Neuroscientists isolate mini antibodies against COVID-19 from a llama
Video Credit: ANI - Duration: 01:22s - Published
Neuroscientists isolate mini antibodies against COVID-19 from a llama
National Institutes of Health researchers have isolated a set of promising, tiny antibodies, or "nanobodies" against SARS-CoV-2 virus that were produced by a llama named Cormac.
Preliminary results published in Scientific Reports suggest that at least one of these nanobodies, called NIH-CoVnb-112, could prevent infections and detect virus particles by grabbing hold of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
In addition, the nanobody appeared to work equally well in either liquid or aerosol form, suggesting it could remain effective after inhalation.
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.
The study was led by a pair of neuroscientists, Thomas J.
"T.J." Esparza, B.S., and David L.
Brody, M.D., Ph.D., who work in a brain imaging lab at the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
A nanobody is a special type of antibody naturally produced by the immune systems of camelids, a group of animals that includes camels, llamas, and alpacas.
On average, these proteins are about a tenth the weight of most human antibodies.
Because nanobodies are more stable, less expensive to produce, and easier to engineer than typical antibodies, a growing body of researchers, including Esparza and Dr. Brody, have been using them for medical research.
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These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
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10 Reasons Why Walking Is
Beneficial to Your Health.
1. A 2016 study from the
National Institutes of Health says
walking can put you in a "better mood.".
2. Another report in 'JAMA Psychiatry'
says it can also help prevent depression.
3. According to a Stanford University analysis,
walking pumps more oxygen into your brain,
therefore increasing alertness.
4. A 2014 study from the California college
adds that your creative output will
receive a boost as well.
5. A University of Missouri study found that
walking reduces stress by increasing blood flow.
6. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute
say walking an hour on a daily basis
can increase longevity.
7. A study from Appalachian State University adds that your immune system can be boosted
by moving 30 to 45 minutes each day.
8. According to the
American Cancer Society,
walking every day lowers
your risk of getting cancer.
9. A 2011 study from the
'International Journal of General Medicine'
adds that it also helps with digestion.
10. Have painful inflammation?
The Arthritis Foundation says
walking can even help with joint pain
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Phase One Investigative Maui Wildfire Report , to Be Released Next Month.
ABC reports that seven months after deadly
wildfires devastated Maui, an investigative
report will be released on April 17, 2024.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez commissioned the
Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) to conduct an
independent investigation alongside several local agencies.
The first phase of the investigation is meant
to analyze how the disaster unfolded during
the first 24 to 72 hours, as well as its aftermath. .
The report also includes
a comprehensive timeline of events. .
According to the AG's office, the FSRI research
team ran into unexpected delays while
gathering information critical to their review. .
In November of 2023, subpoenas were served to the
Maui Emergency Management Agency, the County
of Maui Department of Public Works and the
County of Maui Department of Water Supply.
Those subpoenas demanded materials relevant
to the investigation, including documents and photos, as well as video and audio recordings.
Being able to review all of the data,
which is extensive, has a tremendous
impact on the comprehensive analysis
of the fire incident and our
recommendations to make Hawaiʻi
a safer place to live, work and play, Steve Kerber, Ph.D., PE, vice president and executive director of FSRI, via ABC.
An analysis of this magnitude cannot be
rushed, and we must allow for the time
needed to make sure this investigation,
based on science, is done correctly, Anne Lopez, Hawaii Attorney General, via ABC.
I am confident that the Phase One
report will provide some answers
to the questions surrounding
the tragic wildfire incident, Anne Lopez, Hawaii Attorney General, via ABC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Climate Change Altering , Wildfire Patterns, , Increasing the Risk of Night Fires.
'Newsweek' reports that North America is facing an
"emerging phenomenon" in which the dangerous
conditions that spawn wildfires occur during the night. .
Typically, these conditions have only existed
during the daytime, as the cooler temperatures
of night usually alleviate these conditions.
Researchers found that accumulated
fuel dryness brought on by drought
has led to fires thriving at night. .
I think it is important to bring this
emerging phenomenon to the
public to let them know that
the night might not save us, Kaiwei Luo, Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, via 'Newsweek'.
The team's findings challenge conventional methods of
fighting wildfires, as cooler night temperatures and higher
humidity previously worked to slow wildfires' growth.
Originally, I had thought that
since nights are warming faster
than days, higher temperatures
and the associated lower relative
humidity at night would lead
to more overnight fires, Mike Flannigan, University of Alberta professor emeritus and researcher with Thompson Rivers University, via 'Newsweek'.
In the extreme cases, there would be
no difference between an overnight
burn event and daytime burning, Kaiwei Luo, Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, via 'Newsweek'.
Researchers found that daytime
drought conditions could be used as a , "predictor of overnight burning events.".
Nighttime burning has long been
overlooked. In a warmer and drier
world, we can use daytime drought
indicators to predict the night.
More of these fires also increase
the likelihood of a catastrophic fire, Kaiwei Luo, Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, via 'Newsweek'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
This Day in History:, Albert Einstein Is Born.
March 14, 1879.
The celebrated theoretical physicist
who radically enhanced human understanding
of the universe was born in Ulm, Germany.
Einstein spent his childhood
in Italy and Germany.
Studying physics and mathematics,
he was awarded a Ph.D. by the
University of Zurich in 1905.
During that same year, Einstein worked as a patent clerk in Bern. He also published five theoretical papers that would transform modern physics.
Known as Einstein's "miracle year,"
his papers included his general theory of relativity
as well as the equation E=mc².
The papers were almost immediately
embraced by the scientific community.
They marked the beginning of
one of the most extraordinary
scientific careers in history
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:00Published