Former Glasgow Uni scientist fighting for life in coma after organs shut down in Mexico
Hector Diaz Albiter worked at Glasgow University investigating tropical diseases.
Updated
Hector Diaz Albiter is in a critical condition in hospital (Image: GOFUNDME)
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Study: Did cobras first spit venom to scare pre-humans?
A smart prey animal knows to avoid a predatory snake armed with deadly venom. But new research suggests that for some cobras, the venom evolved additional complexity to deter potential enemies – possibly including Homo erectus, humans’ extinct close relative.
In “Convergent Evolution of Pain-inducing Defensive Venom Components in Spitting Cobras,” published Jan. 22 in Science, an international team of researchers investigating the evolutionary origins of a novel defensive trait by snakes – venom spitting – offer the first evidence that snake venom evolution is associated with defense, rather than solely to help capture prey.
LSHTM awarded £2 7m funding to alleviate impact of COVID-19 pandemic on charity funding lshtm.ac.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lshtm.ac.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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University partners with industry to develop new anti-viral technologies to limit spread of COVID-19
Scientists at the University of Liverpool, as part of a local consortium, have been awarded three Innovate UK grants to develop new anti-viral technology that will limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) from touching contaminated surfaces in areas such as hospitals, train stations or restaurants and shops.
The consortium involves researchers from the University’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces alongside local industry and partners. It will use Innovate UK funding to create anti-viral surfaces that will mitigate the potential of the virus to spread from surfaces that people come into regular contact with.
WHO Changes Definition of Herd Immunity
Public health policies, public perception potentially affected as terminology changes
In a shocking reversal that’s akin to redefining reality, the World Health Organization has changed its definition of herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when enough people acquire immunity to an infectious disease such that it can no longer spread widely in the community.
When the number susceptible is low enough to prevent epidemic growth, herd immunity is said to have been reached. Prior to the introduction of vaccines, all herd immunity was achieved via exposure to and recovery from an infectious disease.
Eventually, as vaccination became widespread, the concept of herd immunity evolved to include not only the naturally acquired immunity that comes from prior illness, but also the temporary acquired immunity that can occur after vaccination.