Computing consortium
Consortium is attempting to use supercomputers in the quest to find cures for COVID-19.
Covid-19: Sun Pharma gets approval for clinical trial of Nafamostat
Covid-19: Nafamostat was found to be the most potent drug and was able to inhibit virus entry at very low concentrations, consistent with findings from Japan and German labs.
COVID-19: Maintain 20 feet distance from people to avoid infection
Maintaining a 6 feet distance from the next person to avoid COVID-19 infection may no longer hold true. A new study says that 20 feet is the new minimum.
Baby with two mouths has operation to remove one of them
Warning: Graphic content.
FALSE: Malunggay and kamias tea cure for COVID-19
While some home remedies may alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, WHO says there is still no registered cure for the disease as of May 29
A Gang Of Monkeys Mobbed A Health Worker And Escaped With Covid-19 Samples
A report from India details a bizarre incident where a group of monkeys decided to mob a health worker and escape with samples of Covid-19. The animals wer
Quest for COVID-19 vaccines: Where they stand
May 29 (UPI) -- As the worldwide death toll from the novel coronavirus continues to rise, scientists across the globe are racing to find a vaccine.
As China's coronavirus shutdowns end, air pollutants rise to traditional levels
As economic activity resumes in China following the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, levels of the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are rising to traditional standards for the first time this year.
US hospitals slash use of hydroxychloroquine, drug championed by Trump as COVID-19 treatment
U.S. hospitals said they have pulled way back on the use of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug touted by President Donald Trump as a COVID-19 ...
Five drug companies told to recall diabetes medication amid cancer fears
Five US pharmaceutical companies have been told to recall their versions of a type of diabetes medication after tests found worrying levels of a chemical linked to cancer.Several batches of metformin, which is widely used to reduce excess blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients, tested positive for unsafe
Webinar focusses on post-COVID scenario
'Government should spend more on science and technology'
Exclusive: Sanofi stops enrolling COVID-19 patients in hydroxychloroquine trials
PARIS (Reuters) - Sanofi has temporarily stopped recruiting new COVID-19 patients for two clinical trials on hydroxychloroquine and will no longer supply the anti-malaria drug to treat COVID-19 until concerns about safety are cleared up, it said on Friday.
Why WHO suspended chloroquine clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment
Dozens of scientists have raised concerns over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine published in the Lancet.
Monkeys 'ran away with coronavirus test samples after attacking lab technician'
Locals filmed what they say is one of the monkeys sat in a tree chewing one of the sample collection kits
Scientists raise concern over hydroxychloroquine study
Dozens of scientists have raised concerns over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine published in The Lancet
Smart windows that self-illuminate on rainy days
Smart windows that automatically change colors depending on the intensity of sunlight are gaining attention as they can reduce energy bills by blocking the sun's visible rays during summer. But what about ...
Tectonic plates are a lot older than we thought
Earth's underground network of tectonic plates was in place more than 4 billion years ago—about a billion years earlier than scientists had thought.
Nippon Paint says its new VirusGuard+ paint can destroy human coronaviruses – here’s what it actually does
The world is in the middle of a global pandemic, and for many people, germs and bacteria have become the number one enemy in everyday life.
Solar probe to pass through comet's tail for 'bonus science'
The European Space Agency said Friday that its Solar Orbiter probe will pass through the tail of a comet in the coming days and scientists plan to switch on its instruments early to conduct some 'bonus science.'
Newly Discovered Pygmy Seahorse Species Is the Size of a Fingernail
This tiny creature is the first of its kind discovered near the continent of Africa
Nippon Paint says its new VirusGuard+ paint can destroy human coronaviruses - here's what it actually does, Business Insider - Business Insider Singapore
Business Insider - Using copper ion technology, the paint can destroy viruses and bacteria on walls via "contact killing", Nippon Paint said.. Read more at businessinsider.sg
EU regulator wants more data on malaria drug's use for COVID-19
(Reuters) - Healthcare professionals should closely monitor COVID-19 patients receiving malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for serious side effects, the European health regulator said on Friday, stressing the need for in-depth clinical data on benefits and risks.
