Simulations reveal how dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain binds to host, succumbs to antibodies

The dominant G-form spike protein 'puts its head up' more frequently to latch on to receptors, but that makes it more vulnerable to neutralization.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2RDa3zv

Experimental antiviral for COVID-19 effective in hamster study

The experimental antiviral drug MK-4482 significantly decreased levels of virus and disease damage in the lungs of hamsters treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a new study. MK-4482, delivered orally, is now in human clinical trials.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wXH0Hj

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

In a proof-of-concept study, dogs identified positive samples with 96 percent accuracy.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3adpapV

Virologists develop broadly protective coronavirus vaccines

A candidate vaccine that could provide protection against the COVID-19 virus and other coronaviruses has shown promising results in early animal testing.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tsNMlZ

Scientists may detect signs of extraterrestrial life in the next 5 to 10 years

Research shows that a new telescope could detect a potential signature of life on other planets in as little as 60 hours.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2QtJxYQ

Unconventional takes on pandemics and nuclear defense could protect humanity from catastrophic failure

From engineered pandemics to city-toppling cyber attacks to nuclear annihilation, life on Earth could radically change, and soon.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3mVcg4P

Tarantula's ubiquity traced back to the cretaceous

Tarantulas are among the most notorious spiders, due in part to their size, vibrant colors and prevalence throughout the world. But one thing most people don't know is that tarantulas are homebodies. Females and their young rarely leave their burrows and only mature males will wander to seek out a mate. How then did such a sedentary spider come to inhabit six out of seven continents?

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gi8TE0