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How the Coronavirus Infects Cells - and Why Delta is So Dangerous
Scientists are unpicking the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and how the virus uses tricks to evade detection.
8% of Researchers in Dutch Survey Have Falsified or Fabricated Data
8% of Researchers in Dutch Survey Have Falsified or Fabricated Data
Study of nearly 7,000 scientists also finds that more than half engage in 'questionable research practices'.
How to Get Media Coverage and Boost Your Science's Impact
A good communications strategy can get your research seen by decision makers, says Rebecca Fuoco.
The Lack of People of Colour in Science Images Must Be Fixed
Archives, libraries, photo agencies and publishers need to do better to reflect science's true past and present.
Obituary: Richard R. Ernst (1933-2021)
Nobel prizewinner who revolutionized nuclear magnetic resonance.
COVID Vaccines Have Higher Approval in Less-Affluent Countries
Surveys show that people in ten low- and middle-income nations are generally more eager to receive the COVID-19 jab than people in two wealthier nations where vaccine is plentiful.
Vulnerable Nations Lead by Example on Sustainable Development Goals Research
Vulnerable Nations Lead by Example on Sustainable Development Goals Research
A United Nations study of world science is a wake-up call that richer countries must also shift science towards the SDGs.
Responsible Research Assessment Faces the Acid Test
The University of Liverpool is planning to make lay-offs on the basis of controversial measures. How should the global movement for responsible research respond?
The Parenting Penalties Faced by Scientist Mothers
Starting a family at a key career stage comes at a cost to birthing parents - and many end up leaving the profession as a result.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation Among Ph.D. Students
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation Among Ph.D. Students
Programs that systematically monitor and promote the mental health of Ph.D. students are urgently needed.
WHO Should Lead on Genome-editing Policy, Advisers Say
World Health Organization committee says it's too soon to allow heritable gene editing, but points to paths forward for other applications.
The US is Boosting Funding for Research Monkeys in the Wake of COVID
The US is Boosting Funding for Research Monkeys in the Wake of COVID
The investments are promising but won't fix the primate shortage, experts say.
Embrace and Celebrate Diverse Names in Science
Learning to pronounce others' names doesn't have to be awkward, as long as it comes from a place of mutual respect.
Tracking Chernobyl's Effects on Wildlife
Evolutionary ecologist Germán Orizaola Pereda analyses how species have been affected, 35 years after the world's worst nuclear accident.
Don't Focus on English at the Expense of Your Science
A language barrier can be a challenge, but there are better ways to spend your resources, says Zhanna Anikina.
I Critiqued My Past Papers on Social Media - Here's What I Learnt
The systems of science must reward honesty about mistakes to speed progress.
Reduced Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Delta to Antibody Neutralization
The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 lineage was identified in October 2020 in India1-5. It has since then become dominant in some indian regions and UK and further spread to many countries6. The lineage includes three main subtypes (B1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3), harbouring diverse Spike mutations in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) which may increase their immune evasion potential. B.1.617.2, also termed variant Delta, is believed to spread faster than other variants. Here, we isolated an infectious Delta strain from a traveller returning from India. We examined its sensitivity to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and to antibodies present in sera from COVID-19 convalescent individuals or vaccine recipients, in comparison to other viral strains. Variant Delta was resistant to neutralization by some anti-NTD and anti-RBD mAbs including Bamlanivimab, which were impaired in binding to the Spike. Sera from convalescent patients collected up to 12 months post symptoms were 4 fold less potent against variant Delta, relative to variant Alpha (B.1.1.7). Sera from individuals having received one dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited variant Delta. Administration of two doses generated a neutralizing response in 95% of individuals, with titers 3 to 5 fold lower against Delta than Alpha. Thus, variant Delta spread is associated with an escape to antibodies targeting non-RBD and RBD Spike epitopes.
Beware Performative Reproducibility
Well-meant changes to improve science could become empty gestures unless underlying values change.
Biologist to Lead Europe's Premier Research Funder
Scientists hope Maria Leptin will bring stability to the European Research Council after predecessor Mauro Ferarri's controversial tenure.
Research Managers Are Essential to a Healthy Research Culture
But for maximal benefit, more of these academic administrators need to get involved in the scholarly aspect of research.
What Polar Researchers Have Learnt from the Pandemic
Six scientists explain how COVID-19 has affected their fieldwork and research, as well as opportunities for junior researchers.
Everyone Should Decide How Their Digital Data Are Used - Not Just Tech Companies
Everyone Should Decide How Their Digital Data Are Used - Not Just Tech Companies
Smartphones, sensors and consumer habits reveal much about society. Too few people have a say in how these data are created and used.
Seek Diversity to Solve Complexity
A wide range of perspectives brings unique insight to societal problems.
Five Ways to Ensure Flood-risk Research Helps the Most Vulnerable
Studies are skewed towards resilient places and people: improve data, metrics, inclusion and more.