A non-destructive method of analysing molecules in cells
When investigating how tumors grow, or how pharmaceuticals affect different types of cells, researchers have to understand how molecules within a cell react—and interact. This is possible with modern ...
Combination therapy does not show superior efficacy in newly diagnosed myeloma
The combination of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) did not show superior efficacy in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma absent a high-risk disease prognosis, compared with the standard of care--bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd).
Ancient Mass Extinction Tied To Ozone Loss, Warming Climate
Iwastheone shares a report from Science Magazine: The end of the Devonian period, 359 million years ago, was an eventful time: Fish were inching out of the ocean, and fernlike forests were advancing on land. The world was recovering from a mass extinction 12 million years earlier, but the climate w...
Surge in rats across UK as 45 per cent more of us call pest control
According to Rentokil Pest Control, there was a 79% increase in traffic to its “signs of rats” webpage in April
French Gov't Bans Hydroxychloroquine Submitting to Pressure From Pharma Labs, Politician Claims
The French government's decision to ban anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for use in COVID-19 cases goes against French people's interests and rights to get an...
COVID-19 Update: Virus Found in Bats is 'Closest Relative' of SARS-CoV-2; 6 Feet Not Enough to Avoid COVID-19, Experts Say
Experts discovered a new virus in bats that is currently the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2. Medical experts claimed that 6 feet is not far enough to avoid contracting the novel coronavirus.
Study provides an ethical way to advance medical discovery and innovation
Every major medical center in America sits on a gold mine. The data they hold about their patients and research participants could be worth millions of dollars to companies that would explore it for clues that could lead to new medicines, medical technologies, health apps, and more.
'Cannabis burned during worship' by ancient Israelites - study
Cannabis residues have been found on an altar in an ancient desert temple in Israel.
Coronavirus vaccine: Pfizer CEO claims COVID-19 medicine could be ready by October-end
American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is conducting clinical trials with German firm BioNTech on several probable vaccines in Europe and the United States
Sun Pharma to test pancreatitis drug in Covid-19 patients in India
Sun Pharma it has initiated manufacturing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the finished product of the drug using technology from its unit, Pola Pharma Japan.
Volcanos in space - Skywatching
Volcanoes are important things. They play a part in recycling the surface rocks of a world, and in building new land. For example, all the Hawaiian Islands are actually active or extinct volcanoes.
New iguana species is found 'hiding in plain sight' in the Caribbean - having been known to inhabitants for years but thought to be a South American 'invader'
The Southern Antilles iguana has a unique DNA profile and distinct bodily features including horns on its nose, a high crest and dark brown eyes. It had been misidentified as the common green iguana.
Predicting How Contact Tracing Can Control the Spread of COVID-19
News-Medical spoke to Lewis Spurgin about a new study that looked at 'real world' movement data and social contact to understand the spread of COVID-19.
Evidence of Cannabis Use Reportedly Found at Ancient Israelite Temple Altar
The researchers argued that the practice of burning pot might've been employed by the priests at Jerusalem as well.
Monkeys steal coronavirus test samples at Meerut Medical College; create panic
Doctors collected the samples from the patients again but the incident has sparked fear in the area as the samples believed to be of coronavirus patients are still with the monkeys
Monkeys steal coronavirus blood samples in India
LUCKNOW, India (Reuters) - A troop of monkeys in India attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, authorities said on Friday.
Sun Pharma to test pancreatitis drug in COVID-19 patients in India
BENGALURU (Reuters) - Drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said on Friday it has received Indian regulatory approval to start clinical trials of a pancreatitis drug in COVID-19 patients.
Wuhan wet market 'was not where coronavirus started but was super-spreader site'
The state-backed Chinese Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said genetic evidence proves coronavirus originated from bats before it jumped to humans
Antarctic ice sheets retreated at a faster rate in the past, study suggests
Scientists analysed wave-like ridges on the Antarctic seafloor
U.S. hospitals slash use of drug championed by Trump as coronavirus treatment
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. hospitals said they have pulled way back on the use of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug touted by President Donald Trump as a COVID-19 treatment, after several studies suggested it is not effective and may pose significant risks.
