Evolving H5N1 receptor specificity | Science

Evolving H5N1 receptor specificity | Science

In their Research Article “A single mutation in bovine influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin switches specificity to human receptors” (6 December 2024, p. 1128), T.-H. Lin et al. find that a mutation from glutamine to leucine at the 226 residue in the hemagglutinin protein of the H5N1 influenza virus leads to human receptor specificity, consistent with other…

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Job-seekers perceive female tech entrepreneurs as less competent and warm, which may hinder their hiring ability

Job-seekers perceive female tech entrepreneurs as less competent and warm, which may hinder their hiring ability

Female entrepreneurs in the technology industry face unique challenges, as the field continues to be male-dominated. A recent study published in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal found that female founders do, in fact, face gender biases during recruitment, with job candidates perceiving them as less competent, agentic, and warm. Female entrepreneurs in the technology industry face unique challenges,…

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Climate risks: A double-edged sword for digital and low-carbon economies

Climate risks: A double-edged sword for digital and low-carbon economies

Digital and low-carbon economies are central to the global shift toward sustainable development. The digital economy leverages information technology to boost productivity and create new business models, while the low-carbon economy focuses on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Digital and low-carbon economies are central to the global shift toward sustainable development. The digital…

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Are gone-wild grapevines a danger to viticulture?

Are gone-wild grapevines a danger to viticulture?

Flavescence dorée, a dreaded grapevine disease among winegrowers, is spreading beyond cultivated vineyards. A joint study by the federal research institute WSL and Agroscope published in the Journal of Plant Biology shows that gone-wild grapevines and related vector insects contribute to the spread of the disease in the forest. Flavescence dorée, a dreaded grapevine disease among…

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Arsenic detoxification: How bacteria and minerals work together

Arsenic detoxification: How bacteria and minerals work together

A study has uncovered a novel approach to detoxifying toxic arsenic in contaminated soils, offering hope for tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental health challenges. The research shows that the interaction between arsenic-oxidizing bacteria and goethite, a common Fe mineral, significantly accelerates the conversion of arsenic from its highly toxic form, arsenite [As(III)],…

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From sermons to silent retreats, study shows many people are bored by spiritual practice

From sermons to silent retreats, study shows many people are bored by spiritual practice

We commonly consider spiritual practices as sources of peace and inspiration. A recent study led by researchers at the University of Vienna shows that they can also be experienced differently: Many people feel bored during these practices—and this can have far-reaching consequences. The results, recently published in the journal Communications Psychology, open up an entirely…

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