Short Takes – 12-7-24

Single mutation to bird flu protein altered receptor specificity in lab. C&EN.ACS.org article. Pull quote: “Analyses showed that incorporating the Gln226Leu mutation completely switched the hemagglutinin’s binding specificity to human-type receptors. That the lone mutation in the hemagglutinin was capable of inducing the switch differed from the results of past studies, which reported that three or more mutations were normally needed to make the change.” NOTE: This is that nasty “gain of function” research that so many people were concerned about with COVID; the intent here is to find mutations that should be watched for in the mandatory testing that is/has been conducted ‘in the wild’.

Impact of the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on Legitimate Commercial Chemical, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceutical Activities Involving “Schedule 1” Chemicals (Including “Schedule 1” Chemicals Produced as Intermediates) During Calendar Year 2024. Federal Register BIS request for information. Summary: “The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is seeking public comments on the impact that implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC or “the Convention”), through the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 and the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR), has had on commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals during calendar year 2024. The purpose of this notice of inquiry is to collect information to assist BIS in its preparation of the annual certification to the Congress on whether the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical firms are harmed by such implementation. This certification is required under Condition 9 of Senate Resolution 75 (April 24, 1997), in which the Senate gave its advice and consent to the ratification of the CWC.” Comments due January 8^th, 2025. No comments were received on the 2023 request for comments.

Mercedes-Benz Develops Revolutionary Solar Paint to Power Electric Vehicles. i-HLS.com article. Pull quote: “The solar paint is only 5 micrometers thick—thinner than a human hair—and is designed to cover up to 11 square meters of a vehicle’s surface. Despite its thinness, Mercedes-Benz claims that under optimal conditions, this paint could generate enough energy to power a vehicle for up to 12,000 kilometers annually. The energy produced by the solar cells is used to directly power the vehicle or recharge its high-voltage battery, even when the car is off, ensuring continuous energy generation.”

A Mystery Illness Has Killed Dozens in Congo. WHO Experts Are Now Investigating. MedPageToday.com article. Pull quote: “While Kamba said he was not aware of any reports of the disease in health zones other than Panzi, the WHO said in its statement Friday that the disease has been reported in seven of the 30 health zones in Kwango province.”

Health officials grapple with deadly mystery ‘Disease X’ in Congo. WashingtonPost.com article. Pull quote: “The World Health Organization will be sending medical professionals and supplies to aid in treatment of the disease, as well as in its identification, the organization said in a statement provided to The Washington Post. WHO officials cautioned against calling the disease “unidentified,” advising instead to describe it as “undiagnosed,” noting that the remote nature of the region — as well as its lack of laboratory services — may mean that what is infecting people may be an existing pathogen. Conflict, as well as the ongoing rainy season, has made it difficult to access the area, according to WHO.”

A spacecraft duo will fly in formation to create artificial solar eclipses. ScienceNews.org article. Pull quote: “One satellite will, when directed, block the sun from the perspective of the other, emulating a total solar eclipse. The observing spacecraft will then send back high-resolution images of the innermost part of the sun’s diaphanous atmosphere.”