Scientists raise concern over hydroxychloroquine study
Dozens of scientists have raised concerns over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine published in the Lancet that led to the World Health Organization suspending clinical trials of the anti-viral drugs as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
Kalbe to start COVID-19 vaccine trial with S. Korean pharma firm
Publicly listed pharmaceutical company Kalbe Farma has signed an agreement with South Korea-based biotechnology firm Genexine Inc. to start a clinical trial of a COVID-19 candidate vaccine in Indonesia.
33% of drug errors missed by electronic health records systems
May 29 (UPI) -- Hospital electronic health records systems miss up to one-third of dangerous drug interactions and other errors in medication administration, according to a study published Friday by JAMA Network Open.
Two New Asian Giant Hornet Sightings in Pacific Northwest
The sightings, both of individual dead hornets, expand the area currently being patrolled by scientists hoping to track and eradicate the invasive insect
33% of medication errors missed by electronic health records systems, study finds
May 29 (UPI) -- Hospital electronic health records systems miss up to one-third of dangerous drug interactions and other errors in medication administration, according to a study published Friday by JAMA Network Open.
Monkeys steal samples of suspected COVID patients
AGENCIES Meerut In a bizarre incident, a troop of monkeys on Friday ran away with coronavirus test samples from the Meerut Medical College in Uttar Prades
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated levels of a contaminant linked to cancer.
Strawberry Moon Eclipse 2020: Timing, where to watch and all you need to know
A lunar eclipse only occurs during a Full Moon. The Earth, Moon and the Sun form a straight line during the lunar eclipse, with the Earth partially or completely hiding the Moon from the Sun.
US hospitals slash use of drug championed by Trump as coronavirus treatment
Early hopes were based in part on its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties
Hydroxychloroquine prescriptions surged 2,000% after Trump promoted drug
Prescriptions for the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine jumped almost 2,000% during the week in March when President Trump promoted it to treat COVID-19.
NCL team helps control leaked gas from tanker
The leaked gas was identified as acetic acid, which has a boiling point at 118 degrees Celsius, is highly corrosive and can be toxic when inhaled.
Nuclear Guinea Pigs: Radiation Experiments Performed on US Citizens
During the Cold War, the U.S. conducted experiments with radioactive substances on men, women, pregnant women, children, and infants.
Monkeys steal coronavirus blood samples in India
A troop of monkeys in India attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, authorities said on Friday. The attack occurred
Sun Pharma gets nod for drug trial in COVID-19 patients
DCGI approves testing of pancreatitis drug Nafamostat
Astronomers share video of black hole outburst
May 29 (UPI) -- Scientists with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory released a new video Friday showing a pair of jets exploding from a black hole located 10,000 light-years from Earth. Chandra recorded the jets approaching speeds of nearly 80 percent the speed of light.
Roche, Gilead to test drug cocktail against severe Covid-19
Roche said in a statement that it had joined forces with Gilead for a global phase III clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of using tocilizumab combined with remdesivir in hospitalised patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia.
Learn what type of COVID-19 testing is available, accuracy of tests as widespread testing comes to SC
Efforts to increase widespread testing are seen by mobile testing centers that have popped up across the state.
FDA asks drugmakers to recall several diabetes drugs over contaminants
US health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated levels of a contaminant linked to cancer. The Food
Monkeys steal COVID-19 blood samples in India
A troop of monkeys in India attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for the novel ...
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found elevated...
FDA finds contamination in several brands of diabetes drug
WASHINGTON - U.S. health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their versions of a widely used diabetes medication after laboratory tests found e
European, South Korean authorities vie for COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir
By Carl O'Donnell and Pushkala Aripaka European and South Korean authorities are vying for Gilead Sciences' potential COVID-19 treatment, remdesivir, even though the drugmaker has yet to gain regulatory approval in either market and is still ramping up production of the anti-viral drug.
Monkeys steal blood samples of Covid-19 patients from lab technician in India
Authorities said they were not clear if the monkeys had spilled the blood samples.
Team cracks the case of the universe’s ‘missing matter’
Researchers have solved a decades-old mystery of "missing matter"—material long predicted to exist in the universe but never detected—until now.
