Category: Science News

Protein-structure studies at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) helped demonstrate that the primary target of antibody-based COVID-19 immunity is the part of the virus’s spike protein that can most easily mutate. The work guides the selection of antibody therapeutics. https://als.lbl.gov/guiding-target-selection-for-covid-19-antibody-therapies/

A new study led by Berkeley Lab has provided the first physical evidence that warmer temperatures lead to a significant drop in the stored carbon stock in deep forest soils. An experiment in California’s Sierra Nevada forest found that the carbon content in subsoils dropped 33% over five years. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/21/deep-forest-soils-lose-carbon-as-temperatures-climb/

As the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana increases, consumers turn to new types of products that avoid toxic smoke inhalation. Lab researchers who previously ID’d potentially harmful emissions from e-cigarettes are now studying the potential health risks of vaping cannabis. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/21/emissions-from-vaporizable-cannabis-concentrates-have-potential-health-risks/

Using X-ray tools at Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source, scientists discovered exactly how a catalyst splits water for hydrogen fuel, an important step in improving the efficiency of hydrogen fuel generation and transitioning to a clean hydrogen economy. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/21/new-tools-link-catalytic-activity-to-nanoscale-transformations/

Today, most PPE is used only once, which has created an unsustainable strain on production lines and a massive spike in landfill loads. Current methods to decontaminate PPE compromise the material, but a recent evaluation of a new device shows promising results for a sustainable future in PPE. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/21/sanitizing-device-for-ppe/

Among the large cast of microbiome players, bacteria have long been hogging the spotlight. But protists — single-celled organisms — are finally getting their due. A new study reveals the dynamic relationships between soil-dwelling protists and developing plants. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/19/weve-got-the-dirt-on-soil-protists/

Vaccines are turning the tide in the pandemic, but the risk of infection is still present. Instant at-home tests would help us return to normal, but current options aren’t very accurate. A new discovery could help get reliable tests on the market. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/18/reliable-rapid-covid19-tests/

In this Genome Insider episode, meet diatoms, a group of tiny algae also known as “living opals.” But what genes are responsible for such mesmerizing shells? Setsuko Wakao and Kris Niyogi of the Biosciences Area’s Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division aim to find out. https://jgi.doe.gov/genome-insider-s2ep2-cracking-the-secrets-of-the-diatoms-shell/

Sunlight-reflecting “cool walls” reduce energy costs by lowering heat gain in buildings. But they can also cool cities by fighting the urban heat island effect. The U.S. Green Building Council has issued a pilot credit for the installation of cool exterior walls in new homes, schools, and buildings. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/05/18/cool-walls-get-a-boost-from-u-s-green-building-council/