Category: Feature Stories

U.S. researchers have discovered an antibody that can neutralize all known viral variants. A universal vaccine seems within reach. Since its first appearance just over two and a half years ago in Wuhan, China, Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus has evolved dramatically. Continuous mutations have led to new variants becoming increasingly adept at evading our immune defenses. Most notably, the circulating omicron subvariant BA.5 has modified its receptor-binding site so that antibodies produced by previous infections or vaccination can no longer dock to its spike protein. Therefore, those who have been vaccinated and…

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Around one-third of the food produced ends up in the garbage worldwide. Austria is an accomplice to waste and is responsible for around one million tons of avoidable food waste annually. This means that food is experiencing a drastic loss of value in the 21st century. When food is wasted in this way, ethics, economics, and ecology reach their limits. After all, valuable natural resources such as water, raw materials, and energy are wasted not only for the production but ultimately for the disposal of unused food—nothing new about the…

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People get teary-eyed on all sorts of occasions. Everyone knows that. But can the triggers also be categorized? A study can answer this question and provides surprising insights. Human tears are an exciting phenomenon. They not only wet the eye or flush out foreign bodies but also flow when strong emotions are involved. Humans are probably the only living creatures that cry for emotional reasons. A research team from the Universities of Ulm and Sussex has categorized these reasons. Why do people need to cry?Based on a total of more…

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Currently, the incidence of infection seems manageable and controllable. But experts warn of the autumn wave. In Vienna, the numbers are already rising. There are still more than 200 Covid patients in intensive care units in AustriaVienna currently has the most registered new infections, with 1,488 new cases reported on Sunday, followed by Lower Austria in second place and Upper Austria in third. A week ago, 855 new Corona cases in the federal capital had been filed. The number of new cases has thus almost doubled. Since the beginning of…

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How often do people lie to your face without you realizing it? A new study provides answers. We know that lying is fundamentally wrong. Yet we do it again and again. We use everyday lies to put ourselves in a better light or make others feel good. “You look great!” and “It’s good to see you” are just two of them. A “One Poll” survey commissioned by the “Online Betting Guide” studied our behavior and came up with exciting and surprising results. For example, they found out that humans lie…

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For the first time, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Independent Vaccination Council recommends administering a fourth Corona vaccination for specific groups. World Health Organization (WHO) Vaccination Council Chairman Alejandro Cravioto stressed Thursday in Geneva that the recommendation of a fourth vaccination for the elderly does not imply a recommendation for regular boosters every four to six months. The vaccination council left the exact age group open in its proposal. WHO recommendations also for healthcare workers and people with weakened immune systemsEach country would have to decide at what age to…

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Austrians can still look forward to several cash bonuses this year – with the following bonus landing in their accounts as early as September. The government wants to support the population against inflation in Austria with various measures and cash bonuses. Abolition of the cold progression, 500 euros climate bonus, 300 euros extra for the needy, 180 euros one-time payment per child on top of the family allowance, and tax relief – all these steps and bonuses are intended to give people in the country a helping hand with their…

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The energy crisis is taking its toll on our wallets. These tips will show you how to reduce your energy consumption. It doesn’t take much to reduce your energy consumption. Extreme energy consumption can be eliminated in just a few simple steps. And don’t worry: You don’t have to restrict your usage behavior to any great extent. Although in times of crisis, it probably doesn’t hurt to consider whether you need two refrigerators and three loads of laundry a week. So what can you do to use less electricity? Use…

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Biontech scientists have discovered a potentially optimal composition of new corona vaccines against the Omicron variant that should also protect against BA.4 and BA.5 subtypes. A covid-19 vaccine that is more effective against SARS-CoV-2/Omikron should ideally contain – in addition to the antigens used initially (wild-type/Wuhan) – an antigen of the omikron subtype BA.2. This is because it can also protect BA.4 and BA.5 subtypes of the Covid-19 pathogens. Scientists tested extensively for the virus neutralization potential of plasma samples (antibodies) after vaccination and breakthrough infections. A key finding, as…

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