Condition in kids with possible COVID-19 link being studied in Canada
British Columbia and Alberta have become the latest provinces in Canada to investigate cases of an unusual syndrome in children, which doctors around the wo
Scientists analyse samples of Lukha river
SHILLONG: The samples of Lukha river are still being analysed pertaining to the mystery of the river turning blue.Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, JH Nengnong told The Shillong Times that though there are no mining activit
Fresh Antimatter Study Will Help Search for Dark Matter
The ALICE collaboration has presented new results on the production rates of antideuterons based on data collected at the highest collision energy delivered so far at the Large Hadron Collider.
Researchers discover new high-pressure material and solve a periodic table puzzle
In the periodic table of elements there is one golden rule for carbon, oxygen, and other light elements. Under high pressures they have similar structures to heavier elements in the same group of elements. Only nitrogen always seemed unwilling to toe the line. However, high-pressure researchers have actually disproved this special status.
Israeli Scientists Find Traces of Cannabis and Frankincense on 2,700-Year-Old Altars
Israeli researchers have analyzed organic residues from two altars of the 8th century BC shrine at the Biblical fortress of Arad and found that one of them contained frankincense that was mixed with animal fat for evaporation; on the other altar, cannabis substance was mixed with animal dung to enable its mild heating.
Govt, scientists working to produce COVID-19 test reagents locally
As the demand for screening and testing increased, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize earlier this week warned of a looming testing kit shortage.
Smart windows that self-illuminate on rainy days
A research team develops self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors. Applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care and safety management.
New Evidence Suggests Some Jurassic Theropod Dinosaurs were Cannibals
An analysis of the fossilized vertebrate remains from the Jurassic Mygatt-Moore Quarry in Colorado has revealed the bones of a theropod dinosaur called Allosaurus that bear tooth marks made by this and other large-bodied carnivorous dinosaurs.
Study Reveals Why Large Groups of Humans Are Hopeless in a Crisis
Humans are social animals and that's usually a good thing. But while there might be safety in numbers under some circumstances, new psychological research suggests human connection isn't always a good thing.
The Recipe for Efficient Protein Synthesis
Scientists have studied more than 30 thousand variants of genetic sequences encoding two fluorescent proteins in order to determine which characteristics of mRNA can increase the efficiency of translation.
Blood test to check for undetected cases in South
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across New Zealand could rise - thanks to a new blood test. This story was first published by RNZ Scientists...
Simulating dead bodies could help calculate an accurate time of death
Forensic scientists currently use basic temperature measurements to determine time of death, but a 3D simulation of the entire body could give much more accurate estimates
Distance from Brightest Stars Is Key to Preserving Primordial Discs
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope was used to conduct a three-year study of the crowded, massive and young star cluster Westerlund 2. The research found that the material encircling stars near the cluster's centre is mysteriously devoid of the large, dense clouds of dust that would be expected to become planets in a few million years.
Safety fears over drug hyped to treat the coronavirus spark global confusion
A study that suggested using hydroxychloroquine — a malaria drug — to treat people with COVID-19 could be dangerous has slowed clinical trials, but the study itself has also been questioned.
Study: Women with Neanderthal Progesterone Gene Have Higher Fertility
Almost one in three women with European descent inherited a genetic variant of the progesterone receptor called V660L from Neanderthals.
In Planet Formation, It's Location, Location, Location
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope are finding that planets have a tough time forming in the rough-and-tumble central region of the massive, crowded star cluster Westerlund 2. Located 20,000 light-years away, Westerlund 2 is a unique laboratory to study stellar evolutionary processes because it's relatively nearby, quite young, and contains a large stellar population.
Interstellar Visitor May Be One of Rarest Objects In Universe
A team of scientists think the interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua might actually be a hydrogen iceberg. The unusual idea could explain its stranger properties.
Sun Pharma gains 5% on DGCI nod to initiate clinical trial of drug on COVID-19 patients
Nafamostat is approved in Japan for improvement of acute symptoms of pancreatitis and treatment of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).
Mergers between galaxies trigger activity in their core
Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) play a major role in galaxy evolution. Astronomers from the University of Groningen and Netherlands Institute for Space Research have now used a record-sized sample of galaxies to confirm that galaxy mergers have a positive effect on igniting AGNs.
