Researchers Map Structure of Coronavirus "Spike" Protein

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February 21, 2020

Dear Reader, This season's flu shot is working better than the one used in 2018­–2019, according to the CDC. A new report shows the vaccine significantly reduced medical visits associated with influenza and was particularly effective among children. In other vaccination news, researchers have figured out the molecular structure of a key protein that the new coronavirus uses to invade human cells. The finding could lead to the development of a vaccine. Today's coverage also includes a story on the endangered Colorado River. Not only are humans drawing unsustainable amounts of water from this source, but abnormally low precipitation and hot, dry conditions have been shrinking it for years. And lastly, scientists have used light to control the shape of nanoparticles and create hollowed-out crystals, which could be useful for facilitating a carbon capture reaction.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Medicine Researchers Map Structure of Coronavirus "Spike" Protein The finding could help lay the groundwork for a vaccine By Yasemin Saplakoglu,LiveScience

Environment Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas May Be Significantly Underestimated Estimates of methane coming from natural sources have been too high, shifting the burden to human activities By Chelsea Harvey,E&E News

Physics Scientists Sculpt Nanoparticle Shells with Light Hollowed-out microcrystals could lock away carbon  By Leto Sapunar

Environment Colorado River Is in Danger of a Parched Future The river is due to lose up to 31 percent of its flow by midcentury—an alarming trend that could affect 40 million people By Shannon Hall

Medicine Despite a "Double-Barreled" Flu Season, the Vaccine is Mostly Doing its Job This year's flu shot is working relatively well to prevent influenza, particularly among children By Rachael Rettner,LiveScience

Public Health So Is It Okay to Eat More Red and Processed Meat? A study last October said so, but the journal's decision to publish wasn't necessarily okay By Naomi Oreskes

Environment Pablo Escobar's Hippos Could Endanger Colombian Ecology Hippos that escaped from drug kingpin Pablo Escobar's private zoo are reproducing in the wild. And with increasing numbers, they could threaten ecosystems. By Jason G Goldman | 02:51

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FROM THE ARCHIVE Young Bats and Snakes Look Identical Originally published in September 1849 | February 2020

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Every drop in that river is being used. And any reduction like that is going to cause serious pain." Brad Udall, senior scientist at Colorado State University

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