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Machine learning IDs mammal species with the potential to spread SARS-CoV-2
A new study used a novel modelling approach to predict the zoonotic capacity of 5,400 mammal species, extending predictive capacity by an order of magnitude. Of the high risk species flagged, many live near people and in COVID-19 hotspots. A major bottleneck to predicting high-risk mammal species is limited data on ACE2, the cell receptor…
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Function of sex chromosomes in turtles
A new study sheds light on how organisms have evolved to address imbalances in sex chromosomes. The study looks at a species of softshell turtle, but the results could help to illuminate an important evolutionary process in many species. The research centers on a process known as sex chromosome dosage compensation. The study looks at…
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Oil spill in Canadian Arctic could be devastating for environment and indigenous peoples, study finds
As melting sea ice brings more ships through the Northwest Passage, new research shows that Canada must prepare for the costs and consequences of an Arctic oil spill. «Infrastructure along the NWP in Canada’s Arctic is almost non-existent. This presents major challenges to any response efforts in the case of a natural disaster,» says Mawuli…
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Universal flu vaccine may be more challenging than expected
Some common strains of influenza have the potential to mutate to evade broad-acting antibodies that could be elicited by a universal flu vaccine, according to a new study. The findings highlight the challenges involved in designing such a vaccine, and should be useful in guiding its development. The findings highlight the challenges involved in designing…
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Forests offer minimal protection against major flood events
New research examining whether forests can mitigate flood risk suggests they may offer less protection against major events than had been hoped. Although the work, which was carried out in forest sites in Ireland and the UK, showed forests can suppress small storm flows it also underlined that they are likely to make minimal difference…
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What the fate of ancient cities can teach us about surviving climate change
Why did some ancient Khmer and Mesoamerican cities collapse between 900-1500CE, while their rural surrounds continued to prosper? Intentional adaptation to climate changed conditions may be the answer, suggests a new study. From 900 to 1500CE, Khmer cities in mainland Southeast Asia (including Angkor) and Maya cities in Mesoamerica collapsed, coinciding with periods of intense…
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GluN3A knockout mouse: Alternative model for Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration
GluN3A-deficient mice display all aspects of Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration. A new paper in Alzheimer’s & Dementia from Emory neuroscientist Shan Ping Yu and colleagues focuses on an unusual member of the family of NMDA receptors, signaling molecules that are critical for learning and memory. Their findings contain leads for additional research on Alzheimer’s, including drugs that…
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For female vampire bats, an equal chance to rule the roost
Female vampire bats establish an egalitarian community within a roost rather than a society based on a clear hierarchy of dominance that is often seen in animal groups, a new study suggests. Researchers observed more than 1,000 competitions for food among a colony of 33 adult female bats and juveniles living in captivity, assigning a…
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Ground and satellite observations map building damage after Beirut explosion
Days after the 4 August 2020 massive explosion at the port of Beirut in Lebanon, researchers were on the ground mapping the impacts of the explosion in the port and surrounding city. The goal was to document and preserve data on structural and facade damage before rebuilding. The goal was to document and preserve data…
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Predator interactions chiefly determine where Prochlorococcus thrive
Where the microbe Prochlorococcus lives is not determined primarily by temperature, as previously thought. A study finds a relationship with a shared predator actually sets the microbe’s range. The findings could help scientists predict how Prochlorococcus populations will shift with climate change. Prochlorococcus can be found in the ocean’s warm surface waters, and their population…