Cannabis Use While Pregnant Does Not Impair Children’s Cognition, Decades Of Studies Suggest
A review of research found fetal marijuana exposure isn't correlated with abnormal cognition; in rare cases where exposed kids scored lower or higher on tests, most stayed within the normal range, in fact.
NASA's AIM Spots First Arctic Noctilucent Clouds of the Season
Ice-blue clouds are drifting high above the Arctic, which means the Northern Hemisphere's noctilucent cloud season is here.
EU regulator promises speedy review of potential COVID-19 drug remdesivir
The announcement comes two weeks after the EMA head told the European Parliament it may give an initial green light for sale of remdesivir as a COVID-19 treatment.
IIT Roorkee to conduct research for identifying antiviral to tackle COVID-19
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee will conduct research on the identification of antiviral to treat COVID-19.
Scientists develop method to help epidemiologists map spread of COVID-19
Scientists have developed a method they believe will help epidemiologists more efficiently predict the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their new study outlines a solution to the SIR epidemic model, which is commonly used to predict how many people are susceptible to, infected by, and recovered from viral epidemics.
In-Depth: Is Herd Immunity our best bet in the fight against coronavirus?
With many countries easing lockdown restrictions, the debate on Herd Immunity has gained traction. What is Herd Immunity and is it achievable, here is all you need to know:
Climate could cause abrupt British vegetation changes
Climate change could cause abrupt shifts in the amount of vegetation growing in parts of Great Britain, new research shows.
Ferritin heavy chain protein shows promise as a potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine or antiviral
A new study published on the online preprint server bioRxiv in May 2020 reports the construction and testing of a new ferritin-based antigen-bearing protein that has biological activity towards the ACE2 receptor. This could indicate its potential for development as a vaccine or antiviral.
New model predicts the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers describe a single function that accurately describes all existing available data on active COVID-19 cases and deaths -- and predicts forthcoming peaks.
Chinese CDC Now Says The Wuhan Wet Market Wasn't The Origin of The Virus
Experts still don't know where the new coronavirus came from.
Hydroxychloroquine combination risky for cancer patients with COVID-19: Study
The preliminary results suggest doctors may want to refrain from prescribing the decades-old malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic azithromycin for these patients until more study is done, researchers said.
‘Pre-clinical Covid-19 vaccine trials in India could conclude by October’
India may be close to successfully developing a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, Principal Scientific Adviser Dr K VijayRaghavan said on Thursday adding that of the 30 groups engaged in the exercise, 20 are ‘working at a good pace’.
Active material created out of microscopic spinning particles
Researchers have created a new kind of self-healing active material out of 'microspinners,' which self-assemble under a magnetic field to form a lattice.
Pharma chiefs say coronavirus vaccine could be ready this year, but challenges 'daunting'
Pharmaceutical company executives say one or several COVID-19 vaccines could begin rolling out before 2021, but warned the challenges would be 'daunting' as it was estimated that 15 billion doses would be needed to halt the pandemic.
Marine Biologists Discover New Species of Red Alga
A team of marine biologists from China and the United Kingdom has revised the taxonomy of Pyropia, a large genus of red alga (seaweed) in the family Bangiaceae, and described a new species and four new genera.
New blood test to check for undetected Covid cases
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across New Zealand could rise - thanks to a new blood test. This story was first published by RNZ Scientists...
PCR and CRF partner to deliver practical education in virtual format
PCR and CRF are pleased to announce the creation of virtual Partners in Learning sessions that will be broadcast during the PCR e-Course (June 25-27, 2020) and CRF’s TVT Connect meeting (June 18-28, 2020).
Growing evidence that minority ethnic groups in England may be at higher risk of COVID-19
Evidence available to date suggests that minority ethnic groups in England, particularly black and south Asian people, may be at increased risk of testing positive for Covid-19, compared to people from white British backgrounds, according to a new study.
A community's fecal matter could give early warning of COVID-19 outbreaks, study finds
By studying sewage at a New Haven wastewater treatment facility, a team of Yale researchers has determined that genetic code embedded in feces could be used as an early warning sign of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Scientists develop method to help epidemiologists map spread of COVID-19
Rochester Institute of Technology scientists have developed a method they believe will help epidemiologists more efficiently predict the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their new study, published in ...
