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A genomic evaluation means that there are in all probability dozens of unknown species of horseshoe bats in southeast Asia. Researchers examined lots of of bats representing 11 species. Variations of their DNA counsel that every of the 11 species was in all probability really a number of species. There is a draw back to this plethora of Rhinolophidae: the household is taken into account to be the reservoir of many viruses that may soar from animals to folks, together with shut family members of SARS-CoV-2. Identifying bat species accurately would possibly assist to pinpoint geographical hotspots with a excessive threat of zoonotic illness and will help the seek for the origins of COVID-19.
Nature | 4 min learn
Reference: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution paper
US President Joe Biden launched his newest funds request to lawmakers yesterday, calling for important funding in clear vitality and public well being. But the proposal faces lengthy odds. Although Congress modestly elevated funding for many science businesses in 2022, it closely scaled again among the administration’s most formidable proposals.
Nature | 8 min learn
Many firms are chasing an alluring thought: divert greenhouse gases away from the environment and use them to make merchandise which might be each virtuous and worthwhile. Some are boutique objects for the climate-conscious shopper — vodka or diamonds, for instance. Most are staples of the worldwide economic system: fuels, polymers, different chemical compounds and constructing supplies. But there are robust questions on whether or not CO2 recycling genuinely advantages the local weather: a lot of the merchandise made this manner will lock the gasoline away solely quickly.
Nature | 15 min learn
Features & opinion
“Conspiracy theories are more about values than about information,” says Elżbieta Drążkiewicz, who research these associated to vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19. “Debunking statements might occasionally be effective, but does little to tackle their root cause.” For instance, a historical past of reproductive injustice in Ireland had undermined belief within the HPV vaccine. A public-health marketing campaign that aimed to construct belief, as a substitute of simply debunking rumours, helped to increase vaccination charges by 20%. Key to this method is empathy, says Drążkiewicz.
Nature | 5 min learn
Many younger scientists and principal investigators have a troublesome time saying ‘no’ to presents to collaborate or be a part of seemingly vital committees — typically considering “something is better than nothing”. But it will be important to prioritize, say two researchers who work at a busy educational medical centre. They define 4 methods to assist be certain that you deal with the best tasks to profit your profession.
Nature | 6 min learn
Image of the week
Marine biologist Alexander Semenov fell in love with the unusual fantastic thing about cold-water invertebrates when he joined the White Sea Biological Station in Primorskiy, Russia. He began photographing them as a pastime; he’s now knowledgeable photographer and leads the scientific diving crew on the station. In a fantastically illustrated function, he shares his suggestions for taking images on your personal analysis.
Nature | 5 min learn