Two vanished posts suggest ancient Britons tracked solstices before Stonehenge rose.Paleontologists from the Field Museum of Natural History have described the fossilized remains of baby embolomeres, crocodile-like predators that prowled ancient rivers and swamps between 350 and 280 million years ago.
The post Earth’s First Land Animals May Never Have Been Amphibian-Like After All appeared first on Sci.News: Breaking Science News.
In early 2024, a baffling outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza emerged among dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle, presenting a new and unexpected clinical manifestation of the virus. Unlike the typical respiratory illness caused by H5N1 in other mammals, affected cows exhibited severe necrotizing mastitis, an inflammatory condition predominantly targeting the mammary glands. This atypical tissue tropism challenged existing paradigms and delayed the accurate diagnosis, as initial veterinary investigations focused mainly on bacterial pathogens common to mastitis. The revelation that H5N1 was the etiological agent marked a critical moment in understanding how influenza viruses can adapt to novel hosts and tissues.
The study, recently published in Science Advances by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, provides pioneering mechanistic insights into this unusual manifestation. The research team, led by Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, elucidated the molecular basis for the H5N1 virus’s propensity to infect bovine mammary tissue rather than respiratory organs. This phenomenon, now observed in over 100 avian and mammalian species globally, underscores the remarkable plasticity of the H5N1 virus and its ability to exploit unique receptor architectures in different host species.
Traditionally, H5N1 and related influenza viruses target sialic acid glycan receptors present in the respiratory tract, facilitating viral entry primarily via respiratory epithelial cells. However, in bovines, the absence of clinical respiratory disease despite the presence of these glycans suggested a more nuanced receptor interaction paradigm. Kuchipudi’s group hypothesized that not just the presence but the precise molecular subtype and distribution of influenza receptors could dictate tissue tropism. Their investigation focused on delineating the receptor landscape across bovine tissues using cutting-edge glycomic methods combined with binding assays and ultra-high-resolution microscopy.
The team employed glycomics—a comprehensive approach to cataloging glycan structures—collaborating with expert Dr. Lauren E. Pepi from Harvard Medical School. They identified that among various glycan receptors, only a particular subclass known as N-linked sialic acid receptors demonstrated a high affinity for the H5N1 virus. Crucially, these receptors were found to be prevalent and densely expressed in the mammary epithelial cells of the udder but conspicuously scarce in bovine airway tissues. This spatial receptor distribution offers a molecular explanation for the virus’s unusual targeting of the mammary gland, enabling productive viral replication and resulting clinical mastitis.
The discovery sheds light on the critical role of receptor architecture in species-specific influenza virus infection. Prior reports indicated the presence of flu-related glycans in bovine respiratory tissues, but those receptors did not support significant viral binding or replication. The differential receptor expression patterns in respiratory versus mammary tissues effectively reprogrammed the virus’s tissue tropism. This specialization allows H5N1 to hijack the bovine mammary environment as a niche, explaining why infected cattle shed the virus in milk rather than displaying respiratory symptoms.
Beyond animal health, this finding carries important public health implications. The intense viral shedding into milk poses a risk to farm workers exposed to raw milk and raises concerns regarding zoonotic transmission routes. Dr. Kuchipudi points out that while pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, the common practice of feeding raw milk to domestic pets, notably cats, can facilitate cross-species transmission. Indeed, previous studies documented feline fatalities linked to H5N1 infection. This highlights the hidden dangers of viral reservoirs in dairy cattle and underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity protocols within agricultural settings.
Methodologically, the study stands out for its innovative multimodal approach. The integration of high-precision receptor mapping with functional binding experiments allowed researchers to move beyond conventional histochemical staining. This enabled a granular understanding of the receptor types mediating viral entry, paving the way for predictive models of viral host and tissue susceptibility. By decoding the receptor landscape at this molecular scale, the research team demonstrated an unprecedented ability to identify viral tropism determinants, which could serve as early warning indicators for emergent influenza strains.
Looking forward, these insights form the foundation for a new paradigm in influenza research and surveillance. Scientists can now preemptively screen various animal species—not just for the presence of virus-compatible receptors but for specific tissue vulnerabilities within those hosts. This capability is transformative for anticipating how H5N1 and related viruses might manifest clinically, whether through respiratory symptoms, mastitis-like conditions, or neurological involvement, as previously seen in felines. Such proactive screening could revolutionize public health responses, affording precious time to deploy targeted interventions and prevent widespread outbreaks.
The implications of receptor-based viral tropism extend beyond livestock to potential future zoonoses affecting humans. Understanding the molecular basis of host adaptation provides critical clues into viral evolution and spillover risk. This knowledge also informs vaccine development and therapeutic strategies by highlighting tissue-specific pathways of viral entry and replication. As zoonotic influenza viruses continue to adapt, harnessing receptor glycomics will be vital for staying ahead of viral evolution and protecting both animal and human health.
The study was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions and experts, including contributors from Pennsylvania State University, Harvard University, and North Dakota State University. Their combined expertise spanned infectious diseases, glycomics, virology, and veterinary medicine, enabling a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Pitt Public Health, this research exemplifies how fundamental science can directly inform and improve agricultural biosecurity and zoonotic disease preparedness.
Ultimately, this investigation marks a significant milestone in understanding influenza virus host adaptation. By revealing the receptor basis for the bovine-specific tissue tropism of H5N1, the study not only clarifies an enigmatic veterinary health issue but also establishes a versatile scientific framework for future viral threat assessment. As influenza viruses continue to evolve in complex ecological contexts, such mechanistic insights will be indispensable tools to foresee their next unexpected moves and mitigate their impact on global health.