Dinosaur-killing asteroid created massive magma chamber that lasted millions of years, study shows
The asteroid that slammed into Earth some 66 million years ago and wiped out the dinosaurs also produced a gigantic pool of magma many times larger than the crater at the center of Yellowstone National Park, new research reveals.
Jets Blasted To 80% The Speed Of Light From A Black Hole Caught On Film
Jets blasted outwards from a stellar-mass black hole at 80 percent the speed of light have been caught on film by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. MAXI J1
Nearly 50% of people don't know they need to isolate with less common Covid-19 symptoms
The ESRI study suggested that there was a significant gap in people’s knowledge of when to isolate.
Large heath butterflies return to Manchester after 150 years
Lancashire Wildlife Trust has brought the species back to peatlands following a local extinction in the 19th century
Sanofi stops enrolling COVID-19 patients in hydroxychloroquine trials amid safety concerns
The moves come after the WHO paused its hydroxychloroquine trial after The Lancet reported patients getting the drug had increased death rates and irregular heartbeats
Prescriptions for anti-malarial drugs rose 2,000% after Trump support
A new study finds that prescriptions rose sharply for two anti-malarial drugs that President Donald Trump claimed could help prevent or treat COVID-19.
Hydroxychloroquine combination risky for cancer patients with COVID-19 -study
CHICAGO - Cancer patients with COVID-19 who were treated with a drug combination promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to counter the coronavirus were three times more likely to die within 30 days than those who got either drug alone, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.
Scientists raise concern over hydroxychloroquine study
Dozens of scientists have raised concerns over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine that led to the World Health Organization suspending clinical trials of the anti-viral drugs
Russia struggles to keep up in race for virus vaccine
Russia is among the countries racing to develop a vaccine but is no longer the vaccine developer it was in Soviet times and it is struggling to match virus research being carried out elsewhere.
Research explores the impact of invasive grasses on South Texas landscapes
Scientists writing for the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management say several exotic grass species once grown in South Texas for livestock forage and erosion control have expanded from the areas ...
Black people in England are 3.4 times more likely to test positive for Covid-19 than people from white British backgrounds, study shows
Minority ethnic groups in England have a bigger risk of testing positive for Covid-19, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Glasgow.
Monkeys steal coronavirus blood samples in India
A troop of monkeys in India attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, authorities said on Friday.
European, South Korean authorities vie for COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir
(Reuters) - European and South Korean authorities are vying for Gilead Sciences’ (GILD.O) potential COVID-19 treatment, remdesivir, even though the drugmaker has yet to gain regulatory approval in either market and is still ramping up production of the anti-viral drug.
Dormant ‘zombie fires’ are burning in the Arctic again
Fierce fires that have lain dormant for months are igniting once again across the Arctic region. The so-called “zombie fires,” which are remnants of record blazes seen last year, may be
Veolia to install Anammox wastewater treatment unit in Australia
Veolia Water Technologies and Urban Utilities are working to install Asia Pacific’s first full-scale sidestream ANITA Mox treatment plant this year. A firs
People more likely to accept nudges if they know how they work and how effective they are
The more people know about when and why behavioral interventions are being used and their effectiveness, the more likely they are to accept their use to change their behavior, according to recent research ...
Warmer nights but rainy days to come in Queensland this winter
The weather bureau's winter outlook suggests the state will experience wetter than average conditions.
Covid-19 infection survey begins in Portugal
The Covid-19 National Serological Survey began on 25 May and aims to estimate the incidence rate of infection by the new coronavirus in the population residing in Portugal.
U.S. FDA asks five firms to recall diabetes drug with high levels of probable carcinogen
(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Thursday it has recommended five pharmaceutical firms to voluntarily recall their diabetes drug metformin after the agency found high levels of a possible cancer-causing impurity in some versions of the medication.
Pharma chiefs see coronavirus vaccine by year-end, but challenges 'daunting'
LONDON, May 29 — Pharmaceutical company executives said yesterday that one or several Covid-19 vaccines could begin rolling out before 2021, but warned the challenges would be “daunting” as it was estimated that 15 billion doses would be needed to halt the pandemic. Well over 100 labs around...
