SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via specific viral entry factors

A new study uncovers which cell types can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 due to their viral entry factors. The study also suggests that increased gene expression of these viral entry factors in some individuals partially explains the differences of COVID-19 severity reported in relation to age, gender and smoking status.

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It's snowing plastic

Researchesr have developed a new technique that is orders of magnitude more sensitive than any of the other current methods used for tracing plastic in the environment. It allows scientists to detect ultra-trace quantities of many of the most common soluble and insoluble plastics in snow, water, rainfall, and even in soil samples once they have been separated - down to the level of a picogram.

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The fitter you are the better you burn fat

Physiologists find that the biggest predictors of people's ability to burn fat are their biological sex and their fitness levels.

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The a7 protein is ready for its close-up

Researchers have identified the structure of a key member of a family of proteins called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in three different shapes. The work could eventually lead to new pharmaceutical treatments for a large range of diseases or infections including schizophrenia, lung cancer, and even COVID-19.

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Proportion of gun use in TV violence statistically parallels U.S. gun homicide trends

A new study shows that the proportion of gun violence relative to other forms of violence in TV dramas increased from 2000 to 2018, with statistical parallels to trends in actual gun homicides among U.S. youths.

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Honey bee behavior from within the hive

Unique video from within beehives provides special insight into honey bee behaviors, according to a new study.

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Targeting a new antibody supersite key to COVID immunity

Antibodies from recovered patients recognize a lesser-known site on the pandemic coronavirus and block infection in lab studies.

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