IMMUNE ESCAPE
Why scientists call PJ.2.1 a ‘jump’ variant: The COVID strain that arrived with dozens of mutations at once and spreads by gripping your cells more tightly
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named PJ.2.1, was detected in Canada and has spread globally. It has over 25 mutations in its spike protein, which enhance its binding to human cells. Researchers are observing its spread in countries like the US, Spain, and Australia among others. Currently, there is no evidence linking PJ.2.1 to increased severity of illness or hospitalization.
Ousted Paraguayan President Santiago Pena placed under house arrest after bank collapse; Pedro Alliana sworn in as sudden successor
Santiago Pena, the ousted President of Paraguay, was placed under house arrest on charges of misconduct. His removal follows the collapse of Ueno Bank, affecting nearly half of Paraguay's population. Vice President Pedro Alliana has assumed presidency amidst public outcry for accountability. Regulators seized Ueno Bank, locking depositors out of their accounts and triggering a political crisis. Lawmakers allege Pena abused his political influence regarding Ueno's operations and regulatory oversight.
Buffett reveals what a company director is paid for 6 meetings a year, then asks one question that explains everything
Warren Buffett sat on the boards of 21 companies over 62 years, and in this letter he explains how the people who are supposed to guard your money actually get chosen. He then reveals what the job pays for a few days of work a year, points out that the word independent has come to mean close to its opposite, and names the one thing he looks for in the directors of companies he owns. By the end you will have two questions to ask of any annual report, and nobody in the governance business is going to ask them for you.
India can catch up in AI by focusing on applications
India faces significant threats in the global AI landscape as investments surge globally. While it has missed some initial chances, the nation has the potential to harness its talented workforce and established ITeS sector. The rise in private investment reflects an increasing enthusiasm and job opportunities in AI. To avoid being seen merely as a commodity, companies must innovate.
Goodbye sightseeing, hello selfcare: The nearly trillion-dollar business of getting your life back
Wellness travel is transforming holidays as Indian travellers increasingly prioritise fitness, sleep, stress relief and personal wellbeing over conventional sightseeing. From Hyrox races and yoga retreats to luxury wellness resorts offering medical diagnostics, longevity programmes and digital detoxes, the trend is reshaping tourism. Experts say the real challenge is turning holiday wellness experiences into lasting everyday habits.
This brain gene can move through human DNA — and scientists found it inside a virus
Researchers at Cornell University identified the BC200 gene, which originated from a transposon in human DNA. This gene displays unusual mobility, retaining its ability to move within the genome while functioning in brain cells. The presence of BC200 in molluscum contagiosum virus raises questions about its evolutionary history and potential roles in human health.
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The market is volatile. But is the business volatile? 5 stocks from different segments of a sector, with upside potential of up to 33%
How volatile is the market? It is a question that does not help you much, because the answer is always the same these days: Very volatile. The far more useful question is a different one: How volatile is the business?
Short-term headwinds, long-term calm: 6 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 22%
This is not the time to expect that every stock you own will do well; or that you will make quick and easy gains. If you are entering the market, expect a bumpy ride. Don’t be shocked when a good stock falls for a while. And don’t be tempted into taking foolish risks while chasing returns the market is not offering right now. Lowering your expectations is not being negative. It is being realistic, and it protects you.
In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system
In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system. NASA’s Fruit Fly Lab-01 tested how weightlessness affects immunity and also tested a new research platform. The mission used fruit flies because of their genetic links to humans and their short life cycle.
A 2024 study claims positive travel experiences help slow aging and boost overall health through new environments and physical activity
Recent studies indicate that traveling can play a vital role in decelerating biological aging. Engaging in positive travel experiences enhances the body's natural resilience and self-healing abilities. Experiencing new environments and participating in leisurely activities triggers metabolic processes and boosts immune responses. Moreover, increased physical activity during trips improves circulation and nutrient distribution, contributing to enhanced long-term health and overall vitality.
Polish Proverb of the Day: “A wolf carried away its prey many times, but eventually it was carried away whole”-A powerful lesson on consequences, overconfidence, and the danger of taking too many risks
Past successes do not guarantee future safety and can breed carelessness. A Polish proverb warns that a wolf escaping with prey many times eventually gets caught. This wisdom highlights how repeated good fortune can lead to overconfidence and recklessness. Actions have consequences, even if they are sometimes delayed. Staying humble is essential when things are going well.
WHO epidemiologist warns against more transmissible COVID variants
Kerkhove said there has been a 15% rise in COVID cases and a 35% jump in deaths in the last four weeks globally. She said that the cases would continue to occur given the limited use of public health and social measures.
Scientists find how Omicron sub variants escape immune system, spread rapidly
The researchers said it is possible that the continuing accumulation of mutations may set the stage for greatly altering the equilibrium and stability of the spike protein in a way that allows for new, more virulent strains to develop. Understanding this evolution is critical to better inform future therapeutic targets and vaccine formulations, as the SARS-CoV-2 virus will continue to evolve with new variants inevitably arising and spreading, they said.
Continuing to monitor 'several descendent lineages' of Omicron variant: WHO
The World Health Organisation has said that it is continuing to monitor "several descendent lineages" of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, including two new sublineages that have additional mutations associated with potential "immune escape characteristics."
People can catch Omicron twice, but reinfections aren't dangerous: Health experts
Farah Ingale, director, internal medicine at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, said the hospital is seeing new cases of reinfection, especially in the third wave, for which Omicron is responsible.
Omicron's explosive spread potential makes threat level very high globally, says INSACOG
"Omicron has a clear growth advantage over Delta with the highest level of immune escape so far as well as high intrinsic transmissibility, leading to larger outbreaks than seen with Delta. Estimates of the severity of illness associated with Omicron are lower than seen in previous outbreaks," INSACOG said citing global data.
Clear data supporting very high immune escape potential of Omicron: INSACOG
The INSACOG reports genomic surveillance of SARS CoV -2 across the country through sequencing of samples from sentinel sites and also detailed state-wise district analysis for some states.
Omicron could cause up to 75,000 deaths in UK by April end, study warns
The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study suggests that Omicron has the potential to cause a wave of transmission in England that could lead to higher levels of cases and hospitalisations than those seen during January 2021.
Covid vaccines, previous infection offer ‘stronger than basic' protection against Omicron: Study
The findings, published in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infection, also suggest that although a third-dose of vaccines can “significantly boost immunity", the protection from Omicron "may be compromised".
Pfizer Covid vaccine provides partial protection against Omicron: Study
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides less immunity against Omicron than from other coronavirus variants, according to a lab study that suggests a booster may still provide good protection.
Omicron coronavirus variant linked with high risk of reinfection: Study
This is the first data-based study to suggest that Omicron may evade immunity from prior infection.
Reinfection risk from Omicron higher than other variants: Study
The study also found that the spread of the Beta or Delta variants was due to increased transmissibility, rather than immune escape.
Risk of reinfection very high in Omicron: Study
The authors said that they found no evidence that reinfection risk increased as a result of the emergence of Beta or Delta variants, suggesting that the selective advantage that allowed these variants to spread derived primarily from increased transmissibility, rather than immune escape.
India may have much more hybrid immunity than other countries, says top Covid expert
Personally, given the global seeding, we should just assume that it has arrived in India as well, and focus on rapidly identifying and sequencing clusters, says Anurag Agrawal
Waning immunity, emergence of more transmissible variant can be reasons behind 3rd wave: Randeep Guleria
Speaking at an event, he said the third wave can be mitigated by following Covid-appropriate behaviour such as maintaining social distancing, using masks, and taking vaccine. He said several studies and modelling have been conducted to project the trajectory of a possible third wave of the pandemic under different scenarios.
Third wave of coronavirus unlikely to be as severe as second wave: Study
Considering the four hypotheses for the emergence of a third wave, the study said, infection-induced immunity may decay over time, permitting re-infection of those previously exposed, even if the circulating virus remains unchanged.
Delta variant's ability to evade antibodies could be the cause of some Covid reinfections
A paper published by a group of researchers at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre currently being peer-reviewed, claims that the changes in the Delta variant (B.1.167.2) made it ‘escape’ the antibodies gained by a person either through earlier infection or through intervention like vaccination. Researchers have advocated genomic sequencing for better monitoring of new variants.
Second coronavirus lineage found in India with immune escape mutation, scientists say
The new lineage called B.1.618 is distinct from the B.1.617, also known as the ‘double mutant' virus that contains two mutations, E484Q and L245R, and is believed to be behind the powerful second COVID-19 wave sweeping through India.
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