Nanoscope received NIH grant to advance ultrafast laser-based gene delivery to the retina
The Nanoscope team has developed Multi-Characteristic Opsins to sensitize cells toward low level of white light so that vision is improved at ambient room light.
Warmer nights but rainy days to come in Queensland this winter
The weather bureau's winter outlook suggests the state will experience wetter than average conditions.
Warmer nights but rainy days to come in Queensland this winter
The weather bureau's winter outlook suggests the state will experience wetter than average conditions.
AFP: Bulgaria Pins Hopes on TB Vaccine Against the Coronavirus
In the worldwide battle against COVID-19, scientists are investigating whether a century-old tuberculosis vaccine might offer some additional protection against the novel coronavirus. And Bulgaria -- one of the world's leading manufacturers of the vaccine -- is holding out hope of new markets for the many millions of doses it produces each year.
Growing evidence that minority ethnic groups in England may be at higher risk of COVID-19
Evidence available to date suggests that minority ethnic groups in England, particularly black and south Asian people, may be at increased risk of testing positive for Covid-19, compared to people from white British backgrounds, according to a study published in the open access journal BMC Medicine.
People more likely to accept nudges if they know how they work and how effective they are
The more people know about when and why behavioural interventions are being used and their effectiveness, the more likely they are to accept their use to change their behaviour.
RIT scientists develop method to help epidemiologists map spread of COVID-19
Rochester Institute of Technology scientists have developed a method they believe will help epidemiologists more efficiently predict the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their new study, published in Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena, outlines a solution to the SIR epidemic model, which is commonly used to predict how many people are susceptible to, infected by, and recovered from viral epidemics.
Taiping Zoo, Night Safari announce success in breeding yet another endangered species: The milky stork
TAIPING, May 29 — Taiping Zoo and Night Safari (ZTNS) scored another success in the breeding of the endangered milky stork. Taiping Municipal Council president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir said the birds had made 12 nests in the zoo and four of them have shown hatchlings. "This is good news as...
Research explores the impact of invasive grasses on South Texas landscapes
Scientists writing for the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management say several exotic grass species once grown in South Texas for livestock forage and erosion control have expanded from the areas where they were planted and have become invasive. They now are reducing the region's biodiversity and the habitats available for wildlife.
SwRI receives $1.9 million to identify potential treatments for COVID-19
Using Department of Defense supercomputers, Southwest Research Institute is virtually screening millions of drug compounds to search for and test possible treatment options for the novel coronavirus 2019.
Shorter 5-day course of remdesivir works as well as 10-day: Gilead study
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Gilead Sciences Inc, which has suggested that a shorter treatment duration could extend limited supplies of its drug ...
New model predicts the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic
This week in the journal Frontiers, researchers describe a single function that accurately describes all existing available data on active COVID-19 cases and deaths -- and predicts forthcoming peaks.
Study: Public health campaigns can do better on cannabis harm reduction
Researchers surveyed nearly 500 attendees at the 2019 Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to learn about cannabis enthusiasts' awareness of cannabis harm reduction strategies. The results indicate a need for better public health campaigns.
NUTRITION 2020 LIVE ONLINE releases featured materials
Press materials are now available for NUTRITION 2020 LIVE ONLINE, a dynamic virtual event showcasing new research findings and timely discussions on food and nutrition. The online meeting will be held June 1-4, 2020.
Limits on evolution revealed by statistical physics
What is and is not possible for natural evolution may be explained using models and calculations from theoretical physics, say researchers in Japan. To explain this the limits of evolution, researchers simplified the natural world to fit idealized physics models and searched for any mathematical structure within biological complexity.
Special Times Call for Special Measures – InfraTec Responds to the Effects of the Corona Pandemic
With the current corona crisis, the world is facing a multitude of challenges. First and foremost is the protection of public health.
EU governments ban malaria drug for COVID-19, trial paused as safety fears grow
PARIS/LONDON/MILAN, May 27 (Reuters) - European governments moved on Wednesday to halt the use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients, and a second global trial was suspended, further blows to hopes for a treatment promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump.