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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.
COVID's Lesson for Climate Research: Go Local
To help planners adapt to a warming world, find ways to make predictions practical.
Why Academic Administration Was the Right Choice for Me
I found job satisfaction and exciting opportunities in supporting other academics - but it's a career path that many don't consider. Try it.
Meaningful Collaborations Can End 'helicopter Research'
Instead of flying in, collecting samples and leaving, scientists should treat local people as partners, and think fair instead of charitable when it comes to authorship.
The COVID Pandemic's Lingering Impact on Clinical Trials
Medical researchers are beginning to shift their focus away from COVID-19 - but the pandemic could continue to affect studies focused on other diseases.
Mental Health of Graduate Students Sorely Overlooked
Too few resources exist to help early-career scientists deal with the stresses encountered in today's 'publish or perish' culture.
How COVID Broke the Evidence Pipeline
The pandemic stress-tested the way the world produces evidence - and revealed all the flaws.
Impact Factor Abandoned by Dutch University in Hiring and Promotion Decisions
Faculty and staff members at Utrecht University will be evaluated by their commitment to open science.
Is One Vaccine Dose Enough if You've Had COVID? What the Science Says
Research shows that a previous coronavirus infection plus one dose of vaccine provides powerful protection - but concerns linger.
Lightning Talks: Science in 5 Minutes or Less
How scientists are perfecting the art of boiling down their work into a short, sharp hit.
A 21st-Birthday Wish for Young Academies of Science
A global movement of younger researchers is making its mark. Science must listen and learn from its next generation.
The Widespread and Unjust Drinking Water and Clean Water Crisis in the United States
The Widespread and Unjust Drinking Water and Clean Water Crisis in the United States
Proper water and sanitation access remains an issue for many in the United States. Here the authors estimate and map the full scope of water hardship, including both incomplete plumbing and water quality across the country.
World Bank Grants for Global Vaccination - Why So Slow?
International financial institutions say that vaccines are the highest-return investment on Earth - it is past time for them to pay up.
Six Reasons to Launch a Young Academy
As the first national network of early-career researchers marks its 21st birthday, the founders of Hungary's describe how and why they set up theirs in 2019.
Better Together: Collaborative Spaces Can Inspire Scientists of All Ages
An area where researchers can gather and informally discuss ideas is the best way to produce innovative inventions, argues Ethan N. Gotian.
