215 articles from FRIDAY 5.2.2021

Coronavirus live news: US records 40,000 deaths in two weeks; Mexico runs out of vaccine

Concern over Covid spread on Super Bowl weekend; China to donate vaccines to DR Congo; French PM defends slow vaccine rollout. Follow latest updatesSweden and Denmark plan digital vaccine certificates for travelGerman minister criticises Von der Leyen over vaccines ‘disgrace’UK minister:restrictions should stay until cases fall to 1,000 a dayAbout 4,000 Covid variants across world, says UK...

Switching nanolight on and off

The report demonstrates a new method to control the flow of light of nanolight. Optical manipulation on the nanoscale, or nanophotonics, has become a critical area of interest as researchers seek ways to meet the increasing demand for technologies that go well beyond what is possible with conventional photonics and electronics.

In symbiosis: Plants control the genetics of microbes

Researchers have discovered that plants may be able to control the genetics of their intimate root symbionts - the organism with which they live in symbiosis - thereby providing a better understanding of their growth. In addition to having a significant impact on all terrestrial ecosystems, their discovery may lead to improved eco-friendly agricultural applications.

Mysterious organic scum boosts chemical reaction efficiency, may reduce chemical waste

Chemical manufacturers frequently use toxic solvents such as alcohols and benzene to make products like pharmaceuticals and plastics. Researchers are examining a previously overlooked and misunderstood phenomenon in the chemical reactions used to make these products. This discovery brings a new fundamental understanding of catalytic chemistry and a steppingstone to practical applications that...

Using Artificial Intelligence to prevent harm caused by immunotherapy

Until recently, researchers and oncologists had placed lung cancer patients into two broad categories: those who would benefit from immunotherapy, and those who likely would not. Now, researchers, using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze simple tissue scans, say they have discovered biomarkers that could tell doctors which lung cancer patients might actually get worse from immunotherapy.

Gout drug could reduce Covid hospital stays, new research finds

Colchicine also found to reduce need for extra oxygen and has potential to be used in outpatient settingsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA cheap drug normally used to treat gout has been found to have the potential to significantly reduce hospital stays among Covid-19 patients and the need for extra oxygen.The results of new research into colchicine conducted in...