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Receptor Basis of Unusual Tissue Tropism of Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Cattle
News Publication Date: 19-Jun-2026
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea2068
Image Credits: Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
Keywords: Avian influenza, Glycomics, Public health, Viruses
Jio Platforms, which owns India’s largest telco, is looking to lease broadband capacity from satellite constellations to jumpstart its own sovereign LEO network in the country.
The post India’s Jio lays out sovereign LEO constellation plan ahead of IPO appeared first on SpaceNews.
Com a aquisição de uma participação maioritária na portuguesa Smartmove, a Webook entra no mercado europeu com o objetivo de transformar Lisboa num centro estratégico para as suas operações.
The post Tecnológica saudita compra Smartmove e prepara expansão europeia a partir de Lisboa appeared first on Tek Notícias.
Com o recém-lançado P8L, a TCL tenta trazer para um segmento mais acessível características tipicamente presentes nos seus modelos de topo. Tecnologia Mini LED, 144 Hz, Google TV com Gemini e sistema de som 2.1 da ONKYO são só alguns dos argumentos de "peso" deste televisor.
The post TCL 65 P8L é um televisor QD-Mini LED com Google TV que surpreende na qualidade de imagem e no gaming appeared first on Tek Notícias.
Girls as young as 11 will be eligible for puberty blockers under the restarted Pathways trial after the MHRA agreed new protocols despite an outcry and indications it could have been limited to 14-plus.
The post Girls Aged 11 Eligible for Restarted Puberty Blocker Trial appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
After accidentally revealing his cancer diagnosis, Sir Kenny Dalglish is a role model in insisting such matters "should ideally be private", says Steven Tucker. It's a lesson many seem to need to learn.
The post Sir Kenny Dalglish is Right: Cancer Should be Private – A Lesson it Seems Many Need to Learn appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Many people think about exercise, healthy food, and mental activities when trying to protect their brains as they get older. However, scientists are beginning to discover that another everyday factor may also matter: sunlight and bright daytime exposure. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As the condition progresses, it can interfere with a person’s ability […]
The post This Simple Habit May Lower Your Dementia Risk appeared first on Knowridge Science Report.
SpaceX reportedly hit out at a European Commission (EC) plan for distributing satellite spectrum across the bloc, warning current proposals could directly impact connectivity with mobile devices.
Bloomberg reported it had seen a statement from Elon Musk’s rocket company which takes aim at an EC plan to offer only a third of its 2GHz frequency band to companies outside the European Union (EU), keeping the remaining amount for those based in the bloc.
The outlet said the proposal effectively excludes foreign companies, like SpaceX, from offering satellite services to governments and will directly impact the expansion of its Starlink connectivity play.
SpaceX has established a presence in Europe, striking partnerships with European operators including Deutsche Telekom and Orange to offer Starlink D2D services to customers.
However, SpaceX said the EC’s plans will split spectrum “in virtually unusable sub-divided parts”.
It apparently added intentions are inconsistent with international regulations and do not adhere to “Europe’s international obligations and economic reality”.
Ukraine concern
Another bone of contention is an EC aim to reserve airwaves for the Europe IRIS2 constellation, with SpaceX arguing this could risk poorer connectivity in Ukraine where Starlink has been used during the country’s war with Russia.
“The proposal creates a significant likelihood that Europeans will be left without direct-to-device satellite services or that new European operations will create global interference problems, including to emergency services like those in Ukraine,” read the statement.
When outlining the plans, EC EVP Henna Virkkunen said earmarking allocations to local operators would encourage diversification of suppliers and incentivise entry into the market.
She also said the 2GHz band was vital for boosting Europe’s competitiveness, security, and fits in with an ongoing drive around technology sovereignty.
The post SpaceX slams Europe satellite spectrum plan appeared first on Mobile World Live.
Hyundai Motor Group was reported by media in South Korea to be set to buy SoftBank Group’s remaining 9.7% stake in robotics company Boston Dynamics for $325 million, assuming full ownership of the business.
Newspaper Maeil Business reported SoftBank had an option in its contract when it sold the bulk of the business to Hyundai to divest the remainder under certain terms.
Having apparently informed Hyundai of its intention to sell, the automotive company decided it would buy the rest subject to approval at a series of board meetings.
SoftBank sold 80% of its holding in former Alphabet business Boston Dynamics in 2021. Its interest in the company has subsequently reduced to the share Maeil Business reported it held today (19 June).
Boston Dynamics’ robots are a regular sight at technology events and other showcases, including robotic dog Spot and humanoid unit Atlas. Its products are aimed at industrial sectors including manufacturing, logistics and construction.
The newspaper noted Hyundai would likely focus on commercialisation of Atlas and undertaking a long-rumoured IPO of the robotics company after completing the buy.
The post SoftBank tipped to cash out of Boston Dynamics appeared first on Mobile World Live.
Friday, June 19The Moon passes 0.3° south of Regulus at 11 A.M. EDT. By evening, our satellite has moved farther east to lie to the bright star’s upper left as they slowly set in the west after sunset. Bright Venus is now located in central Cancer and is just 45’ north of M44, the BeehiveContinue reading "The Sky This Week from June June 19 to 26: The summer solstice"
The post The Sky This Week from June June 19 to 26: The summer solstice appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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